@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.

What Brandon said and Faron reiterated in simple terms. 👍

US passport gives you 30 days (visa exempt) on arrival. You can easily get a 30 day extension and experience the simple process to do this at the local immigration office (get up early that day!). You need proof of onward travel (or a return ticket) to board your flight to Thailand or they won't let you board. If you're staying 60 days, you can have a return flight prior to the 60 day period ending. It's highly unlikely that any airline wouldn't accept that return ticket as proof of travel out of Thailand. In the one in a million chance that you should have a problem at the ticket counter then you quickly book a $59-$69USD cheap flight to Vietnam or use the onward ticket website for $20. Have fun!