Use an agent. Worked perfectly for me. Everything done in under a day

Definitely in a US bank account. If there should be any problem, can you imagine how difficult it would be to get someone from the US SSA to talk to somebody in Thailand or vice versa? I'd also make the money transfers less frequent, say 2 or 3 times a year. Wire transfer is about $6.

@Dennis ********

The person I used is in the process of setting up her own shop but I believe any of the staff here should be able to do the job

@Dennis ********

I don't know of a Visa agent in that particular area but the one I used in Bangkok made everything seemless. Got the bank account setup, passport photo, all documentation done properly, and the retirement Visa completed in under a day with no stress. I can make money but I cannot make time so the Visa agent route is highly recommended from my point of view (also for the renewal).

@Marc ****************

It doesn't in my Thai bank, but I'm okay with it as any income earned now opens the door to tax obligations. Anyway the interest amount is not big money, so I consider it the cost of living in this wonderful country!

Andy Wonder Right. If you don't have as little as 500k for relocation and following the requirements, then I think it's logical to say keep your day job.

@Rob *********

Exactly; common knowledge. If you can't figure this out.... 😮

Since you said night life of course the hands down choice would be Nana Hotel.

Thanks for posting this info. Very helpful.