wwest5829

Yes, while I would prefer a bottle, my imbibing and budget are taken into consideration. If you are volunteering to subsidize … great.

Agree, and allowing that we all can have different experiences due to many variables. The only return incident with Makro for me concerned returning 3 boxes of Red Monte Clair wine. Taste was very bad. Perhaps the bottom of the barrel or having been too long subjected to heat but ... yuck. I explained that I had also tasted a second box with the same result ... undrinkable. Return price was immediate ... We don't know, perhaps they had been told of a bad batch, or others had the same complaint ... anyway. My one time return, no issue.

Faced with the age, I shipped two plastic trunks filled with collected items from my travels. Bubble wrapped all and Chiang Mai Removals arranged the shipping through DHL. Ceramics were involved and very few things could be replaces. One piece broken upon arrival, a corner of one of the trunks was broken. DHL compensated. I would recommend shipping in a hard sided container with lots of bubble wrap.

This I do not know. There are a number of Aussies who are members of the Chiang Mai Expats Club. Perhaps your best answer would come from them by asking on the club’s website. Wish you well.

I use it on Wise every month. Retirement monthly income method. Always check that box and FTT transfer noted by Bangkok Bank.

Sorry to hear. I have my US Social Security deposited into my American bank. From there I transfer $2200.00 through Wise pulled from my bank and transferred into my Bangkok Bank Account like clockwork every month to meet the required monthly deposit transferred from abroad. Ordering the transfer via Wise, you are asked for the reason of the transfer. Scroll down through the reasons and you will see “for long term stay”. Check that box and it comes directly as an FTT transfer. Do not check the box and it can come through an intermediary bank not meeting the FTT notation.

I have just gone to HomePro here in Chiang Mai. They use subcontractors but, my thinking is that they have already vetted.

Each of us are subject to different experiences. My ex was trained and went through 3 levels of certification. I enjoyed the massage practice at home as I am a foot massage addict.

I find Thailand’s abstention vote consistent historically in its trying to balance the interests of competing world powers. As to whether there is ever a cause to fight over territory? History does report that there are times when people do decide to defend their country (I am thinking WWII Czechoslovakia here). Philosophically, the debate has been with countries/empires for a long time. I have not found any one “right” conclusion.

Once again “having peace in our time” - a la Chamberlain as Hitler demanded the German speaking Sudetenland from sovereign Czechoslovakia.

Earned Medicare for retired civilians is useable only on US territory (Guam is the closest). Earned military retired are globally covered through Tricare but they also are required to pay the monthly Part B premiums.

Entitled to you opinion … but it is only that … your opinion not to be mistaken as fact.

US Embassy in Bangkok, US Consulate in Chiang Mai. Botha do occasional outreach visits but Passports and Consular Services, from my understanding and experience are handled through these two diplomatic posts.

My reality at retirement was that I could live a comfortable, sustainable retirement if I located in a lower cost country. My outlook is that my retirement in Thailand is mutually beneficial. If Thailand turns to take a different view … we’ll there were other alternatives. Thailand obviously was my first choice for several criteria.

That is where my thinking went …

Widely distributed in Thailand but I wonder where they were printed?

I thought there might be a chance Putin would visit Phuket to declare annexing to protect the Russian speakers there? (Tongue in cheek).

Agree. I knew I could not afford retirement in the USA on my $2400. USD a month. Last time I visited it was with my Thai GF, 28 yeats younger, I got the same reaction you state. … for those tempted to focus on the age difference, I am 75 so that tones down the age thingy. Still …

True. A major consideration of retiring to Thailand was not being able to have a working middle class retirement in the USA on my income. Here I am quite comfortable.

Don’t wish to bore you but bear with me for a story to hopefully bring a smile. Dad and Uncles had served in or at the end of WW II. Dad had said he would understand if I headed for Canada. Draft numbering system was put in place. My number 210 and they were up to 190. Next round and a good chance I would be called. Already had the physical. Hmm, OK I applied for Navy OCS. All tests passed but there were too many of us with the same idea. Unlimited line officer closed, only Supply and Nuclear sub available. With my lack of math ability … well, subs were not the best choice. Supply? Hey, everybody loves the supply officer! Right 1-9 accountants, bookkeepers, … number 9 Social Sciences (for me history, 10. = other. Richard Mulhouse Nixon (bless his potted head) froze the draft at 190! The end of my Naval career. Yet another path not taken …

Call Dr. Harvey (movie, Casper) or “Ghostbusters”?

Cannot give self defense advice to a 62 year old. Last time I thought about this, I was 32 and planning for a year of travel so … A year of intense Takwando. 130 pounds and no fat, best shape I have eer been in. Still, I knew my limitations … I could deliver a solid hit … and run like hell! Now, 75 and twice the man I was (OK, not quite but quite heftier), I might get in one lucky strike (pun intended) and stride/stroll quickly way … Post only meant to bring a smile to those of a certain age.

I do not take issue but counsel restraint as we do not have the facts and figures yet. As for a dramatic and large wave of draft dodgers, I feel guilty as I would have to research this. My suspicion is that: 1. current media coverage may be influencing our thinking and 2. I do seriously suspect we would find previous wars around the globe where we would find substantial numbers of me fleeing military service ( yes, just an educated guess based on my reading of history).

I have not seen the documented numbers so I would be hesitant to make this determination.

Hmm, Jimmy Carter pardoned, I think in 1977.