I will say that a big positive was that they offer plans that also provide up to 90 days coverage for trips outside Thailand

I had a question regarding my Pacific Cross policy and emailed my agent - he responded. I only purchased my coverage for emergency use (ie. motorbike accident, sudden health emergency) so hopefully I'll never need to find out how it is. 🙃

I saw one of the comments also referencing retirement visa.

An agent can take care of it all (including forgoing the 800k requirement). Fee of course so it's a matter of what it's worth to have everything done for you.

I went to Bangkok at the beginning of the month. I didn't wear in BKK, on BTS, in the mall, etc.. Specific businesses can require them but any that tried to force masks, I just left.

You'll see most Thais still wearing. Usually it's foreigners not wearing. No longer officially required but they're still pushing them - ex. On the BTS, a message plays regularly stating not required but still "strongly encouraged".

Phil Jones Yup. The onward ticket that's good for at least a few days is an excellent option. Most options are only good for 24 hours so with a flight from N America (that can last 30-45 hours not counting pre-flight/security/check in time), that option is only good for checkin but is expired before arrival at immigration. ☹️

Refundable tickets are very expensive plus there's hassle and dealing with refund process. Also exchange rate costs.

They never ask for proof of cash.

YMMV. Banks are supposed to require a document proving that the funds originally came from outside Thailand. I had all this and still spent 2 months and needing assistance from a rep at the New York office to get my funds transferred.

It all depends on your finances or if you want to save baht (and spend a LOT of time) and jump thru all the hoops. Agents assist with everything in Thailand - they have the connections to simplify/expedite everything. I'm told they do it legally/in an allowed manner otherwise they wouldn't be in business.

Simple example? Immigration offices - some foreigners stand in line for an hour or 2 to get in the door and then they're lucky if they do something simple in one day. Others pay an agency and are walked in front of everyone else.