cheshiremusicman

For the last few days access to International sites using a TOT ADSl line has been very very slow. The customer support give the usual 'it's your Pc 'response.

Domestic site access is better but not good.

Ironically, I switched from TT&T (Max Net) to TOT 18 months ago because of slow connection problems. They use TOT lines yet their service is now quicker and cheaper so I will have to switch back again.

Sometimes these slow periods turn out to be undersea cable damage or major route changes through other countries yet the Customer Support seem ignorant of the real reason choosing instead to blame the user or local switching problems.

Anyone else having this problem from Hua Hin area?

Hi Peter,

My TT&T (Max Net) is running fine. Just downloaded a 59Mb file this morning and the average download speed was about 18KB/sec and as you know I am just down the street from you, so probably on the cabling link.

I arrived back in HH (from Japan/HK) yesterday & whilst doing the U-turn required to reach my soi, I saw that beautiful brown & white sign showing that Immigration had indeed arrived in my neighbourhood -- what a welcome home! This morning, my wife went to do the usual report-within-24-hours-of-return fiasco (I had to stay & supervise a repairman) & she said everything was working fine. The Imm office is located at the back, it seems, but is easily located. I recommend we all show support for the boys who made this office possible, to try & prevent another scare 2 years from now.

Oh, & as for the address, I recommend you dig up an old issue of 'The Observer' & use the address shown inside. I am taking it for granted that you'll use EMS, as who in their right mind would use the Thai postal system in any other manner? It's bad luck for those few (very few) farang who live around Prachuap City, of course, but presumably you folks chose that area because of its isolation & being a long way from various offices is one price for such isolation. I'm not gloating but I shall have a celebratory beer or three later to celebrate my new neighbours!

SANITY prevails ! I for one, am delighted, that we will not have to do a 200km trip to Immigration and YES a big thanks to ALL the people that made this possible. My wife and friends will join you in a celebratory beer (or two) tonight.

Let us all not be so blxxdy complacent the next time that we hear of such a move and get ourselves organised to do something about it PRONTO. Again, grateful thanks to all the people who made this possible.

I'm looking at staying in Hua Hin Cha-am for one month. Does anyone have any recommendations for good value accmidation in the 8-10k baht range? I have a car, so being away from main attractions is fine.

Have a look at ' Rajana Garden House'. It is situated right in the middle of Hua-Hin with its own offroad parking. My wife and I stayed there whilst our house was being finished and we found it to be very clean, quiet and the staff were very nice. It is only a small hotel and does not have any lifts, but if you want good value for money have a look at their webiste, I think that I have spelt the name correctly. They have a small back garden where they serve a modest breakfast. We stayed on the top floor at the back which has quite a nice view over to the mountains. I cannot remember the price but it was very reasonable. The rooms come with air con and small fridge plus kettle etc.

The other recommendation would be the 'Anantasila' at Kao Takiab south of HH, but I think this will be outside your given price range, but you never know what with the downturn in tourists you might be able to get a good deal.

Hope this has been of some help.

Yes.

I have sent you a PM 

'monspencer', I would appreciate the same info please, many thanks

I hesitated to let the post stand, but see no harm. I did modify the large font size and bolded text. Besides, we are free to critique the service and consider alternatives.

Would we all rather not pay say 50 Baht per visit for the sake of keeping an immigration office here in HH, or waste time, energy and life and limb travelling to PKK? Just consider that 100 people a day paid this paultry sum - equating to say 25000Baht over each week; more than enough to provide them with a really nice centrally located office in HH.

Would some lunatics rather spend half a day and waste fuel and risk the roads to travel to PKK - I think not. Let us hope that sanity prevails and the office remains here in HH, I for one would be only too pleased to contribute to the cost of the office. I dare say that there are many empty buildings at one of the many army camps around the area that would be ideal for the purpose and also huge areas to park in whilst visiting, which would cost nothing apart from the refurbisment.

Hi all!

I have invested in a water filter, glass fibre tank, from one of the bigger suppliers. And no, nobody there have got a clue.

The filter has a three-way valve on top and a handle marked "Backwash - Filter - Close".

When I look at the installation manual it is obvious that water goes in on one side of the top and out on the other. There is a third outlet that should be the outlet for the backwashing procedure.

But - and here is the question - with no supply of fresh, clean water to backwash the filter this must be done using uncleaned water re-directed inside the top of the filter to enter from the clean side of the filter media. Can this really be how it is supposed to be done?

Of course I could set up a multitude of valves to play with to pump clean water from my storage tank to use during the backwash, but is this overkill?

I hope that someone out there might have a similar filter system and would care to share some information.

/Matte

Sounds similar to the kind of filter they use on swimming pools. The procedure is to put the 'valve' on backwash and it reverses the flow of the water (clean or otherwise) through the filter and scrubs the filter with the water out to the drain. So you will have to connect the 'drain' outlet to a waste pipe or run it onto the flower beds etc. Hope this helps.

I've googled and called around but found halfassed crap-"me speak english good"-does anybody know a fluent english speaking Thai lawyer?thx-wn

Is it a 'lawyer' or a 'solicitor' that you need?

I wouldn't say you're out of line with your questions.

My viewpoint comes from this angle:

Came one year ago for 1 month stay to get a feel for things. Loved the people, the food, the culture. Me? I dove right into a Thai experience, and made some close Thai friends right away.

Went back to the USA and spent 2 months weighing out the pros and cons for moving here, of which there are always gonna be my Friend, wherever you look... a perfect Retirement Paradise does not exist on this earth.

Came back last June. I've learned my way into a lifestyle with much help from local British and US expats who've been around for many years, and from Thai people. After 5 months, I still love the experience of living here... on balance.

And that is the key I'd say for each of us farang. On balance. I like the lower prices(50% less budget than the USA for me) I hate the traffic. I hate walking in peril of being run over everywhere I go... that seems true of any street or soi in the country:). But I love the Thai culture and people, I love the prices. I love the food. I love the climate.

Wherever you live... people are still people with the same desires, same issues, same problems, and there is always a mix of good and bad. One can fight, flow, or flee... in any given environment or situation. It's your choice.

What do you value most... nice climate, low prices, safety, total security, being respected(as you see that respect from your point of view). There are several places to retire with low prices, so look at all of them.

Double pricing system here - For sure, it exists. For the most part, in my experience I pay 10% to 40% more at flea market type shopping. Usually that adds little to my load and I feel like the people who are "over-charging" me use the money to feed their families. Observe who you pay when you pay your money. Thailand has 75% of the population living on the equivalent of 150 BP per month.

Big price items? I ask a close Thai friend to go in and negotiate the pricing while I stay outside. Get it written down. Later on, I return and get that price, or I don't buy. I don't speak Thai... I just Smile big and don't leave until the deal is done. Shoulder shrugging and pointing at the price on paper helps.

That by the way is the "Thai Way" that requires no language skill. Here's what I've found works for me... Smile always, stay 100% cool... no matter what is going on. Never be confrontational. Never raise your voice. Carry yourself with dignity befitting your status.

If you are over 50 with gray hair and decent clothing... you are going to be in the top 10% of status levels in this society on looks alone. Use it correctly. Respect that it is granted to you by strangers. Even though I am farang, the other side of my 'status' carries enormous weight for me... can for you, as long as you act correctly by the norms of this society. Which can be a bit odd in learning. I was trained by a Thai friend to stop giving the wai all the time to those of lower status, instead a small nod with direct eye contact is the better choice befitting my status. And the recipients are much more comfortable with that simple recognition. The Wai is used where appropriate, and I'm still learning about all that.

My feeling is this... Thai society is very rigid. It's their history. Patronage is everywhere. Bureaucracy everywhere in any society is usually a hassle, and it can seem a true nightmare here,,, but it is this way because that "Bureaucracy" provides jobs and status for half the population, in a country where there are not many good jobs.

So it takes 20 steps to get something done here with a bureaucrat, when 2 steps would do back home. But there are 20 Thai families eating from the salaries of those 20 officials necessary for the 20 step process. Call me a silly fool, but I actually feel good knowing this when I deal with the Bureaucrats. Maybe I'm just lucky... but my experience with officials so far has been all good.

I check in with Immigration every 90 days( I am one year O-A nonimmigrant visa). I dress is nice clothes, I get my ticket for the cue, I'm in and out in of immigration in 20 minutes. Checked out the hospital and had two hostesses give me a 20 minute tour and a cup of tea

The entire country seems to me an intricate network of relationships. Face is everything... which is tied to status. There is always a pecking order in any circumstance or situation. Think relationships... that is the Thai way as I've found it. Total strangers start out with a status and are accorded certain rights. I try to figure out where I fit in to any individual situation and go with the flow.

Everyone has a position that carries certain rights and behaviour. Including me, I find. I have rights accorded to me by ages-old tradition, so I respect everyone else's rights and position and let them respect mine. I don't assume. I just understand it as best I can and somehow that's enough. Give respect and you get respect.

Of course, I'm a newbie here too. So maybe I've got it all wrong. Maybe I'm just naive and lucky.

Close Thai friends have explained me to their marvelous system of Bun Khun. This is the Thai way... "I do for you, you do for me"... or maybe you do for my mum, dad, friend, a monk.

Thailand seems to me like the world's biggest "Favor Bank". Everyone wants to help someone... and the favor is expected to be returned. Understand it, participate by their rules... and I think anyone can get into Bun Khun, even Farangs. I found that giving first works best. My gramps used to say(I'm a hick from the backwoods of America).

"Son. don't every forget you got to give, to get." Same-same works here.

This amazing culture seems to me... a living example of Karma is action. (Karma = actions have consequences.) Karma requires no language skills either. All people are the same.

Another odd thing… I find understanding all the variations of "saving Face" is vital. We, in the West, expect to ask direct questions and get direct straightforward answers. Farang get easily frustrated when a Thai person tells us Yes, when they really mean No.

Why is this? Why won't they just say "No, I can't". It's because they would make You lose Face if they tell you No. And in the process they would lose Face. You lose valuable status if you don't follow that rule. It's not "fair" but Thai people naturally expect you to know this and not ask them tough questions they can't answer. This is a mono-culture with deep roots. Ask the wrong thing and and you lose Face because you have made the other person lose face in front of his peers. Not so odd when you view it that way.

So what's a poor farang to do. Don't ask direct questions, ask for help. This takes longer and often involves bringing in more people for even more conversation, but that is the way it is. Have you every experienced a group of Thais trying to sort out where to go for a Sunday outing. Thirty people will be dancing around for hours making suggestions on where to go, and yet no one is making a decision. My hunch is that if the outing turns out wrongly, some one might lose face.

I often find myself in the uncomfortable position with Thai friends asking me what we should all do. Everyone seems relieved if I finally make a decision. Not sure exactly what's going on here, but it's consistently the same. Of course I always pay for the outing if I am the senior status. That's usually the case, but it's all Bun Khun. I get tremendous favors returned by first extending some generosity. And I never forget those favors extended to me by a Thai person earning 6k Baht per month have a much dearer price for him or her, than the 1000 Bhat I spent for everyone on the beach outing. As I'm given to understand it, I should express 'naam jai' befitting my status. You have be in control, or you'll find yourself with an empty bank account, but it all seems to work out if you get into the spirit of it.

When first arriving in a short-term rental apartment, I got my broad-band wireless internet repaired and working in record time, because I asked the head person politely for help.

I did not ask her for a repair. I did not tell anyone what needed to be repaired or how to do it(even though I am a computer professional and knew exactly what was wrong) I just asked for her help. I also introduced the idea that Manoon, the building's repairman had some good ideas on this. With more polite conversation and smiling… I explained my needs, complimenting Khun Pom on her excellent management and her wise choices in hiring the staff, especially Manoon… I even apologized for bringing her this problem today… all smiles.

Within one day, Manoon and 2 repairmen arrived with new equipment to cure my problem. Later on, I took a nice bakery cake into the staff room and told everyone that Khun Pom(the boss) was the best building manager in all of Thailand. Manoon was also a talented computer man. And handed everyone my fancy business cards from the USA.

I recommend gifts as a gesture of appreciation over tipping someone with money. It truly is the thought that counts most here. My hunch… you might also be giving a tremendous boost to someone's status by making the display of appreciation with sincere compliments and a thoughtful gift. Perhaps… your higher status can bestow some status. Not sure.

Old hands here in the Magic Kingdom are likely smiling about now at my ramblings, if any of you old hands are reading this. I don't suppose for a minute that other farang retirees would want to do this sort of thing as I do, yet for me I enjoy the learning and participation in this culture. Very different, yet very much the same.

By the by, I find that apologizing is a magic balm in this society, Thais do it all the time yet we are not so aware of that. I actually start some conversations with a sincere apology for bothering the person with my problem. Seems strange, but my hunch is that this the correct way to invite the element of Bun Khun into the Thai-Farang conversation. And how often am I really the issue because of my own ignorance of the language or the way things work… a heck of a lot. So saying I'm sorry about not knowing, is the literal truth.

On arriving I had one significant learning experience worth telling about. Firstly, I am not rich. I have no big official position/status here or in the USA. I'm just a hard-working guy who lived an ordinary life. What happened on arriving last June was this… I was trying to send a payment through my newly opened Thai bank account in BKK to a business in Jomtien. I thought the young man at the Bangkok Bank I spoke with, got it done for me, only to find out 3 days later the payment had not arrived.

When I returned to ask him about why the money was not sent, he was in agony trying to explain, but I just didn't get it. Earlier visit, he had gone out of his way to fill out the necessary forms and everything. He was going the extra mile for me then. So today, I was confused and just wanted to get it resolved, but felt great compassion for this poor guy too. Suddenly the penny dropped.

It was my misunderstanding. He'd filled out all the forms for me, and I was supposed to take them downstairs to the teller 3 days earlier. Nothing had been sent because I failed to understand. So I apologized. I gave him a formal wai and apologized to this young man in the large main accounts area at Bangkok Bank. This caused something you had to see to believe. Every Thai person within earshot stopped dead in their tracks and observed silently. The young man was wai-ing me back vigorously and apologizing to me. (that's the Face thing) So, I stepped it up and wai-ed back even more vigorously.

We must have look a real sight, nodding all over the place trying to get out the best apology. I was sincere in my effort. And I have no idea what all the Thai people really thought about all this, but I when I finally made my leave, I can say that everyone was still taken aback. And when I went downstairs to complete the transaction in the big bank lobby, everyone seemed to be expecting me. Two managers came over to thank me for my custom and opened the doors on leaving. I returned a few days later on another matter and felt like I was a visiting Sultan or something. I don't pretend to understand it all, but it makes for a marvelous story about Thailand to tell the folks back home.

I can certainly tell you that my life here is interesting. I also get some amazing invitations from local Thai people for events where I'm the only farang. Life is pretty smooth for me here. But maybe I'm just lucky.

Wishing you and your wife all the best wherever you settle for retirement. Malaysia, by the way, is reported to be an excellent choice for retirement. About 50k BP in the bank and easy immigration.

Cheers

Jan Gregory

Dear Jan,

Thanks for a wonderful 'piece' on living in Thailand, which to me sums up what we all should be doing - enjoying what is here, with all its problems and pleasures. There is NO WHERE IN THE WORLD THAT IS PERFECT and that is a fact!

I have lived in Thailand now for almost two years with my English wife and can honesly say that I throughly enjoy it here, albeit with it's attendant frustrations as you outlined in your most erudite summary.

Your insight into the 'Thai Face / culture / etc' was very enlightening and I beleive is a 'must read' for anybody contemplating moving to live over here.

I came from the UK, having worked and played there all my life with all its 'Nanny state, political correctness BS, thugish behaviour etc , crap weather' and have no desire to see, feel, or witness it again.

I am now 65+ and the weather out here has given me a new lease of life, seemingly releasing me from a world of rheumatic pain that I would not have wished on my worst enemy. We are lucky to have a beautiful villa, pool, garden that I could never have contemplated owning in the UK and now enjoy playing golf again, always walking the courses, much to my younger golfing friends amusement. Working in my garden gives me tremendous pleasure and exercise; trying to come to terms with a whole new world of plants etc.

I live in Hua-Hin and we have many places like Makro, Tesco-Lotus etc that sell at one price only, so no 'dual pricing' here, but whenever I can I like to support my local Thai shops over the big supermarkets and find that the few words of Thai that I manage to get correct stand me in good stead with the local shopkeepers, who always give me and my wife and great welcome.

My wife and I always try to treat people with respect and as you say it seems to be returned in one way or the other and we have always had a philosophy of trying to treat others as we would wish to be treated ourselves.

We wish you a long and happy life in Thailand, or wherever you end up living. With your attitude on life I can't see you having much of a problem. Live long and be happy.

Hi Rampage,

Thanks for that! I love Indian food, just hope they have good nan bread as it is almost impossible to find here. Take 5 is good but they just don't have the nan that I'm used to. Is is expensive

DJ

Hi 'DjBlind',

This is NOT and Indian restaurant. I went the other night with the wife and two freinds, don't bother. As a starter my wife and I ordered a 'Ceaser Salad' between us and when it arrived it was just a 'Cos lettuce ' with its root cut off, tied with a ribbon and a little very poor tasting dressing on it. We asked the owner if he thought that this was a 'Ceaser Salad' and he just made some pathetic excuse and took it away - needless to say we didn't pay for it. The wife and I chose 'Lamb shank in curry' - the lamb was ok but as for the so called curry, well it was a teaspoon full of 'Tesco curry in hot water poured over it' along with a few small slightly undercooked vegetables at 280B -

The place itself is ok and the Thai staff seemed friendly and they had soft ballad type music playing.

We asked for 'ice cream ' at the end and were told by the owner "Sorry, don't have any, we are still waiting for our 'speciality icecreams to arrive from Bangkok '.

If I were you I would turn off at the 'Boat' nearby for a far better selection of cuisine at sensible prices and nice ambience.

If this guy (khun Roy) is a Chef then I've got 4 Michelin Stars hanging in my kitchen.

He will definitely have to buck up his ideas if he expects to survive amongst all the other good restaurants in the area.

40% is enough the wife has 60 on her car ,i cant see out at night ,have to open the windows

And that is the big problem! So keep the tint down to about 40%, or there abouts, otherwise night driving is made very dangerous.

Other than trying to conceal WHO is driving from the outside world, I can't see what the point is of having a higher level of tint.

Convicted Samak disqualified

Samak Sundaravej must resign

BANGKOK: -- The Constitution Court Tuesday convicted Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej of having violated the charter by hosting commercial TV shows while in office.

The court voted unanimously to give a guilty verdict against Samak and disqualified him as the prime minister.

The court reasoned that the Constitution was aimed to prevent conflicts of interest on part of Cabinet members so Samak had violated in the intention of the charter although he host the programmes on part-time basis.

-- The Nation 2008-09-09

SAMAK FOUND GUILTY

4.30 pm: Urgent: The court finds Samak guilty.

Six judges considered Samak to be the "employee" while three others considered Samak a business partner of the studio, a constitutional offence in both cases.

The court said evidence presented by Samak that he was only given transport fees for hosting the show "contradicted" payment evidence by the studio, Face Media.

The court went strong on the principles laid down by the Constitution against conflicts of interests. The judges pointed out that using definitions of "employ", "employer" and "employee" from different laws are not enough to tell whether the will of the Constitution has been violated.

Key developments:

4 pm: The judges have taken turn in reading the plaintiffs' and defence arguments. So far it sounds a simple legal battle. Samak's accusers said he was "employed" by a studio to host the TV cooking show, whereas Samak's defence insisted he was urged to help with the programme and by no means was its "employee". The court's verdict, surely , will have to touch upon definitions of "employ" , "employer" and "employee" and interpret payments made to Samak.

3.40 pm: The Constitution Court has begun reading the verdict now. A long period of time is expected to be spent on reading the case's backgrounds. Cameramen will be given five minutes and will be then asked to leave the courtroom, which is totally packed.

Samak is represented in the courtroom by his lawyer Thana Benjathikul.

3.15 pm: Where is Samak? Nobody knows. He was said to have boarded his flight back from Udon Thani after the mobile Cabinet meeting but as of now no-one can confirm where he has landed. Samak's close aides who answered reporters' phone calls would only say the prime minister is now in Bangkok. However, he is not expected to appear at the Constitution Court.

2.30 pm: It has been announced that the court is postponing reading the verdict to 3.30 pm.

2.15 pm: Some food for thought in the meantime: If Samak decides to bite the bullet and defy the Constitution Court, it doesn't mean he can get away with it just like that. Firstly, a caretaker prime minister and caretaker Cabinet will find it totally difficult to go on. Seconly, Samak has another court case coming _ the appeal against a defamation conviction. If the Appeals Court upholds the lower court, he will be all but doomed because a chance to overturn it at the Supreme Court is very low.

We have been reminded that there is also a fourth scenario _ Samak being re-elected by Parliament because the charter seemingly doesn't prevent that if he loses today's case. Again, he will face the Appeals Court timebomb in the defamation case nonetheless.

2 pm: The court seems to be delaying its verdict. We are not sure by how long.

1.50 pm: One weird theory has emerged. What if Samak continues serving as a caretaker prime minister nonchalantly? Some legal experts _ who are pro-PPP of course _ point out that the 30-day timeframe to elect a prime minister is applied for the first parliamentary convention (after an election) only.

So, basically there are three scenarios at the moment in the event of a guitly verdict _ Samak serving as caretaker PM, Chat Thai leader Banharn Silapa-archa replacing him, and Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva performing a political daylight robbery by stealing enough parliamentary support for his rise to premiership.

12.55 pm: Samak departs the Udon Thani Airport after telling his mobile Cabinet not to worry about him. Things are tense in Bangkok, with virtually everyone awaiting the court verdict and speculating what will happen next.

10.15 am : Chart Thai deputy leader Somsak Prissanananthakul says Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa might emerge as the next prime minister if incumbent Samak Sundaravej was disqualified by the Constitution Court this afternoon.

Should Samak be removed from office by the judicial review, the Chart Thai Party would convene an urgent meeting to assess the situation which might lead to the nomination of Banharn, Somsak says.

10 am : Constitution Court judge Charan Pakdeethanakul says that the verdict on the prime minister's qualifications was ready for release this afternoon as scheduled.

8.30 am : Samak and his cabinet members start their weekly cabinet meeting in Prachak Silapakhom army camp.

6 am : Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej visits a fresh market in Udon Thani province before chairing a mobile cabinet meeting in Muang district. He appears in good mood while shopping in a fresh market.

The prime minister has his breakfast at a pork soup shop at 6 am and visits the Udon Thani Municipality Market. He is smiling while shopping.

He smiles back at a reporter without saying anything when asked whether he would accept the ruling of the Constitution Court in a disqualification case against him in the afternoon.

-- The Nation 2008-09-09

Don't 'Key Developments' normally follow in chronological order - NOT 'reverse order' as above? But sorry, of course this is LOS - love the place, but very much doubt that I will ever understand 'Thai logic'. Answers on a postcard please.

Pinned on this forum it says you need your house address certified by immigration for a driver's license. Another forum link says the house address should be certified by your Embassy.

The latter has a date from 1997. This forum was from '95. Which do i believe?

You need to get an affidavit letter from your embassy certifying your current address.

NOT TRUE;

i just got a NEW credit card style DL at the dept in Phuket. Had to take a copy of my blue book that lists me in the back as residing there, (or you could give them a copy of the yellow book if u have that) to immigration (or if ur renting your landlord needs to provide a letter stating your living there) and they gave me a letter stating so for 100 Baht. You do not need a work permit but you do need a non -immigrant visa.

Back to dept and gave them my old license,paid 550 baht, had my pic taken and walked out with the new license good for another 5 years in less than 15 minutes

It is also good for Cambodia, Malyasia, Vietnam, Singapore and in english and Thai

Here in Pranburi for 5 year licence:-

Old licence that HAS expired.

Proof of residency address from local Immigration dept.

Medical certificate

Copies of 'Main page of passport and current visa page'

They take your picture and use this for the new credit style card - all done in 15 mins

Total cost including medical at 30B, photocopies at 2B per page + Licence Fee = 654B (excluding Immigration dept charges that seem to vary all over the place, but I think it cost me about 260B for residency proof)

For God's sake leave the cash in GBP, in Citibank offshore multi currency account if necessary. SGD lowest for at least 5 years vs GBP and baht heading south of 60 perhaps. As HKG is linked to USD and USD is flying versus GBP then HKD or USD accounts no bloody good either. In UK offshore no tax t pay and you get interest. If chasing interest, try Oz/NZ.

Thanks for that 'torrenova', all grist to the mill as they say. Amazing, how many idiots we have on TV who say that "NOBODY GIVES OUT GOOD INFORMATION"! More fool them, keep up the good work.

We made the same enquiry only a week ago at Hua-Hin immigration and they told us that "As long as we provided documentation from the British Embassy confirming our income, then that could offset this against the 800,000baht requirement, so presumably if it exceeds the 800,000Baht you DO NOT have to have any money showing in your account at the time of application ( not that you would do that anyway - but just hyperthetically speaking)

The one thing that I am not sure about, is if the documentation states that we will receive £x per month/ year for a set number of years then do we have to apply to the Embassy EACH year to confirm this - or will they accept that the documentation is good for the 'stated period of guaranteed income' as per many private pension schemes have to do by law now in the UK - the reviews normally being every 5 years.

I understand that it cost about 2300Baht to obtain the confirmatory documentation from the British Embassy in Bangkok, irrespective of the number of 'incomes' that they are confirming at the same time. Anybody got any experience of this situation ?

Hi Mr. Musicman,

I get a letter from the British Embassy each year. I take my P60 from the Pension company, pay my 2,300 baht and collect the letter from the Embassy the following morning. They will send it EMS if you do not want to stay in BKK overnight.

The letter states your name, passport number, address and also says that they have no "bad" information relating to you. It shows my GROSS income for the previous year.

I then took it with the other required documents to Korat this year (have always used Nong Khai in the past) and was trying to get a "Child Support" Extension. The officer said that my request involved too much work, but he would give me another Retirement extension as my income exceeds to 65,000 monthly requirement. However, he kept the original letter from the Embassy and said that I need to get a new one every year.

I did have a bank book and letter from the bank, showing 300,000 on deposit, but I was not asked for it. The application was processed solely on the letter from the Embassy.

Thanks for that 'Justincredible' that clears that point up - a new one every year OK.

Putting it in Singapore is excellent advice.

Maybe, but Hong Kong is even better. My wife (Thai) and I have a joint account with the Hong Kong branch of the HSBC. Great service and no hassle.

If you have bank accounts in the UK, or are receiving regular payments from pension providers etc. then the HK branch is the one to go for. The UK has direct banking arrangements with Hong Kong, whereas there are none with Singapore.

Would also suspect a direct line to Her Majesties Revenue Service as well ?

That's a rather naive statement. In my case, and most others, my pension is taxed at source.

Why naive ?.....The OP is taking about an inheritance from the UK, Not OAP pensions..

the comment was meant to be cynical considering the "big brother" police state the UK has become

From what I can glean, the HK HSBC do NOT have any reporting back to the UK authorities re accounts opened there so that seems a good enough reason to me to bank with them. Anybody got any confirmation on this point?

WOW....the comment was meant as a joke, cant believe how serious people are taking it..

Could HM revenue service get "into" your offshore account, sure they could if there was enough reason to.

I am sure HSBC in HK do not go running back to the UK authorities about every account opened by a UK citizen, but if the UK authorities asked for information, bl**dy sure they would hand the info over.

I personally bank in Singapore, and some of the documentation I was given, it was basically stated they would not hand over any information unless there was a court order to do so...

I believe Singapore has been under pressure from the EU and US to make Singapore banking "more transparant"

Very interesting info re Singapore, thanks for that. I'm sick and tired of paying tax to a Govt that tells me that because I have elected to move abroad in my old age, that I and my wife are no longer entitled to the UK health service - even though we have paid our dues for over 50 years. Come from Rumania or Bulgaria and fine no problems!!!

Like the topic title says:

I need a roof ladder, like here:

Roof ladder

Any Thai websites to order online quickly?

Do you mean a 'loft ladder' if so you can buy a very good one from Hafele, its a complete unit that only requires cutting the right size aperture in the ceiling.

If its a 'roof ladder' then you can buy a double extension one in aluminium from Homepro or a builders supply shop.

Sorry, my apologise, I failed to look at the pic you had posted, old age and senility catching up (fast) with me.

I beleive that the simplest way would be to get a local guy to make the 'hook and claw' that you could hang an oridinary double or single one on.

Putting it in Singapore is excellent advice.

Maybe, but Hong Kong is even better. My wife (Thai) and I have a joint account with the Hong Kong branch of the HSBC. Great service and no hassle.

If you have bank accounts in the UK, or are receiving regular payments from pension providers etc. then the HK branch is the one to go for. The UK has direct banking arrangements with Hong Kong, whereas there are none with Singapore.

Would also suspect a direct line to Her Majesties Revenue Service as well ?

That's a rather naive statement. In my case, and most others, my pension is taxed at source.

Why naive ?.....The OP is taking about an inheritance from the UK, Not OAP pensions..

the comment was meant to be cynical considering the "big brother" police state the UK has become

From what I can glean, the HK HSBC do NOT have any reporting back to the UK authorities re accounts opened there so that seems a good enough reason to me to bank with them. Anybody got any confirmation on this point?

Like the topic title says:

I need a roof ladder, like here:

Roof ladder

Any Thai websites to order online quickly?

Do you mean a 'loft ladder' if so you can buy a very good one from Hafele, its a complete unit that only requires cutting the right size aperture in the ceiling.

If its a 'roof ladder' then you can buy a double extension one in aluminium from Homepro or a builders supply shop.

Were they driven by Thais ?

Presumably 'Frozen Thai's' as I beleive that they don't have a 'heater' - unless they are using the 'exported' version which probably wouldn't be any use if it didn't have one!!

Pinned on this forum it says you need your house address certified by immigration for a driver's license. Another forum link says the house address should be certified by your Embassy.

The latter has a date from 1997. This forum was from '95. Which do i believe?

Get it from your local Immigration department, that is what they will require, NO need to go to the Embassy.

You say you are getting " A replacement licence", do you mean a renewal or replacement due to loss?

Offset. If you decide on the O-A Visa you would have to apply at the Thai Embassy London.

Consulates cannot issue these.

I recieved a O-A ( Retirement ) Mulitple entry visa from a consulate in Houston.

??

gpdjohn - while Thai consulates in the USA may well issue O-A visas, none of the Thai consulates in the UK issue such visas. As Lite Beer says, only the London Embassy can issue O-A visas in the UK.

offset - in case you are interested, the London Embassy guidance on O-A visas is at http://www.thaiembassyuk.org.uk/visa_retirement.html. As will be evident, it is quite a convoluted process, especially as they do not accept applications by post. So, unless your 3-week stay in the UK is in the London area, it is probably a non-starter for you in any event. As Lite Beer suggests, an initial 90-day O visa might be better in your case, which you could then subsequently upgrade/extend once in Thailand. The Hull Consulate are, I gather, particularly helpful in issuing O visas- see their website at http://www.thaiconsul-uk.com/pdfs/Af%20%20...Application.pdf. The Hull consulate accept visa applications by post as well as in person - although I understand that, contrary to their advice, you will not, in fact, require a police check or medical certificate to upgrade/extend an O visa once in Thailand.

Quite correct, NO police or medical certicate required for the extension on the grounds of retirement. a complete waste of time and money as we can testify. We were even told by the Embassy at Hull that we had to have them 'Notarised' in the UK, which cost us a fortune and that was not the end of it, the Embassy at Hull then charged us £20 to certify that they had been 'Notarised' - what a flaming ripoff, and the final irony was that they charged us an extra £20 each for having the cheek to appear in person at Hull to apply for our Visa - even though we had phoned up and made an appontment with them.

you say its a shaker,have you tried having the wheels tracked and balanced?

I know that this sounds crazy, but what tyre pressures are you running at. When I went to pick up my new Fortuner some 18 months ago, I asked them if they had reduced the pressures - as they normally run them very high, in order to make it easy to maneouvre them in the showrooms. Sure enough the tyres were at over 55psi before they dropped them to the suggested 30psi.

I honestly can't say that I find the ride uncomfortable, but I suppose that obviously depends on what you are comparing it too. If you are comparing it to a saloon, then the comment would probably be valid, but it would be interesting to know what you using as a comparison re the ride quality, other factors accepted as to the state of the roads on which you drive, but if they are that bad; then you are still far better of in the Fortuner as against a saloon.

If using 800k bank account only (not 300k) it has to be there 3 months but if using along with a pension/income letter from Embassy there is not requirement for a 3 month wait.

Thank you for that information lopburi3..

I think someone else told me the same information..maybe I read it in some document too....anyway i will apply for extension and lets hope the immigration officers not to bored to se me again.

Regards

Bengt!

We made the same enquiry only a week ago at Hua-Hin immigration and they told us that "As long as we provided documentation from the British Embassy confirming our income, then that could offset this against the 800,000baht requirement, so presumably if it exceeds the 800,000Baht you DO NOT have to have any money showing in your account at the time of application ( not that you would do that anyway - but just hyperthetically speaking)

The one thing that I am not sure about, is if the documentation states that we will receive £x per month/ year for a set number of years then do we have to apply to the Embassy EACH year to confirm this - or will they accept that the documentation is good for the 'stated period of guaranteed income' as per many private pension schemes have to do by law now in the UK - the reviews normally being every 5 years.

I understand that it cost about 2300Baht to obtain the confirmatory documentation from the British Embassy in Bangkok, irrespective of the number of 'incomes' that they are confirming at the same time. Anybody got any experience of this situation ?

Anyone got any comments on -

I will be out of the country for an extended period next year when my licence expires - can I apply for early renewal under these circumstances.

Thanks

I personally don't think that it will make a blind bit of difference, as long as it has EXPIRED, strange as that might be.

Do you have to take any of the color blind or depth percecption tests when renewing, say 1 month or so after first one expired?

TH

No, we did not have to take ANY tests again, just provide the info as outlined before.

Ok re the seperate licenses, but I seem to remember seeing someone with a licence that said car & motorbike, but must have been mistaken!