@Alan ******

1 year + 3 months, 60,000. But that was one year ago. I asked them if they could do it again and they are not able. It seems nobody is offering Volunteer visas at this time.

@Carlos ********

I am 47 and a half. Until recently, I never wanted to be 2.5 years older.

Did you get return flight? Do you need to show proof of onward travel?

I got my Thai Drivers License in the past year. Its a simple process. Show up with your paperwork. Do a physical test, take a class, done.

I dont exactly recall the paper work but I think it was a letter form Immigration, maybe a letter from the doctor, drivers license, passport, maybe international drivers permit. They do check your real drivers license, motorcycle certified, still valid, looks legit.

I also had to take a driving class. That was, show up at a driving school give them some money, they gave me a piece of paper. You know, the Thai way.

I like that you said "legally work". If you are bringing your own job, with your own paycheck, not siphoning income from the local economy, nobody cares. There is debate about 'legal'. I have been here working for US employers for a few years now. Nobody has asked about my money supply or work, not even immigration.

Thailand is happy you spend your paycheck here. They are not happy if you take a paycheck from a Thai person.

I went from Volunteer to Covid visa. My agent handled it for me and cost me too much money.

I am shopping for new visa options myself. It looks like I will go back to my home country and either come back on a "Special" tourist visa, or come back on a 60 day visa and extend.. Hoping boarders will be open in the next couple of months.

For what its worth, currently, my agent is doing a Hail Mary to try to get a volunteer visa, but I am skeptical.

@Beth ********

For what it is worth I did back-to-back tourist visas for a couple of years. I dont necessary recommend it but it did work for me. Also, I know people work as teachers without the proper paperwork (degree). You only need a college degree (I think) plus TEFL.

Finally, a lot of people take up the life of a professional scuba instructor as a form of employment. There is an upfront investment (time/money) but it may also be an option for you.

How does the ED landscape look. I was under the impression:

A) A person had to actually student. A time commitment so many hours a week, take tests, etc.

B ) there is no coming back from ED visa. Once a person has had one of those being a habitual tourist becomes more difficult.

anybody know where to get a pfizer booster in Pattaya?

Anywhere near BTS or MRT

Both are train systems and intersect at several locations. BTS, AKA Sky Train, it runs above ground (in the sky). MRT is below grown. Last time I rode them - they were two different systems. Buying a ticket for one doesn't work on the other.

This question comes up frequently. I think the most sane answer is that you have to shop around. Go to a few banks. When I opened my account (7 years ago) I had to be persistent with the person helping me. She had to call her supervisor a couple of times and finally they got the account open. Technically I was on a tourist visa. I worked for a school and they were going to convert the visa, blah blah blah.