mrwebb8825

What did she show at the border to be let into Thailand in the first place?

OP - does she have a passport?

All I know is my wife and I send USD to our Thai banks when the the $ is strong and send THB to our US bank when the baht is strong. We spend $ in the states and baht in Thailand and the cost of daily life isn't affected by either. Since it only cost $20 to send we do it when we can make 2-4x that. Free money is always nice.

Just a wai and a thank you is all - I didn't care what others may or not think. my money was going home with me. ????

Don't take THB out of Thailand, take EUROs out. You can go to the bank, withdraw the funds, take them to a SuperRich location and exchange the baht to Euro then take the Euro back home in your pocket. Another option would be to use said funds to buy stock in UOB Bank and then sell them when you get back to your home country. Stock price: UOVEY (OTCMKTS) $45.49 +0.01 (+0.02%) <- from the UOB Bank website)

OP - I gave up carrying a wallet in Thailand all together as it's just too easy for pickpockets to steal it, not to mention the chance that you'll get caught out in the rain at some point. I keep my ID on my phone (in pictures) and my cards in a small ziplock bag and my money in my front pocket. That being said (small compensation now, I know) you may as well write it off with a mai pen rai and just check back at the box from time to time if it has some sentimental value. IF it does show up there, thank them graciously for a job well done (if it's a Thai policeman). Might help you later in another sticky spot as they'll remember the "gracious tourist". ETA: Example: was swept up in a month-end motorcycle stop and fleece checkpoint and an officer I had treated well and thanked for helping saw me, took me to 1 side, let the others get fleeced then sent me on my way with a friendly smile.

OP - what amount (ballpark figure) are you thinking about? If it's not a suitcase full, why not go to superrich, exchange it and carry it with you on the plane? I did this to bring 100k to the states with me. Nobody cared about the lump in my socks in my backpack. Also. my wife has sent me around 75k straight from Bangkok Bank to my account in the states. Cost her 200 baht to send and me $20 to receive. I also have the ability to use the Thai banking app on my Thai phone from the states as all it needs is a wifi connection. Right now, with the exchange rates so low we're making a little money with each transfer and when the $ gets stronger again we'll be sending some back to Thailand.

OP - Just an FYI but keep your boarding pass til you're through Thai immigration at the airport. There are reports that people get asked for it.

What YOU believe or don't believe is the only irreverent factor here then. I was also stamped in and out w/o ever leaving Thailand in 2003 south of Hua Hin because the border was closed due to conflict. Don't let your personal experience limit your acceptance of the truth. It never happened to me so it can't be true is pretty narrow thinking.

Semantics Doc? Really? Where I stated ..."several years ago..." and he stated ..."a few years back..." differs greatly how? I'm now genuinely curious. ????

You mean like the post above mine?

You should tell them that exactly next time - I'm sure they'll give you some special attention and free accommodation and you won't even need to do those pesky 90-day reports as they'll know exactly where you are. ????

Guess 1 needs a "Genuflecting" icon to post in your most gracious presents Sir Dr. Jack?

I made a border run to Cambodia several years ago and it was a breeze. I never even left Thailand. The IO said he'd take care of it for me for 300 baht. So he and I sat in his office and chatted over coffee for 1/2 an hour while my passport got all the in/out stamps. OP - When the supervisor asked if you had a gf you should have answered "No, but I'm looking for a nice lady. Are you single?". ????

OP - why not consider living 1/2 the time in VN, Cambodia or Loas for a couple of years while you save and grow your client base? Your gf can get to these places and they don't have the visa restrictions/costs. Just spitballin'

Eat more fresh garlic - they don't like it but you may start attracting Italians. ????

So, it'll be full of Cubans and Haitians in boats seeking asylum soon? Wonder if the coke will be of the same high quality too. ????

They have satellite wi-fi in the states. Haven't tried it yet but it's nice to see phones catching up as most people don't carry a PC with them everywhere. ????

I know it's now a week past the OPs deadline so hopefully he'll give an update. OP - IF possible, just keep 400k in a Thai account for marriage extensions in the future - can't get more guaranteed that that.

it's for the re-entry permit - you can't get it at the regular check-out line. they will send you to a small office in the corner on that same side.

Really? Search results for "Teriary" in Sentences 0 results. There are no articles for this word yet. ????

Seems like yet another case of the right hand not knowing what the left hand is doing.

If my dangling participle offends you, don't look. ????

My wife and I have been married 18 yrs and never had a translation as we were married in Thailand. That said, there IS a form immigration requires from the Amphere office when renewing every year.

I'd be careful about food advice from the brits - after all, they hang dead pheasants by the neck til the head rots off and then eat it, they mix blood into pudding and eat beans for breakfast. ????