jimgilly

Just noticed many of the guys who used to post about the pollution problem in CM not being much of a concern are not posting anymore. Some I know are dead, others likely moved away and others are probably just too embarrassed to admit they are still there. Then you've got someone with multiple medical issues but because he doesn't believe he has any respiratory problems, he's good to go. Really? Do a little research and you will find how dangerous air pollution is and how it can have serious affects throughout the body with even limited exposure. To be subjected year in and year out to the pollution levels in CM is nothing short of lunacy and anyone who thinks it isn't having a serious negative impact on their health is delusional. There are enough things in this world trying to kill you, just don't add to it.

Forget about it. I contacted a couple of sources advertising it and you can't get an answer from any of them on how this program actually works. Good luck trying to get anyone to invest when they don't know what they are investing in or any other important details someone would need to give this serious consideration. I wouldn't be surprised to hear this was scrapped due to lack of interest, when the problem is they don't know how to market it properly.

So reading this, the US takes the position if a non-US citizen was issued a green card and they no longer live in the US, they are still subject to US income taxes on any worldwide income they earn. I find that hard to believe as it's equivalent to financial slavery over subjects not only who are not US citizens, but not even residing in the country. Then again, the US is a hegemony and they do think they are the world's police but fortunately those days I believe are about to come to an end. At least, let's all hope so.

Nigel, I found there is a 30% withholding on 85% of the social security benefit which is effectively 25.5%. However, no where could I find where it states you can file a tax return to get a refund for the tax withheld. Do you have a link or source that provides that the social security withholding income tax is in fact refundable? Thanks.

Does anyone know what would be the US tax withholding rate for a Thai non-US citizen/resident who is eligible to receive US social security benefits? I know it is typically 30% of 85 of the benefit but then there is a reduction because of the US/Thai tax treaty. What I haven't been able to find out is what that rate is. Thanks for your help.

Like others, I've had the same problem with a second notice to return the form so it's not an isolated case by any means. The way things are going, either the day will come when you won't get your payment or if you do, the US dollar will be worthless and you won't be able to buy anything with it. Don't believe me, wait and see.

I was about to complete an application for the international account and was told by one of their stateside employees the maximum amount per ATM withdrawal is only $500, with a daily limit of $1000. That would mean to get out $1000 it would require 2 withdrawals per day or 440 baht in Thai bank fees. So if I wanted to get say $10,000 out in a month that would be 4,400 baht in fees and I wonder if they would then put a limit on the amount of ATM withdrawals I could do each month. Has anyone made any large number of ATM withdrawals in a month with the CS debit card and were there any problems doing so? Thanks

Thanks for all the replies. No address in the US and worried if I used a virtual address and they found out later if my account would be cancelled. From what I've heard the requirement is $25,000 to open the international account but once opened there is no minimum balance required. That wouldn't be bad if that turns out to be the case and there is no limit to the amount of ATM fee reimbursements each month. That would be the cheapest way to move some US $ I have to Thailand and allow me to do it within time frames when exchange rates are favorable.

I've been thinking about opening a CS International account mainly for the atm fee reimbursements they provide. Any experiences, good or bad, and what would they be? Thanks

That's where I went and all I saw was a typical Thai business that appeared to serve just Thai food that was closed. I could see inside and there was no where to sit - just a couple of round tables outside. Is that it?

Tilaceer do you have an address for Keow's restaurant. Went by what I thought was the right address Friday afternoon and couldn't find it. Thanks

Tilaceer, thanks for the reply. I found the location for Keaw Store and it looks like it is just a typical Thai eatery with a couple of tables outside or am I wrong? I have no idea where arvo is or what the full name is. I'd appreciate it if you could provide me with more details so I can check it out. Thanks

Are there any places open now, especially in the afternoon where an expat can go to have a beer and maybe meet another expat? I know there used to be Patrick's but he moved and I don't think he reopened anywhere.

Why would you pay $27 to $50 to get a book when that's got to be a lot more than the cost of the book itself?

From "land of the free, home of the brave" to "land of the not-so-free, home of the sheeple". The country has self-destructed and past the point of no return. If it survives 3 more years I'll be surprised.

The US is already bankrupt borrowing trillions more than they take in each year. So sure, let's just print more funny money (like they've been doing) and pretend everything is just fine while the economy, currency and petrodollar are coming to an end. Instead of hoping they are going to boost your benefits, just be happy your getting a check now and the dollar is currently strong because this party is about to crash. This year, next year, whenever, it's not far off so enjoy it while you can.

Need to renew my Thai drivers license which expires in May. Anyone know what the requirements are to do so in Roi Et? Thanks

My answer is a definite NO! Why would anybody select Chiang Mai as a location for the elderly who obviously have a number of health conditions and now they get to deal with severe pollution for 4 to 5 months a year? Totally illogical and people should be forewarned of this before making such a big decision.

Need to add the 206 PM2.5 reading was on 26 Apr 2021 and the 159 reading was today 21 Dec 2021.

Started following the PM2.5 pollution levels in Roi Et and found they were terrible - actually worse than Chiang Mai. If this pattern holds then from November through April you can expect unsafe levels which is half the year. I wonder how many else are aware of this as I consider it to be a major problem for anyone living here or thinking to move to this area.

Getting up to $5000 with no fees would be great, however, I take it you need a US address to qualify for the Cap1 debit card, which would disqualify me. Scwab may still work though. Thanks for the info.

Pib, I read through all the posts on this thread you provided and noticed you mentioned making bank counter withdrawals with your debit card. By any chance are you talking about the Charles Schwab International account that covers all ATM fees? If so, would you be able to get more than $1000 equivalent a day with a bank counter withdrawal and what would the max be? Looking into Schwab at the moment so this also be a good option. Thanks

Thanks for the replies. After checking the numbers, the VISA rate 0% fee, which I get, is better than the IDD rate so it wouldn't make sense to switch. Plus with going the ATM route I can see exactly what I will be getting on the day I make a withdrawal and time my withdrawals accordingly.

Does anyone know where you can find what the current IDD rates are? I've been getting SS into US bank and then getting money at ATM with Visa debit card but this may be better. Like to compare against the daily VISA rate.