The Fugitive

20 hours ago, Kenny202 said:

Anyone have an older phone can't use banking apps?

I have Huawei GR5 2017 (stopped updating it's operating system at Android version 7) as my back-up mobile. Can't instal Chase UK banking app because it requires mininum Android version 8.1. No option of web based browser access. Not verified this myself but have read that rooting/jailbreaking prevents installation of banking apps.

19 hours ago, JimTripper said:

My other main reason for Mexico is that I'm from California. I want to eventually buy a cabin in the USA to retire to and it's an easy trip to arrange that, but Mexico is a second choice because they won't kick you out with residency. In Thailand I start missing the reports and all that jazz and it puts my visa in jeopardy.

 

They also have the accessible national healthcare system. How am I going to afford healthcare in Asia (if I can even get it) with premiums going through the roof as I get older, just not be insured?

Thank you for the information. Both very important considerations.

18 hours ago, eisfeld said:

 

That's not true. I used to be able to use my debit card years ago.

Can confirm. Have been using mine (physical U.K.) continuously at 7/11 since September 2022.

17 hours ago, Liverpool Lou said:

Ok, thanks.  They do not accept any physical debit cards.

Possibly out-dated information. This afternoon I used my U.K. Chase physical debit card by contactless method at 7/11. I can advise that my Mrs told me I had to use it at one machine as the other one (there are only two at the shop we use) wouldn't accept it.

5 minutes ago, JimTripper said:

I'm looking at Mexico now.

I've spent a short while in and around Mexico City. I was pleasantly surprised by how many people spoke English and how friendly they were.

1 hour ago, george said:

 

The other shops doesn't have the toasted Ham & Cheese sandwich 😎

Mrs only brought me two today. Usually four.

I have True Move pre-paid in my main mobile and AIS pre-paid in my back-up mobile. I have the add-on unlimited data packs on both. Cost 1,800 baht per annum for each. Speed rating 1Mbps for both. I find both most satisfactory. Just done a random speed test on True and got; 25.0 Download Mbps, 1.94 Upload Mbps. AIS is usually similar. Sometimes download speeds exceed 50 Mbps. Much more than satisfactory when I'm out and about.

11 minutes ago, georgegeorgia said:

I don't know about you but if your a cop attending a domestic

My experience with UK police is that they don't, won't (much prefer not to) attend a 'domestic' dispute.

2 minutes ago, Startmeup said:

His body got crushed not his head.

The helmets here are close to useless. They are for show. They break like an egg.

There is no testing here like in Australia, US and elsewhere.

Anybody who has any proper biking would be aware of this. Most of these folks would import helmets from abroad.
 

I could go and open a helmet manufacturing shop tomorrow if I wanted.
All new lightweight paper mache helmets, Made in Thailand. Super lightweight Make you go 20% faster. 

Id probably get some incentives by the government too for providing jobs. 

Local shop sells crash helmets for 300 baht. You can guess how good they are.

20 hours ago, impulse said:

If she's kept her nose clean for 20 years, I doubt she's much of a threat to society.

That's quite correct. From experience a barrister would argue that in her defence. Plus, of course, living with the constant worry that she may be arrested at any time has caused her anxiety. The police have failed to perform their duty in a diligent and timely manner to the detriment of the clients health. 

Very sorry about your wife. Thanks for letting us know about your border experience.

1 hour ago, AlexPattaya said:

Thai Law mandate All Hospitals in Thailand to provide Emergency Care irrespective of the Patient’s ability to pay! The Family of the deceased Police Office should definitely file a Big Lawsuit against this Hospital!!

Agree. Private hospitals shouldn't be able to 'cherry pick' where Emergency Treatment is required and they are the nearest facility. I don't know what they are reimbursed by the Thai Government (if indeed they are) for providing Emergency Treatment? Could be they get the same as a Government Hospital which would explain their reluctance! Additionally, Private (and Government) Hospitals face problems if the patient survives and requires further treatment. Without money in their bank account beforehand (or consent from any insurer if they choose to accept that) they are then placed in the position of having to discontinue treatment. I've read that a Private Hospital would, at that point, seek to transfer the patient to a Government Hospital.

38 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

The hospitals here are generally way better than the hospitals in the US.

In UK the problem is lack of staff and competency. However, our NHS is completely free. I agree that I've received better attention in Thai Government hospitals than in UK.

2 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

I give Ferrero Rocher to the assistants. All Thais seem to love them.

Absolutely!

18 hours ago, Mickeem said:

 

 

The tin roofs on these huts turn the insides into ovens during the hot season .. they are much cooler when roofed with

the traditional leaf roofing

Seem to remember reading that a metal roof painted in a light colour is cooler than a tiled roof? Don't know anyone with a metal roof that isn't rust coloured so can't test. However, I know how hot our tiled roof is. Unbearably.

10 minutes ago, SingAPorn said:

With all the absurd rules just to scam foreigners, better of using Line or any wifi supported connections.

How to receive OTP's from your Thai bank?

1 hour ago, Madgee said:

Update:
I delivered my passport to the MyThaiVisa agency (office not far away) on the 1st of April.  It can all be done by post.
Expiring passport
2 passport photos
I.D. Card (Thai driving licence will be accepted as well)
I signed a 'power of attorney' form allowing them to renew my passport on my behalf and a blank passport application form, they completed it.  
Paid 12,000 Baht.

I got a message via 'Line' this morning 26th of April that my new passport is ready to be picked up (or posted to me). According to them the passport office no longer issues a letter for immigration asking them to transfer my visa details and extension of stay to my new passport. 

Only 26 days to renew a UK passport from Thailand with no hassle, can't be bad! 

I'd be very pleased with the service and price too! Thanks for your report.

43 minutes ago, NoshowJones said:

It is a small clinic with a green cross in the main side street of my small town/village staffed by a doctor and two female assistants, one is I think a nurse and the other at the front desk. Any signs are in Thai.

The reason I asked is that unlike your local Community Hospital these places have continuity. You get to see the same doctor(s) each time. It's also difficult (impossible) to find a suitable one if you can't speak or read/write Thai. You need Thai help! My local ENT (ear nose and throat) doctor is superb. He and his receptionist (no nurse) speak excellent English. He gave my stepdaughter priority treatment when she was visiting last week because he knew and remembered us. What you intend to do will be appreciated and remembered!

12 minutes ago, NoshowJones said:

I had an ear infection for the first time in my life which made lose a bit of hearing in one ear. I was very pleased with the treatment and cost by the doctor and his two female assistants. I would like to give them something to show my appreciation. Any ideas?

Was it a High Street clinic? The ones with green Thai language only signs?

Are there still such things as 'Phablets?'. Or have the larger mobile screens replaced them? I was considering buying a tablet with a SIM slot. Using my VOIP service would give me telephone connectivity except for Thai banks which will only send OTP's to Thai mobile numbers.

On 4/22/2024 at 2:56 PM, Furioso said:

I see the Chinese version of Xiaomi pad 6S Pro 12.4(yes, 12.4) is available on some sites here in Thailand. It only works in Chinese and English but not Thai, which will anger my gf. However, the price is so damn cheap I'm really tempted to purchase. 

Thanks for your information. My Thai Mrs once purchased a Samsung phone whilst she was working in South Korea. Fine for Korean and English language but no Thai!

1 hour ago, sandyf said:

There was nothing other than the entry/exit stamps when I went to Laos last year on E-visa.

Had to fill out an entry/exit form entering land border from Nong Khai but nothing else. 

23 hours ago, Yorkshire Tea said:

My wife asked me why isn't the govt giving subsidies/grants to encourage home solar power.  I told her she needs to ask her govt, not me 🙂

Never mind grants and subsidies, I want completely free equipment, installation and maintenance same as UK. 

1 hour ago, NoshowJones said:

Thanks a lot, that is very interesting. I have just had a message from Bangkok Bank that they have put 1,936.81 back into my account, so that was about 2/3rds of what was taken from my account. 

Thanks for letting us know. Good news, be positive. That may be it or, hopefully, the remainder in dispute may still be under investigation?

1 hour ago, baansgr said:

Basic government bike insurance will cover him for 20k baht, and many now upto 40k what's the problem...?

He's in intensive care.