@Klaus **********

"Cash Exchange" ?? This is a money transfer service? Will it support the necessary documentation for the Land Office?

You will have challenges find a Thai embassy in Thailand and equally as much trouble finding a US embassy in the USA, so its not likely you will walk from one to the other.

I am on a marriage visa and they are a pain. I have a friend that is retirement age and has a Thai wife and they prefer the retirement visa over the marriage visa. I will be retirement age soon and I will stronger consider the retirement visa over the marriage visa.

I got married in Thailand so I don't know the process of getting the US marriage certificate authenticated. I wonder if its not easier just to get married in Thailand. No reason you can't marry her twice, especially when you consider how well both governments don't communicate.

Sounds like you are well situated to go either way, marriage visa or retirement visa.. In your case it's a matter of benefit vs hassle.

@Chris ***

Several people said Wise would work. I tested it, went down to the bank and the lady was kinda weird. She said the notes weren't there but it was coded properly. I contacted Wise about it (not that they would know), they said it was sent properly and that the bank can see the details. Someone mentioned taking printouts from Wise down to the bank.

@Greg *******

First time buyer for me. I am not sure I really love the idea but I like the no rent part. :)

Bank accounts are a real pain. I recommend that you start asking for recommendations. I think in most cases once you choose a bank branch you are married to it... When i need bank statements I need to go to the same branch where I opened the account.

The rules for opening a bank account vary from bank to bank. And like immigration it really just matters which branch you go to. So you will want to find a bank with a friendly bank manager.

@John ******

That is the issue I am having. My US bank will do international transfer if I come in person but I live here. So far Wise has not worked for me but I am will keep trying.

You will not regret it. It may be a journey with some pitfalls and mishaps but in the end I think you will agree that it's worth it.

You could try to smuggle-in your kids but recommend getting them visas. They may need to be educated which is another visa option for both you and them (they get a ED visa and you get a parent visa).

If you are bringing your own money - good for you, enjoy your trip. If you will need to earn money here, there are few job prospect. People without too much skill can become teachers and dive instructors, both do not pay very good.

To be honest.. I find the bureaucracy of Thailand to be quite silly and now there is a new government which means there will be new/more bureaucracy... Its the worse part of Thailand and in the end, its worth it.

My guess is that Thai immigration won't hassle you any. I have a questionable visa history and been through immigration a few times. Every once in a while they'll question me but never denied me entry. They may look at you sideways and maybe ask you some questions but they will likely let you through. If you do get questioned it's probably a good idea to be very respectful and humble.

@Todd ********

so the fund arrived after 5 days.. I selected the reason for the transfer 'Purchase Property' but Bangkok Bank only shows "International Transfer". Does it need to indicate Purchase of Property?

If a year is all you need I would recommend doing back-to-back tourist visa.. Maybe a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) to start. It depends also on your nationality.