@Thomas ******

I've suspected that besides proof of a matching Thai ph#, since they always request passport for ID and to photocopy multiple times - as soon as they see no current long term visa, the result would be making you close the account. ☹️

Purchasing power is at least doubled.

Age is another factor.

No ties and young essentially equates to a high risk of coming for sex work.

@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.