soi3eddie

I use Kbank app on my Samsung phone. The app still works fine when in the UK (or elsewhere) whether it has a Thai, UK or any other sim card. So long as there's data it works. Never had to do a OTP since installing the app. Web browser based transactions are different from the app and do require OTP to the Thai sim number registered to the account.

In all the to and fro regarding size of wheels and suitability of motorcycle; an important fact has been overlooked that would definitely trump any benefit of larger wheels. Centre of gravity. Scooters win that 100%. Fuel tank lower, transmission lower. Unsprung weight less (on the front at least).

@TimLMT Good luck with your licence application. Over the last 40 years I've owned and ridden mopeds, commuter bikes, dirt bikes, big sports bikes and now a Honda scooter. Got to say that riding the scooter is just so easy. No need to think about gears etc. Disc brakes and antilocking safe too. Just perfect for riding in Thailand.

Question for those who have had visits; did they call you in advance to make an appointment to visit and ensure you were going to be at home? Chaeng Wattana did that with me and were very flexible as I was not going to be home on the date they originally suggested. I'd say rather accommodating and the two female I/Os that attended were pleasant.

Think home visits have been the normal for Non-O applications for quite some time. I had a home visit on application in 2019. 10 minutes and many pictures. They wanted to see originals of bank book and passport which they had seen a few days earlier, and had copies of. Took pictures of me holding said documents in my living room and picture of me with one of the officers at my front door with house number showing. That was all. No questions or probes. Job done. This in Bangkok area served by Chaeng Wattana.

This is what I would like to know. Is it claims for unemployment benefit (if there is such a thing in Thailand) or numbers of working age people not employed and paying social security or taxes? Given that so many people fall under the radar of the tax authorities here, how can an accurate unemployment figure be derived? Anyone know?

Have you tried a lawyer's office? They might need to send faxes. Alternatively, there's a number of online web to fax services such as efax.com (and many others). That's what I would choose rather than trailing around numerous places only to be told "mai dai".

i think you have the wrong figures, do you mean 68 from 65, No. Talking about age increase for "private pensions" already mandated. Currently private pension holders in UK can start claiming at 55. From 2028 the age to claim private pensions will be 58yrs. Not same as state pension.

The way things are looking the "freezing of pensions" is least to worry about. What if they decide that they will not pay new state pensions to anyone living overseas? Would not surprise me at all. Looks quite likely that state retirement ages are going to be raised again soon. From April 2028 the minimum age to start receiving private pension will increase to 58 (from 55). They could even go as far as reducing state pension for those of us with private or company pensions.

That's a bleak economic outlook for Thailand. Can't see foreign tourism saving the situation, as economies around the world fall into recession in 2023. Long haul tourism is going to be way down the list of essentials for Europeans and North Americans.

Trang is nice, however to get good beaches one has to go offshore to the islands. Pak Meng on the mainland is OK but not exactly pristine white sand - my first, of many visits, was 22 years ago.

I think Phang Nga is often overlooked and definitely worth a visit to see. Very few tourist ever go north off Phuket. Songkhla is nice too and I spent a lot of time there. Can get a bit busy with Thai and Malaysian tourists at times. South of there is lots of deserted beaches to the east of Hat Yai - maybe a bit too local and rural for the OP but more like Thailand of old.

Try Villa Market

Mike, Thanks for the map. Was in at Graham's place last night and always enjoy seeing your cartoons on the walls in the hong naam.

I use Lloyds UK personal and business banking. The personal banking calls me to enter the code shown on the screen. Lloyds allows several options for phone numbers. While here in Thailand I use "Skype In" which gives me a UK number. Never had a problem. What number are they calling you on? A UK mobile or Thai mobile?

There is no need to incur high charges to call phones in the UK (or elsewhere). I use Skype app on my phone - can be used on PC too - and calls to the UK are either free or very low cost - 2.1 pence to landlines. 0345 numbers are charged same as landline. They have unlimited subscriptions for regular users.

Here in Bangkok I always assumed that Grab etc. Would only deliver to security /reception. The app notifies when leaving restaurant, nearby and the driver will call if necessary. It's not like it's difficult to go down and collect the food from them.

Isn't the 20,000 Baht (or equivalent) in cash a requirement for tourists only? Non-Immigrant visas holders do not require it do they?

Should have been clearer. Price down 30%.

and GoGos!

555. Somehow, against all odds, I've managed on more than a few occassions to pay my bar/club bills with my phone by QR code at end of the night. Check the amounts next day. Thankfully, there's always been enough funds and never mistakenly added an extra digit. Yet!

Although the dividends look good, the fund value has decreased by 30% over the last 5 years.

Thanks was just on MSE. That's a long time to lock-in. The rate I was looking at was on Hargreaves Landsown. I've got a fund at 6%+ but risk to capital. It's difficult to know which way to go.

Are there any "safe" returns other than those deposits up to ($250,000) protected by law in USA? Many platforms now allow cross border trading/deposits. Apologies but not USA, would be keen to learn if anyone has ideas for good UK returns? Best I've seen is 2 year fixed deposit at 4.81%. Minimum £1,000 but only £85,000 deposit protection, though with maximum deposit of £2 million. Other better options with no (or minimal) risk to capital/principal?

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