Moving To Bangkok In Twelve Steps 

@@retired_dude That might work with Alaska miles. I know AA charges a close in booking fee. I think United charges a small fee to re-deposit miles. I had a one-way in Business on JAL with Alaska miles. I think it was 65k. It probably went up. A First Class ticket appeared for 90k. I think the cash price one-way was $11,000. That's crazy. Usually 170K with AA (I think) I only had 10k left in the account. I had to buy 15,000 miles at $29 a thousand (I think) $435 more, but I was retiring and treated myself to First Class. So, I didn't care about the $21 trip to Kuala Lumpur that I threw away. There is an online service for $12. But, I didn't bother setting up an account. The Air Asia ticket I bought in 3 minutes at the JAL counter at LAX

When singing, I sing in Thai-Thai style. Smile, I have a smile. I speak, I speak unlike any other nation. Proud of being born as a Thai

@@user-ms1vr9jp2i Ha ha, thank you for watching. I love to have Thai viewers

Yes, I purposely left that tip out. I've been in airline hacking websites for years. Reports are Schwab is closing accounts in Mexico and Panama. Who knows if that will spread to other areas soon. Mostly guys that don't keep anything in the account and deposit a small check each month. Let's assume you can get $500 (maximum) out of a foreign ATM. So that might be over $25(?) in ATM fees each month, if a person makes three ATM withdrawals. I think Schwab is starting to clamp down. Maybe if you keep a large balance, they will keep eating the ATM fees. But, trying to live in Thailand and rely on a Schwab ATM plan, is a short term solution. Plus, you'll need a Thai account if you ever want a retirement visa. It's a great card, that's worked for years. Hopefully, it keeps working. But, it looks like customers that keep a very small balance are being pushed out in some places.

@@EagerExpat Oh wow, I had no idea Schwab was doing that. I guess my advice would be more for just tourists then.

@@RSH1972 Ya, it's still a great card. But, every good deal usually comes to an end. Hopefully, it's just Mexico and Panama today

This hack is coming to an end. Too many expats are abusing this priviledge and Charles Schwab is cracking down. Many overseas expats are complaining their accounts are being closed.

They'll close your account if you are overseas for too long. There are reports on this

Thanks Alan. I'm sure your enjoying the move as much as I am. California and Hawaii are pretty nice. But, Thailand is a great place to live. If you're in Bangkok sometime, come join us for a drink sometime

from paradise to wonderland

Those are good tips. I'm keeping the T-Mobile plan because I'm suppose to be on an active-duty military plan. I'd rather spend $6 than $50. But, the cell tower rule is what I'm concerned more about. No plans to return to the US anytime soon

@@EagerExpat yeah and a huge caveat to the wi-fi calling is it must be activated in the states (for example) before you travel abroad. You CANNOT be sitting on the plane in airplane mode and turn it on when you touchdown in Bangkok, won’t work.

@@Marinate305 Good tip. I'm sure I used Wi-Fi in the US before I arrived in Thailand. But, I didn't know that

Thai people are great. I'm doing my best to be a good visitor. Bangkok is an amazing city

Bangkok has the charm of Bangkok. Plus being Thai You will receive friendship and warm support.

@@user-ms1vr9jp2i It sure does have charm

For sure Marcus. I'm no expert, but shoot a comment if I can help. If you spend some time in Bangkok, come join us for drink

October will be here in no time. I'll tell you this, I visited six times in 5 years before I retired. I've been here two years, and I'm still having a great time. If you get bored in Thailand, you're the problem not Thailand. Ha ha

Can I travel with u ?

@@missythompson6664 Ha ha, thanks for watching. Thailand is a great place to live

@@EagerExpat my friend without me … 😩

That sounds like a plan for you. Myself, I like to Scuba dive, visit another country every month, fly small planes, etc.. If I wanted to live on $10,000 a year I'd move to the trailer I had in Baja. I'm going to do anything I want in Bangkok, try new places to eat daily and live for 12 months on what I would spend in 4 months in San Diego. I didn't work for 40 years, invest and save, to not enjoy retirement.

Hey thanks for watching. Again, I'm just keeping busy making some videos. having a little fun. The onward ticket has never been an issue in BKK for me. Twice I was asked at the counter in LAX. They are suppose to check you have (whatever the country asks) so many blank pages in the passport, it can't expire within 6 months, and onward travel. I made a Facebook post in 2016? A person said they were asked for onward travel on Japan Airlines in Dallas. Another was on a Delta/Korean and asked. Maybe a 100 others got asked. 99% of the time I had a return ticket and wasn't asked. When I went to retire, I didn't have one. Sure enough, they told me I can't board without a ticket leaving Thailand in 30 days. A few people did say they were asked for an onward ticket in BKK. They did admit they had several trips (border runs?) into Thailand in the same year. So it's always possible. I did just fly on Singapore from BKK to Sydney. BKK counter asked me for onward travel from Sydney. I was heading to New Zealand in 5 days, so no problem. I travel international flights maybe 5 or 10 times a year. I've been asked five times (?) in 30 years. It's probably a small risk. But, be prepared for a back up ticket. With 1 hour waits in line at the airport, I'd hate to be sent away and told to go get a ticket

That's good to hear. The baht has been great lately. I transferred 10,000 at 37/1 and 15000 at 36.6 . That's high for US money. I need to cool it, I have too much in baht, and 75% of my spend is on my credit card. I pay every week

Korean is a great airline. Enjoy the flight and get on over here. See ya soon

@EagerExpat and that flight includes 2 checked bags and a carry-on, plus my laptop bag. It's a little over a grand for business and just over 1500 for luxury, which is reasonable. A few more months, and then I'm off. Again, thanks for all your help .

@@captpain1 That sounds great

Thanks Oklahoma. Just a few tips on what worked for me. Of course do your own homework. But, it's not that tricky to move to Thailand. Say hello when you get here

Thank you Mario

It's not too complicated. These are just the basics to get a person started. Most people just show up and figure it out. But, these days most of the info is online. Maybe I can help and pay it forward a little

Ya Wise is a UK company. It's under the UK version of the FDIC. It's a fine company, and you'll either pay the higher fee or pay a flat rate fee ($25 at Navy Federal is the best I found) and get a worse exchange rate. So either way you look at it, there is a fee involved. Other banks, like Chase charge much more than Wise and still give a worse exchange rate. I've did both Wise and wire transfers. We do the best we can. But, even if we lose $100 making the wrong decision that month, the rent is still $500 compared to $2000. Plus, one month the rate might be 36/1 baht the next 34/1. It is what it is. Transferring money is a small price to pay

Hey that's good to here. Of course, do your own research. But, maybe I can point you in a direction to start. I love living in Thailand. Thank you for watching

Hey that's very generous, I really appreciate the gift. More videos to come.

That's great. Enjoy the move over. Thank you for watching

Ya man, come on over. San Diego is great, but it's expensive. Check out my playlist in the video description. There are plenty of mistakes I made you can avoid.

Thanks. It's a fun hobby. Keeps me busy. More videos on the way

Hey Master Chief. I just did my 4 years. I had a great time on a ship out of San Diego. I got a few West Pacs in. Good times. I've watched your channel. Back in BKK for a cruise ship break? I know you're not huge drinker, but if you're in the Sukhumvit area, swing by O'Shea's or Stella's for a beer sometime. My Line is joefromcalifornia. I might stop by Stella's tonight around 9:30. A subscriber wants to say hi. Swing by if your free. It in the alley on Sukhumvit Soi 41 behind the Tops Market in Phrom Phong. Or say hello before you get back on the road

@@EagerExpat Nice! Im actually here for the next 2 months. Over the next 3 weeks Im getting a ton of dental work done with appointments almost daily…so I wont be able to make it until after that whole thing is done.

@@30AndAWakeUp Sounds like a plan. I travel often, but BKK is home. Good luck with the dentist. Catch ya soon

That sounds like a nice mix. It looks like they are changing to a 60-day visa exempt stamp. Hopefully, you can extend that for 30 days. If not a 2 day side trip to Malaysia or Vietnam. Come back and get another 60.

Thanks for watching Steven. Best of luck with the move. More videos to come

Ha ha. Just a coincidence. Thanks for watching. I think I'd double my drinking if I had to tolerate the high prices and taxes in the US these days. My buddies home insurance just went from $700 a year to $2100. He never made a claim. Yes, life is much less complicated in Thailand these days

I know all about those 12 steps 😊

@@hownwen Nothing wrong with that sister. One step at a time. My dad was clean for 38 years. I heard him talking to a young guy. The guy has slipped after a few months and was feeling bad. My dad asked him if he had drank today. The guy said no. Then he told the guy, me either, so we both have the same time. One day at a time. He told him, let's both try to not drink today, and help each other make that happen. It's a good program

No problem, Brian. We both might be fine without a US phone soon. I seem to need an OTP code every time I log into my pension and government logins. But I think much of that is changing. Maybe it will be all done on my Thai phone soon. You did the most important thing. The cost of the phone is 15 or 20% cheaper in the US

Hey, thank you very much. I'm just having a little fun. Hopefully, I can help someone think about heading over for a visit. Or better yet, make the move over

I've been on those Cathay flights a half dozen times. I still prefer Tokyo over Hong Kong. It's just easier to fly 10.5 hours and 6.5 instead of 15.5 hours and 2,5. But, it's all easier in Business Class

@@EagerExpat yeah I agree 100%. I’ve been looking at JAL back. But you’re absolutely right, avoid flying out of US on a US carrier and avoid China carriers flying into mainland China as your layover. TPE, ICN, NRT, HND, MNL, SIN are all viable options. Maybe HKG if the layover is decent.

@@Marinate305 I don't mind the US carriers. I used to fly AA LAX to Hong Kong often. The miles are much less for business than a partner airline. Then I would buy a cheap ticket on Air Asia for the 2.5 to BKK. I've also did Delta SFO to HK. As long as I have a lay down seat, I'm good. But I do avoid the more budget airlines like China Southern. Even in business class. I was on a flight and I wanted a drink. No FA around for maybe 20 minutes. I walk up in the galley and they were busy smoking. Not a great flight

Ya man, I try to keep prepared. It goes back to my US Navy training.

Thanks very much. Yes, it was a learning curve. But, this year, it was easy for the extension. Again, compared to the military, this was simple. The issue is that one agent wants everything in blue ink. One wants your name signed at the bottom of every page. I do all that today, but I might run across a new rule. I give a Roger that and knock it out. Then I go blow the agent commission diving. Ha ha. We have a good life

You are right, it’s a great life! I heard you mention something about San Diego and the Navy, are you retired military? I lived in San Diego for the last 20 years and retired from the Navy. Life is very comfortable here getting by on a military pension. Most people in the west would probably be shocked at the cost of living in Thailand is compared to western countries!

@@markbm1 No my dad retired from the US Navy. I just did a hitch 84-88. I was a mailman in PB for 33 years. So I get to add my Navy time for a 37 year pension. The good news is I get to keep my health insurance which works well in Thailand

Glad it was helpful

Hey I appreciate that. Thank you very much for watching.

Ya, it's all a math problem. Wise usually has the best rate. They just raised the fee, maybe 30%. I have Chase, but they have a high percentage charge. I like Navy Federal. Flat rate $25 fee on $100 or $100,000. But the rate is a mystery. If Wise is 36.1, Navy is usually 36.0 or 35.9. Which isn't bad. Wise might charge $250 on 20k. So Navy wins sometime. It's all nickel and dime. The rate could be 33.1 next month. That's the real issue. If you need to move 800k or 23,000, US at 33 or 37 is a real money difference. But, we can't time the market. It's still worth it to make the move over. If you lose $1000, you'll make that up in 3 months' rent compared to US rent. I've been lucky. Large transfers at 36.9 last year. Moved about 30k at 37.1 this year. Of course, I keep the 800k in reserve. I don't like being forced to transfer every month. I'll wait till it's above 35. Better yet, 37 or maybe 40 one day. It happened years ago. Of course, if it goes to 34 tomorrow, I'll still be here

Thanks for the visit. More videos to come

For sure. I'm always up for a Stella's run

Thanks, I'm glad it helped someone. Of course the rules keep changing. They just switched from 30 day to 60 day visa exempt stamp. Of course, we're not sure if you can extend the 60. So, same same, but different?

Thank you very much

Hey Brian. Ya man Thailand is great. Adjust your lifestyle and try and avoid the heat of the day. It works out perfect for me. I love running around late at night. I go to the movie at 10pm, etc.. The heat can be brutal, but break it up with trips to Bali and the local areas. I'm from San Diego, so I like nice weather. But, I'm adjusted. The rain is also crazy. It will rain every afternoon and early evening from June to Sept. Trust me, it's all worth it

@@EagerExpat j

@@EagerExpat Hi Joe, so, I purchased a one way ticket from SFO to bkk with EVA. I need to purchase an onward flight - right prior to my 30 days- “showing “ I will be leaving Thailand ?? Will ( possibly) Thai immigration ask or EVA @ sfo ? Another question please 🙏; WiFi?? So I purchased a new Apple phone, they now have E-sim , I need to buy WiFi through a Thai company prior to leaving USA ? Please forgive my ignorance. I will do some research, yet, any advice you have is so appreciated. Thanks for your time and what you’re doing in making videos. Sincerely, Brian

@@briansouza8528 The onward travel thing is really hit or miss. In 50 flights (guessing?) in the last decade, I've been asked 5 (guessing) times for proof of onward travel. In my case I had a return ticket, so that worked. The one time I didn't when I moved over, Japan Airlines at the LAX counter asked. I didn't have a ticket. They said I couldn't board without proof of onward travel from Thailand within 30 days. It doesn't have to be a ticket home. It can be (what I did a $19 ticket to Kuala Lumpur) Just pick a place that doesn't tack on an E Visa fee. Cambodia, Malaysia are good choices. Or they have "fake" ticket companies for onward travel. I think they charge $14? If you want to have zero chance of an issue, just get a ticket for day 29 out of Thailand. There is also a very small chance you might be asked arriving in Thailand. I never have, but others with multiple trips (border runs perhaps?) are being asked. Another option is to buy a refundable ticket from Thailand to wherever and cancel the ticket after you arrive. As far as WiFi, I'm no expert on any of this. Like you, I learn as i go. Get your buddies, relatives, etc.. to put Line on their phone. It's like What's App, but they use Line in Thailand. This is where it gets a little tricky, and again I'm no expert. I think you can only have one Line account on one phone. Maybe you can have two accounts with another email? I tried to put Line on my US phone and Thai phone and it didn't let me. I was using the the same email. Maybe one on Google and another on Yahoo? The problem is you'll have two Line ID's. But what I would do is get Line working on your US phone. Get your close contacts on Line. It's free to text and call as long as they have data or a WiFi signal. Someone just left a comment that you have to activate WiFi in the US on a new phone hitting a US cell tower. In other words you can leave a US cell in the box and turn it on for the first time in Thailand and have the US WiFi work. Maybe that's where your confused? I have my US Sim (T-mobile) in an old phone. I keep that phone at the condo and 100% data roaming off (no accidental switching) and on my router WiFi signal at home. Internet is cheap in Thailand. I think it's $27 a month for fiber optic. Then go get AIS, I like the people at Terminal 21 in Asoke. You'll then have a Thai Sim in the new iPhone. you'll have a choice of a post paid or pre-paid plan. Post paid you get a bill each month, pre-paid you have to top up the phone. I might have that backwards. You can pre-pay the top up program. Get a plan for maybe 400b a month. That somewhere in the middle. Nobody will ever call you. It's all on Line over here. Text, calls will be on Line. So the plan at 400b might be 45 minutes of calls and 10g of data. That's more than enough for me. I had 2g, but I kept running out of data. 5g would probably be enough, but it's like $3 a month more for 10g. You then will have to decide. You can have your US sim in the iPhone and add a Thai sim (E-sim) as well. You can also add Vietnam, Cambodia, etc.. later. I think you can have eight sims in one phone. Of course you'll have to understand hoe to toggle back and forth from the US to the Thai and later Vietnam, Cambodia, etc.. It's not that tricky. I have three sims in my US phone. I'm just old school and keep my US phone at home. Almost like a computer. I make 99% of my calls at 11pm or midnight. That's 9am in California. So it's fine it's not on the phone I carry all day. But, you'll make that choice. Once you get the Thai phone, ask the AIS rep to help here. You'll need to save all your relatives Line ID's. They have a number or a QR code. Have all that written down. Again I'm old school. Maybe there is a way to port the account contacts over? This is a question for the AIS lady. Give her a 100b tip and have her dial that in. Or start another Line account with another email on the Thai number? I only have one, but I'd like you to get that dialed in with your contacts before you go. That would be helpful I have to juggle Line for Thailand, What's App for some people and WiFi calling for others. If you had everyone on Line on the Thai phone, you would only need WiFi calling to call a bank, etc.. So I hope this all makes sense. Bottom line is don't worry about this, it's all simple. You'll probably do like most people and use one phone. I'm old school with two, but I only carry one Thai phone. Get a cheap plan like the rest of us. Save every WiFi signal at your favorite bars or places to eat, and your home WiFi. Save as much of that 10g data for google map, Grab rides, Spotify, RU-vid on the train, etc.. Get a 7 day travel plan from T-Mobile (whoever) to have plenty of roaming/data, etc.. for the arrival. Grab, Bolt, Line apps with be most helpful. I use my US credit card on Bolt and Line. Keep in mind a US phone is suppose to hit a US cell tower once a year, they threaten to turn it off if it's over 2 years. I got on a military plan and I'm ok after two years (so far) but keep that in mind if you leave it one for years. Most people just use apps like What's App or Line, but I'm not sure if I can call a bank on What's App? I don't think so. I know I can't use my Thai phone on WiFi to call a US number, so I'm still learning too. Don't worry about asking questions. You're smart to try and have some things figured out. You'll do fine over here. Sorry for the long response. Just trying to help. I charge one San Miguel Light at Stella's. Ha ha

I do everything I can to avoid Heathrow. I'm always on award tickets. It might be $50 tax in Tokyo. London might be $300 tax. It's just rolled into the price of the ticket. But, that's why the ticket is $2000 and LAX to Tokyo is often under $1000. If you are an an award ticket, you have to pay the tax. Heathrow is about the worst in the world for tax. If you fly from JFK, the UAE is the way to go. Plus, Emirates, Ethihad are great airlines

I never see these routes. I’ll make a conscious effort to track one down. Thanks for the tip.

@@EagerExpat interesting maybe that’s why I never see these. Price.

@@Marinate305 You can even get a direct flight from Heathrow to BKK. I would never do it. I fly 99% of the time on points, but I have to pay the tax and airport fees. Heathrow is a deal breaker at $300 to $400 on a business ticket. Even $100 or $200 on a coach ticket. $10 coach or $20 tax to Japan is a no brainer. Plus, it's a shorter flight

@@Marinate305 Play around with Google flights. Search LAX or SFO to BKK. I hear people complain everyday the flight are expensive. A fast look the other day for a buddies daughter. I saw $800rt on Japan, ANA, Cathay, etc.. You just need to flexible on dates. Fly on a Tuesday and return 20 days later on a Wednesday. You want to fly with every business traveler Sunday morning, expect to pay $2000 instead of $800

Ya you can't compare San Diego weather to many places in the world. My dad was in the US Navy. Born on Guam then Rota, Spain, Groton, Long Beach and San Diego since 1972. I'm a PB guy who does not like heat. But, at the two year mark, I rarely sweat. I think I'm actually getting used to the heat. Of course, I avoid the heat if I can. I'd rather go out at 6pm until 1am. I go to the movie at 10pm, etc.. I go out to make these videos in the day, but being a nite-owl is a big advantage. Last night at 11pm a few of us were at dinner on a patio. It was maybe 80 degrees and breezy. It was perfect weather.

@@EagerExpat Having lived in downtown San Diego for many years Id love to be able to afford to live in either Pacific Beach, La Jolla, Coronado( By the Hotel Del), Encinitas, etc. My mother owned a condo for over 10 years in Pattaya and I visited many times and never could get used to or enjoy the heat and humidity. Everything else, the variety of restaurants and malls were great though.

@@Resmith18SR I hear ya, but if you can afford to live downtown, that's not cheap. I can get you a studio apartment in PB on my old route for $1200. It just depends what a person wants. Me, I want to live in a high rise in Bangkok for $500. San Diego is great, but Bangkok is awesome

Ya I need to write a few more things down. Ha ha. I think I said LAX to Sin was 18.5. It's 17 hours. I would avoid EVA. It's a great airline, but that area of the world may be an issue soon. Even if it's just a caution, I can see flights to TPE being delayed at some point. Lots of tension in the area. I still like LAX to NRT. For awhile the plane from San Diego had a 55 minute connection. They would be standing by with a golf cart. I think I did that 4 times. Always concerned but never missed a connection. Worst case was a free night in Tokyo. Again, I'm not a fan of the Chinese Airlines, I've had a 99% average of getting into business seats. I've did Air China, China Eastern and Hainan. Shoot at one time you could buy a business seat for $2000 on Hainan and earn a crazy amount of Alaska miles. Those days are gone. Everyone of those flights had a problem. Two of them cancelled the BKK leg. We arrived so late I missed the connection on the third. I think China Eastern (even in business) didn't offer any compensation. Air China tried to send me to Manila then BKK, because they didn't have a seat direct on the next flight to BKK. I looked it up and showed them they were still selling seats on the flight in two hours. Again in business class. When I boarded the plane the business cabin stayed half empty. So I'm no fan of Air China. They also let people walk into the business cabin and grab an open seat. I would have been fine if they upgraded senior Air China customers. These were people just sneaking up. I'm not a snob, but that's a bold move. Of course the overhead filled in coach, so they started bringing bags into the business cabin. That's fine, but the entire flight people kept coming up and spreading there luggage out in the aisle. Looking for a jacket, etc.. I look forward to these business and first class awards. I've never been on a Chinese airline (not counting Cathay) that seemed professional. I even saw a FA smoking in the galley on China Eastern. Hainan was ok I guess. I think it had a 6 hour layover before BKK. I fly small planes. So my thoughts switch from a dirty plane, to how well the flight deck is ran. How many hours sleep did that pilot get, etc.. I assume the captain of a 777 is a pro anywhere in the world. But, the other areas of the airline need some real improving. I love Cathay, but they have been in and out of bankruptcy. I'm afraid to get a ticket a month ahead of time. Even AA and Alaska stop giving business awards at times. They don't know what's going on. ANA and Japan Airlines are my go-to. I'll fly backwards and hour or so for Singapore Business or First Class, but the award flights are pretty expensive.

@@EagerExpat Air China is trash but China Airways is great out of Taiwan. I’m worried about the geopolitical situation brewing as well. It would create a huge bottle neck for Japanese and Korean airlines as they go through that straight. They may have to go on the backside of the island adding 2 hours of flight time. From Houston United and AnA have about a 4 hour connection and that’s unacceptable to me. I stand by EVA as they work best for me from my gateway city for 1 stop service. Going through the sandbox is also fast on the east bound just not the return portion as your buck 10000 miles of headwinds. Qatar does often runs sales in business.

@@BirdDog. Sounds like a plan. The bottom line is how ever you get here, it's worth the flight. I did it a few times taking 40 days working 12 hour days on a US Navy cruiser. I'll take an airliner over that any day.

That sounds good. My girlfriend and I are leaving town. It's a bank holiday on Monday. I'll be around next week. Maybe a beer on Sukhumvit sometime. Shoot me a message next week when you're free

@@EagerExpat sounds good. I will touch base with you next week.

❤

@@WendDesaulniers Thanks for watching

Sounds great. I wish I could play. I've just practiced, but my fingers are all busted from motocross. That's my excuse

Thanks for watching. Ya, you need to adjust living solo far from home until you have some good buddies. In California, I had neighbors or friends that would drop everything to come, take me to a hospital, etc.. it may never happen, but 7000 miles away, I might be on my own. I have good friends over here, but half the time, one of us is 500 miles away. Sitting on an island, etc.. keeping a go bag is a simple thing for me. If the fire alarm goes off and I need to run out of the building, I'm all set.

@EagerExpat I know exactly what you mean even living in Colombia part time it was important to have paper work in order. But Thailand what I ve seen has way way better medical . That's my concern no matter what

@@williamtruesdale2665 Check out my playlist in the video description. Plenty of videos showing one of the best hospitals in Thailand. A world class facility.

Glad you liked it

Ya, man, San Diego is great, but it's just so expensive. Even living in Bangkok feels like 1990 prices.

Yes, you're a lot closer than California. What rules? Especially if you just transit the airport. There both fine options. However you get here, just get on over

Thank you very much for watching

I'll bet they are harder to find. I'm a size 10. All good

Ha ha. As a mailman for 34 years I'm in support of paper mail. However in 2 years I haven't received one paper letter. It's all online. A few things like W2's will still come in the mail. But, I can also see a copy online. As long as I have a US phone, I can get the OTP codes to open the government websites. It also helps to have a good VPN to switch to the US.. I use Surfshark. The important thing is having that US address. Even credit cards, I use my Florida address, but then they deliver it to Thailand

Thanks for watching. The Philippines is fine, but I'm a Bangkok guy 100%. I've been to the PI 13 times, but Thailand is home

I appreciate that. I'm just a regular guy, but maybe this will help someone else. Learn from my mistakes. Ha ha

Doing a visa is 3 forms and a little homework. It was actually pretty easy. If you chose to pay someone that's fine, but it won't be any easier in year two So plan to pay that agent every year as long as you stay. Thailand announced a new change to immigration on May 30 starting today June 1. Big surprise people are still getting a 30 day stamp. The new news is the 60 day may start at the end of June. One thing is for certain with Thailand, you need to role with the flow. Things change fast and other things take time t change The new DTV visa is a great idea, but nobody knows what it means yet. As far as opening a bank account. Get an agent. This is a real pain. Pay the $100 and don't waste time walking into ten bank branches. This is a real pain today. To me it's not a matter of being able to afford an agent. I could hire 100 agents. I want to know what's going on. There's only one way to know that, do it myself. But you are correct, each their own. But, if you can't do the first visa, good luck doing the extension. It's the same paperwork. What's different after 12 months?

Hey thanks Andy. This is Andy right? I forget all the handles. Ya, I could care less about the moaners. I just speak in dollar because it's easy for me to keep track. I make enough mistakes. ha ha

@EagerExpat yeah, it's me, I can imagine it's hard to keep track...😬 We don't make it any easier for you with our profile pictures...lol

@@No_Strings Ya man, I thought that was you. I'll see you back toward the end of the year

@@EagerExpat it'll be far sooner than that...👍😊.. keep up the good work..

@@No_Strings Roger that. Shoot me a Line and well get some beers

Yes that's true. I didn't say otherwise

Ya, I made this video three or four days ago. In typical Thai fashion, they announced that change on May 30, but left out the details. You used to arrive 30 day visa exempt and for 1900b get a 30 day extension. Now it's 60 on arrival on no mention of extension. Of course people on Facebook like to pretend to know, but it hasn't been recorded. They say it will all be sorted out in September. The new visa is 180 days to be extended 180 days. I'm guessing that's 180 plus a 180 extension sometime in 5 years. Facebook keyboard warriors are claiming you can get 180, then 180 (a year) and do that for five years. I doubt that's true, but the info has not been released. Just like the new tax. You need to roll with the flow with any changes. Just after the pandemic they changed the exemption to 45 days and 90 for Russians. Facebook couldn't wait to say it will be 90 for everyone soon. That didn't happen

@@EagerExpat Hey Traveler, very interesting and the good think is that I won't have the FB-fever obstacle, since it is once/year (if that) browsing for me- We got that checked off! + As you say: Roll with the flow (changes) and obey the regulations (equal less (hope none) headaches). Keep safe!

@@user-qm3zy1xj5z Yes I agree. Roll with the flow. The big new changes on June 1st haven't appeared to happen. People are still getting 30 day stamps (from what war reported online) They were told the 60 day will start at the end of June. TIT, this is Thailand. Once they sort it out, they may go back to 30 days, or switch to 90 days. You need to keep cool. I get comments on people that hate all the changes in immigration. I just say, hey it's Thailand and they make the rules. If it's too much to deal with, you can always stay home. Because they never change rules in the US, UK, etc.. He said sarcastically. I had an ex from Canada. It took her 9 years to get her green card in the US. It may take another 5 years to get citizenship. Every country has obstacles. I think Thailand is pretty easy to navigate myself.

I've used Turbo Tax for the last 10 years. It worked fine the past few years. There is an outfit in Nana that handles tax returns for US citizens. I'm sure there are others, but I've never used them

No I didn't want a Non OA because of the health insurance requirement. At the time Thailand did not accept Blue Cross because it did not have pandemic language. Of course it covered everything, but that wasn't good enough for Thailand. So it was never an option to me. You don't need (as of today) health insurance for a Non O available in Thailand. I have health insurance from the US that works fine. No need for another bill for some Thai policy

@@EagerExpat Makes sense. I will get insurance coverage regardless of who or where from. I'll be 58 in August and have 2 more years before my Tricare for Life benefit will kick in at 60. My wife has Anthem BC/BC and I think they'll cover me for 90 or 180 days while there. I need to confirm that before I arrive in late Oct. Thank you for the reply Joe, hoping to buy you a beer while in Bangkok.

@@runawaypapa Ya sort all that out. I think you need the Geo Blue rider on the Blue Cross to work 100% abroad. But, I'm not sure. I kind of lucked out with the federal policy. You can always consider a Thai policy. I don't know anything about those, but even a policy that only covered major expense might be a smart idea. Pay the $100 small stuff, but be covered in the event of a surgery

Yes, the only issue is that a US phone is supposed to hit a US cell tower once in a while. I pay to be on a military plan. If you return to the US every few years, these cheaper options are fine. Verizon and T mobile said it must hot a tower every year. At the 2 year mark, it's cut off. I'm over 2 years old, and we'll see what happens

Thank you very much

Some people use Amazon. I'd say 20% of sellers will ship here. Plan on waiting a month for the package. They have Lazada here. Plus, many items on Amazon you'll pay a customs fee. 50/50 on whether you get to pay that a second time when it arrives. My buddy bought three pair of Levi's on Amazon. I think he paid $30 customs. Thailand has an import fee on most items from abroad. When the package arrived he was told to go get it at the post office. They told him he owes $30 customs fee. He argued it was paid, etc.. He paid the fee a second time. They do sell Levi's here. They might cost 25% more, but that's what he ended up paying on that 30 day Amazon deal. I don't bother with Amazon here. Mail Box Etc.. addresses don't work for many items. I used to live on a sailboat. When i applied for a credit card, it would say this is not a valid physical address. Included was a Google map picture of the Mail Box Etc.. Use a buddies house or relatives. In the past two years, I think I got 5 pieces of mail at my buddies house. Everything is online. But, a real address will make your life easier.

Thanks for watching. I've been lucky with the exchange rate. I moved over 30k at 36.5/1 and maybe 25K at 37/1. I moved over 2,000 each month last year for 12 months to avoid the 800k balance. I got all kinds of rates. 33/1 to 37/1. I decided to just move larger amounts when the baht is "hopefully" over 36/1. I just keep the 800k in the bank. It's 34.5/1 today and the dollar is dropping. I hope it creeps back up, but, I'm good for 6 months or longer. 50% of my spend is on US credit cards.

@@EagerExpat Thanks for the reply. I Slept on the better rates. Making the move in the new year. Already have a place in Mae Rim and visa sorted out. Thanks again

ANA is awesome. I think I posted a video that gives a few tips on using miles. With ANA you need to search one leg at a time. You can't search say Denver to Bangkok. It will say zero availability 99% of the time. You need to only search LAX, SFO, (wherever else they have a direct flight to Tokyo) You'll find the space. Tokyo to BKK is tougher. You might have to downgrade to coach on that leg, but get put on stand-by for the business you already paid the points for. It get trickier if you need a United flight to get to LAX, say from Denver. ANA may not have a business seat on the United flight. So find the long leg in business. If you have that many ANA points, you must have made that flight many times. You probably know the business flow to Tokyo and back, better than me. It will be harder to get a points ticket when everyone is heading to Asia on Friday night or returning Sunday morning, etc.. Monday, Tuesday, etc.. is usually easy to find. Plus, it's almost impossible to search roundtrip. If you do say Denver to BKK roundtrip, it will be a 1 in a 1000 you will get an award. I'm m ore expert with One World, Alaska miles. I'm not sure if ANA makes you do roundtrip. With United miles you need a roundtrip award. But, with ANA I think you can get two one-way awards. So find the long flight to Tokyo in business. Then volunteer to be in coach (maybe premium economy) from Tokyo to BKK. That's not great because you still have 6.5 hours to BKK. Another option is find the award in business to Tokyo. Then find Tokyo to Hong Kong in Business. You can usually put that flight together. You might have a long layover. Try and make that layover even longer. You have 24 hours. Get a flight to Hong Kong 23 hours later and a capsule hotel good nights sleep. Get a cheap ticket the 2.5 hours on Air Asia to the smaller DMK airport. BKK can be rough. Or use a few more ANA points on a Thai Airlines partner, Hong Kong to BKK. I wouldn't waste miles on that. Hope that helps a little. ANA is great. Check out Flyertalk and the ANA section. 204,000 miles is a good problem to have. You might get a first class one way. I did ANA, Japan, Cathay in first. Nothing better. I did most of that with Alaska or AA miles. I have 190,000 Ultimate Reward miles today. I'm sure I'll be moving into a few other airline programs to then get an ANA award

I'm not sure I've seen that branch. I'd guess it's over there near the US Embassy. There's a Citibank Branch in Asoke that is for business only. You can't use the ATM with a US card. If there was a get around it would be very popular. There are none that I've heard of. Getting money to Thailand will come at a cost. But, once it's here you save 60% on rent, etc.. So it's a small price to pay

It's all in videos in my playlist Mistake I Made & Things I Did Correct. Thanks for watching

Did I say that by mistake? Haneda opened in 1931

If you're moving here, you'll need a Thai bank. Your landlord won't take a wise visa. If you want a retirement visa, it will be best to show the 800k in a Thai bank. Use wise to transfer money into the Thai account. Or a Navy wire transfer. Bring cash if you'd like, but the 800k has to be sent from abroad. What you bring into the country doesn't count. Check out my video on getting a Non o visa. I explain it all

Live where you want to live. The Facebook warriors have no idea what's going to happen about the tax situation. They love to say you will be double taxed at 35%. Nothing has been released stating that. Thailand doesn't even operate that way. You probably need a salary well over 150K (US) to even get in the 35% bracket. Yet, some guy online who gets $1000 month social security thinks he will be taxed 35%. There are double tax treaties in place. More than likely, if you paid tax in the US, you won't pay a second time in Thailand. The rate you pay in the US is more a concern. Hopefully, that won't be 50% one day. Maybe we will need to fill out another form at immigration showing tax was paid. Well see. They haven't told us. Yet the "sky is falling" types online have it all figured out. It's true, the guy who makes $1000 probably didn't pay any tax on that sum in the US. Personal exemptions, etc.. I have no idea if there are write offs and exemptions in Thailand. To think they will compare your US tax form to a Thai form is pretty crazy. They would need 1000 times more agent than they have. For what? To try and get Mr $1000 for $33 of tax. I don't think so. But, like most of those guys say, "I'm going to Cambodia" Good, let them go. I guess you can live on cash. If the idea is to bounce in and out of the country for a few months at a time, at some point they will stop you. If you want to come over for 30 days (maybe 60 soon? Again wait and see) Then get a 30 day extension, for a total of 90 days, you should be able to do that at least once a year. If you want to do that twice a year, I'd guess come year three, you might be pulled into the small room at the airport. If you want a real visa, you will need a Thai account. It will need 800K ($23,000) That has to come from abroad, not an ATM. We will see what happens on the tax. If I had to guess, it's another piece of paper. Maybe, and it's a big maybe, they will tax the difference on US tax to Thai tax. But, they don't really have the resources to collect that. I doubt they want to see thousands of good expats run away over a double tax. You won't find a landlord that will take cash. So plan on double the price for a hotel. Or AirBnB on a credit card. For instance, they announced last year they would start a 300b tax on incoming airline flights. To cover idiots who crash motorbikes without insurance. They asked the airlines to collect it. The airlines said no. The other week, they said, Ok forget it. I remember the Facebook commandos going crazy over that too. I have no idea what the future holds tax wise. I'll deal with it if anything happens. My rent is $500 a month for a luxury apartment. If for some reason I have to pay $500 a year tax, or whatever the next fee will be, I've saved that living here in 1 month. So it's all relative.

@@EagerExpat appreciate your insight and response. I get VA disability which is not taxed here in the states plus some investment income which is why I am a little more concerned as I’ll have to pay the higher rate. I am not a doomer I just have to make smart choices. I’d much prefer to live in Thailand and I feel like that’s the way to go but given I’m a year out I’m just doing my due diligence. I greatly appreciate your channel and opinions. Thank you for your service!

@@TheKnowledgeispower2 Ya man. It's always smart to do the research. Just remember, half these guys acting like pros don't know what there talking about. Until it's in the Royal Gazette, it's isn't law. Pay attention to Khao Sod English. He's a straight shooter. Ignore the trolls on Facebook and RU-vid. These guys are just looking for clicks

Of course you don't need it. But I think it's foolish not to have one. It's 3400 baht. If that's a deal breaker, you might need to stay home and save a little more. I travel abroad once a month. Getting a single entry permit 12 times a year doesn't make sense for me. If you don't travel it might make sense.

Ya, man. Shoot a comment here when you arrive. I'm always up for a beer. I've made detailed videos on everything you need for a smooth move. Watch those, and you'll have a great start.

Ha ha. Many people over here could use the extra 12 steps. Or at least do the first twelve twice. One day at a time is a good motto in life. Even if you drink a little. Life is hard enough at times. Take things in small pieces and it's much easier

@@EagerExpat I'm diggin the jib cut and the upload, I'm signing up for membership and a 3 l 13 steps for a 36 step refresher course . so I have that going for me...Gods speed my good friend

My rent is $525 for the last year. The landlady just gave me 2 more years at $525. Most rentals are also for sale. I checked my condo price and it was $190,000. That's a lot of $525's. Plus, I might want to go live in another part of Thailand some day. It's hard for me to get away from thinking Thailand real-estate is like San Diego real-estate. But, some of these comments don't go up in value very fast. In fact (unlike California) as the building gets older, the Thai's don't want to rent there. So the price dips

Ok thanks)

Yes, I mention that flight in the more detailed video. The problem is it's 3 days (I think) a week. Plus, it used to be seasonal. Maybe it's fulltime today? I searched for a month for a buddy. The flights were almost twice as much as others with a 1 hour layover. But, with points, it might be a good choice. For me in San Diego, that's another flight up the coast. I did it for a Cathay Business ticket once. Yes, my Blue Cross works perfect here in Thailand. I've did several videos on insurance. In the video description, I listed a playlist that has all those videos.

@@EagerExpat I could be wrong but I think they canceled that route altogether. I could be wrong but I couldn’t find it. And it was available early April this year because I considered it.

@@Marinate305 Ya I think it's a seasonal flight. It was three times a week. I assume during high season. Maybe November to March? When it was flying it was almost at a premium. I tried to book a buddy on the flight, but he ended up going with a Cathay flight out of Vancouver. A 2 hour layover in Hong Kong was worth it for him to save (at the time) $600 over the direct Air Canada flight.

No, unless you pay extra to live in an AirBnB you can't use a credit card. Many serviced apartments used to take them if you paid the 3% fee. But that is tougher to find. I love using my cards, but paying $800 (airbnb) for the same place I can get for $550 with a lease, doesn't make sense.

I've had NFCU since 1985. No problems at all. It's my go-to credit union.

Hey, thanks. I appreciate that. I'm just having some fun with this little hobby. Hopefully, you'll follow along

@@EagerExpat I am moving to either Bangkok or Chiang Mai when the time comes.

I'm no expert on visas. There are many to choose from. You'll have to research all that. If you are talking about a Non-O for retirement, I keep at least 800k in the account always. Unlike many countries, including Thailand, they might have an elite visa. Many of those you pay $10,000 us or more. The 800k is your money to take when you leave Thailand. There's a rule that is has to be in the bank (I'm not sure) 4 months before application/extension and 4 months after. It can drop to 400K the other 4 months (I think) I just leave over 1 million in the account. When I spend close to 800k, I move money over from the US. You can also show 65K going into the Thai account each month. You need to do the 800K first and show the 65K for 12 months and switch over. There are also agents that will take care of the 800k issue, for a fee of course. There are visas I'm unaware of where you can show the 800k ($24,000?) in a foreign account, then switch to the 65K in a Thai in year two. Dozens of options. But simply put, that 800k stays in the account. Unless in year two, you switch to the 65K method.

@@EagerExpat Thank you for the reply. I thoroughly enjoyed your video, very informative. I will be moving to Phuket. I love the ocean and want to be near it for as long as possible. Haha Best regards and good luck with your future videos.

@@Fran-z7h That's great. I just came back from Krabi. I love Ao Nang beach.

Ya, T Mobile works great for me as my WiFi phone I keep at home. When I travel it's my main phone, until I get a local E-sim in my Thai phone. It can hold 8, so I have a large collection. The issue with T-Mobile is they throttle you to 3G (for free) when it's roaming. Not all the time, but in a busy part of Bangkok, you are the last one to get the best signal. Bangkok is all 5G. For $5 US, get 10g of 5G data for 30 days at AIS or True. AIS has worked perfect for me all over Thailand. Even on the small islands. The folks at AIS near the movie theatre at T-21 are the best. They speak perfect English and deal with these issues all day long. Use the T-Mobile on WiFi only. Call back home for free. Use the local sim for walking around listening to my RU-vid videos. Ha ha

TMobile tells me my phone will work in Thailand with slow internet speeds...but every single time Ive visited, it only connects 10% of the time. We learned to just get a Thai sim card in an extra phone and skip the frustration

@@CreamPuffthePom I don't use my T Mobile around town. It works throttled back at 3G. I'll use it in Hong Kong or Australia, until I load a local e-sim. Where the US phone plan is important to me, is to call US numbers on Wi-Fi. I leave my US phone on the home network. I call banks on800 numbers. They don't often times take What's App. Plus. many of my older relatives don't need to figure out apps at age 85. It's just worth it for me at $55 a month. Plus, it makes life easy for bank OTP's, etc.. As far as daily use, I have an AIS account in another phone. I just leave the US plan at home. It's just another computer these days. But for traveling the T Mobile works better than my AIS in Hong Kong, etc.. Even at 3G, it's enough for maps. I then use my Thai phone on WiFi for contact with Line app and friends in Thailand. Nobody uses What's App here. It's all Line

I always say it will make your life much easier to keep a US address. A family or trusted friend. I don't get Social Security and Medicare doesn't work here. But, I've hear tale of guys having Social Security sent abroad. If you miss the "are you alive" call each year they stop the check. I assume it's best to deposit into a US bank and transfer the cash over. If you want to break all ties with a US address, I have no idea how to do that. I'm sure some people do it, but I think it's a bad idea.

Ya, this was a BOA Alaska card. I called two days in a row. Two supervisors said no can do. Chase, just FedEx me a new card. You are correct about multiple cards. Even multiple banks.

Yes, it's a pain. An easy decision to use an agent or lawyer for this issue

@@EagerExpat once you find an agent, is anyone asking where $10K cash came from?

@@Marinate305 I never used an agent, but you can bring any cash you want into Thailand. You have to declare at customs if you bring more than $10k. If you want a retirement visa, the 800k (23K0 has to be wired from your home country. Whatever cash you brought can be put in the Thai account, but you still need 800k sent from abroad. They want a clear path of the money arriving into Thailand from a US/UK, etc.. bank to your Thai bank

@@EagerExpat make sense. I’m ok with a lawyer letter and some USD. Thanks for the advice.

@@Marinate305 They make it much easier

Yes, ever bank will do a transfer. Navy Federal is $25. You just need to transfer in US dollars to get the best rate in baht. That $40 fee can turn into a $200 fee if you get a bad rate on a $10,000 transfer. I usually do 10k or 15k two or three times a year when the baht is favorable

That is old school. Always a good idea to have two banks and ATM cards. I took a trip to Bali and my Navy card didn't work. Luckily I had my Thai and Chase card

On a 737, there might be 180seats. There is room for 55 to 65 bags in the overhead. I've never checked a bag in my life. I've also never complained about my bag being lost. Plus, in the US, airlines like Southwest don't have assigned seats. You get on and sit down. Halfway through boarding, there are zero overhead spots and only middle seats left. You are in seat 27b and the girlfriend is in 37c. Plus, first on and sitting up front means first off to customs and not complaining about 200 in front of you. But I get it. Please keep getting on behind me. Then again, I'm on a plane every two weeks. I have a system that works for me. If getting on 10 minutes later works better for you, that's cool. But, I love to fly. Most people can't stop complaining about the one flight they take a year. I fly as often as I can. Amazing where you can go in 3 or 4 hours from home. Most people don't bother taking a look

Another good reason to board the plane last is to slowly scan the seating (this is for economy). There may be an open row of seats. You can slip into the middle seat and hope no one else boards. If you get lucky you'll be able to stretch out and sleep. I've only done this on red eyes leaving the US

@@Mhel2023 I'm a miles and points guy. If I'm crossing an ocean, I'm in business for free. If I'm on Air Asia, those planes are packed. Get on last they gate check your carry on. When I go to Vietnam or Cambodia, I'm all about the carry on.

But, you also pay $600 rt LAX to Tokyo. Bring a sandwich, sit in a middle seat, and travel like I did with a 7k backpack. 100 countries and counting. Today, first class or business is great. If it's free on miles. Ha ha. Watch my video on flying first on Japan Airlines for $70. So I'm glad these low-cost airlines are there. I wish it was there in 1984 when it was $1200. Maybe $4000 in today's dollars. If you want the real deal, fly Japan Airlines. They operate Zip for a low cost option. The same with Scoot (owned by Singapore Airlines) I love Air Asia. Pay the $20 for a seat, early boarding and extra carryon weight. I'd assume it's $75 more for Zip. Otherwise you get what you pay for. The other consideration is seat layout. One budget airline might put a seat layout of 3/4/3. Another might put 3/3/3. The airline decides the seats. One 777 might have 35 more seats (I'm looking at you all mainland Chinese airlines) I try to avoid all that and fly (for free) in first or business. I love my airline miles

@@EagerExpat Between devaluation and lack of availability, I may just save my points for Hyatt. I can relax and take my time getting to Asia via a repositioning cruise.

@@ExtraGuac007 I see availability everyday. Never search say Denver to BKK. Search LAX to Hong Kong. Business will be available everyday. Then call in and take the downgrade from (example) Denver to LAX in coach. Then buy a $150 rt Air Asia ticket 2.5 hours to BKK. Denver to BKK will never be available. Hub city to Hub city is the only way to go. I've did it, but the Cathay in business is almost impossible Hong Kong to Bangkok. So they system will say LAX to BKK (on Cathay) isn't available for the entire year. However, if you search LAX to Hong Kong, that's available in business (or better first class) all the time. Especially last minute. Find that first. Then search for Hong Kong to BKK. It might be 36 hours later. With Alaska miles you can have an unlimited layover in a hub city. The system will not tell you to take a 36 hour layover , so it just says unavailable. I used to go airline mile conventions. I'll use points in an expensive city like Tokyo or Paris for a hotel. But, nothing beats a first class redemption with points. A night at the Hyatt Place in BKK might be $50 (low season) My one-way first class Japan Air ticket was $12,000. I paid 90k Alaska miles and $40 tax. It also included a business downgrade from Tokyo to BKK. Had I searched LAX (or worse yet San Diego to BKK) I would have never found that award. The computer is stupid. It only knows there is no first class San Diego to Lax or Tokyo to BKK (It's a 787) So it just says, go away please. You find, LAX to Narita in First. Find Narita to BKK in Business. Find San Diego to LAX in coach. Call in and watch the sassy lady in Texas be amazed you got it all for 90K. Search one leg at a time is the key. Unless you live in Los Angeles, San Francisco, etc..

@@EagerExpat Thanks for the tip. I will definitely look for those routes since my home airport is LAX. Btw, what is your luxury CC of choice for travel? The Venture X $300 portal credit annoys me. I'm locked out of the Amex Platty and I can't justify the $250 effective cost of the Chase Reserve. The Ritz-Carlton card is the forerunner, but I want to keep my AF down to a minimum.. What would you recommend if Priority Pass is the only feature I want from a luxury travel card? Or should I ditch all these cards and only book business/first class for lounge access?

Ha ha, normal expats too. Get on over here and check out BKK.

I've never heard of it. I'll check that out. But, I only use ATM traveling. If you live here, it's makes life simple to have a Thai account.

Yes, but the Citi branch in Bangkok is ran like a Thai bank. You can't transfer (for free) from a US Citi branch to the Thai Citi Bank. Trust me, I looked into that 6 years ago. Something that once worked, you used to be able to open a business account at Bangkok Bank in New York City. Deposit into NYC and it was a free transfer into Thai baht. That loophole was closed years ago. I'm not sure if you can open an account at Citi, Asoke branch. I'm assuming if you can it will still be a wire transfer from the US Citi to the Thai Citi. I might be wrong, but I'm 99% sure I'm correct. 100% of us from the US would be doing that instead of Wise

My last 2 required a photo copy of my long-term visa. But I'm sure some don't care. They are probably the same ones that won't keep up on the TM30. But if you are just border jumping, that's not a concern.

Get that situation resolved. Maybe a payment plan. Paying $300 rent or less in Thailand could help. Good luck, brother. It's just a small challenge. We all had those.

@@EagerExpat after the recession and all that nonsense that was going on with the shutdown people went to the stock market and dumped a bunch of money in there then they stop people from working people not paying rent people getting evicted now then on top of all that at the end of the year they still the government still wants they taxes... It's not going to happen people can't just cough money out of their butt.... So whatever money they make for the following year of 2021 2022 is going to straight in they pocket

Cambodia is fine for a visit, but I wouldn't live there. Thailand is the place for me

@@EagerExpat I guess you are rich

​​@@Driver2724You're right he's from San Diego and poor people aren't moving from San Diego to Thailand. 😂😂😂

Why does Thai immigration continually change the rules and then claiming they're making it easier for people? They have figured out that less tourists are visiting now, so they're supposedly making it easier, but try overstaying even for a week or a few days and you're looking at stiff fines and or jail.

@@Driver2724 I'm far from rich, but at age 57, you better have figured out how to save some cash in life.

I hear you. There were times I wanted to leave being a mailman. I flew small planes and wanted to make the leap to the airlines. I'd probably still be there and the airlines have really cut the pension program. The great thing about being a retired federal worker is leaving early (if you have saves and can afford it) Plus keeping that (in my case) $1100 health insurance policy each month for less than $300. But, I hear you. Get online and get some cash in. I seem to work 100 hours a week on this RU-vid channel. That's about $1 and hour. Ha ha. But, I'm having fun

America is an expensive place to live, but you are correct about electronics and other items to buy. I remember seeing Chinese tour buses pull up to discount stores like Marshalls and Ross. They would buy new suitcases and fill them with dresses and purses. Hey no problem, I'm pro business. I wish I had that problem in Thailand

Thank you very much for the invitation. I've made some videos in the Philippines. I'm sure I'll return to further explore. Thank you for watching

Thailand doesn't sound like a great place for you. Best of luck where you chose to live. And if it's in Bangkok, try and save some money and move to where you'll be happy. Life is too short to just sit and complain.

@EagerExpat yes sure but you need to talk to people about thoose fact , for be honest with them , that can save them a lot of money

Traffic jam, yes, but only for those that want to use a car or bus. The rail system is world class and best way to travel around BKK anyway. Many pros and cons in every country. Racist?? Any context to that, just curious...

@@CreamPuffthePom Some people just need a reason to complain. There is traffic in every major city in the world. At least Bangkok has a chaotic flow. They don't blow horns and treat each other with respect. Try driving in India or Vietnam. That is just a noise pollution. Like honking will make the traffic move. I also welcome this person to explain his blanket statement of racism. I'm not sure where this person is from. But, I find the Thai people to be some of the most welcoming in the world to everyone. It's the group of terrible tourists from certain countries that treat the Thai people with disrespect. Then they get confused when a small number of Thai's don't want to deal with them. I was on an Air Asia flight the other day. Some self entitled A hole female was almost yelling at the flight attendant to lift her bag in the overhead. The very polite 45k Thai lady lifted a clearly overweight bag (you are allowed 7k) I'd guess this was 15k over her head. Then this person took her shoes off and put them up on the seat in front of her. Then she probably wonders why people have a problem with her. I'm sure there are racist people all over the world. But, they guy that thinks every Thai person is trying to steal from a foreign person, etc.. is way off base. You treat a Thai person with respect and you'll get respect in return. You act like a little baby who need to be treated like royalty, I hope a Thai person sets you straight. I'm sure that's not you or me

Did you face racism in Bangkok?

EVA is a fine airline. I'm just afraid of the tension in that part of the world. Buying a ticket 5 months away may be an issue. China has a way of making trouble for the airlines they don't like. They almost put Cathay out of business. Hopefully, EVA won't be a victim in all the politics

Hey Michael. Nothing like a day at the races. Where the surf meets the turf. Or a good show at the Belly Up. Thanks for watching

Hey thanks for watching. I'm watching a movie and on hour two of answering comments. I try to answer every comment here. I just don't want to start answering emails. I did that once and people wanted me to find them flights. hotels, tours, girls, etc.. Got to be to much and time consuming. If you get to town, shoot me your Line. I'm always up for meeting someone in town.

@@EagerExpat get out of retirement! 😂 Or maybe this can be my 1st job. I’ll run it for you.

I appreciate you watching

You are correct. You need a Thai license. I don't believe I said otherwise