Also, I am US citizen. I've been researching insurance issues. If you send me your email by PM, I'll forward the feedback I have gotten from one agent. Very affordable compared to US policy costs, but you may also want to pay for Medicare to avoid later penalties. I will be doing more research on that issue.
Thanks for all the advice. I do not want to fly home to the US to get the first Visa, if possible. I will see what I can do out of the Thai embassy in Qatar. I am also considering a 5-year elite visa. Anyone have experience with that visa. Thanks again.