22 hours ago, NanLaew said:

 

Thanks. I was asking if there was an additional sticker. The Laos eVisa has the postage stamp-sized visa sticker in addition to entry/exit stamps, as does Korea and Malaysia.

 

But if there's no sticker at all for the Vietnam eVisa, even better!

There is no sticker for the Vietnam eVisa.  They just put an entry stamp put in your passport.  I just went to Vietnam on an eVisa this month.

20 hours ago, RobU said:

Thanks Steve my bill is due within the next few days. I will try it. Do I select iBanking from within the PEA app?

You just select bank transfer as the payment method and then Bangkok Bank.  It will automatically open the iBanking site to log in.

3 hours ago, RobU said:

I have tried paying my bill via the PEA app. It won't accept it, using Bangkok Bank. 

 I pay 3 every month using the PEA App and Bangkok Bank.  You have to pay it using iBanking and not the phone app.  You select bank transfer then the bank and it goes to iBanking to log in.

12 hours ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 

I had info from some years past saying the U.S. Embassy had ceased certifying Thai passports, and that kind of certification from then on needed to be done by the Thai MFA???

 

We certified my wife's Thai passport at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok in 2022.

My wife tried to certify her passport at MFA,  but they refused or didn't understand what was needed.   This was in Udon, you might have better luck somewhere other location.

This is the link from U.S. Embassy in Bangkok website, so it appears to still be valid.  I heard they resumed it due to all the expiring ITIN numbers.

https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/local-resources-of-u-s-citizens/notaries-public/certified-true-copies-of-a-foreign-passport-for-use-with-individual-taxpayer-identification-number-itin-applications/

15 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

First up you require an appointment at Vientiane.

If approved it's done overnight.

Second application does not come into it.

You state FLY ...assume you mean fly to Udon Thani? 

It takes 2 days in Vientiane not overnight.

Check the FAQ section at the consulate site.

Apply on Monday get passport/visa on Wednesday, for example.

https://thaivisavientiane.com/

Looks like you entered via the Vientiane airport?

I just got a Thai visa in Vientiane and only submitted the same visa stamp and entry stamp that you showed.  I didn't give them the e-visa printout and it was not asked for, so you should be good.

Always use the official consulate site for requirements, but your link appears to be accurate.

https://vientiane.thaiembassy.org/en/page/tourist-visa-2?menu=63bcd875e8b39d00fd0e7513

It takes 2 days to get the visa, so if you apply on Tuesday, you pick up your passport and visa on Thursday.

I applied last week in Vientiane for a Non-immigrant O visa, so the requirements are different, but they didn't deviate from the list.

They seemed most interested in the financial evidence from what I saw, so the more you bring the better.

You need a appointment to apply at Vientiane, there are no walk ups.  The consulate is closed on July 20 for a Lao holiday and July 28 for a Thai holiday.

https://vientiane.thaiembassy.org/en/page/office-hours-and-holiday?menu=63bb90d69da54379d32269a3

7 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Why make easy difficult.

Since you live in Udon Thani a quick trip to Nong Khai step into Loas and back to obtain visa exempt entry.

Since you qualify for marriage and retirement just choose option that suits you. 

800/400k on day of application for the non O and in last 30 days of that 90 day stamp obtain your 12 month extension 

It is not really that difficult and I want to visit Laos anyways.   In country requires several trips to immigration, they are probably equal in difficulty level.

3 minutes ago, BritTim said:

Just enter visa exempt and apply for a Non O visa at Immigration based on retirement. As an alternative, you can get a Non O visa based on being over age 50 (basically retirement) from the Thai consulate in Savannakhet.

As I stated, my preference is try to get a Non-O first.  I'm planning on trying to  apply for a Non-O based on retirement at Vientiane, but looking a options, if that becomes an issue.  Nong Khai is only an hour drive from where I live.  I already have an appointment in July at the Vientiane Thai consulate.

I have been exploring options for ending the visa extensions of my original OA visa and obtaining a new Non-O visa at a nearby embassy.   The required insurance for extensions have almost tripled this year and I can't justify the cost for something that I don't need.  My Thai wife and I do not want to apply for extensions based on marriage.

I know I can enter visa exempt and get a new Non-O visa in Thailand, but my first preference is a new Non-O visa outside of Thailand. I qualify for a Non-O based on marriage and retirement.  I use money in the bank for my current extensions.  Is it possible to get the first extension of a new Non-O visa based on marriage for the purpose of retirement and not marriage?

I use the Udon Thani immigration office for extensions.

39 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Keep in mind that appointments are required at Vientiane.

 

Nothing wrong with your plan.

For me I would border bounce to Nong Khai and obtain the non O retirement at UT immigration. 

The visa in Laos eliminates the application and under consideration steps in Thailand.   The border bounce was plan 2.

Thanks.

I want to stop the extensions based on my Non-OA visa because of the required Thai Insurance.   I am considering going to Vientiane to get a Non-O visa for Retirement and I am wondering if anyone has recent experience.

Old threads mention a police clearance and medical certificate, but these are not mentioned currently on the Vientiane consulate site. I use money in a Thai bank currently for my extensions, so that is not a problem.  I live in the Udon Thani area, so Laos is very convenient.  I'll just enter visa exempt, if it gets to complicated.

Thanks.

If you are in Bangkok, the embassy can certify Thai passports for ITIN applications.  It can also be done via mail. You will have to send your wife's original passport, if you don't have a certified copy of the passport. I have heard others have obtained certified passport copies at Thai passport offices, but I used the embassy last year.

Send the W7, the certified copy of your wife's passport, and your tax return (your wife and you need to sign) to the address indicated in the W7 instructions.

20 hours ago, tamy said:

We are trying this IDme as an addendum to try and setup

a SSA MY account from outside the USA. Manila FBU in the

past just repeated to sign up for My SSA but never never

understood that My SSA Login required a USA resident address and USA registered phone for SMS coded LOGIN

 

So for the people who can and have the patient ability please report back if this new discovered SSA login web

site can work from 3BB Thailand internet

 

4.  

Social Security Administration and ID.me

ID.me works with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to verify users requesting information online. ID.me provides secure digital identity verification to government agencies and healthcare providers to make sure you are you—and not someone pretending to be you. This article explains how to verify your identity for SSA.

How to verify

Follow the steps below to verify your identity.

1. Sign in to SSA

To begin the verification process, first sign in to your SSA account:

1. Go to the Social Security login page.
   
2. Select Sign in with ID.me.
3. Select Ok to be redirected to the ID.me Sign in page.

2. Sign in or create an ID.me account

If you have an ID.me account, sign in using your email address and password. Otherwise, create a new ID.me account. 

Note: Do not create more than one ID.me account. For more information, visit Can I have more than one ID.me account?

To create a new ID.me account:

1. Enter your email address and password, then select Create account.
2. Confirm your email address. For more information, visit Confirming your email address.
3. Set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) to further protect your account. For more information, visit Getting started with MFA.
   Tip: If you’re setting up MFA for the first time, make sure to save or download your recovery code to ensure you always have access to your ID.me account.
   

3. Verify your identity for SSA

You can use the self-service verification method to verify your identity for the SSA. To verify your identity using self-service:

1. Upload photos of your document. Acceptable documents include driver’s license, state ID, passport, passport card. You may need to upload the front and back of your documents.
2. Take and submit a video selfie.
   Tip: If you're unable to take a video selfie, you’ll have the option to do a quick video call with a trusted referee. For more information, visit Best practices for taking a selfie.
3. Enter your Social Security Number if you are creating a new account.
4. Review and confirm your information.
5. Select Allow and continue to share your identity information with SSA.

If you can’t complete the verification process due to an issue with your documents, you will be routed to verify your identity over a video call. 

After you verify

After you verify your ID.me account, you can log in to your Social Security account by selecting Sign in with ID.me.

About the verification process

ID.me’s next-generation identity platform meets the highest federal standards for online identity proofing and authentication. During the verification process, you will be asked to share your information.

In addition, ID.me has built rigorous security and privacy requirements into our technology. Learn more about ID.me’s Privacy Bill of Rights and how your information is protected.

Manage your ID.me account

After creating your ID.me account, you can also manage your account settings.

Account settings

• Change or add email addresses to your account.
• Reset your password.
• If you can’t access your ID.me account email address, need to reset your password, or see an error message, visit I can't sign in to my account.

Multi-factor authentication

• Learn more about Getting started with multi-factor authentication.
• If you’re having trouble, visit Troubleshooting multi-factor authentication.

 

I have 3BB and use ID.me to log into both by IRS and SSA accounts from Thailand.    I connect to a US VPN number first.

I completed the verification process in Thailand, but it requires a US mobile phone number during the verification steps.  It would not accept my Google voice number, so I doubt any VOIP will work.  I had to schedule a video chat with ID.me to complete the process. 

I use Google Authenticator for the actual log in authentication, to avoid getting an SMS message.

This is from my online Medicare account.  SS and Medicare address are linked.

On 1/4/2023 at 4:58 PM, StevoLe said:

I used the drop down for nationality  and always copy and paste the passport number to avoid  errors.  I got the email remainder as usual.

 

I have successfully made 5 on-line reports before and I am positive the report date is correct.

 

 

This turned out to be an issue with their computer system.   The 15/1/2023 next report date is correct based on the previous report and my record keeping.  Somehow, their system was showing my next report date in February, so it thought I was submitting it too early.

The IO could not explain how this happened, but did figure it out.  He was able to fix it on the spot and my next report date is in April.

On 1/7/2023 at 7:46 AM, Crazy Noobie said:

It is real easy to accomplish what you want, by signing into the SSA Online Website. You can deal with, about everything SSA related. I had to update my direct deposit address last year and it was so simple to update on their website.

You are only able to change it online if you use a US address.  If your address is in Thailand, you cant change your direct deposit bank or address online.  You either have to call or contact Manila.

12 minutes ago, lopburi3 said:

You used the pull down menu for nationality and entered passport number correctly?  And sure Jan 15 is the report date (you did get an email advising report due?).

I used the drop down for nationality  and always copy and paste the passport number to avoid  errors.  I got the email remainder as usual.

I have successfully made 5 on-line reports before and I am positive the report date is correct.

I got my first rejection yesterday on Jan 3.  I am not sure if what is in bold type is the rejection reason.  My report is  due Jan 15, so it is definitely not too early.  I tried again today and rejected again.

I use the auto-fill feature, so it is the same address that I have successfully used before. 

I haven't left the country, since my last report and I don't have a new passport. 

I don't know if it is true, but I've seen posts that suggest that if you enter on a Non O spouse visa, your first extension must be based on marriage.  After that you can change to retirement extensions.

Hopefully someone can confirm.   Non O spouse visas not requiring insurance seem the best option initially.

I bought one here.

https://bangkokfirstaid.com/

I am currently in the process of getting a ITIN for my Thai wife.  It made
the difference between owing money for 2021 and getting a refund.  My wife has
no income, so no issues with tax implications.

The biggest hassle is the amount of time it requires the IRS to issue the
ITIN.   They are seriously behind processing paperwork.  I sent the application
and tax return in February and the IRS has had it for 7 weeks now without a word.
I don't expect to hear anything about the ITIN until June and much later for the
refund.

1. Download the W-7 and instructions and complete the form.
2. Got a certified copy of my wife's Thai passport from the U.S. embassy
   in Bangkok.  I did this by mail.   The instructions are on the embassy website.
3. Prepared a signed statement that must include a declaration that one spouse is a
   nonresident alien and the other is a U.S. citizen or resident alien,
   and you are choosing to both be treated as U.S. residents for the tax year.
   You also have to include the name, address and  Social Security number for you
   and "Applying For" in place of wife's tax ID.
4. Sent W-7 (signed by wife), Statement (signed by both me and wife), wife's certified passport copy,
   and completed 1040 as "Married Filing Jointly"  (signed by both wife and me) to Austin.
   
Now I'm just wait until I hear something.

I'm going to Khon Kaen from Ban Dung tomorrow 28/9 to get my first Pfizer vaccine at the Health Promotion Center at Bangkok Hospital.

I registered thru the https://it-nurse.bkn.co.th/index_vaccine.php website.

I will have to check out Tops.  The wife and I are staying overnight at the Avani.