StevieAus

On 7/6/2019 at 8:25 PM, madmen said:

I won a court case in Australia based on emails no signatures

As good as a contract

The difference in Australia is that the legislation and the Tribunals are more accommodating towards the employees compared with Thailand.

I recall a case several years ago in NSW where an employer terminated an employee by email didn’t go down to well.

Cats it seems have a tendency to kill not necessarily for food but for whatever motivates them, over the years I have seen them “ playing” with a bird or other small mammal which they then leave. 

In Australia feral cats are a major problem decimating certain types of wildlife.

I see no reason why the owners cannot keep them contained certainly during the hours of darkness, obviously irresponsible as many are with their dogs.

1 hour ago, tomazbodner said:

It is about income (if over 100k it gets more points), married to a Thai (gets points, the more years the more points), being in 35-50 years of age gives most points I hear with them declining over 50, speaking formal Thai to conversation level (in my case I was asked to sit down, then how long I stayed in Thailand, what I do, where I come from... followed by "never heard of it" after which it all went off script and ended up in a really good conversation with the most decorated guy in the middle), level of education also gives points, with the higher level achieved, more points it gets, and finally the attitude. I am told that letter of recommendation from a respected person helps (usually that would need to be some high ranking official, minister, army or police chief), as well as what your work is - is it beneficial to Thailand and Thai society. Charity stuff apparently also helps. Ah yes, and whether you have Thai kids.

 

I saw a form where points were being given and a total score had to reach 60. I don't know how they award them though but a young officer showed it to me briefly when I asked what that was... So I can't tell whether that would get you over the line, but married, with kids, reasonable salary, paying taxes, good personality, education, doing something good for the Thai, with some Thai, enough to communicate with a taxi driver for instance... I think you should at least try. Most of the time it makes sense to go way before December and talk to immigration (maybe get your wife along) to go through requirements and they might give you some advice or tell you up-front what's lacking if there's something so major you could not get approved. In such cases usually application is rejected straight away.

 

Last but not least - all documents (unless you are from English-speaking country) need to be translated and certified by foreign ministry of your home country (in my case that meant: notarised copy of original, court translated, certified by court translator was certified, court then certified by Ministry of Justice, Foreign Ministry then certifying Ministry of Justice, and finally (normally this would be Embassy of your country in Thailand but my country has none) Thai consulate certifying Foreign Ministry.... papers ended up full of stamps after stamps... Finally - that had to be officially translated to Thai and taken to Thai Foreign Ministry to get translations officially certified. Only after that paperwork was accepted. This goes for all the foreign documents: no criminal record paper, education papers, birth certificate... maybe there were more but don't remember. So really - this takes a lot of time. So for anyone thinking of applying this December they should start working on it now.

Thanks for your detailed response as it is very informative.

My response was somewhat tongue in cheek although what I stated is correct.

I don’t have any issue with the reporting,  renewing my retirement extension etc, every country places obligations on its residents and I see what is required here as exactly that.

I also do not see any problem for me meeting the the financial requirements in the future and don’t subscribe to some of the views expressed on this site that the Thai government wants to rid the country of all foreigners.

I would however see a difficulty in meeting the requirement of paying the tax for three years, I have never worked here and to be frank at 69 have no intention of working again.

We do have a couple of small businesses but to meet the requirements and to involve me would I think not be worth the effort.

Thanks however for your information

1 minute ago, CGW said:

True, I came here to escape paying taxes, why would I then volunteer by way of PR to start to pay taxes again?

Totally agree one of the reasons that made me decide to retire and live here.

In Aus I paid personal tax, company tax and collected for free the GST for the Government so that every man woman and and his dog could get this benefit or payment without working.

Then when you retire and from what I understand, unlike in virtually every other western country and the US they try to deny you the aged pension by keep lowering the bar.

1 hour ago, tomazbodner said:

When I applied it was 85,000 THB/month. That was on official requirements list that were shown at application. That might have changed. I do know a person who applied at the same time and had less than that, around 70,000 but was married, had kids with his Thai wife, lived here since stone age, and could speak Thai better than a Thai. He got it and I met him when receiving the book.

 

Now why not go with citizenship? Getting Thai passport requires you to get rid of your original citizenship. Which means that you are only Thai. In the past people could get away with it by signing "intention" to get rid of it, but never really did it, keeping both passports. Now you need to submit a certified letter from your original citizenship's foreign ministry stating that you are cancelling it when you are awarded Thai citizenship.

 

For many who enjoy visa-free travel and would require weeks or months to get a visa to go for a funeral of a relative back to old homeland, that's just out of the question while any relatives there are still alive.

 

As I have not actually applied, someone can correct me here, but I did inquire about it, and that's what I was told. And yes, that I would also need to sing an anthem in front of 50 or so patriotic policemen, which for someone tone-deaf like me who will never be caught singing as long as I am alive was a good enough reason to skip.

 

Last few words: You CAN lose PR easily. Like those with visa extension of stay need a re-entry permit to return with same conditions, PR holders need a "non-quota immigrant visa" and "endorsement". They are issued for validity of 1 year and you must return before they expire. Failing to get it and leaving the country means your entire PR is cancelled and you need to apply again. Difference between re-entry and non-quota visa is that re-entry can be applied for at the airport, while non quota visa can only be obtained from immigration office where PR was issued.

 

Second reason is if you commit any criminal act. And third if you are involved with any kind of illegal migration. I can't remember exact wording but the immigration officer answered when asking for clarification of what that means "if we come to your home and we find someone in Thailand illegally, like who entered country illegally or on overstay"... So maybe a word of warning to anyone with PR renting out their property...

 

But again, that's one officer saying this one time. I don't know what official wording is. But thought it's worth to mention that Permanent doesn't mean 100% permanent and can be revoked in 3 cases that I'm aware of.

I think paying tax for 3 years would bar most expats if receiving a pension or income from overseas.

Re the language test I struggle with Thai,  retention being the biggest problem I try learning with my wife who speaks good English but doesn’t work. I speak better French learned over 50 years ago at High School, but never used.

Re the national anthem I find it quite pleasant and although I might get some stick from other Aussies I think it sounds better than ours.

I seem to get caught at our local market and daughters school when it is played and can hum it all the way through.

If I can find a way around the other requirements would this get me over the line ????

13 hours ago, wtfracing said:

Actually it was foreign bank statements showing pension deposits and withdrawals in Thailand every 2 weeks but  I  suppose even that would not suit your agenda.

Also I dont make the rules regarding the documents regarding the income letters I just follow what is the law made by immigration and  what they allow but found out today each office do what they like but thanks for your input.

 

Unfortunately, but I am sure if you have lived here seven years you would know that each office make their own rules and change them.

I live in Chiang Province and our local DLT office now will not accept the Pink ID card for renewing the drivers licence but the Head Office will I had to get the residency certificate from Immigration this year.

Also the rules for the retirement extension regarding documents seem to vary each year.

In order to avoid the frustration I now check the requirements before making the application for anything, because you will never win the argument.

41 minutes ago, Lenny Jones said:

A man who needs 25 watches to tell the time.  Wouldn't know the difference between a bomb-detector and a garden spade.  Has really generous dead friends.  Doesn't trust Thai doctors or hospitals for his health problems.  Admits to being to old to be Defense Minister.

 

It's a worry - - - - - -

As a matter of interest did he have any involvement in the purchase of those so called bomb detectors or was only responsible for gardening tools.

2 hours ago, chrisinth said:

This to me is the crux of the matter, if it is correct.

 

Why is he where he is at the minute and why was he allowed to get there? One set of rules for all when it comes to political parties otherwise we will see what we are going to see with this new government from the get-go.

From what I have observed it’s easy to see how it was achieved, firstly he had the coup with the support of the army to gain control.

Then they enacted some fairly draconian legislation to maintain control, finally stacking the senate to try and maintain control, plus of cause people actually voted for his party.

9 hours ago, arithai12 said:

I have an idea, the laptop without battery which is powered by the up-down movement of the owner's hand while watching porn. Where is the patent office please?

I think you are too late for that it already has a scientific name, “ Taking the matter in hand”

2 hours ago, dotpoom said:

Why on earth would she not go for it...I'd be up for that myself if she isn't ?

PS, only read half way down so hope I'm not signing up for funny stuff.

There is no such thing as a free lunch, enjoy the funny stuff !!

5 hours ago, Thaidream said:

Pattaya is and will continue to die a natural death.  The Immigration crackdown for long stayers as well as the continuous turning away of people at the airports has  taken its toll on those who would come to the resort and spend alot of money on the drinks and the available 'entertainment'.

 

The police have harassed both the bars and the entertainment for years; but now they also harass the punters. Add in the filthy water' the foul air' and the lack of any entertainment that is fun based as opposed to money-money and people are turned off by the whole show.

 

The Germans came and went; the Americans gave up on the place; The Brits  are worried about the exchange rates as well as the Aussies; the Russians come in lesser numbers and apparently the Chinese have found out what all those before them have found out.  It's all smoke and mirrors. Oh that's right- the Indians will save the day!!

 

The constabulary and those in power might want to think about why so many Nationalities used to come in droves but don't anymore.  

 

It won't happen- the truth hurts!

There used to be a saying “ You never miss the water until the well runs dry” fits here I think.

1 hour ago, stropper said:

you have got to be fffffff kidding !

 

Thanks you have saved me the job couldn’t have put it better.

Thought he was going to announce that the Australian government was going to make it easier for people who had worked all their lives and paid taxes but want to live overseas to get the aged pension.

Ha Ha Ha Ha

On 7/5/2019 at 12:40 PM, petemoss said:

It was the Royal Navy not the "Gibraltar Navy" that acted. 

 

Although the Brits used the excuse of EU sanctions on Syria, it was never about that. In reality, it was US sanctions on the export of Iranian oil which was the issue. The intel and request to stop the ship came from the US. The EU had no idea that it was happening, hence the noises from Spain.

 

As I said, expect much more of this when Boris is PM. Boris likey licky big orange botty!

Yes,  not that it matters to me but Boris if elected might get a nice free trade agreement.

Thought of that?

2 hours ago, ratcatcher said:

That bus might have been at Woodstock 50 years ago but the passengers look like Tally band fans.

Methinks you are right and a spot of poetic licence as well

4 hours ago, possum1931 said:

I always thought this was a computer age. Would I be right in thinking that as so many kids can only qualify from high school because of brown envelopes from parents, is one reason why so many Thais are not computer literate enough, so they have to rely on paperwork so much?

 

I am not talking only about IO offices, but all these other government offices as well.

I think you are wrong on that one I think Thai kids and any I have seen, as in most countries are very computer savvy and I have yet to see one without a smart phone.

We have a three year old who thinks she owns the Ipad and iPhones nobody has ever taught her but she knows how to operate them baffles me.

Don't say it’s because she is only half Thai because she didn’t inherit the skills from me.

3 hours ago, HHTel said:

There is no such thing as an International Arrest Warrant.

He was arrested and detained by the Thai police at a request from Interpol.  Interpol cannot force an arrest in any country.

If the country where the fugitive resides refused to arrest the guy, then nothing can be done about it.

I don’t know about that, the Americans, Israelis, Chinese, Russians seem to do a pretty good job of snatching people if they want them badly enough, obviously not in this case only small fry.

2 hours ago, VocalNeal said:

Possible the "farang" is busy supervising someones pool construction or has malaria or , or,or.

But on would think at least a email would be forth coming.

 

Does Emaux or the vendor provide the warranty? The online shop may have to return it to vendor or warranty is voided because of the third party thing.

. 

 

 

Thanks for your response rather than go into the detail could I ask that you read my reply to bankruasteve as there has been an interesting development.

3 hours ago, bankruatsteve said:

perhaps write it off as a bad experience.

 

Wish I could help but my experience with warranty in Thailand is dodgy at best.  The "name brands" seem to be better for that - but not much.  There's this place but I don't know anybody who has tried using:

https://www.consumersinternational.org/members/members/office-of-the-consumer-protection-board-of-thailand/ 

Thanks for your response interestingly I have just received an email to say that the company will receive the repaired product tomorrow.

Coincidence perhaps or maybe they read Thai Visa.

I will wait and see and post the outcome.

To be fair, over the years I have lived here maybe I have been lucky and had no problem when things fail, the companies always repair or replace.

Recently I returned a product to Lazada that was faulty on the day They received it I received an email and later in the day another confirming a refund had been made.

I also returned an android box to a well UK TV provider who sent out a replacement the same day, maybe third time lucky ?

I am seeking advice in regard to resolving an issue concerning the online purchase  of an Emaux UV pond steriliser from a company called the Thailand Online Swimming Pool Shop located in Suwannakhua.

I returned the product over four weeks ago under the 2 year warranty as it ceased to function, it is approximately 6 months old and hasn’t been used continuously 

The service from the purchaser which seems to be owned or operated by an expat is abysmal it took almost 2 weeks for them to collect the product from the post office when returned.

Emails are not answered and no one seems to answer the several telephone numbers listed, the only telephone number listed for Emaux in Australia never answers despite several attempts.

Does anyone have any information or experience with either of these companies or any suggestions as to how to resolve the issue, or perhaps write it off as a bad experience.

On 7/2/2019 at 4:09 PM, notasmartassknowitallfarag said:

He is a wanted man so fair enough. 

 

But the cops looking into him because he flipped a sausage on a stall, shows the utter contempt they have for foreigners, who they only want spending money. 

7 hours ago, scorecard said:

This also shows how vulnerable the elderly are and also shows the lack of monitoring by the various authorities who are mostly too busy creating photo opportunities for themselves along with 10 other officials for every event.

What sort of monitoring do you suggest the various authorities should carry out ?

Unfortunately there are rapes and attacks on elderly people in other countries including Australia where they have proactive policing.

The problem is that the low life don’t usually carry them out when the police are around.

18 hours ago, gk10002000 said:

wow.  BMWs.  What a waste of money for a small town police force that covers only a few square miles.  Do they pay those high import tarrifs on these cars?  Are they considered luxury imports?

Considering the RTP are part of the government why would they pay the import tarrifs ?

Saw two or three at Chiang Mai Immigration yesterday

On 6/30/2019 at 11:56 AM, tjo o tjim said:

Well water?  Could be galvanic current if the pH is off. 

Excuse my ignorance but what is galvanic current ?

11 hours ago, RobboR said:

Absolutely no chance . They have actual reporters still in civilised countries and cops who actually do their jobs.

The amount of people that attend an accident, especially if there is a death is immense.

Every chance, money talks all around the  world look what happens in the US with plea bargaining, I seem to recall one of the Kennedy family escaping justice after leaving a woman to drown in a car

Not everyone who is responsible for motor vehicle  deaths goes to jail.

Many years ago a good friend of mine in Australia was hit from behind when driving his motorcycle home he was killed leaving behind a wife and two children.

The female driver of the car who was not intoxicated but found guilty served no prison time, the court finding that “she had suffered enough” and in this case she paid no money.