walt1

Thanks for the info. If I can keep that working, it will be great.

There are plenty of ways to call, even using your Thai number the cost is still not that expensive. The great thing about Skype is the My Skype Number which gives you a number with any area code you want and allows people to call you just like a regular phone. I had no problem receiving codes from banks etc. it didn't work for the My SS site (US) but could use my Thai number for that. The lack of communication from Skype about the changes is the problem, no more top up option I can deal with. What I want to know is if you can renew the My Skype Number when my current term expires? You can no longer get a new My Skype Number at this time.

My Skype # has the option of either forwarding to other # or voicemail. At least for the time being with the service up in the air at present.

Just did a transfer from BB to another Thai bank and went thru same as always. Hopefully stays that way.

On my last two transfers Wise took out the money the next day from my US account and held it for five days before transferring to my Thai account. It seems they are holding the cash in limbo for some reason. Are they earning interest or just short of Baht?

Having the same type of problem with transfers from the US also. Taking 5/6 days. There is a thread going in the banking section if interested.

I have been using Wise for several years now and it was always a few hours or if transferring for long term stay in Thailand the next day. This month I got the same micro deposit explanation; it ended up taking 6 days. They did apologize and gave me a free transfer up to 1000 GBP about 1300 USD so that was cool, did a transfer today and the same thing it will be 6 days again. The last time this happened the $ was up vs the Baht. Could the reason be they are low in Baht supply and don't want to buy?

If I were the durian farmer I'd be watching my trees at night. Thieves will poison dogs before trying to steal later.

VT1 is in a good location but don't stay on the Thappasit road side the road noise is very loud. Also, only one pool for both buildings.

Boy o Boy a campfire or burgers on the grill must send some of you into a frenzy.

I use Skype my number. About 50 USD/year you can choose any area code you want. It works well for me with getting the codes. People stateside can call it just like a local call.

I need to double check I guess but IIRC as long as you file the yearly 1040 tax form the ITIN remains valid.

My bill went up about 1000 Baht or so to just under 5000. I'll gladly pay that and more as long as the power stays on. I think having brownouts or low voltage as the lights are dimming up and down for the past hour. Nobody using a welder either.

April

I have never received the form and contacted Manila on November 1st. They replied not to worry you would get it next year. On February 1st get an email from Manila that my benefits would be cancelled if I didn't return the form in 60 days. Sent it out the next day and for the past month it is sitting in some mail office there in Manala. I did get both Feb & March payments. This system is totally worthless.