Kopitiam

Previously they "bent" the rules to accommodate your request. Now they stick to the rules and you whine.

Life in Thailand is "funny". When the authority does not enforce rules, we complain (example: traffic police). But when the authority enforce rules strictly, we complain they are not flexible. I agree with DrJack45, "Thailand has some of the most flexible options for retirement and marriage".

Phuket Imm is not special to have it's own set of rules. Every Immigration office around Thailand has their own interpretation of rules. Some even have different interpretations by IOs in the same office. You and your friends must have very bad luck when dealing with the IO at Phuket Imm. I have dealt with Phuket Imm office since 2011 renewing my extension of stay from a initial Non-OA visa. Never had any problem even with all the changes to money in the bank requirement on my own. I just did my extension renewal in August. I have also transferred extension of stay to a new passport twice and not a single baht was demanded. I reckon we are dealing with the same IO in Room 103. He sits on the right side in the office. Strict guy but fair. I find the Phuket Imm Office to be very progressive and service orientated. In 2011, all extensions were done in one big office upstairs. They have progressively divided the different types of extensions to different parts of the compound to reduce congestion. They even have a drive-through for 90-day reporting without having to fill in any form. In fact, for the convenience of expats and tourists, they have sub-offices in Patong and Laguna for 90-day reporting. More recently, they have torn down a few buildings in their compound to create a bigger carpark for people attending immigration matters to park their cars.. This is what I call progressive and service oriented. Yes, Phuket Imm, like every other Thai Imm office has their own interpretation of rules. We just have to live with it as "guests" in Thailand. This is their working culture, like it or not. The most positive interpretation of rules by the Phuket Imm is the medical insurance requirement for extension of stay based on Non-OA visa. Anyone came before 2018/9 on Non-OA visa does not require medical insurance for renewal of extension of stay. Kudos to Phuket Imm. Good luck to you in your renewal of extension of stay.

The link is to an article dated 22 Jan 2021. Maybe it has grown exponentially since then.

If you are so sceptical why come here to ask?

Try the local roving markets.

I live in a Condo that has a common internet connection for each apartment. The connection was atrocious. I decided to have my own internet connection with 3BB. TOT and 3BB are separate ISPs. It all depends on where the ISPs have their connection points to your Condo.

Yes, if the hotel you booked with has such a service (usually yes). But the price will be the same as airport taxi if not more. There is a price list posted at the taxi booth outside the arrival hall.

Eddie45, for your further reference: https://aseannow.com/topic/1263965-best-fiber-optic-internet-provider-package-value-in-phuket/

All of them, e.g. 3BB, TOT, True, etc. Each customer has his/her preferences and their reason on being loyal customers. I am happy with 3BB, very good customer service.

But you are commenting on a retirement visa extension matter like a "know all".

Do what you have betted on and come back to report a successful extension. The forumers here will accord you bragging rights.

I wonder why are you still living here?

Pick your choice (from cheap solution to expensive solution). https://www.lazada.co.th/catalog/?q=clothes+drying+machine&_keyori=ss&from=input&spm=a2o4m.home.search.go.11257f6dSOrjcJ

What do you mean? China dropped 3 places (from 4th to 7th) being largest exporter of immigrants and they still increase by more than 125%?

This is from wikipedia: Han Chinese (95 to 97%) are the predominating population of Taiwan July 2022. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_Taiwan

America knows Taiwanese are also Chinese.

China is doing the world a favour for not taking Taiwan now. Wait until America has built up their own semiconductor plants, will they still give a damn about Taiwan?

I beg to differ. Name me one G7 country that is doing well in this period of time.

Plenty available on Lazada. https://www.lazada.co.th/catalog/?q=binoculars&_keyori=ss&from=input&spm=a2o4m.searchlist.search.go.723b167f0NzTIS

Why so biased? Get your facts right first. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/092915/5-countries-produce-most-carbon-dioxide-co2.asp China is producing 56% of what the USA is producing and India is only 10% of the USA. Russia, Germany, UK and Japan are producing more than India.

If it is just staying at a hotel, get them to register you online. If you are moving so often, why border? Unless you are doing an extension of stay. Even when doing an extension of stay, the IO rarely ask you whether you are still staying in the same place once you have registered an address.

"Power of Attorney" form is nothing new when you are registering on behalf of the house owner. Not to make life harder for you.

If implemented, all "farangs" (including expats, if made to pay) will get medical treatment at hospitals after an accident without the need to pay (up to 500,000THB). The hospital will claim from the government (or insurance consortium). Otherwise, it will be a big scam by the government.

At least, the Chinese didn't hold a gun to the Sri Lankans' head.