@Tore *****************

I think if they were concerned about it they would ask on the application and/or verify location via GeoIP. I think probably you are more concern then they are.

@Michael ****

except licorice.. You may be able to order it but its expensive and delivery times are ridiculous

You need a motorcycle license to legally drive. I doubt many people drive legally.

Your next best option is an International Drivers Permit... They're almost useless but some people like to have them.. It will require the motorcycle endorsement, which means you need to already have a motorcycle license in the US., To get a IDP - go to your local AAA.

The thing this is - the bribes range from $15 - $100 depending on how bad the get you. It cost $100 for no license, no paperwork no helmet, and illegal turn (or something). If you can manage to keep your infractions to a minimum then the bribe will be much cheaper. If you get the license and they give you a ticket and you choose to fight it, you will spend the afternoon at the police station waiting and doing paperwork. Much easier just pay the fine and enjoy your day.

You can rent motorcycle for 4 or 5,000 baht.

The few motorcycle shops I talked to have waitlists so it may not be possible buy brand new.

@Kool ******

Funny all my 110v work perfectly fine in Thailand.. I think its a larger concern for antiquated electronics. Even my cheap electric shaver (110v - 220v) work perfectly fine.

Yippie for you and your bank account. But that has not been my experience. Either way its worth pointing out so they can plan accordingly.. Your comment would be useful if you told them how to do that.... My guess useful was not the intention of your comment?

@John *******

I dont know that it was fraud. I never said I was one place or the other and I was always quite clear about my travel plans.

You've started in a pretty good place. This group has a lot of people well informed of the process and are happy to help. This group also have several trolls - you can safely ignore them.

I have yet to find flat sheets any where in SE Asia. So if you need those bring them with you.

Opening a bank account here would likely be done when you get here. It will require a letter from Immigration and a friendly bank manager. You will likely ask this group for a recommendation. Also, the banks work differently here than in the US (and I imagine Canada). When you open a bank account you establish a relationship with that branch. When you need stuff from that bank (paperwork) you will have to go to that branch you will not be able to go to another branch of the same bank. If you open an account in HuaHin and decide to do immigration paperwork somewhere else that requires bank paperwork you will have yourself a complication.

I have not yet done a retirement visa so I have no experience but my buddy says that it works out better if you get your retirement visa here. Visa obtained in the US have insurance requirements while visas obtain in-country do not have those requirements.

North American electronics work here as normal. You can buy plug adapters here, cheap, so no concerns there.

I hear good things about Hua Hin, many people choose to retire there, having an expat community will be beneficial.

Sell everything and move from Canada. I cam from the US and I did the same thing. I am not sure I recommend it 100%. It worked out for me but you may want to visit Thailand to make sure you will be comfortable here.

I find the visa process to be a pain but worth it. Most interactions with immigration require bunches of paperwork and wait time at the immigration office. Each immigration office is different so maybe Hua Hin will be better.

If you have the money I would recommend touring around Thailand before committing to one place. Other popular destinations Phuket (beautiful but bunches of tourists), Chang Mai (beautiful and cooler but they have a burn season), Koh Samui (beautiful but it's an island), Koh Tao (beautiful but it's small island and hard to get to)

Welcome to Thailand.

@Thai *****************************

I appreciate you mentioning that the DIY option, it makes you look more honest.. Thank you.

@Richard ********

Yeah they're all the same :)

You can covert your visa although that is a somewhat complicated discussion. I think you maybe putting the cart before the horse. As

@Brandon ***********

points out there are a few different visa options for different reasons: wealth, wife, kid, job, work. I recommend looking at the different visa options on any Thai Embassy website (in your current country or your home country), find which option applies to you, look at the requirements then determine how to get one of those visas.

@Jeff ****

I didn't know you could do Medical visa for Dental. Good luck to you.

You could also try different borders/countries. I visited several countries on visa runs, its kinda nice.