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Mary *******
This is a summary of
Mary *******
's contributions to the platform. They have posed 35 questions and added 231 comments.

QUESTIONS

COMMENTS

Mary ********
Trailing spouse Visas no longer exist. If you are using means proof for your visa you each need separate accounts
Mary ********
@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.
Mary ********
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.
Mary ********
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
Mary ********
Just spitballing here but would the New York branch of Bangkok bank work? The OP can open an account there while in the US.
Mary ********
At least the Los Angeles consulate also accepts Federal employee insurance.
Mary ********
@Albert *******
it makes a huge difference in the thai economy. The books look good because money in banks is reported as gross domestic wealth.

The banks invest that money. You get 1% interest none of the banks are paying more.

If all thai banks do is invest in US Treasuries which right now are 4.3% on a 10 year bond? They are making 3.3% profit.

Doing the math best guess is 30,000 Americans live here.

Let's make it simple and say 10,000 are here on the visa that requires the 25k.

10k US x 25k deposit=250,000,000.

At 3.3% = 8.25 million US dollars. That it is US dollars is critical as dollars are benchmark currency.