wwest5829

Wow! Fortunately not applicable to me here in Chiang Mai. As an American, I do not receive any "pension". I draw on my own invested retirement funds, plus my SS (SS under 65K baht a month).

I entered over a decade ago on an "O-A Visa" granted in the US. I have only ever used the monthly income method as my funds are invested and earning me money so I do not think parking 800,000 baht in a Thai bank is the wisest choice for me. Every month, I transfer $2200 USD from my US bank to my Bangkok Bank Account via Wise ... on the Wise website, I always "check" the reason for the transfer as "for long term living expenses in Thailand". That assures that Wise will directly deposit into my Bangkok Bank Acct. The bank logs it in as an FTT which is what immigration here in Chiang Mai wants to see for the extension of stay as funds coming into Thailand. I spend the 65,000 baht every month so I assure you there is no remaining balance needed to be shown, nor any "pension" letter needed. I do have an additional Thai bank account for savings but this plays no part in my annual extension of stay documentation. I want to change to an "O" Visa once the borders open but that is another subject.

Thanks for the reminder from Dickens that ignorance and want spell doom …

I have used the monthly income method for over a decade. My SS is directly deposited into my US bank account ($1380 per month). I then supplement my SS with additional retirement funds. I transfer $2200 via Wise once a month and check the reason on Wise for the transfer as long term living expenses in Thailand, thus assuring that the transfer goes into my Bangkok Bank Account directly as a foreign funds transfer. The critical thing is showing the monthly funds coming into Thailand, it does not need to be from SS or any one source before entering your account in Thailand. Hope this helps.

You beat me to it!

Hmm, I am thinking there is something to the Cartier store model and the Tesco store model. Attract the few wealthy or the masses of the middle classes? Ah, ... go after both markets?

Reminds me of my reading, during my studies that Germans, previous to Hitler's rise, found it cheaper to burn German Marks than to buy firewood.

Reflecting on this, I believe my outlook would be equal in condemnation if Thailand were invaded by a stronger country because it is not just, all about me.. The Thai tourism folks seem to have a different standard.

Agreed. Due to current circumstances this trade promotion should have been put, "on hold".

I use the monthly transfer from my US bank into my Bangkok Bank account via Wise. It arrives as a foreign funds transfer (Wise asks for reason of transfer ... select "for long term stay living expenses"). Each year for my retirement extension (thus 65K baht a month for me), the Bangkok Bank letter and fund deposits document meets the immigration requirements here in Chiang Mai. While my US Social Security might cover a marriage required amount (I receive $1380 SS monthly), we spend the 65K each month without much effort.

I have faced the irony in my life since my Father's death in 1991. You see, he was a blue collar union worker for Texaco Oil for 17 years. As such, he participated in the stock purchasing scheme. After he died, I inherited the Texaco Stock (later bought out by Chevron Oil). The irony? I am a retired academic and as such, having been educated about various countries and cultures, lean left of center (at least in today's US political environment). Still, that Chevron stock dividends pays me half my dividend income per year. There is a balance in there somewhere, methinks.

I recall a fellow in my building that waited to shower until mid-day or afternoon as the water tanks were on the roof. By that time of day, here in Chiang Mai, the water heated up enough so that using an electric water heater was not needed. "Cheap" or "thrift" ... vocabulary is a great thing.

Sorry, I do not know what is publicly available. I only can address my own situation.

Dang, missed out again being a retired working middle class westerner. My $2400 USD a month income just under the needed funds to qualify. OK, granted Thailand should pursue all avenues to see what works but ... folks, how many of the rich and famous versus the number of working middle class who could be attracted to settle in Thailand? I suppose it is the old story of Oscar de la Renta, NYC versus Target customers (note, I did not cite Walmart).

Looks like one more year on my "O-A" as I extend in May. Then exit and re-enter on an "O" Visa.

You think? Although, as an educator, I would have replied with stating an "approximate" billion number while explaining that the number is constantly changing. A teachable moment to ask students what sort of things influence population ... war, famine, disease, etc. Depends, of course, on the age of the students as to how much depth to explore. Get them thinking, questioning at whatever age.

Actually, the ignorance can be found globally. I really appreciate Charles Dickens warning given by the Spirit of Christmas Present in "A Christmas Carol". We are warned that Ignorance and Want spell doom for humanity ...

Just plain nuts ... or not having knowledge of Thai culture. Fortunately, I came to Thailand at retirement age. The "sweet spot" for me was finding a traditionally raised Thai girl, 26 years my junior but ... being older, having had children, previous relationships? No need for Sin Sot.

I can still see the expression on a Thai girlfriend's face as I explained the western tradition. Unbelievable, the Bride's family was to pay a dory to the Groom. We still have a vestige of the old tradition in the Bride's family being responsible to pay the cost of the wedding. Knowing a bit of history helps us understand the world around us today. After a lifetime of study, I know my own culture but have become very understanding of other traditions. Reading more about Thai culture also gives one the knowledge of the "sin sot" according to the status of the Bride. Never married? No children? Young? Family status and the Groom's status? All play into the "formula".

Agreed

I am not sure if the supplemental private insurance is a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Medigap policy. It is provided as a retirement benefit. It covers up to $5000 per year for care outside the US.

I actually have a U.S., Medicare supplement policy that covered the cost of both eye lens replacement so coverage evidently varies.

Had worn glasses since 5the grade. 2017 had both eyes natural lens removed and replaced with prescription lens. At the time $1800 USD for each eye. Rutnin Eye Hospital, Bangkok. All they do is eye related. Excellent care. Unfortunately, increasing “floaters” are now causing issues. That, I am told is a natural process of aging (now 75).

Complicated … another sell out by the democracies as took place with Germany’s taking of the Sudetenland of Czechoslovakia? Correlations are real.

The Turks are not going to be pleased with your statement!