CMNightRider

18 hours ago, Marpa47 said:

Having lived in NYC (USA) (and looking forward to retirement to Thailand), a few observations about traffic here in NYC might provide some perspective.  The rules of the road in NYC are clear and enforced.  Nevertheless, whenever the opportunity presents itself it seems to be ignored big time.   Red lights sped through.  Crosswalk ignored with pedestrians treated like scum.  Nowadays there is the additional danger to pedestrians of the newly installed bike lanes , which can be hard to negotiate and with bicyclists the most casual at observing the laws, with even nastier dispositions than drivers.  The thing that makes this even more hazardous is that sometimes rules are enforced and sometimes the rules seem to suddenly be suspended.  So everything that’s happening in LOS is a pretty common occurrence here, too.  It’s just a bit more unpredictable as to where and when.   My guess is that a lot of times the craziness of NYC traffic is due to the constant influx of immigrants Bringing with them different concepts of laws and rules.  Outside of this big metropolis, in the suburbs, things are far more predictable and calm.  At least that’s how it used to be.  But everything changes so I may be wrong.  Anyhow this is one more time that reading Thai Visa has provided some insight and hopefully preparation for The Big Move.  Thanks to you all for the enjoyable and informative read.  

I'm surprised you bought into the idoitic 800,000 baht deposit in a Thai bank.  Then there is the 90 day reporting along with the TM30 to deal with not to mention the annual trek to immgration to renew your one year visa extension.

All that starts to wear thin over the years.  Thailand isn't the best retirement destination for western retirees as it was just a few years ago.  

Another thing to keep in mind if you do end up driving here, the police will tend to find you guilty and hold you responsible for any vehicle accidents you are involved in.  Just something to think about.

44 minutes ago, Skeptic7 said:

555 this joke never gets old...to either of us! 

I really don't view this topic as a joke and neither should you or anyone else.  When we finish our lives on earth, we will all stand before God and be judged for our sins.  There will be nothing funny about that day.  For some it will be the happiest day of their life and others the saddest day, and the start of a never ending nightmare and eternity of regret. 

Putting aside the fact the Bible is scientifically and historically accurate, there are over 300 precise prophecies that deal with the Lord Jesus Christ in the Old Testament that are fulfilled in the New Testament.  To say these are fulfilled by chance is an astronomical impossibility.      

For those who read the Bible and come away as non-believers, I seriously doubt if logic is a friend of yours.  

There are two paths in life we can take, the wide path to Hell or the narrow path to Heaven.  This choice shouldn't be taken lightly since the end result is eternity.  You have until your last breath to accept Jesus Christ as your saviour.  After that it is a done deal.  May God Bless you and have mercy on your soul.   

2 minutes ago, cardinalblue said:

Why don’t pedestrians have the right a way? 
 

The Thai culture has yet to  understand how to drive using an automobile....

 

pretty obvious why the culture is the worst driving culture in the world...

 

yet they continue with worthless campaigns having no impact on reduction numbers....

 

the bottom line is they don’t want to change their ways and that is the most perplexing....

Thais tend to be poorly educated, although they are friendly, and competent law enforcement is virtually non existent.

4 hours ago, mauGR1 said:

So, if the cars don't have to stop for pedestrians on zebra crossings, what is the meaning of zebra crossings in Thailand ?

The zebra crossings are placed on busy Thai roadways to encourage foreigners who think pedestrians have the right away, to walk across the street so Thai drivers can run them over.  It tends to amuse the younger Thai drivers, especially when they get to run over elderly foreigners with impunity.

This is number 67 of why westerners are leaving Thailand, for safer and less restrictive destinations.  It is one of the many reasons, Thailand is known as "Amazing Thailand." 

On 11/11/2019 at 12:41 PM, NancyL said:

This situation is insane.  Hubby entered Thailand with an O-A and I came in with an O as his dependent.  Soon, I got my own retirement extension, using the original O visa.  At the time, I was upset that I wasn't given an O-A initially since we submitted a police and medical report for me and a bank account, admittedly a joint account, but well in excess of 1,600,000 baht (in the U.S.), so I thought I should have received my own O-A.  But we made the mistake of including our marriage certificate, so the Thai General Consulate in Chicago figured I was a spouse, not a retiree.

 

Fast-forward more than a decade and now I'm the one with the golden visa, not him!  I wonder for how long before they start to require one of their sub-standard insurance policies for O visa holders, too.  We do have very good international insurance, but it doesn't meet their requirements for outpatients.  Our credit cards and local bank accounts can take care of a bill of a mere 40,000 baht.

 

Hubby obtained his current extension last month, just before the insurance rule went into effect.  His plan is if the current state of affairs continues to apply again next October and if they turn him down for not having an appropriate insurance policy, then he'll have a little vacation somewhere overseas for a few weeks without a re-entry permit, obtain an O visa at the Thai Embassy/Consulate at his vacation destination and return to Chiang Mai to extend for a year using the 800,000 baht that has been sitting in his bank account for that purpose.

 

Or maybe just return visa exempt and let Chiang Mai Immigration do the extra paperwork involved in a visa conversion.

 

 

Of all the posters on this site, you and your husband are the last people who should have any difficulties with their visas.  I doubt if any retirees in Thailand, are more familiar with retirement visas or dealing with immigration than you.  This is a good example of how ridicules Thai Immigration has become, and why so many westerners are leaving this country for less restrictive destinations.

Over the years, I have read so many simple minded comments about how great CM Immigration is, how easy the 90 day reporting is, and on and on.  Without exception, every time it was my turn to apply for my one year visa extension or report for the nonsensical 90 day reporting, and now TM 30, it is nothing but a big headache.  It always involves reams of unnecessary paper work and wasted time standing or waiting to repeat the same nonsensical requirements year after year.  The only difference is,  more restrictive rules and regulations, and subtle vilifying of foreigners in the Thai press.

26 minutes ago, Hummin said:

Pure brainwashing, you need help! There is no proof of Jesus as one person walked the earth, but Ceasar, there is written down by officials, and many more. Jesus is a myth, and thats all. 

You should really think twice about what you said, and take time to read this passage from the Bible.  Matthew 10:33 - But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

Food for Thought

There are more historical records regarding the existence of Jesus Christ than the Roman Emperor Julius Caesar, yet no one doubts the latter walked the earth.  

During the decades immediately after Jesus crucifixion — when the New Testament was written and the Gospel was being preached by those who knew him — there would have been ample opportunity to refute the accounts of his resurrection.  This didn't happen.  

Most of Jesus’ 12 original apostles died violent deaths for their faith.  People will die for what they believe to be true, but dying for what they know is a lie is not likely.  Keep in mind, the 12 original apostles witnessed Jesus healing the sick, making the blind see, saw Jesus walking on water, and bringing back the dead, along with seeing Jesus alive after his crucifixion.  

To deny God and Jesus, will be the biggest mistake anyone could ever make in their lifetime.  When I read some of these anti-Christan comments on this site, is makes me wonder why so many would want to spend eternity in Hell.  Heaven or Hell, it's your choice.  

Matthew 10:33 - But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 10:32 - Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

50 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Of course Islam is a religion. 

Islams global threat hides in plain sight, hidden only by a Western media complex with their heads in the sand, and Western leaders who are more interested in the sickening niceness of political correctness than they are with their values or the safety of the people they govern. 

There are many nations across the world that openly preach destruction of the West, and interestingly enough, these nations all just so happen to be Islamic.  You may want to give your naive comment about Islam being a religion a second thought.

1 hour ago, giddyup said:

See Post #3241

Please refer to the KJV Bible instead of viewing nonsensical demonic inspired videos.  Don't allow Satan to confuse you.  

38 minutes ago, RocketDog said:

'Better deal ' in what way?

If cost of living is the primary concern I suggest African countries.

 

I am very willfully "forgetting" Malaysia because, in my opinion as an American it is not conducive to my health or peace of mind. I'm also  leary of crowds of people dressed like bank robbers.

To each his own I guess but I'll pass on this option.

 

"Malaysia is a multiconfessional country whose most professed religion is Islam. As of 2013, there were approximately 19.5 million Muslim adherents, or 61.3% of the population."

Islam is not a religion, it is a political ideology that is raging across the globe in a powerful jihad movement that is stronger than demon-possessed Muhammad ever could have been.  Personally, I wouldn't think of retiring in Malaysia or any other Islamic country for the above mentioned reason.

The Bible is the only book in the world that has accurate prophecy 

When you read the prophecies of the Bible, you simply have to stand back in awe.  There are over 300 precise prophecies that deal with the Lord Jesus Christ in the Old Testament that are fulfilled in the New Testament.  To say that these are fulfilled by chance is an astronomical impossibility.  

The Bible is the word of God.  This is not rocket science.  All you have to process is common sense to figure this out.  You have until you take your last breath to accept Jesus Christ as your saviour and repent of your sins.  After that it is a done deal.  Heaven or Hell, it's your choice.  Just remember, your choice will last for an eternity. 

11 minutes ago, joecoolfrog said:

You do realise that 'Muslim' countries are not all alike right , just as ' Christian ' countries can be very different.

Indonesia has the largest muslim population in the world , didn't stop us westerners whoring , drinking and partying in Jakarta for the last couple of hundred years.

You are right, some are worst than others. 

4 hours ago, Sujo said:

So you simply regard it unsuitable because of muslims. Its multicultural and practice whatever religion you want or not.

 

I first wanted to live in thailand but after many stays there and malaysia i chose malaysia. No real language issues. Feel more welcome. Can do anything here that i did in thailand.

Actually, Islam is demonic, so up to you.  

Proverbs 28:13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.

6 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Infestation? We're talking about human beings not cock-a-roaches yeah? As Malaysia is a majority Muslim country your rhetoric becomes absurd as well. 

 

Thailand isn't exactly over as a retirement destination but it is on the decline. 

Since it is obvious Malaysia is a Muslim country, it wouldn't be worth considering as a retirement destination for most westerners.  Thailands decline as a retirement destination appears to be picking up speed rather rapidly, lol.  Thank you for pointing out my insensitive comment regarding Muslims. 

You would be so much better off just renting a nice condo in a safe area.  If you haven't noticed yet, there are a lot of westerners leaving Thailand.  If you still want to buy, there are some incredible deals out there from people trying to leave.  You are in a buyers market.

The fact there is a "Highway to Hell" and only a "Stairway to Heaven" says a lot about the anticipated traffic numbers.  

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

You have until your last breath to accept Jesus Christ as your savior and repent of your sins.  After that it is a done deal.  Are you saved?  If not, you should be.  Just something for you to think about.

Some people do not think they need a savior. These people consider themselves to be “basically good” and do not realize that they, like all people, are sinners who cannot come to God on their own terms. But Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Those who reject Christ will not be able to stand before God and successfully plead their own case on their own merits.
 

On 10/28/2019 at 10:11 AM, Dcheech said:

Re entry – multiple re entry visa.

As there was too big a mob scene last week when I did my non O extension. What is a good time to turn up at CM immigration say on Wednesday or Thursday? Just doing the Re Entry nothing else. Mid-morning or 1330 ok. Or do I need to turn up at 0620   - Again (!!)
 

Do I get a ticket up at main office front desk again? Or shunted off upstairs? Any help for a newby appreciated.

 

Thanks

Once Thai Immigration requires health insurance for the one year visa extensions, there should be no more "mob scenes" at immigration.

10 hours ago, yodsak said:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whatever the reasons why people reject Jesus Christ, their rejection has disastrous eternal consequences. “There is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” than the name of Jesus (Acts 4:12), and those who reject Him, for whatever reason, face an eternity in the “outer darkness” of hell where there will be “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 25:30).
 

12 hours ago, frantick said:

@CMNightRider, you continue to bring up DNA in your posts.  So, assuming the possibility of 'intelligent design', what makes you think, and what proof do you have, that the 'God' of the Bible is the 'God' that created life; ie DNA?

 

I can't believe my sweet little Thai friend is going to rot in hell...

If you were to take time to read the Bible and research what it says, you will be able to answer your own question.  After reading the Bible, the only logical conclusion one could possibly come to "is God of the Bible, is the God that created life."  "John 3:16 For God so loved the world, He gave his only begotten Son, whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." 

According to the Bible, finding purpose in life is perhaps the greatest human quest.  It is a theme in any stage of life, largely because our specific purposes may change – or at least be carried out differently – in different seasons of life.

Thankfully, believers can rest in the fact that their lives do have purpose.  God created us with intent, He knows His plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11; Ephesians 2:10), and He is eager to reveal Himself to us.  He desires that we know Him, that we enjoy Him, that we witness about Him, and that we live out our unique role in His Body.

I don't think any of the posters on this site is stupid.  It's hard to see Gods work in the middle of a cesspool like Bangkok, but the next time you people visit the countryside or any of the Islands, you can clearly see nature just didn't happen on its own.  Think about DNA in all living things.  No one in their right mind can believe all this originated from some sort of organism in the middle of a mud puddle billions of years ago.

The Bible explains so many answers to your questions if you would just sit down and actually read what it says.  There are two facts of life you just can't deny.  God created us, all living things including the universe, and Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins.  This is not rocket science.

When you read Revelation in the Bible, it is clear we are living in the "end times."  Don't wait until its too late to put this puzzle together.

"John wrote Revelation while a prisoner on the Island of Patmos, approximately 85-95 A.D.  Its purpose is to give encouragement and hope for all Christians to continue watching for the return and triumph of the Lord Jesus Christ.  It also is to warn of the Final Judgment that nonbelievers will endure on that Last Day.

John wrote that Revelation is special because, “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near” (1:3)."