OccamsRazor

https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3307434/thailand-park-ranger-sacked-after-ni-hao-tourist-clash-video-were-thai-not-chinese

Update: I contacted Fidelity about the magnetic strip issue. They said it does have it. I looked again and there was a silver strip on it which I thought was for the signature. lol I'm used to dark brown or black strips.

I'm also concerned about using it at merchants, especially hospitals as I have a medical issue that could be expensive. In the past, they always just swipe the card but no strip, no swiping.

Fidelity has changed their debit card processor company and issuing new cards. I just received mine but it has no magnetic strip, appears to be EMV-enabled instead. Before I activate it, which cancels my previous card, I would like to know if anyone has tried to use an international EMV-enabled card (no magnetic strip) at Bangkok Bank ATMs? Or any Thai bank.

From other reports the 60 day stamps started at 4:00PM so morning arrivals still got 30. Possibly they rushed to get it out in the Royal Gazette to get the ball rolling as the PM had already signed approval.

I will be retiring from my university job in Chiang Mai and applying for extension based on retirement. My understanding I can only do it when less than 21 days before expiration of current extension, which is July 21. I understand I have to cancel my current extension based on work and immediately apply for extension based on retirement. Will they cancel it using the last day of work (same as current extension expiration July 21) as the cancellation date? Work permit cancellation. Some places I read you cancel the WP on the last day of work. Does immigration need to see the cancellation of the WP or just a current copy and original when I apply for the new extension? Or can I get them to put the cancellation date as the last day of work if I apply for the cancellation? Bank requirements: I've had over 800k in the bank for years and understand I need a bank letter. Also bank statement covering 2 months and up dated the day I go to immigration as this is my first extension based on retirement. I'm with Bangkok Bank and several said it takes up to 7 days to get the bank letter. I assume the bank statement can be done on the spot.

That requirements hasn't been in effect for many years now, at least at Chiang Mai Dept of labor. I've been renewing for decades and never asked for it. Similar when you were required to show you paid taxes at the airport before leaving.

The same loan shark doesn't necessarily hold the loan for that long but sells/trades it to another shark.

https://www.flightradar24.com/data/flights/sq321#354eb60f

I've had 800k+ in my account for many years so not an issue. But I've read you have to have proof of it coming from abroad. Mine is from salary earned in Thailand and I believe that is acceptable?

Thank you. 👍

Exactly what I'm saying. I'm assuming it has been allowed as I am working at an educational institute. The 1st 10+ years, Chiang Mai was not authorized to approve extensions based on work and was sent to Bangkok and I would get a 30 day waiting approval stamp. Then when Chiang Mai immigration was authorized I received extensions for the next 20 years from them. So both Bangkok and Chiang Mai immigration considered it valid.

No, I have a Non-ED and want to convert to a Non-O.

I've been working at a university in Chiang Mai for 30 years. I have been getting an extension of permission of stay based on working at a university and work permit renewal annually for this period. My entry into Thailand was on a non-ED when I was offered a position at the university. Just renewed my passport for the 3rd time and all 4 are stamped (transfer stamps to 3 of them) with Non-ED. Now, can I convert the Non-ED based on working at a university to a Non-O based on retirement in country?

Or asked for iced coffee. lol