@Todd ********

yw, this group has been super helpful for getting thru it and confirming many this - have just had to get into the weeds a little at times, but it’s been fun.

@Todd ********

good idea. I’m in Koh Chang until eom, then moving to Hua Hin and will submit my applications there. Good luck and keep me posted!

@Todd ********

I think it’s the same as Dan quoted, but might be 1900 and 1900. Im not sure why they wouldn’t let me have 90-days to start. I had so many questions and forgot to ask, but the guy I spoke with was super helpful.

@Todd ********

after enduring the chaos of going to immigration the other day, I found it very useful to go back thru this thread as it helped me to clarify things, particularly visa vs. extension and terminology. I’m going the similar route as mentioned by Dan Ouimet above. Only difference being they would only allow me a 30-day extension that I can then convert to the retirement extension. So my plan is to go back on late August and apply for the 30-day, then immediately after to apply for the retirement extension. This assumes I have the 800k in the bank, which I will have setup well before then. So, thanks for your help guys.

I’m not knocking it, just not for me at this point... and why spend money I don’t need to??

I see...I was focused on the word ‘agent’ in your original post. What you’re suggesting sounds like the ‘B’-word and I haven’t quite reached that level of desperation.

@Mark **********

thanks, but at this point I know what I need to do and when and where, so I don’t need an agent.

My plan is to open bank account in bkk, then will apply for both extensions in Hua Hin as that’s where I plan to reside long term. BKK immigration won’t allow me to apply for the extension if living in a different province (currently staying in Trat province, but moving to Hua Hin end of this month). Will apply for the 30-day and retirement extensions at Hua Hin immigration office.

@James **************

Bangkok Bank was the only bank I tried. They told me only thing I need is the affidavit from US Embassy. Probably worth checking some of the above mentioned banks.

@James **************

I was able to get an appt. with the US Embassy in bkk to get our passports notarized, so I’ve opted to get the affidavit (letter) and will take that to the bank on right after the appt. It just seemed like the cleanest way based on the feedback I got from the bank and glazed looks I got from the bank reps when I said I didn’t have it. I will say it takes some effort to get the embassy to grant an appt, but was able to do that by being a bit of a squeaky wheel with them - after enduring many auto-generated emails. Maybe others will have a different experience.