abrahamzvi

If you're an American, get a Paypal debit card. Link it to your American bank account, transfer from bank account to Paypal, then withdraw at the AEON.

If you have a Thai bank account, you can setup a different Paypal account to link to your Thai bank account. Tell people to pay your Thai Paypal account, transfer to your Thai bank account, and withdraw or spend at your leisure.

For larger amounts (but under $10,000 USD) I'd get it in cash. Put it in with the rest of your papers. No justifiable reason to let banks take a dime in fees.

You are wrong! The banks may charge fees, but if you look at the exchange rates, what you get for your $notes is much less in baht than for a TT . The difference is greater than what one may save on fees.

No English classes you can teach today ?

$ 16k....2 months or there abouts to answer your question

You must be leading quite an expensive up scale life. $16K for 2 months means about 240K to 250K Baht per month!

Legal for sure.

I doubt anyone would give an insurance policy for flood cover,for any price. Put yourself in the insurance companies position.

Companies in the UK have taken a similar stance in flood prone areas in recent years.

You would owe the bank the money,as you were under insured,if an earthquake demolished a mortgaged house.

Insurance companies have got you buy the short and curlies,with all types of policies.

Unfortunately we dance to their tune.

Absolutely legal and most, if not all Insurers, stopped granting flood cover after the floods of 2011. However, some Insurers do grant very limited cover, a limit of Baht 5 to 10 K.

When in Rome, .....

sent by skyaslimit using thaivisa forum mobile app.

Normally I would agree with the saying when in Rome ..., but in this particular case, I simply can not agree that thishas anything to do with being Thai or Farang. I am sure that there are a lot of European couples facing the same or similar difficulties. You'll find Thai women who are very pedantic and European women, who leave their things lying around. The same goes for men. So let's not get nationalities involved!

If one refers to the real middle class in Thailand - a family of 4 one earner making net around, or maximum, baht 100,000 p.m., they are worse off than in the US, Australia or Europe. They most certainly unable to send their 2 children to private schools charging at least Baht 20,000 p.m., nor shopping in the expensive malls. You are correct in saying that domestic labour is much cheaper here than in western countries, and so is housing. On the average a middle class family of 4 would enjoy in the west a similar standard of living as here, without the benefits of domestic help. The other factor is that public schooling in most western countries is nearly free and of a much higher standard than in Thailand. For 2 school attending children it makes all the difference in the world, if you don't have to pay exorbitant school fees like in private schools in Thailand!

I used to live in Khon Kaen and although I have moved to Chiang Mai few years ago, I still go there once or twice a year for personal reasons. It is a nice place, it's developing rapidly and there are very few, if any, tourists there. However, it has its draw backs, particularly for expats, who look for some cultural (non Thai) events, nice surroundings - either beaches or mountains and the likes. If one talks about towns in Issan, no doubt it is the nicest, most central and fastest developing town ( in the whole of Thailand, I believe) in that area of Thailand.

Downside is

You pay foreigner money offshore.

Thai lady refuses to transfer land.

"My husband tries to sell my property without my knowledge" is what she tells the judge. Your money gone.

Normal house sales here are conducted at the land office with all parties and the money present.

Nobody trusts anybody.

I really can't understand all this advantages, or disadvantages. If the money is to be paid overseas it can be handled by a lawyer and the money can be put in an "Escrow Account". This means that the money will only be transferred from this account to the vendor's account overseas once confirmation is received by the lawyer overseas that all formalities, as agreed in the sale contract, have been completed.

The other question is , is it worth it. One has to check the lawyers cost overseas and weigh it against the exchange costs. As simple as that.

Bangkok bank has a new card which is a debit card. You can use it to make online purchases and normal purchases. With 3 million in the bank why would you need a credit card, unless you wanted to rent a car, but to answer your question a friend of mine has a credit card with a 50,000 baht limit. He had to give the bank a deposit of 50,000 to get it, so not really a credit card. That was also with Bangkok Bank.

This is the only way you will get a credit card. I was given the same deal & refused but if you have 3M of deposits in a fixed term account I am sure that BKB would give you a credit card with a limit under your deposit account amount.

It is not really any value. Better to run on a debit card with your overseas credit cards as a backup. I am an AUS national as well & I simply use my AUS credit cards.

P.S. You being a Pattaya farang, the bank is probably wondering how long your 3M nest egg will last once the ladys get their hands on it.

Let's ignore the PS for obvious reasons.

If one does not work, or have a government backed fixed income (government pension or social security services), one can not get a credit card, even if one is a non-foreigner. However, if you wish to have a credit card Bangkok Bank will give you one, provided you deposit on a "frozen account": (which you are unable to touch) an amount equivalent the limit of your credit card.

I do mention Bangkok Bank, as I know of some banks that would not issue a credit card, even on the back of a frozen account to a foreigner over the age of 60.

I really think that it is worth having a Thai credit card for Thailand, as if you use your AUS, or UK, or other Credit cards issued in other currencies, you are being charged by the issuing bank in AUS etc a surcharge of between 1.5 to 2%, in addition for not always very favourable exchange rates, so tha the transaction can be up to 5% more expensive than with a Thai credit card.

As far as the deposit on the "frozen account" (a saving account bearing interest) is concerned, surely, you can afford to deposit 100 to 200K Baht and such limit would certainly suffice for your normal requirements.

There are no ATM/Debit cards given for foreign currency accounts in Thailand. And about whether you can open a foreign currency account without a WP or not, I think it's highly unlikely. I heard somebody able to open such an account with Bangkok bank, which in my case some branches won't even a Baht account without a WP, let alone the foreign currency account. Anyways, it's better to go and chat with the banks whether they are willing to do it or not.

IMHO, the foreign currency accounts are a joke in thailand anways, about the functionality they offer and the restrictions which are imposed on them, and not mentioning the high costs of each and every transactions you made on them.

If you have no WP or a retirement via, or another type of residency permit (marriage etc.) then it is easier to open a foreign currency account than a Baht one. You can't get a Credit card or an ATM card in a foreign currency in Thailand.

As far as the foreign currency account is concerned, you won't have any difficulties at the foreign Department at the HQ of the Bangkok bank in Bangkok

Is it not tradition that the sin sod be returned to the groom following the wedding. Thought that it was just for show, showing face as is apparently important in Asian cultures

Of course in inter cultural marriages the rules often change.

This is exactly what happened after my Wedding to my Lovely Thai Wife. Parents not only returned all the money, but bought gold necklaces for us both and bangles (for her) as a good luck gift to us on our marriage. I am amazed at the amount of arrogant and conceited comments made by non-Thais regarding this cultural norm, just because they do not understand the issue (even although it has been more than adequately explained). It is part of an ancient custom steeped in Thai Tradition, as was in the West in days of yore. No doubt as time progresses customs like this will wither and die as has done in the so called "Developed Societies". In the mean time Folks (Men?) try to take your blinkers off and see and try to understand other cultures, not only Thai eitherTell me when people visit your home, do you expect them to learn from you, or rather adapt to your standards, or do you exoect to adpt to their standards. The same applies to countries and peoples. I like drinking wine, but I do not expect the Saudis to adapt to my habits. If and when I go there I don't drink wine in public. Full stop!!!

Shouldn't it work both ways? Shouldn't Thais try to understand our cultural norms?

Hi UbonJoe,

Thanks for the advice pall.

You mention that residency time here is for income tax purposes, which is 180 days a year.

Does this mean 180 consecutive days? Are they really checking on this?

Thanks for letting me know.

Cheers,

TB

One more remark. If you are not working in Thailand, nor for a Thai company, you are not required to pay tax. Or are you referring to other income, such as rents or dividends and/or interest? Here different rules apply.

Someone is spiining you a whopper.

All over the world these stories are told and that is all that they ever are, stories.

When I lived in England the urban ledgend was that people were being drugged in nightclubs and waking up in an ice bath minus a kidney.

Do you really believe that if this had happened no media sources would have picked up the story by now?

you didnt read about the case in china a few days ago then. I saw it on yahoo news and in printed form. I wish I could believe that people are'nt capable of such things, but sadly I know they are, and you would be naive to think that they are'nt I would say

I do not believe this has or is happening anywhere in Thailand. China is another matter and I was told some years ago in Europe that after convicted are executed in China , which unfortunately takes place very often, parts of their bodies are being sold. Some years ago I met a lady in Europe who told me that her husband had been saved by a heart transplant this way. She had been told by her doctors in Europe that there was no chance to have a heart transplant in Europe in time, and was advised to go to China and was even given the address to approach.

This was a few years ago and I wouldn't know if it still happens in China. I am absolutely certain it DOES NOT happen in Thailand.

I suggest to come to Thailand and stay during the humid weather months, than make a decision. This is a major move for you. You wife will love it but, you must be ready for major changes.. Driving here is not fun and there are accidents daily where a foreigner like yourself is responsible. Health care is not cheap and you better have it. If you decide to rent most homes require a six month lease. Cable TV and internet service is expensive. This is a small portion of what you will face here and that is not including the job you are seeking. Corruption is here so you may need more money if you get in some trouble.

Thailand was great for me, I visited Thailand every year for 15 years, got married and decided to move here, 5 months later I moved back to the states. Two traffic accidents, a car note that the dealer will not take back, Oh, did I mention my Bacteria Infection that most Thai doctors could not correctly diagnose and finally went to Bangkok Pattaya Hospital for emergency surgery almost losing a leg.

Don't let me scare you my friend, several people survive fine in Thailand. I do go back every year in December when the weather is great to visit my Thai wife's family and than return to the states with my wife and child.

Good Luck To You Whatever You Decision may be...

I can't really agree with allucero. I would not say that it is easy for non Thais to get used to life in Thailand, but some do and do enjoy it. To get am English teaching job without a diploma is not that difficult, if one is prepared to avail oneself to a few months course at numerous schools (Whalen is one of them). Once one passes the necessary exams, I believe that such schools as Whalen, also assist in finding a job and getting the necessary work permit. However these jobs are very poorly paid (I believe about Baht 30,000 p.m.). However, they can be a bridge to a better job within a certain period of time. One can find such schools in Chiang Mai (I am not that sure about Chiang Rai), but that's not that far.

I agree that medical Aid Insurance is absolutely necessary, but comparing to European fees, such insurance premiums are rather on the low side. Where I totally and utterly disagree with the remarks made by allucero is the standard of Health Care in Thailand. As I said, I really can't say very much about Chiang Rai, but as far as Chiang Mai is concerned, there are hospitals ad doctors capable of giving treatments of internationally very high standards. If one is still not satisfied, there are a few internationally recognized hospitals in Bangkok, which are frequented by tourists from all over the world, including the US.

One thing that the OP should be aware of is the high cost of private education in Thailand. Of course, the state schools are nearly free of charge, but the standards of most of them is such that even middle class Thai parents do not want their children to attend them.. Housing, costs of running a car and the daily necessities are mostly cheaper than in the UK or Ireland, and with a decent paying job, one can live very comfortably and safely in Thailand. However, education of children can be something that could create insurmountable difficulties, financially.

Congrats, but not exactly your purchase is it?

It was a given that somebody would post that comment and it didn't take very long.

The other two replies aren't even worth passing comment on, in my opinion.

Glad your purchase went smoothly. Try to ignore the rabble - they can only judge others by the company they themselves keep.

Very nicely put. I wholeheartedly agree with your comments. I wish there were more, and hope there are, more expatriates feeling like you!!

I personally am not too fond of Bangkok, but to describe it that negatively is not quite right. There is so much to see in Bangkok, so much culture that one can enjoy few days there (even without Paragon and cinema and shopping, which most tourists like), in spite of it being overcrowded and polluted. If I may, I would like to ask all that have been to Bangkok, why it has been voted the best tourist city three years running by a reputable Journal? Surely not because of the "sex offers" there.

As far as the rest of the remarks, I really think that if one crams one's trip (some people say they have seen the whole of Europe in one week - it can be done , but how???) the way this OP did, or is still doing, one shouldn't be surprised at not enjoying one's trip. One has to get to know a place before enjoying it.

I hope that Chiang Mai and the north will be enjoyable and , when the next trip to Thailand is planned, take your time and don't try and see and do too much in the time available. I think Thailand is a beautiful country, full of culture, and wonderful places for everybody's taste - beautiful beaches, wonderful mountain views etc

Having spent a bit of time in Mexico and Latin America in general Thailand is quite different and I found the mindset of here very different that the Americas meaning that Mexico is much more like the US than here. So one might want to spend sometime here to see if they like it as for many it just doesn't click. Those individuals live a frustrated and stressed out life here in the land of smiles as they can't adapt or don't want to because they just don't care for it.

That being said from the little you've said and less that I know you (not at all) I get the impression that you might like it better outside the city. I and other expats I know who are in the similar age group as you live a bit north of CM city in housing developments and not and really like it.

Having lived in both the US and Mexico, as an expatriate (I am a German), and in another town in Thailand, I entirely agree with junglechef. However, I think that before you definitely settle down in one part or the other of Chiang Mai, i would suggest that you rent an apartment for a month or so and have a good look around. From what you tell us about yourself and your wife, I am sure you will enjoy living here in Chiang Mai and Baht 120,000 p.m. will make your life here pretty comfortable. Good luck!!!

A very nice job on the film. My Issan rice farm girl loved it. Papa has 20 rai and 10 buffalos.

I hope I misinterpret your remarks, but if I don't, all I can say is that cynicism is the lowest form of wit......

I think you'll find it really tight for a young man. A retired man who didn't drink or hit the bars could take your 300 pounds for entertainment and spend the first 60 renting a scooter and buying gas. I have a way to keep my US health insurance in effect, but I have to get to US soil to use it. That means that if I have a serious problem including an accident that needs care in Thailand it's out of pocket.

Then that retired man would have 240 quid + your 206 for "other things" left for "other things." That's 446 quid left, or more than 20,000 baht. That would handle visas, the occasional date, and so on. It would still be tight because there's always something like clothes, laundry, you name it.

I also don't think you'll eat well on 4 quid per day unless you like street food and cheap restaurants, which is fine for those who do, 24/7.

All I can say is that living on app.Baht 44,000 a month, paying rent, eating reasonably well, not sitting in one's condo every evening, is rather difficult. How can you get around for Baht 50 a day? Apart from the local cheap beer (there are locally brewed beers which are not cheap, take Heineken for example) and local Whiskey, alcohol is rather expensive in Thailand. My view, based on experience, is, that if you wish to live reasonably well, and at your age I assume you do, you may have difficulties sticking to your budget

Bullshit she is eating Bt.20,000 per week.

Even in the most expensive countries in Europe spending app.EURO 500 purely for food is practically impossible, unless, of course, one feeds oneself with caviar, smoked salmon and fillet steak. Few people do this, as far as I know...

You can buy in your wife's name with a mortgage guaranteed by you. If you have a good job, with good income, work permit etc and are married then banks are prepared to lend to her guaranteed by you. When we bought this route my wife wasn't earning as she was a housewife looking after our young children. Mortgage had to be in same name as property.

You just balance it up by having other assets in your name only.

Back in the west as a married couple you tend to joint own assets like a home. Here just work with the system: some you own outright and some owns outright.

Cheers

Fletch

You are absolutely correct. And if one doesn't trust one's wife absolutely, it is possible to add the husband's name on the back of the land deed, so that the property can not be sold without the husband's permission. We own a number of houses in Thailand, all in my wife's name - I do trust her without any "buts" ( we have been married for well over 20 years).

I was talking about BUPA Thailand. Just looked at what I paid this year for the top platinum plan - 74,364 baht with 10% discount if pay by renewal date and a further 10% no claims after 6 months (BUPA send me a cheque for the 10% every half year)

This is correct. This is approximately what I pay for my wife, who is 46 and Thai. I pay much more for an insurance in my home country , with whom I have been insured for some 30 odd years. The advantage of my policy is that although I have to carry the first EURO 1,000 p.a. myself, it covers me without any limits anywhere in the world and it has no age limit. Of course, they can and do adjust the premiums depending on the claims experience and age, but it is still tolerable. If and when we go back home, I am able to reinstate the domestic cover and have my wife (who used to live in my home country for quite a few years before we moved to Thailand on my retirement) included, of course for an additional premium.

I really do not believe in self insurance. I have no problems with petty expenses and would be prepared to have an even higher annual deductible. What worries me is a serious incident, where the expenses of treatment could run into tens of millions Baht and ruin us financially.

I entirely DISAGREE. If the widower was a Farang who had been naturalized as a Thai citizen, he would have the same rights as a naturalized Thai Farang widow. I am not certain if it is a fact that Farang women married to Thais get their naturalization faster than Farang men, but even if this is the case, this would not be the only western country, where this is practiced.

If a Thai male marries a farang woman, she can fast track to Thai citizenship...usually 5 years or so... certainly less than the 10 years they say is required by Thai immigration .

As an example...

A farang lady was married to a Thai man. She got citizenship, and they turned his used car lot into a Toyota dealership...Good for them. The Western world loves a success story.

Years pass & as happens in life, her Thai husband died.

She still owns the dealership, the land the dealership is on & the land her house is on. Not only is she, a farang, European by birth, white skin & blonde hair, owner of all the property & the business, she is also now a Mookdahan municipal court judge....Again, good for her....I'm sure she is a great judge.

Go figure...Thais being judged by a farang. Worlds are colliding...

GOD forbid it was a farang male,...the land & business would have been sold off & the farang male would have been given his walking papers, or told to qualify for a visa if he desired to stay.

But...TIT.

If you think this story is untrue, stop by Toyota in Mukdahan & ask for the owner.