wwest5829

On 10/10/2022 at 10:50 AM, Jingthing said:

The thing about these Russian "draft dodgers" is morally ambiguous.

In general most people in most countries don't exactly exalt people evading military service when their country calls. 

Most of the Russians escaping now didn't have a word to say in opposition to the evil war chosen by their dictator UNTIL the war came to them. Not exactly profiles in courage.

Of course, I don't blame them, but if this war lasts a long time, many are going to find it impossible to stay abroad because of visas and expenses.

Maybe they can apply for political asylum in some countries. I seem to remember Canada as a destination in earlier wrongful political decisions.

14 hours ago, Mac Mickmanus said:

It was about Thais generally , not the minority  those who work in the sex industry .

   What made you think about girls working in the sex industry , rather than those working in legitimate jobs ?

Not a criticism, just an observation from my perspective, that the sex industry, existing since time immortal might well be considered legit, as it is in various cultures.

9 hours ago, Boomer6969 said:

If you accept to live like a native, it is OK. But on the other hand this is a lower/middle management salary in Bangkok.

Yes, out priced from retiring in the USA (unless a rusting trailer in Florida or Arizona). Here … a 4 bedroom, 3 bath house on a double lot, my own furniture, 2 cars, motorbike. For a family of three we are comfortable. In my retirement years, I don’t think this is, “living like a native” as the 82,000+ baht just arriving (I transfer $2200) is above the average Thai monthly income.

4 hours ago, ed strong said:

I don't think any studying occurs, just look at restaurant hygiene and service techniques.

 

As a foreigner you cant buy land in Thailand and if you want to step on some of it, the price increases rapidly.

 

Sound to me like you are certainly going to pay for the privilege of living in Thailand.

 

 

If one choses. I am doing fine on my $2400 USD monthly budget.

25 minutes ago, Chris.B said:

...and she went with you because of your looks?  ????

 

Who knows what it is exactly that attracts one person to another. From long experience it seems to be a combination of many things, not just one thing. Some are attracted by a smile, an easy going nature, my wife upon meeting, said the first thing was my photo, as we met online (we were lucky, as "there be dragons! For both foreign men and Thai girls). Are you are thinking money? Sure that plays in the world round ... in "developing countries" without social safety net for females ... economic security is certainly a consideration. I did background reading before coming. Part of Thai culture is wanting to establish where you fit in within the "social pecking order". How old are you? (Asia - age gains respect). What is/was your occupation? (Professions get more respect). How much do you make? (Wealth holdings gain respect). Do you have a steady source of income? (Economic security in a lower cost country is judged important).

I cannot see foreign nations' embassies becoming involved in another nation's business dealings short of the foreign nation owning the companies involved or if there is a threat to the foreign nation interests.

Hillsborough Country House, Chiang Mai

Ah, but is the latest Pfizer vaccine available in Thailand?

On 10/4/2022 at 3:14 PM, Mavideol said:

did you try a crystal ball or the tarot cards, there are, also,  some fortune tellers at the corner of some street, just kidding ????  many of us on the same position/situation, as of now it's not looking good as it dropped, last night 38.13

1.00 US Dollar =

37.562206 Thai Baht

My monthly transfer came in at 37.68 today. $2200 USD, minus about $20 in Wise fee.

9 hours ago, DrPhibes said:

Anybody know if any roads closed due to flooding?  Have to get the daughter to the airport from Raumchok Plaza taking the 2nd ring road to the road to the airport at Promenada intersection.  Thanks in advance!

Limited view but Today, just avoid roads next to the Mae Ping. I did read that one road near the airport had drainage issues.

Yes, greater rail connectivity. Maybe not so much with internet with China where access is controlled (for the public good, of course).

On 10/2/2022 at 9:55 AM, KannikaP said:

Are you suggesting that the Air Con will blow WARM air?

Some units come with a “heat strip” providing warm air.

Here over a decade. Some years ago really “nippy” and I went to Global House and bought an electric fireplace looking el3ctric unit. Have not used it last year but it is on hand if needed.

7 hours ago, IamNoone88 said:

What a critcally foolish decision to enter the sea - that stretch is super rough and very deep, very quickly. The hotel employee deserves massive recognition for his act.

I recall my GF at the time (later my Wife) going into the surf South of Acapulco, Mexico. The beach tree also dropped off steeply and the surf pulled mighty strong. I had to throw my GF up on higher ground (she only weighed about 85 pounds) and fight my way back to the higher ground. Scary!

Ha! Yes, it is hard to remember back to a time when .I first got a Nokia “bag phone”. And now, well GPS has taken the place and need for maps, compass, and ruler to measure the approximate distances. Not to mention currently sitting in a cafe with coffee and reading posts on FB from folks on 6 continents … and replying here. I do love the advances in technology. Certainly makes my retirement much easier … currently planning a visit to USA … hotel reservation, car rental reservation. Entrance tickets purchases … indeed what did I need to do previously …

19 hours ago, BritManToo said:

Both parents needed to get a passport.

So he will fail well before immigration.

Both needed to agree but not need to be present. At least that is what worked for us in Chiang Mai (letter of agreement from Thai father).

7 minutes ago, Kevin1908 said:

Spidemike007 I suppose it boils down to they want the foreigners money but not the foreigner. I have to admit I am rapidly going off the idea.

Having been retired here over a decade, observations that Thai immigration Visas could be easier, I encourage you not to throw in the towel, especially with a Thai family. That said, I have used an agency from my retirement here. Nothing underhanded or skirting Thai law. It is just that the agency deals with immigration daily … they know if any regulation changes, they know the more friendly immigration officers and who to avoid, they know if there is a new boss wanting to make changes and the particular “interpretations” of different immigration offices. For me, worth there assistance fee. I need only show up for 10 minutes to retrieve my passport once a year. I would add that I too have a Thai wife but find the retirement visa easier than the marriage visa requirements.

17 hours ago, steve187 said:

you were misinformed at the immigration office, it's not complicated for a 'married to Thai national' yearly extension, money is 400,000 in the bank account in your name only for 2 months prior to the application TM7, cost 1,900thb

 

 you will need a non-immigrant visa to apply for the yearly extension, visa exempt can be converted within Thailand cost 2,000thb

 

if you were married in Thailand, there is less jumping through hoops than if you were married outside Thailand

 

a 'retirement' yearly extension is easier but the money is tied up in your bank, 800,000thb for 6 months dropping to 4000thb for the remainder of the year, topped back up to 800,000thb 2 month prior to date of application for the subsequent yearly extension.

 

Or as I and many others have done for a “non-imm retirement visa”  … a monthly income brought in from abroad in excess of 65,000 each month. For myself, selling investments, paying the US taxes on profits and then parking 800,000 in a Thai bank is not a wise financial move for me.

Happy for Thailand to see those meetings, etc. bringing in tourists. What will they be required to have in the way of insurance when entering?