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I think in the race for Influence in LOS the west has lost. China won that battle and when Beijing calls Bangkok will pickup in 3 rings. If Washington calls Bangkok they will be put on hold. “time to read the writing on the wall”.

I thought this would be interesting to anyone who is considering a new OA Visa: Required documents to upload in the system (Large and clear JPEG or PDF format): Passport Biodata Page or Travel Document (Must be valid within 18 months from travel date) Photograph of the applicant, taken within the past six months Document indicating current location (driving license, bank statement, or proof of stay) Recent bank statement showing the applicant's name and ending balance of no less than $30,000 or proof of monthly income of not less than $2,500/month) along with the current bank statement showing incoming income FBI or certificate of criminal record clearance issued from State or Federal Bureau of Investigation only (Issue within 3 months). An online criminal record without an authorized signature is unacceptable Medical certificates showing no prohibitive diseases as indicated in the Ministerial Regulation No.14 (B.E. 2535) certificate shall be valid for not more than three months. All applicants are required to use our form only (Download) and signed by the medical provider with hospital or medical stamp Health Insurance requirement for Non-Immigrant O-A Effective from 1 October 2021, the applicant must be insured for the entire period of stay in Thailand with the following coverage: – Health insurance must cover COVID-19 disease with the total sum insured of no less than 3,000,000 THB or $100,000 per policy year The applicants must submit the following: Health insurance policy document issued by a Thai or foreign insurance company, stating that the applicant is medically insured for the period and with coverage as mentioned above: (a) In case of a foreign insurance company, the applicant must submit the insurance policy document; Foreign Insurance Certificate as stipulated by the Office of Insurance Commission and Health Insurance of Thailand, which must be completed, signed, and stamped by the insurance company. The form can be downloaded here: Foreign Insurance Certificate Form. Please contact your insurance company since this Foreign Insurance Certificate is mandatory. (b) In the case of a Thai insurance company that is on the list, the applicant must submit the insurance policy document. A list of Thai insurance companies participating in the scheme can be found here: http://longstay.tgia.org If you notice an applicant now has to prove bank balance of $30,000 USD(approximately 1 Million Baht) or $2500 per month income(approximately 88,000 Baht).

I just found out about Georgia. US Passport holders can be stamped in for 1 year on arrival.

There is one country where a Canadian can get 6 months Visa Exempt. This is in S. Korea. Americans can get 90 days. So if you want a really long stay without a visa S Korea is the answer for Canadians.

Had this recent interaction at a Starbucks at a mall in Chiang Mai. I said to the employee “tall, hot latte”. She gave me a puzzled look. I then said the samd but slowly. The reply I got was “you want Americano”? I have been to Starbucks in many countries where English is not the primary language and have always been understood but as they say “TIT”. Instead I just ordered on the SBUX app.

Of course. You know me so well.

I have tried the email escalation tactic several times and I am batting a bout .500. Had a lengthy exchange with the manager of a high end hotel in CNX this year. She acknowledged that many of her employees were lacking. She offered a half ass apology and asked me to come back for another visit. I have never been back to this hotel.

Not everyone that goes Sky Diving without a parachute ensures the impact zone is clear. This can be a hazard to someone on the ground.

#12 Poor customer service.

It's not just CA. Every state in America has similar laws. I have seen this type of law actually save a life. I would disagree with the term "frequent".

“Permanent solution to a temporary problem”. Like many men of the world I can relate to how feels. What happened to the 100K Baht? In California we have a law commonly known as. “5150 WIC” hold. In short it means someone like this would be held at a mental health facility for up to 72 hours for a psychiatric evaluation. Does the Land of Smiles have such a law or process?

My State of California pension is not tax exempt in the US. Was this reply in writing? How high in the food chain was this Thai official? I only ask because "TIT".

Mostly done but in some spots still ongoing.

Ok. Then those with SS payments direct deposited into a Thai Bank are in the clear. But what about someone who has a pension that is direct deposited into a Thai Bank Account? My pension from California can only be deposited into a US Bank Account. Maybe this is a good thing?

Why? Monthly ATM fees have been $10 to $15 dollars a month(reimbursed by the bank).. Exchanges rates have been ok. Also, probably going back to the US on a permanent basis next year. I understand every government in the world needs to generate more revenue but this attempt by the Thai Government appears to have caused more confusion. The US Government is not alone in trying to generate more revenue: Anyone remember the reporting of $600 bank transactions that was announced by the esteemed Janet Yellen?

I have read a translation of this law or proposed law and see a problem with the terms money and income. 1) If I have pension income from the US and it is direct deposited into a US Bank then I do not see how I would get taxed by the Thai Government 2) If I have US Social Security income (I will in a few years ) and it is direct deposited into a Thai Bank account then I could see a path to have it taxed by the Thai Government because it is foreign income or money that is brought into the Land of Smiles 3) If I transfer part of my US Pension income into a Thai Bank Account then I could see a path for the Thai Government to impose a "transfer" tax on it. I am not sure if the US-Thai Tax treaty covers money that is transferred? As always the translation of any Thai Law or proposed law causes a degree of confusion and uncertainty. So far this year I have not transferred any money into the Land of Smiles. I have done it the "old fashioned" way by using the ATM method. Who knows maybe in the future withdrawing money from my US bank account through a Thai Bank ATM will be considered as an international transfer? What would be nice is precise clarity on this issue from the Thai Government. Now back to reality because precision and clarity are rarely present in the Land of Smiles.

Doing the same thing. Leaving a day before my expire date.

California Highway Patrol would be better.

So “Lisa” Hamilton believes Chines tourists would have confidence in Chinese Police while they are in Pattaya? “Conflict” with Thai Police while as aforeign visitor is in Thailand? Does this “logic” apply now to all foreigner visitors? Next time I go to Pattaya I want officers from the LAPD to patrol the streets to ensure my safety. Truly this is an example of “TIT.

I do understand the Chinese. I am just saying foreign police in any sovereign or allegedly soveerig country is usually a bad idea. I wonder what an RTP officer would feel like having a "Chinese Shadow"?

Many years ago I was part of the UN Police Mission in Haiti. It was major a "Charlie Foxtrot". We the UN police had no authority to enforce any laws, detain anyone or even make an arrest. Most of the time the Haitian Police ignored us. We were supposed to just advise the local police. I do not see an issue if the Chinese Police are in LOS to act as advisors and to deal strictly with Chinese citizens (this might accelerate the move to get "bad guys out"). This has the potential for a major international incident if a Chinese Police officer has a physical confrontation with a foreign visitor. Of course it is always peaceful in LOS????

Have you had a blood test recently? I don’t even drink the tap water in Los Angeles County. On the other hand I can’t really vouch for the quality of bottled water or even the water from the 1 bath machines. So I guess it’s a “crap shoot”?

Is there a difference between news coverage and propaganda for the Chinese government? This will be difficult but it may be time for the Chinese to accept Taiwan as is as and move on.

Just like in California I think it is a combination of many things.

I prefer San Antonio(specifically the north part beyond 1604). I found this story on a San Antonio TV station website. I am considering SA when my time in “paradise” ends in a few months.