@Bo *********

what are Scames?

I have seen at least one "visa agent for pets" so if you want help with the paperwork, look around for that. Your case is special but foreigners bring a dog or cat all the time. If as some are saying there is a two-pet limit per flight then it sounds like you just need to pay people to fly your cats over, or trade favors, it shouldn't be any problem besides the logistics. Get a student to fly them over and you pick them up at the airport, you can probably do that for the cost of the ticket.

On an upbeat note to counter some of the negativity -- I think a house full of cats, especially if it's outside the big city, will go down well here. It could be a real ice-breaker and probably help you make friends. Thais love cats and dogs, and like to take care of them.

You should start a YouTube channel!

@Marianne *******

I have been wondering about this specific point. Does the "marriage visa" actually put you on the path to getting permanent residency and maybe someday citizenship?

On its face it seems like it wouldn't -- isn't it still a Non-Imm-O visa with extension of stay? The "Non-Imm" part being self-explanatory.

@Ron *****

it's not my theory, and I have no real idea, but yeah I think your average DTV holder is going to rent a condo in a modern building.

@Andy *********

powerful people with vast real estate holdings want more expats renting luxury condos, according to one theory I've heard. But you could say the same thing about people buying weed and it might be true.

Especially if it's your first time, I would have either a return ticket or an onward ticket, because if you do get hassled by the airline and/or at immigration it'll be difficult as so much will be new for you.

Set it for under 60 days from your arrival, like 58 days or less.

The good news is that it's quite cheap to just get an onward ticket to somewhere nearby. Fifty bucks should be plenty, that's less than a pack of Skittles at LAX. (Kidding. Not kidding.)

When I first came I was really sad to go back, and annoyed with myself that I hadn't left a door open to stay longer than originally planned (didn't have my computer, stuff like that). Keep in mind that like many of us, you might not want to leave. 🙂

Wow, the haters really came out of the woodwork today, you even got one who feels superior by dint of marriage. On the bright side, there are tons of normal people in Bangkok too, I'm sure you'll love it!

Agents: Thai Visa Expert and Thai Visa Centre. Your surest bet is the Retirement Extension. Should set you back in the neighborhood of a grand. You can read lots of anecdotes about the DTV on this forum, that's better bang for the buck if you don't mind the uncertainty of the different rules everywhere and you have time to set it up.

Don't forget to get yourself long-term health insurance once you have your long-stay visa. I used AA Insurance Brokers and would recommend them, of course there are others too.

Good luck, and welcome to Bangkok!

@Rogerio *****

really? It's 1000 for a liter of Absolut, I doubt if Grey Goose is 1200.

Sounds about right price-wise for Bangkok but I have heard (here) that Pattaya is cheaper. I recommend both Thai Visa Centre and Thai Visa Expert, their service is not quite the same but you can ask each for more info. TVC is more hands-off, i.e. less work for you. First time will cost a little more than renewal, but you get an extra 3 months the first time.

@Samuel *******

that's fine for you, and I have nothing against Australia. But this thread is about getting a specific visa for Thailand. There are a whole lot of Australians in Thailand -- possibly the largest Farang expat group? -- and I'm sure they have their reasons, but it's not for me to say.

I have never dealt with Australian immigration so I can't comment on it. I know the systems in Thailand, in the US, and in a few different EU countries. Of these, I find Thailand the friendliest.

Good luck with your new life in Oz, many people say good things about it!