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As I understand it, gratuity payments, based on length of service are legally required in Thailand for persons leaving service under good circumstances. I received one when I was required to leave the company's employ at 55 due to our bylaws, for which I received 10 years gratuity, which translated into 10 mos. salary. I was rehired the next day, under contract, and have worked an additional 11.5 years under that. Does that mean, now that my contract is expiring, that I am legally entitled to an additional 10 year gratuity, namely another 10 mos. worth of salary on separation from the company under the same good circumstances?

Ok, I've had two people in reply say that they were never asked for their WP at the time that the PR document was issued, and no one has come forward to say that it was in-fact required. Does anyone actually know the Immigration Dept's position on this, and if so, is it in writing anywhere?

I applied for my Permanent Residency the end of last year, and my application was accepted. I've already jumped through the hoops, including my interview, and expect that it will be awarded "sometime" in the future, date unknown. Based on past performance, it's likely to be awarded "sometime" next year. 

My question is, I'm due to retire the end of this year, and my work permit expires in January 2022. If the award comes through after that (likely), when I need to pay-up, etc., do I still need to be "officially" employed? If so, I'll need to see if my employer is willing to keep me on for another 6-12 mos. If I don't need to be employed at the time of the award, I'll still need an interim visa with my work permit expiring in January. Which one would I go for? Could do Retirement, Marriage or what? Would rather not go through the hassle of the retirement extension, marriage route, but if I must, I must. Suggestions?

I know exactly where you're coming from. My brother (Retirement Extension) had a stroke several years ago, and as I was working, my Thai partner (considerably younger than me) took him to Immigration at Chiang Wattana, in a taxi wheel chair and all, and it was a disaster. In fact, it made such a negative impression on her, that she cajoled me into going for my Permanent Residency so we can avoid all the hassle with Immigration should I fall seriously ill at some stage. If you are working, and have a work permit, I would suggest you go through the process now. I eventually ended-up taking my brother back to the U.S. and got him into a Medicaid funded nursing home, as he just became too much of a burden on the family to take care of him here locally. My partner has said no problem for me in the future, as we've been together for years, but my abstinent brother was just too much for her and her Mother to handle 24/7, and he'd already driven-off one caregiver that we'd employed. 

At 67, is it possible to purchase a single life annuity, by putting down a one-time lump sum payment, and expecting a monthly disbursement for life? Plenty of programs in the U.S., but can't seem to find one here in Thailand? Do they exist?

9 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Moonshine was and is in Soi Cowboy.

This is Mitch's "Moonshine" not Steve's "Moonshine" (Toy Bar, Jungle Jim's, Fanny's) on Soi Cowboy.

1 hour ago, charmonman said:

That’s a great roundup of the great old bars. To Patpong I would add the Limelight, Peppermint Bistro, and Goldfingers all very close to one another and all luggage shops now probably. On Patpong 2 there was Mikes Place down a long corridor next to Foodland I think. A bit of a weird atmosphere like something out of a David Lynch movie. Also Bobby’s Arms Pub up in the car park.

Also on Patpong 2, the Tavern ( or is it the Taavern?) I think it’s still there, barely.

 

Your post has brought back some memories. It would not surprise me if I sat next to you at the Bar at the Superstar Coffee shop watching movies. I used to eat there 3 times a week back in 90/91.

One long gone bar on PP2 that I used to frequent for the live music as much as the beer was the "Executive Lounge," which was owned by the same group as the "Patpong Cafe" and the "Crystal Palace" further down the Soi. Also, surprised that no one has mentioned "The New Cowboy Bar" on Soi 22, as one of the old time haunts that are still around - I think? Also, "Moonshine" has moved from QPP to just off of Soi 7 in a new beer bar "plaza" that's still expanding.

I've had a work permit for over 20 years, and on account of work, I've left Thailand consistently within the 90-day reporting time ever since. I was last stamped in on Feb. 22, and won't be leaving the country again 'til I can get back in without the need for a 14-day quarantine. Do I need to file a 90-day report before Sept. 26th, as I've never even done one before? FYI, work permit good through Jan. '22.

We're looking for an "affordable" care center, preferably in the Bangkok metro area, for my 60 year old brother (U.S.) who suffers from an alcohol-induced stroke that has left him with severe short-term memory loss and an inability to walk.

He has been in-country for two years, and in his current state for the past year. We have him in a room in my condo complex, with my Thai GF's mother staying with him and providing assistance for washing, bathing, food prep, basically everything, as he mostly sleeps, sits on the sofa, and watches some TV in my room, when I bring him to my floor.

He can get belligerent, and refuse to talk around strangers. He can get aggressive, but rarely physical, as his movement is restricted. Frankly, in his current condition, he's becoming too much for all of us to handle, and a care center might be the best option to perserve all of our sanity, as we've not professionals when it comes to the possible rehablitation of a stroke victim.

Suggestions?

I have a 2003 Mazda Tribute 6 cylinder, automatic transmission that has apparently died. Mazda Ayutthaya wants Baht 170,000 to install a new one, but I was in the process of trading in the car for Baht 200,000 when this happened!

Need to find a good transmission repair shop that can locate and install a used transmission ASAP for a reasonable price, as my new Mazda CX-5 diesel has finally arrived and I need my car back to trade in in a week or two!

Obviously this couldn't have happened at a worse time. I can tow the car anywhere if someone can just give me a good shop in metro Bangkok.