Getting There — Visa

Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) — 5-year multiple-entry visa for remote workers, ~$275-1,150. Requires 500,000 THB (~$14,500) in savings. Each entry allows 180 days + 180-day extension. Thailand Elite Visa is the premium option — 5-20 year visa, $16,000-60,000, no income requirements.

Cost of Living

50-70% less than US major cities. Chiang Mai is famously affordable at $1,000-1,500/mo; Bangkok runs $1,500-2,500/mo for a comfortable life.

Key Fact

Staying over 180 days in a calendar year makes you a Thai tax resident. The DTV is categorized as a tourist visa so it does not automatically trigger tax obligations, but the 180-day rule still applies. Private healthcare is excellent and cheap (~$50 for a doctor visit).