wwest5829

Please get it right … governments in Republican majority states. More enlightened states leave medical decisions up to patients and Doctors.

Sorry about your thinking. Personally, I deal with social/medical reality. I would not force a victim of incest or rape to carry to term that which is forced on a woman. Nor would I allow any law to require my significant other and I to carry to term, give birth and bear the emotional/financial burden of a genetically damaged being.

A lot cheaper to flee for regressive Republican states and find medical care in more enlightened US states.

Good news for my monthly retirement transfers, further good news that my USA Social Security should get a nice bump next year. Bad news? Ah, ... well, the portfolio is down $80,000 USD from its high! Big ouch.

As a Yank, I always refer to our Northern neighbors as, "the kinder, gentler Americans".

From the article stating that the latest bivalent vaccine will be available in Thailand next year, sounds like I can get this booster during a planned trip to the USA after the New Year.

I have no issue with wearing a mask when around others. I do miss the beautiful Thai female smiles I immediately came to appreciate.

Yes, I would be further shocked if Interpol guidelines allow for Arrest Warrants on political refugees.

Yikes. I fail in the experience due to spending my life studying and teaching history. I asked for a "Starter halo deck" so I could have my students experience history ... reply was something about not having the budget nor technology ... Go easy, I am just playing with thoughts. it has already been observed that there is a world of difference between finding information and having the critical thinking ability to apply that knowledge.

I have always appreciated this thought by Gandhi. For decades it hung in my college office. "I do not want my house to be walled in on all sides and my windows to be stuffed. I want the cultures of all lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible. But I refuse to be blown off my feet by any."

Speculation, but I'm thinking there may well be an increase of Russian men coming wanting to escape Vlad's "partial mobilization" to fight in the war on Ukraine.

I was wondering. The new vaccines are available in the US but I was hoping for the newest vaccine before getting the next “booster”.

Just curious. Have the newest Pfizer/Moderna vaccines arrived and widely distributed in Thailand?

When I croak I want the Wife to send the mortal remains immediacy to the local Wat (gas oven). Ashes to be tossed (reverently of course) in the Mae Ping (in earlier days spreading the ashes along Loh Kroh would have been appropriate). Literally done and dusted. Knowing her, she will no doubt go to the Wat to offer prayers after.

When I experienced my “mini stroke” your observation would have applied. Fortunately, it cleared within two hours …

Agreed. BKK to Singapore, solo, was on my bucket list and I have fond memories of the experience.

Thai Wife and Stepdaughter grated 10 year US Tourist Visas this morning in anticipation of our planned trip covering the month of April 2023. I have been on O-A Visa Extensions of Stay for over a decade using the 65K monthly transfers. Plan is for me to exit without re-entry permit, thus voiding the O-A Visa ... re-enter Visa Exempt, extend and during that time apply for the 90 day "O" Visa and then a one year Extension of Stay based on proof of 65K monthly transfers for over the past year. If anyone has gone this route, especially in Chiang Mai I would appreciate hearing of your experience.

Yes, certainly differing offices and “work around” vary in different offices.

Yes, a possibility.

At age 75 and a cholesterol/heart issue the health/insurance concerns are at the top. Plan is for our family (Thai Wife, Stepdaughter and myself) to visit USA for the month of April 2023. Exit with my O-A visa, no return permit ... re-enter Visa Exempt go through the process of getting an "O" Visa for reason of retirement. I will try to show I have made over a decade of monthly transfers of 65K+. Fall back position would be "O" Visa for marriage as I will not cash in 800K invested funds to park in a Thai bank (I do have separate account with 400K+ as funds for my Wife when I croak).

Avoid the O-A Visa (granted in your own country).Your best route is the O Visa. As an American, Visa Exempt and go through the steps, in Thailand, to gain an O Visa within Thailand. I realize it is confusing on first blush but this is the easiest route. Again, write to an agency and you can get the most current requirements at the Immigration Office in the locale where you will initially live. Enter, open the bank account (go to an office dealing with foreigners (often in malls or main branches).

Forgo applying for an O-A Visa. Arrive in Thailand and you be granted a “Visa Exempt” entry (currently 30 days … as of Oct. 1 45 days). In either case, you can apply for a further 30 day stay. During your stay, make application for an “O Visa”. Read further at the Thai Immigration website. In either case you will need to have money in a Thai bank before applying to gain a yearlong extension of stay. The US no longer issues the income certificate from our Embassy so that is out. I would recommend contacting one of the agencies assisting. If coming into Chiang Mai I can give you a pm recommendation. I came in on an O-A Visa a decade ago … will be exiting Thailand and re-entering switching to an O Visa (for me an issue with getting required medical insurance). On the Visa Exempt entry I stated … just get a short term travel insurance from the website you stated. An agency can get you through the first entry hurdles … after that you can have a better handle on going forward. Good luck.

I sadly have to agree. Thailand has a “sweet spot” appealing to the western working middle class. Especially Americans looking for an exotic tropical vacation location at reasonable prices, a location of a comfortable retirement and a location for world class medical care (since the U.S. has refused to provide a national healthcare program for its citizens). It seems, consistent with some folks attitude here of reaching for the quick earnings from the wealthy (thus the reported pyramid schemes, the Thai workers taken advantage of seeking work in other countries). Someone is either purposely ignoring the reality of marketing Thailand or so out of touch they cannot identify with the market. I suppose I cannot fault them, being an American who cannot afford to retire in my own country where some folks do not comprehend that the country is dependent on that numerous working middle class.

Ah, the subject of tattoos. Well, the thing is both my Sons have tats, so I recognize the generation difference. As to my Thai loves? Well, all from the Beijing have treated me great and that included the tattooed bar girls … but the they were both of my Sons age or younger. Anyway, just for mutually beneficial fun. Serious relationship? Hmm, well preferred no tats and I do not have any either.

Yes, and while only 40K monthly is required, our family of 3 (even though I could qualify by marriage for the lower amount), it is not possible for us to live comfortably. on 40K.