I have plans to start the process next week. After seeing all the requirements, go to office 1 , go to office 2, go to office 3, go to office 4 fill out paperwork, get prenub, find witnesses.

I opted to hire someone familiar with the process to do all the paperwork. I have done it yet so I can't tell you how it all worked out but ask me in 2 weeks.

@Nigel *********************

Does it have to be in the bank 2 or 3 months before, and 2 or 3 months after?

Additionally, you have to show it comes from internationally?

@Michael ********

Good to hear

@Bobby *******

I certainly can

@Bobby *******

- Thai Elite visa, you pay to forego all the paperwork and nonsense, same as you do an agent. The difference is who you are paying

@Bobby *******

Its not a matter of 'if I am getting scammed' its a matter of 'how much'.

When I started the journey, 8,000 seems way too much. Two days latter several trips to various offices and needing to go to Bangkok US Embassy, 8,000 seemed quite reasonable.

@Bobby *******

"whereas many expats in Thailand go out of their way to avoid having it - their logic defeats me...."

I dont know. Requiring every type of insurance is kinda ridiculous. I have all the insurance from credit cards, I have medical insurance from my home country, I have insurance from one bank card, and now I required to buy insurance to open another bank account.

When I do need to go see a doctor, suddenly all my insurance is useless. It seems more like a scam to me.

I do believe sex-toys are illegal in Thailand, oddly

My previous experience with Pattaya, they're a real pain.

I am a US passport holder with extensive Thailand experience in my passport, they may treat you differently than me.

My visa agents told me she would not be able to do my TM30, without a letter from the condo, in the past she was able to do it. Found a new place to rent got the ownership paperwork sorted out and did my own TM30.

When I tried to extend the immigration office gave me the run around, so of which was my own fault

First time, I needed to print out my e.visa.

Second time, I needed to extend last possible day of the visa. This seems to be Pattaya's normal practice. Kinda leaves you in a vulnerable position.

Finally I paid my agent 4000 baht to do my extension (that included the 1900 fee).

You can try to check into a legitimate hotel for a couple of days, they are supposed to do the TM30 for you. In the past (pre-covid) pattaya immigration was checking if people where currently checked-in to that hotel, so you will want to be staying at the hotel when you do your extension.

I think the only place to avoid is smoke season, in northern Thailand. Everywhere else, every time else, is fine.