thailand49

This is my experience and for years I noticed this but kept it to myself! This is embedded in their culture not to except or handle criticism well. In the western world it is the root of learning and getting better. Thais do not and the less education they have the worse it gets! This has lot to do with they think if you are living in Thailand you have no idea what is going on and nothing you learned growing up outside of Thailand is valid. Call it ignorant whatever but it is there. I experience this first hand with my ex-wife and I say the less exposure they have with the western world the more ignorant they are except when it is time to get their monthly allowance or they need money! They have no problem as to where that comes from?

Thai scholars have written articles in Bangkok Post just last year. A MP.. said and was quoted if Thai women want a better life marry a Farang he got lots of heat for being honest but the biggest slap was on him since reassigned is he said " The more they love their country they more stupid they become " when I read this it hit the nail in the head and I know you say you love this women but get a new one it will only get worse. Nothing you do will be right! If you raised a question or anything she loses face............. when she is upset does she avoid you and not speak to you etc... until you say sorry even when you haven't done a damn thing?

Get out while you can... it took me a while nearly cost me my life but I still care about her but I'm much happier not being with her 24/7!

You will get to your destination soon enough. Why remove it even if you can what is you hurry to get to your grave so fast?

It is not the spirits that is causing accidents. Holidays are just a big result of what is never done throughout the year. Until the country leaders understand and recognize the problem which is them!

See you got to truly see the problem and they don't! Each day these same people who can actually make a change practice what they preach people will continue to die. Stand out any government office, police station, hospital, school and watch how they drive. Their habits are no different than those who are causing the action. Question any Thai and watch how upset they get because they actually do not see their driving habits are a problem and how do they enforce when they themselves do the same as soon as they are off duty.

The education isn't there and certainly enforcement is just a show and when it is over it is back to the same old stuff, After ten years living here the most basic procedure and execution is lacking majority of the accident are self inflicted lack of patients and courteous to others. For a country that has the motto Mai pen Rai as soon as they are behind the wheel the attitude is " I won't give a inch even if it kills me "

The government and Media should get together instead of each night showing the result of the accident do some live footage as to what is actually causing the accident! Things you see each day. Until the Thai feel they are going to loose their privilege to drive nothing will ever change.because they feel it is a right. A right to kill someone and get away with it.

Thanks, guys. I'm reassured. The house is only going to be maybe 30% brick anyway, the rest being wood.

Mate ... while wood is beautiful ... do you know of the EXTREME termite problem in Thailand.

They eat the paper backing of Gyprock (dry wall).

They chew through electrical wires (I kid you not).

Kitchen Benches are often made of block with a tile or stone surface.

Not trying to change your mind ... but just the reality of building here.

The wood we are using is about fifty years old, maybe a bit older, and therefore, apparently, already dry and will not warp or shrink. We got the wood by dismantling an older wooden house, and our builder eye-balled the wood for termite damage and discarded that portion proclaiming the rest of the wood would not be susceptible to termites (or less susceptible) if after fifty years they had not got to it already...

Country folk logic?

You need to stop listening to your wife! She just wants the house this is Thailand logic you are trying to save money or think the price is right so lets do it! This is not a piece of furniture a rustic piece of wood to be made out of a table. It is going to hold up your roof. This is the same thinking my ex family had in Sukhothai. A few years back guess who paid for the collapse roof instead I told them I'm not paying a cent to make a patch work. I tore the thing down and starting over! and before they did you should have seen the termites at work ever post was eaten to the core the only reason it held up was because the cement outside of the post. The contractor couldn't care less just wants the project why because he isn't going to be around and if he is guess what " he isn't going to answer the phone " you think you got recourse you are fooling yourself. You are here on ThaiVisa asking this question because experience or not you got doubts and your are right!

It being built in Isaan should have no bearing on your project nor should what is being paid you aren't paying them directly yourself? I've had several projects built here in Pattaya. In regards to the bricks they are much stronger than the cements blocks which are much cheaper and not as strong even after the comestic cement. The cement blocks will crack eventually and you will clearly see it in a year or two.

If you are using wood post....TO HOLD UP YOUR ROOF my suggestion is you better stop the project NOW! HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF TERMITES! YOUR ROOF OR HOUSE WILL NOT LAST THE YEAR! UNLESS YOUR WOOD IS PRESSURE TREATED LIKE IN THE STATES AND i DON'T CARE WHAT THEY TREAT THE WOOD WITH IT WILL NOT LAST! MY BROTHER HOUSE CAN ATTEST TO IT.

Even it they use cement to go over the wooden post termites will still be able to find it's way into the cement and slowly have a feast! you are wasting you money Isaan or not.

You shouldn't have a problem if you have proof that Thailand is your home and your wife has ties to Thailand. So if she has a business and records of income, land, this will overcome any negatives if you are her sole financial supporter.

You might also check taking her in the future to obtain a social security number so you can get benefits for her whether you reside in the U.S. or not with her. This is possible if you use the right agency to get it done worth the money it is about timing?

If your from the States, if you do it at home Yes, along with a bunch of other B.S. But if you do it in Pattaya

(Chon Buri) you do not need one. Now as many know what Pattaya don't want doesn't mean the office in Bangkok or etc.. doesn't. Others here can tell you!

I can only speak about my experience in Bangkok a number of years ago when I decided to obtain a tourist visa for my Thai wife. Although married for a number of years here in Thailand I never had any intend to bring her to the U.S. to live due to the cost of living and I was able to provide far better life for her in Thailand with what I had.

I was still working in the U.S. and soon was to retired and apply for my retirement visa in Thailand. For personal reasons I needed to bring her to the U.S. for a visit so I applied. The first interview I wasn't there and she went with my brother and his wife to apply. My brother was retired in Thailand already and his wife got the visa with no problem as soon as my brother showed he was retired and living in Thailand for a number of years. My wife was turn down flat.

The second interview I was there and understanding the process and knowing from the first interview what they were looking for I came prepared but I was still denied. The problem to them is this...........

I had not made Thailand my home or domicle even though I had documents showing why and was in the process. I was the sole supporter of my Thai wife live, Even though I explain why I didn't apply for a marriage visa etc... the interviewer didn't seem to understand although the facts were clearly explained to her. She indicated that unlike other countries and I understand this with the problems even today with our immigration system and enforcement just isn't there... thus why 9/11?

Many application are for bar girls or former bar girls there is a profile they have... and many are brought to the U.S. to work massage parlor. Once the overstay occurres and the other party has money they can find the process in court for a long time while the offender overstays. I understand their reasons but non of the stuff I was being told apply to me the problem they didn't believe me?

What they are looking for in the end, was proof that Thailand was my domcile, meaning proof it was my home and I had a reason to return after my trip to the U.S. this is the reason why my brother got his visa without a problem.

This is also what they are looking for in your wife or girlfriend. Something here in Thailand that she will return to? So if she is a bar girl or not and have nothing it is most likely she is going to be refused. In your situation if she is going to law school and family has money and property this will greatly help and a passport that she has used in the past to leave Thailand and return!

In the end, in general they are looking for some reasons that will make her return!

In my situation I got denied twice and the more you apply the more black marks you get from what I was told on the side. I was lucky because I knew a Congressional member who was the Foreign Affairs Chair and inteceded on my behalf and I was able to get a Visa.

Today, I'm no longer married and seeing a girl who happens to be a young bar girl. I have no plans to marry her for many reasons but until she brought it up never thought about it but would like to bring her here for a visit? Based on what I said above I know that is impossible and I try to explain the above not sure if she understood?

Good luck,,, regardless... IMHO... after reading your original post and comments you might want to loose the attitude when you go for the interview.. you joke you loose that is just my 2 cents.. if you want it take it seriously.

Not sure if you like a Ford, but the Ranger a great truck not sold in the U.S. considered recently one of the best built trucks in the world!

You are only half right. Not sure if Ford still sells the Ranger in the USA, but it was on the menu for years.

I not half right but 100% right!

The Ranger is no longer sold in the U.S. you will have to buy a F150, and yes in the past you could have gotten a Ranger. The Ford Ranger is now made in Rayong just like the Toyota?

Today Ranger is nothing like the Ranger sold in U.S or here in Thailand. The Tech in today truck is in no comparision whatsoever!

I wouldn't worry too much about parking or even where one lives, here in Pattaya, the way they drive I know bigger is better the benefits far out weigh the size! I would feel more safe going through a intersection in a truck than a Fiesta.

Like the few who responded know what they are talking about! Buy a truck and not everyone buys a truck because they live and work on a farm! Think about it this way,, SUV, how many people buy them and actually take them off road. I remember making fun of a friend who purchased a SUV and he parked it in a dirt lot while working. One day I saw him leave the lot and he was going less than 5 miles an hour slowly climbing over a ant like it was going to damage his suspension?

Get yourself a 4 door truck if possible 4WD, I could slap myself today buying a Yaris, in Thailand the reason so many have them is that are as noted the best bang for the buck! diesel is cheap and get much better miles than Gasohol etc.. change the oil regularly and a diesel engine will run you in the 200.000 plus. The only problem is buying a use one! Sometimes the price and year have no relationship the place of sale is most likely selling it for the bank and have to ask and get as much back for the bank as possible. Hard for me to explain this part but I will try? I see many use trucks and they might be around 2 years old but the asking price close to what it is new? I found out it is because of the previous owner how much he put down and how long he has been making the payments? A vehicle purchased for very little down and the owner has missed the majority of payment prior to it being repossessed the bank most likely will ask higher amount to recoup their lost? This is Thailand? For a Farang like myself, if a new truck for example is 900,000 why would I want a 2 year old truck for 780,000?

So. my recommendation if your are looking at new! Toyota a great truck unless you can live with cloth interior and stick shift a leather auto will run in the range of 900.000 plus, a D-Max about the same! Even if you obtain a 2.5 engine? Both of these trucks are proven but I feel overpriced!

Not sure if you like a Ford, but the Ranger a great truck not sold in the U.S. considered recently one of the best built trucks in the world! Come in a 2.5 or 3.2, not sure what a 2.5 Diesel run for or even a used?

My choice if I was to buy today new for the best bang for your buck! Nisson Navara, 4 door full leather interior Automatic with lots of trimming for 835,000! Do whatever you want but I suggest get a truck the Thais can not drive or haven't been taught right but they know what is best and that is a truck I should have listen to them?

Just my 2 cents

If coming from BKK, ekamai (eastern bus terminal) buses leave every 20-30 min, used to be around 250 baht,

rgds songhklasid.

I believe the price is 121/123 baht one way!

If you are a veteran, your wife would be eligible for VA survivors benefits of about $800.00 a month. In Baht that comes to almost 24,000 Baht a month which would be enough for her to live on. However, this is means tested and she cannot work or remarry. Check with the VFW post closest to where you live.

Can you provide a reference for this? I'm a vet, Navy retiree actually, and have never heard of this.

You can go to any Veterans affairs office in your City or nearby. This statement is very general and doesn't apply to all veterans I checked into this for my dad and mom in San Francisco, it basically applies to Veterans who actually served in a War? Just as it is for every veteran not all veterans get Long term care thru the Veterans although many exception are made, again this applies to Veteran who actually served in a time of War? But the best way to confirm this is to take a moment and actually go to the nearest veteran offic.

For the original poster as you can see after 124 plus replies, I wonder how many actually remember the original questions?

Many are talking about death benefits, unless you plan to drop dead soon, you goal based on your question is that once you yourself applies and collects S.S. you want a S.S. for your Thai wife so she can collect each month funds like yourself. Some think you need a Tax I.D. but you got to have the S.S. number and that means you must immigrate your Thai wife to the States to get one and that is your problem. Whether you actually do or do not is for another topic your main concern is how to immigrate her and obtain the number with the shortage of stay. S.S. has a agreement with Bangkok Bank headquarter in New York so if you have a account here in Bangkok Bank in Thailand it makes it even more easier. When time comes just give them the ABA number or Routing number along with your account number and you are set.

All the other stuff being talked about which seems to be 95% has no actually value to what you actually need?

SteveHaigh,

I read your question and I only read a few response to it. I think I can safely say no need to go further pretty much the same stuff no respect to the other posters.

This is a question that requires some professional help for you. My suggestion isn't to push their services because I been through the mill when it comes to hearsay and speculation especially from Thai, when they say I know someone who can speak English and can do this for you.

Well, these people can because I and my brother and many friends from the States who have Thai wives and kids have used their services in the past. These people are Thai raised in Las Vegas and went to school in San Francisco and speak and write perfect English.

There is a ton of things that need to be taken care of especially paper work and based on your needs like it was ours it is all about timing and spending as little time as possible in the States since you live here in Thailand. I started out the same thinking I had to stay a long time but in the end it was no more than a month just a simple vacation since the Social Security numbers came a week or so after we arrived. Once you have the numbers we went home and I came back a year later myself and file my Social Security Claim for everyone! Timing is everything in this situation!

It took me a while to find the card her cell number might be old now but give everything else I provide for you a try.

TSL and Associate (Thailand) Co.LTD. Immigration Law and Visa Specialist

Virginia Ly Email: [email protected] Mobile 0802324111

Head Office Bangkok,, across the Soi from U.S. Embassy

10-132 Sindhorn Building 2nd floor Tower 1

Wireless Road, Lumpini, Patumwan Bangkok 10330

Tel: 022518130 Fax. 022518134 022518135

Website: www.tsithailand.com

The cost isn't much, worth every baht I spent since I was able to go and return in only a month. I save lots of money not having to stay longer than that.

Good luck,

Come back before your extension expires no problem !

90 day report clock commences on the day you return.

In Feb reapply for your extension with the same paperwork !

This is the closest 99.9% simple without all the discussion mumble jumble stuff as long as you come back before your expiration date in Feb of 2014.

As noted: the day you return which is stamped on your new departure card, If you renewal your 1 year again before the 90 days you can renewal your stamp too regardless of the expiration.

My date is also in Feb of each year and I leave in January each year and return just before my date in Feb..

Another product of shoot up and pump up! Pattaya is getting to be pretty famous for obtaining the products.

Every bus and truck should be fitted with speed limiters,Every bus and truck should be fitted with a tachograph to record drivers working hours and maybe a more stringent driving test.These things will never be introduced because they will involve spending money.

I have many years of experience working with the Department of Transportation in the States particular in the Trucking/Bus Industry.

Although we are talking of Thailand, many of the western world rules are just common sense and Thailand has many of these rules already but like everything here it seems it is never enforced and case in point in Helmets right I think we can all agree on that one?

From that experience with DOT, in my opinion there will never be a device or a car/truck design in my life time that can completely control the negligence of a human being period. As for limiters or governors as they call it can't control a driver from taking a turn at 35 when the governor max out at 90 for example. In the end, like I said when it comes to humans if there is a will there is a way.

When it comes to driving look at the industry in the States, and we are in the 21st century. It all comes down to a old fashion log book in each truck, the mileage must be logged in when the driver takes over the vehicle, a walk thru inpection is made of the truck to any damages and mark on the log prior to leaving for the road. If airbrakes are used a test must be made and any defect that needs immediate attention the truck can't leave. This is done at the end of the trip so that the company mechanics can address the defects before the next day or the vehicle is taken out of service. The items being carried on the truck must be with the log and when the vehicle is inspected all the items must be given to the inspector! This log if you are doing long hauls like across the country must also include when you started when you took you sleep time etc..and etc...

In the end, no matter what the rules are nothing works if there is NO ENFORCEMENT! PERIOD! Log books on companies are randomly inspected by Local inspectors and fines are imposed on repeat offenders, Driver records must be provided and every infraction working or personal must be reported. There are also surprise urine test on drivers etc etc.. then there are the on the road inspection and this is where they check the load being carried and if the driver are taking their required breaks and sleep. And lets not forget the every two year physical that a driver must go through before he can take the road again. This card must be carried with the driver at all times. These rules above are why the trucking industry fought so hard to keep AFTA agreement sign my Congress to keep unsafe trucks from Mexico entering into the road of the U.S.? It goes on and on and there is more but if they are enforce the offenders are taken off the road and the road becomes safer in the end. Here there are many good drivers and maybe the truck driver was too but he push it just it a little too far. When you are tired on the wheel and your are thinking just a little bit more, open the window, turn the music up, stick you head out the window, next thing you know you are out! it comes that fast, I've seen it I've experienced it and I got lucky!

It would not take must to correct what is wrong here but it will take will more than anything else.

As for the truck driver surviving? Think about this a truck of this size the driver is sitting much higher as high as the 2/3 tanks, while the Bus driver is sitting low, when the missile came the bus driver had no chance!

Road condition matters and from what I can see and read, it was a clear and good road and if there wasn't lots of traffic 78 isn't that fast. One got to drive based on the condition if it was raining heavy yes 78 might be fast?

I ask myself when is it going to stopped day after day when the people who have the ability to change everything care more about lining their pockets than their own people. It happens so often now that no one seems to care like it is part of their life to expect it?

True and somewhat false.. Sure Bupa has the biggest name like AIA which Is the biggest ripoff of all of them. I believe Bupa is owned by Blue Cross and AIA , which was sold off by AIG in the States. But what I found out is that very few if any has any power over the private hospital aside from room rate even Bupa seem to have little control over how much the hospital want them to pay for a procedure. In my research in the Chon Buri area none of the hospital could tell me what a particular procedure would cost.

In the U.S. insurance company has all the power in telling the hospital what they want to pay for a particular room and procedure so they have so many clients and basically telling the hospital if you want our business with this many policy holder we will pay you this and that. A good example is insurance companies get a rate on a room like 2500 baht per night and if you don't have insurance that same room is 5000 baht, that is quoted from Bangkok/Pattaya but beyond that they couldn't give you a rate on a charge for a operation. They will charge you based on who you are like a Farang etc.. from my experience each time I have used BPH, it takes hours to finalize the bill. I once went down and complain and they told me they can't agree on the charge so I couldn't check out.

Sure, if you have insurance overseas because of so many reasons including language they actually don't want to do the billing so you do have to have funds to pay first and get your money back later. And like most insurance home gladly pay the amount knowing that the procedure you just had would be ten times at home. In respect to this I have found from my research that hospital like BPH beef up the bill. My brother who has insurance in the States his wife had a C section cost out of pocket 80,000 baht. He paid cash and submitted the bill to insurance back home my cousins Thai wife also had a C section a week later same hospital, same everything except no insurance and the cost was 30,000 baht.

In the end, you got to have something to protect yourself there is no perfect answer here and you got to play their game it can drive a person crazy? It isn't what it seems here?

Good luck to all..

The odor must have been immerse from under the bed?

BUPA platinum is 5 million, which IMO is about the lowest level anyone should have. (It is also the highest cover available from BUPA Thailand).

A major factor for high insurance costs in Thailand is that few Thais take out private insurance. The formal employment sector is covered by Thai SS and everyone else by the "gold card" scheme. Hence the pool of insured people is small which bumps up costs considerably.

I agree that you got to have at least 5 million baht coverage! I live here and I know many expats that have gotten sick or had accident and going to a private hospital with International creditdation can run you in a month if ICU or operation is needed between 1 and 2 million. Especially at hospital like BPH or Bumrungrad.

Although the ops ask about outpatient what happens if outpatient ends up to be inpatients. Many of the horror stories of the above hospital one go in for a simple checkup and they recommend a bypass operation why because they need to pay for all the equipment. They might started out helping people now they cater to tourist now they are all about Quotas!

Much of what you have said might have been true but when it comes to these private hospital which is most likely what the ops will use are doesn't really have anything to do with who or Thai buying insurance.

As mentioned 5 million coverage for someone who is young might be affordable but for a older expat it costly more than what one would pay in the U.S. and only for inpatient. As mentioned I got 15 million baht coverage for a lower price than what I would pay for 1 million from Bupa.

When it comes to outpatient it is not only Bupa but any and all policies being sold in Thailand. Based on the price no one can use that much outpatient and if you do it would be a matter of time before the cancel your policy which is what they do in Thailand. The want you to pay in but in the end they don't want to pay out!

Some of these hospital are all out to make money and the medical expertise isn't what it is make out to be on 60 minutes years ago. If you can and have insurance outside in your own country keep it and be thankful you have it. At your age or any age for outpatient like it has been mentioned sock the money away call it what you want Health saving account and use it when needed but do your best not to run to a nice hospital each time for pill. Each vist is recorded and your insurance can access the infomation at any hospital and find your history and might just use it if you didn't tell them as a pre-existing condition?

Bupa policy is 1 million or 1.5 million for the price is too high and does not cover enough for the money or baht. Give this company a try ACS, a French Company selling in SEA, the price is lower than Bupa and covers in USD instead. They have two MOD plans, 500,000 USD coverage is equal to 15 million Baht, based on the exchange rate today. They also have outpatient but expensive like everyone else Bupa is overpriced.

I'm still rolling on the floor! This is got to be a big joke and they actually can say it with a straight face!

This country officials jobs are given out like candy for family who have no expertise in running this country. The talk about reshuffle reshuffle what once corrupt official from one end of the building to the other?

Two years ago, it was reported in the Bangkok Post that the country loses 200 BILLION A YEAR DUE TO CORRUPTION. That is a hell of lot of money to continue to just talk like they do for everything else but this time I guess they mean it the answer is to RESHUFFLE. Does that mean they too will learn the 2 step dance?

Were not here or talking about saving the world! All this nonsense about begging children and such. Why not bring in the abuse of dogs and cats too while you are at it. In all due respect we are talking specifically about a man, who is stronger than a women in general, Not every domestic violence case is the same I've observed a few where I didn't jump in because I could see as some noted it was not wise since both party seem to be a involved. But it becomes physical and the male gender is clearly just plainly has a advantage and just plainly beating the day light out of the women there is a human limit in all of us.

The nonsense that a Farang will get his ass beat by ten other Thais is a stupid generalization this is not the same situation some of you think that where you got into a fight with another Thai and ten taxi guys jump in personally some of you guys been watching too much Youtube in my opinion. Not every Thai man is a wife beater and not every Thai is so low that they enjoy a another Thai man beating his wife.

If you saw a Farang beating his Farang wife would opinions be different or would you think ten farangs would jump in to kick your ass?

In my country yes I would be fairly confident that the majority of onlookers would feel the same disgust for wife-beating as I do, and I would feel confident to intervene.

In Thailand I do not feel the same - I feel in the minority, an outsider, and to pretend to be a big hero here is just asking for trouble in so many ways. However, I am in awe of the cyber Rambos here on the anonymous forum. The cyber=testosterone fills the air. They are my heros

I'm not here preaching to anyone because they don't step in they are a "cowards" look at my post, I've not citicized anyone who decides not to intervene but what I've have done on cyberspace is tell people as to what I have experience and how I have reacted here in Thailand. In my story it was more personal and that is why I stepped in even when the guy had a butcher knife in his hand. I really had no choice in the matter but as noted being in Thailand or anywhere I'm no Rambo just to be a hero and intervening because that is the right thing to do. This are times one is put in a situation that you can access the situation and there are time you just got to react.

The double standand that bothers me are people on cyberspace using lines like " cyber Rambo " and such like we are hiding behind the Internet? It works both way it take two to have a transmission and not once have poster like myself use the word " Cyber Coward " to individual who don't step in. I've not criticized anyone who decides not to intervene it is your own choice to or not to? So when you start to call other names because you don't agree with another poster choice maybe you should look in the mirror because I didn't address you as a coward nor am I calling you a cyber coward! I respect your choice and you should do the same because I don't consider myself a hero!

Were not here or talking about saving the world! All this nonsense about begging children and such. Why not bring in the abuse of dogs and cats too while you are at it. In all due respect we are talking specifically about a man, who is stronger than a women in general, Not every domestic violence case is the same I've observed a few where I didn't jump in because I could see as some noted it was not wise since both party seem to be a involved. But it becomes physical and the male gender is clearly just plainly has a advantage and just plainly beating the day light out of the women there is a human limit in all of us.

The nonsense that a Farang will get his ass beat by ten other Thais is a stupid generalization this is not the same situation some of you think that where you got into a fight with another Thai and ten taxi guys jump in personally some of you guys been watching too much Youtube in my opinion. Not every Thai man is a wife beater and not every Thai is so low that they enjoy a another Thai man beating his wife.

If you saw a Farang beating his Farang wife would opinions be different or would you think ten farangs would jump in to kick your ass?