but if you save $1500 by flying a month earlier, you just gained $1500 for on the ground expenses. Those monies are what make a trip memorable, not your flight.
If you did something like this to start out your stay in Thailand, even though you are over 50, would it have an effect on moving to a non-o visa later?
I have Navy Federal Credit Union here in Washington, it's nationwide and they charge $25 for international transfers. I use Wise until I reach the threshold of $25 and the use my credit union.