Capt Rob

12 minutes ago, baansgr said:

Although I view rent as wasted money and do prefer to own, if moving to a new area that you have limited knowledge of, why not rent an apartment or house for 3-6 months and check out all the areas. Also view each property at least three times, morning, noon and evening, take into account where the sun is as it can make the most beautiful property like an oven. Dogs, traffic, neighbours, impending construction, future resale possibilities, lots to think about so take your time.

Some sage advice here. With regard to developments if you wish for a ' bigger ' plot possibly consider older homes which have established large gardens. This could be in a former L & H, 'Q House' moo baan where 'body corporates' have already been established ( therefore costs, security and reliability known ).

Seemingly people have moved on to newer/smaller properties and a number of properties available. A sound survey will reveal any issues ( all buildings seem to suffer small cracks, for a variety of reasons ). Index Living or similar can install a full European kitchen etc.

Bought a new house here and happy with the modified result but a fully renovated building would likely have saved both up front and down the track when possibly selling. 

15 hours ago, Aditi Sharma said:

Hi, I have a question. I am planning to visit Thailand for work next month after attending my sister's marriage. I will be staying at a company place but I wont be paying any rent. Will I need to do any of this myself? I will be based in BKK though. But what if I were based in Phuket, would I need to do all this?

My understanding is your company in the process of getting your work visa would also be notifying of your residential address ( given that it is a company dwelling and they are by definition the owner ) TM 30 is required by some locations and not by others when one returns to Thailand

3 minutes ago, giddyup said:

You're right. Mods, if you're watching please close this post.

Well in spite of a few folk "stirring the possum", there have been enough informed comments here to throw a little light on a subject that often comes up. Thanks to the folk who have taken the time to be helpful.

1 hour ago, gjoo888 said:

Duty free doesn't mean free from high mark-ups. Except for booze and smokes, I find that duty-free shops in most airports are a complete rip-off. There's a lot of truth to the old captive audience theory. 

I think you will find this to be a world wide practice over a considerable time Perfumes and liquor can be a little cheaper and also some items onboard a/c are worth considering but only if you need them!

6 hours ago, Larry said:

Thank you.  That's what I suspected. And yes, I do know the difference between my original visa and the extension of my status.

When you return on a tourist visa/on entry you need to initiate 'the process'  within 7 days in order to save some money - recently embarked on similar and was unaware of the 1 week rule.  A process in your original home country might also prove to be worthwhile in both economy and convenience ( certified income letter etc )

23 minutes ago, Grusa said:

If they go to such lengths to avoid losing ฿600, how much effort will they put into not coughing up when you have a claim? Get a new agent/insurance company!

As " Blue Sofa " has pointed out he was dealing with the commission agent for the insurance company.

There is a 'possibility' from the story that the Insurance company were not allowing the agent a full commission when discount/rebate was given ?

On 7/23/2017 at 8:53 AM, colinneil said:

Your missing the point, i have a fantastic marriage, but my point is no matter what a farang says a Thai is always believed before the farang.

Not only my wife, but every Thai lady married to a farang is the same

Have a Thai who is somewhat amused by a lot of what has been expressed here.

Understandable is your wife's desire to secure her future. Still must be rather frustrating to find out that your depth of feeling and support  is not sufficient to counter the unfounded 'wisdom' of her aunt.

The family hierarchy/matriarchy  and mindset in Thailand from observation, is hard to alter.

Particularly confounding when trying to peel back the layers of apparent logic. Motives  need to be dissected, good luck with that unless you speak the language like a native. Perhaps a modern educated Thai might be the answer ?

Most of us are here enjoy the country and culture , even may I suggest the 'grumps' but,  understanding all may take me a while yet.

18 minutes ago, natway09 said:

Side stepping a little from the visa issue why are so many of you so hellbent on putting Thai Banks down.

If you check out the big 5 here their equity is better than most banks in the world along with their withdrawal 

requirements pretty tough  (only to protect your money)

 

I think the Thai banks give a meager return interest -wise so having up to THB 3 M tied up there is not enticing for many.

Security on line etc in Thai banks is pretty good, but helping their bottom line at the expense of your own is counter-intuitive, unless you have the money sitting in a non performing asset

14 minutes ago, Capt Rob said:

What is not clear is does the 5 year renewal also cost another THB 10 K ?

The cost of insurance is fairly high in later years, or virtually no-existent.

The multiple re-entry is a plus.

 

It is all about getting market share as other Asian countries are offering better deals. The pros and cons of  health care, political issues etc need to be considered of course.

 

At Chiang Mai Immigration they have definitely lifted their game and the chances are you will be processed quickly with helpful staff.

On the assumption that some government employee is detailed off to read newspapers, TV gathering comments on government edicts. I suggest they might be better off re-drafting the requirements to be beneficial for both parties :-

Suggestions :-

>  I think a medical contingency fund requirement of retirees which is acceptable be that of a 'traditional' medical insurance, or  a 'sinking' fund where one would start with a deposit amount of THB ( less than proposed THB 3 Million! ) region of THB 3/400K with the need to add to it yearly to allow for inflationary costs.

Conditions for accessing and  toppping up again to be listed. 

>  Other current requirements income/bank amounts to remain the same as per yearly visa. In order to demonstrate visible means of support.

>  With the continuation of the 90 day reporting, retirees could thereby authenticate the above on the one year anniversary 

I think the Thais are smart to ensure that ' guests ' do not become a drain on the public purse but the announcement for a 10 year visa amounts to puffery.

Like other TV viewers I regard the conditions sublimely unattractive

3 hours ago, Pilot3Boz said:

Awesome to see this moving forward from the proposed idea... Looking forward to this... Will make my life much simpler for my requirements and schedule.... Thank You PM!! I know I will get pounced on for actually supporting this idea... 1.8M with income works.... I really like the multi entry aspect.....

What is not clear is does the 5 year renewal also cost another THB 10 K ?

The cost of insurance is fairly high in later years, or virtually no-existent.

The multiple re-entry is a plus.

It is all about getting market share as other Asian countries are offering better deals. The pros and cons of  health care, political issues etc need to be considered of course.

At Chiang Mai Immigration they have definitely lifted their game and the chances are you will be processed quickly with helpful staff.

11 hours ago, sioux2012 said:

Well I don't know what Thai immi is towards a criminal record,  I do know in Thailand pay between 15000-27000  to a bonfire agent and they takecare of everything within 24 hours.  They do their job. The actual cost of the retirement visa is only .4000. They takecare of paperwork and funds if you don't meet requorements. 

 

But as mentioned... It is done here in Thailand

Not withstanding the useful comments by Ubon J and others here I think the THB 15K -27K quoted is somewhat steep.

Here in CNX the going rate is sub THB 12k for a multiple re-entry visa which will include the passport 90 day stamping and an efficient reminder of the upcoming date.

The 24 hour lead time might require a 3k 'contribution' but the various docs would still be required

2 hours ago, denby45 said:

Has everyone lost sight of the fact that Thai's earn, in general, approximately only a tenth of what westerners earn. So tourists in my opinion should stop being Cheap Charlies and visit those wonderful parks. Imagine travelling all the way to Thailand and getting the hump over dual pricing. Cutting nose off to spite face comes to mind. Long term resident foreign pensioners here of course should be treated different and their pricing should be set at a level commensurate with their average income. I know that would be a difficult thing to work out very accurately but you could get at least somewhere near.    

 

Den

I think you are perhaps miss-calculating the 'average wage' - what country are you using to make this assessment ? Malaysia, Philippines, China, Vietnam, S'pore ?

Average Weekly Earnings, Australia, May 2016  $1100 to 1500 per week  is a quoted figure but I am aware of a number of folk who get substantially less than this. High flyers get a lot more but are averaged in.

Additionally, you need to calculate what their ( Oz in this example )  out goings to exist are, eg income tax, medicare levy, transport costs, schooling fees, food costs etc.

I am not saying they ( Aust tourists ) do not have a higher living standard for hours worked, but the average person ( what is an average income anyway? ) would not have the equivalent of 10 times a Thai park attendee's income ( I do not see many poorer Thai's at the parks - unless working ) .

I think 3 to 4 times a Thai's entry price would be acceptable for most.  Some retiree's will struggle with this I am sure as they are no longer on an average wage which is high.

The underlying fact is that high entry fees are a calculated insult for a large number of foreigners.    Many choose not to be insulted.

Recently on TV we have been alerted to the waiving of tourist visa fees. Most countries will charge equivalent visa fee's  (to each other ) so I do not believe they will gain much from this strategy, unless backed up by an advertising campaign, but that is of course debatable.

Their are a few parks/waterfalls which do not charge or modestly, maybe a web site detailing scenic deals would be popular.

1 hour ago, Deepinthailand said:

My advise for what it's worth is if his assets get frozen you are an asset and I would think the government agency would give you ample time to move but as for deposit forget it. If I was you I would jump before being pushed. Your landlord will I suspect be trying as we speak to offload his assets if he has any sense. You will lose your deposit either way but at least you would be able to find a more secure tenancy. 

If he is still collecting rent perhaps indicate you will use the deposit up and then pay week by week - in advance perhaps. Worth a try, but have a fall back position as suggested 

On FB Thai a local trader near Chiang Mai has found a wallet with a Thai and Australian driver's licence in the name of Kevin John Barker. This was a posting made today in Thai, if you are from Chonburi area or just know this guy let him know as the Thai guy is holding wallet and cash for him. If you wish for me to relay info please message. Alternatively you can access info via FB Thai.

Rob C

1 hour ago, transam said:

Our lad just started on 18,000bht a month. His uniform is provided and so is a "basic" weapon for free. The Government monetary loan system that goes with the job are amazing plus FREE healthcare for him, mum and dad and any family he may have in the future.

That is why folk want their kids to get in the force, salary for life and a pension.

It would be interesting to know if this the general starting rate for new policemen. The apocryphal stories of extremely low starting pay rates need to be refuted. Whilst 18K is not a fortune it does add to over 600B / day if working 30 days. This post needs verification to educate the public at large

12 hours ago, Saraphee said:

J & N Autos on the Inner Ring Rd.

Traveling West to East past Global House approx 1 Kilometre - the frontage has several Classic Cars for sale.

Both the owner and his wife speak English.

Handles everything from Beach Buggies to Bentleys.

"Jimmy" is the proprietors name, spent some years in the USA. Maybe a little hard to spot but next door to Harley Dealer, friendly guy.

16 hours ago, 4MyEgo said:

 

Wow, I was not aware of that, not that I sleep in the car with the A/C on, but have thought of taking a cat nap at times when on longer trips, thanks for the article.

A micro sleep whilst driving will kill you and/or others  more quickly

33 minutes ago, elektrified said:

What is there to discuss?

For the record the items discussed did include 90 day reports, retirement visas, immigration office being unable to cope with numbers presenting, the need for home owners being required to report themselves back in the country, the benefits to be had as a MM2H ( Malaysia my second home ), the issue of long term dwellers not being tourists but people who regard Thailand as home, the problems of getting affordable health cover for a given age, the variance between one immigration office procedure and another office, the lack of staff numbers in the CNX office.

The Minister Tourism and Sport gave considered and eloquent replies to questions from the floor. It was also mentioned that these issues were not new by some well spoken attendees.

My belief is that " tourism " are aware they are in a competitive market for the tourist dollar. With the offers across the Thai borders being evident to even the casual inquiry.

Will this be enough to galvanize the responsible Thai government and its officials into improving the lot of long stay tourist/guests ? Your guess will be as good as any.

Nancy L as a representative of the USA, UK, Australian and general Chiang Mai expat members was more than equal to the task

13 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Thanks. They obviously assume a drug dealer is going to be stupid enough to use a real passport then.

Everything has to be x rayed ( I assume ), so anything illegal would be found anyway and the recipient countries police would be notified, so they would catch the culprit when they collected the parcel, but that would be true 20 years ago too.

I never gave a phone number on a bank transaction before, ever.

 

I don't like having to get my passport out so many times as it is more likely to get worn or damaged, and there was a recent case of someone being refused entry to a country because his passport was worn.

Photograph your P/Port for the rare occasion you need it for other than travelling

1 hour ago, JAFO said:

This is a powerful topic and clearly there is no answer. The men with the younger wives/gfs will defend it vehemently. The guys that find it odd and can't fathom how it works will never be convinced of it. To the OP, I would suspect the gals that get mentally scarred from it didn't really think it through. the money caught their eye but then comes the sacrifice and the reality. I have heard many foreigners are mentally abusive with their spouses. They hold the money over their head etc. 

 

Regardless people will do what they do and find anyway to justify in their mind that their decision is OK. Its how people behave. My personal stance; I do not understand how it works with these older men and young gals. The sex part...whatever. That's lust and that wears off. But what about the other 23.5 hours in every day? I have my suspicions that most are completely disconnected because if you do not speak Thai or she doesn't speak the BF/Husbands native language then they are products of the environment they know. The men are waited on hand and foot without exception and as long as the money keeps flowing in the gals will do this without question.  We all know the maturity level of a great majority of Thai girls is leap years behind gals we are accustomed to interacting with in the west. I'd go absolutely nuts if I had a GF/Wife that was in 20 or 30 years younger than me. I would have no idea what to talk about. I would feel mentally shunted.  Hell I'd likely go crazy if she was more than 10 years younger and that's based on what behaviors I have witnessed at work and out and about over the last 10 years here. But again that's me. We all have vastly different expectations of what we want in a woman. Some want  smart and well educated, older, mature, a bit worldly etc.  Some want an uneducated, naive gal but pretty and the man can have that feel good "knight in shining armor" type and then there are the ones in between.  

 

KhunPa makes some very valid points but I guess who is anyone to judge what others do. Some base love and happiness on how much money and things they have, others base it more on a emotional/security connection. Happiness is determined by the individuals and if works more power to them. But make no mistake, the huge age gap in any country will always draw a stare and a comment and Thailand is no different. Do not think for one minute Thais accept and embrace the age gap and support it 100% . If you think that you are totally delusional and that puts pressure on the gal hence some of what the OP mentioned.

 

To the OP, I have known a few men that had wives 20 years or so younger(1 Thai, 1 Vietnamese). They decided to move back to the west. Both went terribly wrong in no time. The gal found she could meet a much nicer, closer to her age western guy and packed up and left the old guy.  In one case (as I knew the gal) she stated later it was embarrassing to be with him in public because people stared all the time. That will have some emotional scarring and you could call that a "Side Effect"  Of course in the west people judge others very harshly.  The old guys with young girls we see in the west are nothing more than a public charade. Its not nearly as prevalent as it is here in SEAsia. The gals in the west love the glitz and the glam but sell the big house, take away the diamonds and the cars and the LV, & Gucci purses and they are like CYA......There are Gold Diggers in every country. 

Jafo has covered the points that matter in detail. A very broad topic and close to the bone for many TV folk. A good effort Jafo.

I am guessing that KhunPa is still relatively young based on his dialogue.

Just remember inside every older person, there is likely to be a younger person trying to fathom what the hell happened!

20 minutes ago, DDbkh said:

I went yesterday to the British Embassy for the letter of affirmation (LoA), and they told that they had received a letter from the Thai authorities on Tuesday, as had all other embassies, saying that the LoA is no longer accepted. 

The embassy had no information at that time as to what is now required.

Fortunately I have not made expensive arrangements but it must be very expensive for people who have already made plans.

Not sure how difficult/expensive it is to get spliced in neighboring countries, but a holiday in KL, Singapore, HK etc might be a more satisfying experience . . . . . .

20 minutes ago, DDbkh said:

I went yesterday to the British Embassy for the letter of affirmation (LoA), and they told that they had received a letter from the Thai authorities on Tuesday, as had all other embassies, saying that the LoA is no longer accepted. 

The embassy had no information at that time as to what is now required.

Fortunately I have not made expensive arrangements but it must be very expensive for people who have already made plans.

Not sure how difficult/expensive it is to get spliced in neighboring countries, but a holiday in KL, Singapore, HK etc might be a more satisfying experience . . . . . .

21 hours ago, NancyL said:

If this has happened to you in other countries, why do you leave money laying around?  

 

I had no idea my husband left loose change in his pockets until we bought a clothes washer and I started to do our laundry vs. dropping it off at the "laundry lady.  Sure it was just "lose change", but often I find 60 -100 baht with each load of laundry in his many pockets.  Has any laundry lady here in Thailand ever returned the loose change?  Nope.  She had returned the occasional USB stick or other item that looked like it might be valuable or missed, but loose change.  Never.

Nancy, hope you gave "loose change " back . . . . . . . . . maybe . . . . . . .

7 minutes ago, MiKT said:

 

 

Na, I am beginning to see that you are more nutty than either his or my neighbours. His neighbour is a certified Nut (not a term I would normally use for person with mental problems  but it fits the post), his wife is naturally upset by the situation (as I expect your wife/partner would be under the same circumstances, although living with you has probably abraded any feelings to a simple "yes god" level of blind obedience and very little feeling left) She is not nutty, just driven to distraction by the nut, to the level that any idea to solve the problem looks good.

Clear now?

Isn't this fun!

2220000000000.

A good final summation " MiKT " .

I have come back on line only to turn off the auto ' Notify me of replies ', the 100+ comments are way over  what I would have expected and some thing of a chore to keep deleting . Well done to the folk who offered genuine advice.