@Kyle ********

Not at all. VOIP will work on a locked or unlocked phone because it’s over the internet and doesn’t use SIM cards (or eSIM’s). You would need either WiFi and/or mobile data in whichever country you were. VYKE has worked great for me for over 5 years.

@David ****

Yes, it’s very well known. Suggest you contact them for full details.

Cheaper companies exclude all previous (pre-existing) conditions. Cigna Global give due consideration to how long ago you were diagnosed, do you currently receive medication etc.? They determine whether a condition can be regarded as ‘resolved’ or ‘controlled’. This makes the difference between being covered or excluded. All done in a single telephone call.

@Ally ***********

Sounds like something they’ve made up!

@Jeff ******

It’s a 170 km round trip for me. Don’t drive so it’s two skylabs and a bus/van.

Mine was OK until recently. Have tried all permutations but can only conclude they’ve changed something (wrongly) at their end, hence I can no longer match my input with their records.

Thais don’t need passport for Laos. Three day visitors pass costs 50 baht, obtainable at border.

@John ********

Retirement involves less paperwork, no home visit (at least I’ve never had one) and only one trip per annum to immigration as there is no ‘under consideration’ period. Another benefit is if you split up you don’t need to change anything. You do, however, need 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account instead of only 400,000.

If 50 or over, retirement visa is the simplest. Only requires one annual visit to immigration. I didn’t exit Thailand for six years so only cost was 1,900 baht per annum. If you wish to exit Thailand a reentry permit is required. Single exit/reentry costs 1,000 baht. Multiple 3,800 baht.

@Ray ****

OP says his starting point is Bangkok so he hasn’t got a long journey to a provincial airport then another flight leg to Bangkok. Makes good sense!