painai2

Thanks for responding to my question about Medicare. Put's my mind at ease.

I've searched and can't find the exact answer to my question. I'm 63 and in two years I can receive part A and part B of medicare (I've paid into Medicare through my working career in the states). My question is: "Am I able to receive Medicare treatment if I return to the states to receive it?" I retired from the airlines, so the airfare is minimal. I am questioning whether I'm required to maintain a US address in order to receive medical benefits on a return visit to the USA. I am fully aware Medicare won't pay any benefits abroad. I appreciate any help on this matter.

The Crime & Investigation channel is not available in Thailand. I recently returned from the Philippines, it is available there.

Check the sound track. The channel might be primarily in Thai and you have your sound track set for English. That would mean temporarily readjusting the setting to Thai for that channel in order to hear the sound. That happens to me for TPBS (channel 6 on TrueVisions).

Another article talking about it. http://www.dailynews.co.th/newstartpage/index.cfm?page=content&categoryID=486&contentID=146133

Bring you own cup and Starbucks will give you a 10 baht discount. Plus, the Starbucks at TucCom will even keep the cup for you. Starbucks is the one little luxury I enjoy everyday.

Ratchadamri Station is the closest Skytrain stop for the Red Cross Clinic.

Other things you can greet Thai people when you see them can be;

Pai nai ma? : Where have you been?

Pai nai? : Where are you going?

or

Gin kao rue yang? : Have you eaten?

Try to use it!

(yawn) uninspired.

It may be uninspired, but pai nai ma or pai nai is what you ALWAYS hear. Same as "How are you?" for English.

How about a branch in Pattaya?

I agree that the Insomnia video is pretty easy to understand. It's not like she's have a deep intellectual discussion.

I had a similar problem. When I called True Visions, they just sent someone out to replace the box. Since I called their main number, the quickest that they could get someone to come to my apartment was 2 days later. However, they had me call the local number in Pattaya and I got someone to come the next day. They also credited my account for the days I was without True Vision. So for me, True Visions is alright.

I read the Daily News. I think current events are covered about the best. Plus, only 10 baht (cheaper than the Bangkok Post).

Listening to Thai television programs, along with reading daily Thai newspapers are excellent ways to improve your Thai. Many of the programs are extremely interesting, and I'm not talking about soap operas or those silly game shows. The important thing is keep at it. With time, you will understand nearly everything.

I went to Chonburi Immigration (Pattaya) to renew my retirement visa last week. She asked if I own or rent. I told her rent, she wanted proof. I gave her a copy of the receipt for my July rent. I pay month to month, so that's all I have. She didn't even look at on, just put in with the rest of the papers and said "See you tomorrow after 2 pm to pick up your passport."

"A New Thai English Dictionary" gives the meaning of "ทองหยอง" as "ทองหมั้น" which is defined as betrothal gold (from the bridegroom's to the bride's family); bride price. Does this help?

I've found quite often that Thai movies may have subtitles in the theater, but the dvd copy will not.

My favorite bookstore is Kinokuniya bookstore at Siam Paragon in Bangkok. They have a huge selection of books. Or you might also try ordering the book (if it exists) at a bookstore such as SE-ED Book Center at Tukcom or Bookazine in Royal Garden in Pattaya. I've ordered books from each of these bookstores. I just had to but down a deposit and they called me when the book came in.

There are places, but will be in buildings of mostly Thais and will NOT be air-conditioned. The building I stay in is 5,000 baht a month with air, 3.500 a month fan. There are only myself and one other Farang in the building, the rest are Thais. I live off Third Road not to far from Tony's.

I also find just having the tv on and listening to Thai tv programs helps your listening skills.

So I can watch and understand the ongoing political situation on Thai tv.

I buy a wonderful cream for massages at the beauty supply store on Pattaya Thai Road across from Center Condo Apartments.

yes they do, but they may be hard to get. Not many available.

I have one at the post office on Soi Post Office, near the Avenue shopping center in South Pattaya. It costs 500 baht a year, and I had a 2 week wait.

I don't have a rental agreement, I just pay my rent each month. I do get a receipt for the payment. Will the receipt be enough, or should I ask the manager of the building to write up an agreement to satisfy Pattaya immigration for my retirement visa extension?

I've had the same problem with AEON, debited by account 14,000 baht but did not give me any money. I had to contact my back in the states to dispute the charge and credit the amount back to my account.

On 2 different days, I tried to use a bank card from the States at AEON atm near Big C in South Pattaya. Each time the response was that the card could not be processed, please contact bank. I never got the money, but my account was debited the amount. (Each time I then used Bangkok Bank with no problem). What a mess to try and save 150 baht! I had to contact my bank in the states to take care of the problem. Aeon Bank of Thailand was of no use in helping me.