The Fugitive

Thanks for this tip! Despite the dire warnings from others about using VOIP services, my virtual UK mobile number from 'VYKE' continues to serve me well. I use it for everything apart from Thai organisations that require a Thai mobile number.

Three recent instances in my Thai family (neice once, nephew twice) of moto accidents. In all three they were treated without argument under their 30 baht scheme. However, as Road Traffic Accidents are not covered by Thai National Health Service they later received bills for the cost of their treatment.

Can confirm how good DHL are. I sent a letter one Friday afternoon from UK. It was delivered and signed for early Monday morning.

If it's any consolation, I knew a couple of long-serving posties in the UK. They absolutely hated this!

That was difficult! Many of us would never have got there.

Terrible. Thieving and hoarding Royal Thai Mail staff at local level. And not resolved even yet as it continues.

'Government sector' includes water and electricity supply, schoolteachers, hospital workers and police. Agreed, at our local Amphur there is very little activity and they like to think up difficulties so that you'll go away. Don't see much activity at Regional Local Government office either!

Surely there is too much weight on the power pole?

If she makes 30,000 baht per month now she'd be crazy to give it up. My stepson and neice only earn 15,000 and 13,000 respectively.

That has happened recently to me. Postman was unable to deliver and parcel returned to depot. He incorrectly logged the item as delivered. It was quickly resolved with a smile!

Glad it worked out in the end. PO box is definitely the way to go to avoid what you went through. Will see about one for myself too!

Very helpful, many thanks! Can only imagine why one item would go via Zurich and another via Tokyo with both coming from Arizona? The Thai people in your village sound most decent! Definitely a good idea about the Post Office Box, 500 baht per annum is peanuts if it makes life easier and gives you peace of mind. Only need the mail sorting staff to be more 'on the ball' and it's then perfect!

Certain films such as Bladerunner (original 1982 version) are so impressive that you tend to notice extra things each time you watch. Plus, in the meantime, you may have read about how and where the scenes were shot. You are then watching for the camerawork techniques.

Yes, they had my UK mobile number (VOIP) to which they have previously sent OTP's. It definitely works. There were no secure messages or emails from them. I suspect writing to the address upon the account is considered more secure?

Santander UK wrote to my UK address asking me to get in touch. Because I was in Thailand I was unaware. I noticed my online access was suspended. I telephoned and explained I was temporarily abroad. After answering questions about my future intentions regarding my accounts and zero credit card they reinstated my online access. I believe had I not telephoned when I did my accounts could have been closed.

Another way is to use a USB pendrive. You need a USB socket to phone input plug adapter cable. Copy .mp3's from your computer onto your stick. Insert the stick into the USB socket and connect the other end of the cable to your mobile.

Went to; National Science and Media Museum (as it is now called) in Bradford, UK when they opened the first IMAX cinema in Europe in 1983. Saw two films; one about atoms and the other about the Space Shuttle. Apparently 70mm film running horizontally. Very impressive.

If not used for 15 years then you obviously don't need it. However, if any of your other accounts were closed would the Nationwide one become of use again? I would be inclined to transfer some money in/out on a monthly basis to avoid the unlikely possibility of it being closed.

Is it too late for you to save the bank account referred to? Santander UK wrote to my UK address and, as I wasn't there to respond, suspended my on-line access. The next stage, so I'm told, would have been to close my account. I explained by telephone that I was only temporarily abroad, albeit for an extended period. They asked for my future intentions of how I would use the account and then agreed to reinstate my on-line access.

Fantastic outcome!

Thanks for the up-date!

Go regularly and stay at LK President or LK The Empress with Mrs and various family. 17 year old neice was impressed with LK Metro and took photos of several establishments. Must admit I don't like it as much now that the Golf Club (cafe/restaurant) has been remodelled.

Thanks for the info. My Mrs deals with our local ThaiLife agent. Up to now, as far as I know, she only has two Life Insurance plans with them (for her Uncle and myself). ThaiLife paid out without difficulty when her Mother died last year.

Thanks for taking the trouble to report!

Great scheme!