Highly recommend an agent. It was the best decision I made. Unless you are extremely bored and want to learn the intricacies of immigration, leave the heavy lifting to an agent who does this all the time. I'm here to enjoy retirement: reduce stress and wasted time, not create more.

YouTube has many thousands of hours from all sorts of people that have gone through the process from the start.

@Don ********

I recall hearing people say there are problems with trying to set that up as a non-us resident

@James ******

Charles Schwab does not have any branded ATM machines.

Part-time or full-time, above table or below table, no way do I want to jeopardize my retirement in Thailand and I don't think you want to either so early in your journey. Besides, I don't have time for a job: there are massages to take, skybars to visit, nightclubs to check out, restaurants to review, new areas to explore etc.

I consider the "lost income" on having that account generating no interest as the cost of living in Thailand. I accept it and don't fret about it considering there are other ways more serious obstacles might be thrown at us expats. And I would assume that once I start generating an income in Thailand then taxes will be an issue that I really don't care to tackle.

@Keith ******

Well not in my view. I can bring over money at my own discretion and use that account as my pool for covering expenses. I know it's always there to meet the visa requirements. I place a value on my peace of mind not worrying if monthly transfers happened or not. And the interest I'm giving up I consider the cost of living in Thailand. It's easily replenished in the normal course of my finance business anyway. It all works perfectly for me.

Therefore maintaining the 800k is the best arrangement.

@Johnny ********

If you want to see a dump, go to the Philippines. Thailand is fantastic!

@Donnie *********

Don't look at the photos I'll be posting then. 😉