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I hope I'm ot off topic here - Saw that someone else posted a suggestion to try an eReader.

 

Absolutely a great idea. 

I spent years trawling 2nd hand bookshops in the USA, Singapore, and Thailand. 

Like shopping for CDs, it was a fun diversion. 

 

Now, 99% of my CDs are gone, and I have bought maybe 5 books in the past few years. 

 

I do all of my reading on either a Kindle or a Tablet. 

 

I no longer have to stuff my luggage with books. 

 

More importantly - The devices are backlit. 

I no longer have to play around with reading lamps. 

(Sounds like a small matter, but it makes things so much easier. )

 

Like so many others, I spend a lot of time on my laptop or reading.

Because the devices are backlit, I honestly never get eye strain or headaches.  

 

You don't have to purchase a Kindle reader. 

The Kindle app allows access to phones, computers, and tablets. 

I do recommend a Kindle Reader - They are more comfortable to hold, and have great battery life. 

Mine is already 6 or 7 years old. Still works well. A basic model is fine, unless you prefer color, and/or you read textbooks or artbooks. 

Some of the textbooks may requires newer models to work properly. 

 

Most libraries seem to have invested $$ in electronic books - especially with Covid. 

So, if you still have ties back home, you may be able to get a library card for access. 

There are some services that you can pay to subscribe to. 

I had Amazon Kindle Unlimited. Now over $10/month. Don't recommend it. 

You should be able to find a better service with a bit of Google research. 

 

As for my books - They're still good for killing spiders. If I can find my wife to help.

 

Good luck ...

 

 

Same thing happened to us  - If you don't want to change your PW (I'm hoping they fix this) - Here's a workaround.

 

Go to "Track My  Order" on the hoe page. 

 

Enter your email and a valid order.

 

You'll be directed to a login page that accepts the old, shorter PW. 

 

Will give them some more time before updating our PW. 

What a PITA.

 

 

I've wrestled with this problem for years - Have tinnitus & so have major problems with dialogue. 

It's gotten so bad, that I rarely watch anything without subtitles anymore.

 

Over the years, I've tried soundbar & 3-5 channel systems.

Have also tried "TV Ears", which use proprietary technology for voices.  

From my experience, I'd warn against using headphones too often as they can actually cause more damage over time if not used carefully.

 

For a few years, I've used BT speakers that I set near where I watch TV. The volume is adjustable, so I don't drive my partner crazy (er).  

If you want to amplify voices, it can be a challenge to find speakers that concentrate more on the higher frequencies, rather than the booming Bass.

The rechargeable (non replaceable) batteries on my old unit just died, and so im looking to replace it.  

Ironically, cheaper sets may be better, since they skimp on the Bass. 

Expect to spend way less than 6000 baht.

 

Note the other challenge here is how well they connect with BT. 

Some models disconnect frequently, and then reconnect with an annoyingly loud "BONG".

So some trial and error may be needed. 

 

good luck ...

 

We live up in Phu Phaman. About 2 hours west of Khon Kaen. 

It's a pretty typical small town.

 

I used to take long walks during the day.

 

I stopped, after a few people who saw me out wandering around warned my wife that I was

in danger of getting my throat cut for my wallet by teenagers on drugz.

As unlikely as that is, I can't totally discount the idea. 

 

I now limit my  long walks to the Temple grounds just across the street. 

 

As for night-time, we rarely find ourselves driving the 30 to 60 minutes it would take to find restaurants or markets. 

Just not worth challenging the nighttime traffic adventures -seems that every night is New Years Eve out there. 

 

The market looks interesting. 

We have a car in Jomtien, but really did not want to drive through that mess.

 

The songthaews are the big question. 

Not sure how often they run to & from the beach end of Thepprasit road.  

(When we lived off of South Pattaya Road, the bloody songthaews were often useless , as they would not leave the 1st stop until full - Thus locking out anyone in the middle of the route).

 

Any hints?

 

 

Two years ago, I bought a Johnson Horizon Comfort R. Through Lazada.

(I had tried to buy a different brand, but it felt like the sales guy was selling some sort of slightly used - open box as new).

 

Good points - Bike seat is comfortable and adjustable. 

 

Bad - 

Screen - control design is awful.

 - Uses old WIFI tech. So connecting for those features is basically impossible. 

 - The screen is not backlight (Which they acknowledge). Makes it very very hard ro read unless you're seat is in the perfect position.

 - The speaker is less than useless. No volume. Need to use an external speaker. Showed the Tech - He shrugged. 

- The speed sensor failed just a month or two before the warranty expired. Even after arguing with the repair Tech that is was likely a sensor and not the computer, we waited months for the repair part. Turned out they were wrong - It was the wheel sensor.

 

Bottom line, I really wish I had bought something else ...

 

 

 

We live up North In Phu Paman. 

We don't travel much thanks to Mr Happy Virus, but we do have to make the 2 hour trip into Khon Kaen once every few months on Highway 12. 

 

In May, we received a Speed Camera ticket. 

I usually save everything - This time I forgot, so no details here. 

 

I think it was 500 baht.

We paid at the local Post Office.

(They've always treated us well - No problem. Took a minute). 

 

One bit of confusion was that my wife got a phone call about the ticket before the letter arrived. 

I was suspicious of a scam. We asked a cop at a road checkpoint, and he didn't know about any phone calls. So, exercise typical <deleted> caution with these calls,

 

Now that we got nailed, we have noticed more and more speed camera signs along the various roads. Not that we can tell which are decoys and which are real. 

 

Last point - Some of these speed limits through town are 50 to 60 kph. One one have, you want to try and obey the law. On the other, feels likely to get rear ended as no one but tuk-tuks and/or  buffalo move that slow.

 

Used for move from San Francisco to Northern Thailand late 2020.

Wasn't cheapest, but am still so happy we have many items that are hard to get here in Thailand - Such as  really nice leather sofa, artwork and various pieces of furniture. 

 

https://www.schumachercargo.com/testimonials.html

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=Schumacher+Cargo+Logistics,+1027+Newark+Ave,+Elizabeth,+NJ+07208&amp;ludocid=11902040123540501701#lrd=0x89c252b875936267:0xa52c8a6ec213f4c5,1

For years, I was able to shop and pay on Lazada with our US credit card. 
Then, about a month ago, they flagged me as some sort of security risk.
Nothing about our account changed.
(None of my CC companies reported any blocks or issues). 

 

When I complained to Lazada, they asked for detailed passport and CC info.
They fixed it - for one purchase.
I still get flagged with multiple credit cards or ATM Cards.

Now, am back to having to use bank transfers, which are a pain. 

 

Shopee has similar issues. 
Also requires bank transfers.

 

Have tried to sign for Lazada Wallet & Shoppee Pay.
No luck.

 

Anyone out there been able to get through with these?

Long sad story - Had to abandon HIFI speakers in Pattaya, thanks to the Virus. 

 

Now up near Chumphae. 

 

I'm looking to get a decent HIFI system.

Don't need WIFI or bluetooth. 

Would like to emphasize vocals. 

 

Choices seem to be Lazada, or Tesco. 

 

Was hoping someone could direct me to a local shop that may, for some odd reason, have a selection of HIFI?

Two years ago, I shipped a partial container from California to Issarn. 

They delivered to the door. 

Yes - I did get hit with customs duty.

We gambled on not getting insurance. I figured the insurance company would wiggle out of paying anyhow. 

 

If you only want to save $$, then bringing items over is probably not worth it. 

 

However - Even though it wasn't cheap, we're thrilled with how it ended up.

 

The leather couch is something we would have had an impossible time finding here with similar quality.

That, and the mattress, would have been very $$.

 

Some smaller items (Bookshelves & smaller furniture) are nice to have. 

Other stuff, such as artwork and odds n ends would have been awful to pack and carry with luggage. 

Most of it would never have made it over. 

 

Perhaps if you're in Bangkok, you may have more choices - better luck shopping. 

(But with the Virus tripping up things - nothing it routine or easy these days).

 

Good luck ...

 

Elite vs Retirement - Family

Different situations for everyone - No one size fits all. Not socks. 

 

I took the Elite because

 

 

1)

My Retirement needed to be renewed. 

Thanks to problems with traveling and the Virus, I could not access some docs without risky travel. 

 

2)

I also had just taken the newly required insurance for the 1st time for retirement extension. Did a lot of research. 

The Insurance Company  still pulled two bait - switch price increases right before I signed. 

(Used the insurance that 1st year - It's overpriced <deleted>. Better to be self insured. )

 

3)

We used to live walking distance to the Jomtien immigration office. 

Very convenient and efficiently run. 

Kohn Kaen office is over 2 hours from us. 

Makes annual extensions a PITA.

 

Bit the bullet and went for the 20 year Elite for 1 Million Baht. 

 

Yes, it's a lot of money, and the Govt may change the rules.

But, I'm still glad I did this. 

 

1) 

No insurance requirement. No longer forced to spend min 30 to 40k baht for mostly useless coverage that would only increase every year. 

 

2) 

No annual extensions (If you leave & return once a year). Otherwise, 1900 baht needed for renewal "entry" stamp. Thanks to the Virus, I did need to do this. The Elite staff helped get an appointment with local Immigration. Made it easier. 

 

3)

No re-entry permits or fees. 

 

Cons

1)

Obviously, the 1 Million Baht price. 

I traded that for the 800k Baht retirement deposit. 

As I explained to my somewhat unhappy wife - Sorry Darling, but  If I die way before the 20 years is up, the lost 800k baht is the least of my problems. 

 

2)

We don't live in Bangkok. So many of the benefits of the visa (Help with 90 day reporting) don't apply. 

 

3)

When we went to wire the fee, our bank took several hours calling around before they were convinced it wasn't a scam. Apparently, there aren't many people here in KK on the plan. 

Hint- Confusion when the  bank called Immigration, they asked about a 20 year visa.  Those don't technically exist.  The Elite 20 is actually four - 5 year visas. 

(The people at the bank were trying to do the right thing - I did sent a letter to headquarters thanking them).

 

When I've had questions, the Elite staff have responded quickly. 

So - again, am happy with the choice.  

For the past 2 weeks, it seems like comments are no longer running several pages - they often end after one page. 

 

I did not see any settings that would affect this. 

 

Is it my imagination?

Researched the choice between xBox and PS5. 

 

Settled on the PS5, mainly due to the more active feedback on the handheld controller. 

(Vibration and trigger feedback)

 

Have had the unit for a month. 

 

2 Warnings

 - You may be able to join monthly streaming services, such as PS Now and PS Plus. However, streaming may not work here in Thailand -- Even with a VPN. Also, buying titles may be affected. 

 

- Many of these games are quite complicated. Personally, I loved my old stoneage Atari. The new stuff requires a LOT of patience. 

 

Waiting for virtual reality to be fully released for PS5. That may take a while and lots of $$$. But, could be very interesting. 

Got to the register at Topps in Khon Khaen this week with my alcohol purchase - Literally 1 min after 2pm. 

OK - My fault, oops, and not the worse thing in the world, but still ...

 

We live 2 hours away in Phu Phaman, which is just past ChumPhae. 

 

Makro and Tesco are really not much better than 7-11, as I don't buy wine. 

 

Does anyone know of a liquor -- alcohol vendor around Chumphae?

Doesn't need to be high end - Baileys, and the like. 

Showed up at 11am at KK Central Plaza & was checked, Vaccinated, and cleared to leave in less than 90 minutes. 

Very well run by patient nice people. 

Never felt too crowded. 

My 2nd shot (both AZ) is schedule for October. 

 

My wife is still waiting for hers.

Sinovac was scheduled at local government clinic -- and cancelled 12 hours later. 

Should she sleep on the roof?

I was in the exact same situation last year in June 2020.

 

I picked up the 20 year Elite to replace my Retirement Visa. 

(One of the reasons was that I moved from Jomtien to a small village almost 3 hours from KK Immigration).

 

Immigration only provides Elite Visas in Bangkok - I would guess that there are too few applicants like me outside of the city to bother other Immigration offices with this. 

 

At first, Thai Elite tried to have me get the stamp with the help of a courier granted Power of Attorney. 

Immigration would not consider the idea. 

 

I most unhappily traveled to BKK.

Did not want to travel through the Virus Cloud. 

Minimized my Virus exposure by staying at the airport hotel. 

 

When I had my stamp processed at Immigration, I was led to a cubicle. 

The officer may have glanced at me - But  she never had me sit down, and never asked me any questions. 

 

I got my Elite Visa stamp (and after BEGGING and PLEADING), my routine 90 day report.

 

I will say that the Elite Visa representative who met me at Immigration was terrific. 

I have no regrets about the decision to go to the Elite Visa - Their customer service, from the application process to my recent visa stay date extension has been excellent. 

Great question - One that I wish I have learned more about 10 or 12 years ago.

 

I used to sweat stuff like deodorant, shaving cream, & razor blades. 

No longer - These things are available on Lazada. Yes, they cost a bit more, but grin & bear it ...

 

Instead, I concentrate on items that are not available here --

Farang sized shirts & clothes.

Vitamins & supplements. 

Office supplies - western size files & folders.

Odd food items -- That special K  flavor my wife likes - Orville redenbacher popcorn, chocolate snacks, spices.

Tech stuff --- Special headphones, batteries, computer accessories.

 

I can use Amazon for some real hard to find restricted items. They ship to Thailand, may charge a tax deposit. Shipping and tax can be expensive, but they do honor their deposit refund process.  (Amazon has the best customer service on the planet).

 

We are big Laada fans. 

We live an hour from Tesco, and 3 hours from farang markets. 

Lazada is not perfect, but have been improving year after year. 

 

There are some other drop ship services that may help with import taxes, but I personally have never tried any of them.