When a Dream Found Its Departure Date

When I first whispered the words, “I’m moving to Thailand,” even I wasn’t sure I fully believed myself. But one small step turned into another—documents, deadlines, decisions—and before I knew it, that dream had an actual departure date.

What I didn’t realize then was that the real journey had already begun long before the plane ticket. Much like I shared in Alone, but Not Lonely, sometimes solitude and self-trust become the quiet strength behind life’s biggest shifts.

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🌏 The Journey to Get to Where I Am Today

Getting here was not easy. It took months of research, countless printouts, and a whole lot of determination to get my ducks in a row. I had to educate myself on the do’s and don’ts of moving—not just across the country, but across the world.

Other than a short trip to Puerto Rico in December 2024, I had never traveled outside of the United States. So yes—moving to Thailand was truly my first international leap. Many people told me I should visit first, to “get a feel” for the country before deciding. But I didn’t.

I knew as far back as 2012 that Thailand was where I wanted to spend the rest of my life. You can read more about that part of my story in, Why I Moved to Thailand, I shared the deeper why behind that calling—the part of me that already knew this dream was worth the journey.

Of course, having the dream doesn’t mean the process was simple. It was far from just booking a flight and checking into a hotel. There were forms, appointments, and approvals—each one teaching me something about patience and perseverance.

This was also my first time dealing with the visa process and believe me—having a visa is just the beginning. There’s far more involved than simply having a stamp in your passport. In this post, I’ll give you a glimpse into what it took to make this move possible.

✈️ My Pre-Departure Checklist Included:

• 🗂️ Choosing the correct visa type
• 💉 Scheduling my own physical examination
• 🩺 Securing comprehensive medical insurance
• 🧾 Submitting a police background report
• 🎟️ Booking my flight
• 🏨 Reserving not one—but two—accommodations in two different countries
• 🐾 Ensuring my dog’s vaccinations were up to date
• 🐶 Obtaining international health certificates
• ✈️ Filing all documents for animal transportation
• 🔍 Completing arrival paperwork like the TM6 card

Each task came with its own frustrations and fears. Some days, I felt completely overwhelmed. Other days, I was in awe of how far I’d already come.

Looking back now, every signature, checklist, and sleepless night was worth it.

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🪪 Understanding the Thai Visa Process

Thailand offers many different types of visas—each designed for a different purpose. The main categories include:

1. Tourist Visa
2. Visa Exemption / Visa on Arrival
3. Non-Immigrant Visas (B, O, ED, etc.)
4. Education Visa
5. Marriage / Spouse Visa
6. Retirement Visa
7. Investment / Business / SMART Visa
8. Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa
9. Diplomatic / Courtesy / Transit Visas
10. Privilege / Elite / Premium Long-Stay Visa

Each one has its own qualifications, time limits, and intentions.

I personally chose to come on a Tourist Visa first. Why?

1. It saved time, complexity, and unnecessary stress.
2. To apply for a Non-Immigrant O (Retirement) Visa, you must already have a Thai bank account.
3. And as of January 2025, you cannot open a Thai bank account while living abroad.

You must be physically in Thailand — and work through an approved agency to complete the financial portion.

I used Thai Visa Centre in Bangkok, and yes, I had to fly from Phuket to Bangkok to complete the process — but it was absolutely worth it. Less confusion, fewer delays, and more peace of mind.

Getting here was a test of willpower, patience, and faith. But every obstacle became a lesson in courage and self-belief.

I am here now, living the dream I once scribbled into notebooks.
And for that, I am endlessly grateful.

Signed with love,
Lois H. Percente – L%e 💋

Coming Soon: Resources & Guides For anyone considering a move to Thailand, I’m building a dedicated section with step-by-step visa guides, checklists, timelines, and everything I wish I knew before taking this leap.