Madgee

There is a 'MoneySaver' currency exchange upstairs in the Big C mall now. Not sure how long that'll last as nothing stays open long there.

I was asked at both KBank branches if I was American to begin with until I showed them my passport! I think it's related to the additional work involved in addressing the tax debacle affecting American citizens.

IMO, a birth certificate looks more official. Not necessarily, I have a UK bank account with Nationwide, registered at my Thai address, and they automatically send all correspondence here, including new Debit card and reader when required. Admittedly, the account was opened many years ago when I resided in the UK. Follow up: The mall branch of Kasikorn insisted on a 'Visa-type certificate' from immigration! It's in my passport... No, it must be a 'certificate'. Essentially, I got the impression that this service manager had second thoughts and didn't want to take responsibility for opening an account for a foreigner. All she kept repeating was 'new rules, new rules, I'm very sorry'. OK, thank you for trying, bye-bye. No use getting angry, it is what it is. I then proceeded to the main branch to try again. A very helpful service assistant who spoke impeccable English accepted all my documents, but did ask for a UK address! She passed me her notepad (everything is done digitally) to fill in a UK address. I used my deceased parents' address, which is on my birth certificate. I did see that it tells the assistant to check that it comes from an important document. The only papers I had to sign were the copies made of my passport, retirement extension, yellow book and pink card. These were then photo'ed on to her notepad, and I had to sign using the notepad pen! Bank book and debit card issued, bank app installed and checked. Debit card checked and working on the ATM. The home country address requirement IS required to be filled in, but is it an important requirement? I think any document showing an address relating to a home country will do! Easy, painless, but time-consuming, about 1.5 hrs. Job done!

I've been considering whether to open a 'plan B' account with Kasikorn, even though I've never had a problem with my FDA or Savings Account with BBL. A while ago, I stated in another thread that I enquired at a local Kasikorn branch, and they only required me to provide a Pink ID card along with my Yellow Tabien Baan. After reading this thread, I enquired again, this time at a different local mall branch, as I do not have any home country address of any description. In my case, they insisted on originals of: 1. Passport ID 2. Retirement extension 3. Thai Pink Card 4. Yellow Tabien Baan 5. Home country ID or driving licence When I told the service manager I had no home country address, she contacted Head Office. She was on the phone for at least 15 minutes discussing the matter, and eventually passed her phone to me for Head Office to explain. Apparently, so I was informed, it is at the discretion of the branch manager if no home country address can be provided. It does help matters if you have lived in Thailand for several years and can provide proof. I was asked to come back tomorrow with my documents by the branch manager to open an account. I'm going back tomorrow!

An online game that I have enjoyed for the past few years is World of Warships. This game has very few children playing it, as it involves patience at times! Watch some YouTube videos by 'The Mighty Jingles' to get an idea of how to play or not to play!

+1 There is quite a large 'alien' population in and around Roi-Et. TMK, only a few bother to look at AN, let alone be bothered to post; they have much better things to occupy themselves with. A golfing group play twice a week, a growing motorbike club often goes on trips and tours around Thailand, not just locally. Local gatherings are common on birthdays, housewarming parties, and so on. The Roi-Et 'alien' community is a mature, mixed bunch that is mostly amicable to all who make an effort to join in. As regards Mug Machim. The food is good and reasonably priced, with a pleasant atmosphere, but IMO, it doesn't have a menu that appeals to the likes of 'The Greasy Spoon Brigade' to become a regular haunt, more of a special occasion venue. It is supported quite well by the locals. I often pass by, and it looks reasonably busy in the early evening.

Alaska

I have had the same number DTAC SIM for the past 13 years. I don't want the hassle of changing numbers and all it entails. For the past eight years, I've had a prepaid, renewable 12-month plan with unlimited data and 10 Mbps. Cost: 3500 baht p.a. + VAT. for the past 4 years, unchanged. I can honestly say that I've never had a problem with this package.

Keows is better known for its homemade main course food selection: Stews, roast dinners, lasagna, etc. Also fantastic fish & chips! She also prepares food for other places and sells some 'farang' frozen foods. Tuesday & Friday nights tend to be the local gathering, and the place also has a pool table. Everything is at a reasonable price. Give the guy a chance! It's got plenty of seating. I believe it's going to be along the lines of a 'Sports Bar' once he gets a feeling of what the locals require. The owner is a trained chef, and I believe his wife is as well. Keows has a loyal client base, along with Riverside (Colins), another bar frequented by foreigners. I wish Reds Bar all the success in the future. There are plenty of foreigners living in and around Roi-Et, whether enough to support the 'farang bars' though is debatable. Many snowbirds stay in Roi-Et over the winter months, so at least a few more 'bums on seats' to be had.

Forgot all about this thread ..... You do not need to register the Will at any Amphur if you do not wish. If the Will is written correctly, it is perfectly sufficient to give it to your executor (who can be the beneficiary) and keep a copy. What is most important is that it is in Thai & English, and the date is clear. Remember, it can only apply to assets within Thailand. Plenty of legal instructions are available online, as well as templates. A good guide is to look for templates that are written section by section in English, then in Thai.

The new 110cc Honda Wave 2025 starts at about 36,830 BHT The new 125cc Honda Wave 2025 starts at about 57,200 BHT Then you have the 'Special Editions' ... 68,000 BHT +

The HSBC exchange rate is about 0.5 baht lower than Wise for GBP transfers.

If you have a Nationwide UK account, they'll automatically post a new debit card to your registered address in Thailand a few weeks before the old one expires. If you request a new card reader, they will also post that. Again, like most UK banks, you can't open new accounts if you are a non-resident in the UK.

Who do you think you are? You'd get a great reception in Hyde Park Corner saying that about cancer ...

500 baht a day storage in the local morgue (hospital) The Embassy is officially identifying the deceased with the next of kin. If he had been married then, his wife would obviously have been able to do it, as she would have been his next of kin. The body cannot be cremated without being officially identified, if possible.