PeterA

So, gambling, when run by the government is ok, but not in private? In a year or two it will be deemed bad for public health and outlawed again.

I would never move back to the US. I would leave Thailand if the taxes got stupid. Of course the Missus would want to go along. Possibly somewhere in northern Europe like Scotland or Ireland.

"I have been paying for my own hospital treatment, which included in patient for dengue fever etc etc and most recently paid, 28K THB for a colonoscopy and removal of polyps. " \ Not sure where you had that done. Did they use a golden probe? I had one 4 weeks ago at Bangkok Hospital in Korat. Total cost was 12,000 THB. Polyps removed and tested as well. That is why I don't have insurance here. My total payments for health care here has been under 20,000 THB a year. Far under what the premiums for insurance would be. When I get quotes from the insurance companies, they list of exclusions is crazy. I had back surgery 45 years ago, so they will cover nothing for my back. Other things that were done ages ago are also not covered, no matter the time span. It is nothing but a legal scam as far as I am concerned.

I know a whole slew of people ( I can think of at least 20 quickly) that have smoked since early adulthood or before, almost daily. None are serious drinkers. None are super aggressive like the drinkers I know. None show any outward signs of psychosis. Most have led active, very productive lives. They had well behaved and smart kids, and are still active in their later years. I know of no one ever interviewed for any tests or polls on their use. There is more to legalization than the "concerns" of politicians. My bet is money is the number one director of legalized or not for any recreational drug or drink. If the governments were making money on it, as well as the politicians, you can be darned sure it would be legal.

My Thai pharmacist told me Melatonin is restricted in Thailand. I had some Gabapentin from the results of back surgery, and it really helps me sleep. 100mg right before bed. I am back to getting at least 6 hours sleep a night, vs. the 3 before taking it. It does have a side effect of dependence. You have to slowly taper off, or you will not sleep at all if you stop. I had been on it for 15 years due to neuropathy from back surgery. I feel groggy in the AM until a cup of coffee. It is available at pharmacies here.

I would have been far too embarrassed to tell anyone I was so drunk, laying in the street. Geez.

I had an injection in my foot early last year at Bangkok Hospital in Korat. It was under 3000 Thb. I am 67, and pulled a tendon in the arch. One shot and I have been fine since.

I love it when they charge VAT on on an item shipped from Thailand, such as repairs. When the item is returned, If it arrives at all, I get to pay VAT and Tax all over again.

A few years ago I was in Chiang Mai. I was riding my bicycle in town. I was in a lane to go straight, behind other cars doing the same thing. A pickup came from the far right turn lane, after his lane had already diverged from the other lanes, deciding to go straight instead of turning. The rear quarter panel of the truck hit me, and down I went. I was laying in the road, lots of traffic. The driver got out, inspected his truck, looked at me and got back in his truck and left. I have a good cut on my arm, and bent bike. Not one person stopped. Typical behavior, foreign and domestic. But, you never read about the domestic people doing it.

I sent a registered letter to the US in January. It took 35 days to get there. I would skip registered. Spend the extra and go EMS with tracking. Since your watching funds, go Airmail with tracking, and signature required. The post office will be happy to sell you whatever you need.

The biggest culprit in Thailand is most likely RICE and noodles. It is not just sugar, it is also carbs. Rice is loaded with carbs. I know, I have type 2 and have studied extensively. At the hospital, after my 3rd month on medications and insulin, I had not needed insulin since the 1st week. All by diet altering. The Docs said all the other patients there, none had been able to lower their sugar. They keep eating the same foods, pump more insulin into their bodies and nothing ever changes. Not exercising, being overweight, eating tones of rice, is normal for the older people, who never visit McDonalds or drink coke, or eat junk food. So you can't blame it on that. In the cites it maybe somewhat different, but not here in the countryside.

I got similar treatment last year near the British Club. A tuk- tuk driver gave me the same line. Inside a tailor shop I thought I'd get some silk for my wife, as she makes dresses and such. I was sold what I thought was a nice piece of silk for about 2000 Thb. The tuk-tuk driver said the shop pays for his gas if they make a sale. The driver sits outside a local hotel there. When I got the silk home, my wife said it was not silk, and was worth 100 Thb. My fault for not being more knowledgeable.

If the Thai govt. wants to make the best of this, why not hold riding classes and issue licenses. For a fee of course. Good for the riders, good for the businesses.

Nothing was said about their nationality. I assume they are Thai. If they were foreigners, that would have been the headline.

I also hate going to the dentist. About 7 years ago in the US I had a few fillings done. I mentioned my disdain for novicaine injections. Once I had a tooth filled with no pain meds or injections. (Never again). So this time, the doctor pinched my cheek where the injection was going to happen, and shook my cheek vigorously for a minute, then did the injection. I swear, I felt noting at all. Not even a pinch. I was amazed to say the least. Mention this to the dentist who will do your work. If they are unaware of it, find a newly educated dentist. My niece is a pediatric orthodontist, and she said she uses the procedure all the time.

I have stayed in about 10 different hotels in Bangkok over the past 6 or so years. Normally the better hotels, averaging 2500 Thb a night and higher. Each one has had a super heavy blanket on the bed, not offering anything lighter. So, the AC has to be on full blast to be even slightly comfortable. I have always left that information as part of my feedback for the hotels, but I have seen it never changes a thing. Not a good use of their carbon budget. Maybe I need to try cheaper hotels.

From personal experience: If you were hacked, and then locked out by FB, you can not count on FB for any help. Save your self a lot of grief but getting an extra sim card (which you probably will not need, more later)..And a new email address. Make a new account on FB. You can use the new email or phone for a user name. I did use the new phone number, but I never needed to verify it. You will need a new name on the account. Just use Bill123 or something like that. If you use the same name as before, you will be blocked. Be careful "friending" old close contacts too quickly. FB can detect that and close the account again. If you have the contacts email, let them know to find you using your new name. If none of the above applies, you will need to be more specific as to your problem. Or, wait for someone close to you to be able to visit.

Just what is" Old Pension system, and CRS or such"? Please share..

No. That is only a link. You still have to verify your ID. The reason for my post...

Not always. I have always used COD, but the past few weeks it defaults to a credit card.

I am trying to get a copy of my 1099- The link provided here may work, but I must use a VPN. I need to wait a few hours to get in during their operating hours..

Not your own personal filled in 1099. It would have my social on it, and all personal info. never saw that, and the agent did not point it out. I will try it. Thanks

For the past 5 hours I've been trying to do the verification process on-line with the US SSA. I am trying to get a replacement 1099-R, as I never-ever get mail from outside Thailand unless it is registered or a box. Letters simply never arrive. I've been here 7 years and have gotten one letter -5 months late four years ago. After an hour with the lady in Arizona, it was determined my documents were not sufficient for a verification. I had a DD214, Birth cert, Passport, SS card, . None have an address in Thailand (of course)... I have loads of Thai ID, but none in English. (again, of course). How do I work round this? I plan on calling the PI tomorrow. Do I need to use a US address? I could, but all my US ID (drivers license) has expired, no util bills, cable bills, ect, as I live here, not there. It is enough grief to cause a stroke.

I've never received the notice since living in Thailand. I only find out when they stop paying into my bank account. Here near Phimai, I get maybe one percent of letters mailed to me. I sure wish I knew what happens to the other 99%. I never got my 1099-R either. Another post for that one.

I use SIAGRAN. Each tab is 50mg. I found half will do the job in under 2 hours if taken as soon as I feel one coming on. No side effects for me. It is available from my local pharmacy, no script needed. Sometimes alcohol can cause it, a few times a year. If the trend is progressing, I will take a half after drinking, no matter how small the drink.