@John *****

the US consulate/embassy no longer provides the letter.

@Nongnuch *******

if you apply stateside proof of the 800k thai baht in a US bank is sufficient. Also you can piggyback visas to get 15 months.

You are much better off returning stateside and getting a visa there. The thai consulate in Chicago is actually helpful. You can do it all electronically.

Trailing spouse Visas no longer exist. If you are using means proof for your visa you each need separate accounts

@Erhardt ********

there are spectacular long term care facilities. Google them. We just visited a gorgeous facility here in Chiang Mai. 1 on 1 24 hour care was $3000 a month. Or do what I did. Get full time help. Our guy comes in at 9 and leaves at 6. We have a part time help some evenings. A 3rd option would be live in help. If your condo doesn't have room buy a small one in the building and your help live there.

Immigration visa requires you provide proof of 65,000 thai baht/person a month if you are using means testing. Thats just under $2000 a month US.

We live very comfortably with full time help, car lease and a house (rental) on $3000 a month. In US terms we live as well as my brother and his wife on $130k a year. And they dont have full time help.

@Ralph ******

he said Don Muang.

If someone is pirating your electric hire an electrician to set up a separate line and meter. Then create a separate account with the electric company. This was a popular scam a couple years ago and the thai government did put some laws into effect. I have no idea if they are enforced.

If your lease is a flat rate 2000 per month fire up the AC. I have 200 sq meters 4 bedroom and run lights AC, etc continuously. My bill has never exceeded 2000

@Andy *********

you can then keep your money in $,€,£ or baht

@Mark *******

thanks for being informative as well as gracious