atpeace

Thanks I didn't know this.

All great points and funny I just realized also I could just leave the country and not get a re-entry. Problem is I have one re-enrty already so I might have to leave twice. Patience is not a strength of mine and probably should just do it in America during my trip in October or when I return. Not concerned about being grandfathered into any future Non-O changes. Think the odds of immigration making exceptions for people that have been on the visa for 5 years is minuscule. As for the Soft Power, it might be easy for me. I race marathons all over Thailand and could show the payment receipts. The video posted above mentioned that seminars would apply and think running events would also apply. Lots of ifs but just don't feel there is much of a risk. As for the border run costs, I live on the boarder and love the area in Laos that is 30 kms away. It would force me to get out of my comfort zone which is good. I in the past I travelled extensively but have settled into a comfortable life that is great but lacks that wow factor travelling can bring.

My Non-O expires on November 10. Can you apply for another visa before it expires? I'm thinking about a quick trip to Laos and do an E-visa. Never done an E-visa but it seems simple enough.

I agree but they might add requirements. Actually I think they will if it become popular and they determine it is being abused. Require more proof of cooking classes attended in the past for example. Worst case is I ditch it and go back to the non-o. My non-o visa streak means nothing as far as I can determine.

I really want to try the DTV. Been a non-o retirement visa for 5 years but this seems even less complicated. I live on the boarder and it would add some excitement to my life. People are saying that they don't want to risk switching from a non-o to a DTV. What exactly is the the risk? You lose 10k and have to apply for a new non-o is the only risk I can come up with. Am I missing something?

That makes complete sense. Knew there had to be a reason they were so lovely when I made the switch 🙂

I got a few in Jomtien and it wasn't a pleasurable experience but other than that I got the visa. The lady never liked that it was based on marriage and continuously mentioned retirement is easier. She was very unpleasant at times but had her nice moments. It is what ultimately caused me to switch to retirement at age 51. Happy she forced me to this because it is much easier every year wherever I'm applying in Thailand. Still don't understand her issue with the visa based on marriage. Don't they get kick backs for marriage?

Have to agree and he is not really telling us much. Even his mention of being asked before for tea money in Jomtien is without details. His application is probably questionable and the number is to an visa agency that will fix the issue(s). Most likely the normal 800k issues. He should have picked up the call but he might know what it would have been in regards to and would rather not.

That is depressing. Why not just drop a hungry rodent down your pants. I've been out of the game for years but it can't be this bad.

Seems he gets it from meats. I couldn't do it but works for many. https://liondiet.com/vitamin-results-2023-5-years-on-the-lion-diet/

Our dog killed one and it was worth 50K. I was on holiday at the time and had the village head look into. It ended up being 2 kilometers away. The village head just laughed and told him wasn't getting anything from me.

And Europe can't say no, we will deal with it this time? That would be refreshing instead of relying on the MIC.

Drinking? what are you "trying" to tell me "wise one'. Strange post but it did make me smile - try again without trying so hard. I think there is a message in the above and I don't think it is my lack of comprehension that is the issue.

Well people from even the recent past would marvel in how easy we have it. My life is incredible and only experience the above when a pet dies. There are so many wonderful things the world as a whole has experienced the last 50 years even with the small conflicts ( compared to the past). It's so easy to live in this world and I have little materially compared too many.

Some times you just have no choice other than puckering up and taking what follows. Not my style but happy someone else did the sucking.

OK- I agree for the most part.

Something will lead to WWIII and there has always been tinder. I'm not losing sleep over Ukraine being the cause but you never know. Why do you think Russia invaded Ukraine?

OK, don't know of one. I'll take your word for it that there a few.

In a perfect world yes. Much more complicated than your simple statement. I concede that the USA seems to get involved too often. Not sure what the right balance is but something much less.

Yep, we have issues but comparable to the Russia? Russia is an injured predator that is very dangerous still. I just don't think the USA has to be the leader in restraining their aggressions. I also don't think the average Russian want to invade other nations. The ones I know are nice enough but extremely proud to be Russians. Weird dynamic that nationalism promotes.

Can only imagine the terror that the world would experience if Russia had 800. Terrifying!!!!

I think most in the the US wish they didn't always have to fix other countries issues. It's blatantly obvious that the USA attempts have failed miserably in most instances since WWII. Have a feeling Ukraine will be another failure. Russia isn't the power they once were but why keep poking at a diminished power that has anger issues. Europe's GDP is comparable to the USA. Why can't Europe deal with Russia being it borders Europe?

Back pre 2000 it was so much different than the west. Now same same mostly but still a little cheaper.

To me she is but not the only reason I'm here in the sticks. If she wasn't here though, I would be gone soon enough 🙂

Fair enough and I don't know the tourist by country breakdown. Don't think Thailand cares much either. It all about the money 🙂 I also don't understand the Chinese (not all Asians) fascination with group travel. I would pay at least a $1,000 to my woman to not take me. There does seem to be less long term expats in the provinces the last few years but over the last 12 months in my area the number has probably doubled (2 or 3 to maybe 5 or 6) 🙂