Alex_Ander

I am a 49yo, very healthy man, non-smoker. I have been working out for decades, watching what I eat, and maintaining a very athletic physique with body fat at around 12% all year around. Last year I quit my office job and moved to SEA. Before the move, I had signed up for an annual plan with ALC Insurance. My coverage has a $2500 deductible and a $1089 premium. A couple of days ago I received a renewal notice for $1205 (+10.6% increase with not a single claim in the past 12 months). I spend about 6 months a year in Thailand (with intentions to apply for a retirement visa shortly after turning 50), 4 months in other SEA countries, 2 months in more expensive countries like Australia and Korea. To justify the coverage above, I should be facing a medical bill of at least $3705. That makes me think if I should consider so-called "self insure" instead, given my health condition and relatively affordable medicine in the countries I spend most of my time in. Besides, if my premium increases by 10%+ each year, I am afraid I'll be forced to make this call in a few years anyway. Your thoughts would be very appreciated.

How long did it take for you to get approved? Did you pay online? Did you have to be physically present in the US? Thanks.

It sounds like the author went to Laos only to pay the visa fee. I wonder if I can apply and pay online while applying for a visa at a Thai embassy/consulate servicing WA state while staying in SEA? Or am I missing something?

Thank you for the clarification. 800k deposit appears to be an easier route, since 65K income has to be transferred as well. I'll be applying as a US citizen, and 800k will be wired from one of my US accounts. But do I have to apply for non-O from the US? I am enjoying my life slow-travelling in SEA and didn't have any plans to go back to the US anytime soon. Maybe Laos or any other neigboring country work? Is there an official website that outlines latest and greatest non-O requirements and procedures?

Hi all, 1. Does monthly income of at least 65,000 THB have to be deposited into a Thai bank account? 2. If the answer to #1 is no, will interest income reflected on my US bank statements suffice? 3. Will US embassy be willing to issue an income letter? 4. I hear opening a Thai bank account could be challanging. If 65000 THB income option does not work out, how can open a bank account to deposit 800K THB? Thanks.

I sent an inquiry to the US embassy in Bangkok, asking if I can apply by mail and pick up in person. Below is their reply:

I have two citizenships/passports. I plan to enter/exit Thailand as a Russian citizen, and renew my US passport during my stay. Can I get a PO box in Pattaya remotely (online)? I'll arrive to Phuket in 3 weeks, then depart from Bangkok 60 days later. Ideally, I'd like to mail my application from Phuket, then pick up the new passport in Pattaya in 6 weeks or so.

Hi. I am travelling throughout SEA these days, my US passport will soon be 6 months away from the expiration, and I don't have a steady address in Thailand. Is it possible to collect my passport from a post office (somewhere in Bangkok or Pattaya) or US embassy or any other place instead of providing a physical address? Thanks.

Hi. I travel the world with my two citizenships/passports. I plan to renew my expiring US passport this summer when I am in Thailand. Would it be wise to enter and exit Thailand with the other passport? Or am I missing something (e.g. issue place Bangkok with no evidence of Thai boarder crossing, etc)?