TheAppletons

Or you could just book a (much nicer) private car in advance for 1599 THB: https://limousine.in.th/Pattaya-auto.php

Each time you leave and re-enter Thailand in the first year of the visa, you are stamped in for one year. By leaving the country (and then re-entering) a couple of days prior to the expiration of the visa (the end of the first year), you'd be stamped in with permission to stay for the second year.

Correct.

PSA for those who might be interested: just received an email from Prikpot - 10g of OG Kush for THB 2459. Advertised as 18-20% THC, IIRC.

"The bivalent COVID-19 vaccines include a component of the original virus strain to provide broad protection against COVID-19 and a component of the omicron variant to provide better protection against COVID-19 caused by the omicron variant. " https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/covid-19-bivalent-vaccine-boosters

"Who is the loneliest monk?" - MTV VJ Tabitha Soren, 1992

While Paxlovid isn't available here, another anti-viral, molnupiravir, is available (or so I've read.) Does anyone know how one would obtain that, if it were required? Presumably it requires a prescription and one imagines the hospitals would prefer you don't show up in person with active COVID. Or am I overthinking this? Just go to the hospital with a mask on and ask to see a doctor for a prescription?

Also had a recent positive experience at BRIA lab. Relatively inexpensive and results emailed about 36 hours later.

Let me get back to you, I'm having lunch right now.

Open the Grab app, click on "transport" at the top. On that page, in the "where to" box at the top it says "Now" at the far right. Click that, it's a drop down menu that will allow you to schedule in advance.

Bolt and inDrive are cash only in Thailand, AFAIK. You can add (some) credit cards to a GRAB account.

At Superrich, you'll convert GBP to THB then THB to USD. Two transactions.

"But if you could somehow add gold and silver to your investment profile, it might be possible to hedge against these fluctuations. Fortunately, this can be done through Lexi Capital. By allowing you to invest in physical silver and gold, your IRA is buffered from geopolitical crisis, inflation and other uncontrollable scenarios." lexicapital.com/our-story/ ????????

That's what I used to think..... https://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/cities/thailand

Also in Chiang Mai and Bangkok. We use it in CM often. Odd that they would be in CM, BKK, and Phuket but not in Pattaya....then again, there are so many local fiefdoms in Thailand, who knows.

inDrive, perhaps?

Thanks much. I coincidentally saw him in the neighborhood today and obtained his card.

If XBB is indeed on its way to Thailand, sounds like we're pretty much back to square one. This study says that the BQ and XBB variants are "barely susceptible to neutralization" by the vaccines/boosters and existing monoclonal antibody treatments. https://www.cnbc.com/2022/12/14/covid-news-bq-xbb-omicron-subvariants-pose-serious-threat-to-boosters.html

Nice pictorial of Nancy's memorial service by Chiang Mai Citylife. https://www.chiangmaicitylife.com/citynow/social-life/live-events/memorial-for-nancy-lindley/

Will you be staying in a hotel this time? Why not make a hotel reservation, even if just for one night, and ask the hotel to provide the letter? Seems worth a try.

So sad. Really, really nice lady.

Starting to plan my escape from the smoky season now. Would Kuala Lumpur be an option for escaping the smoke? From what I can find online, the smoky season there is generally July-September so doesn't coincide with Northern Thailand's smoky season.

What is your hesitation in ordering from the place you like (Siamburis) since they deliver to CM? Is it just the shipping fee?

Shall we talk about Nigeria? Starting next month, individuals will be limited to the USD equivalent of $225 per week in ATM withdrawals (not to exceed $45/day.) The most allowed as "cash back" at a Point of Sale terminal will be $45. "The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed Deposit Money Banks (DMOs) and other financial institutions to ensure that weekly over-the-counter (OTC) cash withdrawals by individuals and corporate entities do not exceed ₦100,000 and ₦500,000, respectively." and "During the first anniversary of Nigeria's digital currency—eNaira, Godwin Emefiele, the Governor of the CBN said the bank wants to achieve a 100% cashless economy." https://www.benjamindada.com/cbn-cash-withdrawal-limits/

Prophetic words.