soi3eddie

Did they pay for one-way or roundtrip? Maybe they were not abandoned.

That's nearly 10 years each on overstay! Impressive to avoid detention until the "concerned citizen" called the authorities. It appears that they were all children when entering Thailand.

Floating like the Mary Celeste near Indonesian waters. So it slipped anchor and cruised out of the marina, alone and unnoticed all that distance. Really?

Renewed mine last month at DLT Mochit (because it's only 10 minutes away from me). Here's what I did; 1) got the residence certificate (affidavit) from my country's consulate 2) watched the online safety film and got the QR code which I printed 3) did the medical at the Little doctors office on the corner of Phaholyothin Soi 18 4) went to the DLT office on first floor (they have separate queues for foreigners) where they checked passport and copy, medical, old licence, qr code and residence. 5) they offered me next available appointment - 1 month later! 6) on day of appointment did the reaction and colour tests and was out with new licence in about 75 minutes I have read that other offices are faster and offer sameday service but for me the above was easy and no stress. AFAIK there is no online booking option.

Very sensible advice. I would even insist on there being a clause in the rental contract regarding the timely filing of a TM30 (or other info required by authorities). If they refuse that then you know not to pay a deposit or move in otherwise could be in an impossible situation as is the OP @GringoSteve.

The Thai lawyer told me that a beneficiary cannot be an executor.

I started to deal with my father's estate some years ago and in the end handed the process over to solicitors. Maybe it's easier now with more help forthcoming in completing the tasks involved in the UK. The Thai lawyers did mention probate having to go to court which is mainly why I stated needing legal knowledge. As an interesting excercise, I asked ChatGPT. The question and response is below. Probably why the quote from lawyer for handling probate was so high but 150,000 Baht still seems excessive. Q: How do I file probate in Thailand for foreigner? If it is difficult then why? Filing probate in Thailand for a foreigner can be a complex and time-consuming process. Gather necessary documents: The first step is to gather all necessary documents, such as the deceased's death certificate, a copy of their passport, and any last will and testament. Hire a lawyer: It is highly recommended to hire a local lawyer who is experienced in probate law in Thailand. They can assist with navigating the legal system and can help ensure that the process goes smoothly. File for probate: The next step is to file for probate with the appropriate court in Thailand. This will involve submitting all necessary documents and paying any fees associated with the process. Notify relevant parties: Once the probate process has been initiated, the executor of the estate must notify any relevant parties, such as heirs and creditors. Obtain a probate order: After all necessary documents have been filed and all parties have been notified, the court will review the case and issue a probate order. The process can be difficult due to the complexity of the legal system in Thailand and the language barrier. Additionally, there may be additional requirements or restrictions for foreigners filing for probate in Thailand. It is important to work with a reputable lawyer who is familiar with the process to ensure a smooth and successful outcome.

@OrinocoGood point. If the insurance did cover medical bills and not repatriation then I would rather be in a good Thai hospital such as Bangkok Hospital. In these situations, the first instinct of many foreigners is to panic and flee to the familiar surroundings of their home country. We saw this in huge numbers at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and many later regretted doing so.

No need. Just wait 9 months.

The 150,000 Baht quoted was just for probate by the law firm. Executor/s simply give the law firm instructions and ensure that the will is carried out as stated and are unlikely to posess the legal knowledge to go through the probate process - whether in Thailand or a western country.

Another big consideration; is not just getting the Thai will drawn up and the cost for that. I was quoted 5,000 Baht to draw up Thai will with English translation. Sounds good right? BUT, and it's a big one, what is the cost to execute that will on one's demise? The well known law firm in Pattaya that I met with, told me that their fee on my death would be 150,000 Baht! Ouch! And, that does not include the costs for their work in transferring assetts such as my condominium or vehicle. It does not include the costs on dealing with the Thai bank either to release account funds to those named in the will. I'm still looking for best option. Much easier if you know you're going to die soon (can deal with personally in advance of death) but a problem if sudden, unexpected, death.

Can't go wrong with TP-Link Archer MR-600 4G Router. I've used them for a few years. All you need is a sim card with unlimited data and you're good to go. Jib Online offer good service. https://www.jib.co.th/web/product/readProduct/47340/2358/ROUTER-WITH-SIM-CARD-SLOT--เราเตอร์ใส่ซิมการ์ด--TP-LINK-ARCHER-MR600---4G--CAT6-AC1200-WIRELESS-DUAL-BAND-GIGABIT-ROUTER

Glad I left DTAC a couple of years ago. Post-pay on AIS has been excellent. Sad that the merger of TRUE/DTAC will mean less competition and choice for consumers. Expect prices to rise.

Never heard of him.

A sad story with likely life changing injuries. Glad to see she's now got the financial help required. I read the story but could see nothing about why she was not insured. Did she have an insurance policy or not? Only that she "didn't have insurance for repatriation". All of the travel insurance I've ever used over the last 30 years has had repatriation as cover. It also said she did "not to read the small print on her "dream holiday".". Or maybe the insurer refused cover because of the small print? Here's some small print from a travel policy I just took out. As it was New Year's Eve, maybe the insurer used the Alcohol exclusion to deny cover? Who knows, but it serves as a warning for all of us who like a drink when travelling. No mention of what quantity "too much alcohol" is.

@Alphim - As you have property overseas in South Africa then check whether or not you'll need a will from that country too.

I've met John from Isaan Lawyers a few times. He is a British lawyer/solicitor. My understanding is that he is intending to open an office in Pattaya at some point (if not already).

A faster service with communication email on receipt, processing, issuance and despatch. That would remove anxiety of not knowing when passport will be received or if it was even being processed.

Thanks to OP for the post. I use AIS mobile and often as a hotspot. A few things: Who even uses port 25 these days? Surely 587 (with TLS) is the accepted outgoing SMTP best option? Also, for incoming IMAP then port 993 SSL/TLS is the one to use. My understanding is that both are encrypted - mine using TLSV1.3. Or am I wrong? If the ISP can do MITM then can they read encypted emails? Also, port 80 is surely redundant now as most websites/servers are forced to use HTTPS 443. Or am I missing something on that? Port 443 is encrypted for sure so how can an intercept decrypt the data packets? Many web browsers will block unsecured requests to port 80 anyhow.

Up to £8.25 per year for a British passport seems quite reasonable. Many I know would gladly pay a little more to get a better service. I've never had to renew a British passport from Bangkok so don't know what that costs. Anyone?

Just renewed mine by myself in Bangkok. 4 week wait for an appointment. On the day all done in less than 90 minutes. Don't see why an agent is required unless they can shorten wait time dramatically. Should not take and long if first time application vs renewal assuming applicant already has a foreign licence that they will accept.

Was waiting for that comment. Surprised it took such a long time.

Other than the above suggestions; just go and start camping on the land. The owner will soon find you!

Hua Hin to/from Singapore would be an excellent route for connections to other parts of Asia and to Australia. Could bring many travellers.

Just about everything is cheaper except for imported western foods that can be found in places such as Villa Market, luxury imported goods, wine and luxury vehicles. Anything locally produced and/or involving mostly labour will be cheaper due to the lower costs of employing staff. Add to this, a huge number of workers and small businesses that are outside of any taxation, keeps prices low. This all makes for a much better cost of living for foreign expats, retirees, tourists and digital nomads. Cost are likely part of the reason that most here on the forum love Thailand so much.