stargazer9999

My understanding is that by only living in Thailand my wife and children won't be eligible for my SSA benefits if we have not also lived together in the States for five years: https://www.greenbacktaxservices.com/knowledge-center/us-expat-taxes-social-security/ We had no intention of leaving Thailand and moving to 'approved' counties where this requirement is not needed: https://www.ssa.gov/international/countrylist3.htm Is this indeed true and if so what do most people do about it? Give up the benefits? Move back to the States for five years? Move to an 'approved' country ($$$)?? I'd appreciate any thoughts on this. Thanks.

I went and did the retirement visa myself and there were no problems. It took about 70 minutes. I got there a little early but they immediately took my paperwork and started checking it. They also had two additional forms for me to sign. Things started quickly but then it became a 'hurry up and wait' process. I was called to take a photo and then sat down and had to wait for quite a while. Could be worse. I used the monthly deposit method but had the paperwork ready for the 800k deposit method as a backup plan in case they found a 'problem'. Thanks for your comments. Good luck!

I've been disenchanted with my experience using an agent for the annual retirement visa renewal the last few years. Too many "surprises" when I thought all my paperwork was in perfect order for both the monthly deposit and/or 800k deposit requirements. I've decided to fly solo this year and see how it goes. I'm curious about anyone else's experiences going to immigration for retirement renewals recently. Booking the appointment was easy. It says it's a 20 minutes appointment and to arrive 10 minutes early. Are things running on time or can I expect delays? Any other surprises that I should expect and perhaps be prepared for? Any thoughts on any of this are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I just got back to CM on Saturday from a long air pollution escape journey down south. The air is clear now and I'm curious how long it's been that way? A couple of weeks? It will help me plan on when to return next year from the same dreaded trek. Thanks.

LaCasita's parking garage is too low for my car's roof rack. Thanks for everyone's help. We'll keep looking and I'm sure we'll find something.

I'd prefer not to use Airbnb because I can't see the property first before renting it.

I've always stayed in hotels on the beach here but am considering a 2-3 week stay next March where I would prefer a house. I'm looking for a quiet, safe place for kids which would probably mean a moo baan, I did some searches on Agoda, Booking, and Airbnb and the results are a bit overwhelming. It would be nice to see the place while I'm visiting here now rather than booking blindly next year. Ideally, the price would be 2,000-3,000 baht/night or less but if there's nothing nice in that price range I may have to make alternative plans. Our current hotel is quite nice and costs about 2,500 baht/night but there's no kitchen or quiet neighborhood for our kids to play. It's not ideal for a long-term stay. Any thoughts on this are appreciated. Thanks.

I'm visiting Hua Hin today for 3 nights and would like to bring my five year old son to a pediatrician to treat a cough and sore throat. I know there is a BKK Hospital that would be a safe bet, if perhaps a bit expensive. Would that be the best choice or is there a better one? We're on vacation so I would like to go to a private hospital or clinic and hopefully not waste too much time there. Thanks!

A friend said he got an Electrolux dishwasher for 13k-15k and is happy with it. I believe they got it at Power Buy. Anyone ever use this model and have any thoughts on it? Or does any have other dishwasher models they recommend? Thanks.

I saw some old threads about this but am looking for any newer information about where to get a gas oven/stove range in CM. I saw some at Homepro with one for about 20,000 baht that looked like what I want. I'm not sure how good it is. I'd like to look at as many choices as possible. I'd like four burners on top and a decent sized oven with strong gas flow if possible. Has anyone bought anything recently that they're happy with? Thanks.

Can you call airport taxi to have them pick you up at your home at a scheduled day and time?

Thanks metisdead. Anyways, for whatever reason whenever I've asked the height of a ladder here in Thailand the answer was always in feet.

Is there a Thai Watsdu store within traveling range for you? Yes!

I've seen what I want on the back of work trucks around town but not at Home Pro or Global. I need a basic 12 foot extension ladder that lets you extend one side up a rung at time to the height you want. You can then lock it in place on that rung for safety. Anyone know where to buy these? Thanks.

trevoromgh, Where do you buy those? I still think I want drawstring curtains but I'd be interested in checking out Zebra blinds. Thanks.

Does anyone know where to find curtains in CM that open and close using a single drawstring?