@Kim ********

plus onward travel, hotel booking and 20,000 baht. 😉

@Eric ******

Yes, a background verification letter from California Dept of Justice (it's easy), there's a vaccination part (that is stupid, my doctor's words). Insurance I used LMG. Was under $400 for a year.

No credit check / history.

I as a residual accrued interest from my bank on the same money that would have been sitting in a Thai bank rotting away. Almost enough to pay my rent. ;)

@Eric ******

after that first year there are ways to use things like wise to mark a 65,000 baht transfer monthly as international and go from there.

Critical part is establishing a Thai bank account (not easy lately) and you still have the alternative of the OA and you will not need to keep your money in a Thai bank, just show a balance in a US account. More paperwork, required insurance but otherwise cheaper and safer for your first couple of years. What I did. 👌

If you are not a Thai national, you need a visa, always! That is it! 👌

People taking pictures of passports here is huge!!

Drives me nuts, major security issue!

There are too many variables. 2k doesn’t sound horrible.

I used LMG, was fine.

@Bill ********

mine does. 👌

@Andy ***********

sure, no brainer unless it's not an option. ;)

Thats largely why i avoided the non O visa. That much money sitting in an account that will likely charge you more in various service charges than the interest it gives, no thanks. 👌