wwest5829

Thank you for taking your time to write a thoughtful response to the subject at hand.

My two satang worth? This is Thailand and I respect the Thai citizens to decide policies for their country. I will restrict my voice to only advising my country’s interaction and my countrymen concerning visiting the Kingdam of Thailand.

Looking forward to retirement I looked at Mexico, Ecuador, Panama, the Philippines and Thailand. For medical care concerns, security, cost of living and ... OK, I am more attracted to the Asian female look, I decided on Thailand. I figured if I stayed in the US, my future would be in a rusting trailer in Florida or Arizona. Here I am able to live a working middle class retirement on my $2400.00 USD a month ($1320 of that from SS). The plan allows me to carry-on with neither running out of funds nor do I need to dip into capital. I do confess to spending too much for the western food. It appears the 3 of us enjoy the living standard and I certainly enjoy being taken care of by my Thai wife (26 years my junior ... hold on, remember I am ancient)..

I think the only pertinent records would be ones that issued a Medical Certificate for one of the “underlying conditions”.

No mind change. I was just wanting Pfizer or Moderna. The USA donation to the Kingdom of Thailand (plus other countries) made the Pfizer vaccine available here … and for free so I received my first shot yesterday and the second is scheduled for September 22.

No way for the US State Department to establish a policy of providing Americans medical care outside US territory. True, US fully retired military can get medical care reimbursement all around the world through Tricare … unlike fully retired civilians on Medicare who have no equal support.

Concur … for what that is worth. Each person’s chemistry varies somewhat so reactions can vary. Let you know if I survive my first shot of Pfizer in two days.

Do keep in mind that Americans, at least, are known to have short attention spans. Thus, “fatigue” from thinking starts setting in after about 15 minutes. Ha! Now try teaching Western Civ. To 18 year old Americans … you will learn patience or seek another line of work … IMHE (experience of 41 years).

I agree that the use of meeting someone online can be positive. Yes, it can also be bad for either a western Farang or a Thai girl. I would never have met Da as I was retired in Chiang Mai and she had a hair salon in Bangkok. Add to the reality that I speak only a few words of Thai and she spoke only a very few words of English. Her gf encouraged her to put a profile on Badoo and, as might be expected the swarm was wanting naked photos. Ha! A benefit for me as I did not approach in that manner. I flew down to Bangkok where a Thai female friend of mine from CM agreed to join us for dinner and help translate. That was four years ago and we married here in CM in April this year. The best girl I have ever had in my life. She, I and her 16 year old Daughter seem to be very happy as a family. One might be tempted to shake their head at the 26 year difference in our ages but … keep in mind I am 74 (and getting younger every year in Thailand with my Thai girl!).

Good observation.

It has also been announced that Promenada Mall will be taking walk-ins for Pfizer relieving some pressure from McCormick.

Thanks for thinking of me. Yes, I see September 1 & 2. I supposedly have a “priority” appointment but could just be another way-in.

This definition, I am familiar with as an American but I have been retired in the Kingdom of Thailand over a decade now and this definition does not apply here. If what you say, do or expose causes a loss of standing here, you can be held accountable for damages ... true or not. Quite a shocker for those from countries where western jurisprudence holds sway.

I second the thanks to Ben and the others he works with to help the Expat community get lined up to get the vaccines. It was through his intervention that I received an appointment for September 1. Registered at expatvac on August 2 but that never resulted in any action after being sent notice of successful registration.

TO: All RE: my Pfizer scheduling whining ... I am happy to report that I need not bother all of you again concerning my difficulty getting a Pfizer vaccine appointment in Chiang Mai. Yesterday eve, through the intervention of the expat citizen group assisting the Chiang Mai CPO, I was scheduled for my first Pfizer vaccine shot on September 1. Much public thanks goes to Ben Svasti Thomson and the group!!!

Registered for Pfizer vaccine, Aug 2 at expatvac. All documents uploaded without problem, including Medical Certificate listing Cardiovascular disease. American, age 74. Received return email of successful registration ... then nothing. Registered here in Chiang Mai, CMCVR Aug, 23 reply with registration number. And awaiting scheduling for vaccine.

At age 74, 5 by-passes in 2005 (stateside) and heart attack 2015 in Chiang Mai (resultant stent, 2 additional angioplasties), I have thought about this. I keep up my monthly Medicare premium payments as a "fallback" for long term care if I can get on a plane. But, I came planning on remaining here until I go up the chimney in smoke at the local Wat. Married to a Thai (26 years younger) and she and her daughter have declared that they will see that I live to age 200 ... right. So, I think I will be taken care of. Then there are several long term care facilities in the area within my monthly budget affordability. Insurance, yes, I am on O-A Visa with the non-paying insurance required. When travel opens, will switch to O Visa so no insurance required. I do get $5000.00 coverage annually from US so that helps. Here a decade and all good ...

My Mother referred to the nursing homes as "god's waiting rooms".

I registered for Pfizer here in Chiang Mai through chiangmaihealth.go.th

Registered successfully through Chiang Mai and received a number. Now awaiting notification of appointment American, age 74, heart issues.

Not worth addressing the post. As he stated, “as far as I know”. That explains much …

“… few sandwiches short of a picnic”. First time I read that one …I like it!

Ha! But here? Wife says she is not jealous but wants to go everywhere with me. No complaints from me as I enjoy my wife’s company and … Well, she did the talking to get me my Pfizer vaccine number issued! Nothing better than having the right Thai girl IMHO.

Lesson learned, always go to a Pharmacy outside a hospital rather than use in-hospital facility. I have found it is the same in Thailand as in the USA.

Your arm comment reminded me of the tenis shot. Felt like cement was injected. Here is a smile for all reading. I hate needles. I mean it is a violation of my strang defense mechanisms … so, Mom worked as a receptionist in a hospital lab. Every time visiting home from college … in for complete blood work up (submitted in my deceased Grandmother’s name). Anyway, getting ready to do back to visit the “vampires” and Mom says loudly … we have a fainter coming back … hey! That only happened one time, Mom!!