wwest5829

Damn those Americans. Question, how many other countries provide school bus transportation for their students? Not in Thailand, not in Mexico last time I was there, hmm, if fact I have not recall witnessing this in any of the countries I have visited (certainly not the majority of the world's countries).

Here, the Thai Police could invite in American Police ... as they have the most mass shooting incidents in the world (don't jump before considering that I am speaking of my own country ... and in condemnation).

I could not be opposed to Chinese national expats (nor Russsians for that matter) volunteering with the Tourist Police on the same basis but I do not think that is what is being proposed.

The pRC has already established offices in global cities to "assist Chinese nationals" ... tentacles.

With due recognition of the immediate results of the military coup, as I recall. Is the three finger "Scout" sign still banned?

As has been pointed out, there is a contest between the authoritarian government model and the more democratic government model. I recognize that it is certainly not black and white for some claiming "democracy" are not addressing the needs of their working middle class but ... I certainly cannot embrace the PRC model ... too much control demanded in return for surrendering individual freedoms for this American. Can get into deeper subject matter but I'll spare all.

As is the unilateral claim to the South China Sea but it is consistent.

Tourists assume they are in a country where Pedestrians have the Right of Way. It takes a bit of time to realize that here in Thailand, traffic law/regulations are more "suggestions" and enforcement varies.

Nice, tent right on the water ... a cold chill just went up my back remembering my Scouting days the the requirement not to be so close to the water (sanitation concerns are part of this). - old American Eagle Scout who now enjoys a glass or two of red wine while staring into a campfire and listening to a burbling stream ...

So, why not bring in the Chinese under the same Tourist Police organization conditions? I get the feeling this is to be a "horse of a different color" (or in Thai context, "Says, same but different").

While I agree in general, Mike ... I have found the "right" side of the road depends on which of the 7 countries I have driven in ...

Agreed. Switching which side to drive on and having the steering wheel on the other side was just natural for me but ... after 12 years, I still sometimes hit the wrong lever for turn signal/wipers!

Agreed. I spent six weeks once I focused on Chiang Mai. A month condo rental one place, two weeks at another in different parts of town. One week only allows a tourist statement of having visited the city. A week in different locations to get a feel for local area services (food, shopping, costs, general services, transport, etc.) before deciding on where to stay for the first 6 - 12 months of living in Chiang Mai.

Immediately, this came to mind. "Candiru is a tiny Amazonian parasitic catfish reported to swim into urethral and other body openings of unprotected bathers". I think I'll pass on the trekking and Amazon swimming!

Yes, it is an ACH transfer and the cost is less than $20.00 USD on a transfer of $2200.00. I am not concerned about instant delivery so I order the transfer at my convenience, sometimes ordering it on a Friday afternoon and arrival on the following business day afternoon. No, “medallion” signature guarantee needed. I did it all online with Wise and Fidelity but long ago so I do not remember the exact order of steps taken. Once a month, I open the Wise App on my iPhone and send the order … as the accounts are already linked, I do not enter username, password, etc. Has worked for for over a decade without any “glitches”.

I was recently told of a Thai acquaintance of my Wife who called to tell her the good news that she and her Daughter, after using an agency were successful in getting US Tourist Visas. The Daughter plans to remain and work. And thus Thais are costing other Thais by their planned overstays and illegal working … Like it or not Thai females, especially have an earned reputation.

I had been here some years before I witnessed a Thai guy dragging a Thai girl out of his vehicle and start hitting her. Before retiring to Thailand I had read books on Thai History, Politics, Society … I kept driving. This is not a culture built on the Western concept of Chivalry … here Loss of Face takes precedent.

I fell afoul of this with my Fidelity Account where SS and RMD deposits are made automatically. I used to do an EFT to Bangkok Bank, NYC. Fidelity does not use the required form and so a change. Ever since, I have Wise set up so that on my Wise App, I tell them, once a month to take a stated amount (usually $2200.00 USD) from my Fidelity Bank Account and transfer the equivalent Baht into my Bangkok Bank here in Thailand. I always check the “long Stay living expense” reason for the transfer. Always comes in as FTT without issue for my annual Extension of Stay.

Always brings a smile to my face ... single retired 65K a month, married 40K. as if you would need less of a budget amount. I switched from retirement to marriage but still transfer in 65K a month as we spend that much per month.

Same age, I can only hope I have my walking stick with me! Quick deep jab and "scurry" like hell (since the best I can do is a fast walk).

Sorry to befuddle. My total annual earnings is around $4000.00 USD from my investments. .That is on more than the equivalent of 800,000 baht. Additionally is my USA Social Security and the mandatory Required Minimum Distribution from my retirement funds (total income about $33,000.00 USD annually. I have not looked at my rate of return, certainly it is greater than the Thai bank would be paying over the 12 years I have been retired here. I recognize there are other considerations that others prefer. I just replied drawing attention to the reason that an alternative exists that does not tie up $22,000.00 USD. Oh, I do have another account which could cover any one month problems with the transfer ... but I have not had one instance where I needed to use the emergency measure. My Wise transfer arrives again by tomorrow afternoon in my Bangkok Bank Account, cited as FTT transfer for long term living expense. Many folks read subjects and comments to help them determine what is in their best interest.

But then there is also, “Good Samaritan” law protecting someone offering assistance to be held harmless of liability.

This is the reason I use the monthly income method. My retirement funds are invested and bring in about $4000.00 USD annually. Cannot justify parking working funds not generating the income.

Two good advantages you two cite. Getting ready to move into new house with my Thai wife and Stepdaughter. I think I will get a Pink Card after the move.

That was my first thought also. It should be interesting to watch the opposition. Plenty of discourse on the subject from the USA which regularly goes round and round in states and localities. New ... "What happens in Chiang Mai, stays in Chiang Mai".