CMBob

I wonder if somebody would explain the practicalities of body donation, i.e., okay, the foreigner died and the body sits in the hospital morgue. What's next? [Would note that typically what's required for release of a body from the morgue is (1) police approval (which will be promptly given provided there are no strange death circumstances), (2) authorization letter from you embassy/consulate (for a US citizen, that authority would be given to who you've named in a valid Will, your named executor, or whoever they find via their "next-of-kin" search); and (3) payment of hospital/morgue expenses. I'm also guessing that whoever the embassy/consulate authorizes release of the body to must also choose to honor the body donation.. right?]

You have all you need if they ask for proof that the funds came from abroad.

When I had to do the update, I was erroneously told to go to the Immigration office at Central Festival to get that done.....and, of course, when I got there, they said "no way, you can only do the TM30 stuff at the back office behind the main Immigration office." But, while there, I did the 90-day report which they handled without any issue (they didn't give a hoot about the TM30 problem). So....I'd bet a few baht you can do your 90-day at either office and the drive-in deal at the main office would obviously be the fastest; however, to be able to do the online 90-day reports in the future, you're going to need to do the so-called "update" of your TM30 at the office next to the copy joint. Good luck.

It's hit or miss. In last 18 months, I've stayed at hotels elsewhere in Thailand who filed the usual TM 30's for me. Twice there was no issue in continuing to file online 90-day reports but a third time I had the same thing happen to me (online 90-day rejected because of different address on file). I filed my 90-day in person (no issue with that) and afterwards went to the TM30 office (adjacent to copy shop at rear of main Immigration building) and they "updated" the TM30 for me without charge or issue. I took several documents with me but they really didn't care to see any of those when I told them what happened. Strangely, I've also flown out of the country 3 times in the last 18 months and returned to Thailand and those trips caused no disruption in my ability to file online 90-day reports. Simple reason for that is hotels outside of Thailand don't file TM30's here (i.e., Immigration had to clue I left and returned....although they could have figured it out by the new entry dates I inserted in the online 90-day reports).

Unfortunately, the meeting is only scheduled for 1 hour. After speeches by the Ambassador, Consul General, etc., that doesn't leave much time for answers to questions we have about consular services. And, also unfortunately, the meeting is being held in a not very central location.

No, it's free. One poster said something about paying for an "express service" but I never heard of that here in CM. Just go to Window #3 with your completed form and copies of your old passport along with copies of photo page and any stamped page in your new passport and it should be relatively quick. Did that 18 months ago here in CM and was out the door in less than 30 minutes. Obviously, as for many things, attempt to avoid a Monday, Friday, or day before or after a holiday.

Interesting discussion regarding switching from obtaining extensions based on retirement using the 800k bank method to obtaining a subsequent extension based on the income (65k per month) method. My comments do not relate to obtaining a Non-O in the first place or any issue using an agent. It would seem that this is all that would be required: (1) You would have to show proof that you have complied with the requirements for the prior extension based on the 800k bank method. Without confusing amounts, let's say the applicant can (if needed) show the entire 800k has been in the bank for the entire year prior to the new extension application based on income. (2) Then there should be no problem in switching to the income method for the next (and subsequent) extension applications so long as you can show the necessary proofs that you've transferred 65k from abroad each month prior to the date of application for the new extension (whether doing this through the affidavit method if your country still does those or doing it through proof from your Thai bank). Am wondering if Dr. Jack and/or BritTim believes this could (or should) work.

Have read several historical articles regarding the city of Chiangmai and have never once read about any wildfire in the city itself. I've seen some photos of a big fire by and/or involving Kad Luang (Worarot area) which occurred (if my memory is correct) 70-80 years ago but have seen no historical photos or historical notations of other fire issues. Of course, the city itself was pretty much devastated and leveled by the wars by the time the Burmese were booted out in 1776.

Your UK Will is good here (provided the witness, etc., provisions comply with Thai law) but, as you would expect, only a certified translation of it would be accepted in a Thai Court. It's also possible that the local (Thai) courts would want a copy of your Will that's been certified by a UK probate court (or whatever you call courts in the UK that handle estates). Outfits that can do a certified translation of a Will in English are listed in the US embassy/consulate websites so maybe check your embassy/website to see what recommendations (if any) they make. You can just allow your executor handle the translation process (i.e., maybe a waste of time to do it now if you end up signing a new Will). I actually think it's wiser to have a Thai Will that handles your separate assets here in Thailand and which names a Thai executor. It would be much harder for a UK executor to handle your Thai estate (plus that UK executor may be required to appear and provide necessary testimony here in a Thai court). As concerns Living Wills (sort of a misnomer given it's a document in which you express how you want doctors to handle end-of-life issues and where you appoint somebody to make those decisions when you can't do that yourself), I don't believe there is actual statutory authority for those here in Thailand but I do know that doctors/hospitals will review and at least somewhat obey those instructions when the time comes. The expat club websites (at least the Chiangmai CEC does) likely have a Living Will form fit for use.

Given the appointment calendar we use only goes out 90 days and it's rather difficult to find any openings for the first month or two, perhaps the agents either grab appointments early (expecting to be able to use them) or they are afforded a separate calendar to use. Or, perhaps, given the special relationship, they don't need an appointment.

As noted by others, it's wise that any new Will expressly revokes prior Wills. And also wise to make sure all prior original Wills are destroyed. If, for example, one's latest Will isn't located (or, perhaps, intentionally destroyed by somebody favoring a prior Will they can locate or, perhaps, even intentionally destroyed because they favor intestate succession), then the located prior Will or intestate succession would rule (the Court here wouldn't know any difference). Safekeeping of your latest valid Will with somebody you trust and being sure to physically destroy all originals of prior Wills would provide the best assurance that your latest desires are carried out.

As I said, no problem with those who want to or need to use an agent and it's clear you have a reasonable need. That's cool. And thanks for your service. I don't "hate" the agents and don't know anybody who has expressed that sentiment. I and some others I know, though, have had some concern about visa agency ownership (in at least the past, Immigration officers have owned part of at least one well-known agency here) and, of course, the money being paid under the table for the special service. Some visa agents elsewhere (I'm not aware of it happening here in CM) blatantly obtain illegal extensions for those not entitled to them (for one example, obtaining an extension when the bank funds requirement isn't met).

No problem with using an agent if one can't handle the process themselves and/or don't care about paying the agent's fee; however, you clearly spend more than 8 minutes in the process. For clarification, perhaps you might advise of the following: (1) How much time (travel time and bank time) do you spend obtaining the necessary bank documentation? (2) How much time (travel time and attendance) do you spend involving your first visit to your visa agent's office to prepare and sign the necessary paperwork? (3) How much time do you spend on the day of application traveling to and from Immigration (either via your agent transporting you from your home or from their office)? In the end, it's likely doubtful you spend less time for all of the above than do people who obtain their extensions themselves. And, of course, you pay several thousand baht more for the agent's service. Again, no issue with those who want to or need to use an agent. I actually did that once myself but, frankly, I spend less time overall doing it myself.

Delete....double post.

I had a 10AM appointment last November and was out the door with my new annual extension (based on retirement and 800k in the bank) in 30 minutes. Presuming you're extension is based on retirement and the 800k method, I'd expect you to be out the door with your new extension no later than 1 hour after your appointment time (or your queue number is called). Not sure about process if based on marriage (processing time or whether you get your new extension on the day of application). If you have your paperwork in order, it's really a rather easy process.

Not 100% sure what you're asking but at CM Immigration you can obtain another annual extension up to 45 days prior to your current extension expiration date.

Personally, I'd would (and will) vote for anybody who is running against Trump.

US Embassy and Consulate announced 3 months ago or so that the time it took to get a new passport here may take up to 5 weeks (previously it was 3 weeks or less). In December of 2021, I got a new one here (mail to Bangkok from Chiangmai) and I had the new and old passports back in 11 days. Quite surprised and happy with that service.

Just got a new SCB ATM/debit card two days ago (after one of the SCB ATM machines ate my prior card). Was told by their hotline that I could go to any SCB branch to get a new one (also was told I'd need my passport). Got the new card in 15 minutes (had with me both my passport and account passbook). [In case you have any merchant such as Grab hooked into your account, you'll have to use the online SCB app to first activate/add the new ATM card information......or ask the bank clerk to do it for you when you're there getting the new card].

There likely is zero chance of getting a Thai revenue office to provide you with a statement in English. There's a miniscule chance the bank where you opened your account might be able to do it (although I doubt it). As another poster suggested, a certified translation is likely the only way you'll be able to show somebody in English what tax was withheld. Whether the cost of that merits you doing that is up to you. None of my business, but why do you need it? I've never needed any English withholding statement for tax purposes in the US.

Presuming you rely on the bank method to sustain an annual extension at Immigration, I'd be at least watchful that the bank doesn't somehow alter your account that might cause an extension problem (such as turning the account into a joint account or whatever). It would be nice if a Thai law was passed that would allow one to simply name a beneficiary on a bank account.....but I'm dreaming.

Don't know where specifically to take that but I'd suggest you call or stop by Amorn Electronic (about 100 yards east of Powerbuy on the corner of Manee Nopparat Road and Hussadhisawee Road) and ask if they can fix it. They fix a lot of appliances and electronic items.

To be admitted to what we call Thai probate, the Will must be in Thai (or another language with a certified translation into Thai). And, yes, the proceedings will be in Thai. In my opinion, it's wise to have a Will made in both Thai and your native language [the first to be used to probate your estate here in Thailand and the second one if needed for your embassy/consulate (to release your body, for example....this just saves your executor the hassle of obtaining a certified translation) and/or to used in any needed probate in your home country (provided the Will meets the requirements of your home country].

Agree generally with your advice but, while it won't hurt, there is nothing in the Thai code that even suggests a Will has to be notarized.

Thai law regarding Last Wills and Testaments is governed by Sections 1655-1710 of the Civil and Commercial Code of Thailand. You can google and read the code provisions for yourself. Basically, as long as it's dated and signed by the testator in the presence of two witnesses who then and there sign to certify the testator's signature, it's legal. And, yes, holographic Wills are allowed (Section 1657) although in my opinion, presuming you have anything of value to leave somebody, it's likely wiser to have a lawyer do it to make sure you've covered all the bases.