@Geir *******

most of the people aren't "visiting". They are going in and turning right back around. Waste of money for the government to do that for free.

@Geir *******

the people who are combining about this aren't Laos tourists. They are doing a border run. Not going to spend money in the country. Can you blame the country for charging?

Basic economics. Most Thais are living hand to mouth. If they can get a few more baht they will, and a few baht doesn't hurt most tourists and it greatly helps the vendor. And it happens to tourists in every single country.

@Nongnuch *******

but saying the good news is Thai police will accept your license in English is not correct. That might, but usually don't.

@Nongnuch *******

don't plan on the cops taking anything other than an IDP. I got pulled over at a stop and the cop used my IDP to show another farang what they needed and issued them a ticket.

You're thinking about the Philippines, where they cut the financial requirements for their retirement visa for US veterans. No such thing in Thailand or any other country that I'm aware of.

Not required, but good travel insurance is a good idea anyways

@Graham ******

I agree, but that picture has nothing at all to do with you being a self serving freeloader.

@Graham ******

I don't get a pension or SS. I do get railroad retirement and a pension from the refinery I worked at. You probably need to stop making stupid assumptions about people you don't even know. But hey, I paid my taxes and didn't pass that burden onto the poorer folks in my life because I'm not a selfish ass who brags about skipping out on what it takes to be a contributing citizen, to pay for the roads I've driven and ridden on, to pay for EMS service, fire service and all the other things that are needed for a functional modern society. Entitled folks like you who don't share the tax burden are exactly what is wrong with society today.

@Graham ******

veteran. Did 12 years in the US Navy.