Capt Rob

A topic which increasingly affects we males.

Found that alcohol, spices, sugar ( and heavy sugar laden products ) can easily initiate a bout.

There is a line of thinking that it can be a result of pudendal nerve entrapment ( think pelvic cavity ) - mostly troubles females particularly after child berth but guys can have the issue also.

Endless antibiotics are not the answer unless specifically indicated.  

9 hours ago, bultaco44 said:

Damn

 

I put a tenner on him going to the slammer

 

ten baht ? I hope

11 hours ago, webfact said:

A 65 year old business owner in Chon Buri approached the Saaih Mai Tong Rod coordination centre at 10.40am today, seeking assistance after being ruthlessly pursued by loan sharks. The business owner, Chai, borrowed just 30,000 baht but has ended up paying over 3 million baht in interest. His lenders, a total of 29, have forced him to become a fugitive, sleeping in bus stops and temples.

Chai established his company in Chon Buri in September 2020 but soon encountered financial difficulties. Initially, he borrowed from relatives, but when that wasn’t enough, he turned to loan sharks. He borrowed 30,000 baht in August this year but the loan sharks deducted the interest instantly and he only received 24,000 baht while still having to repay the full amount.

 

Chai further explained that he had to pay interest daily at a rate of 200 baht per thousand, or 600 baht per day. Eventually, he couldn’t keep up with the payments. When he failed to pay, the loan sharks suggested he borrow from another lender, which he believed was part of the same network, to pay off the old debt.

He was caught in an endless cycle of borrowing and interest payments kept increasing. Some lenders even made him buy two motorcycles, costing over 200,000 baht, under his name, both of which have now gone abroad. Some days, Chai had to pay as much as 20,000 baht a day in interest.

In just eight months since August 2023, he has had 37 creditors and was able to pay off eight, leaving him with 29. He has already paid over 3 million baht in interest.

 

Chai confessed that he has exhausted all sources of borrowing, including friends, relatives, and even his children. He has had to flee his creditors three times after they threatened to kill him and surrounded his company. Local police advised him to relocate as the group of creditors was influential, had numerous associates, and did not fear local law enforcement.

 

by Nattapong Westwood 

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2023-12-09

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

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Just for correctness suggest noun ' leeches '

Whilst admiring and supporting the forthrightness of most contributors - i believe a great many issues in 'our' world are due to folk being led away from reality.

Have been encouraged of late by the collective work of "ARC" organisation.

This altruistic themed group are attempting a world reset to reality.

Not sure that this will be popular with all but, a marked improvement for most. It is not nation centric.

On 11/2/2023 at 4:16 PM, nchuckle said:

The only counter to this is if you're not a good swimmer you are in significant danger trying to rescue a panicking drowning person. You should try to help if possible from the shore. I say this as a BSAC trained diver . I would have gone in despite advanced years as I would know what to do (grab her in something of a chokehold from behind) and I  am a strong swimmer. The average Thais swimming ability - not so much...

Seemingly there is another dimension to this in that the 32 year old was on medication for illness - not a excuse but part of the group reaction to the event.

3 hours ago, mstevens said:

From the sounds of it, a sleep specialist would probably be the way to go. Not something I know anything about but if it's a breathing issue causing sleep problems then maybe a CPAP machine might help? Obviously you need professional help if you go down that route.

 

There are various supplements that can help sleep including:

Melatonin

L Tryptophan

GABA

5 HTP

Magnesium

 

They're all a little different, work slightly differently and some can be combined. My personal experience trying all of these found that 5HTP worked best for me.

 

However, in your case, it definitely sound like seeing a sleep specialist would be the way to go.

A sleep specialist will advise after monitoring with a electronic halter to observe sleep pattern.

I found a CPAC machine only mildly beneficial and it disturbed two peoples sleep. They are expensive to buy ( in Aust. ) so advise renting one first as mine ended up in storage. Have seen various simple devices which claim success - personally I avoid sleeping on my back for optimum sleep value.

21 hours ago, eisfeld said:

This is actually the way to force it. She will be fined and on top might get tax issues which is most likely the reason why she does not want to file the TM30. She is avoiding to report rental income.

 

If the TM30 is important to the OP because for example you want to get a certificate of residence then I would suggest the OP openly tells the landlady and if she still refuses then do as ChipButty described and just go to immigration and start the process.

If you take this route you might need a contingency plan i.e a back up rental house in case she gets annoyed.

On 5/1/2023 at 1:12 AM, driver52 said:

Happy Birthday!

Have you got a spare room and if so have you thought about getting a lodger in case she comes at you with a rolling pin or even worse?

Good luck! Women over a certain age just seem to go all hormonal ????

Possibly AirBnB ?  To Farangs of course

On 4/30/2023 at 8:40 PM, OneMoreFarang said:

Let her find a new lover, hopefully a rich one. And then sell him that land and the house and the wife.

Probably that is what she wants anyhow.

And make sure she doesn't inherit anything, and tell her after you changed your last will and testament. 

On 5/1/2023 at 12:26 AM, PR3 said:

First of all Best Wishes on your 75th Birthday!!! I'm sure it's not fun you have to be posting on here regarding this.

Sorry to hear about your situation, you seem to be in a difficult spot there.

You mentioned earlier that everything was built and paid for prior to marriage.

It would be the sensible thing to speak to a reputable lawyer in this case; as far as I'm aware anything paid for etc. prior to marriage is not considered part of the settlement estate upon divorce. ( hope this is not the case ).

You may have other options if you have usufruct on the property i.e. rent it out and live elsewhere (if you decide to divorce) off the proceeds.

For me I'd have turned my back as soon as she disappeared with the guy for 2 weeks.

That sort of behaviour says a lot about someone.

But totally understand if your financial situation doesn't allow such a move.

Either way try enjoy your Birthday and seek legal advice, no-one should have to live with the sword of damocles hanging over them.

I wish you the very best of luck try not to get too stressed over it.

Regards 

PR3

Good to see some well intentioned and balanced advice here - There used to be a French Candian lawyer ( Isaan Lawyers ? ) name like Christian who had a good reputation, not sure if he moved on. There are other foreigners practicing law in BKK but 'pot luck' there.

19 hours ago, itsari said:

Hopefully you become bored soon.

Thailand needs expertise in many avenues to assist  the manufacturing industry that is a way forward to increase the standard of living for a majority of Thai people  .

Retirees and digital nomads are a  help but not a way forward for Thailand.

I think that you and the opposition politician have missed the class day that 'marketing tourism' was taught. If you gain a high rating in one tourism sector there will inevitably be a flow on to other areas within the industry that you hope to get/retain/recoup market share in. It is axiomatic.

9 hours ago, The Cipher said:

I'm in the bucket that TAT would probably classify as the high earning desirable foreigner.

 

And although I'm sad that there aren't more people like me in Thailand, I do have to admit that the put-down-roots type of foreigner (frequently found on this board) are, in some ways, better for the country than I am.

 

People like you guys are committed and invested in your communities for the long haul. Whereas I think that a lot of the people in my bucket remain flexible by design and are a lot more mercenary with capital allocation.

 

I'm in Thailand because it meets my needs at the current time. But if it ever stopped, I'd be gone tomorrow.

 

And I can understand why TAT targets wants to move upmarket, because honestly, there really is a lot of riffraff from Western countries that pools here (I don't mean anyone in particular here but also am not sorry if I trigger anyone with that statement). But I do wonder if TAT's aims are too upmarket. I think the country's ideal market to target would be nice middle class tourists and retirees.

I think the motives of TAT need to be amplified and or questioned. I would assume that if you can attract both the budget and middle income tourists, this will provide the budget for the provision and maintenance of a viable tourism investment. With repeat trade of this ' group ' the  yearned for high rollers/ luxury folk will follow in due course.

It is not a quick fix ( for any country ) but a ground up rebuild.

Retirees will also provide a steady inflow of cash, but they need to be accorded the status of welcome guests - a streamlined processing of visa bureaucracy is a must to retain their contentment level.

This contentment usually comes only with the services of a ' agent ' who are not cheap for 'reasons' quickly understood by most folk. 

19 hours ago, redsongthaew said:

 

AXA have an excellent policy:

 

https://axaxl.com/insurance/products/security-risks

Here is a link to a on topic article.

Basically it is " Buyer Beware " regarding insurance as they contract out of any Covid related liability.  Unless otherwise stated  https://indaily.com.au/opinion/2021/11/11/a-quick-trip-around-the-covid-changed-world-of-travel-insurance/?

Australian article but relevant.

34 minutes ago, PEE TEE said:

i hope there is a petition i will sign it . was on 60 cigs a day started vaping 6 years ago and not had one cig since .

I tend to endorse your smoking solution to  60 stick a day, but like all things in life science will come to bear and it is widely acknowledged that most vape 'fuels' contain contaminants, some proven and some yet to be proven, which are harmful. Unexpectedly in a recent survey of many 'fuels' this included nicotine, six out of a hundred plus. My point here is that there is no safe way to check levels at POS.

16 hours ago, oldcpu said:

I have elected to apply (tomorrow) for a single re-entry on my 'permission to stay' (for each visit outside of Thailand), as opposed to a multiple re-entry (on my permission to stay), even thou I have 4 trips planned outside of Thailand between now and 27-Feb-2021 when my permission to stay expires.  This will keep the 'door open' for me to 'void' my Type-OA if at any time Thai immigration rules change, making the Type-O more suitable for my case.   Fortunately for me, the local Thai immigration office is only a 15-minute auto drive away.

 

As posted in other threads, my current plan in February-2021 is to apply for a 1-year extension based on marriage (to a Thai woman) with my Type-OA visa permission to stay ... but between now and February-2021 I will continue to read the experiences of anyone else with similar circumstances to myself (Type-OA 1-year extension based  ion marriage and Health Insurance NOT on the relatively limited Thai 'approved' list).  If that 'remain on Type-OA' approach of mine needs to suddenly change, then I will have an easy option to leave the country to change to a Type-O (on one of my 4 trips outside Thailand).

 

Originally, I had planned to leave Thailand in February-2021 to go downhill ski in a colder climate, but I think I will move that ski trip up to January-2021, and instead stick around Thailand in February-2021 so to better process my 1-year extension application.

 

Thanks.  That is good to read.  I nominally plan to make this single-re-entry application tomorrow.

Good to hear you have had zero issues thus far.

My own experience with a O-A visa issued in Australia before the 1st November 2019 was arriving in BKK not acceptable without insurance resulting in a 30 day to get me back to CNX.  In CNX I eventually had my visa reinstated but not the multiple re-entry . I now have to get a re-entry each time I leave Thailand.    In summation I would suggest avoiding re-entry via BKK, their interpretation was polite but unrelenting about the need for insurance. CNX seems a little more understanding as long as it does not have to be ' kicked up stairs to BKK for a ruling '.

5 hours ago, Kenny202 said:

Why is it a foreign will? There is nothing on the English will apart from my solicitors name and address. The Thai version is copied from the english will, in Thai. Every page is signed and witnessed as a normal Thai will would be. So it is essentially an independant Thai will which is worded the same as the english will. Both wills have instructions for Thai and Australian assets so there is no conflict here or at home. You do understand if you did just get a thai will, in Thai...you would still need a signed witnessed and notarised translation. Otherwise someone can argue you signed a will in a language you dont understand.

As provided by a previous poster the proforma will in Thai/English has inter alia the proviso that " This Last Will and Testament is made in both English and Thai language. In the case of any discrepancy between the English language and Thai language, the English language shall be used for interpretation. "   Have seen this repeated in a number of proforma's and it 'should' thereby remove any ambiguities and give some comfort to the testator.

On 1/14/2020 at 11:39 AM, Matzzon said:

You seem to be hung up on the phrase "If you do not like it. Get Out!". Sad to hear, because that is such a useful phrase to be used on many comments in this forum. For example on all the constant complainers.

 

The phrase is not despicable in any kind of way. It´s probably not used to tell somebody to leave directly, but more as making a point that the complainer should just go back in the line and hide.

 

It´s just to understand this. When you choose to reside long term or settle down in Thailand, then you do not take your western values with you. That is a part of what you chose to leave. When all the expats in Thailand understand that, then we can all live in harmony.

I think the OP who pointed out that those who acquiesce are in a sense part of what ails society in general is hard to discredit - understandably those who whinge endlessly can be a trial, but that is different to expressing an opinion

3 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

Quoting your post to bring it back to life again after several post were made that did not even pay attention to it.

From the police order for extensions of stay.

"2.20 In the case of being a family member of an alien permitted a
temporary stay in the Kingdom under Criteria 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5, 2.6,
2.7, 2.10, 2.12, 2.13, 2.14, 2.15, 2.16,
2.17, 2.21, 2.22, 2.26, or 2.29 hereof

(5) In the case of parents, the father or mother must be 50 years of age or over."

 

No insurance or financial proof is needed.

 

 

U/J's post seems to cover the administrative aspect - for travel insurance some 'card' companies on the platinum level, will offer a travel insurance policy providing inter alia, travel for a lesser period than six months and card useage to purchase o/s travel within stipulated period

21 minutes ago, chang1 said:

I have not seen what the rules are so may be way off here.

IOs can use their discretion on how rules are followed so can harass anyone they want and can interpret the rules as they want but obviously cannot go too far. 

I would have thought that the date of entry trumps the date that the Visa was issued.

When the Visa was issued, does it not have some wording like "must comply with legislation on date of entry"?

As immigration rules change frequently, I am not surprised that officers follow different rules around the country and when challenged need to try and find the latest updates.

Personally if I was in the OPs position I would try to find what the  relevant rules about this are and bring a copy of them, in Thai, before risking crossing the border or trying to extend the visa. At least it would show he was trying to follow the rules.

Also I would not contemplate going to LOS without health insurance (been hospitalized twice in 20 years and known many others who have had problems) so would always be able to show something. Not so hard for me, for a few more years, as I have never stayed more than 4 months at a time. 

Here is another case history - returning via BKK to CNX 27th November with a ( predated October 31st ) OA with multiple re-entry.

Denied at BKK due no Thai medical insurance, accepted a 30 day tourist to make flight connection etc,

Three visits to CMI got the visa accredited but now require further re-entry stamps each time I leave Thailand ???

"Tried" a letter to Thai Embassy Australia asking for refund of THB 3800 re-entry - basic response ( not surprised ) we do not refund visa fees, I replied not visa but re-entry permit - no response ( and waiting . . . . . . . . . . ).

Clearly at this stage we OA's will need to swap to a 'O' visa if 'we' qualify, to squeeze past the medical insurance issue.

On 12/28/2019 at 4:24 PM, OneMoreFarang said:

Another negative on TH? Really? Then just stay away from TH.

Because most people who live here in condominiums don't like short time rentals in their residential building. That's what hotels are for.

I hope they crack down hard and find the illegal occupants and the people who illegally rent out the apartments. 

A somewhat insensitive response to an understandable dilema facing a holiday booker. Do they know they are flouting the law ? - AirBnB is around the world, they amongst many others also book hotels as well as private folk trying to make a dollar, if you need to vent your spleen that is perhaps a direction to take ? AirBnB will impose a penalty on some cancellations by the 'hosts' such as not allowing a re-booking on that date, but once again the ' guests ' have no way of knowing they are transgressing.

20 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

Vientiane want a medical and police clearance certificate for a non-o visa based upon being 50 or over. They will accept both done here in the country.

No recent reports for Phnom Phen issuing one. I can recall reports of people having to wait until the head of consular section accepted the application.

The consulates in Penang and Savannakhet will issue one. Besides financial proof they also require proof of retirement. If you  have proof of 65k baht income from your embassy proof of retirement is not required.

 

I have watched /read comments about " O visa " batted to and fro - it is hard to find a definition of what constitutes the validity for a 'o' application. Accepting the financial requirements, is it for retirement over the age of 50 years, based on marriage/child support or is a combination of several ? Have read the attached :

http://www.consular.go.th/main/th/services/1287/104719-Visa-Non--Immigrant-“O”-ติดตามครอบครัว.html

16 minutes ago, Olmate said:

Yes, but is it confirmed anywhere that OA extensions require insurance ,either by IO or by experience of expats? UJ can you confirm please?

Not specifically answering the original post, but recently on review my declined OA Visa dated 29th October, was validated without the requirement for medical insurance. My re-entry into Thailand was November 17th, I know of two other people had the same OA and entered ( CNX ) without issue also in November.

The larger issue now is how one will fare with an extension in 2020 ?

I plan to go that route but will not sign up for a almost worthless and expensive insurance cover.

3 hours ago, kenk24 said:

I have no idea if there are any fallacies... but, at the moment, I have not been told that I need insurance, so, I have not been offered a policy to review... 

 

as far as I can see, you are telling me how awful a policy is that I am not currently required to buy... so, not sure I get this post or its relevance... 

 

Correct? Please let me know if not correct... 

Think the original post was well explained.

Further to the quoted post, I relate a recent experience.

Having obtained a O-A Visa in Australia with an assurance that providing it was processed and granted in October, I would fall under the pre- health insurance requirements.

Returned via BKK and was told I needed to be in LOS before November as well as holding O-A

I rather think this was a 'local ruling' or one which was interpreted incorrectly - still waiting for an appeal to decided . . . . . . . . . . With no more than 6/7 months per year in Thailand and free medical service ( DVA ), I am disinclined to shell out AUD 6K plus pa, if I can get it.

My point here being what seems assured is seldom so in Thailand

3 hours ago, glennb6 said:

So now, a few days back I read that health insurance was to be manditory for new O-A visa applicants over 50 yrs of age. Not a very clear explanation for an official announcement, but I'm now extending my O-A visa, not applying for a new one, so I passed on the details.

 

Today I read that the plans are "updated" to include ALL over 50 O-A visas, new and extensions, and again with less than clear guidelines. I will only speak for myself because that's the only person I am an expert in knowing.

 

Seems I am considered first, a long stay TOURIST. I thought I was a long term Non-immigrant? Something about being deemed a temporary tourist bothers me both from the perspective of being considered temporary by the authorities, and from the point of security of lifestyle. The later in that I am retired here, intend to live here until I die, and if that makes me a "non-immigrant" fine, but a temporary tourist?? Maybe tourists will be limited to X number of months one of these days at the whims of, well...

 

I am very INSULTED to be called "high risk" because I am over 50 yrs old. Hey, we all die some day but some people are healthier than others regardless of age. Some people live a healthier life style than others, regardless of age. I do know age discrimination when it's typed in print in my face by the host government!

 

Me, knock on my wooden head, I am healthy, never needed a hospital or a doctor in countless years. I'm not fat/overweight. I eat healthy, I exercise regularly and am in better shape than most 30-40 yr olds. I don't smoke, I rarely drink alcohol, I am in a monogamous relationship with my GF, and my stress levels are near zero. Sound pretty good and low risk to me.

 

I rarely ride public transportation, which seem to overturn, have brake failures, and driver brain failures resulting in crashes thus ranking Thailand rather high on road fatalities and injuries. I drive an older Toyota pickup and a whimpy Honda Wave motorcycle. I have Thai driver licenses and extra insurance on the pickup truck. I drive safely, sober, and on the lookout. Anyone who has ever been here and especially who live here knows how bad the driving is.

 

Tourists who rent larger motorcycles and blast around drunk. Locals who believe Buddha will protect them and don't bother looking who they drive in front of or on which side of the road they drive. Half the population who rides motorcycles sans helmets, and frequently three plus people on two seat motorcycles...yea. Many locals don't have driver licenses, carry insufficient insurance if any, and apparently frequently run from the scene of accidents (according to the daily news reports)...yea, who is it that is 'high risk'???

 

Police? Apparently they are there at the occasional roadblock to check helmets, license, and other minor stuff. Many people remember the recent news report with pictures of three young boys stopped at a roadblock, one wearing a metal pot on his head, and the police standing around chuckling how funny that was. Too young for licenses, no helmets, insurance? Driving skills?  Say no more.

 

I stress the road safety issues because driving is high risk here, but hey, because I'm an over 50 non-Thai, I am considered high risk. Essh.

 

So, I checked the premium rates for the stated minimum required insurance of 400k in patient and 40k outpatient coverage and surprise surprise surprise... 81,746 baht per year for 61-67yr olds. Seems a bit high for very minimal coverage, especially when the government has recently and officially condoned public hospitals to charge "whatever they feel like" for foreigners.

 

My current coverage with same company is 780k inpatient, zero outpatient. If I am injured and require outpatient care I will pay out of pocket. As my visa requirement is that I must have 800k in Thai banks, I think I can cover the 40k baht minimum.

 

My current coverage including discounts for no outpatient coverage, a deductible, and not having used the insurance (now in 2.5yrs since I started) is 19,238 baht per year.

 

So for lesser coverage the government is expecting me to pay an additional 62,508 baht every year!?? Expecting me to be OK with insurance that provides me with lesser coverage but costs 425% more than what I voluntarily buy now!??!!

 

At the very best and kindest, this is full on incompetence and disregard, and at worst it smells like government corruption, collusion with the insurance business, graft, and theft from a small segment of the non-resident population that is expected to say nothing as they are not Thai and just pay, just pay.

 

I don't like (but knew and agreed to before retiring here) having to keep 800k baht in Thai banks on a permanent bases. Didn't really care for the 2 months prior and 3 months after extension requirements because it sounds like the government assumes I'm trying to cheat the system with an agent (I am not). I don't travel in country much at all so the TM30 tracking doesn't affect me, but it seems childish and ineffectual if really intended to track criminals. I grin and report myself in to immigration every 90 days even though it makes me feel like a parolee, but at least the process is quick.

 

Now, the government says I will be required to pay an additional $2050 USD for their approved insurance scheme. I am not a big spender like the 2 week millionaire tourists or rich Thais, but my spending is a 100% positive income for the country, not to mention the 800k baht stuck in the bank. It costs Thailand ZERO, NOTHING to have me here, and I expected to live this way for another 20 to 30 years.

 

This mandatory insurance scam is insulting, way over the top costly, and provides significant mistrust in what the government may come up with next for me trying to live here.  Of all the policies and rules, this is one that may well push me to look elsewhere to live in retirement.

 

This rant is mostly "preaching to the choir" but maybe it will be read by some Thais, may some Thail government officials.

This is a well written precis of actual costings ( as far as I can tell ). If it is a "rant" it is on target. As regards my own feelings I have previously opted for a philosophical acceptance of life in Thailand.

This latest barrage of ' controls ', without serious critical annalysis is a bridge too far for me - it would appear to be un-sustainable for many retirees in LOS unless they downsize there retirement bucket list.

Like the author of the above I believe we should pay our way but being slowly 'cooked' for banquet of sorts for the elite is not at all inviting.

Generally I very much enjoy the life here and the cultural quirks mostly amuse, but I think I will saddle up for other parts and opt for a tourist visa when required.

The insurance impost, requiring bank deposit thereby foregoing earning of reasonably interest will likely make it revenue neutral.

Possibly the mandarins will take a deep breath but the proposed dubiously applied ' user pay ' concept has gained traction and will now seemingly be applied in the manner described - the dust may clear and it maybe an attempt to 'stir up the possum', overlooking the possibility of self-harm ( to Thailand as a destination ).