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Yes, much less expensive than USA . Also, I have found the care to be quite good over the 17 years I have lived here. I do have health insurance carried over from my employer upon retirement that covers me in Thailand - Bangkok Hospital Pattaya (BHP) will also direct bill my insurance, which I use for inpatient care. For outpatient, I pay and get reimbursement. Although care is much less here, it still can run into a costly experience depending on the nature of the illness/injury being treated. In the early part of this year, I was hospitalized with a serious lung infection -- 5+ weeks in hospital with 4 of those in ICU. BHP billed my health insurance 2.7 million baht, which was covered 100%. Had I been paying, I'm guessing that the bill would have been around 1.7 million baht -- this is based on the fact that BHP will bill insurance substantially more than when I pay direct - whereas most hospitals in USA have agreements with insurers that cap costs. This "guess" is based on the fact that some time ago, for outpatient and 90 day supply of many prescriptions I take regularly, the cashier presented me with a bill for about 80,000 baht and said they were waiting on the "guarantee" from my insurance. I said "no", I do not want insurance billed direct, I will pay and get reimbursement. She then redid the bill and the total was about 50,000 baht - important to me as my insurance pays only 85% for outpatient care, thus the 30,000 extra would have cost me 4,500 baht more in out of pocket cost. But, another "good" thing about health care here is being able to schedule appointments with specialist doctors. Generally at BHP, I can call and get an appointment the next day (sometimes the same day), whereas in USA , it could be anywhere from several days to a few weeks for non-emergencies. Also, when they do lab or other diagnostic tests, the results are usually obtained within an hour (or a few if MRI or CT scan), whereas when I visited my GP in USA and he ordered a lab test, it was 2 or 3 days to get results.

In addition, you may want to check requirements from these other transfer services. In late 2018 when Bangkok Bank made their announcement re stopping ACH domestic transfers, I either used this finder site or something similar - Worldremit appeared to be a good choice re fees and exchange rate. I joined giving them my USA residence address (which I still use as my legal residence) and everything seemed fine; but I did not immediately try a test transfer. The next day, I rec'd an email from them wanting to know if I was resident of Thailand (Ooops! I didn't turn on my VPN before joining) as that was the URL that showed up -- I explained my legal residence was USA, but I temporarily did stay in Thailand as a retiree. An answering email with "sorry" but we cannot do transfers for anyone not within the geographical area of where they were licensed to do business. For some of the others, they want documentation sent to them to verify your identity and address. So, for me, I will stick with Transferwise so long as they continue to deposit it in my Bangkok Bank Account as a foreign source of funds vs what they did last July in sending it through Kasikorn Bank and it showing up as a domestic transfer - but, as Up2U notes, they subsequently added a new "purpose" to their drop down list for "long stay" in Thailand. Based on my experience and others (members of the Transferwise Solutions Facebook Group), no one using that "purpose" has had a problem with the transfer not going to their account if it is with Bangkok Bank. A friend sent me an email this morning asking my thoughts about a new transfer service called Everex that has no fees, creates a "wallet" to deposit the funds and from which you can transfer baht to your bank account or withdraw from ATM with no fees (cardless - uses codes for ATM machine). The company operating it is based in Bangkok. I advised him that if he was using monthly income to qualify for his retirement extension, it would probably be a problem as it was most likely, IMO, to not show up if deposited to his bank account as a foreign source transfer. Of course, using the ATM feature would not be acceptable for Immigration. Their exchange rate was a bit less than TW - so I did a comparison for sending US$2,500 - with this new company, you would receive 50 more than from TW (deducting TW fees and using their current exchange rate & using Everex exchange rate with no fees). I also mentioned that it was probably high risk and if he plans to use he should do his due diligence and start out with a few small transfers. Here is link if anyone is interested: https://everex.io/thv/MoneyTraveling/?utm_source=thaivisa&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=THV-Advertorial&utm_content=Advertorial-1&utm_term=International-Transfer-ATM#/invite/H6da1vz

Very good advice GB.

Bob, you may disagree and are certainly entitle to your opinion which is also that of many others that have made similar comments on Thaivisa.com regarding applicability - BUT there are also numerous posting by those that do agree with my interpretation. In my comments I do say "appear" to apply rather than making a concrete statement to that effect as you have done. As mentioned, the rule recently issued by Immigration for section 2.22 retirement (purpose for granting an extension to be followed effective October 31 by Immigration Offices) added the health insurance requirement for those granted a stay based on an O-A Visa -- it makes no distinction on when that Visa was granted. Thus, it does not rule out be applicable to those that previously entered and were granted an initial permission to stay based on holding an O-A Visa. Further, IMO, they are not applying the rule retroactively as it simply adds a new requirement for approving future applications for extensions of stay by those that held an O-A Visa upon which previous extensions were granted. So, this can also be considered a "dicey area" that will need to wait to see how Immigration interprets the requirement, which is what counts, not our interpretations. However, I'm willing to bet 10 baht that it will apply and as you say, time will tell if I am to lose that bet.

Unfortunately, the new health insurance rules do appear to affect some persons presently in Thailand. These persons are anyone who are on a Permission to Stay granted on the basis of entry into Thailand using a Non-Immigrant "O-A" Visa and those who originally entered using the "O-A" Visa and are presently obtaining annual extensions of stay based on the original permission to stay granted by that Visa. For the first group, permission to stay based on entering with an Non-Immigrant O-A Visa. These are usually multiple entry and if the holder departs and returns to Thailand during the validity period of the O-A Visa (the enter by date shown on the Visa placed in the passport by the Thai Embassy/Consulate that issued it - which is normally one year from the date it was issued. Under the new rules effective October 31, 2019, Immigration Officers will be checking for the required health insurance upon initial and subsequent entries (page 11 of the pdf file that shows up in the window at Thai Immigration website page announcing the new rules: https://www.immigration.go.th/read?content_id=5d9c3b074d8a8f318362a8aa&fbclid=IwAR39UI_zBxVLedZKgZeAeYnvb0yyyIsr6SHPhnq64ohzACO7VsLUU_LlGn0) For those already in Thailand in the first group that will be applying for an extension of their one year permitted stay or those that have done so already and continue to renew their extension of stay that was originally based on the Non-Immigrant O-A Visa, the Immigration Bureau has changed the provisions of Paragraph 2.22 of the current Police Order governing the granting of extensions of stay - in the link above, scroll down past the Thai version to the start of the English version which shows the change - extract follows:

To further clarify, the Non-Immigrant Visa, Category "O-A" information is correct, it is obtained in country of residence, which for most will be their home country but is available in other countries only if they are considered by that country to be a legal resident. Both the "O-A" and "O-X" Visas are for retirees to meet the requirements for retiring in Thailand (be 50 years of age or older & have required financial resources). A health insurance requirement has been in effect for some time for the Non-Immigrant Visa Category "O-X" (sometimes called a 10 year visa). All other categories for a Non-Immigrant Visa do not require the person have health insurance, e.g., Category "O", Category "B", Category "Ed", etc. My following comments do not relate to the O-X Visa as it is rather unique, has always had a health insurance from a Thai company, and probably held by only a few. Most O-A Visas are valid for entry for one year from date of issue (Enter by date shown on Visa) and are Multiple Entry ("M" designation on the Visa), meaning the holder can leave & return to Thailand during the validity period of the Visa and each time they enter, they until the new rules, receive a one-year permission to stay, e.g., if Visa expires on November 30, 2019 and the holder enters or reenters Thailand on November 29, 2019, they will be permitted to stay until November 28, 2020. However, under the new rules, they will need to show they have health insurance coverage of at least 400,000 baht inpatient and 40,000 baht outpatient - the insurance can be from a non-Thai company acceptable to the Thai Embassy/Consulate where the application is being made. Apparently (this is still new and not effective til the end of this month) based on the information posted on the Thai Immigration Website, there will be an annotation on the Visa (or in passport next to Visa stamp) on the period of health insurance. Upon entry into Thailand, initial or subsequent, the permission to stay will be until the expiration date of the health insurance unless proof is shown that a new policy is in effect that will continue to cover for the full year normally granted. A permission to stay in Thailand is based on the type of entry, Visa Exempt (30 days), Tourist Visa (60 days), or Non-Immigrant Visa (90 days- except for O-A and O-X). One can apply at Thai Immigration to extend the period of permitted stay (note, this is an extension of the permission to stay, not the Visa validity period). In the case of Visa Exempt or Tourist Visa, the extension of stay can be granted one time for 30 days. For Non-Immigrant Visas, the extension may vary depending on the Visa Category and purpose of the extension. Immigration has published rules on how long the stay may a particular purpose, most being up to one-year. One of these purposes can be for retirement - usually based on a Category O Visa. The new rules governing the granting of extensions for the purpose of retirement have been amended with an effective date of October 31, 2019. They added a new requirement for health insurance BUT IT ONLY APPLIES to those that were granted a permission to stay based on having a Non-Immigrant O-A Visa. Thus it DOES NOT APPLY to the permission of stay granted to holders of other categories of Non-Immigrant Visas such as "O" who apply for an extension of stay even though it is also for retirement. That said, there is currently a lot of speculation and inaccurate or incomplete information being bandied about in the press and on various message boards. The above information is based on official rules or announcements by Thai Immigration or Ministry of Foreign Affairs (governs Embassies & Consulates). Many press articles are based on pronouncements by officials with the Ministry of Public Health, who although the prime instigators for the new requirement, are often ignorant of Immigration and Visa requirements and, IMO, should not be relied on unless backed up by rules/requirements of Immigration or Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Looks like the boys in brown along with Immigration police made a return visit - from Bangkok Post today: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1282766/foreign-bike-racers-arrested-in-south-pattaya 34 arrests - some fined, some taken to Immigration until they could produce their passports to show they were not on overstay -- if on overstay, most likely they will wind up at Bangkok Immigration Detention Center until they can be deported.

If you are from a G-7 country, you will get 30 day permission to stay at a land border - http://www.consular.go.th/main/th/customize/62281-Summary-of-Countries-and-Territories-entitled-for.html. The G-7 countries are: USA, UK, Canada, Italy, France, Germany, & Japan. Applications for extension of stay is 1,900 baht.

Fascino is the largest pharmacy in Pattaya with several locations - the main location is on North Road.

Good advice from Traveller 123. I have some friends here that had similar experiences. Take time to evaluate your relationship by living together - your 6 month time frame appears realistic. You don't mention whether he is a sex worker or not - if he is, then be cautious as many of those relationships, but not all, don't work out. In my case, I visited here for about 6 years before I found my partner - he was not from the bars, but perhaps could be considered on the fringe as he worked as a waiter in the coffee shop of a gay hotel. There was a 26 year difference in age, but it didn't seem to matter to him. After we met, we corresponded (this was before email & mobile phones were so common) and I started visiting twice a year instead of once to be with him. We kept up this long distance relationship for 10 years until I retired. Then I came here to be with him full time - but realized that things might not work out because living together on a full time basis instead of a couple of weeks twice a year can be quite different. It did work out. Although as with any relationship, we encountered a few bumps, but we maintained the relationship and have now been living together for 14 years. So, it is possible to find the right guy, but IMO the chemistry between the two has to be there or it will not work out.

For most cultural events in Bangkok - visit https://sites.google.com/site/bkkmacaldetails/home Mahidol University has a College of Music - many concerts throughout the year - Visit for website event calendar http://www.music.mahidol.ac.th/concertevent-calendar/ Click on About Us on main website and select map & direction for location and directions to the Salaya Campus.

I have used Bangkok Bank for more than 13 years and have been happy with their service - but for me, my ability to transfer funds from USA bank to my Bangkok Bank account using their NY Branch Automated Clearing House (ACH) number is a plus (the NY Branch is not a retail bank and does not offer accounts - when sending funds, it is routed from my bank via ACH to NY Branch who in turn transfers it to my Bangkok Bank Account in dollars - Bangkok Bank here in Thailand does the conversion to Thai baht - fees involved are minimal - NY Branch charges a varying rate, but most transactions would most likely fall within the US$10 rate - Bangkok Bank charges a conversion fee of .025% with a minimum of 200 baht and maximum of 500 baht).

I have purchased three new vehicles since I moved here in 2002 - all have been financed and in the bf's name. After paying off the Honda City, we sold it and bought a new Honda Civic. In both cases the down payment required was about 40%. After it was paid off, the bf finally took lessons and got his license - knowing that two of trying to share the same vehicle would not be a good idea, we bought a new double cab Mitsubishi pickup. The down payment on that vehicle was 25%. All three loans were with the same bank - Tisco (they were a finance company when we bought the first vehicle, then became a bank). Putting it in the bf's name made the financing easier as most banks want you to have a work permit before loaning money -- However, I think it was Ford that had their own financing and would loan to a foreigner. I primarily drive the pick up and the bf the car. While I agree with GB about the car being easier on narrow sois and for parking, I find I do like being higher up in the pick up giving better visibility - likewise, the side mirrors are much larger and give me a better view of other vehicles. GB commented: I totally agree, but for me one of the main things was it having 200k bail bond included - if you have an accident and someone is killed or very seriously injured, the police, if they consider you at fault, can charge you with negligence. In such cases the bail for foreigners is usually 200k and for Thais 100k. My Civic is now 8 years old and the premium is around 15k per year - the pickup started at 20k, but since no claims, it has gone down each year with my latest premium being around 17k for 4th year. GB commented: I recall reading somewhere that having the built-in GPS can turn out to be expensive as the dealers charge a hefty fee to update the maps. I used to have a Garmin GPS and the map updates were 7k. However, Garmin offered an introductory price of about $30 for a Thai App for the iPhone with no additional cost for map updates. Since my maps were out of date on my Garmin GPS, I opted for the App - works just like the Garmin unit. I have found it to be very good.

Although not a very close friend with Allen, he was more than just an acquaintance. I agree with GB - I think Allen would be pleased with Moses recovering posts from his Board.

According to the news articles I have read, this was a direct result of a lady beach chair vendor on Wong Amat beach chasing off some foreigners who placed their mats on the beach near her chairs. A neighboring chair vendor took a video picture at the time and because he later had a falling out with the lady, he posted the video on You Tube. The articles note the lady vendor was fined 1,000 baht and that none of the chair vendors on Wong Amat are licensed; thus because of the video negatively impacted on tourism in Thailand, the Authorities kicked all the chair vendors off Wong Amat beach.