soisanuk

I have used Khun Aae several times and he was very reasonable - 300 baht per hour (it may be more now). He even built a couple of computers for me several years ago as well as doing some upgrades. If you call, his wife usually answers and will take your information and arrange for a time to come to your location. When he arrives, speak loudly as he does have a bit of a hearing problem.

Last September there were several reports that Bangkok Bank's Pattaya Branches has stopped providing the verification letter and letter listing foreign deposits for those wanting it for the 65k monthly extension letter. For those using the 800k in the bank, they would issue the letter, but if the funds on deposit had not been there for the preceding 4 months (Immigration requires only 2 months), they were freezing that amount in the account for the next 4 months (Immigration requires it stay on deposit for 3 months). There were several threads as I recall on AseanNow at that time about it. Nothing since mid-October. In the latter part of October, one member told me he was denied the letters at a Pattaya Branch but was in Bangkok on some other business and went to the Main Bank (Headquarters) and obtained the verification letter without any problem. Also, some members using the 65k method attending the Pattaya City Expats Club announced they had received both letters without a problem from the Pattaya Branch where they had opened their account - it appears that other Pattaya Branches will not provide the letters, only the one where you opened the account. Since then, I have not seen or heard any reports until this posting of any denials. My question would be was the denial at the Branch where they opened the account? If not, I would suggest they try the Branch where they opened their account and see if they will provide the necessary letters.

Correct. I opened an account with Kaskikorn in Pattaya and Jomtien listed the bank's name on the COR which was kept by the bank.

Agree. Thai banks may accept a check drawn on a foreign bank, but will not credit the funds to the Thai account for an extended period - although it has been several years, the time period then was 45 days!

I order my Wines from Vines to Vino - They have a large selection including several champagnes. Although I usually order enough to get free deliver, I don't believe their fee for delivery in Pattaya is very much - If I recall correctly, they will also ship elsewhere in Thailand. Link: https://vinestovino.store/

Correct. If one has an Embassy letter, no proof of transferring money into Thailand is needed. They will most likely ask for some form of documentation confirming pension.

I used Dr. Pornchai Panyasuppakun at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya. He speaks good English and is highly competent. Although I haven't used Dr Jimmy, he also has a good reputation among the Expat community in Pattaya.

I have found that just about all the inspection stations will also provide the Gov't insurance (apparently a fee set by the Gov't as it the same with them as with the Land Transport Office if you get it there), and for an additional fee take you vehicle book, insurance certificate, and inspection report to the LTO to update the book and get the window sticker - my two vehicles are over 7 years old, and I have been doing this at different inspection stations around Pattaya for 3 or 4 years now. The additional fee for doing the paperwork at the LTO was 300 baht and you pick up your vehicle book and sticker in a day or two. I expect that if your vehicle is less than 8 years old, they would still provide the insurance and the visit to the LTO for you even if you don't get an inspection.

When I did my last extension renewal at Jomtien Immigration Office, I was in a wheelchair. My Thai companion took all my paperwork into the reception building, stood in line, and obtained a queue number for Desk 8 while I waited outside. After waiting for a while, I was wondering why it was taking so long, expecting my companion to return and wheel me up the ramp into the main building. Unknown to me, my companion had gone into the main building with my paperwork. When I saw her again, she was coming out of the main building and said they wanted to see another document (which I had with me in case needed) - she took that back inside and a few minutes later came out with the numbered card used to pick up the passport the following day. She was accompanied by two Immigration officers. One stood beside me and held open my passport while the other took our picture. That was it. My companion did all the paperwork at Desk 8 without me needing to go inside. If you don't have someone to go with you to stand in line to get the queue card, you may want to consider getting a rollator (wheeled walker with build in seat). It is good to have if you cannot stand for long or walk long distances as you have your "chair" with you to sit when you need to. I used one previously and found it very useful. Fascino Pharmacy has them for sale as well a others such as D Pharmacy.

Residence Certificate with photo.

I opened an account with Kasikorn at their branch in Tesco-Lotus on Sukhumvit in Pattaya 4 days ago. No problem and their staff were friendly and efficient. I have a USA passport and am on retirement extension of stay. They did require a "Resident Certificate" from Thai Immigration and a confirmation from AIS as to my phone number being in my name along with a copy of passport identity page. As mentioned, try another branch.

The Pattaya City Expats Club has an Expat recommended vendors page on their website - for computers and repairs, they list two individuals who make home visits. I have used Aae to build me a computer as well as some repairs over the years. He is reliable and very very reasonable - but, he is a bit hard of hearing, so speak loudly -- if calling, his wife will answer and arrange the time for a visit. Here is link to PCEC webpage: https://pcec.club/COMPUTER-EQUIPMENT-AND-SERVICE

I have used DMED for hearing aids. They have changed their name to Dear Hearing. Their home office is in Chonburi with several branch offices around Thailand including one in Pattaya. The owner is an Audiologist and based in Chonburi. The Pattaya location has technicians running the shop - they also spend time doing the hearing tests for Bangkok Hospital Pattaya -- better to get the same test at their shop as, unlike the hospital, their test is free. Last March, I obtained my latest hearing aids from them which are much as you describe - behind the ear, charging device using USB connection. The hearing test showed more hearing loss since I obtained my last pair a little over 5 years ago. My USA based health insurance covers me up to a certain amount for the cost of new hearing aids every 5 years. They are located on Chaiyaphruek road between Jomtien Beach Road and Sukhumvit. Contact information and a map can be found here: https://www.dear.co.th/en/branchs/

Nothing is being made up. You can enter Thailand with a Visa or for many countries, Visa Exempt (no visa required). Upon arrival, Immigration places a stamp in the passport showing the permission to stay period which is based on the type of entry (Visa or Exempt). These are two separate things. To extend your stay you apply to extend your permission to stay not your visa. I entered Thailand over 20 years ago on a Non-Immigrant O Visa receiving a 90 day permission to stay. I applied to extend that stay for one year for purpose of retirement. For the past 20+ years I annually go to Immigration and file a TM.7, Application for Extension of Temporary Stay in the Kingdom. The Pattaya City Expats Club has an extensive section re entering Thailand, extending one's stay, and other Thai Immigration requirements at https://pcec.club/Thai-Immigration. The difference is also noted on this Thai Embassy's website - https://helsinki.thaiembassy.org/en/publicservice/information-about-visa-and-validity-of-stay-permit?page=5f49f4a199a85e260f4278de&menu=5d80876d15e39c3354007bb1

You apparently do not do your retirement extensions at Chonburi (Pattaya) Immigration. As most of us should know, each Immigration Office can have requirements that differ from other Offices. My first renewal of my extension at Pattaya Immigration after the US Embassy quit providing "income affidavits/letters", I had bank certified statements for the preceding 12 months - even so, they wanted a letter from my bank listing all the foreign transfers and even gave me an example to show my bank. This has continued to be their requirement.