verticalift

21 years ago when I purchased my house here on Phuket, I had the lawyers structure the Land Purchase Sales agreement in such a way that I own the house (Structure and Improvements to the Land) and my Thai company at the time, own the Land (Chanote) I then had the law firm arrange for the Amphur to issue the Yellow Book Tambian Baan based on my owning the house (structure & improvements) A couple years latter I thought it would be a good idea to have the Thai ID Pink Card. Visiting the local district office, I had an “interview” (In Thai language) with the official responsible for approving the issuance of the cards. Cost: 100B Pink Cards issued to individuals under the age of 60yrs are valid for 5 years. After 5yrs has passed, revisit the office and apply again. If over 60yrs, then the card is valid For Life. I have found that the Pink Card is a great “Supporting” Document when dealing with the officialdom here in Thailand and differentiates you from the rest of the pack (Tourists) Be aware however, that all Provincial Offices are not the same and may have their own set of rules. Last year I wanted to purchase another house in Khanom, in Nakon Sii Thamarrat province (NST) and sell my place in Phuket province. The Land Office and Amphur Office in NST province would not allow me to structure the purchase of the house, the same way as I have done in Phuket province. Major headache and cost me my 10% reservation deposit on the house when I chose to back-out of the deal. Lesson learned. The first step is obtaining the Yellow Book Tambian Baan. A Thai ID Pink Card will not be issued unless you have a Tambian Baan. Another heads-up, once you have your Pink Thai ID Card, you will be able to open an account with the “Government Savings Bank” (GSB) ….. the pink bank. The GSB is not a “Commercial Bank”, like UOB, SCB…. and is not subject to the Thai “Deposit Protection Agency” (DPA) restrictions on cash deposits. Prior to 2019 all cash deposits held in “Commercial Banks” up to 10MTB were covered/insured by the DPA. In 2020 this was reduced to 5MTB. The following year it was further reduced to 1MTB…. where it stands today. However, as the GSB is not a commercial bank, all deposits are covered, irregardless of the amount….. ie 20MTB+ If you have more than 1MTB held in your Thai commercial bank account, then you will need accounts with other additional banks ie SCB, UOB…etc to protect your cash in the event the bank “Fails”.

Living on Phuket for the past 26yrs and married to a Thai during the first 20, I am now happily retired from the cockpit and having to commute to/from work in Abu Dhabi. At 66yrs, living in the house that I designed and had built over 20yrs ago, I wake-up in the morning to my two (x2) Golden Retrievers sleeping on the floor next to my bed. As mentioned by others in this thread…… Health & Safety issues are becoming much more important as I age. The “What if” scenario is never far away, or forgotten. What if I trip a fall down the stairs..? What if I cut myself in the kitchen and start bleeding-out..? What if….. the list is long. The constant daily “Drama” of dealing with a “girlfriends” extended Thai family who only want my Baht and live in my house…… isn’t going to happen. Been there, Done that…. Don’t get me wrong, I would enjoy the companionship of having “the right woman” around the house, but trust me….. they are few and far between. Even here in T’land. My next door neighbor, a single American guy from Hawaii in his mid-80’s, has severe Parkinson’s and has had “Live-in” Care Givers for over the past 8 years. Very sad….

Some Banks will require that the holder of the account, posses a Thai ID Card. The Thai Gov’t Savings Bank is a prime example. Though I have multiple accounts with various different “Commercial Banks” (Due the reduced 1MTB coverage by the “Thai Deposit Protection Agency”) I was only able to open an account at the GSB (Pink Bank) as I have Thai ID.

The History Books will show Trump as one of the finest US Presidents. Full disclosure….. I am not an American. However I would gladly relinquish my foreign Passport for the opportunity to vote for him in the upcoming elections. The Deep State knowing full well that they can’t beat him on policies…… try to assassinate him. We knew this was going to happen. Would like to see Trump bring in Eric Prince to provide a highly vetted independent detail for his personal security. The S.S. Can no longer be trusted.

When I built my home on the island of Phuket 21 years ago, I had insurance for the first two years. At the 3rd policy renewal date….. I asked myself “Why am I paying for this…?” The house is on High Ground so there is no danger of flooding, the walls are concrete blocks / Q-Con, the roof is steel frame with Cement Cpac Tiles. If there were ever a fire, it would be quickly contained and would be unable to spread throughout the house. I also have fire extinguishers in the house…. Just in case. Regarding Cyclones….. The Andaman Coastline, including Phuket is not subject to what would be classified as Heavy Weather. We get an annual SW Monsoon coming in off the Indian Ocean from May thru October each year. Sure there may be some wind and rain, but unless you’re living in a tin shack, or have built your home on low ground , ie in the middle of what was once a rice paddy…. You’ll be fine. Break-ins and Theft….. were not covered in my previous policy. So, instead I have 3 independent security systems, 2 dogs and 2 Safes. One of the Safes is “Sacrificial”. The Baht I save in annual policy premiums….. pays for a lot of dog food.

As a Canadian Expat living in Phuket for the past 26yrs, I would advise you not wear it…..anywhere in T’land….!!! While living and working in Abu Dhabi I bought myself a Sea Dweller 116600. I needed a reliable watch in the cockpit, having had battery operated watches fail, inflight. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi almost everyone has a Rolex. It’s not a big deal. My watch now lives in a Safe and kept as an investment, while I wear something less conspicuous. A few years ago while wearing the watch here in Phuekt, a Thai Chinese friend noticed it and warned me, saying that I shouldn’t be wearing it. He then related a story about a foreigner having his Rolex forcibly removed from his wrist while having his dinner at a restaurant in Phuket. Foreigners will assume that your watch is fake. The Thais can somehow notice the difference. Don’t give them the opportunity to take it from you. Leave it at home and enjoy your vacation…..

Have a look at the CIGNA “Close Care Policy”. I am also 65yrs and this is the policy I maintain.

Having lived and worked in Bombay (Mumbai) for 2 years in the mid-90’s, it is perfectly “Normal” for Indian Nationals to have a Poop’n Pee wherever and whenever….. Sidewalks were particularly dangerous places to walk. If Thailand wants more Indian “Tourists”…… get ready to start scraping the sidewalks…..

Just to make the cremation a tad more interesting….. if you are able….. just a few moments before you pass away, eat about 2kg of popcorn kernels….:)

Simply supplement your immune system. Easy.

A Canadian “Computer Engineer” arrives in Thailand 03 February, and makes his way to Chang Mai. Just four (4) days latter on 07 February he’s on an airplane departing Chang Mai to go back to Canada via Bangkok. That’s a Hell of a long trip for just a couple days in Chang Mai. Who did he meet with in Chang Mai…? What was discussed at the meeting..? What threats were made..? Was there going to be someone waiting for him Airside when the plane landed in BKK, or in YVR..? I’m sure Thai DSI will be interested in “Chatting” with him….

I always use the Phuket drive thru, showing up 1 week before my 90 day is due, just in case I can’t make it on the exact due date and am delayed. I’ve lived in Phuket since 1998 and have seen great improvement with Phuket Immigration over the years. Issued with a 10 year “O-X” Retirement Visa in 2019 by the Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the 90 day Ck takes all of 2-3 minutes when using the drive thru. Passport, along with the 90 day notification from your previous visit is all that’s required.

I got my Yellow Book Tambian Baan about 12 years ago, as well as my Thai ID Pink Card. I have found that having both prove to be great “supporting” documents when dealing with the Thai officialdom here. You can now also open an account at the Government Savings Bank (GSB) for which Thai ID is mandatory. An account with GSB is important if you have more than 1MTB on deposit and you want to keep it all at just one (1) Bank. All other Banks in Thailand are deemed “Commercial” Banks ie SCB, UOB, KMA…..and are subject to the Deposit Protection Agency (DPA) new restrictions. Prior to 4 yrs ago the DPA covered / insured cash deposits up to 10MTB, It was then reduced to 5MTB. In 2021 it was further reduced to 1MTB. Doesn’t exactly instill much confidence in the Thai Banking Sector….5555 So, if you keep more than 1MTB on deposit here in Thailand, you’d be wise to open accounts at several banks to protect your cash in the event of Banks failing. The GSB is not a “Commercial Bank” and all deposits are protected.

Sorry to say this but…… If and when you arrive in Issan, be prepared to hand over a lotta Baht. You will have become a walking ATM machine…..

Sadly, the actual deaths caused by road accidents is most probably much higher. To my knowledge, Thai authorities only record a death caused by a road accident, if the individual "dies at the scene of the accident". If the individual dies in the ambulance, or in the hospital as a result of injuries sustained in the accident, then their death is recorded as having died from other causes. If I am wrong regarding this, then I sit corrected. I've lived here on Phuket for the past 25 years. I've seen bodies cartwheeling through the air. I've seen the impacts...... and the aftermath. During my first trip to Phuket in '98, I rented a little 110cc Rice-Rocket. Despite having owned a Honda 550 Four overseas in my youth and being very comfortable riding, 15 minutes after renting my little Rice-Rocket, it was laying underneath a 60' tour bus after its driver tried to kill me. That was the last time I was ever on a bike. I now drive a Volvo with a lotta airbags. Phuket is a tourist destination. "Everybody" is on vacation and with that, goes much drinking....... and driving amongst both Thai's and foreigners. Back in the late 90's, I found myself on more than one occasion driving here in Phuket, when I shouldn't have been. If I had been stopped by the police and tested, I'd probably still be in jail. And, rightly so. Now many years on, if I want to have a drink, I do so at home while grilling a pork chop on the BBQ. Serious enforcement with heavy fines and jail time, similar to other countries here in SE Asia like S'pore, would I believe help in reducing fatalities here on Phuket.

I was faced with the same issue about 25yrs ago when I bought my first vehicle here. What make and model should I buy…? My question was answered when I started noticing the number of Isuzus on the road. They’re relatively inexpensive and cheap to maintain. If you’re going to be doing any traveling, you can install a cover over the back bed (Carryboy) for all your gear. If you do breakdown somewhere, there’s probably a Thai kid walking down the street that knows how to fix it. Look at what the older generation Thai guy drives and your question will be answered.

I just did this with 4 of my banks, UOB, SCB, KMA and Bangkok Bank, transferring 1MTB in each bank from Savings Accounts over to 12 month Fixed Term Deposits. A painless process except for Bangkok Bank who required I go to Immigration and get a letter, saying that I could open a 2nd account. Mai Khao Jaiiii. Just for info….. the Thai Deposit Protection Agency (DPA) now only guarantee deposits up to a maximum of 1MTB in the event of Bank Failure. 8 years ago, the DPA guaranteed 10MTB. 5 years ago it was reduced down to 5MTB. 2 years ago….. 1MTB. Doesn’t really say much for confidence in the banking sector here in T’land.

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I’d kinda like to see the Excited States of America’s Immigration and Border Patrol take the same stand. Can you imagine if Thailand were as complacent and irresponsible as the Excited States…..

There is no escape….. The Provincial Electrical Authority (PEA) here in T’land, just raised electrical rates +17% on 01 September 2022…..

I’ve actually seen Thais wearing cloth masks while swimming in the sea here in Phuket…. Nuff said….

I’ve lived in T’land for over the past 24yrs on various types of visas. Was issued a 10yr O-X Retirement Visa in October 2019. Recommend you avoid “agents” and just use a good Int’l law firm in BKK to assist.

After spending over 45 years in the cockpit of both fixed-wing and helicopters mostly in the Persian Gulf, I’m now listening to a few Generals wanting F-35’s here in T’land. Hell, I’d kinda like to have an F-35 as well….. But, let’s be realistic. I think a flock of F-16’s will suffice.

With over 42yrs strapped into the cockpits of various types of aircraft around the world…… I’m Done’n Dusted with these clowns….!!! July 2020 at 62yrs of age I was employed as a Senior Line Captain based in Abu Dhabi working 2 months “On”, followed by 1 month “Off”…… spending my “time-off” at home here in Phuket. The game plan was to continue working through to mandatory retirement age of 65yrs (June 2023) on my Senior Captains Salary. That didn’t happen. What did happen was Covid. In July 2020 the company I was flying for in Abu Dhabi imposed mandatory forced retirement for all crews over the age 60yrs in an attempt to save $$$$ due Covid. When crews were asked to sign a letter from HR and Flight Ops accepting and acknowledging their retirement, we were all immediately (During the same meeting) offered a new Employment Contract for the exact same job and duties, at 33% less salary as a “Contractor”. Contractors do not get benefits, or end of service pay. I said…….No. Instead, I chose to return home to Phuket. After having been stuck in Abu Dhabi thru August and September, I received a call on 01 October 2020 from the Thai Embassy advising that I could go home. Now fully retired from the cockpit, I also consider myself as having been very lucky in that I was able to avoid any and all of the so called “vaccines”. See attached. All crews that remained were forced to get “Vax’d”, or they too would have also been “Retired” early. With no more 04:15am wake-up calls…… I’m happily retired here in Phuket. G’luck to all the other crews still out there flying….