cgros

I retired in Thailand eleven years ago. Love it here. Some of the best years of my life. Plan to die here when my time comes. I've encountered pleasant (normal) expats over the years. But I still believe "We're all here. Because we're not all there".

No, I opened the Kasikorn account as a backup to my 10 year old BBK account.

I opened a Kasikorn account in CM a few weeks ago. I used the items you stated. Along with a Dtac bill showing my name associated with the sim card. And a US bank statement showing my US phone number.

I brought a medical exam report. So I did not need to do a color blind test.

Opened account today at K Bank Central Airport branch CM. Arrived at 4:30pm - 10 minutes wait - 20 minutes to do paperwork. Passport, driver's license, US address and US tax id (SS #), retirement visa. I had previously installed the phone app. They completed install. It all works fine. Transfers to/from BBK account. And transfer from Wise. No problems encountered establishing account.

Renewed driver's license today in CM. No appointment. Window 27 at 3:01pm. New license in my hand 3:57pm.

Just finished my "form 7162 attestation" by phone (1-410-965-0160). First call at 8:30 lasted 20 minutes on hold then hang up. 2nd call lasted 20 minutes on hold then hang up. Third call lasted 20 minutes on hold then hang up. After 15 minutes on fourth call the SSA agent answered. She was familiar with the 7162 attestation process. Took about five minutes to complete. Based on my impression that the SSA agent appeared to have completed several 7162 attestations. I believe the process was successful.

That's the address I used. But be aware DHL CM requires a phone number along with the address. I used the SSA toll free number 800-772-1213.

I use DHL "Express Easy Doc" 1500 THB. CM to Harrisburg, PA in three days with full tracking. And "proof of delivery signature".

My mistake: 26 transactions a year . 2 a month plus 2 yearly.

Been using monthly method via Bangkok Bank for years. Automatic (scheduled) transfers from Wise to BBK account (dedicated account for immigration. Only 14 transactions a year. 6 "international transfers". 6 transfers to another BBK "spending" account. 1 interest payment. and 1 tax withholding for interest payment 5555). For yearly extensions I give my agent a 12 month statement from BBK. And my passport. Then have my picture taken at CM immigration. I'm not concerned with any financial transactions. Everything is automated. I do nothing. Simply spend from "spending" account. I've been very satisfied with BBK.

Excellent post 5555

I had cataract surgery at Sriphat on both eyes. On 5/12/24 and 15/12/24. Total cost 106k THB. I’ve worn glasses since age 11. I’m 71 years old. And now have excellent distance vision. Require glasses for viewing less than 1.5 meters. Will get progressive glases from Vision Center in two months (great doctor/owner there). Doctor was Paradee Kunavisarut. Used monofocal IOL (Zeiss CT Lucia 621P) for distance viewing. Dr. Paradee was very good. She said that she was surprised that many of her patients “spoke English”. She didn’t realize that she was being recommended on Asean Now forum.