I am seriously thinking of going ex pat very soon and Chiang Mai is on the short list. My thought is just to get there on a flight/hotel package, find a place to live and go from there. I will sell what little furniture (for a 1 BR apt) I have, including TV, sound system and PC before leaving. I understand it's cheaper just get new stuff there, including clothes. So I will arrive with a carry-on and one suitcase of clothing. Am I way off base or is this viable?? I get $1040 from Soc Sec and I understand I can live nicely there on only that if necessary, though there will be additional family income. Any constructive input/advice from the ex pat community would be most appreciated. I have contacted Siam Legal and they claim that they can handle all matters from their offices, including income and conduct, for residency status.