phetphet

You can buy it in the local pharmacies. One of the names is Circadin if I recall correctly.

Samui Immigration Office. Re: The banks. I know from experience that they either want a work permit or a proof of residence certificate. But as you say. It never hurts to try. I did open one while here on holiday and staying in a hotel many years ago...But those days are long gone.

Actually, if those numbers are correct, No.2 would have been around 9 or 10 years old

Thank you. I understand now.

Are you saying (as I first thought), he must first get a single or multiple entry visa from outside Thailand before applying for the Non Imm O? Or he can apply using the Visa Exempt as long as he has 15 days left? Just trying to get ducks lined up. But I will ask agent when I take him to see him. Thanks

The "specific needs" are for accommodation because he has bad eyesight so cannot drive. Therefore looking for accom. close to road and facilities, shops etc. He is not looking for a visa based on marriage, but the Non Imm O based on retirement , using the THB800,000 in the bank method. I have told him that we may need to fly to Vientiane to apply, but that we need to get the bank account sorted first. He still has a couple of weeks on his visa exempt, and can also extend that for 15 days I believe, so I will take him to see the agent this week. Believe it or not, it is still cheaper staying in a half decent hotel here than renting in London.

British. Been here since before Christmas, checking things out with a view to long term stay. Has holidayed here a few times before. Decided to make the move. I am just trying to help him with the process. As DrJack54 said. Better to use an agent.

It's high season and a friend is finding it difficult to find suitable accommodation ( he has specific needs) for long term stay based on a Non O based on retirement. Currently still on visa exempt which he will extend.. In the meantime he is booking a hotel for a couple of months to give him time to find the right place, and to apply for the Non Imm O. Does anyone know if it will be possible to get a Proof of Residence Certificate from Immigration to open a bank account for the THB 800,000 while residing in a hotel.? He might even stay longer than the planned two months in the hotel if necessary. I have told him it may be possible to use an agent to open the account, but he would prefer to try and do it himself with the certificate if he can. TIA

A variant of Omicron has been able to spread almost unchecked through the world’s largest population, a majority of whom have had no exposure to the virus and limited access to the latest vaccines or medicines. I suppose which variant, and how dangerous it is will make all the difference.

From the mouths of babes: When our little one was around six or seven, she once asked, "Daddy. Why do the police drink beer, play cards and eat pizza?" I have no idea where she got it from. Maybe saw some off duty guys, still in uniform, relaxing outside a restaurant. But her mum told her, "Shhh! You must not say that!"

Unfortunately there are no trains in Samui, and no bus service. Only songthaews, taxis, motorbike taxis and some minibuses. Most tourists end up renting scooters or cars because of the high fares. Easier for me to just buy a scooter. Cheaper and more convenient.

It's not just meds. They clear the shelves in the supermarkets too. I was told they can sell everything back home it and it not only pays for their holiday, but makes a nice profit. Just before Christmas in CentralWorld, I saw them buying handbags in a store. Maybe twenty or thirty each. packing them into those big striped nylon bags. Video calling, and showing what was on the shelves, so customers could choose. Must be good business.

Don't forget that if you are renewing both motorbike and car licences, you might need to double up.

That won't work. None of them use the meter.

Here in Samui, I was told valid for three weeks.

The taxis in Samui refuse to use the meter, so they already charge what they want.

Thanks for that. I did not realise that he could apply for a non O retirement with a visa exempt entry. I know of a reliable agent who might be able to do the bank account. Biggest problem at the moment is trying to find him suitable accommodation. It's high season here in Samui and most residential is taken.

Porn sounds hardcore. I wouldn't want to mess with her.

Thanks Joe. Update: He arrived just before Christmas on a visa exempt I presume, which per your advice he can extend. He says he didn't pay any money, but maybe the travel agent took care of that. A few more questions. Where in your opinion is currently the best / easiest place to go to apply for a Single Entry visa with a view to change to a Non O based on retirement? Is that still the best way o do it? I recall when I did mine about seven or eight years ago that I had difficulties in Penang and ended up going to Vientiane. I will have to accompany him as his eyesight is bad. Regarding money in the bank or monthly payment methods. He does not have a pension, so can do the THB 800,000 method. But can he do the THB65,000/ month method from savings and not from a pension? TIA

He couldn't have worn it in the pool. He would have sunk. ????

It's a good idea to try and get tourists to come outside the usual busy months, but how are they going to sell November? Isn't that the worst month for wet weather? Maybe to the Arabs. Come see and feel the rain.

@BritManToo Where do you get the London Landline?

I think the problem opening a new bank account in the UK, even using someone else's address will be the requirement to show a council tax or utility bill with your name on it. They might possibly accept a UK driving licence if it showed the same address. But they might require two forms of proof of address. Those are the problems I encountered when I tried to open a Metro Bank account a few years ago. I already have a UK bank account registered at a UK address, but even they recently contacted me to ask if I was still UK tax domicile.

Plenty of electric scooters and motorbikes available now. I also noticed a Chinese electric car stand in Centralworld. Ground Floor, at the back. Near the exit to the shrine on the Plaza. Name Ora Cat I think. A small electric car.

Isn't it amazing how many posters on this site foretold this?