A good monthly salary for a Thai is 25,000 baht per month, if both husband and wife work income of 50,000 baht per month which is very good. $3k is double that.

@Charlie ******

have fun, Thailand is worth the small hassle too me.

For simplicity I just pay a little extra each time in renew/extend my non-o (retirement) visa to include multiple (mind you big boss has to sign, sometimes will have to hold your passport to complete). I Don’t want to bother with in and out so I can go in and out whenever I want.

@Douglas ********

I sent two small boxes sent GIFT category. 1st box 11.5"X 9.5"X 4.5" 3LB 6OZ declared value $60 (Shipping cost $68.65). Thai papers had 1,900 Baht value, 1.5KGM. Had to pay 540 Baht total (380? + 160?= 540 total). Second slightly smaller and lighter box declared value $50.00 (shipping cost $50.15), was only charged 21 Baht. Don't know why the difference.

I sent two small boxes sent GIFT category. 1st box 11.5"X 9.5"X 4.5" 3LB 6OZ declared value $60 (Shipping cost $68.65). Thai papers had 1,900 Baht value, 1.5KGM. Had to pay 540 Baht total (380? + 160?= 540 total). Second slightly smaller and lighter box declared value $50.00 (shipping cost $50.15), was only charged 21 Baht. Don't know why the difference.

I did everything myself

You would not believe how simple it all is up here in Chiang Rai. 555

@Alfred ****

need residency certificate but not medical. Medical only for driving license

Immigration moved into central mall, but for non o visa you must go to Mae Sai immigration. Simple bus trip and grab scooter to immigration.

I did last year, rather simple. Mae Sai is very helpful. You must get monies in bank before you can do visa.

I did car and motorcycle license first (bring driver’s license and international driver license) and you will need medical and residency certificates.

@Jj ***

I am American and have driven on each side in many countries so no problem for me. Last trip we flew Chiang Mai directly to Luang Prabang (took the slow boat up river to come home to Chiang Rai), and had to drive our rented scooter of other side). The roads are very bad still in Lao else I would have tried driving.

I don’t think I have first class insurance???

So far looks like I will be getting insurance at boarder but not finished looking.