rito

From the Embassy website:

SSA Manila Contact information:

Social Security Administration

American Embassy

1131 Roxas Blvd.

Ermita

0930 Manila

Philippines

Tel: (632) 525-6614

Fax: (632) 522-1514

Email: [email protected]

First-Time Social Security Application

At ACS we can certify photocopies of documents. Customers can then attach the certified photocopies with the application form and send to the regional Social Security Administration office in Manila by registered mail.

The following documents are required for filing a new SSN application:-

(1) If a child is under 12 years of age, customers will need to bring in a parent’s valid U.S. passport, a child’s valid U.S. passport, a child’s birth certificate (if a child was born in the U.S, the U.S. birth certificate. If a child is born in Thailand, the Thai birth certificate, English translation and both documents no longer must be legalized at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before bringing the documents in to ACS. Finally, you must also have the child’s Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued at the U.S. Embassy (if a child’s born in Thailand). A child does not need to appear in person for this.

http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/service/feder...-and-taxes.html

I'd rather go down your road, brewing my own coffee, than going to Black Canyon or Bon Cafe...

Anyway, the electronic components i mean are IC circuits, resistors, capacitors etc.

/Hans

To those who have some experience of living in Udon Thani,

I'm in the process that might result in a job in Udon Thani. So if i get the opportunity to work there and decide to get on with it, i'll have to move there as well. What is it like to live there? In particular i'm interested in the following:

- A natuaral place serving good coffee (i like coffee from Brazil).

- A big (at least 25 meters long) and not crowded swinmming pool to go to.

- A good place to by electronical components.

- A good place to buy computer parts.

- A good place to by English magazines and books (particularly on computers)

Best regards,

Hans

1. One Black Canyon (at Tesco) & a number of Bon Cafe shops available. Never tried either, I brew my own.

2. Napoli hotel has big pool, sufficient for lap swimming. Also, large kiddie pool so it doesn't get overrun with kids. Best to go before noon. 60bt fee (bring your own towel).

3. Chorensri shopping complex has good selection of electronic, as well as Homepro, Index Living Mall and other shops throughout town.

4. A lot IT shops around town and the shopping complex, specialty stuff or hard to find may need to road trip to KK.

5. Bookstore on first floor of the shopping complex opposite SBC bank has limited supply of English reading material.

Best to post your question on Udonmap forum for more informative replies.

The coffee available at Tesco or Big C are not the greatest, but after experimenting with different blends I got it down to mixing 2 brands to achieve something tasteful.

There's a shop on the first floor of the Big C shopping center that has an electronic shop. They've got all sorts of electronic gizmo's and such. I've seen similar to what you're asking, but don't have any idea what's it's for.

Thanks for the replies. Jimmyyy, I'll try that number, thanks again.

Rito

To those who have some experience of living in Udon Thani,

I'm in the process that might result in a job in Udon Thani. So if i get the opportunity to work there and decide to get on with it, i'll have to move there as well. What is it like to live there? In particular i'm interested in the following:

- A natuaral place serving good coffee (i like coffee from Brazil).

- A big (at least 25 meters long) and not crowded swinmming pool to go to.

- A good place to by electronical components.

- A good place to buy computer parts.

- A good place to by English magazines and books (particularly on computers)

Best regards,

Hans

1. One Black Canyon (at Tesco) & a number of Bon Cafe shops available. Never tried either, I brew my own.

2. Napoli hotel has big pool, sufficient for lap swimming. Also, large kiddie pool so it doesn't get overrun with kids. Best to go before noon. 60bt fee (bring your own towel).

3. Chorensri shopping complex has good selection of electronic, as well as Homepro, Index Living Mall and other shops throughout town.

4. A lot IT shops around town and the shopping complex, specialty stuff or hard to find may need to road trip to KK.

5. Bookstore on first floor of the shopping complex opposite SBC bank has limited supply of English reading material.

Best to post your question on Udonmap forum for more informative replies.

After 25yrs. in the Navy, I know of No large pay raise for just being married. Did they get married in Thailand and if so was it a proper certified wedding, (ie) American Embassy notifcation, spouse military ID card issued from JusMag?? Was he on leave, or just a ships visit. Personnel normally have to request permission to marry. Seems to be a lot of unanswered questions, you may want to find out more from the young lady.

Yes sir, she has a US military ID card given from JUSMAG. She contact JUSMAG first and was told he would have to return to Thailand for a divorce and left it at that. I just couldn't believe that there was not a way out, thus my own research into the matter.

I thought I'd ask here first being so many of you are extremely knowledgeable on a large range of topics. Of course an attorney will be the final stop for this. Though I would like give her a little ammo before sending her off.

Being that your friend has already approached JUSMAG without any assistance, than she needs to get of hold of her husbands command. She already has his social security number [sSN] (it's on her military ID card). Getting a hold of his command will be the difficult part, but she needs to press the issue with JUSMAG. As a military spouse she has some rights. Up to her, but she needs to be persistent with JUSMAG otherwise they will just blow her off. JUSMAG should be able to look up the guys unit/command with his name, SSN and branch of service.

Also, if she gets through to the guy's command. She might be able to get a portion of the guys pay until he either divorces her or gets back together or until the matter is resolved. The portion of pay she would get would be the pay increase he got when he married her which is BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing). This is the only pay increase he will have received by marring and it's determined by rank & location of his residence. Here's a link for more info on BAH.

http://www.defenselink.mil/militarypay/pay/bah/02_types.html

At the end of the day, her persistence is the key to resolving this matter. I would go back to JUSMAG and ask for the personnel officer, legal officer and or the senior enlisted non-commissioned officer in charge (1st Sergeant/Sergeant Major).

Last resort, have her report her marriage as fraudulent. Every branch of service has a hot line to report Fraud, Waste & Abuse. I doubt that there be any repercussions on her part.

Echoing retiredusn's comments and presuming her spouse is still active duty, she can create a giant thunderstorm of problems for him and his fraudulent marriage plans (marrying her and not supporting her in the manner described is fraud)...

Have her contact the American Embassy in Bangkok.

Concur with the above. I retired with 26 yrs of service and in my experience it was quite often that young Marines would make a "contract" marriage just to get out of living in the barracks. Don't know if this is the case, but he certainly would see an increase in pay.

To the OP, try contacting JUSMAG maybe she can get assistance there rather than the Embassy. They might have a legal officer or someone filling that billet. It would be helpful if she had his social security number.

JUSMAG 66-2-287-1036

http://www.jusmagthai.com/index_002.htm

I'm from Udon and looking for a shop that repairs/modifies Playstation 2 (not the slim version). The one shop here only works on the slim version.

Anyone know of a shop in Khon Kaen? Or BKK, other than MBK, I did a search and seems unfavorable results coming out of MBK.

Thanks.

Yes been there, but they couldn't repair the chunkier style PS2, only slim version. I'd like to try Khon Kaen, but don't know of any shops. Hoping someone from there might know.

I'm from Udon and looking for a shop that repairs/modifies Playstation 2 (not the slim version). The one shop here only works on the slim version.

Anyone know of a shop in Khon Kaen? Or BKK, other than MBK, I did a search and seems unfavorable results coming out of MBK.

Thanks.

I have my dads medals from WW2 and would like to get them properly framed.

Does anyone know where I can get this done?

I live in Pattaya.

begsaresponse

Could try contacting someone from the VFW. They may be of assistance.

http://www.vfwpost9876.org/

Dear all ,

I have done a search but cannot find out what it costs.Anyone know? I know where to apply etc.

It may seem odd that I am organizing this from the UK but my GF though a graduate and a lovely girl could not organize a p...up in a brewery infact if her friends, family, old ladies in the market , random strangers etc get on the case we will go nowhere painfully ( for me ) and slowly. There is perhaps a better chance of Ling randomly typing Shakespeare.

Richard

I just asked the wife, it's 1035bt.

Lao immigration...get a visa application form, fill it out, give them your passport, the form, a photo and the visa fee (depended on nationality, 35 USD for most W. Europeans and US citizens)

Do they accept Thai baht or only US dollars?

Lodestone,

They accept both, but you generally save a few baht if you use US dollars. My last trip over was in June and I wrote about my experience here. However, I can't tell you if anything changed in the last 6 months.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...p;#entry1376715

You should check out the Royal Thai Embassy website for additional info:

http://www.thaiembassy.org/vientiane/consu...ervices_en.html

I can also confirm they have transportation at the airport, never used it but saw a sign on the wall advertising 150bt to Vientiane.

Good luck & have a good trip.

Thanks guys.

I like visiting National Parks and places of historic interest. Into outdoor pursuits too, so if there's anything like ATV trekking or river bound activities I'd be keen on those.

Also looking for good recommendations for eating and partying out.

Is there an English language cinema in Udon?

D2 night club just opened up and worth a visit. It's across from the Charoensri Shopping complex. Also, Precha night market has an outdoor beer garden (across form Big Screen TV). Plenty of beer/food stalls, shopping for the missus and a playstation shop for the kids. And lots beer girls to ogle. Precha market is located in grid P-12 on the Udon map:

http://www.udonmap.com/images/new_map.gif

If you're in town on the 5th and interested in meeting some of the local expats, there's a Udonmap forum get-together at Precha market. Usually meet up around food stall number 20 across from the big screen TV.

Hi Everyone

I am really hoping there is a motorbike savy person on here that will give me some advice....

I have lived in Thailand (Koh Samui) for almost a year now & have had my eye on the Yamaha Fino since I first saw it. I held off buying a motorbike until I was sure that I was staying here (I have been renting). Now that I am staying, it's time to buy the bike...I still love the Fino, but will I be happy with it?

I have heard that it isn't good for 2 people, it has no storage space & it only goes up to 60kms comfortably & then starts to feel unstable. On the positive side, I have heard that the carb is good, engine runs well & the transmission is excellent.

It's very hard to find anything about the bike in English. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks

FWIW my wife has one. I drive it occasionally and handles quite well. I have taken it up to 100kms without any problems and rides very stable at that speed (never taken it past that but registers 120 on the speedometer). It's also power enough that I've out run every step through motor bike I've encountered. Only issue, hardly any storage space. Space under the seat is about 9" X 7" & 6 " deep. We ended up buying a box-like storage container that mounts on the rear of the seat. Now it takes away from the looks of the bike, but safe for carrying groceries and stuff. Oh yeah, it's an automatic & electric start.

My favorite, Mexicali Burger: if you like hot food, this is the one. Just chop up some cilantro, chili, onion, (garlic maybe) add to ground beef, little salt & pepper and an egg to make stick and mix together.

Extra spicy top if off with Jalapeño cheese

Is anyone can tell from his experience or knowledge, what are the exact requirements for obtain a single entery non immigrant O visa in Laos. and of course how much does it cost?

thanks.

Here's my trip report taken in June. Info should still be current and 2000bt for visa.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...p;#entry1376715

Can someone explain this to me. I thought satellite engineering was far advanced to let the rain interfere.

What about the military satellites, do they get blacked out - no way.

I know, this is Thailand, but still?

I had similar problems when it rained. I thought it was normal until one day I got fed up and told the wife to call the service center. They came out tested it and made some adjustments, no problems ever since.

Good looking pups Mai Krap. I have a 5 month old pit named Petey. He joined our family when he was one month old. I'm raising him to be a family dog and has the run of the house. Here are a few pic's of him a few weeks after we got him.

BTW, to this very day Petey is never too far away from my 2 yr old daughter when she's having her nap.

Hope it's ok to post this link:

http://www.realpitbull.com/

Rito

I went to our local immigration office and they use a different set of rules to issue a 1 year extention of a non-immigrant-O visa. I talked about this to our local immigration officers and they told me that the rules in bangkok change that often that they also don't understand them anymore.

They gave me a paper with requirements that I would have to follow to get my 1 year extention. The rules on this paper are (in my case) better for me than the requirements that immigration office in Bangkok uses.

Although the immigration officer garuanteed me they would follow their paper and nothing else I am still a bit worried.

Are the applications for a 1-year extention sent to Bangkok, or are they approved by the local immigration officer (which seems to be very kind and flexible)?

Which immigration office are you filing at? Just curious as I will be applying at the end of this month.

Don't know for sure but I believe that 1 year extensions are forward to BKK for processing.

rito,

I assume your Tricare Overseas is the "standard," not "prime" variety?

As such, are the charges you've filed for reimbursement been within the "allowable charges" range? (With lower health costs here, I would imagine so, unlike in the States, where Tricare allowable charges are way too low for non network health providers.)

Any problem with non hospital pharmacy reimbursements? Since most drugs here are non prescription, I could see this as a problem for reimbursement(?).

1. Yes

2. Yes

3. Never thought to try, I get my HBP meds from non hospital pharmacy cost about $10 a month. I don't bother to submit a claim for $10 .

Rito

I'm from USA and have thai wife. Want to know if anyone has information on the use of the tri-care system here in Thailand. Any doctors/hospitals accept this insurance? Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Try sending an email to Nurse Pranee, she's the TRICARE rep here in Thailand. Sometime ago I ask her about Dr's or hospitals who accepted TRICARE and she sent me a list of a few in BKK. It wasn't an option for me since I live in Udon. I pay medical fees up front and submit claim. Easy process and takes about 3 weeks to process.

I have TRICARE Overseas and able to check my claims here:

https://www.tricare4u.com/apps-portal/trica...tricarehome.jsp

Nurse Pranee

POC Tricare Service, Thailand

E-mail: [email protected]

I asked this question some time ago on the visa forum, but did not get any answers, so here goes again:

If you have friends and family come to Thailand on holiday and stay with you at your home, do you, as the home owner/renter of the residence have to report their stay to immigration, or does this rule only apply to commercial establishments?

And here's another. If foreigners have to report their change of residence to immigration, what happens if they are living in one place, but then go on holiday or a business trip to another place? Do they have to report their temporary change of address? What is a the minimum period before the rule is applied? One day? One week? What about tourists who are on a tour of Thailand? Or back packers who are continually moving around?

Does anyone know?

Does immigration know?

According to this yes,

"According to section 38 of the 1979 immigration act, "House owners, heads of household, landlords or managers of hotels who accommodate foreign nationals on a temporary basis who stay in the kingdom legally, must notify the local immigration authorities within 24 hours from the time of arrival of the foreign national." If there is no immigration office in the province or locality of the respective house or hotel, the notification is made to the local police station. In Bangkok the notification is made to the Immigration Bureau. The notification of residence of foreign nationals is made by the manager of licensed hotels according to the hotel act, owners of guesthouses, mansions, apartments and rented houses using the form TM. 30.

The notification of residence of foreign nationals within 24 hours can be made in a number of ways to make the notification as convenient as possible:"

Source:

http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/en/ba...?page=alienstay

I have a driver's licence for car from Sweden, which I know is pretty simple to transfer to a thai driver's licence, but I would like to get a motor cycle licence in Thailand as well.

How hard are the tests? Do you have to bring your own bike? Does the bike need to be automatic or manual geared?

I just got both car & moto yesterday. I needed to test for moto only. I only had about 15 minutes to study, took test on computer (English language) 30 questions. First time answered 9 incorrect, allowed to take again. Second time missed 5 and passed. No more than 7 questions answered incorrectly will get you a passing grade.

Next driving test on a course. Motocy available for rent (bt30). Very easy, course is laid out with arrows and road signs. Pay attention to road signs and use directionals when needed. Slow & easy, I never took it out of second gear.

I took my driving test in Udon, so it may differ depending on your location.

I posted links for maps of Nong Khai & Vietienne here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...15&start=15

I have a retirement visa at present which I renew yearly but with the usual 3 monthly residency stamps. Upon my last visit to immigration I was told that I could be refused renewal as I have no proof of my residence in Thailand. All other aspects were in order but this was a new one on me!!! I live with my Thai wife (by local marriage only so unofficial) so we asked if I was put on her Tabiat Baan (sorry about the spelling) whether that would be acceptable and were told yes. However, we have since tried to obtain a blue book in my sole name but have hit a brick wall. My wife was told by an official in the local immigration office (who would not give their name) that I can only get a yellow book and I need a letter from the UK Embassy confirming that I no longer live in the UK and that I permanently reside in Thailand. This I cannot believe for one minute as the Embassy is not interested in such trivia and also, no-one I have spoken to has ever heard of a yellow Tabiat Baan not that the colour really matters to me!! Has anyone encountered similar problems or have a resolve???

I picked up my yellow book today after applying for it about 5 weeks ago. I got mine in Udon, so the requirements may differ where your from. I didn't need anything from the Embassy. I'm listed in my wife's blue book but only as father of our children. Anyway, read up on this thread for more info:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...127582&st=0

My yellow book experience in Udon, so far...

7. Originally had been told the book would be ready in a week, but am now told "We'll call you."

8. A week later I called and was told it would be done in about a month, and "We'll call you."!

I guess as always, ymmv and TIT!

Kwarium,

I was told the same thing, ready in a week. It's been almost 4 weeks and still haven't received mine. The wife was up there yesterday to inquire about it. She was told that it was approved but not processed due to other priorities.

Following up on mine. Picked it up today after about 5 weeks, no fee, no tea money.

Rito