@John-Paul *****

ok thanks for info!

The Thai consulate in LA asked me for a letter from my Thai wife for a visa based on marriage. This was Jan. 2021. I typed it in English on Google translate, copied the translated Thai and pasted it onto FB messenger, she got it, made some corrections, printed it on the same paper with a photocopy of her ID, signed, scanned it, and sent it back to me. She used a printer/scanner we had in the house, though a local print shop could do it as well. I in turn, sent the file back to the consulate. Visa was issued. Good luck!

@Charles *********

do not close bank accounts, credit cards, and leave an address, preferably that of a close relative. If not expensive, keep a US phone number. While it is possible to jump off the grid, some services are really there to your advantage. No need for a guide unless you intend to climb Mt. Everest. Many people land here at zero and get on rather well. Most locals who deal with tourism will speak some English. The local language is tonal but simple and not difficult to pick up. If you hire a "guide", you will owe him/her, and they won't let go. Have known people who have ended up being "owned" by the helping hand. Take it easy, one step at a time. Hitting the ground running puts you closer to crashing and burning. While the ATM's, Toyotas, and blue jeans look all the same, the ballgame here is different in subtle ways. Most people who come to live in this part of the world are known to experience "culture shock". Can take three weeks to six months to hit but we are all fine after the initial burst of anger. It may recurr. Many tourists come here to live like a "two week millionaire", and they have a ball while at it. But they go home to a high salary job. The minimum wage here is 300 Baht per day. If one could work non-stop for 30 days, the salary would be 9,000 Baht, about $260 USD at today's rate. A foreigner working as an English teacher earns about 40-50k Baht a month (~$1,150-1,400 USD) Not bad. Live like a local and you will have money leftover. Live here permanently as a "two week millionaire", and the chance of falling off a condo balcony inches closer. Happens often enough in a place called Pattaya. Keep readind and keep asking. But like Captain Kirk said, "keep her steady, Zulu". Good luck! 🙂

First, test the waters before dropping anchor. I heard of a US guy who liquidated everything he had, came here, stayed three months, didn't like it, then went back home.

Some immigration offices have docs in Thai and English listing required docs. May even be able to find them online.

@Kool ******

good to know! Tnx for sharing info. 🙂

@Kool ******

oh, ok.

Better renew the passport while in the country of nationality. Less hassles with embasssies/consulates abroad. If US, will be good for 10 years. Validity is not continuation of the old, or application date. It valid from date of issue as it is processed.

A few years ago, while in the US, I needed a police clearance as I was hired for work for a Thai gov. school. Went to the Hall of Justice, records dept, and requested the doc. They looked at my driver's lic, and did it while I waited. The cost was a nominal $20. Took 15 min.

You are now insured!