I use wise (Transferwise) for the same reason. I find western union to be unreliable.

I think any work from home situation you are talking about will not be a concern to immigration. If you are working on the internet or some remote office situation. If the fruits of your labor are realized outside of Thailand, then immigration will not likely care.

If work from home, like open a restaurant and sell cheese sandwiches to people here in Thailand, probably Immigration won't care, but it is easier.

If work from home, like have an employer here in Thailand, get a paycheck here and Thailand and teaching kids in Thailand, then immigration probably wont care, but some government office, some day, may want headlines so they'll do some stuff but probably nothing to you.

If work from home you been, go to the office in Thailand, for a Thai employer, the fruits of your labor are realized in Thailand. Still immigration probably wont care so much, but the police will want headlines and they will come arrest you. Then immigration will boot you.

yeah - 90 day report. Because of covid its much easier than it used to be.. Now you just show-up fill out a piece of paper, wait 5 minutes for someone to stamp it.

Before - there was more waiting involved.

I have a few friends on retirement visas. So I am not talking from person experience,... but from what I understand.

There are a couple of ways to do the retirement visas each with different benefits and requirements. I *think* one of the big issues is insurance requirements. I would get information on both options and make an informed decision.

It has worked out well for me.

Before Covid I was doing back-to-back tourist visa, except I will actually travel some place for a couple of weeks, then come back. So the volunteer visa isn't very expensive.

I have no experience with the Covid exception or whatever it is, I think those folks have to file paper work, get paper work from Embassy, visit the immigration office every 90 days to do some more paperwork and wait every 3 months to see if the Thai government will extend the program.

With volunteer visa I just show up every 90 days... file a piece of paper, done.

It maybe a little sketchy - but this is Thailand.

@Tod ********

How long is a re-entry permit good for? Can I get one for 2 or 3 months?

@Tod ********

Thanks Tod. I assume you are right about extension vs actual visa.. I wasn't sure if re-entry permit visa multiple entry accomplish the same thing or if I wasn't allowed re-entry if I had extension to stay.

I think you can get residence letter from immigration.. I did for my Driver's license. As far as banks. You will have to shop around to find a bank manger that is flexible. Bank rules vary depending on bank branch manager.

Really?

"exercise extreme caution when traveling to Thailand, thefts, robberies, police corruption, blah blah blah".

Thats kinda cute. I must travel is some of the worst places. But most Americans are kinda pansies.

I think I paid 70 for the original but that included multiple entry. As soon as I paid and started the process I saw prices for 30-40.. But I know these guys. I think you're right about it being safe