BKKSnowBird

He should have gone home and sought treatment for his illnesses

Easier said than done. The US does not have free healthcare. If he was broke he may have gotten some basic care through medicaid.

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Adul said police suspected that the man might suffer from depression because he had chronic illness.

This is always what the police say, even before any autopsy.

More like he had no home to return to, was broke, and started "teaching" to put food on the table.

Sure would be nice if some organization could become a TV "sponsor," and make TV members aware of a number for a help line.

I, for one, would contribute to the cost of repatriating guys like this. The incidents are getting closer and closer.

I also believe that the US embassy will repatriate a citizen. They will try to recover the money but it seems so much better than jumping.

I have heard that they will do nothing for you. You are on your own.

This story bothers me more than some of the others.

I know it is none of my business but wish I knew where he was going and what the note said.

58 and an English teacher. I met a few guys when I was a teacher who had nothing and wonder if this guy was sick with no options?

Again, not sure a helpline and a free ticket back to the US would help. The US really does not have many resources other than a few homeless friendly cities.

Your SS is based on 35 years of work unless you claim SSDI (less years are used depending on the age you became disabled).

The amount you get on those 35 years is for full retirement age (FRA). It is reduced if you take it at 62 and increased if you wait until 70.

Some workers have less than 35 years of earnings so working after retirement may replace $0s and increase their PIA (monthly benefit).

Working in Thailand will NOT increase PIA because you don't pay fica.

In fact, working over 45 hours in a non covered job will cause you to lose SS if under full retirement age. This is different than working in a job in the US were benefits are reduced after a certain amount. I think they came up with this rule so not to deal with exchange rates and verifing enployment status. Easy to do if working in the US but not so easy in Thailand. Tuturing "on the side" would be considered self employment.

Working in Thailand under 45 hours a month will not get you a WP so you will be working illegally in Thailand. You could work full time and not tell the SSA you are working but that is fraud.

You may get away with it but I would not risk Social Security fraud by trying to earn a few bucks.

Adul said police suspected that the man might suffer from depression because he had chronic illness.

This is always what the police say, even before any autopsy.

More like he had no home to return to, was broke, and started "teaching" to put food on the table.

Sure would be nice if some organization could become a TV "sponsor," and make TV members aware of a number for a help line.

I, for one, would contribute to the cost of repatriating guys like this. The incidents are getting closer and closer.

Me too. And I can offer short term accommodation. and even contribute to a ticket home.

Nothing is worth killing yourself.

The problem is for many, nowhere and nobody to go back to.

Sure, you may find money for a ticket but then what? A homeless shelter?

There is no privacy.

Watsons or Boots. Go to central festival mall.

She got 5 years but probably would have gotten out early. Yes, she is now looking at more time for running but not sure how much more.

OP. You can NOT collect social security if you work over 45 hours a month.

I stand by my original post. Getting legal work over 60 is going to be a problem.

The OP is very qualified but will make the same as a backpacker if he does find a paying gig.

If he wants to volunteer like before, no problem but still illegal with no WP.

Best to show up in low season. I bet many places would discount for a years contract.

I didn't think you can get a WP if over 60?

Paid $40 for a 3 day pass. Our tuk tuk driver took us to the official place that sold them. 2 days was enough for me.

You do need a WP to volunteer but often overlooked. Sorry don't know much about that area but you will likely not get legal work at your age.

I have know her for many years.

She did like many expats on tourist visas and worked doing what she could do... from selling stuff to housekeeping.

You could tell that she had a heavy past but she fit in quite well on this island!

How did she get away for so long without a passport or a visa? Also, another poster said she was running some kind of business?

Siem Reap is a great place even after you see AW but best fly there. Trust me, the bus and crossing the border by land sucks.

Why do this at an airport? Are they that sad to be leaving?

Where is the girly bar in Siem Reap?

I was there two years ago and really liked it. I did AW and stayed a few more days to just relax by the pool and eat at all the great resturants. Cheap also!

The only thing I didnt like about Cambodia is everyone will know who you and what you are doing. You dont get that in much larger Bangkok.

Thailand has plenty of English teachers working illegally. Same same but different.

She will now do more than five years and sad she now has a baby. I bet the husband is facing charges also.

How could she think she was a citizen but not be?

Sure she was working 50k as a foreign teacher in one of the schools.somr of these thai schools get excited when they see a white skin. some dont even check if u have a valid visa or not,if u went to school or not.if u are educated or not. As long as ure white skin,there u go.

No school on koh Lanta is paying 50k and yes schools in Thailand do check passports. They may overlook someone not having a degree but not a 6 year overstay.

Yes what did she do for money ? Someone had to be helping her, there is another criminal out there.

My thinking also.

Easy to get on a plane but there must be a money trail. Nobody can live that long without money.

Since she was living with her husband, perhaps he was helping her out financially just a little?

They both need to be in jail.

Yes what did she do for money ? Someone had to be helping her, there is another criminal out there.

My thinking also.

Easy to get on a plane but there must be a money trail. Nobody can live that long without money.