bangkokgalaxy

Hello Everyone, Can anyone suggest groups (formal or informal) of and for US veterans living in Bangkok? Looking to connect with vets from the United States but not sure how many vets live in Bangkok or if anyone can recommend groups to contact. Thanks in advance.

Hello everyone, I hurt my right big toe. It's mostly healed, but I'm having problems finding stiff-soled sandals, a stiff/rigid shoe insert, or a walking boot for post-op recovery to walk without aggravating the injury. I must avoid flexion (bending) of the big toe for several weeks, and walking in normal shoes is causing the toe joint to flex and become swollen. My preferences in order would be... 1) a stiff sole hiking sandal (but nobody understands the question when I call to ask. And the requests to "just come to the store" are a problem because I have to avoid running all over Bangkok with my toe injury. 2) a hard (rigid) shoe insert meant for this purpose (like this one from Amazon USA) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0D4DRG6RQ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A10U4HUD9UI9ND&th=1 **I've been calling around and nobody understands the idea that stiff soles must be used to protect a toe joint injury. You can't just put in a gel pad. Most sellers didn't even know what I meant when I explained the idea. 3) a post-op walking boot (not at massively inflated expat hospital prices) Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Hi Everyone, I submitted my 90-day TM 47 report for my retirement visa. It sent back a rejection notice saying that as a "first time" user I have to come into the immigration office in person. I don't know why they rejected me, but I can only figure out that I left and returned to Thailand in October (before renewing my visa in November). Since I now have to go into immigration. can I send a friend or representative on my behalf? Also, once I sort this out, can I use the online system gain (as I have done for years) for subsequent 90-day reports?

Not sure what that has to do with my question, but you should check out this place: https://www.comedyclubbkk.com/

Hello Everyone, I have purchased 2 Ikea medium shag rugs. But, they do not last long and the pile flattens quickly, despite professional cleaning every 6 months. Below is one of my rugs which Ikea used to sell in Thailand: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/vindum-rug-high-pile-white-00344984/ I'm looking for other Bangkok shops that sell machine-made, single-color, medium-pile shag rugs. (NOT oriental pattern rugs). In the USA, these rugs are common and affordable. I must avoid high-cost shops in high-rent areas and need something basic. Any suggestions?

Thanks. I assume you're saying a full year of statements will suffice, and the bank book won't be an issue?

Hello Everyone, I am renewing my retirement visa, using the 65k monthly income method. I am gathering bank statements for the year and notice that my bank book (for Sept) has combined all of my transactions, which hides my Wise international transfer for Sept. Will this cause a problem with immigration, assuming I have my Sept bank statement showing the Wise transfer? Thank you

I need a welder in Central Bangkok to make several cat traps for a cat rescue program. I need someone who can use quality steel and follow instructions carefully. I have a US-manufactured trap I can use as an example. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

I am in my 50s and have suffered chronic lower back pain issues for decades. I have had X-rays and MRIs, and nothing obvious shows up. Nevertheless, periodic pain and occasional debilitating flareups are something I’ve learned to manage with good ergonomics, stretching and soft tissue therapy. Stress reduction is also a major contributor to pain relief. Assuming you can objectively rule out any serious issues like disc herniation, you consider soft tissue issues, such as tight hamstrings, glutes, oblique muscles, etc. I found relief via good ergonomic practices, a good mattress and desk chair, and occasional visits to a soft tissue specialist who uses Active Release Technique (ART). ART was recommended to me in the States, and I was lucky to find a specialist in Bangkok. It’s amazing, and in only 1-2 treatments I can preempt flare-ups and reduce motion-related pain and injuries. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34999574/ I suggest look at the medical literature on ART. You can also find several videos showing people getting an ART treatment. PM me if you have questions. Good luck!

I'm trying to prepare for what may be ahead. However, I found few first-hand accounts online of what everyday life was like for expats during that time (aside from high-level economic analysis). What was it like living in Thailand (as a retiree, business owner, or long-stay expat) after the 1997 economic crash? What might current foreign residents expect if the economy crashes? Aside from a weaker baht (and more favorable exchange rates), what were the pros, cons, upsides, and downsides for expats who lived through the crisis? Will rental rates come down? Did crime rates go up? Did the cost of living for expats (who earn and remit money from outside Thailand), get easier, or were there other financial challenges for foreigners, even those who were not earning money inside Thailand? Were there opportunities (during the downturn) to start and run a business in Thailand? Did the weaker baht lend itself to starting an export business, for example? In short, it would be great to see how the last crisis played out to help expats strategically prepare. How can foreign residents protect themselves and seize opportunities, based on what we saw in 1997?

I'm not stuck on WU. If you know of any better options, would love to hear about them. Thanks.

Hello everyone. I have approx 100k baht in cash on hand (not in a bank) and I want to send it to a personal bank account in the USA. I do not have a Thai bank account. Can I walk into a Western Union branch in Bangkok (or another transfer service) and hand over cash for transfer to an overseas bank? Online research on this subject has been confusing. For example, some sites say "you can transfer cash" but they really mean via an online app that links to a Thai bank for a bank-to bank transfer, which I can not do. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thank you, Hummin. Do you have any insights on how/where to locate and find potential staff who would be receptive to your salary suggestion? That's the key challenge.

A new charity that will help non-owned soi cats in Bangkok is looking for staff. This includes people to help trap cats for TNR sterilizations (trap, neuter, return), a driver for a delivery vehicle, and a community liaison (someone who can speak/write both Thai and English to go into local neighborhoods a couple of days per week to interact with locals, update mobile cat databases, and distribute flyers and educational materials on street cats. The charity is having trouble getting any responses to various ads on Facebook and other Thai-focused job search websites. Given the state of the Thai economy, and that people need jobs and income, what is the best way to locate and reach potential Thai staff?

Hello Everyone, I am trying to estimate the tax bill for a person with the following scenario: -53 years old, single -On a Retirement Visa (65k a month method) -In Thailand more than 180 days in 2024 -All transfers/remittances to Thailand are from 'self employed' income earned in 2024 in the USA (and transferred from overseas) -All income for 2024 NOT from Pension, Social Security, Savings or investments -Total income remitted to Thailand would be (65k x 12 months = approx 780,000 for the year). Question: What tax rate/amount might would apply to this individual? (assuming 780,000 a year transferred to Thailand?) And, if this person opts to have ALL of their taxes assessed and paid in the USA, on their 2024 tax returns, how does this person avoid double taxation in Thailand?

The challenge: this charity is not a juristic person (i.e. A Foundation). It's a legitimate entity under the control of the Dept. of Livestock, but it can't enter contracts or own things in its own name. We thought about creating a company to "hold" assets and sign leases on behalf of the charity, but from what I see it is very expensive (over 100k, if I'm correct), which is a lot for a charity. Any ideas or workarounds would be appreciated.

A local charity is purchasing a second hand vehicle. It has to be transferred into the director's name, but only to hold the vehicle (on behalf of the charity). How can the charity ensure they the vehicle exists as their own asset, even though it will be registered in the name of the acting director? Is there some type of contract or power of attorney to consider?

I am searching for a used truck. I need a mechanic to inspect the vehicle before I purchase it. Can anyone recommend someone in Central Bangkok area?

Thank you everyone. Very useful information!

Hello everyone. I'm on a retirement visa and use the 65k a monthly income method. I need to transfer money from my Thai bank back to the USA to pay US-based bills. Is it an issue (or raise red flags) to send money back to pay bills that was originally brought into Thailand for retirement income? Just want to make sure an IO doesn't make an issue when it's time to do my yearly extension. Thanks in advance.

He won't tear them out and replace them. But he's willing to refinish (paint). I am investigating how to do a "proper job" so I can communicate it to him and he can then hire the right person to do it correctly.

Hello everyone. My landlord would like to refinish the cabinets in a condo unit. They are simple, laminated particle board cabinet doors (see pic). I have read that this process involves cleaning, priming, light sanding, then finishing with a proper paint for kitchen area surfaces...as summarized in this article: https://www.bhg.com/kitchen/cabinets/styles/painting-laminate-cabinets-qa/ Does anyone have any experience with this type of project? Also, I think it might be easiest to remove the cabinet doors and take them to an offsite contractor who can do this multi-step process with less disruption than doing it in an occupied rental unit. Any referrals or sources in the Bangkok area would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

I have an account at Bangkok Bank. I need to transfer 100k Baht to my US Bank. The problem is that nobody at Bangkok Bank can tell me the total transfer fees and how much will I actually receive at my US bank once the transfer is completed. I completed a 'test' transfer where I sent 3300 Baht from Bangkok Bank mobile app to my US bank (this included a 300 baht bank fee to BK bank). A few days later, my money arrived at my US Bank which showed "Burger King Deposit" of $81.92 USD (which means another middle man is taking a fee) I inquired about this at Bangkok Bank and they can't say what the "burger king" fee was for, or if I transfer a larger amount if mysterious middle-man fees will take a large percentage of any large transfer (i.e. 100k baht). Does anyone know 1) how to transfer money with a transparent (and accountable) fee structure? and, 2) is there a better way to make Thai Bank-to-US Bank transfers where there are no surprise fees? I can not use a service like Western Union because they only transfer to individuals, not banks. Any ideas out there? Thanks in advance.

Thank you, blackcab. I appreciate your input.

Hello, I am a member of a charitable organization in Thailand that needs to purchase a vehicle. I have checked, and the charity can not put the vehicle in the name of the charity. It needs to be registered in an individual's name. Are there any risks for a foreigner (on a retirement visa) registering the vehicle in her own name under a letter of understanding from the charity that the vehicle will only be used by and for the charity? Once purchased, a few Thai workers will drive this vehicle and it will be fully insured to cover other drivers. Are there any risks or issues to consider in this situation? Thank you in advance.