ToS2014

5 hours ago, moe666 said:

Ok boys you have changed nothing by your rants. Yes it makes no sense to you but the Thais have some idea where you are at. Ask any immigration guy in america where his clints are living and he has no clue as there are no requirements for this type of reporting. If you hadn't noticed all of this reporting isn't for your benefit it is for Thai immigrations, and by extension the Thai Governments. Just go with the flow it will make life easier.

Sure would be interesting if the US would implement some of the Thai immigration laws....like 90 day (parole) reporting. I'd bet after a few imposed late fees and 1/5....etc year banning the illegal problem would become more manageable.  Oh wait.... The US allow illegal immigrants in without even a flippin passport.  There I go thinking lol

3 hours ago, RBOP said:

In my 25 years working here for 5 different companies on 5 work permits only had to get the medical certificate for the new work permit everytime and never for the extensions. However, I did see my colleagues who where over 60 yrs old a couple times got requested for medical certificates for extensions. Seems it might be a bit haphazard. 

In my 6+ years of living here I haven't worked a single day.  It almost amazes me that peeps come to Thailand for work. Retired life and no clock is truly a good thing.

14 hours ago, Tug said:

Oh boy we get to pay an extra 5% tax and get nothing in return thanks Donald tired of winning yet?and Donald’s boy pence is out touting the new trade deal lol what a dumpster fire of a presidency

Oh boy....and how much 'we' pay for illegals entering the country and get ABSOLUTELY NOTING in return?  It would be interesting to research how much the open EU borders, has cost the average EU national.  I'd wager its more than 5%.  I also wonder how much greenback is transferred OUT of the US to families back 'home'?  It baffles me that 'normal' citizens pay their due diligence in taxes while the government spends an insane amount for their (illegal) welfare.  I always thought the government one paid taxes to took care of....well never mind, silly of me for thinking.

During my time in the land of smiles, I've come to the conclusion that all of my 'learning lessons', (scams or whatever you want to call them) are hasip hasip.....half come from the locals and the other half have come from 'us' truly worthy and trusting farangs.  It appears to me that WE have taught them well.....and then opine when they do what we taught them.

Below is a reply to a question that I posed to the VA.   I haven't attempted to change my allotment via eBenefits yet.  Further, the below response seemed to suggest that I/you may have to send in the form if the routing number is not recognized by their system.  

Further, I just received an update policy letter from my USA bank (USAA).  It appears that they will now charge me for international cash advances on my debit card (due to new money laundering regulations, like new fees will inhibit those that do wash their money).  I have for years went in to my local Bangkok Bank and asked for X amount from my debit card be deposited into my local BB savings account.  It was simple, a swipe, pin entered and signed the 'receipt' along with a copy of my passport.  However, if they will now charge me for this I will change; I'm just a bit uneducated on which format the funds will come into Thailand, and if I have to open a new/'special' account.  ACH, IAT, IDD, XYZ has me asking, well...<deleted>....(my apologies in advance.....).  I just really enjoy MY money that I have earned and want to have access to it when and where ever I decide to hang my hat.

Additionally, on the local immigration side of this matter; I just submitted all the paperwork for my one yr marriage extension.  I had the 'last' embassy letter stating my income; however, the local (Jomtien) branch asked that I also provide a years worth of deposits (bank book copy and letter from the bank).....So off I go and get the BB letter.  The local IMO advised me that my deposits will not be 'accepted' next year as they do not prove that they arrived from an international source, (my monthly deposits are coded as "DEP" in my bank book).  I attempted to show them my three letters from my mil retirement, SSA, and the VA of 'proof' of income, (I had them translated as well)....short story, the local IMO said no good.  Lastly, they called the wife and scheduled a home visit....a few pictures outside with them and they were gone.  First home visit by the IMO since 2012.

Things used to be simple, too bad new rules have been enacted due to a 'few' nefarious actors that affect the rest of us.

Fox is a terrible news channel; so are ALL the rest.  Remove the blinders and seek information that forms your own opinion. It is rather silly to base one's opinion on FOX/CBS/ABC/and XYZ 'news' outlets.

9 hours ago, smedly said:

so what   ?

 

out of the millions that come here and spend money in Thailand every year making them billions (12% of the countries GDP) how many end up with a medical emergency like the OP, it is so insignificant it isn't worth considering, Thailand is dangerous especially on the roads - it is their duty to make it as safe as possible for people who come here for a holiday, it's not as if they haven't had long enough to improve things.

 

But regardless of that, considering the very small number of people that end up in this sort of situation while here on holiday it is no real big deal (all things considered) for the country to provide free emergency medical assistance to the few that need it, they make huge revenue from tourism how about giving some back when some fall foul of the poor safety.

 

Not so long ago we had some children that got themselves into trouble in a cave - there was no shortage of foreign volunteers willing to put their lives at serious risk to save them. 

...it is their duty to make it as safe as possible.... Sounds just about right.  Just like the USA is attempting to 'make it their duty' to 'holiday' travelers and the like, that travel to the USA with no return ticket/medical insurance; no worries I'll keep paying my taxes so those who want to start a new life can have  "...free emergency medical assistance...."

Those children that you are referring to are Thai citizens....I would hope a 'home' country would take care of their own.

I just wonder where do the get their water supply to 'clean' the air; further, I just wonder what is in the water 'up-stream'? 

1 hour ago, sfokevin said:

Having lived thru a few coups here I have learned to keep a 6 month supply of Miracle Whip... 

Agreed, that and Fritos Jalapeño cheese dip. 

57 minutes ago, Easy Come Easy Go said:

British spy agencies worked with the CIA to turn televisions and smart phones into bugging devices that can record conversations and even take photographs, according to leaked intelligence documents.

The CIA is accused of running a secret computer hacking programme giving its agents access to everyday items including mobile phones, TVs and iPads. 

One exotically named programme dubbed Weeping Angel allowed spies to gain control of the Samsung F8000 range of internet-connected televisions. It was developed in a ‘joint workshop’ held in June 2014 involving MI5 and the CIA and enabled the agencies to gain control of  the TV, according to the documents. 

 

It is alleged that MI5 created a ‘fake-off’ mode that meant television users thought sets were  switched off. In fact users can be secretly recorded by them and conversations transmitted to a CIA operative listening in. The smart televisions come with a microphone that is normally used for voice-activated controls.

 

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/03/07/wikileaks-claims-mi5-cia-developed-spyware-turn-samsung-tvs/

 

OK, so the US and Brits collect intelligence.....I just wonder who (where in the world) makes these nifty devices....I never hear an argument that reflects that point of reflection.

On 11/7/2018 at 11:03 AM, john smith said:

I went to Hua Hin main immigration office yesterday. The Immigration officer spoke excellent English. He said that my Embassy letter would be accepted for renewal of my non marriage  retirement visa which is due in three months time. For renewal the following year I must show 800,000 in the bank for three months before renewal. He went on to say that both the combination method and regular transfers of 65,000 are not accepted.

He then mentioned that this applied to the UK America and Australia. I did not ask what the position was for other nationalities 

so 90K THB transferred into my bangkok bank account is not sufficient?  I have my 90 day parole check coming and will inquire with the Jomtien IMO....

1 hour ago, DefaultName said:

I find it hard to argue with this crackdown, I wish the UK would do the same. There though, these folk wouldn't be deported, they'd be years going through various levels of courts, all paid for by the taxpayers, while being given benefits to live on. Then, if it looked like they might actually be deported, they'd just lose themselves in the population. 

 

Perhaps Big Joke could go over and teach a class on taking out the trash. <look, no smilie, I'm serious>

....I wish the US would do the same.......of course those that would impose the rules would be called many names.....kinda like kids on the play ground when I was growing up....now adults play by the same 'rules'.

I just wonder if the USA did this to all its immigrants?  I'm military retired, VA disabled and on SS disability.  I can PROVE it all.  Show me one immigrant that can..... I digest, off subject I know; but to to all those that have lived on BS income verifications to extend their stay this is/could be a problem.  For those that can and have proof of monthly stability/income you have no worries.  For those that departed their home state to thwart the rules, and then complain about Thai law is....well fill in the blank.

On 10/18/2018 at 3:21 PM, NanLaew said:

I guess walking while black IS an issue here after all.

actually the word has grown up, thankfully.  But if ANY other color is apprehended 'while walking' that is ok? All foreigners, no matter the color break Thai immigration laws.

I hope I feel the benefit.  It's been six years of providing stacks of duplicate paperwork to prove that I'm (NS), married.  It's so easy to not follow the rules (as I know handfuls of'm), but so difficult to follow them.  Thanks for those who make it difficult all the while complain about Thailand.

I was in and out in less than 10 min.  Took me longer to ride my 2 wheeler from the dark side to get my new 'parole' date.  I'm thinking of moving closer to Soi 5.

8 hours ago, Pib said:

When you say fully enrolled in the VA system, do you mean you enrolled while in the States or in Thailand?  If you enrolled outside the U.S. then you are saying your enrolled in the VA Foreign Medical Program (FMP) which is a somewhat different enrollment process than VA enrollment in the U.S. 

 

As far as I know there are no VA FMP facilities/providers in Thailand.  Assuming you are enrolled in VA FMP you would still need to pay 100% upfront for medical care and then seek reimbursement through the VA FMP.   And as you know the VA only covers medical conditions related to your specific rated disabilities; not just any medical issue/accident that may strike.  VA coverage is usually challenging enough even when living in the U.S.; if living outside the U.S. it gets a lot tougher unless maybe living in a country that has some VA FMP providers/facilities.

 

Now if you are a military retiree (with or without a VA disability rating) covered under Tricare which does provides worldwide coverage--even in Thailand--your Tricare coverage ends when turning 65 "unless you sign-up for Medicare Part B." 

 

Now Medicare does "not" provide coverage/reimbursement outside the U.S. except in some unique emergency situations for certain countries, but the fact you are paying the Part B premium keeps you in the Tricare system under the Tricare for Life (TFL) program....same coverage/reimbursement at 75% as regular Tricare...same worldwide coverage.  You continue to send you reimbursement claims to Tricare.  And when back in the States you are covered by both Medicare and Tricare....in this case your medical provider or you first send your claim to Medicare ...Medicare usually reimburse at 80% and then automatically send the claim to TFL who pick up the remaining 20%....end result 100% reimbursement minus any annual deductibles for Medicare/Tricare.

 

The annual Medicare Part B premium is now $134 unless you might be paying a little less for now like the $120 your mentioned due to previous years where a person was protected from Medicare premium increases under the "hold harmless" law related to no-or-low Social Security COLA increases.  But with inflation growing again and Social Security now getting back into COLA increases the "hold harmless" rule will not protect a person from Medicare premium increases...will only take a year or two to get a person back to the most current Medicare premium.

 

 

 

Great points!  Just to add, some larger hospitals in Thailand now accept both Tricare and the FMP insurance.  If outpatient and not seen under VA compensated disabilities, you still must pay up front costs and then seek reimbursement via the normal procedures.  If covered by the VA, they direct bill even for outpatient visits/'script refills.  The easiest way is to ask your local hospital.  

23 hours ago, taxout said:

Even if you decide to wait to take Social Security payments, you still need to enroll in Medicare when you turn 65; it's not automatic. Part A is free. Part B you pay for and you'll have to decide based on your own situation whether to enroll in Part B, keeping in mind that enrollment later is more expensive and possible only during a limited time-frame each year.

and you cannot use Part B here, but you can still pay for it.

Is this to replace the permanent teeth whitening?  Sorry had to share

1 hour ago, NCC1701A said:

" After a stint as the head of investigations at Provincial Police Region 2, she transferred to Pattaya where she has been ever since. Her job is now largely administrative, overseeing the paperwork of investigations and acting as a liaison to the police chief."

 

can't have her making any progress.

I hear ya, but that's how the world works...in most cases.  Do your job well and eventually you get promoted to riding a desk.

4 hours ago, Samui Bodoh said:

One cannot help but think that Trump and his acolytes are concerned solely with his own benefit at the expense of the US, its norms, its laws, its governance and its traditions.

 

It is a sad time for everyone when the US has a president who thinks like that...

 

I have said it before and (sadly) will say it again;

 

Donald Trump is an ever-expanding cloud of toxic waste that defiles everything it touches.

 

God help us all.

The headline should read ....FBI....document(s) and not Republican documents.  The Republicans are contemplating on releasing the memo; they don't 'own' it, rather the PEOPLE do.  In my humble opinion the FBI document was decidedly against the Republicans and thus authored by "....toxic waste..." individuals who have stepped way over "....norms, ....laws...." etc.

6 hours ago, RichardColeman said:

I wonder how many honest people are arrested when they dutifully and wastefully come to do their 90 days report ? 

Thankfully I've never been.  But of course I do recognise your satire.

19 hours ago, Suradit69 said:

Part of the problem is the anti global free- trade rhetoric coming out of Washington. Add to that Mnuchin's unprecedented comment from a Secretary of the Treasury [below].

 

On the other hand, the likelihood of higher interest rates forecast in the US, especially compared to other regions, will probably give some lift to the dollar eventually.

 

•  

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/24/a-weaker-dollar-is-good-for-the-us-treasury-secretary-mnuchin-says.html

 

Anyway, relative to the baht, over longer periods of time, it tends to be cyclical.

 

 

 

 

 

With such trade deficits, a weak dollar does bode well for the US in international trade.  Just 'hurts' us expats when the US economy actually grows without the Fed issuing QE I, II, & III.  But I may also be way off the mark as I am not an expert like others are.

Another part of the problem with the trade deficits were terrible trade deals.  We shall see.

On 1/24/2018 at 9:24 AM, Credo said:

Not even a close comparison.   You may live in Thailand, but you are only one step above a tourist.   If you live in the states and you are not a citizen, sponsoring a relative is not usually possible and if you do, you must show adequate financial resources to support them.   Oh, and they still have to wait in the queue, they have to be interviewed and meet all the criteria for entry and they can be rejected either at the embassy or after arrival.   Etc., etc., etc.   

 

I would like to see the list of approvals vs those "....rejected either at the embassy or after arrival.   Etc., etc., etc."  

My point is that IF I were to bring my Thai spouse to America it would be vastly different (not even a close comparison) to how I am treated here and how she would be treated by the US gov't. I'm not complaining on how I am treated here, just attempting to imply to all those who believe America treats illegals/DACA/DREAMers/ etc... with such disdain, well, in my view they are treated very well; too well in my humble opinion.  But, of course, there are those that feel America should treat them well given all their hardships in their journey to the sweet milk uncle sugar serves up.  Shoot in reality I don't know why the EU and USA isn't overpopulated to the point of collapse with undocumented individuals, (illegals is such a harsh word to describe those so worthy of benefits abroad), residing within their respective state borders.

2 hours ago, Samui Bodoh said:

This whole debate is an embarrassment to the USA.

 

Build a wall that Mexico is (not) going to pay for? And that won't actually work in solving the problem? Deport hundreds of thousands of people who are American in every sense but a bureaucratic form or two? And who are teachers, firemen, soldiers, etc.?

 

Apologies to my American friends, but the world is looking at you with both disgust and concern; you are supposed to be a serious country and we all want you to act like one.

 

Anyone think a new shut down won't happen in a few weeks?

 

What a cluster****.

 

 

So no wall equates to open borders.  Hmmm, what passport do those travelers hold; ahh wait, no passports required.  What state is it called then?  Why then are American's required to hold passports and travel legally to the EU and get a stamp, or Thailand and report to their parole officer.....err immigration every 90 days?  Why not just run, jump, or swim to your next vacation/work spot?  Paying taxes, heck no.  The state has 'enough money' to support illegals to free schooling, nice roads and other public services.  Shoot, why not just sneak into Iran, (or pick your state that you are not from), and run a business and send all your money back home?

I do agree that shutting down ANY government over illegals is utter nonsense.  Thus the deal is build a wall, end a lottery visa program and chain migration.  Since I reside legally in Thailand, I DO NOT have the right to bring my entire family here.  Why is it so 'wrong' for America to do the same?  My family can come and visit, but they must abide by Thai immigration rules.