Rick ****************
This is a summary of
Rick ****************
's contributions to the platform. They have posed 2 questions and added 16 comments.

QUESTIONS

COMMENTS

Rick *****************
Likely the Non-O based on marriage is best for you.
Rick *****************
@Garrett **********
Yes. The KBank debit card, at least, won’t work for purchases until go to the bank with passport and bankbook and request the card be “opened for shopping.”
Rick *****************
KBank issued me a platinum card on a non-imm O. Came with access to the Thai Airways Royal Orchid Club and a very hiso gym in Bangkok. Terrible APR, but I just pay the balance in full every month.

Do NOT let them sell you the life insurance/savings plan package—it is a complete scam.
Rick *****************
None of my transfers from the US have ever taken less than 10 hours or more.
Rick *****************
@Tod ********
Can’t he show 65,000/month pension income? Or a combination deposit/income any more?
Rick *****************
I had no difficulties or delays whatsoever.

I was one of the first off the aircraft in Bangkok and was through immigration, health control, etc. and in a taxi in less than 20 minutes.
Rick *****************
Consensus is there is no standard. Each airline/airport/country of origin seems to process documents differently.

In my case, I took three copies of each possibly required document. Some documents I prepared were unneeded.

Of the documents of interest, they were examined, (in some cases photographed) and all were returned to me.

(San Francisco/Doha/Bangkok on Qatar Airways)

QATAR SFO: COE, COVID test, Fit to Fly, insurance, visa (if any), proof of onward travel, ASQ booking

QATAR DOH: No documents requested

Immigration, BKK: COVID test, insurance, visa (if any), ASQ Booking, T-8 declaration

Your experience may vary. My advice would be to bring two copies each, just in case.
Rick *****************
@Benjamin *****
I’ve often wondered if farang is derived from the Hindi/Persian/Arabic word ferengi, meaning foreigner.
Rick *****************
@Dan ********
My husband and I have been together for nine years, married for five.

We had to go to South Africa to get married. It was the only country in the world that had same-sex marriage and would admit a Thai.

My own country would not.

If Afan were female, I’d have been home a long time ago. Sadly, our marriage is not recognized in Thailand.

I’m from a small mountain town in Northern California. Nevada City.

Beautiful place.
Rick *****************
@Dan ********
Yeah, seven years in CM, a year in Bangkok before that.

My fifth wedding anniversary is this week.

I’m not gonna be there.

But hopefully soon.