idannyb

Thanks… Yeah… No one experienced here in ChaiNat that I’ve found. There appears to be at least a few companies promoting solar in Singburi, Nakhon Sawan and Supanburi. 

I'm about 50% done with a build project in Central Thailand (Chainat vicinity) and plan to put a solar panel array on roof. The build is two-story with guest quarters above and gym/fitness area on lower floor. Our main home is on an adjacent lot and typically comes in with a PEA bill of around 6,000 Baht per month. I am from a cool climate and I run the air-con all day and refuse to swelter. I may also put a solar system on our main house to reduce that large monthly PEA bill.

My question is about most efficient/quality solar systems readily available in Thailand. I know no one locally who can assist, so I am reaching out for advice.

Most efficient, high quality and long life solar panels?

Best install companies operating in or around Chainat?

I saw the article posted here about different systems and an on-grid hybrid system seems to make the most sense. I spoke briefly with a cafe owner in Chainat who recently put up a 10KW on-grid hybrid solar system. He said he spent about 300,000 Bhat on that system but complained that it did not cover his full power requirements. He has a large two-building set up at his cafe and I can see that he probably will use the same or more power than I will use with my in gym/guest house build.

I also spoke yesterday with a sales reps from QCells 

They sent me a quote estimate of 500,000 to 600,000 

I know nothing about the QCells brand other that they have great marketing and talk a lot about their high performance/efficiency. If my PEA bills stay at the 6,000 per month range, then my payoff (solar system pay back) timeframe would be about 8 years on a 600,000 Baht set up.

My project design here (about half way done): 

I'm age 63 and may soon go on TRT. I have been studying TRT topic for awhile and looking into options here in Thailand. There are a few Bangkok clinics but I want to find one near to Hua Hin. 

Great and ample info via TRT and Hormone Optimization is avail here https://www.youtube.com/c/FoxPowerBasement/featured

Some things I've picked up in my initial TRT fact-finding... be careful w clinics that push a one-sized fits all protocol. Men have very different circumstances/physiology that may necessitate a different approach. And as some advised here in this thread... start with your basic health habits and diet. Obese men will almost certainly have more issues and getting lean (or leaner) before starting TRT will help greatly. Excess drink/smoke etc will also lessen any TRT benefits and increase possible side effects such as aromatization.

Be very careful with aromatase inhibitors... Long standing protocols for most TRT clinics has been to proscribe them (an AI) standard, to reduce water retention and possible excess aromatization of testosterone Into E2 (estrogens)... but most knowledgeable TRT clinicians are now very reluctant to give these "AI"s standard. There are many side effects from AIs and estrogen has many positive benefits for men (sex drive, bone density, cardio protection, etc.) . Personally, I will not be taking an AI under any circumstance... just too much evidence that AIs cause more harm vs benefit (my 2 cents YMMV).

HCG is also oft proscribed... Some swear by it and others see no benefits. I've had HCG injections here in Bangkok and they did nothing for me. I stopped HCG and won't try again. HCG is very case dependent (age, physiology, etc.). Again, some say HCG really helps them! 

Many clinicians are moving men towards more frequent Testosterone injections (weekly or even as often as daily)... More frequent injections keeps T levels more even and that has significant benefits. T dosing is, of course, reduced when you increase injection frequency, and again, the "ideal" dosing is very case dependent. Also look closely and some of the new Testosterone creams that are being developed by compounding pharmaceutical labs. These creams are NOT to be confused with "gels" like Androgel (not good from what I've read -- again my 2 cents). The new creams are absorbed through your scrotum and work very effectively and many (who tried both injections and creams) say creams are better than injections. The creams will boost dihydrotestosterone or DHT more so than testosterone injections... that has some libido benefits (DHT is the caveman hormone) but excess DHT may also accelerate your top of head hair loss, if you have that propensity. 

Getting blood work done first is key. But even more important is finding a doctor who knows how to properly analyze your results. If you go to a clinic that says they automatically prescribe an AI ... run, don't walk, away. 

My views are only theoretical as I've not yet started TRT.... I'm waiting to father a child ... in vitro in process now ... and then (only then) will I begin TRT. 

My daily supplements include

Pregnenealone 

DHEA

Vitamin D3

Vitamin K2 (helps w D absorption) 

Melatonin 

Zinc 

Vitamin C
Fish Oil

I have now submitted my application/documents for Cert. of Entry into Thailand under their new protocols. I ostensibly qualify, as I am married to a Thai National who resides in Thailand.

I managed to assemble and submit -- via the Thai Embassy website Cert of Entry portal -- all of the initial document requirements, and there are many. I also included a detailed “Letter of intent (LOI) to explain the necessity and urgency” (as Thai govt. describes it online).

I spoke on the phone today with a Thai embassy official in Wash D.C. and I am hoping the guidance/clarifiers I received are accurate. The Thai embassy staffer I spoke with confirmed that merely “being a married to a Thai National would not necessarily qualify me to gain entry”… hence, I did my best to support my circumstances of necessity and urgency in my LOI cover letter.

A few other questions I had for the Thai Embassy staffer I spoke with:

Q: “Are you required to book and pay $ for your air-travel tickets ahead of time… that is to say, before you receive entry approval from the Govt of Thailand?”

Embassy Answer: “NO! While we require that you initially provide ‘booking info’ (prerequisite to the initial app submission), what the govt really wants to know, initially, is your general travel plan – desired dates and flight numbers.” They will only require proof of confirmed ‘paid for’ booking after you get formal approval to enter Thailand. There are four (4) final doc uploads that must be submitted before you travel but only afteryou get Thai Govt approval:

1.     Alternative State Quarantine. (A confirmation page)

2.     Fit to Fly Health Certificate - to be present to the Airline (issued no more than 72 hours before traveling).

3.     Confirmed Air Ticket with proof of payment

4.     A Health Certificate (test negative for Covid-19) issued no more than 72 hours before traveling. 

MOREOVER… The embassy official was clear to say “the flights that are approved from USA to Thailand would be very limited in number and only after (if) my application for entry is approved would they let me know which specific flights/dates are approved.” He suggested for instance, that I might have to take a flight out of Los Angeles (LAX). And I might not get the airline or connection I want. 

This is unfortunate as I need to depart from a smaller US city in Pacific NW USA and fights/connections I’ve found – that show online – are well-priced. I can round-trip fly to Seattle to Tokyo to BKK for a decent $850 fare and these flights can be booked online now. However, the Thai embassy official warned that if I were “to try to take a non-approved flight, I would likely be prevented from boarding.” I must therefore wait and see if I get approved and then be told what flight options they are offering me. Something tells me this is going to bump up the air-travel price/cost substantially.

Q: My doctor uses an offsite lab for COVID19 tests, and they can only promise a test result turn-around time of 3 to 5 days… Hence, to be safe (and ensure I get my test back before my flight) I would need to get tested 5 days in advance of my flight… So my question is; “how strict are you (Thai govt./embassy) about the 72 hours before rule?”

Embassy Answer: “We are very strict about this rule. Find another health care provider who can give you 24-hour test result turn-around time.”

So whish me luck w the whole Cert of Entry approval process… the Thai embassy staffer would not say how long it might take… not even a timeframe. 

A few websites that might be helpful for others in similar circumstances:

MFA Thailand Channel (COVID and travel/visa updates w many videos in English) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcY8pNizzuqj2rNrgSr_Pzg

Online Cert of Entry App – Thai Embassy USA D.C. https://thaiembdc.org/onlinevisaapplication/

Facebook -- PR Thai Government https://www.facebook.com/thailandprd/

On 7/5/2020 at 3:09 AM, rott said:

How is NS treating you then, if you're still there? 

 

Don't know what's gone wrong with this forum, used to be the pride of the Central Plain. I think a general decline in enthusiasm for posting etc. 

Stuck in USA and hoping to be allowed to come back to be w wife and family. Not easy right now... Thai Govt has set up many flaming hoops that I must jump through. 

Good info in this thread. Thx to all posters. I am just now exploring the Cert of Entry hoops to jump through. I flew back to USA (from home in Thailand) in March for biz meetings and now find myself stuck here (USA) and away from my Thai wife and family.  

I plan to apply online for Cert of Entry through WashingtonDC Thai Embassy. I have a current Thai spousal visa w multiple reentries good till end of 2020, but that and 20 Baht will get me a popsicle. #1 hoop for Cert of Entry looks to be health insurance req. Any further info to following Qs is appreciated:

1. Any insurance carrier recommendations (for USA citizen)?

2. Do insurance carriers require you to submit, as prerequisite to coverage, a medical report showing negative COVID19 test result?

3. After you submit all of the online docs required, how quickly (or slowly) does Thai embassy typically give the approval or rejection notice? Trying to look at flights/dates that make sense and don't want to jump the gun on booking w/o approval for entry.

Thanks in advance for any feedback from those who've been through this or presently 'in process' 

I'm US citizen married to a Thai and I have a current/valid spousal Visa w multiple re-entries good till end of 2020 (but that and 20 Baht will get me a popsicle). I left Thailand for USA on biz in mid-March (just before COVID19 lockdowns commenced globally). Now I'm stuck in USA. Following the recent announcement that 'married to Thai' foreigners *may* be considered for entry to Thailand, I am now researching the hoops I will need to jump through. After going to Thai Embassy D.C. in USA online (only D.C. and Los Angeles are presently open and accepting apps), I looked over the online Cert of Entry app process. There's quite a bit of data-fill and then you get to the Catch 22... at the end of the application, you're presented w *required* a doc upload template. In short, 'they want it all' (lots of documentary proof - appx. 9 doc *initial* uploads required in order to successfully *submit* and *begin* the app). I'm confident I can relatively quickly compile all that's being asked; however, it looks like there are four (4) final doc uploads that I likely will be allowed to submit *later* in the application process:

1. Alternative State Quarantine (confirmation page)

2. Fit to Fly Health Cert - to be presented to the Airline (issued no more than 72 hours before traveling)

3. Confirmed Air Ticket with proof of payment

4. A Health Certificate (test negative for COVID19 - issued no more than 72 hours before traveling)

I say Catch 22 as you obviously need to buy your plane ticket well in advance, yet the final Thai govt approval will likely not be given until you've uploaded the above final four docs. The "no more than 72 hours" criteria means that your app won't be approved until well after you've paid for air-tickets?  Unless I'm missing something?

Moreover, the Thai govt. likely won't be giving Cert of Entry apps a rubber-stamp approval... only those 'properly completed' and show "an urgent need to travel to Thailand." Naturally, I believe my circumstances are urgent, and I hope I can successfully make the case via the online app process. But who really knows?

I will begin to search out COVID testing here (I'm in Oregon USA). I suspect I will have to get two (2) tests... one now to pre-qualify for COVID health insurance, and one less than 72 hours before my flight. 

Questions for those who've been through this...

1. Any COVID19 health insurers you know of or can recommend? 

2. Wondering how quickly COVID19 test results can be provided for formal Health Cert purposes?

Thanks for the welcome Wayne! I'm enjoying Nakhon Sawan so far ... the night scene around the city center lake park is really something! It's a hub of athletic and social activities ... Tai Chi in the morning hours and fitness dancing at night, along with most every popular sport in Thailand: running, biking, badminton, basketball, volleyball, roller-blading, skateboarding and several sports I'm not familiar with-- a Thai version of croquet and a version of boce ball. Those are but a few of the activities that many thousands partake in here at the lake park. I still play some basketball and have joined some of the games here at the park. But I'm 62 and can't jump anymore. Fun nonetheless. 

I'll keep searching for a local Thai tutor. I'm sure I will eventually find someone who can help me get a better footing with the native language.

Best 

idannyb

Hi Wayned and others who may be in/near Nakhon Sawan. I just moved to NS a few weeks ago and settling in. I have rented a condo near the Lake (Hong Chai Krui center of town) by the Sri Sawan hospital. Wondering if you know of any local Thai language tutors who take on students for one-on-one daily tutoring sessions? I will be here in NS through March 2020 and really hope to improve my very basic Thai abilities. May move here permanently but that will depend on my Thai wife's ability to land a teaching job in NS

Also any restaurant recommendations near to central of town lake park?

Thanks 

Dan B

Nastya Rybka (Anastasia Vashukevich) is back in the news. She's evidently had some contact with Oleg Deripaska's emissaries and they've apparently made some 'promised' deal procuring her silence and perhaps her "evidence" too (16+ hours of audio, video, and photographic evidence). Very interesting since the FBI was supposedly rebuffed after flying to Bangkok to meet and discuss her purported 'evidence' involving Deripaska and other Americans that might relate to "election meddling." 

Rybka is not too bright (Exhibit A: her activities here in Thailand), but she's savvy enough to know that teasing rabid Trump haters (Left leaning media [90%] and Dem politicians) and Mueller's Team with possible evidence that might (might) somehow implicate Trump, would be a huge bargaining chip. Nastya has unsuccessfully asked for US political asylum in exchange for her "evidence."  Rybka had a fall out w Deripaska and hence did (does) NOT want to get deported back to Russia. It's never a good idea to make an enemy of a powerful Russian billionaire. And happily for her, she has now apparently (???) made some amends with Deripaska via her quid-pro-quo... something for something deal.

Sidebar: Deripraska had his US visa revoked by the State Department in 2006 because of charges he was connected to the Russian mob. "Deripaska doesn’t deny he has, at times, had to collaborate with suspected mafia figures. In 2012, he settled a $1 billion court case with a man he said had acted as his mafia cover in the 1990s. Deripaska said he had no choice but to work with the man. Such were the times, he said." 

In a show of good will, in 2009, Deripaska was asked (and agreed to) help Bob Mueller's FBI in an effort to secure the release of Robert Levinson, a CIA agent who was captured in Iran. Deripaska spent his own money ($25 million) in the operation -- “We knew he was paying for his (Deripaska's) team helping us, and that probably ran into the millions,” a U.S. official involved in the operation confirmed. The op ultimately failed and no thanks to the Clinton State Department... “We tried to turn over every stone we could to rescue Bob, but every time we started to get close, the State Department seemed to always get in the way,” said Robyn Gritz... “We were told at one point that the terms of Levinson’s release had been agreed to by Iran and the U.S. and included a statement by then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton pointing a finger away from Iran. At the last minute, Secretary Clinton decided not to make the agreed-on statement.”  The deal then collapsed. No doubt Derispaka felt betrayed and adding financial injury to insult, he was not repaid for his efforts.

Back to Little Miss Rybka.... No doubt Nastya has a a credibility problem, yet if what she says is even partially true, it raises interesting questions. Was Rybka used as Desipaska's Red Sparrow? There were many powerful politicians who met with Deripaska aboard his yacht, where conversations and "activities" were (allegedly) surreptitiously recorded by Rybka. Perhaps she (Oleg & Russia) does have kompromat on politicians who went yachting with Oleg? While some may think there are tangential connections to Trump (POTUS 45 never met Deripaska) I suspect there are politicians and biz men of all political stripe who may need to worry -- Rybka said that she “witnessed several meetings in 2016 and 2017 between Deripaska and at least three un-named Americans.” As far as the oft discussed "Deripaska + Manafort" dealings??? ... There were many, but they all preceded Manafort's association with Trump. And Deripaska had a falling out with Manafort (and sued him), well before Manafort went to work for Trump’s campaign. "Derispaska has echoed Trump’s claim that the Russia investigation is baseless. In a March 8 op-ed in the Daily Caller, he contended that the probe was a “Wag the Dog” manipulation by the American 'Deep State.'"

Who else met with Deripaska? Never-Trumper John McCain was aboard Oleg's yacht to celebrate his (McCain's) 70th birthday... but that was 10+ years ago (Rybka was just 18 at that time and was not yet Deripaska's playmate). American lobbyist Adan Waldman was also close to Deripaska and more recently Dem Senator Mark Warner (HISC) has been texting with Waldman; "the senator asked Waldman for information from Deripaska about Manafort."

I'll end this post by saying, it's not smart to secretly tape record powerful people ... Omarosa got away with it, but she is living in a country where the rule of law still has some meaning. Nastya remains jailed here in Thailand, and if she's lucky she won't be sent back to Mother Russia, where you get disappeared for challenging those in power. She may think she's back on good terms with Deripaska, but she's playing a very dangerous game.

8 hours ago, ttrd said:

RE - The FBI agents contacted Thailand's Immigration bureau last week to try to organize the meeting, the highly placed source in the department said. The request was refused by Thai officials because only legal representatives and family members of the detainees are permitted access to the detainees, added the source, who is not authorized to speak to media.

 

I have never said that....

 

It may be a little more convinient if you address your question to the actual sender "idannyb" ...

 

The FBI sent agents to Bangkok to interview Rybka circa March 13, 2018... No reports since about her interactions (either proposed or successfully completed) with with the FBI or members from Bob Mueller's team. Given the obsession and manic pursuit of Trump from members of the "Deep State" (if you believe such exists) and "Team Mueller," I would be surprised if there was no follow-up effort to contact Rybka. I very much doubt that she has the "goods" that would implicate Trump. Moreover, the FBI, Ex CIA Chief Brennan, et. al. have been badly burned by promoting the dubious Steele Dossier (a DNC/FBI "paid for" Christopher Steele product sub-authored by Russians with assistance from Cody Shearer, Sid B., Fusion GPS and other political actors). Hence, I think the FBI and Mueller will be VERY careful about accepting anything Rybka might have to offer, unless it's rock solid proof of criminality involving Mueller's targets (Trump and/or his campaign associates). 

8 hours ago, Darcula said:

 

I'm guessing her debriefing over those oligarch connections is not yet finished.

 

Nastya Rybka's charms may not help her much if she gets deported... she's in serious trouble. Not for her escapades here in Thailand, but for her willingness to trade "info" regarding Oleg Deripaska. She claims to have a dozen hours of recorded conversations involving Deripaska and his biz associates. As to the veracity of actually having these tape recordings??? There are video clips of her aboard Deripaska's yacht and she may know a few things.... but

Bob Mueller's Team might be interested in hearing Rybka’s Deripaska tapes (if they haven’t already), but as to whether this is useful evidence in any crimes Mueller is pursuing??? Mueller has indicted Paul Manafort (25 charges - fraud, banking, tax, ML, etc.) whom Deripaska once did business with and the FBI sent agents to meet with Deripaska (Sept 2016) when he was in New York... They asked Deripaska about and any connections Manafort might have in Russian efforts to meddle in the 2016 US Presidential Election. Despite his passionate dislike for Manafort, Deripaska told the FBI that he did NOT believe Manafort was involved in any such collusion. More here http://dailycaller.com/2018/05/15/deripaska-dossier-fbi/

Rybka also claims to know things about "Trump + Russia" ... The FBI sent agents to Bangkok to interview Rybka (circa Mach 13, 2018)... but last report I saw, they were turned away without any "debriefing" opportunity... Via CNN March 13, 2018; "Anastasia Vashukevich (a.k.a. Nasty Rybka) and Alexander Kirillov sent a handwritten letter last month to the US Embassy in Bangkok asking for help in getting them released in exchange for information on alleged meddling in the US presidential election."…

The FBI agents contacted Thailand's Immigration bureau last week to try to organize the meeting, the highly placed source in the department said. The request was refused by Thai officials because only legal representatives and family members of the detainees are permitted access to the detainees, added the source, who is not authorized to speak to media.

Asked about the FBI's attempt to meet the pair, a spokesperson for the US embassy in Bangkok referred CNN to a statement released last week.

"We are aware of media reports of this individual's arrest. She is not a US citizen, and we would refer you to Thai law enforcement for further questions," it said.

Rybka has made herself many powerful enemies in Russia. I do believe -- as she claims -- that she would be in serious harm's way if she gets deported back to Mother Russia. Putin *allegedly* (wink, nod)  has close connections to virtually all oligarchs in Russia, including Deripaska. Pray for Nastya as she may soon be prey.

1 hour ago, torrzent said:

Actually you are totally wrong.  These MMA guys are used to sport fighting in a protected environment, inside a protective cage, with a protective referee, with protective rules, with protective equipment, with a single opponent, and with no weapons.  Therefore, close to zero risk.  They also have almost zero awareness of anything outside the cage and their opponent.  And yes I have seen the scenario you mention in Brazil.  Better luck next time with your inaccurate analysis and assumptions.

 "They also have almost zero awareness of anything outside the cage" ... I would not automatically assume this to be the case ... Yes, a street fight is not a 'rules based' nor secured place to do battle. Weapons and sucker punches from 'others' can come from multiple directions. But, a skilled MMA fighter would likely assess who (how many) are there to 'play.' If you slam down the leader (hard),  the remaining rats will scurry for cover. In this case there was reportedly one (1) accomplice who fled the scene ... and the report states the collared perp was held by foreigners (plural)... I suspect the MMA fighter had friends nearby... just in case.

21 hours ago, Birdbrain said:

Cool Thai 1  Cocky Farang 0

After watching the video... my immediate reaction is why do so many fools bite off more than they can chew? The Farang is lucky he did not get his block knocked off and stomped. As you said "cool Thai" who seemed to be the primary  peacemaker (albeit we did not see what ensued before the Farang escalated to a 'punch and push' fest) ... Learned a lesson long ago ... Never start something you're not fully prepared/able to finish. In other words, keep a cool head and never take it to violence unless it's unavoidable or justified ... and these situations (unavoidable or justified) are rare circumstances. 

Just back from Siagon... It seems that there 3 times as many motorbikes there (at least per square Kilometer) vs. BKK and the so called sidewalks (ha!) ... Keep your head on a swivel cause the bikes roar down the Ho Chi Minh City sidewalks with impunity. Not sayin' it's right ... it's not. But sometimes you have to realize this is just (their) reality and stay vigilant. And keep your wallet/purse and cell phone secure too, as thieves on motorbikes will use sidewalks for their 'snatch and go' enterprise.

On 3/7/2018 at 12:15 AM, scorecard said:

Just some curiosity questions;

 

- From where would she get hold of  ... more than 16 hours of recordings which would shed light on the ongoing 'Russia meddling' investigation in the US. ?

 

- Was she present when the conversations, on the tapes, were conducted?

 

           - Could she personally identify the actual people who were recorded?

 

          -  Can she provide any proof that the tapes are genuine?

 

             Etc.

 

 

 

 

Anastasia Vashkevich (a.k.a. Natstya Rybka) has led a colorful life and no doubt has interesting things to say...  but her association with Oligarch Oleg Deripaska is demonstrably true... confirmed via posted video/photos of her on Deripaska's yacht ... also aboard in same video/pics was a senior Russian govt official -- Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Prikhodko.  Whether Rybka was able to record (as she claims) anything incriminating re Russians and Trump or his campaign??? Doubtful. But there *may* (pure speculation) be something she heard or recorded related to Deripaska and his connections to Manafort, who has even closer ties to Dem (DNC) political operatives versus Manfort's short tenure on Trump's campaign. Manafort was a very regular D.C. visitor to Podesta Group (closely tied to DNC & Clintons) ... Both Podesta Group & Manafort were lobbying for pro-Russia Ukranian Party of Regions. 

14 hours ago, CG1 Blue said:

But Sid Bream had a point I think. When I first read the story I did wonder if the killer had an MMA / cage fighting background or had at least trained. When cage fighters get into street fights they are known to keep going until their opponent is completely unconscious, and maybe even carry on some more.

 

A mate of mine told me he felt sick after seeing a fight in a club back home in Essex when the victor just kept driving his fists into the face of the loser even though he was clearly out cold. It turned out that was a cage fighter.

 

 

It's the street thugs that tend to go too far and deliver kill shots that are clearly unwarranted and potentially deadly. A majority of professional MMA fighters are in better control (avoid delivery of 'unnecessary' harm) than you might surmise. I've seen MMA bouts when a fighter, who knows they've 'knocked out' (silly) an opponent, pull their final punches even before the referee intervenes. I'd say the majority (albeit not all) of pro MMA fighters have respect for their opponent and would rather a referee stop a fight before they render serious/permanent damage to an opponent. It's sort of a 'do unto others' professional courtesy. 

There are also referees, rules (e.g. no groin kicks/punches or knees if an opponent is on the mat or still has a knee on the mat), and doctors nearby in a controlled MMA environment. 

22 hours ago, chrisinth said:

For all those blaming this incident not being reported, I would like to ask for your honesty.

 

What would you do if you heard a domestic argument? This is obviously assuming that you can't differentiate between a domestic and a murder, which most people wouldn't be able to.

 

In all the years I have been here, and all the arguing I have heard, I will be honest that I have never interfered and if I didn't actually see what was going on, I would have no intention of ever doing so. Same would apply in my home country. 

 

Too many people like to think they would do what is probably morally correct in a situation until that situation happens and they end up doing nothing. Easier to blame everyone else for not doing something than being truthful with yourselves. 

Have to say there's truth in your words ... I consider myself chivalrous and have intervened before on occasions to quell domestic assaults (one man v woman and another teens beating a kid in effort to steal his bike) ... but these were in broad daylight with other witnesses around. But another time, I was a 'stranger in a strange land' ... in Almaty, Kazakhstan in 2004. In the middle of the night (circa At 4 a.m.) I heard a woman's blood curdling scream coming from the park across the street from my hotel ...It was the kind of scream you'd only heard if someone was in mortal danger. After jumping up from my slumber (with the thought of dressing quickly to intervene) my rational side quickly processed a few factiods ... 1. You'd be heading into a pitch dark park in a foreign country where you are at many disadvantages ... 2. Who is out at 4 a.m. and why would they be in the park? Yes, there are virtually no justifications for an assault on a woman in such a place/time ... but I no (knew) nothing of the circumstances and I'd be potentially risking my own life/limb to go out out there in the black of night on a dubious rescue mission. No one deserves to be assaulted... but after assessing the possible good I might do versus risks to self ... I took the cowards way out ... I ignored the matter and went back to sleep. I did report the incident to hotel security the next day ... but I'm sure they laughed it off albeit not to my face.

On 1/6/2018 at 6:19 PM, bkk6060 said:

Sounds goofy....

What is the point of opening an account and still using US card for ATM????

Not so goofy ... I will use my bank account to pay bills automatically ... rent, True mobile/TV/WiFi, Power, etc. But I will reconsider getting an ATM. Certainly the withdrawal fees will be lower.

I opened the account at Siam Paragon Branch ... I did not ask for a debit card although they offered ... I currently use my US bank Visa cards for ATM withdrawals ... although my GF strongly encouraged me to get the Bangkok Bank ATM card for ease of pay at BTS and their lower ATM withdrawal fees. She's usually right ... I will reconsider the debit card option once I move more funds into my Bangkok Bank account.

A quick update. I was able to open a savings account with Bangkok Bank with just my passport. I dropped back into their branch this past Friday to inquire about any other documents I might need other than the Affidavit of Residence notarized by the US Embassy... One platform representative recognized me from my prior visit and she asked to see my passport again. She then beckoned the new accounts rep over and insisted to her colleague that I could open a savings account here/now without any other documents. I could sense a bit of disagreement between the two. But the helpful rep was most persuasive and the other (a bit reluctantly I believe) relented and opened the account for me. I completed all of their new account forms including the requisite W-9 and deposited a few thousand baht in cash as an opening deposit. The new account rep then directed me to the App Store to download the Bangkok Bank app and adjusted settings w my iPhone for ease of use/longin. 

As someone posted earlier... I think it oft depends on who you are talking to and their inclination to help you or not. I've experience this scenario before in Thailand. Most often the default is not not think outside the box when it comes to policies (i.e. if there's is any doubt about the rules, they will most often say "no"). But it was very nice to experience this helpful attitude at Bangkok Bank ... certainly by the one platform person.

Thanks to all for the replies and helpful info.

A Bangkok Bank agent showed me a copy of another person's US Embassy Letter (she should not have shown me the letter as it contained PII, but they did). This letter was really just a 2-page form with 'text fill' boxes that needs to be officially signed off (notarized) by a US Embassy Official. Hopefully obtaining this will be a relatively painless process. I have an appointment @ the US Embassy on Jan 2. I won't have my formal condo rental contract 'in hand' until Jan 3 ... But with some persistence, hopefully I will be able me to open the account with these items: Passport + Embassy Letter + Rental Contract

Someone else asked if I am an "expat" or tourist? While I'm here in Thailand on a 90 tourist visa, I do some work (100% virtually w companies outside Thailand) and will need to travel to India and Australia and less frequently back to USA. Hence, I obtained only a Tourist Visa. I opted to rent a condo as it gives me a base to come back to (Bangkok) and my Thai fiancee (been together for 3 years) will stay in the condo when I am traveling abroad. My motivation for opening a Thai bank account is primarily to make it easier to pay the condo rent + True WiFi/TV/Mobile.

I expect I will be married next year and then retire here in the near future.

Thanks again for the helpful info.