Thank you so kind for all your useful advice and the time you took. Even the usual nonsensical reactions seemed quite amusing. Seriously, you did share some helpful thoughts and I will narrow down my research to Southern Thailand (I have already lived in Krabi for a couple of years), the Philippines or Cambodia. My apologies for the metaphorical phrase " farang bashing" which didn't seem to go down too well with some of you. Maybe I am getting paranoid in my old age. Thanks again.

@Peter ********

I would be an expat in the UK too, but I admire your analysis based on ....... what?!

@Don ********

Thanks for these honest words. The thought about moving south certainly is reasonable.

One option would have been not making too much noise about it.

Sorry, I can't say for sure. From my experience many Immigration offices make their own rules (sometimes even to your advantage), so it will most probably be up to your Immigration officer. But maybe you can try to get an Asian insurance from your home country. Pacific Prime or another renowned company might do it.

@Claude ******

I had to show it at the Thai Embassy.

Maybe I was just lucky but 6 years ago at the Sadao border they just stamped me in without looking for anything but the original visa. Of course I had insurance as I think it is absolutely necessary for an expat in Thailand.

It depends on your whereabouts, but for me it was easier to get a 1year Non O A Visa from the Thai Embassy. Another advantage is that you can get two years out of this visa (just cross the border and return before the expiry date).

Mai bpenh rai, it probably will be teamoney again. By the way, I often read your posts and think they are a great help for every Farang here. Thanks and keep up the good work.

@Stuart ********

Sorry to butt in, but I have a question about this affidavit. I am an Austrian citizen on Non O A yearly extensions backed up by a certificate of income (monthly pension). Now, for the first time in years, Kanchanaburi Immigration asks for "legalization" of that certificate by the Thai foreign ministry. I think that this is not legal (I know that "legal" in Thailand depends on many things, .....). Do you know a central Immigration authority I could contact to get reliable info (I know that "reliable" in Thailand .....)? Would greatly appreciate your advice.