digitele

best "real speed test: http://netspeed/standford.edu

just tested (10:22) and getting an alarm from "a patch" in BKK gateway

TCP/Web100 Network Diagnostic Tool v5.3.3e

click START to begin

Checking for Middleboxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Done

running 10s outbound test (client to server) . . . . . 166.80Kb/s

running 10s inbound test (server to client) . . . . . . 55.54kb/s

Your PC is connected to a Cable/DSL modem

Alarm: Duplex mismatch condition exists: Host set to Full and Switch set to Half duplex

click START to re-test

NOTICE THE DOWN IS SLOWER THAN THE UP?

THEY ARE FIDDLING WITH IT NOW....

I have IpStar 512/256 and the best speeds I've averaged are 200/180.

* satellite is always a problem. Rain in BKK and others factors as China

is now online via the same bird (IpStar) added in the last few weeks makes it "over subscribed" as it shares all available bandwidth.

Another factor is how about the growing pains of the IT workers at Shin Corp recently and their "job satisfaction" should be considered.

It really has been it's worst last few days though......

Hi. The landlord planted a palm tree about a meter away from my disk. it is not directly in front of it but is in range of the disc. Then about five meters away there is some new shrubery. My ES number went from about 10+ to 8.5.

Or is it just CSLOXINFO/IPSTAR? the clouds are gone now but still low signal strength.

Am so thankful to all the helpful people in this forum. My questions are always answered!!!

If it isn't directly in the line of sight, no problem. Heavy rain at the IpStar ground station in BKK

has caused some issues in the past few days.

Question-What was your signal reading at it's best? And what is it now?

If it was 100 before and now 97 it isn't an obstruction - i.e. the tree....

If Thaksin does end up going down on this charge I certainly hope its AFTER this political mess has blown over and has been well and truly settled.

There is potential for the outcome of this case to cause a lot of animosity towards westerners in Thailand if a Thaksin is removed from the political scene subsequent to charges brought by a farang.

He had police raid and arrest innocent people with children in school here, just for pure greed.

The plaintiff has waited 21 years, This was the "true" beginning of UBC. The Plaintiff is one of the best people you are ever likely to meet.

Such outcome probably wouldn't affect farangs in city areas, but could set back community relations for upcountry westerners.

Let the truth be told....If any person of any nation doesn't see how wrong this was, they'll

never have justice or freedom.

Although the court system has improved markedly from just 10 years ago, this is the type of lawsuit that will drag on and on and on. Don't expect this one to be adjudged anytime soon.

I agree with that possibility. But if you read the article and who stood with the American and where,

and that Toxin has ammassed so many enemies- and the crimminal court ISN'T waiting on the outcome of the civil dispute is a good sign.

Long overdue payback time:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/06/20...es_30006856.php

Can't wait to see the outcome.

I have had a TravelMate 370 for almost 2 years. I added RAM (1 Gig).

No problems and is a nice machine. I reco Acer

Update!

Went to BKK last week-started process on Thursday. She got her Thai ID Card in 36 hours!

Main Point(s)

* Had her 3 brothers confirm her ID (lucky they still are in the Amphur of their birth - all)

* The ID Card is in her maiden name. The process to change to my last name sounds like a vision quest of steps. Don't need to really and it's her name.

Thanks to all for the advise.....

Not complaining just posting my yearly VISA extension report for others to learn by.

Went for my annual VISA renewal based on being married to a Thai citizen and having three children together. In any case, for the first time in 8 years I was told that I would have to show the required monies going into a Thai bank account and then being withdrawn form there. As every year I supplied an Affidavit from the U.S. Embassy that I receive a pension from the U.S. Government which well exceeds the 400,000 Baht annual requirement.

Never the less, the Immigration Officer insisted that I would have to show the monies going into and being a in a Bank account. I then showed some of the many ATM receipts that had collected in my wallett over the months and pointed to the previsous years application that they had luckily retrieved from their files. In that previsous years application, a similar notarized letter by the Embassy had been cosnidered sufficient.

To make a long story short, it was that reasoning and these proof that prompted them to call their head office where they were advised that my Embassy Affidavit would suffice. The Immigration Officer managed to spend another 5 minutes on the phones asking "are you sure?" "but.." as if they did not want me here anymore.

Should be approved without a problem and from now on every time I withdraw my monthly Retirement, I will have it immediately placed in my Thai Bank account that I can withdraw from it based on my needs. It should be noted that during the entire time the "if you had 800,000 Baht in the bank then you would have not problem" story came up again and again.

Not complaining just posting my yearly VISA extension report, for others to learn by.

Mouse, a couple of questions Please.

Was it the head Office of Immigration in BKK?

Bottom line, will the letter from US Embassy still work?

Regards

Ask for it.

If not - an inexpensive lesson 7,000.00

Could be much worse, and that sucker won't be coming around looking for more. Use that as an example to others i.e. "I lent Somchai and he never paid me and now I'm broke etc. Milk it!

Or as some other posters have suggested - Have it collected!

Pay someone 50% of what they beat out of him.....NY sytle (Bangkok too)

Our case was different from yours but there might be some info that could be useful.

A few years ago we returned to Bkk to live after many years in the US. My US (and Thai) citizen wife lost her ID in the US and her Passport had expired. She was born here and still regisitered in a house register in Bangkok.

Went to the local Amphur and got some BS from some petty official in the Amphur who told her she could not do it, etc. She contacted a "prominent friend" who paved the way with a phone call to the Amphur.

Next visit to the Amphur, no BS and she was treated like a dignitary. She got the ID card in less than an hour. Sometimes you have to use your contacts if you want to get something done in Thailand. I think she also had to get someone to sign a paper that said that they knew her for a long time.

Off to the Passport office and she applied for the PP. She picked it up a week later. This part was painless except they misspelled her name in Thai and that had to be changed.

Dual citizenship is recognized by both Thai and US Govt.

Thanks, thats seems so true (anticipated) about can't do etc. We have a "prominent friend" a relative who will attest all. As it is a holiday we'll go to BKK tomorrow and begin the "Process"

on wednesday. To all, much thanks again. Please any additional advise - Let Rip!

To all,

in short she knows where to go (1st step) and says there is like 3 steps involved. I will keep track of the process for others.

Thanks to all for your help, especially Samran.

Keep you posted after we go to BKK. Cheers

To all, Help!

Heres the situation in brief:

1) Wife is US Citizen with copy of Thai Birth Certificate.

2) Has never had a Thai ID Card.

Where do we even start? It will for many reasons simplify our live's!

Any one else out there have any experience with this?

Thanks in advance to any advise and/or help

You might want to start a new thread on "how to obtain Thai ID card" and I am sure some who have done this will come to your aid.

And remember; the wife is always right.

Great idea! Thanks again, Lop! It should be very informative and from what we'll have to go through will be very educational for TV readers!

And you are right of course,

Best

Hate to disagree, but the Herculean leap from a 30 day permit to a Non-Immigrant status won't happen.

Dear Dr, you are talking about the other case, right? If so, I agree to a point. Usually, it's best for him to get the O at a US Consulate 1st and come back, correct?

My understanding is US does not allow dual.

They most surly do; as a good percentage of the posters here can attest. A quick Google search should settle your mind on that point.

First of all, Thanks to all. This is found for thought!

Second, the wife just told me that she told me she could get the Thai ID card before and I didn't want her to, as I thought (incorrectly) it would screw up her US stuff.

So, first is get the Thai ID card? No Thai passport required.

As far as "Red-Tape" her brother in law is a high ranking police officer i.e. attest to why no ID card so long etc. We have built a house here and the land is in our nephews name. That could change.

( I must note) We totally trust him like he was is one of our own...

But life would be so much more simple, if Thai ID Card etc.

Any more advise on this matter is greatly appreciated. Bring it on Please!

You will not be able to use the retirement option until age 50.

Why not an ID card, home register and passport? Believe she will need this if she ever wants to buy land here and most Thai do maintain dual nationality. Would she ever want to return to the US if anything were to happen to you? Life here is much easier with the national ID card rather than a foreign passport if you want to avoid over payment and everyday red tape. She will still be a full US citizen.

She has been a US citizen for over 20 years. My understanding is US does not allow dual.

The only thing she has is a copy of her Thai Birth certificate. I am down with what you are implying.

I didn't think we could go that route. Our biggest concern was the dreadful 90 trips. No fun there.

So if she could get a Thai ID and maintain her US citizenship - wonderful. I frankly don't know.

I am exploring my options, to make life easier.

Thanks for the advise so far, I'm sure I'll be asking more. Cheers!

1. You don't provide your age. If over 50 then you could obtain an O-A visa or convert to extension of stay for retirement here in Thailand with income of 65k per month or bank deposit of 800k.

2. Your wife should have a Thai passport and not even need a visa if she uses that to enter the country. There are many here with duel citizen wife.

3. The other extension option would be support Thai wife and that only requires 400k but must be done together and there is closer checking. Not sure if they would honor that method with wife here on a visa stay however.

Dear Lopburi, we are both going to be 49 later this year - same age.

Also, she has NO Thai Passport, No Thai ID Card. She is a US citizen - 100%

You bring up an interesting point(s) though.

SunBelt?

Does he have to do 90 day visa runs, under this type of O?

No. He or you can live in Thailand forever.

We have O's wife and myself. Unlike most here my wife (Thai Born) is a US citizen - naturalized.

On one vist to immigration in BKK, they were very helpful and explained many things.

The most important to me was in law there is black and white. In Thailand in her case, although

she on paper is the same (US citizen) she could get a 1 year extension, on the spot.

Big time Gray area - TIT and I liked it actually. I of course could not. I don't want to do visa runs alone etc. So we went to Thai Consulate in Hawaii. Another O for both. We never wanted any governments seeing our incomes etc. But with a letter from Embassy -

Heres my question - Can I do likewise (show letter) and get around the 90 day trips to Cambodia?

Thanks in advance......

Yes

Sunbelt is the Best!

Question 2 - I get the letter and all attachments etc. I have 9 months left on this visa.

Can I just do anytime before the next run? If so, I assume that I can do the 90 reporting right here on the island where we live. They have immigration and we are registered there.

Thanks Again in advance! SunBelt is the Best!!!!!!!!!!!

www.lawyer.th.com

Click on: Bank of Thailand Interest Rates

Many of the consulates including Houston do not issue a "O" visa for retirement. Most now require you get a "O-A" which is expensive getting a medical report from a USA doctor , police report, showing funds in the bank.

Much easier just to arrive in Thailand with a 30 day transit stamp. As long as 21 days are remaining on the stamp, we can change it to a "O" visa inside Thailand if you have a notarized letter from the USA Embassy that you have a income of over 65,000 Baht per month ( You are on the honor system so no proof required), a medical certificate from the doctor or clinic. ( cost around 300 Baht, tell them its for the retirement visa) Your passport and two 4 X 6 cm. photographs. You apply that day. You get a 30 day extension and go back in 30 days for the year extension and you get a year. Thats it. The government will charge 2,000 Baht for the change of visa and 1,900 Baht for the extension. If you want a reentry permit, they charge 1,000 Baht for every single entry or 3,800 Baht for the multiple for the year( unlimited entries into Thailand) If you have no need to travel, you are not required to get a reentry permit. ( If you do travel, please be sure to get one before you leave or your extension of stay will be terminated)

www.lawyer.th.com

Does he have to do 90 day visa runs, under this type of O?

We have O's wife and myself. Unlike most here my wife (Thai Born) is a US citizen - naturalized.

On one vist to immigration in BKK, they were very helpful and explained many things.

The most important to me was in law there is black and white. In Thailand in her case, although

she on paper is the same (US citizen) she could get a 1 year extension, on the spot.

Big time Gray area - TIT and I liked it actually. I of course could not. I don't want to do visa runs alone etc. So we went to Thai Consulate in Hawaii. Another O for both. We never wanted any governments seeing our incomes etc. But with a letter from Embassy -

Heres my question - Can I do likewise (show letter) and get around the 90 day trips to Cambodia?

Thanks in advance......

Anyone interested in having a swimming pool in Thailand?

See attached photo and more background on my blog.

Enjoy.

Check out this link:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=100007

The best and only legal way is a correct, well written lease.

Have the structure in your name. Beware of anyone telling you different!

Hope this enlightens.

Regards

Absolutely true.

Friend of mine did a transfer to a company with Foreign shareholders just fine on Thursday, and another went on Friday to be refused the transfer, unless all the shareholders could prove that they payed for acquiring the land as per the share holding structure.

The Thai shareholders also have to prove that they legally acquired the funds, mainly by showing tax-slips, or proof of taking out aloan (not from a Foreigner!!!)

This is definately very bad news for the real estate business, basically the only posibility left is buying in a Thai name and going the lease option...

Right LEASE, own structure. Simple. The rest is BS

Question- What Real Estate Business?The Farang ScamCompaines that say you can do otherwise?

The ironic thing is there is advertising on this site that has " 167,000.00 USD "Dream House"

They are dreaming alright ! Sell the dream, nothing to do with facts.

To all,

I am here on a Non-Imm O Multi. Second year in a row. I not only have my name in the "Blue Book" it states I am the owner of the house.

Our local Land Department knows the property (land) is in my nephew's name (we raised him)

and I've had no difficulties whatsoever. They know who paid for it etc.

I am even now going to build to suit for other foreigners and inquired with the Land Department if they can have lease and or put their plot in Thai wife, GF whatever. Again No Problems.

In addition, I inquired could the farang have his/her newly built house in their name. No Problem.

Hope this clarifies and helps others.

Far from clarifying anything, I don't understand a word.

The Blue Book states you are the owner, but the chanote is in your nephew's name?

Right, no problems with lease and home in girlfriend's name, OK.

Farangs can have the house in their name?

I can only summize that the Land Office is the local hub for ganja use in your district.

D-Man ANYONE CAN OWN A "STRUCTURE" IN THAILAND!

UNDER THAI CIVIL CODE THE LAND IS A SEPARATE ISSUE FROM A "STRUCTURE"

"summize" isn't that related to "assume" or something in Latin? I don't know, I can "only summize"!

Regards etc.

Digitele: where do you live/building your house? Lots of freighter ships and tankers there..?

LaoPo

LaoPo, It's Koh Sichang island off the coast from Sri Ratcha. The deep seaport at Laem Chabang is

Southwest and very busy. So they load and unload here and the barges then make their way to

Bangkok or vise a versa

I have a funny little snippet to add.

My company owns my house and the Ta bian Bahn states the name of my company as the owner. The name of my company is my first name followed by "Development Ltd." (in Thai).

When I wanted to open a bank account in Pattaya, I was told they needed to see the Ta bian Bahn. I tried to explain to my wife that my name wasn't in it, so it wouldn't be much use. She insisted that it would be fine so I took it down to the bank and they were perfectly happy with it. I told my wife again that my name wasn't there, but she said: "Yes it is - Look", pointing to the company name which, as I said, contains my first name in Thai.

I have since opened additional accounts using the same book, and also other places have accepted it as proof of my residence.

They didn't even ask to see the company papers which would show that I am the 49% and controlling shareholder in the company.

Don't make no sense to me - can some one explain?

Totally Cool, maybe some just get along or "Play well with others" better?

I am not even going through the company setup again. Seems I don't need to....Regards

Good job I didn't call it "Taksin developments Ltd"