khunPer

Normally you can change the extension of stay to be based on retirement after working in Thailand, without changing the visa that you originally entered on. I'm however, not sure if that will work with an non-ED, it works with non-B. You should check with the local immigration office if they accept it.

5 hours ago, pixelaoffy said:

I have been making enquiries about  a Dengue fever vaccine in Thailand and discovered the one used called Qdenga is avaible . Problem  is it only administered up to 60 years of age . Don't know why. I had Dengue fever last year and what is important to know is you are not immune from being infeceted again . Thailand is getting higher than normal numbers of Dengue fever reported cases even though its not rainy season .

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40035336

Some private clinics and hospitals might vaccinate you; I have an elder retired foreign friend, who just yesterday got vaccinated in a clinic.

There are four variants of dengue. You are immune for further infection from to the one you already had. However, you are not immune to the three other variants.

You need two vaccinations with Qdenga with three month separation to be covered about 60-80 percent, and around 90 percent for hospitalization.

8 hours ago, georgegeorgia said:

Where was you in 2004?

What country? What was you doing ?

How has your life changed since 2004?

 

Who were the famous deaths in 2004?

Where was you in 2004?

Exactly same place as I am now, same beach and same sand.

What country?

Thailand. of course.

What was you doing ?

Part time holiday, now I'm on full time holiday.

How has your life changed since 2004?

I decided for early retirement and moved permanently to Thailand.

Who were the famous deaths in 2004?

I don't care.

On 2/7/2024 at 3:45 AM, rhino533 said:

Quick question. My Mom is here from Canada. She is staying with my wife and I at our house for a month. Do we have to fill out a TM30 form? She has a 30 day entry stamp. Thank for any replies!

In principle yes, in practice you might not need it.

17 hours ago, SailingHome said:

So being on a lease with no intended move out date is not ok? I'm not sure but I think the sire said it is ok.

What about the lack of visa info and such? Sadly, immigration will no longer answer emails from me or the Messenger chat. For a month I have been asking questions how I can do this so I can renew my visa. They got tired of telling me to have the owner do it - it is their job.

In reply to "So being on a lease with no intended move out date is not ok?"...
You cannot stay longer than your permission to stay; i.e., the date stamped in your passport.

The islands Phangan and Samui was originally inhabited by Hainan Chinese – they are still (very) important families on the islands – Chinese New Year is therefore an important event on the islands (my photo is from new year celebration in a China town on Samui)...

On 2/6/2024 at 7:06 AM, talisman01 said:

I have a UK passport and will be returning to the UK on March 3rd.

 

However, my passport expires on 28th August 2024 leaving it just 3 days short of 6 months validity.

 

Am I likely to be refused a boarding pass at the airline check-in ?

No, to my knowledge you can always return to your home country, even with an outdated passport.

The 6 month validity is when you visit foreign countries.

On 2/6/2024 at 7:46 AM, OzMan said:

As I understand the link below on renewing my non-O retirement visa, I now need to have health insurance. Is this correct?

https://www.immigration.go.th/?p=14714

As it says, it – health insurance – is only for folks entering on a non-immigrant O-A-visa.

On 2/6/2024 at 8:11 AM, madox66 said:

Would it be easier and cheaper to give my condo to my wife during my lifetime instead of waiting for my death knowing that anyway she’s the only heiress on my will.

Would we need a lawyer ?  Are there any fees, taxes…?

Thank you.

You don't need a lawyer, you can transfer the title deed at the local land office.

There will be sales tax, stamps and transfer fee; there is a calculator for all that in the link HERE.

5 hours ago, Bday Prang said:

As far as I am aware the minimum mandatory insurance only covers injuries to the  "third party"   not to oneself       

Yes, that's correct – it's a statutory liability insurance – and "third party" is the case here.

I cannot see why a foreign company cannot rent or lease property in Thailand; however, a foreign company needs a special permission – probably from BOI – to operate as a branch in Thailand.

On 2/5/2024 at 9:41 AM, Guderian said:

I got a new passport while in the UK last September. As soon as I arrived back to Pattaya in October I got the visas transferred from the old one and the new passport into the Immigration system. I also got it into the SCB banking system, and thought that was probably it. Now, though, someone has pointed out that both my driving licences have my old passport number on them and I should get it changed and new licences issued. There's still over 5 years validity left on the licences, so a long time to get caught out.

 

What is recommended, to update the licences with the new passport number or ignore it and hope nobody queries it? I must admit, in almost 20 years of driving here I don't recall the cops ever checking my licence with my passport details. Is it something important or is it just a cosmetic matter? If I change it, I assume they'll charge me the usual amount for replacement licences, are there any other costs for the service? Thanks for any insights.

To be safe: Head to the Landtransport Office with your DL, old- and new passport and get it changed.

In general. change everywhere your passport number is used, even a loyalty card to for example Central-stores, cannot be used for claiming points, if your present passport number don't fit the registered number in the card – I talk from experience – you need to show ID to claim benefits.

21 hours ago, soi3eddie said:

What is missing in this story? No mention of the third party driver who is at fault for causing these injuries. Surely the insurance of the guilty party driving on the wrong side of the road should be paying all the hospital bills. Or was the third party not insured? No mention if the third party driver was Thai or foreign, not that it really makes a difference, but could give a clue regarding their insurance status. Compulsory insurance is required for all motor vehicles. What coverage is being claimed from the other driver and their insurance. If Australia (or any wetsern country) a claim against the other driver would be made in cases such as this.

 

Just so you – and others – know it: The mandatory motorbike insurance in Thailand covers 50,000 baht, which is literally nothing if you have serious injuries and are hospitalized in a private hospital. If there is no insurance, the part might be asked to pay 50,000 baht in compensation.

If the other driver has no funds to cover, it doesn't help you. A practise has often been that the party, who can afford it, is guilty; it's not the law, but someone has to pay the bills. This – the financial issue – might be cleared at a meeting with a high police officer, written in a book and signed by both parties. What they do in other countries has no value in Thailand, here it's only about how you do it in Thailand.

You really need to have a personal travel- or accident insurance that covers you, especially when riding a motorbike – please note that some insurances covers only scooters with small engines, smaller than normally used in Thailand, and other insurances doesn't cover motorbike ride at all both as driver and passenger – and in general be prepared for that in Thailand's traffic you are financially on your own, or covered only by your own insurance.

My information is primary from Samui, where I been living permanently for 18 years – and yes, I have had friends that was involved in traffic accidents. Both the big black book has been used, and financial cover when without guilt, and 50,000 baht from a guilty motorbike driver with outdated insurance.

On 2/3/2024 at 11:47 AM, mrloy99 said:

Can Falang be added to the blue book?

No.
But you can apply for being registered in a Yellow House Book for Aliens after which you'll be eligible for a pink ID-card. The host/master of the house (in the Blue House Book) needs to give permission.

17 hours ago, scoutman360 said:

 

Thanks. Since you mentioned the bank statements, I always download monthly statements off their website. Would the IO accept those? Or must it be some kind of certified copy printed by the bank?

Thanks for your reply.

To my knowledge it must come from the bank – together with a signed photocopy of the bank book showing an update same day as applying for extension of stay – but different immigrations offices have slightly different local rules, so might it be different where you stay.

23 hours ago, wilkis333 said:

Has applied for one year extension of stay. Nonthaburi Officer has advised me not to withdraw money during this period. She said maybe I need to update my bankbook on the day   result comes out. 

Other immigration offices seems to say the same – I recently have a friends mentioning the same situation – a bit frustrating if the money is in an account used for other purposes.

The best thing is to keep any deposit for extension of stay in a separate bank account. If the deposit is for extension based on retirement the 800k baht needs to be in the account two month before application for extension of stay, and three months after extension of stay is granted. Outside this period the deposit can be lowered to not under 400k baht.

On 2/1/2024 at 9:09 AM, scoutman360 said:

 

I can't find anything online that says specifically what this letter from the bank is supposed to say for Immigration. Is there a template somewhere? I am afraid the bank might give me something that doesn't satisfy the IO. (note: this is for 800,000bht option requirement). Thanks in advance.

The banks will normally know it, when you ask for a bank letter to immigration for retirement extension. Both the banks I use – Bangkok Bank and SCB – have templates in the system. They will also provide the needed account statement. The fee use to be 100 baht for the letter and 100 baht for each account statement ("each" in case you need more than one account to show your 800k baht).

On 2/1/2024 at 8:45 AM, charleskerins said:

I returned two items to Lazada ,they refunded to Lazada wallet ; when I attempt to access Lazada wallet I am unable because it is not available to foreigners.  I contacted Lazada and they reply your refund is in Lazada wallet. Anyone else have this issue? 

 

thanks 

Seems like you prepaid and not with a credit- or debit card. You need to contact support that will give you a reference; you'll need to upload copy of details like bankbook and passport. Little complicated and it takes between one and two weeks to get the refund back in the bank account.

I changed to use my debit card, any cancellation has so far been refunded to the card's bank account within circa one week. Same procedure at Shopee.

On 1/31/2024 at 6:34 AM, Carly SA91 said:

Is Big C a good option? Open to all recommendations.

Makro use to sell vacuum-packed high quality Australian beef, for example Black Angus – I often buy it and in my opinion it's very tender and good taste – while Tops Supermarket also has (very) high quality beef meet, including Japanese (the price is probably as high as the quality, it's more expensive than Australian beef).

BigC where I live (Samui), cannot compete with Makro and Tops in beef meat quality.

8 hours ago, Red Phoenix said:

Thanks for that overview.  And yes what you wrote is fully correct. 

Two additional comments:

1 - If the procedure that will be followed in case there is no will at your demise, would be no different than how you want it, there is no need to make a will.

2 - It makes sense to make an overview of all your possessions/contracts (physical assets like houses/land, insurance policies, bank-accounts, etc.) and update that list annually, such that in case of your demise that it would not be a mad scramble to find out all of the above (with the risk of overlooking a life-insurance policy or a foreign bank-account). 

Thanks for your reply.

1) To my understanding: Correct.

2) I tried to make it simple by stating that all shared banks accounts goes to the other mentioned name (there can only be two names in Thailand), while all other bank-funds shall be divided as...

Furthermore I mentioned living cost for a periode to be paid to [name] before any sharing, and together funeral expenses (which is normally mentioned i9n a will).

I also mentioned my two Thai equity deposits – they are in two different bank trading platforms – where one goes to my daughter (it's her child savings) and the other to my girlfriend.

15 hours ago, Maestro said:

 

Your house registration book does not say "Status: Host (เจ้าบ้าน)".

 

"Status: Host" is the English translation you have chosen to use, but this English text does not appear in the house registration book.

7 hours ago, Liquorice said:

You've misquoted:

That was @khunPer that stated  - This is my house book in Thai language, saying "Status: Host (เจ้าบ้าน)"...

Yes, it's my House Book that says that,  see earlier post and images.

My Thai girlfriend also says that the word means "owner" in English. Alternative translations according to Google can also be householder or master...

15 hours ago, Maestro said:

 

Yes, you quoted correctly an incorrect text from an unofficial website, not a text from a relevant law or a Ministerial Regulation or an official communication from the Immigration Bureau.

The question was: "Why?"

My answer was that it's the law.

The quite was just to find an external source confirming my statement "it's the law" – no details were asked or mentioned by me – and I of course mentioned the source of the quote...

On 1/31/2024 at 6:15 AM, beautifulthailand99 said:

In the event of the death of the oldest sister if there is no will what are the potential outcomes.

It will follow the Thai law...

(Quotes from the book "Thai Law for Foreigners".)

16 hours ago, Tazmo said:

I have 800K in a fixed Bangkok Bank account for over 10 years now.

 

My concern is that if I become unwell and unable to access that money, how can my Thai Partner get access to it? Also to 200K which I deposited to the bank so that I can use a credit card.

 

We’re not married but live together for 4 years in a house, paid for by me, but in her name.

 

Do I need to make a Thai Will?  Through a Lawyer or just a witness?

 

 I already have a Will made here, in English and Thai, but my son is named as the Executor ( that cost me 6K THB 6 years ago)! Now to revise that will it will be 15K.
 

The Bank says that I need a Will, naming my wife/ partner, but then at the time of need she will have to go to a court for approval.

 

Grateful if anyone has dealt with a similar situation to advice please.

To my knowledge if the 800k baht is used for extension of stay, the account shall be i your name only and withdrawals cannot be made to anybody else. I your local immigration accepts a shared account it will normally need to be the double amount; i.e., 1.6 million baht. Upon death bank accounts are normally frozen and will be part of the estate.

A last will is normally recommended and for both parties. You don't know who might die first. If the is no will the inheritance will follow the Thai law. If you wife dies and there is no will you are eligible to half, 50 percent.

The two Thai lawyers that wrote the book "Thai Law for Foreigners" suggest that a foreigner makes two last will, one for any valuables in one's home country – following the rules of the home country – and another for any valuables in Thailand, following the rules here. It will normally be the court in the country with primary residency that handles the estate; i.e., if your primary residency is Thailand it will be a Thai court handling the estate.

For your 200k bank account/bank deposit with credit card you can change it to an account in both names – a question of trust – and state in the will that any funds in a shared account or in shared accounts fully shall belong to the other named account holder. I've done that for my shared accounts, so my girlfriend has a chance to withdraw legally.

According to the lawyers that wrote above mentioned book, you can write your own will in plain language or use a preprinted form. Always state that this will cancels all earlier made will/wills – eventually name it/them – and sign it and have it registered at the local amphor-office. You don't need a a lwyer for a last will to be legal.

1 hour ago, Liquorice said:

 

I didn't doubt your status translated as 'host', only that it's unusual and I've never seen that term used before.

 

Would I be correct in assuming you have a Condo with a Blue Book which you cannot be named in, and therefore obtained a Yellow book?

 

In my wife's Blue book, her 2 sons have the status of ผู้อาศัย, pronounced Poo Assai (P̄hū̂ xāṣ̄ạy), which translates as 'resident'.
In my yellow book, my status is exactly the same - resident.

 

 

There are no national standards in Thailand, and I suspect the terms used can differ as deemed appropriate by the operator inputting the information.

 

I own a house and only Thai residents are registered in the Blue House Book, while I was registered as house owner/host at the tessa ban-office. I'm the one to allow others to be registered in my house's House Books. When I shortly after applied for a Yellow House Book for aliens my status was as shown, host...