Moonlover

Maybe you weren't aware that that there was a 3 month subsidy on electricity bills that ended the previous month. Ours did the same.

You might think that this is 'just 2c worth', but I think it is excellent advice.

Go back and read the original story: 'In an eye-opening turn of events, four Chinese nationals were apprehended attempting to smuggle vital files from the wreckage of the collapsed State Audit Office building in Bangkok's Chatuchak district'.

12 hours by bus from where we live. That's 48 hours in total of 'your life in their hands!' Not a chance for either of us. I've read plenty of favourable reports regarding the agencies, so I'll leave it up to them.

Women pee in cubicles. Didn't you know that? The only view that the men get is of them at the wash basins. When did you last see a man masturbating in a public toilet? (perhaps you'd better not answer that!)

Wise obviously couldn't operate in any country without having partners within those countries. But the point I was making was that money does not move across borders. The partners in the various countries facilitate the payments both in and out on behalf of Wise. That is, principally why Wise are usually able to make 'instant transfers'. The use of the word 'transfer' is actually a little bit oxymoronic , but I guess no one can think of a better word to use.

'Life is really simple but we insist on making complicated'. Confucius (I wonder if he ever had to pay taxes)

I don't see that there is any point to having an earthquake alarm at all. Any message that is sent out will be after the event. Earthquakes never give a prior warning. Tsunami warning are different of course. It takes time for the waves to arrive, so a warning might be of some practical use.

Yes it does make a difference. I received my 1st of the month pension an hour earlier today. Wise do not route cash through any intermediates. When you make a transfer with them, money does not cross any borders at all. 'It’s because of how we work: when you send money with us, we use our Thai banking partners to send out your money locally. It doesn’t cross any borders',

Frequent travellers often fill all the pages and have to renew more frequently than the normal 10 years.

Did you use an agent or did you visit VHS personally?

In many countries, you do send your passport back to HMPO with your application. Thailand is an odd exception to that norm. It sounds to me that someone back there in the UK has got their 'knickers in a twist'. Challenge VFS with this issue. IMO they are the ones who should be sorting this 'misunderstanding' out. Good luck.

No that's not an option with VFS. It has to collected either in person or by an authorized 3rd party.

Sorry, you have stumped me now. I was assuming that your new passport was ready for collection. Is that not the case?

There's no mistake. This is exactly how it works. I had to make 2 long journeys to Bangkok from Udon Thani the last time I renewed. There were no agents back then or I would have gladly used one!

No you have no options regarding the currency or the exchange rate. DWP uses Citicorp as their paying agent to all foreign banks including Thailand of course. The rate you get will be the mid market rate on the day of payment less a small charge of around 120 THB and it will be credited to your account 2 working days after your due payment date (public holiday excepted) You will normally be paid 4 weekly in arrears. Hope you find that useful.

'This type of visa will allow for multiple entries during the specified time period without needing to apply for a new visa for each trip. However, each stay in the UK must not exceed the stay specified on the visa'. So, how many days does your wife's visa specify? Therein you have your answer. https://ayjsolicitors.com/how-to-apply-for-a-multiple-entry-uk-visit-visa/

It sounds like you had a great start to life. That was, of course good fortune on your part. I wasn't quite so lucky, but overall it's worked out ok and I've certainly made up for it in many ways. But I do believe that we should all continue the momentum into our later years. In fact, it's probably more important. Living a long life is of no value unless it's a healthy and fulfilling one. Take care. 😉

Well it seems that 4 people agreed with my post so I'm quite comfortable with that. Have a nice day.

Well, yes to a degree. But I do not believe that it is just down to 'good fortune'. I actively engage in my own health through exercise, diet and what one might call 'right attitude'. It's stood me in good stead for a long time now.

I've never had a flu jab nor (to the best of my knowledge) have I had flu. And I'm still alive, fit and well at 79 years. I So just what conclusion does one draw?

Try Reuters: 'BANGKOK, March 29 (Reuters) - Myanmar's military rulers let in hundreds of foreign rescue personnel on Saturday after an earthquake killed over 1,000 people, the deadliest natural disaster to hit the impoverished, war-torn country in years'. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/myanmar-quake-death-toll-nears-700-international-aid-starts-arrive-2025-03-29/

I do not believe that indulging in pure uninformed speculation has any merit whatsoever.

Don't ask me @sharot724, ask the O/P. He's the one who reported that egg prices are falling.

No it isn't ASAIK. Chicken farmers in the US had to cull millions of birds due to avian flu, hence the shortage of eggs and a subsequent price rise. The US has been casting around to find countries that have a surplus of eggs that they can buy up. Sounds as they're succeeding. https://www.euronews.com/business/2025/03/28/us-egg-shortage-is-europe-ready-to-help-despite-tariff-tensions#:~:text=Imports of liquid%2C frozen and,a decline of nearly 10%.