@Ken *****

It was thick as pea soup. Normally a clear view. The island was maybe mile or km. Couldn't see it at worst or a very smoggy view. I didn't experience any breathing difficulties, but it was clear that the air was very dirty. It lasted a couple months. Sorry I don't recall the specific months but it was during the burning in the fields in Thailand. Very bad when that's happening and then takes time to clear up.

@Ken *****

I stayed in Pattaya for a full year in . 27th floor condo in Pratumnak overlooking Pattaya Bay with a clear view of Monkey Island. During the bad months, the air was so bad, I couldn't see the island.

@Vinay *******

I used Key Visa. Retirement visa portion was fine but they didn't include the multi-entry (that was confirmed and included in the price) so weeks later I sent a message requesting it and confirming it was supposed to be included. Owner responded rudely and told me to not give him grief. I then dropped my passport off. After 3 weeks and a text, Line message and email requesting status with same responses - "they'd call when ready". I finally decided to give up and stopped in to get my passport back. It had been sitting ready for over 2 weeks. They said they had no contact info (??!!??).

I used J&E Concierge for my DL and was happy with them.

Lazada is much cheaper

@Greta ****

*using USD

1/ the benefit of not exchanging almost $22k USD until you're sure you want to stay more than a year.

2/ the convenience of having everything done for you.

Costs;

800k baht = almost $22k USD so with CD rates above 5% that $$ can earn about $1100 which pays the 30-40k fee

*I didn't advocate paying 42k.

@Tim *******

I wasn't completely happy with them so I wouldn't recommend.

I suggest you enter visa free which allows 30 days. Agents request 2-3 weeks so you have 7-10 after arrival to shop for an agent. I paid 42k for everything - including taking me to bankok bank to open bank acct, retirement visa *including multi reentry stamp. I've since heard 30-40k for retirement visa (probably w/out extra multi reentry option). Good luck.

Best option is retirement visa. I did it last year and it was a great experience to stay for a full year, lease an affordable condo, buy a scooter and just live.

I used an agent to set everything up so I didn't have to exchange/transfer 800k. I think that's a better option to start since you're not locked in (in case you decide not to stay longer than one year). Once you know you want to stay more than one year, then it'd be okay to start over and xfr 800k.

@Ruth ******

Simplest choice is best. It's not possible to determine if you're spending X or Y. Therefore you (and anyone preferring to keep retirement life in Thailand simple) will designate that all funds brought into and spent in Thailand came from pre-existing savings and all interest/dividend income stays in home country.

As long as you have a sufficient sum of core funds then the interest earned will not be a concern since it's not needed as 'income' being brought into Thailand.

@Bill ******

Pattaya is on the gulf

@Thomas ***********

Wise online transfer service for bank to bank or bring fifty (clean, undamaged, excellent condition) $100 bills and exchange in Thailand at TT or an exchange with the best rate.