Bulldozer Dawn

Bulldozer. On a positive side for me was the loas side was very smoothe . The tuk tuk thing from bridge was nightmare. Hope members avoid that. Also was 100 baht each and stopped often. Took ages to arrive. The process at Thai consulate was good. Feel its sad that we have to trouble the mods here when we should be able to get definitive info from Thai consulate web sites.

Last time I checked Melbourne AU consulate site...they offer non imm o based on retirement. Fact is THEY DONT

The requirements are not complex just need correct web sites. If they were a business that was accountable..they would be out of business

Yep. The core of most of the problems Thailand is faced with is lack of accountability.

Just imagine an Australian senior public servant coming to work here at an immigration office and asking, so...where are your continuous improvement policy and procedures.

Please report back on your outcome because in a few months I have to make a non O also. If Vientiane is a wash...I will have to do the death bus run to Penang.

Savannaket, avoid Vientiane at all costs.

I called them

They now want returns and receipts

Not just itineraries

It was never itineraries.

You need real tickets with receipt for payments...so no photoshopping.

but Vong only requires flight out of Thailand and they can be in the 30 day extension window.

So spaced something like......87 days.........174 days......261 days

I would be suprised if return tickets are require, but if so, Vong should be along to post and confirm otherwise.

Good luck Jacksam. I will be trying my luck later this year for a non O also. My last run was to Vientianne and it was a shambles. You should of read my post. My advice was to avoid Vientianne at all cost. My biggest problem was with the Laos IOs at the bridge. I was first to pay my fee, including the extra $1 early fee and it was about 3.5 hours waiting before I finally got my passport back. Disgustingly inept.

Check your passport it will have a stamp that says, permitted to stay until and then a date. You must leave the country no later than that day.

Why waste time posting here at all.

But a domaine and hosting here:

http://www.hostingraja.in/

Build a site using wordpress:

https://wordpress.org/

And insert paid ads:

http://www.google.com/adsense/start/

Those 30 minutes you lost could of been spent improving your future.

I never cease to be amazed at the resorcefulness of the "Cheap Charlie"

I never cease to be amazed by the lack of resourcefulness of people who get ripped off buying brand name products.

All deodorants are a rip off here. Especially the name brands like Nivea and Rexona.

You are on the right track with "thai crystal".

The active ingredient in most deodorants is aluminum chlorohydrate, just read the back of anything you pick up in 7 or the supermarket.

You can bury aluminum chlorohydrate crystals from many mom and pop thai stores. It is just sold in a plactic bag containing a half dozen or so crystals.

The thai name is for these crystals is pronounced "san som".

When buying your san som crystals look for a bag that has just a couple of bigger crystals and not a lot of smaller ones. The big crystals are much easier to use, and with time and use become smooth and shaped to your underarm. The last bag I bought was about two years ago in a mom and pop market in Phuket. Cost just 20THB. It had four big crystals in it. I am still using the first big crystal. A single big crystal basically lasts forever.

I leave mine in the shower in the shampoo rack. When I have dryed off, I wet the crystal and then smear it under my arm.

The aluminum chlorohydrate stops you from sweating, but it has no smell, the other major ingredient in off the shelf deodorants is a scent or fragrance.

The cheap and most effective solution is to buy what Thais refer to as "Nam Hom".

I use one called Tros. The Unlock flavour as the TG likes it. Another added advantage is that you can have a number of different nam homs and mix them up from time to time. A large bottle of Tros is about 50 or 60 baht. It will last you 3 - 6 months. Smear with the crystal, let dry, and then spray on your scent. It is a pump spray so no flourocarbons to worry about.

And so you can have good protection with a change in scent whenever you want for less than 100 THB per year.

Neeranam is being labelled a "dirty hippy" in this thread because he suggests not using deodorant is the best option. Fact is he is correct. Deodorants, including san som, have been identified as a significant health risk:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deodorant

Ok I'll start.

NamKangMan

Love his posts, nobody pulls the wool over his eyes and he calls a spade a spade.

But his username suggests that he is trapped in a twilight zone between Farang and Thai culture.

If he is going to transliterate Iceman into Thai, surely his username should be PooChaiNamKang?

Neversure

Love his posts also. Knows a lot of stuff. So why all the self doubt in the selection of his username?

You really sound like a fool to have stayed here all those years. I mean , you have " an advanced degree" , you bought your wife a car, oh yes and you just happened to buy a house too. I'm an economic refugee here.I would much rather be able to afford to rent a decent little studio apartment in my own country, my own state of California , but I cannot afford to. And I have no hope of finding a job that would pay enough to survive there. I'm 60 and I'll probably die

Your mum wasn't a doctor?

Mexico doesn't have much of a problem with Americans trying to sneak in, LOL.

Oh REALLY!

Questions about cost have been raised. For those who aren't Americans this might be of interest. I found a typical, two year old American home just outside of Jacksonville Florida for 5 million baht. IMHO the land under it is worth (to me) 1/2 of the price. This is no money at all to an engineer in the US. If he started with no money he could easily pay it off in less than 5 years.

That land with title insurance and a government to back it up to perpetuity is what it's all about. He didn't need anyone's permission to move there and outright own his home. He has a right to be there - something he'd never find in LOS.

This home has the typical American amenities and surrounding infrastructure and proper engineering, permits and inspections on all. Note that from the air and to the left of the picture are large ponds that would have been swamps that I really like rather than having houses crowded right up. That's all engineered into the subdivision and of no concern.

Link to Realtor's listing - there are lots more pictures by clicking the arrows on the edges.

Clipboard01.jpg

Clipboard03.jpg

Clipboard02.jpg

Thanks Neversure for the price comparison. Hopefully the OP will be along shortly to let us know what he paid.

In my hometown back in Australia, which is a similar beachside hamlet, the equivalent of 150K USD is just short of enough to buy a demountable home in a van park. 1 bedroom apartments start at about 300K AUD circa 230K USD. We have annual land rates (tax) also which on the average family home run at about 4 to 5K AUD per year. So, by all measures, having a house like the OPs is very affordable to buy. What is the percentage nut on a mortgage in the states at the moment? 4%? So even if the OP borrowed 100% his payments would only be circa 500USD per month. Or 125 USD per week. A shared dorm room in a backpackers in Australia costs more than that.

First off, thank you to all the good comments. My intent was to show a realistic view of what happened in my case and no one else.

In any forum, no matter what, there will always be those (that have such a great life in Thailand that they have all this time for bitching and complaining about something that has nothing to do with them)

I liked the comments about showing off when I simply took a factual picture of my house, which is average standard at best, so people living in Thailand could use it for comparison.

Someone was bitching about 3 cars, when another poster has a Lexus that cost more than the 3 of mine combined. I also wrote that I restored 2 of those cars as they are both over 20 years old and bought the pair for less than US $5k

But is not the details, it is the fact so many people have such a brilliant life in Thailand, but every single thing they comment on is a bitch about something or someone.

One guy posted he would not post a photo of his wife because everyone would be leering at her? What the hell? You must be one insecure dude if you are worrying about people looking at a photo on the internet.

I think when people are so negative then turn around and tell everyone how brilliant their life in Thailand is, something is out of whack and they are kidding themselves.

Anyone that is truthful enough to share a story and back it up with facts, it should be left as is whether you like it or not because quite simply is is not you and has nothing to do with you.

The people that want the information will welcome it, the people that do not, should disregard it.

When all you negative commentators, who have a history of always posting negative comments, start sharing your happy life with evidence, I will gladly believe you.

Until then, rest on your corporations, investments, riches, and everything else you claim to have making you so happy that you have to write negative comments.

I have never met a happy person that has everything, be so negative about something that has nothing to do with them.

The only logical answer is they are trapped in their own stories and are probably not really happy at all.

Talk is cheap, happy people do not sit around posting nothing but negative comments.

If you have a happy rich life in Thailand, share it with everyone instead of wasting time posting negative comments.

Ron the Pig Farmer did such a post and a link to his website. He is happy with what he has, which for him is his kingdom and I salute him for sharing his story.

If you have nothing to do but post negative comments, I suspect you are full of yourself and don't really have a happy life to share.

Take a long look in the mirror and worry about yourself before you waste your precious happy time in Thailand railing on mine.

Thanks for the pictures of your house. Personally I think your decore choices are just plain ugly. Why have a beach house and decorate it like a cheap innercity motel with pastels and wall prints. And the blame for that lies soley on you becaue you decorated while you waited for you wife to arrive...right?

A friend of mine has just moved into a property down the road from me here in Thailand, I put him on to the place. His wife is currently overseas (working) but will arrive here in about 3 months. Other than a mattress and some bare basic kitchen ware he has not purchased a single piece of furniture because (in his words) he wants to wait for his wife to arrive so that she can share in the decorating decisions. Where in your new house has your wife been able to express her personality, tastes and choices? At the risk of being rude was the arrival of your wife state side the final decoration to add to YOUR house?

Unlike some members, I do not care what your age is. If you have a working relationship good for you. Say hi to your mum for me and give her my love. I lost mine to breast cancer when I was just 15 and she was my sole care provider. I would give everything I am and everything I own just to sit at table with her and have a cup of tea.

You have stated that your two fixer up cars cost less than 5K USD. I know that is the truth and hilarious when you compare what cars cost in Thailand. But I am very interested in what you paid for your house. If it is not too personal a question I would love to know so that I can compare it with housing both in Thailand and other countries with which I am familiar.

Good luck and best wishes with your new life. And don't forget to ponder a while upon my comments about including your wife in decorating decisions moving forward.

Sure it is an advantage to speak Thai. But I'm not sure us lazy, ignorant and geriatric sods who have failed to learn Thai are necessarily missing out.

There are over 100,000 Thai living legally or illegally in my home country (Australia). Most speak indifferent English and don't seem interested in experiencing fully what Australia's 'culture' has to offer (swimming in surf beaches, hiking, outdoor living, cosmopolitan dining etc). They are at their happiest getting together with their Thai friends, eating Thai food and talking Thai. The only Australia activity many seem to enjoy are the casinos and pokies. Why are they in Australia? Because they can live a better lifestyle which basically boils down to more opportunities to make money.

Similarly, there are may reasons why expats. might want to live in Thailand. Most just want a better lifestyle becasue they get more bang for their buck in Thailand. I think relatively few have come to fully immerse themselves into the culture, learn all about 'thainess' and to go native. For myself, yes, I want to learn Thai, but I don't think I'm missing out in the meantime. So what if expats huddle together with their mates and talk English and their Thai sucks. If you thought you could only fully enjoy yourself/experience life in Thailand if you spoke the language, then, maybe we would stay in an English-speaking country. My wife will deal with issues needing Thai and I'll deal with issues needing English. We do it as a team. I don't think I've been put to any disadvantage.

Wow. So you never go anywhere without your wife. What a sad existence you must live here.

Or am I missing something, you do go out without your wife but every single person you encounter speaks English. What part of Thailand do you live in?

And how exactly are you a team? Oh wait, your wife deals with every aspect of your life in Thailand and you pay the tab. And you speak English when you go out with your expat friends, while your wife sits there bored out of her head. Go team.

At my age (67), investing in budget condos=headaches

I have purchased 30+ investment properties over the years.

In most cases they were self-managed.

Agents - my experience - inferior management - put anyone in - get the commission. Maintenance - sweetheart deals with contractors ie kick-backs

The more I consider, the 2% on offer by the banks looks "OK".

Hmm you bought and sold 30+ investment properties and at 67 your net worth is only 10 million baht.

Yes you should avoid property moving forward, clearly you know nothing about turning a profit from it.

I live here and have substantially more than that but it remains invested in shares on the Australian stock market. I have, with my wife, who still works, bought property here and I retain a reasonable amount in the bank but there is no way would I bring everything here. If something goes wrong, I can fall back on what I have and return to my country at anytime I choose, however, at this time, there is no intention to do so. But who knows what will happen in the future. Never burn your bridges.

The problem with that is

1. You're exposed to exchange rate risk. Your income can differ very dramatically year to year

2. You can not claim the franking credits in Australia if you don't live there. However, if you invested in Thai shares you would in fact be able to claim the Thai equivalent tax credits that dividends provide. Thats the benefit of Thai tax residence.

But at the end of the day, invest with what your happy with.

Wrong. If you are a non tax resident of Australia and own ASX listed stock that is fully franked there is no tax payable on your dividends.

Stop taking Testosterone.

Who....?

Me. Back home I would be living alone and have the top pulled off it.

I have no idea what your post is about. It relates in no way to the post of mine that you quoted.

Maybe a second read will help you understand my very simple statement which is indeed related to what you wrote.

Nope second read didn't help. Please elaborate.

Stop taking Testosterone.

Before I moved out of Phuket for good. I learnt the phrase, "I don't speak English" in Russian

When I was approached by an English speaking tourist I replied: "I don't speak English", in Russian

When I was approached by a Russian speaking tourist I replied: "I don't speak Russian", in English

When I was approached by a Thai male I replied: "I don't speak Thai", in English

When I approached a Thai female I spoke my very best pasa Thai.

I didn't move here for the temples and food.

Also, if I have to go to Penang I will probably fly to avoide the risk attached to a minibus ride from Phuket. However, something I really likes about my previous minibus run to Penang was that I just stayed at the hotel and never even saw the immigration office. The minibus driver collect our passports on the afternoon of our arrival, and then they were handed out next morning at breakfast with the stamped already inside.

Don't count on that. If the driver finds it convenient he ca save a time picking up people at the hotel first, have them outside the consulate and then drive back from there.

If you want a comfortable trip the only way is flying, then you can still use an agent in Penang.

I have no idea what your post is about. It relates in no way to the post of mine that you quoted.

Learning Thai will of course get you out of the Bar Scene and in to mainstream Thailand where you will meet the best girls.

That is a given.

But what is more important, and never discussed, is the fact that learning Thai will improve the quality of your sex:

Joop te ne dai mai

Cha Cha

Bough bough

Chorp daw yai mai

Khun lum pai

Jep mai

Aow ek mai

Por Lell

Nam Tairk Lell

Yes I meant Penang.

You do not convert from a tourist visa to a non-o visa at Penang or Vientiane. You just apply for a single entry non-o visa.based upon being 50 or over. As I wrote before all you need is your passport and bank book to apply at both locations.

Taxi fare on the meter from DM to Chaeng Wattana should be less than 100 baht. But you have to add 50 baht to that for the fee they charge when getting a taxi at the airport.

3, You can do the bank letter the day before at CW but they will want a bank book update on the date you apply.

If you were in or near Bangkok and your money has been the bank for some time I would suggest trying to get the change done without the proof of the funds coming from abroad. They appear to have that rule to keep people from borrowing the money to do the application since their is no requirement for seasoning of the money for the change.

And I read somewhere that there are bank branches on the floor underneath the immigration office a Chaeng Wattana. Is that correct? If yes can anyone confirm that there is a Kasikorn (green) and Krungsri (yellow) branch underneath.

Also, if I have to go to Penang I will probably fly to avoide the risk attached to a minibus ride from Phuket. However, something I really likes about my previous minibus run to Penang was that I just stayed at the hotel and never even saw the immigration office. The minibus driver collect our passports on the afternoon of our arrival, and then they were handed out next morning at breakfast with the stamped already inside.

Anyone every used a minbus agent from Phuket to do the legwork in Penang, but flown in and caught up at the hotel?

Alternatively, anyone know of a good hotel in Penang (Georgetown) that has an agent to do the legwork?

Thanks Chaawlepcha.

I didn't mention the collection the next day but it was a complete zoo. They have led numbers displayed above counter 1 and 2 to the right but for some reason they were not using them. There was just a mosh pit of HUNDREDS of people waiting. I stood at the back of this pack and waited to see what would unfold. I had already arranged with a minibus driver outside for a return trip back to the bridge for both my girl and me for 100thb each. She was waiting in the van and so I knew regardless of how long it took me to get my passport back he would still have to wait for me.

At one stage, I couldn't see why, or what happened, but there was a great rush of people charging at the two windows. Crazy stuff. Then, they did not use the LED numbers but rather called out in broken english on a speaker now serving number 1 to 20 and then 20 to 40 and so on. There was just total and absolute confusion and so I just waited at the back of the mosh. It took me about 1 and a half hours to get my passport back. The aforementioned taxi driver came in to check on me about 5 times...and on the last two occassions he went from a happy go lucky chap to a snarling nazi telling me to hurry up. The trip to the bridge was uneventful and the crossing through both laos and thai immigration smooth. A final tip, if you are staying in Non Khai or want to go to the bus station there, once you get back into Thailand on the Thai side of the bridge, walk past all of the taxi and tuk tuk touts and down the road a bit. You will see a 7 eleven on the left. In front of it are a few old ladys who work as motorcycle taxis (they have their coloured vests on). They will only charge you 50 thb to go into town or to the bus or train station.