@Karim **************

You're expertise is astonishing.

I wonder if its better to marry her locally or take her back to the US and marry her? I am considering marriage and not sure which is best.

"You won't be in Kansas any more" - is a reference to the Wizard of Oz. Although it is applicable.

I came to Thailand 8 years ago with a plan of staying maybe 6 months. I love there (currently I outside of Thailand for a few weeks).

All of Thailand is safe. Far more safe then US. Thai people are a little nutty.. Don't worry about the characterization,, they think the same way about us. Once you get used to Thailand, Thai people I think you will find it is a great place to be.

Phuket (pronounced foo-ket) is more expensive then other places but it's prettier. There are more Farang (western people) which makes it easier for you to get what you need. Isan (any place in the country), is 100% Thai culture, which is nice until you need something. It taken me 5 years to discover they do sell bleach.

Chang Mai is popular with Farang, but I have only been once. Its cooler in the summer months, but there is a smoke season (they burn the old crops) and several people find some other place to be during that season.

Pattaya is popular with the Farang who want to die a slow alcoholic death and enjoy themselves. I do not recommend it for the family.

Bangkok is great but its difficult to avail of all it has to offer without speaking Thai. You can get around ok, taxis, subway etc. But if you need directions to the local store or any other thing you will be limited.

Some people speak English but not many.

If you have the time and the money I would recommend renting a place in Bangkok for a few months and make trips to different locations to get an idea of what each place has to offer. Bangkok is safe, all of Thailand is safe. It's really a matter of what you are doing.

Condos (they dont really have apartments here), are more expensive near subways but they are good for transportation. The signs are in English, mostly. "Mind your head" means "caution low ceiling", but you will come to appreciate that as well.

Best of luck - you wont regret coming to Thailand.

Before you come you should get yourself a google voice number. This will allow you to make/receive calls from/to the US, just like a number call. People can call you without international charges and visa-versa.

Also, I went back to the US to change my residence to a tax free state. Something you may want to consider before you leave.

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I have not yet done my Thaipass but I did just finish my visa. I had a lot of problems with the hotel. Eventually, I had a Thai friend call the hotel to request the certificate I need for Thai Pass. The hotel in turn requested I purchase the transfer and pre-pay for 2 tests. I dont know how necessary all those things are but I made the purchase and provided the receipts to the hotel and they provided the certificate.

So for going to Thailand. Does the clock start when they take the swab or when you get the results?

Is it require to extend insurance if extending visa/stay?

I was there for Christmas to new years. Only requirement was proof of vaccination.

with like 12 hours overstay you may face life imprisonment or worse.

I am kidding same day is not considered overstay. I think you may have a day maybe two. But the likelihood your cancelled visa will be on record is slim.

@Vivo ******

If book with SHA+Plus, are they suppose to provide me anything I need to Thai pass? or at immigration when I arrive?

AXA works. My only regret was I probably bought more than I needed. I intend to come and stay as long as possibly, making my return flight useless. I probably could have gotten away with buy only 1 month insurance.