sqwakvfr

If one is concerned about HIV transmission during unprotected (some call it bareback) sex then how about looking at it in another way. I was in S. Korea in December and found out in some pharmacies they sold HIV saliva swab tests. The cost was about $40 dollars and the kit contained two tests. The results would be revealed in 15 minutes. Sounds similar to a Covid ATK test? At this time I do not believe this type of test was available in LOS but I did see oneat a Wal Mart back in LA. On a related matter I was in a bar in Incheon and after a few swigs of Soju I was talking to a few local guys and they said there were agencies that provided bareback services with an attractive partner and the HIV swab test was mandatory. The provider came with the test kit. Of course the cost of this service was rather steep.

Last month the PM wanted faster entry for arrivals at airports. Would this not dramatically slow down the process?

Totally agree. I spoke to a guy who was living in Japan many years ago and he said in order to rent an apartment he had to get a Japanese national to sign as a guarantor. It sounded more like the Japanese person was like a reference.

I got an OA Visa in 10 days from the LA Consulate. Most know an OA requires a lot of documents to be uploaded.

I doubt the Japanese Government will. My favorite country is S. Korea and they have no long term visa’s except for marriage, employment or education visas at actual universities. At this point both Japan and S. Korea have enough wealth and income from exports of actual products that they are not in need of old foreigners to live there. If Korea offered anything like Non Imm OA or even O Retirement I would be there fast. I do believe both countries offer long term visa’s to certain wealthy foreigners. My guess would be investing something like. $500,000 in real estate would be a start. Now back to reality in LOS.

The main issue for Japan is low birthrate. Many working people truly cannot afford to have children. The number of homeless, hikikomori (people who have withdrawn from society) and people who have simply disappeared are growing. I have distant Japanese relatives and they are some of the saddest people I have known. One can eat cheap but to get a somewhat decent place to live in Osaka or certainly Tokyo is very expensive. Just look at the cost of a decent hotel in a major Japanese city. For me i prefer Seoul or Busan.

To all thanks for the replies.

I am in Chiang Mai and looking to move soon. I have found a place that i like but a few things have me concerned: 1. The electricity is charged at 8 Baht per unit. This seems rather high? 2. The common area maintenance fee is 500 Baht per month. I have never heard of this before. 3. 21 Baht per unit of water. What exactly is a unit of water? The office did not give me a clear answer 4. Residents have to pay 50 Baht to use the swimming pool or 1000 Baht for unlimited use. Then what is the 500 Baht common are fee for? Has anyone seen similar conditions on an apartment or condo that is for rent? At this time I am inclined to look somewhere else.

In the beginning I took it and put up a fake smile. But then I realized it did not matter if I was courteous or considerate. Now I mostly grin, shake my head and walk out. Here in LOS the passive/ aggressive style of response seems to the norm? I have learned through experience that a loud and emotional response to a Thai person is not acceptable. Therefore, I do not respond like that. I did a couple times in the early days and learned that it is not the way here. Also, I never said I never returned the rudeness favor to anyone. I just learned to avoid that kind of response.

If one is veteran USAA or even Navy Federal Credit Union might be an option. Both are geared to serve active duty, retired and veterans. Some in these categories live overseas like myself. USAA in the past was a great bank but no so much anymore. Having an overseas address with USAA has not been a problem (at least not yet). I have heard good tings about Navy Federal and the next time I am in San Diego I might visit a branch there.

"Slippery Slope"? ff an IO at a port of entry does not have an objective reason to deny entry then this type of discretion could impact all of us who enter LOS.

Hmm? What exactly could have been done to bar the Swiss guy in Phuket or the two Kiwi's who assaulted the police officer from entering LOS? If one has a valid passport, a valid visa, no criminal record in LOS or in their home country then what other criteria could be applied? The only substantial thing that could be implemented is to have a fingerprint based criminal background check done for all foreigners who want to enter LOS. This can be done like in the OA Visa process and in the US the cost is $50 and the turnaround time is usually a day or two. How many people will want to pay for something like to make a visa exempt entry or even for a 60 day Tourist Visa? I doubt many will bother and look for other destinations. I do not see any changes coming.

Some of the Gyms have day passes and they have sauna’s. 1. Maxx Fitness on the 5th floor of Maya Mall. Full gym with a sauna. They offer day passes but I do recall what the price was. Monthly membership is now 1699. 2. Duangtawam Hotel on Lori Kroh Road has an old but functional gym. Last time I went the day pass for the gym was 300 Baht. This will give you access to the gym, swimming pool and sauna. 3. The Lotus Hotel on Huay Kaew road also has a gym with swimming pool and sauna. They used to offer day passes. 4. Shangri La Hotel has a full modern gym with swimming pool and gym. You can guess what they charge. One way to get access is to book a single night. I did this twice during low season and it was great experience but the employees were rude.

Would you consider a tablet with keyboard. I was skeptical at first but my IPad with a keyboard has met most of my needs. I plan on buying a new IPad this year. Samsung makes soon good tablets with keyboards and the Chinese brands are even cheaper.

Depends on the airline. Some like Korean Air let you pick your seats at the time of booking.

That could be a problem. Some Thai people I have encountered really turn me off because I have tried to speak the language properly but they smirk and look at me as if I am idiot. "no credit for effort". I got the message very clearly. I rarely try and speak Thai now.

It's really up to the people in you circle to embrace you or not. Good luck. Have you mastered the language? I mean can you pronounce Thai words with the proper tone? Yesterday I was told by a local in Chiang Mai that when I said "Niman Soi Hoke" I was completely wrong. It is "Neeeemaaan Soeeeee Hooooook". I will never master this language. I hope you are successful in your attempt at assimilating. I tried and failed miserably. As a native English speaker I do not use tonal inflection to speak but it is important in speaking Thai properly.

Then 12,500 is a bargain because I have yet to find an agent in Chiang Mai that can match that price for "no financials" application. I have spoken to a person who has been using an agent in Pattaya for years and he has always said 15,000.. This agency is well known by many.

I have been quoted 38,000 Baht for a Non Imm O Ext of Stay based upon Retirement without providing financial documents. So based upon my experience, 12,5000, very low. I do not need to get up to speed about agents because I have only used a Visa agent once in 7 years. So on that point you are correct.

I have. I am talking about the circumstance when a retiree does not provide any financial documents in order to obtain a Non Imm O Ext of Stay for Retirement.

This is what I have been told by the agents in Chiang Mai. I have never spoke to an Agent in other parts of the country.

He is lucky and I would call that a bargain. Normally the first year is the most expensive. I know someone who was quoted 55,000 Baht.

Not providing financial evidence for 8,000? Where? Even years ago I know it was at least 15,000.

Ah, this is one example. Did you read the last sentence? Also I have an OA Visa and not a Non Imm O Extension. I never said anything about this process as the norm.