@Jeff ********

Applying and paying for the actual passport was easy. The rub is that they no longer accept SASE, and instructions send you to a foreign website, not in English, where you have to have a bank app, to pay 100 Baht for return postage. This is $3 USD... why not add this to the passport fee of $130 USD? In San Francisco, a cup of coffee or a one way public bus fare is $3 USD. Why send the applicant thru a worthless website that will not be used again but in 10 yrs? All for 100 Baht?

@Jack ********

I'd take you up in the offer but am way down south. Look at the US embassy website and the renewal requirements and checklist. One step at a time and you'll get there too. Start early though.

@Jack ********

After it all worked and had the 100 Baht receipt in my hand, I wanted to call the US embassy and yell at them. All for 100 Baht! Our tax dollars at work.

@Carl ******

it has your address.

There are many foreigners living in Thailand without the need of border runs. They are employed, usually at schools as language teachers. International schools pay the best. Check out and look up "Dave's ESL Cafe" website too. Also look at the pic below to get an idea of what a university offers (appl time has passed for this one). Steady job, monthly income, work permit, no visa runs... it is a good arrangement. I hear if you are married, the spouse may get a dependent visa, but this is not something I can comment much on. They do require a 4 yr degree about 99.9% of the time. Good luck!

@Steve *******

yes, in your case you are correct, and lucky. After my first extension based in marriage, and with the 400k the first time, I explicitly asked if 12 consecutive months of 40k would be good for the second time, and the IO said "no", only the 400k. As I said, it all depends on the brand of hot dogs they had that morning for breakfast. YMMV.

@Steve *********

we all get frustrated. The silver lining is that it is, or could be worse, in other countries.

@Steve *********

no, no, no, immigration does not own the bank. Their bosses own the bank. At times one has to be cynical to see thru other cynical views. There is always more than meets the eye.

@Steve *********

of course, but "they" own the banks. It is a single entity, and they are working together to fleece the rich farangs!

@Steve *******

of course, but "they" own the banks. It is a single entity, and they are working together to fleece the rich farangs!