Be sure to factor in the 5 months of smoke. My costs for evacuation were well beyond 50k a month, rental, things needed while away, care for home while gone, travel expenses... getting out of the smoke meant going south and it was much more expensive.

Seems as I am getting older, i have less tolerance for the smoke.

I had not factored in a 5 month hotel stay (with pets, one dying during the evacuation from motion sickness meds :( )- and this year I was so shocked to see the entire country, above bangkok- covered in dense, thick, unbreathable smoke. The costs of depression and cancer risk exposure aren't typically considered. Take care of yourself.

@Charles *********

The 5 year was 500,000. It may have gone up in price but should be able to negotiate??? I wouldn't negotiate in USD- it takes the head out of the reality of the local economics, After 5 years, they were running a program to add an additional 15 years for 500,000. However there are some who opt for 10 or 20 year up front-- I think 1 million and 2 million. If you need a contact, I can refer you direct to the corporate office with no middle man. I am not an agent, just happy with no visa worries. Immigration gives a little nicer attention too. I had a lovely welcoming at the airport and they handled everything with immigration. Sometimes they make appointments or help with communication. I do check in every 90 days and have to report when changing house, but I'm very happy to pay without worry about what is happening next. I'm over 50 now, and considering a renewal. No thinking about needing a thai spouse, providing account info, no insurance issues, making up fake business, lawyer schemes, schools that go under or re-entry issues/extortion, no buying condo issues, etc..... There are issues living here long term, it is good to keep a clear head while investigating. It takes a long time to get to know the issues and if the compromises are acceptable.

The new 10 year visa requires 80K USD a year in income. I really like the thai elite visa. Pay and be done with the headache of visa worry.