sqwakvfr

Just now, TheFishman1 said:

Yeah, lotta Thai women like to go over there and work in the Massage business lol they get paid a lot more money TIT

Not just massage shops.  In Itaewon there is a hill with bars. It is commonly known as “hooker hill”.  There are still bars that operate there to this day.  More and more of the ladies in these bars are from SE Asia.  I recall a few years ago a friendly Pinay inviting me in.  Wasn’t in the mood and kept walking. Ironically, “hooker hill” is just a short walk from the largest mosque in S. Korea. 

I knew two Thai girls who have experience with Korean immigration:

1) One paid over 50,000 Baht to an agent for a Korean Tourist Visa.  When she landed in Incheon she was denied entry.  Her plan was to work at a massage shop.  

2) The second one worked on a farm for 3 years but overstayed her visa.  She was ultimately deported but wanted to go back to Korea.

Some of the actions of Korean immigration seem arbitrary but in a way it is understandable  I just got back from Seoul and there are many foreign workers there and some of are illegal.  

56 minutes ago, Shop mak said:

@sqwakvfr

 

From friends still there, I know that up to 9 year on tourist visas (3x3yr), is still doable.

 

During my years there, I knew many in age group 65-75 who left the country in a hurry, when they got sick and needed further treatment (never to return).

I can see why a 50 y.o would consider SRRV, but when one reach age 60, our health will decline at some point.

Both driver license and bank account opening can easily be done on tourist visa, (if not directly), with a friend of a friend.

 

What is your reason for applying for a SRRV, what advantages do you see?

1) The security of a lifetime visa with  only an annual renewal fee

2) Mult entry and exit.  No need for a clearance certificate to leave the PI

3) For the last 7 years in Chiang Mai it has always been on a year to year basis. I have never done anything from a long term perspective during my time in Thailand.  If I am granted an SRRV I would start looking at things from a long term viewpoint (like buying a condo etc, etc). 

SRRV EXPANDED COURTESY

The SRRV process is long and yes complicated.  I have all the documents ready to pursue the military veteran option.  The challenge for me is getting the documents apostilled.  I will have two federal government issued documents (DD-214 and an FBI background check) and one California government issued document.  The apostille process might take a while.  But the greatest aspect of the SRRV is that it is a lifetime visa.  Once it is granted one can renew it forever.  The SRRV renewal process seems like it is really simple. This process sounds nothing like the Thai visa extension process.  I have   been in contact with two agents in Cebu who can assist in the SRRV application process.  I have also been told the SRRV agents do not charge the applicant.  Instead they are paid by the government.

Did three at Dental4U located close to Tae Pae Gate.  The Implant was 39,000 + Crown (Zirconia) 15,000.  Additional cost could be a Bone graft if your jawbone is not strong to accept an implant.  I have three Osteem Implants from S. Korea.  So far no problems.  The cost could be lower now because my last implant and crown were done in early 2022. 

1 hour ago, Prubangboy said:

 

It costs about the same in Europe.

 

But they have decent financial aid for college and some kind of medical care. Yelling at the young for noticing this is futile.

I do not yell. The other thing I noticed at many retail stores back in Southern California was the increasing number of self-checkout payment stations at places like Wal Mart, Target and Costco.  Even Home Depot had more self-checkout payment stations.  This means fewer workers who get paid more. Every grocery store(wiht the exception of Trader Joes) had more self checkout payment stations.  Low skiilled workers demanding higher pay has a cause and effect.  Those who have jobs in low skill positions will get more money but some of their coworkers will not be needed.  

Companies will rarely do the right thing.  They will always do what is in their best interest. 

9 hours ago, johnnybangkok said:

I also knew the father of a former coworker who started working in the 60's and did an average of a 90 hour week, 6 days a week for 'the man'. This man worked for 45 years in a soul-crushing job in the hope that it would all be worth his while when he retired with a healthy pension, but alas, it wasn't to be. The company he worked for crashed in the 2008 financial crisis after having robbed the pension fund. The big boss disappeared off the face of the earth, never to be seen again.

He was then forced to work in retail but because retail doesn't pay $15 to $20 an hour, he struggled from hand to mouth. He now lives in Pattaya eking out his meagre pension and trying desperately to enjoy the few remaining years he has left.   

More concerning is he is not alone amongst his age group. 

At least he made it to the Land of Smiles.  I know many who never will.  On my last trip back to Los Angeles I was shocked because lunch at Chipotle was $17 dollars. Chipotle is one of the fast food outlets that start at $15 to $17 an hour.  To pay workers at these rates means eating out might become a luxury.  "Work Life Balance" is now the favorite expression of people in their 20's and 30'.  This means less money but some still want the latest I phone 15.  Seems contradictory to me? 

1 hour ago, Prubangboy said:

As a former Sociology major, I resemble that remark.

I also knew the son of a former coworker who got his degree from my alma mater.  HIs diploma said "Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies". It took this young man 6 years of fulltime study and over $100,000 in student loans and $30,000 from old dad to get this degree.  He has not bean able to find a decent job and I suggested he might try and enlist in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps or Air Force.  The services sometimes payoff part of an enlistees student loan.  He would not consider military service because he can't handle stress, does not want to be yelled at, does not want share living areas and bathroom.  He also feels college should be free and fast food and other retail workers should make from $15 to $20 an hour.  In short this young man is hopeless.  More concerning is he is not alone amongst his age group. 

“ I know I borrowed $100,000 to get a degree in the Mating Habits of the Incas but can I get my student loan debt forgiven Also, my 4 hour shift at Starbucks is just too much for me?”.  

1 hour ago, wwest5829 said:

 I have had two but long ago in the US. Worse than the procedure for me was having to drink the liquid to clean out the intestines ... light weight oil ... gag! Story to give a chuckle ... the last one the Doctor nudged me awake and presented me with the eye piece end of the hose ... I was looking up inside myself. Guess he thought I might be interested?!i

The only thing I found unusual about the prep the day before was the instructions were to start with the laxatives at 400PM.  In the US the Gastro told me to start at noon the day before for an 800 AM colonoscopy.  I was concerned my bowels would not completely empty before the procedure.  in the end only one benign poly was removed.  So my next one will in 2 or 3 years from now.  If I am still in CNX I will go back to the Ram.  

Two years ago  Chiang Mai Ram had a Endoscopy and Colonoscopy special. Total price was 39,000. Might be worth the time to ask private hospitals what they would charge.

3 hours ago, Shop mak said:

 

1) Many foreigners prefer to stay near Ayala Center Cebu. Many hotel in walking distance. Monthly rate start from 30,000 Php.

Some serviced apartments in nearby Mabolo area, 20 minute walk or 60 php taxi ride to from Ayala center.

 

2) Yes, but, some serviced apartments require a 3 months deposit, or a 6-12 months stay. Friends paid 32-36,000 Php per month, or more.

 

https://www.tancorresidential.com/#home

 

https://www.santonisplace.com/

 

There are more in same area, but my knowledge is outdated (pre covid).

 

3) Yes travel agents in Ayala center Cebu, and also in Fuente Circel can assist with SRRV.

Expats I met had all used a agent, the red tape is huge.

SRRV deposit from 5,000 USD (US Army) up to 20,000 USD.

 

I guess you already know that you can stay on tourist visa up to 3 year, a short trip out and return for another 3 years. No bank deposit or insurance required. No need to rush to get a SRRV.

I have friends living there, 9 years on tourist visa (3x3 years), but now get pushed towards SRRV by Immigration.

 

Traffic gridlock in Cebu are horrible 6-10 am and 4-8 pm. Air quality (low quality diesel) is another problem to consider. Cebu cough is famous. Nearest beach at Mactan near the airport. Beaches of quality are owned by hotels and have high entrance fee. Free beaches are rocky and dirty.

 

Expats there will advice you how to open bank account and get a driver license, without SRRV.  Current expat community is very small, post covid.

 

Contact hotels directly for monthly rates. Often less than any booking site.

 

More information on the local forum

https://www.philippines-expats.com/

 

Appreciate the current information. 

True Wallet can be accessed on the True Move app?  True Money is a separate app that one has to download.  I just did that and the registration process is lengthy.  It asked for a scan of my Non Imm visa.  Problem is I have an OA E-Visa printout only.  i do not have an actual visa stamped in my passport.  I tried to register on the True Money app and was not successful. I'll try again.  When I look at True Wallet it starts with putting in a Thai ID #.    True Money and True wallet are two separate purchase/payment systems? Or am I wrong?

2 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

No need to link cards

Then how does one top it off or load money onto it? 

49 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

You're missing out on an alternative payment facility, then.

Never had it and I don't miss it.  Not a big of fan of linking my credit or debit cards to third parties.  Also, had some bad experiences at the True Store at Maya Mall in CNX.  I just pay cash at the True machine or pay with the Bangkok Bank debit card. 

Been with True for 7 years and did not even try. 

2 hours ago, BigStar said:

Whatever. It does seem to have left you with reading comprehension inadequate for you to carry on this discussion rationally. Yet by your own admission you haven't been able to achieve compatibility with Thais (in Thailand, where you live, unless said Thais, a small minority, have traveled abroad); and, amusingly, seem proudly to have no interest in trying to do so or learning how you may do so. 🙂 Big success with South Koreans, though: I speak almost fluent Korean and never felt like this in Incheon, Seoul, Songdo, Suwon or Busan. Oh, and i have related and even connected with people from all walks of life in other countries.

 

Heh.

 

Obviously, we have different point of view. Wherever I am--and I've also traveled around, of course, lived and worked in Japan (not as a teacher)--I take it as a challenge to adapt to my environment and manipulate as best I can for my own convenience. It helps that I'm kind of a lifelong learner. 
 

 

Well, all that needs saying has already been said. It's been fun, but I still don't see any prospect of hearing anything useful. Yet you'll continue to pettifog and bicker until one of our overburdened mods will need to step in. I'll bow out now, and you may declare victory with a last self-justifying post if you wish.🙂 

 

 

Rational?  Ok.  If you are rational then I guess I am irrational. At least I am honest aand can admit I am not compatible with most Thai people. Also, Japan and S. Korea are different countries with different cultures. Of course a "world traveler" like you already knew this.  This is not a contest.  Just an exchange of thoughts from different perspectives.  No winners here.  

On first thought casinos sound like a great idea.  Many of us think how great Macau or Las Vegas seems but beneath the surface there a lot of issues.  I came back from S. Korea a month ago and they have casinos.  A large hotel casino complex close to Incheon Airport is called Paradise City.  Paradise City is an impressive complex.  After speaking to some Koreans I found out as a foreigner I can go to any casino in S Korea anytime and as often as I want.  But for a Korean citizen some casinos limit how many times they can enter on a monthly basis. I even found a casino near the Seoul Train station that only allows foreigners.  I had to show my passport to enter this particular casino.  We can guess why the South Korean Government limits casinos to it's citizens:  Gambling addiction can ruin lives.  I can just imagine what could happen if casinos pop up in LOS? 

56 minutes ago, BigStar said:

 

Yawn. In fact, I more than once carefully acknowledged you didn't, by using IF you wanted. And, as I noted, Besides, you implied puzzlement, or at least inconsistency, with your compatibility with other cultures but not Thai.  And brought up your big success in South Korea, as if this were somehow relevant. This leaves our anxious readers on tenterhooks; how could this possibly be? 🤣 Alas, it must remain forever a mystery.

 

 

Expressions of pride in one's achieving knowledge of the obvious are always welcome on our forum to fill up posts, thank you. Now, occasionally, since this is a Thai forum, the question arises as to how to deal successfully and happily with Thai culture in particular--as our hapless OP has failed to do. In the course of the thread, we've had posters offer some answers, though ignored, as usual, amid the self-satisfied complacency. 🙂 Are we done?

 

1) Never said "big success".  Never had "big success" in my life. especially in the "Land of Smiles". Never said anything I said was relevant to anyone but myself. 

2. Most people are a mystery.  I never asked anyone to solve my mystery. Therefore it will never be solved. On this point you are correct. 

3. "self-satisfied complacency".  Never heard this before.  It must be my public university education that makes me inadequate compared to your great and vast knowledge of the human condition. 

4.  You should start a podcast on becoming compatible with the Thai People.  "I see big success". 

36 minutes ago, BigStar said:

 

Learn to read carefully and critically. Ask yourself: am I the OP referred to?

 

 

Not that I asked, you see. Love it. On the specific point about your achieving greater compatibility with Thais, IF you wished to, I have reason to think I probably know more than you, as I've given specific methods while you've given none. Besides, you implied puzzlement, or at least inconsistency, with your compatibility with other cultures but not Thai.

 

But then the rest was self-satisfaction. You yet may recommend some of your own methods for the OP, yourself, and others, if in fact you do possess hitherto unapplied expertise. I'm always open to improvement. 🙂 

 

Again did I ask for your "Sefl Help Guru" assistance in achieving compatibility with Thai people?  The answer would be no.  You know more than me?  If you say so.  But I do know this:  Each culture is different.  Asia is a big place with many different cultures.  I am not compatible with Thai culture.  Is this puzzling to you?  Also, this is the first time I have seen the words "implied puzzlement" used together.  In that aspect you have taught me something. 

54 minutes ago, BigStar said:

True. And so you don't speak Thai. My informed advice as to how you--and by extension the perpetually unhappy OP--may become more compatible, if you wished, is based on my own success with Thais. If you want to explain the relevance of your experience in Korea, a modern, developed, Westernized country with a long-standing critical relationship with the USA, you may feel free to do so.🙂 Otherwise my judgment stands.

So you think I am "unhappy"?  What I should have said was " I am not compatible with many Thai people".  This was my error.  I get along with people from all parts of the world but Thai people, not so much.  Also, I do not recall asking for your advice and why would I want to explain anything to you?