@Tim ********

I have been here a long time a tourist visa. It could be I am very lucky or possibly border guards aren't that concerned.

Washington DC, Thai Embassy quotes the price as $400

I paid 8,000 for "insurance" at Bangkok Bank, no agent.

I assume SM California? If you have no visa you can get most any kind of visa come here, get your retirement visa. It may be a little easier. I have a buddy that prefers to get their retirement visa in Thailand for insurance reasons.

You don't have to go back to Oz, if you don't want. The other visa options all other things, like no border bounce, driver's license, bank accounts etc.

If you're coming to Thailand strictly to goof-off, tourist visa are fine. If you're trying to make a life for yourself, other visa options are better.

My wife is from that area. She complains that it rains a lot, like most days. Here on the coast, it seems like we have less rain and the temperature seems to be about 5C cooler than inland.

@Neil *****

So strange these people with opinions that no one cares about.. I am sure if the immigration department cared about your opinion, they would have asked you. In the end, its their opinions that matter, not yours.

But best to luck to you.. It sounds like you're enjoying life

@Neil *****

"If it works"

They've pulled me aside and asked me some questions and then let me go.

So, your nationality and your boyfriend's nationality are factors in what visa options are available to you.

I am a US citizen, I have been in Thailand almost 10 years, most of that time has been on tourist visas.

A Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) gives you up-to 9 months in-country. You can get those back-to-back if you wish, I have.

Recently the Thai government have made available a few other visa options, which I am less familiar but may work in your case.

Google research will only get you so far. This group will only get you so far. Once you've been in Thailand for a little bit and had time to talk with people you will be able to find visa solutions to your visa problems.

My recommendation is make a plan to stay 9 months to a year. During that 9-12 months figure out your next plan (maybe stay longer or whatever).

An immigration officer once told me the Education visa isn't a great option for people 40+ (me). Also, I have read about people having problems when they have an ED visa and try to get different visas. I am sure there are those who had no problems.

I have a great deal of love for Thailand but honestly Indonesia or Malaysia make fine alternatives, come to Thailand, stay as long as you can then go to an alternative.

Welcome to Thailand - Enjoy

@Eric *********

Thank you... I am afraid I may have to return only to create a honest mailing address... Bastards!!