@Jack *******

Mail was supposedly the only method then too. You might want to check your statement unless you've confirmed with the embassy that they no longer offer in person services.

Or did the US Embassy in Bangkok close? 🤣

@Jack *******

Aug/22. During that time, the news was actually reporting long waits in the US. It was quick in Bangkok.

I did it in Bangkok.

Very easy, took about 2-3 weeks.

I opted for drop off in person AND pickup in person (they notified me when it was ready).

All the info on the website points to doing it by mail but I didn't want to take any chances with delivery.

Steve Daniels Thais are big on professionalism and personal appearance is top of list. It's important all over Asia.

At 19 yrs old, that'd be their biggest opinion determinant. With this social media presence, it's unlikely anyone would hire him (her?).

I'd ignore all the suggestions to get a retirement visa. If you're only looking for a 6 month stay, there's no reason to go to the effort - that's for retirees who want to stay at least a year. Also, it requires exchanging/transferring about $30,000CAD or proving you have enough monthly pension income. Really too much work if you're only planning on 6 months.

Right now there's still a visa free 60 day on arrival (can easily extend for another 30 days at any immigration office in Thailand). Normally if you leave to visit another country for a week and then return, you could do that a second time (6 months total). The 60 day is supposed to be going back down to 30 days though, so if that happens then maybe the DTV.

Brandon Thurkettle is very helpful and provides excellent info in this group.

Block the clowns and the try to ignore the ones that are just having a bad day/week. 😬

@J *************

OP is 62, so different subject.

65+ have Medicare so expats should keep that for coverage in the US.

If you have a serious health issue, you have the option to move back to the US and get health insurance via the Healthcare.gov exchange. Anytime of the year, you're eligible to start health insurance that also covers pre-existing and depending on income may get credits to reduce the premiums.

Only risk is an emergency or accidents. Self pay in Asia or an Asia centric plan that could include limited coverage for short trips to US.

*US plans via the exchange start the 1st of the month IF you sign up by the 15th of the previous month so there's a minimum wait of 2 weeks, maximum wait of 6 weeks (if you signed up on the 16th).

@Kris ********

Because you must transfer 800k baht to sit in a Thai bank (exchange costs). Interest is almost nothing (or nothing) and if/when you eventually want to transfer it back, there's the hassle (Thailand has stricter transfer out rules), and exchange cost plus rate may/may not be worse.

Keeping that $ in a CD pretty much pays for agent to handle it all for you with no exchange hassles/risks.

Lots of people with TDS posting useless comments.

It's always been this way, long before Trump.

If it's a girlfriend, your chances are close to zero unless your gf has strong ties showing she'll return to Thailand (underage children still in Thailand, long term business ownership, etc..).

Also, unless she's very old (40s/50s) then there's the assumption of sex trade.

Best chances are older with ties and applying for tourist reasons with proof of reservations for stay and scheduled tourist activities NOT mentioning coming as a girlfriend.