JiminLA

Thanks again everyone, and yes my first requirement would be to have my friend find out what their insurance company has to say about me, a valid Thai license driver. I just want her to have it in an email record, or something written and signed, as opposed to just word of mouth that it's ok. This would be a bad situation to find out too late that you are now liable for things even if it's not your fault. However, since I was approached by three people already here, it seems to be standard practice, and like all things Thailand, a few thousand baht here or there, and all issues seem to disappear. Unlike in my home country, where the lawyers for the insurance companies duke it out. Cheers, Jim

Thanks guys, I see one of you thainet, has experience in this area, and does what I was hoping you can do to insure a new/other driver of your vehicle. I would be willing to pay them the extra amount if needed to make certain their insurance is in top shape. Have you ever had to file a claim for an individual who drove one of your cars and had an accident, and what was involved in the settlement? I ask, because maybe you've been lucky and never had to file a claim, and so the insurance company is none the wiser about you renting out your vehicles. Thanks again, Jim

Hi, I am here in Chiang Mai, and just got my Thai Driving License, and my Non-Imm VISA, so I need a car. I can go the usual route of renting from a major car rental company near the airport, but I also have friends here renting out personal vehicles. A major car rental company will cover all Collision Insurance, and you only need your own personal liability insurance, if you want, as a supplement. If I rent from a friend, what insurance should the two of us have, since I am unfamiliar with Thai auto insurance law? In America, in certain states, there is a clause where the owner of the car can take on the liability of the collision insurance, but not clear about what happens here. If anyone could give me some advice, I would appreciate it. I do not want to skimp on something as important as insurance. I currently have medical insurance coverage, but I have not investigated what is covered in case of an automobile accident, which is usually covered by the auto insurance. Also, since I will not, or probably can not, use my CC to expedite the deal, I will not have insurance coverage from them either. Thanks, Jim

Thanks again for all the information. It seems that while I could not get med insurance while still in the US, I am trading that problem with one of trying to get a Thai Bank account in Thailand. I appreciate all the help and like I assumed from the start, it is best to hire an agent to help with the process. Jim

Thanks everyone again for the information that seems completely different from the Non-O-A I was struggling to obtain here in the US. Now, I will not have a permanent address immediately, and will be in a hotel for the first 10 days or so, and then will be in an AirBnB for the remainder. If it will help me get the VISA, I can get an apartment sooner. I was just wondering, what do you do, if you have an accident, and do not have insurance? Thanks once again, Jim

That's great news. Are you saying I do not ever need insurance, even though I do plan to get it, or is that a different type of VISA? I was under the impression the Thai government wants expats to have health insurance coverage up to $100K USD, along with the $800K baht in the bank. Or, is that requirement only for the Non-O one year VISA? Thanks again for the info, and I will just contact Siam Legal, who didn't get back to me here in the US.

Are you saying that unlike getting a Non-O-A in your home country where you have to have medical insurance with sufficient coverage, that I do not equivalent medical insurance coverage to acquire a Non-O in Thailand? I have never heard that before, so I would be interested in where you got your information, since I am under impression I need coverage. Thanks for the comments. Jim

Hi everyone, I am sure this this a much over worked topic, but I am flying into Thailand on a Thai Pass, and would like to get a Non-O VISA to stay the following year. I am a USA citizen age 65yo, and have plenty of money for the 800K baht requirement. I was trying to acquire the Non-O-A VISA here in the US, in Los Angeles, but ran into a problem that, even though I am very healthy, I have an irregular heartbeat, or Atrial Fib. I was in contact with a rep from Pacific Cross, and as soon as I sent him these unexpected results, he never responded back, meaning it's a no go from this side of the pond. I passed all other parts of my exams, and background checks, etc. The problem will be getting the health insurance requirement, even though I thought I was in excellent shape and weight for a man my age. So, if anyone knows of an agent that can help me get the med insurance, I'm sure the rest will be easy, since I have done most everything else from this end that was required. You can reach me by PM, or post your reply here and I will take a look when I can. I should arrive in BKK on the 24th, and will be in a hotel the first 10 days, and then an Airbnb in the same area until July 21st. Thanks, Jim

Thanks again for the update on how to enter VISA exempt and just hire an agent. I have either that choice, or wait it out in a hotel here for one month, since my Dr's appt for my physical for PCross, is not until June 10th.

Thanks for all the information needed to complete an VISA O-A. I have applied for a health insurance policy with Pacific Cross, but I can't see my doctor until June 10th. That's a long wait, and then to send all the info back to them, and them submit the forms and letters back to the embassy, and me. I can't apply for a VISA O because I am not on a pension, and the Thai Embassy in LA, only says a person at my age can apply for an O VISA with a standing pension. Strange, that I have the money in the bank for an O-A, but that's not sufficient for an O VISA. Thanks again to everyone for the help, and yes, it's get over there somehow, and then open the bank account there. Jim

Hi guys, new to the forum, I am trying to apply for a VISA O-A here at the US Thai Embassy in Los Angeles, and am stuck on one, or a few points. I still live here in the US, and one of the requirements as you know is to establish a 800,000 baht bank account in Thailand. I was wondering if someone could assist me, since I don't see how I can establish the account if they require a permanent Thai address while, I do not have one. I inquired with a bank correspondent who never replied asking, if I rent an apartment from here in the US and have that as my mailing/permanent address, would that suffice? I would appreciate some assistance, since it seems the embassy tells you what you need, just not how to go about getting it. Jim Here's the requirements, and BOA has SWIFT, but I can't find a Form C anywhere on their website. I have friends in Thailand, but didn't want to use their address for setting up the account. 2. Foreigner without work permit Passport A reference letter issued by one of the following institutes or organizations or required document Embassy located in Thailand or Certified Letter (Bank Form A) An overseas bank where the customer holds an account sent via SWIFT, reference requirements (Bank form C) Trusted individuals such as a Bangkok Bank staff member or customer, director of a private company, permanent residence in Thailand, government or private educational institutes located in Thailand trusted by the Bank or Letter of Reference for Foreigners (Bank form B) Trusted companies, e.g., an employment letter from the company if the customer is in the process of applying for a work permit. Document showing ownership of a fixed asset such as a condominium sale/purchase agreement (a condominium which is acceptable to Bangkok Bank) Or a property reservation agreement valued at 100,000 baht or more with a reference letter from the property developer that is acceptable to Bangkok Bank. Notes: Contact addresses for both Thailand and overseas must be provided (hotel and P.O. Box addresses are not acceptable).