rainwater

Do I have to pay taxes on cryptocurrency I buy with Thai baht then transfer to another wallet and lending platform to earn interest and then bring it back in through coins.th.com? How is the government going to know I even have an account with this company? I don't have a tax ID number like in America we have a social security numbers where all of our taxes are tracked, what's the deal how is this going to work is it going to affect our retirement visas somehow are we going to have to start showing more paperwork to immigration what a nightmare?

On 4/3/2024 at 5:26 PM, The Fugitive said:

Bizarre! Where did you go and what did they say was the problem?

Just took my chances with another dentist who said he could do the job and then 6 months later the root canal failed and I had to get an implant.

Dr. Warren did a decent job on a lower molar implant 35,000 in 2022, but a few months later he was working on an upper molar with a fused old metal crown, opened a hole in the crown and suddenly stopped in the middle of the procedure, gave up saying I should go to a specialist with no recommendation of who to see or what to do, very unprofessional. I will never go to him again. Unbelievable behavior for a so called professional and also if you notice the staff is always in a bad mood...

On 3/22/2024 at 3:20 AM, Smokin Joe said:

Dr. Warin on Central Pattaya Rd is 30k Baht for an implant. Bangkok-Pattaya Hospital is about 40-45K IIRC.

 

I had two implants done by Dr Warin about 4-5 years ago and will be getting one more next month.

 

Photo of Dr. Warin's Office

 

I've met 2 main reps for Thailand and the main rep for SE Asia who knows VPs of most the other offshore plans (he can get you qualified in a single a day the other rep wanted my doc to fill out 3 pages of health reports, chest x ray and blood work), both these guys are on the plan. You can spend 4X more on bigger brand name companies or go with WR Life and and get just as good as coverage, DM if want want the name of the SE Asia rep, the guy knows all the details and after my meeting with him and talking with the other rep I have no doubt this the best plan for full coverage and value. 

Got everything done online in one day, why waste time making a special trip and wait for hours at immigration... now with high season the there are 100's of people in the que everyday. I only make 2 trip to immigration a year, 1 to apply for retirement visa, 1 to show my bank account records 3 months later. 

23 minutes ago, rainwater said:

I'm sorry I can't figure out how to delete these duplicate posts

26 minutes ago, rainwater said:

  https://www.wrlife.net/

26 minutes ago, rainwater said:

I'm sorry I can't figure out how to delete these duplicate posts

On 8/8/2022 at 3:58 PM, scubascuba3 said:

If they were an Insurance Company wouldn't they still have an Insurance underwriter?

12 minutes ago, rainwater said:

The local Thai rep a UK guy Mark Levitan has assured me WR Life is an underwriter real insurance company based in the UK designed for expats, they have to partner with existing Insurance related companies in each country they do business with for licensing purposes. The company they partner with in Thailand is called Assist International Services, and that would be the name on your insurance card along with WR Life. Now, who and what to belive is up to you and how much reseach you want to put in and how much legalize you understand regarding medical insurance. I am not expert in this matter but this seems like the best plan for me with $200,000 (over 6 mill baht cover). I've given up trying to read all the fine print, it's an  endless endeavor with thier contracts written by teams of lawyers, but I will never buy Thai insurance and this is supposed to be UK insurance for expats. You can spend months trying to get to the truth and finding the best plan, but in my view at the end of the day you're basically rolling the dice... Unless someone has a irreputable proof that this company is a scam and a lying about their coverage I'm going with WR life. I'm age 68 and the rep told me the coverage is good for life and will not increase if I don't file a claim.

On 12/28/2022 at 5:29 PM, worgeordie said:

I'm in Pattaya, been using online reporting since last summer usually with immediate results. Yesterday I applied, got the email from Immigration

to acknowledge that my request, got 1 and 2:

1) letting me know report is due , 2) that report had been received , but still waiting for 3 )  Approved.

Before very good service , seems after a day or 2 I should get the Approval with my new date given step 1 and 2 are confirmed. Any thoughts, just more online people jamming the system? Thanks...

 

 

Time to start moving all those daily bus loads of tourists coming in/out daily to different sea side locations away from the over crowded city center and start enforcing vehicle pollolltion control. This is ridiculous, imagine how bad the pollution would be if High season was not down by 40% this year.

I love Center Condo, best deal best location in town, great security, they help you if you're hands are full of shopping bags (my condo security in America just sat on their ass all day and didn't evne help you with the door no matter what). A 7 minute walk to walking street, Topps and Tukom across the street, the outdoor markets opposite the Watt and Soi Buahakah market every Tuesday Friday. Delivery service from Tesco for all my heavy items like jugs of milk, water and juice (with my back injury a real godsend to have my groceries delivery right to my door for 60 baht). There are some very low end condos here that have never been updated and some high end condos where the owners have put in a lot of update upscale furnishings. I have a mid range partially updated condo I pay 3 months at a time for at 8000 a month with quite neighbors no hassles and a nice balcony breeze. They have updated the pool and all the ceilings, the manager is doing a great job. My landlord is a real nice Thai lady who works her ass off and she much better than trying to rent from the lobby office, she is one floor up on M level. Feel free to contact me if you would like more info and I'll put you in touch with my landlady. In fact I just saw a for rent sign on a condo down the hall if anyone wants the number. The condo is constantly being updated and I don't know what else they can do except put in a Gogo bar and bowling alley? PS: you have to be careful about the back side of the building, there is a noise problem form adjoining Soi neighbors and the twit head maintenance man put his repair shop back there and does freelance work for residents sawing tile and making noise and the management lets him get away with this BS. So if you look at the East wing make sure you're condo is at least 12 or more stories high.

On 4/19/2018 at 7:08 PM, NancyL said:

No, it's not a scam, it's just that you have to read the fine print and have realistic expectations of what insurance will do.   If you're from a country that has a nationalized health care system, then you've probably never had to deal with the realities of purchasing insurance or the consequences of what can happen if you don't have insurance.  It may just be that the independent agent didn't want to spend the time trying to educate you if appeared you had unrealistic expectations.

This is just another Scam and I'm from America where we finally got Obamacare in 2014 a hybrid form of socialized medicine with cover for pre existing conditions; No Medical Ins in Thailand covers any kind of pre existing condition (or they will try to deny your claim if the ins company thinks it's in any way related to a pre existing condition). Now that immigration is talking about requiring medical insurance and If the Thai government was serious about welcoming retired expats they would create a plan for expats including some kind of provision for pre existing conditions, or force private insurance companies participating in this 'scheme' to do so. I just reviewed a plan from Regency Insurance (an offshore company) designed for the new retirement visa rules 40k outpatient/400k inpatient and it had 4 pages of exclusions, 66 items (I was just wondering if this plan actually covered anything as I about fell out of my chair). And if you question any or most Sales Agents they will lie and say whatever to close the deal and get you to enroll. The Regency plan cost was US$1278 for my age 64.

Also note, taking preventative cholesterol lowering meds is considered a pre existing "blood vessel" condition and you will be denied payment for heart attack or stroke and anything related to these conditions (even if you get a recent blood test which shows normal levels of cholesterol), of coarse the Agent will never tell you this upfront. There are 5 other Thai medical ins companies offering plans for the retirement visa starting at 51,000 Thai baht a year for my age through Pacific Cross, you can view all the plans/links here: Health Insurance for Long Stay Visa

I would suggest the OP consider Seven Corners renewable Travel insurance from America, it at least has a clause to cover $50K for pre existing conditions, but no outpatient plan. Or leave Thailand if they continue to implement these ignorant onerous new rules. I had a Lacunar stroke 2 years ago, lived in Thailand over 12 years and because of my health I am seriously contemplating leaving after I turn 65, become eligible for Medicare in America and say goodbye/good riddance to the so called 'Land of Smiles'

3 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Thanks for that account.

No surprise to me.

I think in your case repatriating to the US at 65 makes sense.

 

Some general caveats though - -

 

You still have to be able to afford basic living costs in the US. For people that have been away for a long time those costs could easily be a big shock.

 

Years ago so I'm sure its higher by now I read that the average American on Medicare still needs to spend 150k usd out of pocket lifetime on medical that isn't covered by Medicare.

 

Likely not for you but there is a third option. People can move to another lower cost of living expat country that offers a buy in option for retired expats into their national health care systems. Meaning waiting lists and variance of quality but no pre-existing conditions exclusions. Also having the option of paying private for some things likely much less expensive than private hospitals in Thailand. This plan might make sense for some depending on their health conditions and wealth level. In other words if you can't afford to rent a basic apartment in the US having Medicare or not might not be all that compelling.

 

Sent from my Lenovo A7020a48 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

 

 

 

Having a stroke and trying to deal with the long term costs eventually if I get worse for care is my issue, and I continue to get new medical post stroke issues every few months now. I am able to take care of myself but no Thai Ins plan will do a thing for me. I just returned from 5 months in Tulsa Oklahoma last August for a 2nd opinion on my stroke, got on a $1200 a month Obamacare plan and to was able to visit my senile elderly parents living in assisted living (my mom age 95 has since passed on but my father seems ok age 104 next month). These assisted places would bankrupt most people as these facilities are so expensive. My father had a very nice nest egg and double pension, but my horrible covert liar lawyer niese got them to assign her as the POA and she has mismanaged my father's life savings (another horror story I won't go into at this time, but I am now considering legal action against her). 

While back in America my SS paid for all my expenses including a furnished rented condo, my food and internet at a nice high rise with a pool and gym. BTW I don't recommend this area of America full or tornados and bad allergy pollen, but very nice people. I'm still looking for a nice place to consider moving to in America that's not too cold or expensive depending on if I get any inheritance and out live my father. 

On 6/6/2019 at 11:23 AM, Sheryl said:

The "approved list" pertains only to O-X visa.

 

Requirements for the O-A visa (the "new law" you refer to) have not yet been issued but there have been statements to the effect that international policies will be accepted if they meet the minimum requirements.

The listed companies who participate in this scheme, 5 companies listed here with links to "approved" plans; Apply for Health Insurance for Long Stay Visa

Once you start getting older, the best advice is to leave Thailand if you're 65 and eligible for Medicare in America or return to your home country to live out your final years like the UK and use the NHS or one of the advanced European/Aussie/NZ countries with proper socialized healthcare for their citizens of all ages.

If you love Thailand so much just return for short visits and buy travel insurance, or stay and die broke in Thailand. 

Thai insurance companies will not cover you for any pre existing cover they will often refuse to pay claiming your illness was based on a preexisting condition, they are basically government sanctioned criminal enterprises (even taking preventative cholesterol mediation is considered a preexisting condition because it's "blood vessel medical condition" and will refused payment for heart attack or stroke) but the covert lying Agent will never tell you this upfront.

And don't belive any English speaking insurance Agents/sales representatives they are liars and thieves and will tell you whatever they need to say to get you to enroll. They will never tell you the "special conditions" regarding the policy upfront. If you do end up enrolling  you might as well hire and retain lawyer to read the member's manual which is usually 2 inches thick and be prepared to sue for any reimbursement for most claims. There is no good solution I've found as I approach 65 and my current medical issues for medical insurance in Thailand after having a stroke in 2017 (and never being reimbursed) and a back injury in 2013 that I live in constant pain with because the surgery is cost prohibitive.

Goodby Thailand soon after I turn 65 and back to America for proper elder care medical insurance. I'm open for any suggestions but have researched the industry here for several years and found no real solution except make sure you have a million baht or more in your bank account so you can pay cash for medical care when your Thai insurance company gives you the middle finger. 

3 minutes ago, LivinLOS said:

Crypto.. 

Don't think Thai immigration accepts Crypto for retirement visa proof of funds, but there are 4 Crypto exchanges approved in Thailand. Last time I checked in late 2018 the liquidity was very low and very high spreads and commissions. Recently a month ago I tried and could not access Coinbase from my ISP blocked by Thailand, but today it looks like I might be able to open an account when I just looked? But I'm very new to this Crypto crap...

5 minutes ago, Almer said:

I don't think its the banks that make the rules !!!

It's the BOT Bank of Thailand like the Federal Reserve in America that makes monetary policy 

1 hour ago, jacko45k said:

You missed his. Dee money only transfers out of Thailand. 

Sorry I got confused, but just talked to Dee Money from messenger on Facebook: "We are currently in the process of changing our service providers to US, UK and New Zealand. Service to these countries will be suspended effective 19th June, 2019 (3:00 p.m.) until further notice" So any other ideas how my sick friend in UK can get his 800k or how I can transfer funds while out of Thailand from Bangkok Bank back to my USA bank? 

10 hours ago, jimn said:

I think it may be you that has missed the point. You are so wound up about things. Take a breath and calm down. Dee Money transfers money out of Thailand to your home country, online via the Dee Money app, once you are registered. I believe transfers are suspended to the UK and US at the moment whilst they change there transaction partner. But once sorted out that is your best option for a flat fee of 150 baht.

Message from DEE Money today: We are currently in the process of changing our service providers to US, UK and New Zealand. Service to these countries will be suspended effective 19th June, 2019 (3:00 p.m.) until further notice...

You want to say I'm wound up about things, I've had a stroke 2 years ago and will be forced to buy useless medical insurance because Thai insurance doesn't cover pre existing conditions or I will be totally denied (Thai insurance is not anything like the NHS in the UK or any Socialized medicine from Germany and most civilized European countries, Australia or NZ) so take a walk in my shoes, take a breath and calm down yourself. 

14 minutes ago, marcusarelus said:

You were wrong about transferring money out of Thailand.  Perhaps you are also wrong about the insurance.  I suggested finding a good agent and asking.  

just got message from DEE Money: We are currently in the process of changing our service providers to US, UK and New Zealand. Service to these countries will be suspended effective 19th June, 2019 (3:00 p.m.) until further notice.

9:20 AM

Paul

Can I send Thai baht from my Bangkok Bank account to my American Bank using your app?

 

Hi Paul , Thank you for messaging we will be with you shortly, however, if you don't get a reply, please reach out on 02-821-5556 (7am-11pm) or leave your number & language preference for us to call you back.

Good Morning, sir!

We are currently in the process of changing our service providers to US, UK and New Zealand. Service to these countries will be suspended effective 19th June, 2019 (3:00 p.m.) until further notice. We will update you once the service resumes. We regret the inconvenience caused.

1 hour ago, marcusarelus said:

I have lived in Thailand for 20 years.  You have an opinion.  Get a good agent and ask.  

I've lived in Thailand 12 years and talked to multiple agents/liars there is NO PRE EXISTING COVER by any Thai medial insurance company. You haven't a clue and don't care if you live 100 years in Thailand.

15 minutes ago, marcusarelus said:

I have medical insurance from AIA and don't have the problems you mentioned.  There is an insurance forum here you might want to check or talk to an agent and ask.  There are worthless policies and policies that are not worthless.  Up to the buyer.  

No! You're Wrong: Thai medical insurance companies DO NOT offer cover for pre existing conditions, they will lie to you and say what they need to get you to sign up with them but then they will refuse your claim. Their handbooks on rules and regulations are 2 inches thick and you need a lawyer to help translate and read the regulations, in the end you will be stuck paying the claim if they say it's related to a pre existing condition and they will research and get your records from every hospital in the area and where ever you have lived in Thailand to avoid payment. Don't be fooled by these criminals posing as legit insurance companies.  

2 minutes ago, marcusarelus said:

I'd write the embassy and ask them.  I know they help Americans get money out of the bank to pay for medical bills.  I don't do it but I believe some banks will do international transfers on line.  I believe my SCB account will do it.   

He is with Bangkok Bank (so am I), they don't offer international online transfers back to your original bank and I don't think any Thai banks do because of Thai banking law.