@Brandon ***********

Not entirety true. Non OA requires ฿800,000 in Thai bank 2 months before requesting extension within Thailand.

They are trying to pay the real estate agent commission.

Counter offer one month deposit and first months rent in advance.

It’s a renters market.

Just did this from CNX to Singapore. Allow an hour extra time, in addition.

Make sure when you return to Thailand immigration acknowledges your existing Visa and they don’t give you 45 days visa on arrival, or whatever they default to.

@Martin ********

I think the original poster wants to make this more difficult than it is.

Gold Standard:

Budget:

@David ***

I just went through this myself. You need to stop overthinking the form and ask a travel medicine doctor to sign it without making such a big deal about it or bringing up blood tests.

I did it in Maryland, no issues.

You don’t need a round trip ticket, just an onward travel ticket you can cancel or reschedule.

As for immigration, get an agent the first time and ask questions, take notes and make copies.

@Eric *****

DO NOT get the special tourist visa (STV). You cannot convert it to a retirement visa.

Your off to a terrible start.

First, I suggest you come to Thailand on a tourist visa and then hire an agent and convert to a Non-O, followed by a one year extension based on retirement.

Second, with regards to the form, if you decide to go that route, all you need is a quick checkup with an urgent care physician who is willing to sign the form based on an interview and brief exam.

No blood tests are required.

There are up to three ways banks make money doing wire transfers.

Just because there is a small or no transfer fee does not mean a lower cost overall vs Wise or another service.

Look at all three of these to do an complete, overall comparison.

1. The exchange rate to convert a foreign currency to Thai baht. This should be as close to the mid market rate as possible. You can sometimes negotiate a better one off rate with your bank, especially for large transfers.

2. The service fee. Many companies like Wise charge a fee.

3. The originating bank as well as the receiving bank may charge a (international) wire fee.

Know if any or all of the fees apply to you before you move money.

Also, always transfer US Dollars from America, or you will likely pay to convert it twice.