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Yes but your best option for rates and costs is "Wise". As has been discussed on multiple occasion on this forum. Especially if you transfer money on a regular basis. So forget WU and banks!

See the topic you created and go on the Smart Bus!

Its 100 baht only now on the smart bus! You can pay in cash! Quite easily your best option!!!

Current $US rate on wise is 33.8150baht per $1US It may have gone up since you did your transfer via global wire Don't know what your bank charges you but it's well worth comparing "Wise" versus your current method? https://wise.com/invite/u/robertk160

The problem could be paying by credit or debit card I transfer funds to Wise bank account direct from my UK bank account . Never an issue doing that.

It's not just saving a "few baht"! If one does regular transfers (In my case about £2k per month) the savings are considerable! Just transferred £2k today took 16 seconds to reach my Thai bank account. I have gone thru life saving a "few baht/pounds/dollars/rupees etc". here and there. Also certainly wasted money along the way on various things. But on the whole I was always told a Baht or whatever is better in your pocket than someone elses!

I am insured with WRlife and had to have an operation recently. They paid up no problems !

Was in khao lak a couple of weeks ago . .Not much was open. Planning another trip up there soon.Has the situation changed since Nov 1st ref restaurants/bars and serving of alcohol? Thanks for any local info.

Of course, I have seen the report from Phuket news and as they are the only "official" figures that are released it is what we all go by. His post was "Got report. today. etc " Which sounds like " his sisters boyfriends uncle etc told me" sort of thing!

might help if you backed your story up with facts rather than unsubstantiated rumours?

@BritManToo Well said! There will always be serial moaners on here, some of whom I doubt actually live here. But for retirees especially, including many I know, they have a good circle of friends here. The alternative for many retirees is to return home and be possibly just another old man in their town or village?

compare rates etc with wise versus. MG. https://wise.com/invite/u/robertk160

great service from this company I think visa cost me about 32k https://thaivisacentre.com/

Quite a few comments here from people who either visited years ago (07/08?) and/or made/make occasional visits. The actual situation here is Kata/Karon are almost derelict ghost towns with others near the airport similar. Patong is recovering but IMHO not suitable for the OP's situation. Kamala has a relatively safe beach particularly in high season when the monsoon fades. is easy to get around and multiple eating options. Rawaii, I understand is similar with ref to places open but beach not as good as Kamala and not easy to get around. Several establishments open in Laguna and Bangtao. But for ease of getting around I'd go for Kamala. Ref the poster who mentioned poor roads and potholes. Yes there are a few places with potholes but most of Phuket (including beach road Patong and almost all the way from Patong to the airport have had road resurfacing recently. that includes the main road that goes thru Kamala.

Sure ! what's your bank account number. Will also need your credit card number and PIN Thanks