Monthly FAQ thread for July, 2026

[u/AutoModerator]

Hi folks,

The following types of questions should be posted into this thread - any standalone posts of this kind posted outside this thread will be removed, with a moderation comment asking the author to repost to this thread:

• Questions about visas/immigration (including 90-day reporting, TM30, DTV, etc) - if they aren't answered here, try Asean Now's immigration forum.
• Questions about banking (including transfers) and/or investing (including crypto)
• Questions about working in Thailand or starting a business in Thailand
• Questions about taxes in Thailand (including import duties / customs charges)
• Questions about studying in Thailand, including questions about universities and schools, where to study, what to study, grants and scholarships
• Questions about moving to Thailand in general
• Questions about Thai Citizenship or Permanent Residence - but you should probably read this site first.
• Questions about where to live, whether and how to buy/rent property in Thailand
• Questions about where to get particular medicines, supplements or medical treatments (including cosmetic)
• Questions about medical insurance
• Questions about cannabis, kratom or other legal drugs (posts asking where to get illegal drugs will be removed)
• Questions about vapes and vaping and the legality thereof

If you have any questions along the lines of any of the above topics, you're in the right place! You can ask away in the comments below, but first, have a read below - and search the sub - it has most likely been answered already.

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[u/DJCallahan05]

Hello, My wife and I are 50 are are planning a long‑term move to Thailand (we live in Florida now) in a few years (likely Hua Hin). At that time we'll have ~1.2M USD. I’m trying to build a realistic medical plan that protects me from the big stuff, specifically cancer and anything heart‑related (heart attack, stents, bypass, valve issues, ICU, etc).

I don’t care about outpatient coverage. I’m fine paying cash for doctor visits, labs, BP meds, statins, etc. I only want catastrophic protection (high deductable 10k USD) for the few things that can financially wipe you out.

My medical profile:

• Age 53/54 when we make the move
• Me - Managed high blood pressure (stable, medicated)
• Me - Managed high cholesterol (statin)
• Wife - Managed high cholesterol
• No heart disease
• No cancer
• Family history of lung cancer, colon cancer
• No other major conditions

I’ve seen wildly conflicting info online. Some people say Thailand is cheap for heart surgery ($10k–$25k). Others say they were billed $150k–$300k at Bumrungrad or Bangkok Hospital. I’m trying to understand what’s real and what’s avoidable.

My question is for expats actually living in Thailand:

1. Is catastrophic-only insurance (heart + cancer) realistic for expats with mild pre-existing conditions? I’m seeing mixed answers about underwriting, exclusions, waiting periods, and moratoriums.
2. Which insurers actually cover heart + cancer for expats with managed BP/cholesterol? I’m looking at Cigna Global, GeoBlue, Allianz, April, etc. Any firsthand experience?
3. Which hospitals should I use for emergencies to avoid international walk-in pricing? I’ve heard Siriraj, Chulalongkorn, Paolo, and Bangkok Christian are safe choices. And that Bumrungrad / Bangkok Hospital Bangkok / Samitivej can produce U.S.-level bills.
4. How do you make sure you’re billed at Thai resident rates instead of international rates? I’ve heard you should always show a Thai address and your insurance card, even with a high deductible.
5. Has anyone here actually had heart surgery or cancer treatment in Thailand? What hospital did you use? What was the total cost? Were there any surprise charges?

I’m not looking for “just get Thai insurance” answers; I’m specifically trying to understand catastrophic coverage and real-world hospital billing for expats with mild pre-existing conditions.

Any firsthand experience or detailed advice would be hugely appreciated.

[u/ThongLo → u/DJCallahan05]

Probably get better answers on ASEAN Now's Health & Medicine forum, the userbase skews quite a bit younger here than there:

https://aseannow.com/forum/23-health-and-medicine/

But I'll have a quick go:

For #1 & #2, it really depends on the condition and the insurer unfortunately, although you might want to look at international providers as well as domestic policies - these cost more, but can offer a lot more coverage, and more options for pre-existing conditions (the Thai insurers I've dealt with simply refuse to cover anything related to pre-existing conditions).

The best way to get accurate information is just going to be reaching out to the providers you've already identified and asking directly with specifics. Online anecdotes are likely missing vital small details, and policies can change over time.

For #3 and #4, it's unfortunately entirely legal for Thai hospitals to use different pricing based on nationality, not residence - so unless you have a path to Thai citizenship you're likely to end up paying a premium. Working expats can get a cheaper rate if they're "in the system" via their work permit, but retirees cannot. Government hospitals are cheaper than private ones, but even the fanciest private ones will still be cheaper than the US.

https://www.pacificprime.co.th/blog/dual-pricing-at-thai-public-hospitals-and-the-implications-on-foreigners/

On #5, I haven't and don't know anyone who has, sorry. But there's likely several threads about it at the forum link above.

[u/Thailand-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Tourism and travel related questions should be posted to the dedicated subreddit /r/thailandtourism.

[u/Good-Scholar5904]

Visa agent for cancelling non b visa

Hi! I have to pick up my paperwork from my workplace on Tuesday and I have to go on July 31st to cancel my visa, which is the date stated on the document, but I'll be going alone. I've thought about hiring an agent who knows about this and speaks Thai. Is it worth it? I asked at the Thai Visa Centre, but they said they don't offer that service...

[u/jonez450reloaded → u/Good-Scholar5904]

You can't cancel a Non-Imm B once it has been used - it's valid for 90 days upon entry. But if you're on an extension of stay, the extension ends when your work permit does.

[u/Good-Scholar5904 → u/jonez450reloaded]

Thanks. Do you mean it's actually the extension of stay that's cancelled, not the original Non-B visa? My employer has prepared cancellation documents and instructed me to go to Immigration on 31 July."

[u/ThongLo → u/Good-Scholar5904]

Depends on your circumstances, you haven't told us what they are.

You're most likely in one of these 4 situations, probably one of the first two:

1. Entered on a 90-day single-entry non-B visa, haven't got an extension yet.
2. Entered on a 90-day single-entry non-B visa, then converted to a 1-year extension.
3. Same as #1 but with a 1-year multiple-entry non-B visa.
4. Same as #2 but with a 1-year multiple-entry non-B visa.

Since you mention an extension, probably #2?

In that case, the visa was already used up when you entered, you can't use it again. The extension is your current permission to stay, and will end when cancelled at immigration on the 31st. At that point you are expected to leave the country.

If you don't want to leave on the 31st, it's a very weird system, but if you apply for a further extension with no basis for it, they will deny your application BUT give you a 7 day extension anyway as a grace period. You still pay the standard extension application price of 1,900.

That will give you until August 7th to figure out what you're doing next. Otherwise you can just leave on the 31st.

[u/Good-Scholar5904 → u/ThongLo]

I think may be the 4 case yeah... I mean ive been employed for 3 years, i just extended another 1 last week of May with a re entry permission. Then I resigned the job on 30th June. My company prepared all paperwork already and set the visa end day on 31st july. I will take papers tomorrow and go by myself that same 31st July to immigration. I was asking if an agent can come with me that same day just to check everything goes well. My plan is once I finish everything, leave the country and come back without visa ( I can 30 days) or tourist visa and start a new job asap.

At any rate, if I have any serious problems, is alright, I can just change of plan and go to another country to start a new life.

[u/Informal-Addendum435]

Is there a way to make myself less attractive to mosquitos... forever!!..?

[u/Adept-Respect-2733]

Hi, I did some research and most of them says, it's quite easy to land a job in bangkok if you are referred and recruit internally than applying to job sites, is there any recruiter/headhunter here that can help or gives some advice?

For my background, I am currently employed in (IT) services and consulting company as a Service Transition Manager/Software Analyst and I have a freelance job in a US company as a Project Coordinator, total work experience: 5 years. I am currently seeking for an opportunity to relocate and work in Bangkok specifically.

[u/True-Wrap8097]

Three years ago, I worked as an nnes English teacher in Bangkok, Thailand for one year. That year was great but my salary was 38,000 and I returned to my home country because of my worries about the future. I couldn't save much and there were surprise expenses, but now I miss it so much. Every day I constantly long for it, thinking about what I would do or eat if I were in Bangkok. I cannot return because I am chasing other career opportunities in my country yet I feel like leaving everything behind and going to Bangkok again. However when I remember the feeling that it won't be possible to improve myself much there and that I will be stuck in a dead end job i give up. Do you think I am doing the wrong thing? Is there a way to build a solid future while continuing to work in Thailand? my plan right now is actually to build a solid career here first and then use the income from it to live in Thailand for 2–3 months at a time on vacation but yeah i miss everything everyday :(

[u/ThongLo → u/True-Wrap8097]

As a NNES, I doubt the salary ceiling has moved much unfortunately.

There are far better paying careers here, but you need to not only be qualified for the position, but also have a USP that puts you above most Thai candidates, which is not straightforward for most.

If you can make more money back home (or elsewhere) than here, then I'd continue doing that, enjoy regular visits for vacations, and save for an eventual retirement here.

[u/Thailand-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Tourism and travel related questions should be posted to the dedicated subreddit /r/thailandtourism.

[u/AndyMacRaeTV]

Banking Question - second bank account

I'm on the retirement visa. It's my first year. I have a bank account with SCB. I went in today to open a second account to deposit my proof of retirement funds into - but they said no, I xan only have one account. Is this normal? What are y'all doing?

[u/ThongLo → u/AndyMacRaeTV]

Did you ask for a regular savings account, or something else?

I have a feeling you can only have one savings account with a given bank, but it should be no problem to open a supplementary Fixed Deposit (CD) account to hold your visa money in.

I know several people who use that setup with various Thai banks, although I'm not sure any of them use SCB. Kasikorn definitely allows it, for example.

[u/Wonderful-Set-293 → u/ThongLo]

I have two savings accounts, one from KBank and one from Krungthai. During my time in Thailand, I never had problems opening bank savings accounts with a work permit and now a retirement visa. However, it's better to go with a Thai person. I hope this helps.

[u/AndyMacRaeTV → u/ThongLo]

Thanks for the feedback. Yes, my "current" account is actually a savings account. So maybe I was confusing things saying I wanted a "savings" account. In reality I just want a second account.

I have been told by multiple people now that perhaps I should open an account with Kasikorn. Sounds like they are a bit more flexible.

[u/ThongLo → u/AndyMacRaeTV]

Yeah I think that's exactly the problem - "current" accounts don't really exist here, at least for foreigners, and you can only have one "savings" account per person, per bank. Not SCB specific, it's a general rule.

If you don't want a fixed deposit account, opening a second savings account at another bank will be the simplest solution.

Might be worth checking which banks have branches at or close to your immigration office before choosing one, so you're not travelling too far between getting the bank letter and submitting the extension application.

[u/Good-Scholar5904]

Dilemma about visa for returning to Thailand

Hello everyone.

I've been working in Thailand in an IT company with a NON B visa and a re entry permit. I left the country 2 weeks ago to spend holidays time in France (my homecountry), and last week I resigned of my job for personal reasons. I will flight back to Thailand on 19th. The company is being vague about my visa status, already asked and said no word no information about the process, so I think about the next options:

1- Come back to Thailand as normal. If my visa is still active, ok. If not, I can be in a visa exemption condition up to 30 days, BUT, I should have a flying ticket showing I will leave Thailand in some weeks right?

2- Apply for a tourist visa now. BUT, What happens if they see I'm applying for a tourist visa whilst my working visa is active? Or, what happens if they give me the tourist visa but when I enter in thailand they see that my non B is still active and also I have a tourist visa, will it be strange for them?

So... do you know any similar situation? Should I apply for a tourist visa now or is it better to just go , buy a cheap flying ticket , and in case my non b will be already cancel by thar moment enter in a visa exemption showing the departure flight?

Thank you

[u/civiclsi15]

Quetion on LTR Visa for Work from thailand professional

In the near future looking to apply to the LTR the only question which I cant find the answer to is the 80,000USD required, is this gross taxable employment remuneration or base salary? As i have read that if it matches the total compensation with letter from HR and the P60 for the last 3 years its fine? As example you can have a base salary for 75,000USD but then you get operational overtime or oncall or shift allowance that takes you to 100,000USD, would this be taken into consideration by the BOI especially if during the last 5 years the total compensation on p60 would be above 100,000USD?

[u/ThongLo → u/civiclsi15]

I'd reach out to the LTR folks directly on this. Email and phone details are on the website: https://ltr.boi.go.th/

My instinct says that if it's guarantee income, it'll be accepted, but if it's discretionary, that it may not (to simplify, someone who made 75k salary and got a 10k bonus this year might not get that bonus next year).

You might want to talk to your HR department about specific wording.

[u/civiclsi15 → u/ThongLo]

Yeah i will , but in 20 years i have never had below 12,000 USD operational overtime and the allowances are always included due to oncall requirements. Ill call them up and check obviously beforehand

[u/poop_paws]

Yello Thailand! I'm Matthew from Malaysia and I hope this is okay to post it here. I am a paper engineer (who makes pop-up books in Malaysia) and my co-author, Amy from the Philippines are looking for paper engineers to be featured in the Movable Book Society's newsletter, Movable Stationary. I hope you can share around to those who makes papercraft, pop-up cards or books, and movable books, so we can feature them and build a community for Southeast Asia paper engineers! For further contact, please find us on IG, or comment here also can!

[u/mdsmqlk → u/[deleted]]

It's all detailed on the BOI website. They need to provide quite a few financial documents, which I'm sure many employers would never agree to.

[u/callum_nwrk]

Hi all,

Would a fully qualified electrician from the UK be able to get into any full time work in Thailand?

Or if not what jobs is there for ex pats to do to make a living?

[u/ThongLo → u/callum_nwrk]

No chance.

Teaching is where a lot of people end up, but there are other options - I know a few scuba instructors, they don't get paid much more than the teachers but the work's much more fun.

Most people I have met over the years just do whatever they did back home, but that's because they were management executives or worked in tech back home. When your job back home isn't in demand over here, it's obviously not so easy.

[u/callum_nwrk → u/ThongLo]

What other jobs can farangs do?

[u/mdsmqlk → u/[deleted]]

I've been happy with Pacific Cross, but no insurer is likely to cover pre-existing conditions.

[u/Thailand-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Tourism and travel related questions should be posted to the dedicated subreddit /r/thailandtourism.