CMBob

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.

Sorry, can't help there. The US Consulate does have a list allegedly certified translators which you can find here (it's about the 4th item down titled "Translation Service Providers in Chiangmai...": https://search.usembassy.gov/search?affiliate=dos_emb_eap_bangkok&query=translator

Given their track record (the Thai government having to regularly pony up gargantuan money to keep this "national" airline alive), the first order of business is to totally privatize Thai airline. A sure way to screw up an airline business is to have a government owning or controlling what should be a private, non-public, enterprise.

You'd do your partner a favor by also having a second original Will in Thai as either that or an English Will with certified Thai translation will be needed for Thai probate. The video you refer to may be comforting to your partner but it won't have any effect with a Thai court. Typically, the Thai probate process takes about 6 months and, presuming you desire to have your partner have adequate funds during that time period, you'll have to figure out some method (separate bank account for the partner, cash in a safe, whatever) to provide for that. Absent your partner getting lucky that presentation of your Will (in Thai or English with Thai translation) to your bank manager will cause some release of funds up front, your partner will have to wait at least a couple+ months before probate will help to dislodge your bank funds.

Very good reason you haven't heard of it....it's because they don't do that. Edit. After the death, they will accept a valid Will in English that does the things mentioned (naming local executor and preferably explicitly stating that the named executor has full power to handle all funeral arrangements) and then the US Consulate/Embassy will cease the "next-of-kin" search and issue the needed letter to release the body.

Give the original post was 7 hours ago, not likely the person has entered Thailand as yet. I think the person ought to enter with their expired Thai passport given it appears it's unknown how long the person will stay in Thailand. And, if for some unforeseen reason the person is rejected because Thai passport has been expired for too long (I doubt if this will be a problem), then can turn around and just use the foreign passport and enter visa exempt for 30 days (presuming visa exempt is available for the person's country).

Back when people actually wrote their homework on physical paper, "the dog ate my homework" trick worked occasionally. I'm too old now to know if it'll work to say "the dog ate my keyboard"........

Perhaps irrelevant to the OP, your experience doesn't seem to match what happens to others as: (1) Any extension given will never exceed the expiration date of your passport (if one is applying for one-year extension and your passport expires in 8 months, your new extension will only be for 8 months); and (2) An extension does not expire when you get a new passport (it and a re-entry permit can be easily transferred into the new passport).

As primitive as it may seem, one has to have a bank account here to cash a Thai Treasury check (and perhaps a check from any source, not sure); however, you can deposit the check in any bank you have an account. And, yea, regardless of the amount you have in your account, it's deposit only and it takes a couple of days for the check to clear.

If you're using the same airline to leave CM and then Bangkok, you possibly might be going through Immigration here in CM; however, more than likely you'll be doing the Immigration exit in Bangkok. You'll find out for sure when you check-in for your flight out of here.