The Fugitive

It isn't clear at all. I use 'Vyke'. Have done so for 4 years. Incoming mobile (only) numbers are available for; US, UK, Canada, Australia, Israel, Finland and Mexico. OTP's work perfectly for me with a UK number. However, I know that US banks and other financial institutions are nervous of sending OTP's via VOIP services so you might not be as lucky.

LocalPhone only supports SMS for United Kingdom numbers. https://www.localphone.com/help/global_sms

I found it odd that, for some time, the Skype website said; 'Skype supports SMS however, only for US numbers when sent from either a US or Canadian number. Skype does not support identification verification services (2FA, OTP's). However, several people claimed that they received OTP's without any problem. Others said it was 'hit and miss', they received OTP's from some organisations but not from others.

Agree. Online travel agents almost always offer flights for less (as you've already discovered) than booking directly with the airlines. Their websites/mobile apps are more user friendly too in my experience. The terms and conditions are set by the airlines and the agents have to abide by them.

Copied this now from Trip.com; Passenger Information Passport or ID information is not required at the time of booking. However, please ensure that you have a passport or ID valid for travel when you check in.

The basics are the most important for me. Continuous availability of water and electricity. Water pressure remains excellent all day (at least where I live). Internet is incredibly fast and so cheap. Roads are either tarmacadum (asphalt) or concrete. That means you can travel even when it rains. New international terminal recently built at my local (previously domestic only) airport. Roads widened, footpaths constructed and surface water drains of massive proportions installed. Railway now flies over our town instead of through it with platforms designed with future proofing in mind. Our local community hospital is now being extended for the second time. There appears to be money available for improvements in infrastructure and healthcare. Things that are very much lacking in UK, and completely non-existent where I lived previously (Paraguay).

Should cover not commence from the moment you book your flights/hotel? In case accident or illness prevents you taking your holiday.

So sorry to hear this. I know that our local community Government Hospital only has GP's but patients are regularly ferried by ambulance to the Regional Hospital. In their defence, I have heard consultants on ward rounds saying; 'It's all down to the antibiotics. We can't do anything else at the moment'.

You may already have checked this out but LocalPhone provides both geographical and mobile numbers. Incoming SMS only works for UK numbers but that would be OK for you. Ideally, you don't want to have to change your Skype geograpical landline number. I believe it is possible to port it to LocalPhone. Otherwise, Vyke is most reliable in my experience and also accepts number porting. They only offer mobile numbers for rent.

I haven't looked any further. I only used Skype for calling 0800 numbers and, occasionally, subscribing to an unlimited minutes package when having difficulties with various organisations. Therefore, I never had a credit balance with Skype.

Can't find the dial pad? Same here! Apparently it won't appear until May. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/moving-from-skype-to-microsoft-teams-free-3c0caa26-d9db-4179-bcb3-930ae2c87570

When I was at school in the 1960's (United Kingdom) wars and colonialism were very much taboo subjects. Must be much the same in Thai schools?

Neither does Viber. Receive message that; 'this number is not with Viber. To continue you need to buy a subscription'. We didn't know how fortunate we were having Skype!

If from United Kingdom; 'LocalPhone'. If from United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Israel, Australia, Finland or Mexico; 'Vyke'.

Both mobile and geographical landline numbers are available to rent. However, incoming SMS is only available for United Kingdom numbers.

Very much the case. How to prepare to defend yourself? Owning and, of course, carrying a handgun or maybe a large knife?

For consultation, would one of the High Street specialist clinics (green signs in Thai only) be suitable providing you could find the relevant one? Would they take blood samples and send them off for analysis also?

Have you had this? If so, how long ago? My surgeon back in 1990 told me he didn't do injections because they don't work. He performed 'strip and ligate' upon my legs in sections, as he said it was less 'barbaric'.

Understandable that both Government and private hospitals want money in their bank accounts in order to commence/continue treatment. Either the estimated cost 'up front' or to keep pace with ongoing costs upon a daily basis.

Glad you got sorted and, for a bargain price too! My wife had two friends who stayed with her in the private room. She was in for breast cancer surgery.

Absolutely. People don't injure or make themselves ill deliberately. In UK NHS treatment isn't refused or restricted due to the patients recklessness.

Never, ever I'm afraid. I'm a Brit too.

Thanks for that. My Thai wife spent three nights in Khon Kaen Regional Government Hospital in October. Cost of a private room was 1,000 baht per day. Same amount as she paid seven years ago. Thai price of course.

They've never had to pay for treatment in U.K. I'm sure some honestly believe that treatment would be provided irrespective of their ability to pay because; 'They'd never be allowed not to do that'.

Superb info! Many thanks. Most helpful.