Tony125

Citibank charges no ATM cash withdrawal fee only for Citibank issued credit/debit cards from any country of issue.

Absolutely false. I used a "Citibank issued credit/debit card from" the US and got hit with a transaction fee and a foreign transaction fee taking cash at a Citibank ATM at the Citibank branch on Sukhumvit Rd. Total was about $15 USD. I immediately closed my account.

For USA issued Citi Bank cards you will be charged a ATM transaction fee .Citi Bank " USA " also charges a foreign transaction fee of 3% even at their branches here in Bangkok unless your a gold member or have an account here in BKK with $3,000 US dollar deposit. Any other bank issued card used in their ATM will be charged 180 baht.

Feel sorry for them not.. Never seen 3 people over stay, let alone one without knowing... No money, but plans to keep holidaying in Malaysia, funny shit.........

A lot of bitter negative people on this site. Yes was stupid to overstay but I have had same happen to me , went to immigration to extend visa was told I could not because was already on overstay. They said could see why I made mistake becuase visa stamp was over another and looked lik,e differnt date. As far as not having money to travel in Malayasia ever think they had paid for hotels and tour in advance/ Ever think they may have exceded daily withdrawel amount so could not use ATM card that time at airport?

When living in USA I set up a daily withdrawel limit of $100 on my atm card in case anyone stole card thats all they could get. If I needed more could go into bank and $100 would tide me overnight. Later as I traveld I increased the limit because I needed more for shopping, restaurants and other cash needed reasons.

How do you know that?

He's basically a mod. See this thread. http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/801613-harsh-overstay-rules-ever-enforced/

Thanks for the link very interesting. So making people sign a form acknowledging harsh penalties for overstaying has no basis in the current law?

Why when we answer your questions you keep bringing up other scenarios of same question , like well maybe they are getting ready to enforce the rules,or how do we know that it obsolete ect. ? I live near Chaeng Wattena Immigration in Bangkok so am in there often for fairs and stuff held inside. I renewed my retirement extension a few months ago and did not have to sign that form. When I saw a sign outside the exit doors with those harsh rules on it I went back and asked a senior officer if those are the new rules? He replied those were proposed rules but were never approved and are not in effect.

If your in the USA try any of the Honorary Consulates like Boston , MA. I got one from there 2 years ago (triple entry) $120

I am sure the OP will not be allowed back in, I am sure they changed the rules and he will have to stay out of Thailand for a certain period until he is allowed to return.

I am sure you are mistaken. They didn't end up changing the rules, that idea was shelved.

No, it wasn't. The signs are posted in immigration. 90 days and up, I think.

Sorry to burst your bubble but if your talking about the big wooden sign outside CW immmigration exit door they didn't know where to store it so left it there. I went back inside and asked senior officer are those the new rules and was told that was a proposal but was never approved.

Does anyone else get a bit fed up of these endless posts- how much to retire in Chang Mai, Nakhon Nowhere, Bangkok, Khorat, Pattaya, etc etc etc.

You have a monthly disposable income.

Your lifestyle has to comply with your income.

If you are planning to live in a country that you have no clue about living costs- go somewhere else.

Since he is a newbie I don't see any problem with him stating what his finances are and where would be a good place to settle. Sure we have heard the question many times but I guess he wasn't

aware how to use the search box. Lighten up or say nothing.

Do hospitals and other health care providers in Thailand accept retirement health insurance coverage like Medicare and Tricare for Life or do you have to pay up front and then get reimbursed?

Medicare does not pay outside the USA so actually unless you intend to go back don't need to pay the premiums. I also am covered by civil service retirement and I think if he checks his Gov Insurance will cover him overseas . Can also get Thailife Insurance Company policy which is low cost and includes a medical rider.Get it before 61 years old or have a health issue.

Phuket is visited by many wealthy tourists so for living I would suggest Pattatay or Rayong or Chon Buri. Heck you have time rent a condo for awhile in Pattya and travel to Bangkok and other areas and see where you might want to settle thats what I did. Have homes in Chon Buri and Rayong and apartment in Bangkok.

A new movie The Coup No Escape due for release early September, wont help increase the tourist numbers for the high season.

I don't think it will be playing in Thailand

Bad situation you got yourself into. Never blindly trust ANYONE You said you thought payments on second house were done but find out now you still owe 950,000 baht . Why ? Because she did not make the payments or re-financed the place? Should have put house and land in your son's name if you really wanted it for his future. If you can't do that now take the new bike and leave! Divorice her and see if you maybe can get something back in 50/50 split court will order. Rent a home or condo somewhere and enjoy whats left of your life .

in the west students study french, spanish, german etc and I've never found them to be able to speak it after graduation. just another pathetic thai bash I suppose.

If your talking about the USA I will agree partially with you but I still can use Spanish and a little French when I went to Laos. My father gran father and uncles were from Portugal and could speak Portugese, Spanish , Italian, English and a little German. Quite a few Europeans speak more than 1 language due to their countries close proximity to each other. It is the USA that has few persons that speak multiple languages and that's not USA bashing as I was born and raised there . I dated a hi-so Thai when I first came over ( but she was living mainly in Switzerland ) and she and her daughter ( 6 yo ) spoke Thai, English German and Swiss.

http://www.thailawforum.com/database1/divorce-law-thailand-2.html

Also check your personal messages for advice I sent you.

She is lying to you, Thailand would only ban you from entering if you were convicted of a major crime overseas. And to diviorce in Thailand a guy only has to wait a year if his wife has abandoned the family , a woman has to wait 3 years if her husband has abandoned the family. She is telling you your baneed because she doesn't want you here to file for diviorce and claim half the things bought in marriage, even though a farang cannot own land and even if the house is in her name the court will make her sell the land and house to devide the the marital assets evenly. She knows this so wants you to stay overseas and not be able to fight for your rights.

Come with a lawyer familiar with Thai law (he doesn't have to be Thai,) I know a German guy who speaks perfect Thai, English and German and runs a law firm in Pattaya. Show up with a lawyer and possibly police officer and let her know if she wants a divorice the two of you can sit down and discuss an equitable agreement or your lawyer will take her into court and will take half of all assets acquired during marriage and she will only get what court says she gets for kid and must give you joint custody.

You came to Bangkok to find Western guys to hang out with?

I'm not going to touch that with a ........

Oh please, the majority of farangs on TV claim to have no Thai friends; wonder who they talk to?

It seems many TV members like to think that they are better than the average Westerner, based on the foreigners that they have met while hanging around in bars, or based on a judgement of other Westerners from their appearance, or based on prejudice with no experience whatsoever.

When I'm on holiday, I often dispense with shaving, rarely use the trouser press in the hotel room, and, dare I say it, sometimes let my sartorial standards slip. I can imagine people could possibly leap to the conclusion that I was something of a ruffian, or perhaps a 20-year old backpacker, based on that. However, I prefer to base my judgement of Westerners in general on those that I know reasonably well - friends, colleagues and close acquaintances; and I find them to be the same whether they are clean-shaven and wearing a tie, straight from the office, or looking distinctly weekendish.

Golf. A lot of Western blokes play Golf. The OP could try that as an ice-breaker.

SC

I guess you never heard the expression "you never get a second chance to make a first impression" If you like to relax on holiday, look unkempt that's your choice I however try to look presentable approachable at all times ,never know when some woman may find you attractive and approach or a business opourtunity may avail itself. If you look like someone down on his luck not shaved, cheap unpressed clothes good luck with that look.

I went to US Embassy ran into a French lady who asked me for some help ( like there isn't English speaking staff around) talked on way out for awhile gave me her phone number but I have not called it (I'm married) but see how far you would have gotten looking like a disheveled ruffian.

For OP try ThaiVisa bar Sukumvit Soi 7

My wife's experience needing ESWL treatment for kidney stones was that the big American hospital in BKK was at least 6 times cheaper than what we would have paid in the US.

Two sessions of ESWL 80k THB for first session, 20k THB for second (plus some incidental's total 120k) In the US it would have easily cost over 500k THB for the same treatment.

We went to at least five different hospitals, some suggesting two nights stay, others suggesting treatment for over a month. We ended back at my first choice (wife had to shop around) and found it to be the best option.

The experienced Urologist we found laughed and said one treatment with a second follow-up in three days to ensure the stone was removed.

I would find it very difficult to believe the private hospitals in Bangkok come anywhere close to the US costs.

Prices may be higher than in some European hospitals but not US. I had a heart attach a little over a year ago, am fine now but I needed an angioplasty to open up a valve and stent. Total for emrgency treatment,operation and stay at Vibawadi private hospital in Bangkokj $8,000 USD ---I priced the treatment in US from my insurance provider they said it would have cost $47,000 in the US.

I think your heading for a rude awakening. You say you have been in Thailand 2 years do you mean you have been visiting Thailand for 2 years or living here? If living here why are you asking about a job or what have you done to support yourself here or just been on one long paid for vacation? If your getting serious about your GF just marry her and take her back to AUS where you can work (and her as well) and make good money then you can come back to retire here.

If you have been here you must have never read current events in Thailand as the education system is one of the worst in ASEAN countries so saying you wouldn't waste money on sending your kid to a private school is really going to make it hard for them to succeed in Thailand let alone an international level if their going to local schools.

You say kids are badly behaved in AUS well how parents raise their children in any country will determine how they grow up. You seem to be looking at Thailand with rose colored glasses. You can teach in some schools with a TEFL course but won't make high tier pay.

There has been talk on opening casinos in Thailand for years especially mentioned Koh Larn off of Pattaya. Macau in China opened their 1st casino in 2004 then again in 2006 hasn't hurt them. If they opened in Thailand would be a good source of revenue for Gov , workers and I know many Chinese would use them as they do in Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun located in Connecticut USA run on Indian Reservations. I used to visit them from Boston, MA with friends untill I started using my money to visit Thailand.

They're called Hiso's. The have a luxury car, wear the latest fashion, and have the latest gadgets. But I've seen where and how they live privately. A rundown house, a small room for under 8k a month, and piles of debts.

I don't even own a car, in fact, I haven't been behind a wheel for over a decade. I wear comfortable shabby clothes that are several years old, I don't even have a smartphone. I have an average, for a farang, income but spend it on more important stuff like my well serviced and very conveniently located apartment, smokes and booze, and top medical treatment. I have no debts and at 80k my computer is the most expensive thing I own.

Am I happy? Yes I am.

They are NOT Hi-so's but as some said hi-so wanabe's. My wife's family have new cars , property work for Gov or have business are University grads but are not hi-so just upper middle class. Those you talk about living in cars or dumps are just wannabe's. Real Hi-so drive Ferrari, Porsche, Jags ect and live in homes like you see on Thai soap operas . Since your not in a high finance situation you would not be hanging in the clubs gatherings and places where they hang out but take our word for it real Hi-so don't need to pretend .

If you can'tget a girlfriend in Thailand. You are Gay.

.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPtgAiJb05w

I'm not gay.

I just don't want to be in a relationship with someone from a lower class than me and its not easy to meet high class Thai girls.

You say " I just don't want to be in a relationship with someone from a lower class than me and its not easy to meet high class Thai girls." Really? Maybe if your hanging in beer bars its hard but if you were as upper crust as you say you are its not that hard to find upper middle class or even hi-so Thai girls .There are a couple International organizations in Bangkok that meet up a couple times a month for parties with farang business owners and workers as well as hi-so Thai. Maybe next party I'll send you an invite but dress accordingly, no shorts t-shirts.

Reply to Nancyl

I am sure your first question will be answered by others

The second point is interesting. I am also on a extension to stay for retirement in Chiang Mai - I make the 90day reporting by mail and the annual extension by appointment at which time I also apply for a multiple exit visa - thus the overcrowding situation at the immigration office has a limited effect on me.

A lady friend has just applied for the Elite visa as she is not yet 50 - she has opted for this after spending 1 year on the Ed visa and is looking forward to the hassle free benefits- she will have to report every 90days( by mail) and if she does not exit in the next year then have an extension made in Bangkok ( Chiang Mai immig. Cannot do this). This is still much easier than the alternatives to her.

However , I am not applying as the baht 500,000 cost every 5 years is far higher than the extension of stay for retirement , even though you need baht 800,000 in a bank account.

John

I hope you realise that you don't need to have the 800,000 baht in the bank all the time just the 3 months before you renew the visa . Also if you have income of 65,000 baht per month ( from a pension, rental income , lottery winnings , ect ) you don't have to have any money in a bank. You can use a combo method as well say 400,000 in the bank and income of 32,500 baht per month.

It may be legal but it's stupid. A lot of people die from that. I think it excludes oxygen from the system.

Few people die from it and whose to say they were inhaling NO? As you can see by the beer buckets next to them they could have been high/drunk on alcohol and were inhaling helium from balloons they bought at 7-11 and were laughing at how it made their voices all squeeky as helium will do.

Bottom line kids go out to party sometime and have fun example spring break . Every year young college students from the USA head to Florida or Mexico to party hearty without parents or old gran pa's around to tell them what to do. These same old timers who either never had any fun in their lives or where doing LSD , pot , alcohol when they were their age but now are grey haired hypocrites who say "oh you shouldn't do that"

I have sympathy for this guy and his family, I really do. But this story is a perfect example of how the expat dream can quickly turn into a nightmare.

Thailand's laws on land ownership are quite clear and because of these laws, foreigners who end up in the position of Mr Vard stand little chance and are often left with nothing. Mr Vard isn't the first foreigner this kind of thing has happened to and he certainly wont be the last.

Of course, I'm sure there is much more to this story and I'm only going off the article in the OP.

However, whilst a substantial amount there is more to life than a house in Phuket.

For the moment at least it seems Mr Vard has his health and safety and the health and safety of his children.

I admire this guy for standing up and fighting for what he believes is his but if I was in his position, I think I would admit when defeated and if possible, start a new life with my children somewhere else.

I wish Mr Vard the best of luck.

Blimey!

How many more times must the facts be laid out?

HE DIDN'T OWN THE LAND. HE LEASED IT.

HIS SIGNATURE WAS FORGED TO MAKE THE LEASE NULL AND VOID.

Yes, I'm shouting.

I'm not doubting this for a moment and have no doubt that Mr Vard has probably been swindled out of what is rightfully his but according to the chief of police, a court has already ruled against the claims for Mr Vard. Whether the ruling of the court is correct or not, a decision has been made on this case. Bearing in mind the judicial system we're dealing with here, it is going to be very difficult for Mr Vard to get true justice. I feel desperately sorry for him.

Doesn't mean because a local court rules against him that an appeal to a higher court or authority (Military) can't over rule the lower court.

Why should Thai government care about a Farang being ripped off?

This man probably left his family at home for a good f*** in Thailand and some quick money out of the country. Wonder if he'd ever remembered his family if he would have succeeded.

A particularly moronic comment given his kids are with him here and have been all the time.

Sorry, this wasn't so clear. Are his kids Thai?

The son is . Can go to FB and type in Jessie Vard (his daughter) or better yet Google Colin Vard and/or Jessie Vard for in depth report

Where are the America haters now?

Maybe the question should be why is the US so interested in this?

When all this talk about humanitarian acts of goodness and they can't even take care of their own country,

that should send up a red flag.

The US has an agenda, they always do. They wanted to "study" the weather and then the chemtrails appeared in the skies.

Why the US is so interested in the Rohingha, that should be the real question, they don't give a crap about anybody other than own

profitable interests. This is not America bashing, it's fact and it saddens me that I have to post this about my own country.

Like to know where you get your "Facts" . Just because we are to beleive your from USA doesn't make you and expert on facts about the US just your maybe biased opinions. Whenever there has been natural disasters around the world such as the earthquakes in Haiti and elsewhere, Asian Tsunami,famine ect the US Government and even US Volunteer Groups are some of the first support to assist. The US is certainly not perfect especially with current President but when it comes to giving a helping hand it is quick to do so.

How long will it take to spend 500000 + baht in taxi's?

Answer a long time I would rather have the money.

I have a motorcycle and don't want to wait for a hour to drive everywhere.

Safer and carrying a lot of people is the only advantage of the car in Pattaya.

So you have already answered your own question so why bother to post?

OUTOFBALANCE You wrote : "What is it with Thai woman (and Thailand) that makes such an impression and somehow entices you to upend your current lifestyle and values?"

" I have had more “love and affection and caring” show to me by her in the few spread- out weeks spent together with her over the past 2 years than I have had in many years during the latter part of my 23 years of marriage. "

Your second quote answers your first question. When I came over to Thailand on a vacation with friends (all single ) 15 years ago we all thought we had died and gone to heaven. The warm weather hot girls , low prices , good food ,nice beaches and friendly , caring , adoring women who treated us better than those at home. This is one of the main attractions that Thailand has that draws guys from USA, Britain and around the world to leave their homelands and come to stay in Thailand. But many/most have found that that sweet loving nature is shown by most Thai women especially if they are trying to snag a man. Seems you have just met this one Thai woman and she has blown your mind on how more caring , sweet, and lovely she is and how better treated you are by her than any women in your home country.

Believe me you need to date a few and you will find that even bar girls ( though they may not be your cup of tea) treat their customers that way and is a reason that many TV posters and others are married to them. How many guys in USA , Britain ect go down to local bar and say wow this hooker is pretty , warm and loving I think I'll marry her. Not to many but happens here all the time. Thai women can be extremely captivating wether bar girl or regular girl and will treat you better than most girls at home ---don't fall for it.