@Jason *******

I’m not sure about a non-O visa. A non-OA does require a background check, but a non-O might not. Check into it.

I have my social security sent directly to my Thai bank account, which works perfectly. I got sick of using Wise and having to wait at times for the money. You just have to make sure to fill out and send back the “proof of life” socially security form they send you every now and then.

I went through the process 8 years ago and did it myself, and what I found is that an agent can help you with what paperwork to fill out, but basically it’s all you having to to all the footwork finding proof of relationship and submitting it all, so I didn’t think an agent or a lawyer were worth the cost, since it doesn’t speed up the process anyway. I used a website that was completely free and walks you through step by step. Good luck to you.

@Paul ********

You will probably need an agent to facilitate opening a bank account if you only have a tourist visa.

@Abhishek ******

Lived like a rock star.

I’ve had a million dollars a couple of times, but I spent it all.

A “cheap” policy that fulfills the visa requirements is going to have very high limits where you’ll be paying a lot before it kicks in. I had that my first year, but I switched to a more comprehensive plan that covered more, but of course cost more. Choose your poison.

My insurance in Thailand is $2400 a year, I’m 63. Also, are you sure your U.S. insurance will pay claims from Thailand, because mine won’t.

I have an iPhone 15 and it only uses eSIMs. I kept my U.S. phone number eSIM in my phone and continue to pay the $25 monthly fee and I also got a Thai eSIM after I got here and so now I can switch back and forth between eSIMs when I want. This is good because sometimes you need a Thai phone number here, and sometimes you need to get a code on your foreign number to access a bank account or something similar. I have found it’s invaluable to me and has worked out well. Be aware they use 220 Volts here in the outlets and not 110. Things like my laptop and things that use an adapter or a USB plug to charge work fine, but things that plug straight into the outlets with no adapter and are only meant to run on 110 Volts, will not work here and may be dangerous to use. I recommend just buying appliances and hairdryers and things like that after you get here. Expensive cameras and laptops and things like that you should bring because they tend to be higher priced here I’ve noticed. Don’t bring many clothes or shoes because they’re cheap here. I wouldn’t worry about health insurance until you get here. Try calling a broker when you get here to comparison shop. I use Pacific Cross and I did have AIA, which are both reputable companies. Also, and this may seem weird, but it’s hard to find a top sheet for your bed, so you may want to bring a couple of them if you like that sort of bedding arrangement. Good luck to you.

@Bob *********

I agree. It doesn’t make sense on its face. I think it will be gone soon.