The Fugitive

Good to know thanks!

Completely understand. After my free trial they sent emails with special offers on subscriptions. When the price came down to just over one dollar per month I signed up for three years. Otherwise, I was going to go for Atlas VPN which is about the lowest priced alternative. Never had any problems with SurfShark though!

Part Two is setting up the VPN; https://support.smartdnsproxy.com/article/176-vpn-setup-for-chromeos-l2tp

Here's the ChromeBook set-up instructions; https://support.smartdnsproxy.com/article/44-chromebook-dns-setup-for-smart-dns-proxy

Have you already done this? This set up is for Windows 11 but there are instructions for other operating systems; https://support.smartdnsproxy.com/article/791-windows-11-setup-for-smart-dns-proxy

Sorry about that. I previously subscribed to 'ZenMate' (simply because it was the cheapest). However, it wouldn't unblock BBCiPlayer. Their C/S told me they were presently working on a solution but couldn't give any timescale. As it wasn't available before my initial 30 days was up I cancelled and received refund in full. No problems with SurfShark for two years but I now use Smart DNS Proxy due to their special offer of three year's for £41.11 GBP ($50.98 USD).

Not to worry, it isn't the easiest but once you get it up and running it's worth it. Did you see four green ticks after you logged into .'My Account'?

How many could truthfully find that sort of money? I know my credit card wouldn't stretch that far!

Maybe if you downloaded the user guide; https://www.smartttc.com/en/download

Have you tried eMailing SurfShark? It's between Christmas and New Year now but, in normal times, I have received positive replies from them within one hour. First class customer service from SurfShark!

Thanks for your update! Living with uncertainty from day-to-day makes life more interesting. I've enjoyed ten years of lower bills in the UK thanks to the totally free 'rent a roof' scheme. No feed-in tariff or meter spinning in reverse (had a digital one at time of installation, now replaced with Smart meter). Been trying to persuade my Mrs to instal solar without success. Our electrician friend does all sorts of weird and wonderful things with solar panels and car batteries but only for lighting purposes. He says solar is no good for running air conditioners. House is unoccupied from 7am until around 9 or 10pm. Average monthly bill 2,000 baht.

I didn't previously have an account before ordering my NT Thunder SIM. Just checked now, I used my Covid/Pink ID card number and my Mrs's mobile number to log into my account. The OTP for logging in went to her mobile, of course. I have a photograph of the QR code activation letter (Steps numbered 1,2,3 & 4). (Used Google lens to translate from Thai). Step 1 - Receive and inspect product. Step 2- Scan QR code and then to fill in; 'Order Number and mobile phone number for the contact specified in the ordering process (not the number of the SIM card received). Step 3- Enter OTP received. Step 4- Try it out. Hope this helps!

My understanding of a data only SIM is that it should be suitable for use in, say, a tablet/laptop with a SIM slot. Such a device is, of course, portable. I found I could use it in my wife’s shop but not in our house only 980 metres away. It worked in my favourite restaurant but not in my bank. Good value for money where it works. Someone else stated he installed his in a pocket WiFi and takes it on holiday with him. Have to try these things!

Never tested mine above ground level. Purchased it for when 'out and about'. However, I've given up on it altogether even though it has a few months validity remaining. More often than not, I found no signal available. Subscribed instead to 'add on' data packages for my pre-paid SIM's (AIS for my main phone and True for my back-up).

Agree on that! I got a quote of 17,000 baht for full respray.

Got mine going, eventually, after a struggle. The mobile number for the OTP has to match the mobile number you gave when ordering. Name is mine (in English of course). Couldn't remember what I'd given when ordering so tried all combinations i.e. my Thai mobile number, my UK passport number and my Covid/Pink ID card number. I remembered that, at one time, I gave my Mrs's ID card number and my own Thai mobile number. Turned out I'd given them my wife's mobile number in case of any queries.

The mobile 'phone number must be the one you quoted when ordering. I had to find this out by a process of elimination. In the end, I found out that I had supplied my Mrs's mobile number (my thinking was if any queries with my order, they would probably be asking in Thai language).

Down to the airline and to a certain extent the check-in agent. I was asked for sight of my retirement extension in September when checking-in on Thai Airways at Munich airport. On another occasion in Lisbon the check-in agent explained that if I was flying TAP Air Portugal there is no requirement but I was flying Air Europa who have. However, she felt it was unfair to treat passengers differently so exercised her discretion and permitted me to board. Unfortunately, upon transit in Madrid staff didn't agree and I was deboarded.

That would leave only Hezbollah and Houthi (officially) rooting for Palestinians. Israel will continue building their illegal settlements in the West Bank until there's only the Gaza strip remaining.

Can't sit on the steps at my nearest. Counted nine dogs lying on them today.

Suspended ceiling in mother-in-law's house was a problem. Our cats easily found their way up there but then they became too heavy and broke the panels, crashing onto the floor! Had success with both cage and glue traps too.

I too have limited flexibility (to put it mildly). Not Pattaya but we always go to the same local independent tyre supplier/fitter. As soon as we drive up (or ride if on moto) the guys stop what they're doing and pump us up using air hose incorporating gauge (definitely worth 20 baht). Last time a new young guy obviously didn't know the correct pressures for our car. He opened the door to check the placard in the door jamb. First time I've ever witnessed that level of service!

Good info thanks. Wasn't aware of that.

Looks very much like a drone. Possibly taken by Tessaban? Problem with traditional economical Thai houses, all wooden upstairs. Mrs and friends today took things such as blankets, fans plus foodstuffs to the families. Good idea to have house insurance, I don't think I'd cover contents in our case, only the buildings.

What is most confusing is the reference to 'child'. Once turned 20 'child' cannot be applicable in Thailand.