atpeace

I actually did some research after making the post and it is close. Profit margins for the 25 largest US Pharm companies is roughly 16%. In the UK about 12 % and Germany around 8%. IMO, profit margins aren't the issue. It is the expenses that are the main issue. Too many players taking cuts of the revenue and each party taking their own cut. Hey, I might be wrong. If i am I apologize but that is how I interpreted the data. Maybe you are referring to gross profit margin?

How much higher are the profit margins? I would guess about 5%. Where is the other 995% going that accounts for the 10x costs?

Agreed - something is broken. Not allowing advertisements targeting the general public might help a little. I wonder how much money is spent on promoting the drugs vs most nations that don't allow it. My second job out of university was at a pharmaceutical marketing company and was always amazed with the seemingly infinite money they could spend on marketing. It would be curious if anyone had breakdown of revenue for the drug companies ( profit and expenses ). I guess I could dive into drug company annual reports but that would be tedious 🙂

This is a bad thing? That is the problem with some democrats. Individuals should be held accountable for their actions. 99% of obese people should not be supported financially with tax dollars for hospital visits or insulin. They should pay for their choices with their own money in higher insurance premiums or cash out of pocket. Why is this so hard for some to understand.

So you are excited about life's being destroyed? Seems infantile but whatever... I myself hopes he brings back some sanity to government. Have my serios doubts because of his questionable ethics and motivation.

Interesting life you have had since arriving in NE Asia. Are you comfortable with your finances approaching the age when working will possibly not be an option?

You're not the problem. It's the unhinged segment of the left that repelled voters. Democrats need to address their internal issues which I think they will over the next year. Sometimes the worst outcome is a blessing!

Yes he was convicted for the shenanigans surrounding the Stormy Daniels payoff. He will probably never be sentenced for numerous reasons. He isn't a saint but can understand his thought process why he thought it was the best option. Why BigStar or for that matter or YOU care about am inconsequential event is entertaining.

No. but your comment is a perfect example of why the democratic party took a beating in this election. I get it - Trump can be offensive and he lies. Why would so many Americans support such a person? I disliked him immensely in 2016 but in 2024 he seems the best option. Maybe he has become a slightly better man but the main issue is how democrats let their party be controlled by elites and the far left.

Obviously this border fiasco the last 4 years will result in hate crimes. Who created this mess? People are people and some do terrible acts. Wish we lived in a peaceful world but we don't and the border crisis is providing ample reason for unhinged individuals to participate in hate crimes.

Has the democratic party looked in the mirror and see what it has done? It has lost its way and this loss I hope will help it comprehend what it once was and can be. It's run by a bunch of elites that are so out of touch with the ideals that defined the party in the last century. My recommendation to you is to calm down and sincerely look at the party today and how it aligns with your ideals. Your team lost 10 days ago but by this point you should be mature enough to move on.

Good question and I would have never imagined voting for him 4 years ago. Maybe defunding the police, men without dongs competing against women in sports, immigration.... The demeaning dems are getting a dish of reality it seems.

Well apparently the libs on this forum are weak and need to be told by authorities how to interact with society. Definately apparent during covid and the petrified response to the election on this thread. When did the democrats become eunuch's. Calm down libs and I seriously doubt much will change in the next 4 years. Maybe Donald will surprise me but definitely not worried in the least at the moment.

It is the first line of defense. I have never tried with a pittbull and a rottweiler and have my doubts it would work. I'm a runner so it is a daily thing that I have to deal with and the stair down works 99% of the time. If the dogs sense they can take you then its probably not going to end well. Bigger dogs in Thailand now vs 15 years ago.

Interactive brokers canceled their debit card last month and Schwab is sending a new card to a USA address later next week. I'm heading to America on Tuesday and would rather not use my Thai cards. I send dollars to my Wise virtual card (England Address) and am planning on using the virtual card until the Schwab card arrives. Has anyone used their Wise virtual card in the USA?

No, you are correct and I'm wrong. Applying for a Non-O within Thailand with 800k in the bank and the extension using 12x65k would work as long as pension is not required as the source. Applying for a Non-O from within Thailand while on a TV or VE using 12x65k is most likely going to be declined I think. I've been humbled! I really think I understand now and if not I beg you not to assist me any further because I'm starting t question my sanity 🤣 🙂

Still pay the bills with the apps but you can scan a QR code to buy a beer or whatever. This is how I usually pay now in Thailand. News to me that 7-Eleven is only now doing it.

You were referring to Jack's post below. Jack's post: Yes that will work. Keep in mind that you don't need to obtain the non O in Laos. You can (from visa exempt or tourist visa entry) obtain non O at your local immigration office. All that is required is 800k in Thai bank account in your name only on day of application. That gives you a 90 day stamp. In the last 30 days apply for 12 month extension using your 12 monthly transfers. Now I understand. You missed the last sentence of Jack's post and still think that applying for a Non-O within Thailand isn't possible. That is what my IO told me also. They told me an Embassy Letter(I'm American so not possible ) or 800k. Thanks to all the back and forth I have a firm grasp of what my options are a year from now. Thanks

I get what you are stating and if you reread my post, I'm in agreement. I only got to this point because of yourself and Jack assistance. I'm also stating you mentioned in another post above, I could apply for a Non-O from within Thailand while on VE or TE as DrJack54 suggested above using the income method. Below is that post by you. Your Quote: Alternatively, you could apply for that in your home Country before entering Thailand, or as @DrJack54 proposed, apply for the Non O from Immigration once you arrive in Thailand. Insurance is not a requirement for the Non Imm O visa, or 1 year extensions. DrJack54 thinks (depend on IO...) I can apply from within Thailand and use 12x65k transfers for the extension. Above you agree with him but in other posts you state this isn't possible and linked supporting documents. Not a big deal and thanks for your help,

Yes, but that in regards to applying for a Non-O within Thailand. You stated that wasn't possible and linked a document confirming an embassy income letter is required and this document was the same document the IO was referring to when I asked. You sent another link confirming at CW that income is accepted for extensions. This is confusing but I now have a pretty good grasp, thanks to yourself and DRJack54, of what "might" be possible depending numerous what ifs.

Thanks and it seems that there is no definite answers to what will be accepted at an IO. You stated previously that the 65k method would not be accepted if applying after arriving on a tourist visa using 12x65k transfers. I read the link you provided and it stated only an income letter from an Embassy would be accepted. I also read the other link you sent regarding extending a 90 day permission of stay from CW. In this case the 12x65k is accepted. Summary of My Understanding: * Apply for a Non-O from within Thailand after entering on a tourist or visa exempt Can not use income without an Embassy letter ( as detailed in the immigration document you linked ) For whatever reason some IOs might allow using the 12x65k method without the Embassy letter. below is your quote. Non Imm O at Immigration based on retirement after entering Visa exempt, or on a Tourist visa. The 65K monthly overseas transfers are not permitted for this type of application. *Apply for a Non-O outside Thailand I can use the 12x65k method for a 12 month extension. Below is your quote: If you enter on a Non Imm O visa, then apply to extend the 90-day permission of stay for 1 year, then the 12 x 65K transfers are accepted. I appreciate the help Liquorice! It does seem, understandably, that you are unsure of what will and won't be accepted in regards to the Non-O using the 12x65k method. Above you stated I can apply in Thailand after previously stating I could not. Quote: as @DrJack54 proposed, apply for the Non O from Immigration once you arrive in Thailand. Insurance is not a requirement for the Non Imm O visa, or 1 year extensions. Here is what I'm going to do. Send 65k using Wise to Thailand for 12 months. Then apply for a Non-O from within Thailand while on a tourist visa. If denied, I will get a Non-O from Laos and then extend my 90 day permission of stay using the 12x65k method. If all fails then I will just deposit 800k in the bank and march on 🙂 Thanks everyone!

Have insurance with more than enough coverage. Sorry, meant to write I would apply for Non-O in Laos with 800k in the bank. Then apply to extend the 90 day permission of stay using the 12x65k transfers. Quote from Liquorice: If you enter on a Non Imm O visa, then apply to extend the 90-day permission of stay for 1 year, then the 12 x 65K transfers are accepted.

Thanks for the link. It would be great if every immigration office had this type of document. As for applying for the Non O in Thailand with 800k, that would tie up the 800k for 12 months. By getting a Non O-A in Laos I could apply for the extension using 65k after 90 days.

Thanks ! That is news to me. Do you have a link where it is accepted for extensions? I can just apply for a retirement visa in Laos based on 800k and then apply for an extension in Thailand using the 65k income method.

I'm slow this morning 🙂 Still don't follow you. You just found out that agents can do extension of stays at Jomtien? I must be missing something? You want to use the income method because your long-term partner ( not married like myself) has no issue with 800k in the bank. I definitely don't understand this statement -555. Your partner has 800k? Sorry, it is probably obvious and I'm being a fool.