Lived in Thailand 51 years ago ,for two years; and and married a Thai 50 years ago and choose HH over Pattaya and Bangkok for our home and still happy with our choice.
My first marriage was to a Thai who was 37 who also like me had never been married or had children. That lasted 37 years until she passed. Second time to a 34 year old Thai who had never been married that marriage is has been 17 years and is on going.
yep, some 23 years ago, with no Immigration Office in Hua Hin, I did a Certificate of Residency but today they would laugh me out of the Police Station
I have three accounts with the sane bank and I never have used an agent. I do have a Tabien Baan for non-resident foreigners which continues to make my life easier with places like banks.