DougF

It might be reasonable if their service in Thailand didn't suck and there atms weren't always offline. It's just as easy to direct deposit into any USA bank and SWIFT transfer money to any Thai bank. Fees are the same or cheaper and take half a day to a couple days.

I have never had a problem with Bangkok bank. One ATM being broken is not a problem you can use any ATM machine.

You need to check the numbers before saying that swift transfers are cheaper. They certainly are not any quicker.

It costs me $5 for NY and 200 baht here to have SS payments deposited in my account.

I agree with you Ubonjoe. I have never had any problem with Bangkok Bank. It costs me absolutely $0.00 to transfer money from my bank in the USA to my BKK Bank account in NYC. It takes exactly one day for me to see my funds here. Great service and definitely not a "fetish".

Question Ubonjoe: have you heard of any problems like the OP has with immigration in Sisaket? I have the same problem with Phibun immigration as the OP has at Bueng Kan.

Thanks,

Doug

I like it here in Ubon. It's quiet that's why I like it. Also, the people are friendly and try to be helpful, but you won't find too much English, but some folks try.

I am reminded how friendly the folks are here because I used to live in Jomtien. Everytime I go back there for a visit I am always surprised how surly and rude most of the service is there. I don't remember if it was that bad when I left there. Maybe it's everybodies favorite scapegoat- the da*n Russians! Or maybe I was just used to the rudeness and didn't realize it...or maybe both.

The rent can be very cheap compared to Pattay/Jomtien. (I don't know the rent situation in KK). If your wife's family knows someone, you might be able to get a decent place for cheap. For example, I am renting a 3 bedroom/2 bath home that was never lived in that's about 6 km outside of downtown for 3500bht/month. Landlords a nice guy and very easy to deal with.

Good luck,

Doug

Hi All,

I just read throught this thread and have a question.

1.Can one get a single or multiple entry visa at Savannakhet if they are NOT married to a Thai?

2.If so, will financial requirements have to be shown?

Here's my situation.

I arrived in BKK August 11 on a 30 VOA. I went to the US Embassy to apply for a new passport.

I then entered Bumrungrad Hospital for major surgery. I stayed at the hospital for 27 days. While there, the hospital extended my visa for medical reasons until Nov.4.

I am out of the hospital and living in Ubon. (love it here!) My lady friend and I went to Ubon immigration 6 Oct. and applied for change of passport (got that) and for a Non-Quota Immigrant Visa.

They took a look at my old passport and first told us that we had to go to Bangkok to change to the new passport. I told them that Bangkok said we could do it here because this is where we live.

Another, more senior officer, came over and said they could take care of everything there. After 6 hours of running around getting stamps on certificates and multiple copies taken, they told us that everything had to be sent to Korat to be looked at there. They stated that this was new policy and there was nothing they could do. (They made us make so many of the same copies over and over again because they would lose the copies moving them from one desk to another!)

Well, Immigration called us yesterday to tell us that Korat needed my bank statements. I reminded them that they sent my original signed US Embassy letter affirming that I was getting $3250 every month. And that I didn't have a Thai bank account yet so how could I show them?

Then the woman immigration officer said on the phone to just go to Savannkhet and get a Non-O visa there. She said it would be easy.

Hence, my original question. Can I easily get a Non-O visa there without my original copy of the embassy letter? I do have a copy of it, but I don't want to have to tell the folks at the consulate my whole convoluted story.

It seems to me that with all of the changes being made to policy and that possibly certain immigration offices who don't know or don't care to know what to do, that things are way up in the air as to what one really needs to do.

I have doctors appointments scheduled for follow ups Nov 7, 17, and Dec. 26. So I need to get something to be able to stay here.

Any help in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Doug

I am surprised they allowed you to apply for non immigrant visa (not a non quota immigrant visa) normally they tell people to go to Bangkok or Savannakhet. They sent it to Korat for approval and sign off because they have no officer in Phibun that can do it.

You can get a single entry non-o visa for being 50 or over in Savannakhet. They will want to see the original of your income affidavit. But will accept a copy attached to the application.

I suggest you ask the office to send the original back from Korat.

Ubonjoe,

Thanks for your reply. I misstated above. I did apply for a non quota immigrant visa.

I wonder how long it will take them to send me the original income affidavit back from Korat? I am getting a little bit pressed for time. I'd prefer not to fly to BKK just to get another affidavit.

Thanks again for sharing your knowledge. I know many here on TV fully appreciate it.

Hi All,

I just read throught this thread and have a question.

1.Can one get a single or multiple entry visa at Savannakhet if they are NOT married to a Thai?

2.If so, will financial requirements have to be shown?

Here's my situation.

I arrived in BKK August 11 on a 30 VOA. I went to the US Embassy to apply for a new passport.

I then entered Bumrungrad Hospital for major surgery. I stayed at the hospital for 27 days. While there, the hospital extended my visa for medical reasons until Nov.4.

I am out of the hospital and living in Ubon. (love it here!) My lady friend and I went to Ubon immigration 6 Oct. and applied for change of passport (got that) and for a Non-Quota Immigrant Visa.

They took a look at my old passport and first told us that we had to go to Bangkok to change to the new passport. I told them that Bangkok said we could do it here because this is where we live.

Another, more senior officer, came over and said they could take care of everything there. After 6 hours of running around getting stamps on certificates and multiple copies taken, they told us that everything had to be sent to Korat to be looked at there. They stated that this was new policy and there was nothing they could do. (They made us make so many of the same copies over and over again because they would lose the copies moving them from one desk to another!)

Well, Immigration called us yesterday to tell us that Korat needed my bank statements. I reminded them that they sent my original signed US Embassy letter affirming that I was getting $3250 every month. And that I didn't have a Thai bank account yet so how could I show them?

Then the woman immigration officer said on the phone to just go to Savannkhet and get a Non-O visa there. She said it would be easy.

Hence, my original question. Can I easily get a Non-O visa there without my original copy of the embassy letter? I do have a copy of it, but I don't want to have to tell the folks at the consulate my whole convoluted story.

It seems to me that with all of the changes being made to policy and that possibly certain immigration offices who don't know or don't care to know what to do, that things are way up in the air as to what one really needs to do.

I have doctors appointments scheduled for follow ups Nov 7, 17, and Dec. 26. So I need to get something to be able to stay here.

Any help in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Doug

Where do you download the lao visa on arrival form ???

Also is there anywhere I can download the Thai O visa Application form ??? would like ot get prepped before I go

cheers

Hi DiamondKing,

I downloaded a copy from here:

http://www.laosvisas.com/to-get-laos-visa/how-to-get-laos-visa-on-arrival/

Doug

It only takes 10 days to get passport so you could wait until January to get your new passport. There should be an outreach here in Ubon then and you could apply for it then. Then pick it up at embassy and do your income affidavit at the same time. I don't recall any reports of them wanting anything special for retirement extensions.

Ubonjoe,

Do you know what the schedule is for the embassy outreach in Ubon?

Whoops! I should've looked at the complete thread before asking this question. I see above the link to my answer. Thanks anyway!

Thanks,

Doug

Hi Desertdog,

I think all you need to do is set up a bank account in Thailand, then have your bank in the USA send an ACH of your funds to the Bangkok Bank in NYCity. I do the same as the post below. Every month I send money from my USA bank to my bank account at BB in Ubon Ratchatani via the BB in NYC. Never any problems and it usually takes 3-4 days. Check it out

I've been using Bangkok Bank for a few years now. I transfer via bill pay from my bank in the USA using Bangkok Bank NY. Using their routing number in NY and my account number in Thailand it works, without any fees. Now Bangkok bank may not give you the same rate as For-ex but if you check their exchange rate it is spot on to what they are giving you. The transfer usually takes about 5 days. My bill pay service is free, the transfer is free as well. Just plan a week out and avoid unwanted fees.

Can you send me more info on using BKK bank in NY? I have stopped using BKK bank here because of the fees for receiving money transfer now using K-bank. But would like to know how to set up with the NY BKK branch.. any help thanks ..will be traveling to USA next week so I can check with them...THANKS

www.voipdiscount.com

Thank you tezzaaa, I will check them out.

We call thailand (mobile phone) from uk and it works great... We have a world subscription, unlimited calls to landlines and mobiles and it's great value in my opinion..

Yes, I agree. I use the same subscription and I can make calls to the USA, UAE, UK, with no problems. I am only having trouble with Thailand. I can't figure out why and their support can't figure it out either. I have uninstalled/reinstalled Skype. I have even tried from a different computer...nothing works.

Does anyone know of a viable alternative to Skype?

Thanks,

Doug

Thanks for the quick replies. I understand the problems about faulty internet connections in Thailand affecting calling out with Skype.

My situation is different. I am trying to call into Thailand, not out.

I have had reasonable connections calling to my friends for about 7 months, now all of a sudden, I can't call anyone.

Has anyone heard about the telephone companies trying to block Skype calls?

Thanks again all.

Doug

I am working in Saudi and have been using Skype to call LOS for about 7 months. The last 5 days I can't call anyone there. I have tried calling friends in Pattaya, Chang Mai, and Ubon.

Does anyone know if Thai telecom companies are blocking Skype now?

Thanks for any info.

Doug

Hey Cat,

It's time to try something different. I understand. 1 year ago I was 278 lbs. and felt like crap. I discovered Mark's Daily Apple/Primal Blueprint http://www.marksdailyapple.com/primal-blueprint-101/ and have been steadily and easily losing weight. I am 235 now and feeling great. I am doing it the slow and easy way. I don't have to lose it quickly, but could do that if I choose to.

Spend some time reading this site. Go over everything there. You will see that this is genuine and it makes such perfect sense. Don't believe the American FDA or any of the the other bureaucratic health agencies that have a political agenda. Learn what it really takes to get healthy.

Also, you don't need to buy anything...this isn't some diet "come-on" where you have to pay money to anyone.

I get through the day very easily with this lifestyle. It really does work.

Good luck,

Doug

If I was a type B I could do it. I haven't had real time off since 2000. Back then, I was 270 and took off four months, quit drinking, eating garbage, and walked, then ran, then biked, then swam and did hit the gym. The rest of the year I only wored one of three months so I could exercise from 4am until 11am daily. Of course, I had a condo on the beach and was 37. Now I dont have a year. I have about three months. I was going to do a 3 week fast/cleanse and pedal across Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and then up to Shanghai. Then fly back east and do a trans am bike. I think I'll be able to lose half-to-one pound a day. I am 300. I am hoping to get down under 200. I work very long hours and yes, do need to change my habits, but the worst is eating after I am finished with work. I do this because if I eat during working hours it knocks me out. I can't afford that. So, I hold off until I'm done, which is typically 2-3am. Also, past injuries on the tennis course keep me from being able to run (back). So, bike or swim are my best options and I hate the controlled drowning and repetition of laps in a pool. I'll do it, but not 6 hours a day. Biking I can handle. Odds are I won't have the luxury of having my cake here. Probably better I go it alone, but would try having help because it is, after all, a vacation.

why dont you just limit fatty foods , stop the piss and hit the gym sooooo much less drama and just as effective as long as its a lifestyle change

I had to show both my passport and boarding pass at Doha, Qatar recently....they never announced this before we deplaned. What a pain in the butt. it took about 30 minutes to get off the plane. It took so long because nobody had them ready, so folks had to stop, dig around in their bags and find them.

I told them this was a stupid way to find someone. That comment wasn't appreciated. Oh well!!

Where do you intend sailing to? Pattaya Port or Phuket?

I would be going to Pattaya. I am still looking at options as I might actually be there with a work permit in Chomburi. Do you know anything about slip rates at Ocean Marina? I sent them an email but never got an answer.

Thanks to all for the replies.

Hi,

I don't know for sure about the rates but I have heard that they are quite expensive for what you get. I have met a few folks who are trying to sell their condos there because they are not happy with the management.

On the other side of the coin, I have heard that many boats at the slips are for sale due to the downturn of the economy. Maybe that will affect the slip fees positively. Although many Thais don't seem to understand that by lowering fees they can make more money in the long run. They tend to raise fees and squeeze people hard. Which is what I have been hearing about the Phoenix Golf course just down the road from the marina.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Fair winds and following seas,

Doug

Hey! Quick! There's a new condo coming so they (might) hafta move, but you gotta try:

HOWIE'S NIGHTLIFE

Between Soi Whithouse & Soi 9 (closer to Soi 9)

Jomtien Beach Road

Choice of about 8 American Breakfasts inc.(all under 150 baht):

-Eggs (all styles)

-Pancakes

-Hash browns ("hockey puck-style," but good)

-Bacon, sausage (homemade patties!!), ham

-Toast ,butter, jam...

Howie's is definitely the best American breakfast in the Pattaya area. His sausage patties are "just like home" taste.

The bacon is always cooked, not just warmed in a microwave that you get in most places. Real home fries, but infortunately the hash browns are the pre-made variety.

The cook there even understands "over easy" for you eggs. It took awhile to teach her but she does it right now.

It's definitely worth checking out.

Doug

Dear cmbe,

I mentioned earlier about EFT. I urge you to look into this. Wouldn't it be nice if he could be cured of his phobia?

Go to this website, read about it and then look for a therapist in Brussels.

http://www.emofree.com/default.htm

Good luck,

Doug

Sorry to ask this question that maybe someone think nonsence to travel from Europe to Thailand by boat, it will be a lot of cost and time and I still don't know if it possible to do or not. With some problem that can not travel by Air plane, so I try to think maybe there is another way to go to Thailand.

I don't know how many countries I have to transfer to another boat until arrive Thailand, and how.

Hi cmbe,

Phobias about anything, flying, snakes, etc. are serous but there is a way to cure it. Go to the website EFT.com and look it over. I have been using EFT for years and find it very effective. I too had a fear of flying...EFT cured it very quickly. I have used it on a girlfriend in Thailand who was afraid of heights. We lived on the 14th floor at the time. I cured her of this fear in a very short time. She was amazed. It does work.

Good Luck,

Doug

Immaculate 46m Studio for rent in View Talay 2, Jomtien. This lovely room is above average

and is on the 12th floor with Pattaya-views. It is fully furnished including full

built in wardrobes, recessed ceiling with dimmer spotlighting, extra large kitchenette

and high powered Daikin air-con, and full sunblocked curtains.

The room is also fully equipped with everything you need, including 29" TV, surround sound

CD/DVD player, microwave, kettle, toaster, digital safe etc. The complex has 24hr CCTV security,

boasts one of the largest and best swimming pools in Pattaya and is only minutes to the nightlife and beach!

We accept short or long term rentals.

Please call the owner direct on 0878033329

Hi,

Is this room still available? I am coming to Jomtien June 18-Aug 7.Please let me know, you can PM me

Thanks,

Doug

My two cents.....the place up the hill on the way to Jomtien from Pattaya is called "Mike's"

After trying to get at least a tiny bit of service in Tequila Reef (the waitresses have the Thai service disease...they would rather sit and talk to each other than help the customer) on 3 different occasions, I now frequent Mike's. The chimichangas are very good. I would not say it was the best Mexican food I have had, but it's the best I have had in years. (Unfortunately, I have been living in the UAE for 6 years. Couldn't find a great place there either.)

The service is great, the waitresses actually seem to be glad to see you. Also, the kiwi marguaritas are great!!!

What's happening now...check this out

Your Internet Connection

Speed Results

File Size: 600.005 KB

Time Elapsed: 20.63 seconds

232.64 Kbps

(29.08 KBps)

Speedometer

MySpeed Results

Download 431,360 bps

Upload 108,576 bps

QOS 95%

RTT 44 ms

MaxPause 371 ms

I don't think my Maxnet4home was ever this fast before. What are you Maxnet4life folks getting today?

Here's my speed for comparision.

MySpeed Results

Download 14,384 bps

Upload 0 bps

QOS 39%

RTT 1624 ms

MaxPause 7581 ms

Incredible service!!!

Looks like I might join you Monty and do switch to Maxnet4life....or is that strife?

Monty, et al,

Thanks for the info on Ipster. I guess I was so excited to see a possible solution to the MAXFAILURE debacle, that I didn't read the copy correctly. I should have figured something was amiss when there didn't seem to be any place to actually get the service. Truly pie in the sky stuff.

Looking forward to hearing about your new setup Monty.

DougF

Have you folks seen the half page add in today's (Wed.) Bangkok Post for Ipstar satellite service. I went to there website ( www.ipstar.com). It seems that one has to find an Ipstar "Partner" to provide the dish, receiver, and installation. Is anyone familiar with this company? They state home users get 1Gps download speed. I would love to know more.

I could definitely live with ! Gps!!!!

Just found the thread...yesterday I had download speeds as high as 5.6kps

So, the question is what do we do? Do we say the ###### with them and go for the lower level service with the contention level being lower.

Or do we go for the higher level package and hope it doesn't get over-popular?

What are your opinions out there?

I trade online. I need good, reliable service, which doesn't seem to me yet to be a part of the Thai culture. I have just moved here from an Arab/Muslim country and if you think an Arab trader can take money out your pocket....well, the Thais are just as good!!!