Grin Grasser

On 10/13/2023 at 6:05 PM, gamb00ler said:

 

You could also try running a VPN inside a virtual machine with a never been used image.  Use a simple OS like a version of linux.

 

Theoretically the programs inside the virtual machine cannot "see" outside their virtual system.

 

I'm not sure if you will be allowed you to run a VPN on the virtual network connection.  I have never tried.

 

Testing this method should be fairly easy and doesn't require you to purchase new hardware.

Wow.  Sounds too technical for me.  I have never tried a Virtual Machine.  Also, no linux. 

As I ponder how tracfone.com blocks a vpn that is using a vpn server in USA, it occurs to me that tracfone may have identified all ip addresses in USA for all known vpn's.  Once tracfone knows those ip addresses of vpn's, it can block all vpn's.

So, a vpn has to come up with a way around such ip identification and other vpn detections.  That would be the so-called vpn offering obfuscation.

But, then tracfone may have learned how to detect obfuscation and again block the vpn.

In other words, it would be a constant back-and-forth on gaining access to tracfone.

My basic problem is to provide a USA phone number for verification of access to a web site or online account, when the company states:  no international phone number, no voip phone number, no landline number (because a text is sent for verification).  

Tracfone was a low-cost possibility to meet the above limitations, because it has an unpublicized capability.  But it is a prepaid service and I cannot get into my tracfone online account to buy more service time.

14 minutes ago, Pi Tao said:

With Proton VPN, you can.

 

Did you access www.tracfone.com using Proton VPN?

1 hour ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Just in general, probably you know that there are lots of cookies on your PC. If you every use a website without VPN and later use the same website with VPN then they will likely remember you.

And that works not only for individual websites.

 

You can try the following: Use a new PC (or a new user account on your existing PC) use it only with VPN, never without VPN. That might work. And obviously also always with the same VPN settings like i.e. you are always in NYC with always the same internet provider. 

Also make sure the time zone and location of your PC match these settings.

I am not sure if that works, but at least you have a much higher chance that it works.

Interesting suggestion.

I will try it when I acquire a new laptop.  

1 hour ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Just in general, probably you know that there are lots of cookies on your PC. If you every use a website without VPN and later use the same website with VPN then they will likely remember you.

And that works not only for individual websites.

 

You can try the following: Use a new PC (or a new user account on your existing PC) use it only with VPN, never without VPN. That might work. And obviously also always with the same VPN settings like i.e. you are always in NYC with always the same internet provider. 

Also make sure the time zone and location of your PC match these settings.

I am not sure if that works, but at least you have a much higher chance that it works.

Interesting suggestion.

I will try it when I acquire a new laptop.  

51 minutes ago, connda said:

I use PIA.  If VPN'd into the US I can access that site.

Suggestion.  You need to clear your browser cache as well as any cookies for www.tracfone.com, then reconnect to the US using whatever VPN you use.

 

Thanks for your observation.

Did you try your vpn service PIA to access www.tracfone.com?

19 minutes ago, Etaoin Shrdlu said:

I seem to be able to reach their website using Witopia vpn.

 

Thanks for your reply.

Which WiTopia service do you have?  vpn-only, cloakbox, cloakbox pro, or other?

Obfuscation is for web sites that blocks outside-country access and can identify that you are using a vpn to mimic an in-country point.

Why?  I am in Thailand and cannot access www.tracfone.com.  It blocks access from outside USA.  I tried my vpn service and it shows a page that said, error.  I asked the vpn for help.  The vpn made various suggestions and none worked.  Finally, it tried to access the  same web site and was blocked.

A search for vpn and obfuscation resulted in recommendation for six vpn services.  One of the six was my vpn service.

I emailed or messaged (via the service's web site) and asked each vpn if it could access www.tracfone.com.  My reason was to access the web site and my online tracfone account to extend service for my USA telephone service when I visit.

Of the supposed vpn services with obfuscated servers in USA, nearly all replied, they tried but could not access www.tracfone.com.  Or, said, sign up for our service and if you have a problem we will help you because our vpn service hides outside-country user.  I interpreted the second reply to indicate that the vpn's customer service was not helpful and/or did not understand my question. 

Question:  Any vpn service that can accessed www.tracfone.com from outside USA? 

Thanks in advance.

I can search the internet and get a list of Thailand holidays.

But, there are sudden holidays and holidays when bars/clubs can open.

Is there any web site that maintains a list of nights when bars/clubs must close?

For example, Monday night, October 10, 2022, I went to LK Metro and every place was dark.  No lights, no music, no people, no motorcycles, no cars, etc.

I like to be forewarned.

Thanks in advance.

Grin-G

13 hours ago, Mike Teavee said:

My mate bought one of the 650THB policies 7 days before returning to Thailand & had no problems using it to support his Thailand Pass application.

 

Edit: NB He didn't need the cover as he's fully insured through the company he works for but was having problems getting HR to send him something he could use for the pass so it was simpler to spend the 650THB

 

 

 

 

Thanks.  Good to know.

Did your mate enter Thailand on a re-entry permit?

For your info, I too have medical insurance in the USA that will cover me outside USA.  But, the company will not answer if it will give me a paper that says I am covered for $100,,000, $50,000, or whatever Thailand is specifying as a minimum.  The company's answer was to phone an affiliate company that sells travel insurance; while at the same time the company's web site lists which hospital or doctor in Thailand can bill directly to the company.

How to explain this to Thailand Pass?  Easier to pay 650 baht.

17 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Scaremongering at the best.

Many threads on what your asking about. 

Anyone re-enter with permit will be stamped in till date of permit and 30 day insurance will suffice. 

Thanks for your comment.  I did a search on re-entry permit and this thread was the first on the list.  I presumed (my error) that this thread would encompass relevant facts from prior threads.

Also, I note that many comments here and wherever state information as though they were facts.  But, what is the source of the information?  How does a reader/viewer know that the information is fact?

I cited the source of my information.  The youtube video with Darren, Key Visa Co, who stated the need for insurance for the remaining time on the visa and not just 30 days.  It is his business.  So, is he soliciting more business, or is he giving his experience?  I do not know.  But I am leaning on what he says may be true -- however, let us double-checked.  Hence, my questions on this thread.

Knowing the facts will help me to decide on buying a re-entry permit, buying covid insurance (or travel insurance with medical coverage), when to leave and how to return to Thailand, and related.

17 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Your first mistake, YouTube.

Reenter Thailand with reentry permit would require 30 day covid insurance.

You would be stamped in till expiry on your reentry permit.

If entering on for example visa such as valid non O-A you would require insurance 30 days and would be stamped in for 12 months. 

I appreciate your response.  But, what is the source of your response.  Personal experience? 

On 3/26/2022 at 8:32 AM, ubonjoe said:

You will only need 30 day of covid 19 insurance. Many people have entered with only 30 days of insurance. ...

 

ubonjoe,  Thanks for a clear answer.  What is the basis for the 30 days?  It seems 30 days would be applicable to tourist.  But, people with a Thailand visa may be presumed to stay until the visa ends, which would easily be more than 30 days.

Today, I watched a youtube video on the subject of the $20,000 covid insurance required for all entering Thailand.  It was on "everything Pattaya" channel.  Titled "Visa to Thailand, Retirement Visa ..." and dated March 25, 2022.  The visa expert interviewed was Darien, Key Visa Co.  He stated that one common misunderstanding by retirement visa holder returning to Thailand on a re-entry permit is insurance for 30 days, instead of insurance for the remainding period of their visa which could be many months.  And, he said, such returnees would be denied entrance.  Actual experience?

Who is right?  30 days or life of your visa?  I plan to read the comments to that video to find out if others have experienced this situation.

Also, I looked at the web site, www.tgia.org .  I ticked non-O visa, but the site did two things.  First, it still is selling $50,000 covid insurance.  Second, it only listed one option for 30 days and no other time period.  Age was not asked.  Price was THB 3,700 if flying from the Philippines.

Is the covid insurance required from a Thai company?

One interesting web site for various travel insurances with medical coverage is www.travelinsurance.com .  But, age is asked and accordingly priced high for the older applicant.  Will the purchased insurance yield a paper that clearly states the dollar amount of covid coverage? 

Thailand Pass approval involves the embassy/consulate of your country of departure?  I asked because I emailed the embassy in Manila and asked if non-O visa holders was required to have health or medical insurance ($100,000 minimum) -- which was a debated question several months ago.  But, the embassy replied about six months later and gave a non-answer.  Up to about two months ago, Manila was under a lockdown that closed businesses and other operations.

Thanks in advance for informed comments.  Kindly refrain from opinions, speculations, hearsay.  Please distinguish between the hard "requirements" and "practices" as told by reliable friends.

On 12/25/2021 at 9:52 PM, Moonlover said:

What you're searching for @Grin Grasser is a pre paid cash isn't it. Try this one from Taiger.

 

https://thethaiger.com/finance/cash-card/

I followed up on the cited link.  Thaiger web site cited many advantages of the Cash Card, but nothing about conditions and fees.  I clicked on a link to contact me and had to give name and phone number.  Afterwards, its response was that they were short of staff and it would take some time to phone me.

I waited for several weeks (now over two months).  No calls, except I began to receive some robo-calls (pre-recorded messages spoken in Thai.  Related to The Thaiger?  I do not speak, understand, or read Thai.  I guess their cash card is not functional.

Thanks all for your comments.  I guess if I really need a credit card, then opening another bank account with limited funds could function as a pre-paid credit card.

Thanks again.

On 12/22/2021 at 5:55 PM, bbko said:

True Money Wallet or True Money Wecard sounds like what you're asking about, you can add money and then spend it where ever it's accepted. 

Thanks for the info.  I went to a True office.  The True staff had no literature, but explained that Wallet was an app and can be loaded at 7-Eleven or a True office.  The True web site said, WeCard was a pre-paid credit card.  It seemed to indicate that it is a "virtual card".  I could not find anything on fees for either the Wallet or WeCard.  Like I tell sales clerks in stores when I find an item without a price tag, "this is free because it has no price on it".

On 12/22/2021 at 6:03 PM, Digitalbanana said:

I got a KBank credit card. ... a fixed dep account as collateral, and can get credit up to that amount.

FIXED deposit?  Does that mean you cannot increase or decrease the amount on deposit, as needed?

A pre-paid credit card is limited to the credit already on the card and not spent PLUS the amount you deposit next on the card.

No need to answer.  I will ask at KBank and Bangkok Bank.

On 12/22/2021 at 6:27 PM, KannikaP said:

I have a card on which I can spend up to the amount I have deposited in an account. It is called a DEBIT card.

Surely by definition, a CREDIT Card allows you access to money which is not yours, but which you will pay back with interest.

Correct.  I agree.  But, a credit card is usually backed by a worldwide organization, eg, Mastercard and Visa.  If there is a problem with the charge transaction, you can have Mastercard or Visa stop payment. 

On 12/23/2021 at 7:49 AM, PeachCH said:

 

In the Philippines, at least one bank in Manila will issue a credit card, but backed by a set limit you select, which is kept in your bank account. 

 

WHICH ONE? 

I cannot at this moment recall the name of the Manila bank.  Mainly because it was taken over by the Philippine National Bank (btw, not a national bank) and re-named PNB.  So, that bank is gone.  But, I presume other Manila banks have similar credit card practice.  About a year later, all the PNB bank fees were increased.  Too money-hungry for me.  So, the PNB credit card would not be of interest to me.

I forgot to mention that I did find a pre-paid credit card issued by BPI, Bank of the Philippine Islands.  I paid about 300 pesos for the application and card for one year.  No fee to deposit money for credit on the card at any BPI branch.  About 2-3 percent fee for an international charge, mainly for a bus ticket between Bangkok and Pattaya.  A small fee to phone and obtain a recording stating my balance.  A fee, if the card is not used for 2 or 3 month.  I used up the remaining balance on the card by buying groceries at a supermarket and paying the difference in cash.

However, I did not renew the BPI pre-paid credit card for a 2nd year.  Because I phoned for a balance usually before and again after a transaction.  One time, I did not conduct the anticipated charge transaction.  A week later, I phoned for a balance.  It had dropped by 99 pesos.  I went to a BPI branch and showed my photos of the two balances  (SMS texts on my cell phone).  I asked the branch staff to check the transaction history and explain the 99 peso charge.  Two weeks later, the staff said that the 99 peso charge was not on the card history.  Mysterious disappearance.

Note that the pre-paid credit card sold at 7-Eleven or similar convenience stores in Manila have higher and additional fees.

Where in Pattaya, can I get a pre-paid credit card (not debit card) or a credit card that allows charges up to the limit that has been placed on the credit card?

My guess is that in Thailand, only a bank can issue a credit card.  Correct?

By comparison, a few stores in USA, like Dollar General or Dollar Tree, sells pre-paid cards, sponsored by different companies.  You pay a fee for the card.  You pay the amount of credit on the card to the store.  You pay a fee for each charge made on the credit card.  Advantage is that any non-authorized use of the credit card is limited to the amount of credit on the card.  You pay another fee when you refill the credit on the card.

In the Philippines, at least one bank in Manila will issue a credit card, but backed by a set limit you select, which is kept in your bank account. 

Does Pattaya have a similar type of credit card?

Thanks in advance.

I have never used Line app on my smartphone or on my laptop.  I am in Pattaya.

Hospital said to buy a reservation for Moderna doses, reservation Jan-Mar 2022, at LineMyShop Bangkok Hospital Pattaya.

https://www.bangkokpattayahospital.com/en/packages-and-promotions/online-packages-en/item/3082-moderna-vaccine-lot-2-en.html

I downloaded the Line app on my android smartphone.  I searched for BPH, moderna, hospital, Bangkok Hospital, Bangkok Hospital Pattaya. Same for shop, my shop. Nothing.

I tried youtube.com for a video on how to find a product or company.  Nothing.  Just info on installing the app and adding friends and creating a group.

1.  How do you locate something on the Line app?

2.  After I locate something I want to buy, can I use a USA bank-issued Mastercard?

Thanks in advance.

On 7/26/2021 at 11:26 PM, BritTim said:

There was a written requirement at one stage that stated that a Certificate of Entry issued when holding a re-entry permit, from an extension of stay based on retirement only, required the health insurance. However, according to @ubonjoe, some embassies/official consulates do not enforce this.   . . .

Thanks.

I believe that you are correct.  I dimly recalled that the Pattaya Mail writer (BK) mentioned non-O and retirement.  I should have kept that news article he wrote.

Do you have any other info about that written requirement, such as url?

Also, is there a Thai form that could/should be signed by an insurance company to provide me written proof of health insurance?  I like to email the form to my USA insurance company so that it knows exactly what is needed.

Thanks in advance.

Too much idealism and speculation on this thread -- and many thaivisa (aseannow) threads.  Down with misinformation, opinions, BS.

I asked, what is the market price?

On Soi 13/2, a Thai office (Thai lawyer or agent?) in Pattaya about four years ago said, price was THB 65,000 to get a one-year visa.

In fall 2019, a friend said that the agents' going price for a one-year visa was THB 15,000.  Other friends said, it only cost THB 1,900 if I personally went to the immigration office and submit all the paperwork.

Last March 2020, a friend said, an agent in Pattaya would charge about THB 24,000.  This was just prior to the pandemic shutdown.

Another friend said that the immigration officer in Udon Thani said, THB 20,000 to change from O-A visa to an O visa and he first had to leave Thailand.  When he returned to Thailand, he went to Pattaya where he owns a condo unit and an agent charged THB 25,000 to get the non-O visa in 30 days and THB 30,000 to get it in 2 weeks.

An office representative working out of the photocopier office next to the immigration office in Jomtien said that the price depended on the length of the visa.  That is, THB 15,000 for 30-day visa, THB 45,000 for a one-year visa if I had a bank account of THB 800,000 in it, and prices in between for 3-month, 6-month, etc visa.

Inside the Jomtien immigration office, two different officers quoted THB 23,000 and explained that the price was to get a 3-month visa, then a 12-month visa, and do all the associated paperwork and get a supervisor's approval.  They were very nice and professional.  (Friendlier than most of the bar girls and masseuses I have met over the years.  In fact, one asked me if I wanted a girl friend?). 

In August 2020, my passport was returned with two visas, one expired in October and the second visa expired a year later.  I had entered on a visa-exempt stamp which expired April 2020, and I paid THB 1,900 to extend 30 days (a week later, this fee was waived by Thai government for involuntary overstays, but no refund for me.).  I guess overstays through September were covered by subsequent Thai government extensions -- in spite of its threat to expel anyone not complying with an exception.

I know THB 23,000 is a lot more than THB 1,900.  But, it appears that I paid the market price.

I notice that previous threads on visa that I read on this forum, most posters neglect (deliberately?) to mention which immigration office they dealt with.  I guess that is part of misinformation.

ubonjoe:  "the only insurance you would need would be the $100,000 covid 19 insurance coverage."

The topic of re-entry for a senior non-O holder of interest to me for possible situation arising in the next several months.

The bi-weekly newspaper 'Pattaya Mail' has a reporter, Barry Kenyon, who has written on this and related topics.

Several months ago, BK said, a non-O visa holder re-entering Thailand on a re-entry permit would have to show proof of a general medical insurance policy of minimum 400,000 baht in-patient and 40,000 baht outpatient, issued by a Thai insurance company.  (Note:  I tried to locate this article, both in hard-copy newspapers and online, and could not find it.)  

In an article "Initial confusion over virus insurance for retirees in Thailand clears a bit", page 19, July 2, 2021 edition, BK said, that this general medical insurance policy has not been made official by the Thai government.   Also, that a policy by a Thai company would not apply to someone who is initially entering Thailand -- at least for a O-A visa holder.  Also, that a person aged 70 years or older being allowed to be self-insured was not official.  But, he did not specifically address re-entry by non-O visa holder, like he did in his previous article.

Note that although an insurance policy issued by a Thai insurance company may not be a rule, each immigration office and each embassy seem to set its own rules.  

Regarding the covid insurance policy, there seems to be agreement that it is required for any type of entry into Thailand (with visa of  any type, Work permit, Elite, re-entry, tourist visa-exempt, etc).  Also, it seems to be difficult for expats in Thailand to acquire it at a reasonable price, especially if a senior person.  But, much cheaper and very easy to acquire if you are outside of Thailand -- by going to:  https://covid19.tgia.org/ and buying it online.

Based on the above info, my suggestions are:

 - -  Ask the Immigration Officer, what else is required at this time to re-enter Thailand?  

 - -  Ask if there is a special visa for a person who has a Thai child?  What papers do you need to have to prove that you are a parent?

 - -  Check  the web site for the Thailand embassy and/or consulate near your US mailing address.  Email them your questions.  Who knows?  IThere might be a new rule for you to obtain the embassy/consulate's written approval to board a flight to Thailand?

 - -  Consider asking your airline the same questions.  The airline might mistakenly believe that Thailand required you to show a birth certificate for your offspring, a pre-paid quarantine hotel voucher, or other?

 - -  Return on a visa-exempt entry, then go to your local Immigration Office and apply for a non-O visa, or other visa that you may qualify for.

Let us know what happens.  Personally, I would be very interested, due to a similar quandqry.  (No child, I use a condom.)

On 12/12/2020 at 12:18 AM, Bruce Aussie Chiang Mai said:

Don't buy anything below cat 6 white cable or you will be sorry in near future. Longer cable needs be better quality.

Thanks.  I already learned that the hard way.  Cat 6 cable is better than non-rated cable.  Unfortunately, I cannot locate a Cat 6 shielded cable for my cable tv connection through a simple single-plug (non-coaxial, not a screw on) sort of RCA plug.  I get some interference on a few analog channels and poor-to-no signal on a few digital channels.

Laptop decision.

I bought a so-called Pro model of a laptop.  Because it had 4 usb ports, LAN port, VGA port (better for showing a laptop screen than a HDMI).  I had to make additional purchases of SSD 256 gb drive (for fast startup) and Win10 operating system (received a Pro version).  Total, under 16,000 baht.  I may have to go back and add a 8 gb RAM to the current 4gb.  Thus, the PRO model did not have everything.  3-year guarantee.

There were cheaper models, but they had much less.  And, I am a little tired of having to deal with extra cables, adapters, and devices to get what I need and performancee glitches.

Thanks everyone for your comments.

International Wire Transfer, from USA bank to Thai bank.

I submitted my request for an international wire transfer in USD to my USA bank through my online bank account.  Submission on Dec 8, 2020. Up to two days I received a bank confirmation.

My Thai bank account passbook showed that I received a deposit in THB.  Dated Dec 14.  That was a Monday, after the newly-established four-day weekend. 

So, actual transfer time was at least two days and maximum of seven calendar days.

My passbook did NOT show how much fee the Thai bank charged for its part of the transfer.  Transparency is preferred.

I have been looking for one url that will list what is scheduled for public events in Pattaya, and maybe Jomtien.

Events on Beach Road are probably pre-approved by a Pattaya government agency, with specific streets and hours/days.  Probably published in Thai.  Any weekly publishing in English?  I heard/read that the local government was scheduling weekly weekend events to encourage tourism.

There is a subforum called Events.  But, today, Dec 11, the last listing was dated Dec 4.  It linked to a newsletter, which was primarily a long list of advertisements for different businesses.

Example:  A few weeks ago, I heard that a beach run was scheduled and several hundreds of people were in it.  I heard about it AFTER the event had occurred.

Example:  Thursday was a holiday for the Thailand Constitution.  Condo staff took the day off.  But, I needed money and went to a Thai bank branch.  It was opened for business.  It would be nice to see a list of weekly public events and see this holiday listed with a note that banks, bars would be opened or closed as the case may be.

Example:  Today, a friend texted me that traffic would be bad this weekend due to a street festival.  What festival?  Festival of what?  Where?  When?  Time? 

I did read about a fireworks display two weeks ago.  It was in a restaurant advertisement selling tickets to its dinner and a view of the fireworks. 

Thanks in advance.