alphone2

I can't comment upon that, but a certain amount of natural sugars from fruit is beneficial. "Sugar to the brain," used to be an expression to combat tiredness (especially when behind the wheel) and lack of energy. As an ex-cycle racer (amateur) a slab of dates was the chosen source.

The brain needs some sugar to function properly, hence the guidelines not omitting it totally. Whether some Thais need even this amount must therefore be brought into consideration.

Mikaiel Sholokov, a very hard read. "And Quiet Flows the Don," "Tales of the Don" etc. Sometimes you can't wait to put it down, but very, very informative of the Russian history, psyche and background to the current war. If you want to understand Putin involve yourself in this stuff.

Can anybody recommend a good (estate) agent in Surin Town. Selling from UK. Thanks.

Eh? A translation of that might be useful. You seem to have misunderstood quite a lot, all of it, actually. "Confusion now hath made his masterpiece." Shaky Bill. Flowery enough for you?

Thank you for your trouble in replying. I am actually aware of Google. Perhaps I didn't make myself clear. I meet all the requirements for the three months visa, financial, medical (now) except for one. It was necessary to provide evidence of stay (sponsorship, family address etc., fully paid-up hotel booking etc.) for the full period. This I am unable to do, although the situation could change fairly quickly after my arrival, as I am in the latter stages of purchasing a coastal apartment of some worth. I merely wanted to consult an agent to see if there was a (legal) way around this and if I could obtain my retirement visa from within and on a tourist visa. I have had varying reports. I now have a couple of seemingly decent contacts from on here. Otherwise, there would be no problem next time around. On a general point, I have no objection to paying money to a reputable agent if it saves me time and trouble.

Because I will be starting from scratch and from within Thailand. I realise that the process (re. banking requirements) is simple and already have an account with the necessary funds, but I will need to know what else is required. I am unsure of just what is needed for the medical certificate, for example ... and how to get it. The suggestion that I should actually go to the immigration office for advice is sound.

Can anybody recommend such an agent?

Thanks all. Useful stuff. My issue was that in order to successfully apply for a Non O visa through Thai Consulate London I needed to provide details of my accommodation (fully paid up) for the full three months. This was my problem. Hence, getting just two months and taking it from there (with necessary extension later.) I have no problem with the bank account requirements nor with the money involved (and will not need an agent to set that up,.) but the residency requirement was the problem. Also, I was a little unclear about the medical requirement and those that equated to lack of a criminal record, but given time would have sorted these matters. I do not now have that time and thought an agent could organise this stuff as well. Surely an agent does not just push in a form related to the bank account? I was also sure that I could get the gen about the medical and other stuff from fellow retirees whilst I am on site so to speak.

I now wish to apply for retirement to Thailand (from UK), and thought that the process now more compliant. I attempted the online (3 months) visa requirement as a starting point for getting the retirement visa. It demanded a copy of three months fully paid up in advance hotel reservation. Unreasonable for me. I have decided to apply for Tourist Visa and then extend whilst using a local agent to organise it all for me.. Have I got all that right? Can anybody recommend a reliable agent in Surin (Isaan) area? Grateful for any assistance.