I do the volunteer option. I dont know about 'cheaper' It seems less expensive than what I was doing before, going to some other country for a couple of weeks. I am not sure what the cost of other options. Are extensions 1900? And you'll do those every 60 days? 15,000 - 30,000.

They are legal - but questionable. I have no worries about my visa while in-country but I am always nervous crossing borders - which I wont be doing for awhile.

Think "Fiefdom" Not applicable in your case. If you feel better put your friend's information. (Caution, this maybe bad advice)

Good everything question. This group so much better than the other group that only allowed questions for O-A visas.

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

I did the Speed boat options to Similan. I wouldn't recommend it. Liveaboards is the way I would go, if ever I do it again.

@Guylian *****

previously I said Karon was the Beach to surf. I misspoke the beach for surf is Kata. They are neighboring beaches but one is active with people (Kata) while the other is not (Karon).

Surfing kinda suck right now. I am told June(ish) the surf is much better. Diving is good now. I am told until about mid-late may. Phuket seems to have Surf season and Dive season and they're opposite times of the year. To be honest I dont have that much experience, meaning I have gone and was told what I have told you. I intend to go Phuket June(ish) to see their idea of good surf.

The beach to surf is Kata. It is currently dead - all the beach side business are closed. I like it but it's not good for the local people.

Travel to from BKK to Phuket - bus or Plane. I recommend the Plane.

From what I understand, currently there is no hassle going from BKK to Phuket. Restrictions depend on the Covid situation. Thailand has managed Covid extremely well - but there have been some outbreaks. I can't promise you what will be happening when you arrive.

PM if you want a dive shop reference.

I live in Pattaya (big tourist spot) We have only Thai tourists currently. I am glad to see them. Everything is open but very quiet. Bars and everything else (malls, grocery stores, etc) are closed at 11:00pm. The ocean is still here and you can still enjoy it.

I was in Phuket last month - I enjoyed it quite a bit. More business are closed, but the ocean is still there, as is the sun and all the other things. Business in the less tourist places are still open and thriving. Hence, you may not be able to get a high-price beach side dinner but you can get a reasonable priced dinner a few blocks away. Also you can take your reasonable priced meal to the beach. If you feel the need to spend more -please be generous to the locals.

There are fewer tourist attractions but you can get to all the islands. Also there is sun and beach, beautiful scenery and no fucking tourist buses.

I was at Koh Lak 2 months ago. Had the Sun and Ocean and tour operators where still operating.

If you want to come to Thailand to get drunk and fall down, it's probably not worth the trip. If you want to come to Thailand to enjoy the things that are Thai (people food) and Thailand (Sun, Ocean, Islands), then I suggest pack your bags and come along.

Warning there was recently a Covid scare. From about beginning of December to the end of January. During that time there was some restricted movement. The news reported there was restricted movements, from Province to Province or something I don't know. I had no troubles going to/from Phuket, Pattaya, Bangkok.

Best of luck.

Put 1 cat in freezer - let stand 24-36 hours

Day of travel - place cat in suitcase

Go to airport as normal

If AND ONLY IF asked about the cat - tell them its your emotional support animal

Check baggage as normal

Check-in and board as normal

Upon arrival claim bag or not up to you.

Mission accomplished 1 cat arrived in Thailand.

Yeah, he is quite knowledgable

I live in Thailand and work remotely in the US. In the past I have used a tourist visa but currently I am using a volunteer visa. When you are here, working remotely, you don't really need to worry about immigration officers intruding on you, to verify that you are in fact on holiday. Thai people are happy to have foreigners come here and spend money.

However, if you show up to immigration and tell them you intend to earn a wage, not pay any tax on it, and the hell to them with their rules - you may find yourself in some trouble.