@Mark *********

In the United States, there are 4 different Thai embassies, so depending on where you live will determine your embassy.

@Bruce *******

we have the basic plan on Google Fi which is the cheapest. When you install your local/Thai SIM, you just change "data" to that SIM. For texts, obviously you want to choose the Google SIM. For calls, we always select "ask every time" as you can use your local number for local calls and Google for WiFi calling.

If/when you travel back to the States, you just switch sims to Google for everything.

We haven't had any issues in over 3+ years.

@Kimberly *******

exactly, we never use Google Fi data. $10 per gig is more expensive than 1 month unlimited in Thailand 😂

@Kelly *******

our bill is right around $70 per month for 3 of us. The taxes are almost $20 but that's the price we pay to keep our US phone numbers. Obviously with that plan we don't use data because we get that from our local Thai Sim (we use AIS) Any texts or calls from the US works perfectly, so 2 step verification has never been a problem.

Google Fi has been very reliable and affordable for the 3+ years since we left the states. As Fred mentioned, activate and port your number before you leave. Just make sure your phone is unlocked or it will be useless.

@Cato ******************

beautiful words! Our plan has been working marvelously. However, now our "slow travel" is slowing down even more. We always stay in the same place now for as close to 90 days as we can. We've seen so many wonderful places over the last 3 years and now we're "settling" between Koh Samui and Da Nang, Vietnam.

@Cato ******************

great input. Sadly the merely "existing" mentality of western culture often leads to elderly people being put in a home and then basically ignored. My 87 year old father in law LOVES Thailand (and all the other countries we visited over the last 3 years) and the wonderful Thai people LOVE 'Papa' too 😊

@Jacqui ****************

I'm sorry for your loss, but I'm happy to hear she had a happy life! It's all about quality, and that's one of the biggest reasons we left and started slow traveling over 3 years ago.

@Laurie *****

and your narrow minded initial comment is merely your opinion. Don't discourage someone else from doing something just because you don't think it's a good idea. Instead of asking "why?", change it to "why not?" and you will find the whole narrative changes

@David *******

we got our initial travel health insurance through Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection. You can get up to a 1 year policy with them. Unfortunately, if you "live" in Thailand and aren't really traveling, finding insurance for someone that age is nearly impossible. That being said, self insured is fine as healthcare in Southeast Asia is quite reasonable.