@Eric *****

if you apply abroad, you only need the money in Thai bank 2 months before extension application. Dollar has gone up some in the past few days. Note that on 800k, the 2฿ exchange rate difference amounts to $50.

@Eric *****

why no go for the 1 year extension?

Just have him do tm30 when you need it at immigration.

@Stuart **********

I was thinking he may have wanted to use ATM for monthly living expenses...

I don't think money has to be seasoned for application. It does for the 1yr extension. And I don't believe that money needs to show as international transfer, just that it's there. I can't answer about the bank branch because so many times here, when I try to use logic, I'm wrong! 😁

What kind of stamp? Where are you now? What is your timeframe?

Depends on the amount you want to transfer. Over ฿500k, probably a bank wire transfer, less, probably Wise. ATM fees can add up but are per transaction. So if you get ฿30k withdrawal then the ฿220 isn't much percentage. Some banks, credit unions or investment accounts will refund ATM fees

As an American, you should look into what's called the Treaty of Amity it give you special rights when starting a business in Thailand.

Slow down and make several 60 day visits to several different areas and spend some time. I'm from Portland too and I love it here. The humidity is brutal but am slowly adapting.

You should spend time in the north (Chiang Mai), Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya and the South. All are quite different..

If you have family, be sure they are as excited as you are...

You'll end up with about 10 cents on the dollar when selling all your life's memories and memorabilia you've collected over the years.

Don't buy (unless you'd be happy in a condo, but look at long term considerations very carefully). Rent is very cheap so no need to tie up capital that will be very difficult to recover in the future. Easy to buy here, a lot harder to sell. Thai real estate should NOT be considered an investment

You will find after being here a short while that "rules" are variable and so is regulation. What worked today may not work tomorrow. And if you're not accepting of tedium and repetition, then Thai bureaucracy may not be for you.

Good luck. Reach out with any specific questions.

And your bank branch could be in a completely different province. Could be difficult to break off the agent in the future.

Very easy to use the Evisa system. No need for an agent or lawyer.. wait to you accept an offer on your house to apply. Is well only take about 10 business days. Really, is very easy.