@Stevan **********

wonderful... as I said... good for you. But that will not be the same for everyone.

@Stevan **********

married are you? Then bought in Thai wife's name or through a company or as you have Thai children?Then fine. Good for you. But renting is easier... especially if you are not sure if Thailand is everything you are looking for... which was the point of the original post.

We still doing the TM 30? When I tried at my immigration office where they have known me for some 13 years... they just laugh and only wanted to know if I have been to that new western restaurant in town... never doing anything regarding a TM30. I asked... but they could care less. I was told that this is mainly for those traveling elsewhere or who are on a visa other than 'O' or A/O' and have not registered an address locally already. But hay, that could just because they know me.

Don't buy a house here. Rent one. Much easier and safer. Less red tape, headaches, stress, lawyer bills, upfront cash 'donations', and the 'last minute' changes to the contract, price, closing costs, etc. Besides, you will never really "own the house" there are always loopholes. The land that it sits on will never be yours. Only way to avoid this is to buy with/through a Thai. That in and of itself is never a clever idea. We wouldn't do it at home so why would anyone do it here? The latter has countless stories that never end well for the foreigner.

Yes it can be in another currency. As long as it is equal to 20,000THB. However, that is what is supposed to be allowed. Whether or not it actually is ... well... that is another thing altogether. Welcome to Thailand. But it is also all in your appearance if you are asked. In my 12 years here and my two children (in their 20's) coming and going as well as many other friends that have visited me over the years... I have never had an instant of any of them being asked for proof of funds. It is a crapshoot like most things here with regards to Immagration officials.

See an agent. They will deal with it. As you do have the full amount on a Thai bank they will deal with it. It will cost you a fee for them... but that will be far less than starting all over again. Heard this issue many times before from others who had no difficulties at all this way.

@Stuart ********

yeah just thought i was mistaken and others might also want to know. Thank you. It did not show up on my calendar.

How about June?