moontang

1 hour ago, newnative said:

     I stand by my answer with the facts that you gave in your very detailed, first post.   You gave the fact that you went to the first try at closing and the FET was not accepted by the Land Office.  Next, you gave  the fact that once you finally got the correct FET,  at your second try at closing your  POA was now not acceptable at the Land Office and needed to be changed.  You also gave the fact that you were paying your lawyer 6000 baht every time he went to go to the Land Office and you gave the fact that you were paying 10,000 baht every time you had to order a new POA.   You state the fact that at the third try at closing the debt free letter had expired so that attempt was also unsuccessful. 

     Since you were paying him to represent your interests, your lawyer should have gone to the Land Office prior to the first closing date and had both documents approved.  I wonder what he was doing on those visits he was charging you 6000 baht for.   He should also have been up-to-date on any policy changes by the Land Office, which would have caught the problems with both the FET and the POA.   After all the problems with the first two attempts, he certainly should have gotten everything approved prior to your third try.  There's no sense trooping to the Land Office with both incorrect and expired documents.   

I agree.. and there is a similar problem with lawyers in America.. they are way too focused on milking their clients.  Heard of a guy with a self defense case.. could have done 2 years and walked.. He had money to burn from working as a mercenary.. hired a hotshot lawyer for around 200k usd, and went to trial.  He got 30-50 years.

How many horror stories begin with:  I speak Thai, my wife is hiso (that I met near Asoke), and I usually just show my lawyer card... Bwahaha.. the smart ones are playing poor and get off easy. 

And be careful about talking about SF

... Thai social media is buzzing hot with outrage over the broad daylight murder of an 84 yo Thai man there. 

20 minutes ago, Captain Monday said:

Don't call me a nazi but we need vagrancy laws. Before that is enforced 

Every person in America should be entitled to a 25m2  climate controlled private room with access to toilet, shower and possibly laundry facilities, before a single penny is again spent on the Military. What they consume is another problem. Plenty of people in nice houses with money drink and use drugs.

Government housing is one of its biggest failures.  Even they admit it, and prefer to use the voucher based system.  When you reward people for having illegitimate kids and not working, you end up with many doing the same.  SFs most liberal government offers more proof of this, than just about anywhere.  The latest is the horrible public schools aren't even happy with schools named Lincoln and Washington, and lately added Diane Feinstein to the list. 

16 minutes ago, Captain Monday said:

I went there to get a passport last January 2020. Shocking scenes in broad daylight. Housing and health care needs to be a constitutional mandated right.

 

And house them in one of the most expensive markets?  Santa and the Tooth Fairy come to mind. Many of them refuse to stay at the shelters.. Something about rules against drugs and alcohol. 

1 hour ago, Jingthing said:

A good news story.

Who knew?

As an ex San Franciscan I must say that  I  very much appreciate this myself at the Pattaya Terminal 21. It really gets into a lot of small details only San Franciscans would notice such as signage of a famous Mission District taqueria.

 

 

https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/A-Thailand-mall-two-San-Francisco-themed-floors-15963767.php?IPID=SFGate-HP-Editors-Picks

 

A Thailand mall has two San Francisco-themed floors and it'

I didn't read the article, heading to the beach, but was instantly reminded of Maya Taqueria... was it Church St., extraordinary.. Also was a huge fan of Picante in Berkeley, which was kind of ruined by a new owner, but it was in the name of healthier cuisine. 

Just an hour ago.. was trying to find a place to eat besides the mobbed food court in HH.. Walked a full kilometer up soi 94..Apparently the trannies rule the massage businesses now, but there wasn't any basic Thai food to be had..One place selling tacos, 2 for 240 THB.. makes me ready for my trip to the US, airlines willing... 

13 minutes ago, Issanman said:

My IO told me 2 months seasoning is required. 

OK, but are you attempting to to switch from a VOA to a one year extension or just a 90 day?  As stated, MUCH SHORTER, as I needed 400k in 366 days, and 800k in two before and three after to get my 6th extension.  And as far as Savanaket, haven't seen anyone clarify the letter of retirement which is on the list, but difficult for those over 50, but too young for pension. 

4 minutes ago, Captain Monday said:

There are negatives about the Hotel lifestyle. I have done it.

 

In normal times can you get a reservation on weekends or holidays?

It wont be 280 Baht. 

I travel with smallest baggage possible, everything I need is waiting for me, at home.

I don't like having a check out time. When your flight is at 23:50 do you walk around all day like a vagrant then board a long flight a sweaty mess? Carrying bags or storing them somewhere?

No yobs in elevators with cigarettes, bringing whores in and out. Noise problems, Garbage problems. Chinese people screaming in hallways and slamming doors at 5 AM. (I have experienced this in multiple countries part of the national character). Some owners tried to turn our Condo into a tourist hotel a few years ago , problem solved. It is illegal for many reasons in Thailand.

 

The only sure positive to renting is it is easy to move way.

 

 

 

 

Currently, I got five days for 1400 on Agoda, including the weekend.  But, as stated they have and will get 950 per night, but not this year.  I own a condo in Nonthaburi, and enjoy traveling light and other benefits, but there are almost as many drawbacks to owning as renting.  Haven't seen anyone smoke in an elevator in decades.  

25 minutes ago, Issanman said:

I returned visa-exempt with the intention of obtaining a  new non-O with 1 year retirement extension.

Seasoning rules are much shorter for new apps.  In the past, folks went to Savanaket for an O for retirement visa 90 days, then got a one year extension on that, so you just needed the 800k in a Thai bank for the extension, without any seasoning.  Sound more like your trouble will be not being able to leave.  Ask others about switching here.. 

8 minutes ago, mikebell said:

Wow - I know Jomtien is probably the most accommodating in all Thailand but this is fantastic.  Do I also need proof of address like a rental agreement and/or telephone bill with my name on it?

A TM30 provides proof of where you live, but you might need your lease/bill to get it.  TM30 enforcement caries widely, but nevertheless, the IOs are on the lookout for people jurisdiction shopping for an easy extension...only the agents can do that.  

8 minutes ago, Issanman said:

I was gone for the entire year of 2020, due to being unable to return. Now I am back and I finally got my book updated at the Bangkok Bank counter. They left out every single transaction that I did in 2020. And there were plenty of transfers, both in and out. None of them shown.

 

Not asking for sympathy or advice. Just showing that there are some things that happen that don't always follow along with the simple cut and dried explanations and advice given by some on this forum. After all, TIT.

How did your visa/extension survive being gone all of 2020?

It is likely beneficial for those using FD to get their interest monthly (paid into a savings account).  That will give an extra entry in your book every month that will also include the balance.  Much better than an FD book from 9 months ago showing a million baht deposit and nothing since. 

15 hours ago, ukrules said:

There's a reason for that.

 

My next door neighbours are in the same situation, they've been trying to sell their 3 storey 4 bedroom townhouse for about the last 3 years now - no buyers at all.

 

Several other houses in the same row of townhouses which are identical to theirs have sold without any problem and new people have moved in.

 

Why can't my next door neighbours sell theirs? It's a nice house, well maintained, refurbished to a reasonably high standard and they've looked after it over the years.

 

I'll tell you - the other houses sold for around 3.5 Million Baht each, they want 8 Million Baht for their identical house.

 

This is why they will never, ever be able to sell it.

 

Good point, that is why you have to get a good price, when you buy.  Everyone says it is hard to sell, but it is only hard to sell if you can't beat the competition on price.  Chances are you will be competing with identical units, that might even be on the same floor.  Thais are stubborn sellers?  Not always, but if owning is as bad as the 'stools say, then there should be plenty of farang selling, who don't owe the bank more than its worth, so just deal with them.  It took me too long to figure out that many of the stools were here or are here under various types of false pretenses, and have a muddied view of just about everything.  Of course, they would never buy.. It is all they can do to get a visa and/or a <deleted> teaching job just to be marginally legal. The lockout has been horrible, but for every owner locked out paying maintenance, there are many renters, paying rent and facing a remote liquidation of their stuff.  

I am currently paying 280 per night for a pretty good guest house in HH.  Aircon, daily maid, minibar, rooftop area, beach towels, quiet, etc..  200 hundred meters down the road they are building a development of prefab low-rise condos, starting at 7.8 million.  I'll bet they are closer to 40sm than 50sm, and no closer to the beach than me.  Seems like it would be a no brainer, but the actual room rate posted in the lobby is 950 THB per night for my room.  And they got that before, and will get that again, but today I am happy to pay 280, but it is not a means to an end.  Would I pay 7.8?  No, but if I could get one for five from an estate sale or a desperate seller, I would take a good look. As usual, the best move lies somewhere in the middle.   Renters have their windows, but more often than not, get creamed in the long run.  

37 minutes ago, jollyhangmon said:

 

up to 2018: standard bank letter + original bankbook (updated) + copies

 

2019: 6 month statement added

 

2020: 12 month statement required, so either you get 2x 6 month statements (on the spot, the 1st after half a year, the 2nd before you extend) or you need to order one for 12 months a week before you extend to pick up together with the standard letter ... 

 

Apparently bit of a regional clusterfcuk as folks also needed appointments for the 2020 extensions but - as opposed to the income methodists - mostly didn't know that a years statement takes about a week to obtain, I was told 3 months prior when I was there for a 90day rep and also made an appointment for the extension but no mention of having to wait a week etc.

When I rocked up at the bank on extension day as usual the banker already had respective experience, explained, gave me my instant 6 month statement plus standard letter and called ahead, telling them everything fine, stash was there all year round (not like one couldn't verify that clearly out of a FD bankbook anyway, but that's the whole point here, isn't it) but now only 6 month statement available on the spot ... worked out, but next time around to be conducted as outlined above!

 

Very entertaining, never a boring minute with those apparatschiks ... just kiddin', as cute as they are, they're actually a considerable rectal discomfort.

 

So why make it sound like every bank is the same?  

Credit is worthless. Unless you owe.  Tax ID is miles easier than yellow book, but that may have been what made it easy.. Without a WP.  Ms Ae at the CM Office by Holiday Inn was super helpful.. Night and day compared to immigration.  Have filed down here and it was quick and easy, too.  No need to go to your home branch of revenue office.. But I did already have tax ID. 

15 minutes ago, brianthainess said:

From Trat Immigration. Required letter, statement same day, make a small transaction to up date passbook, I would copy every page of passbook.

 

 

At least the first two with bio info, and 12 months.. Get them to copy the last page after update. Sign and stamp.. No need to pay for 12 month statement.. Wastes time and 100 THB.

1 hour ago, tonray said:

Not worth the hassle for a few hundred baht annually. I consider it part of my contribution toward whatever services I benefit from in Thailand. After all I don't pay any other btax outside of immigration nonsense fees.

You must be getting your financial advice from your local food court.  Start with a bank that actually competes on interest:  Krungsri, CIMB, LH.. to name a few.  It is less meaningful nowadays, but my return is close to 1000, and half of my 800k was in a tax free FD for half the year for over 55.  Have had refunds as high as 3500, with rates much closer to 3%.  There is also a cost to them to keep it on their books. We pay VAT of 7% and taxes at the land office are outrageous, and passed on to renters. 

Get the statement of interest paid from the bank, go to the revenue office, they will do it for you... You get the refund letter in the mail, take it to KTB.. Top it up to nearest 100..they will assist you at the machine.  Pretty simple.  Even in a farangless place like Nonthaburi, they were efficient. 

Your bank is where you get the statement to take to Revenue.  KTB is where you take the letter from Revenue you will get in 6 weeks or so.. even if you don't bank with KTB.  I didn't know Kasikorn participated. 

On 2/8/2021 at 1:46 AM, Patong2021 said:

If they are nice women they will not  be on either soi. You can see what is happening  on youtube.

 

Two of the bars at the new complex across from 711 are open.  Temp said 13.4 on the beer cooler at one, it had customers, though.  The other said 60 for a small, 70 for Heineken...no customers.  I walked all the way on 94 cut over to 88.  Told a friend it made Phayao look like Lake Tahoe. Strolled through Bintabaht.. more than half closed.  One place had prices posted at 60..chang, Leo, singha.. the others were charging 100..which is way too much, IMO. Pretty decent waves yesterday.  I am wary of restaurants with zero customers at 8pm on a Thursday night.  My lungs are appreciating the break from BKK. 

1 hour ago, Yellowtail said:

 

Yeah, I do not transfer anything out, I just leave it in there. I had it in a fixed account, but the rate is better in the MTD. The only transactions I should have will be the monthly interest & tax, and them a small transfer the when I visit immigration...

And let me add, I don't want them scrutinizing my spending in any way, because it is none of their business.. and there have been posts here claiming they were expected to actually spend their 65k per month, which may be BS, but most of them have little understanding of money or banking so best to stay off their radar. 

On 2/8/2021 at 3:21 PM, Xonax said:

I often pay 250 Baht for "kapow moo" or similar Thai dishes in nice restaurants in BKK shopping malls and I will happily be coming back for more, because it is delicious and prepared with high quality ingredients in a nice and clean environment.  I know that I could get the same kind of food in the food plaza on a different floor for 50 Baht or less, but it would not be as tasteful, as the more expensive one. Is 250 Baht to much for a plate of "kapow moo"? I would say, that will fully depend on what it is made of and what kind of restaurant it is served in.

Since the plate is covered with film, I assume that it was ordered as roomservice. In hotels and resorts roomservice is always more expensive, than if you go to eat in the restaurant.

I disagree.  Places that specialize in ripoffs will often have bland food to not upset the Europeans.  I no longer go to anyplace with Thai and any other countries cuisine on the menu.  

On 1/22/2021 at 3:30 PM, Yellowtail said:

 

I went in to re-up my 12 month and the gal recommended the Mee Tai Dai. Used to have to deposit at least 1,000 to update the book at Immigration, now I can transfer, deposit or event deduct anything and update the book at immigration same day so don't even need the letter.

 

Also, they don't tax the interest for the first three months of the year...

 

 

There is a limit of two transfers (out) per month, free, but I think the best way for your 800k is too minimize transactions and don't attach an ATM to it.  If it weren't for the three month rule, I would have moved my 800 back into MTD.  Still would have been OK, but the IO would have raised an eyebrow next time. 

https://www.ageofconsent.net/

Ironically, I was called creepy etc. for simply stating I missed the uni girls, last Summer.  

3 hours ago, Surelynot said:

Interesting defense......having sex with a minor because she was my girlfriend.......it wasn't sex for grades!

For once, alcohol might have been a better excuse. 

There are quite a few procedures that have package pricing, but it is going to be at higher end privates like Bumrungrad, where they are still guaranteed of making profit.. willing to bet you pay first, too.  Nancy mentioned McCormick, and I was really impressed with their professionalism and pricing, but about five years ago, they remodeled, and my ear maintenance at their excellent ENT clinic practically doubled in price, from 600 to 1100., for five to ten minutes with the Doctor.  Still would be quite a bit less than RAM, which was the gold standard for expat care in the North, but they really started gouging about ten years ago.  Suddenly, many were willing to go to government hospitals, when before it was just about unthinkable for most.  The arrival of Bangkok Hospital seemed to drive up prices everywhere.. kind of how the bars and golf courses operate here.. fewer customers, larger supply... raise prices.   

Just as I entered this, I looked at this ad at the bottom of the page.. Have a laugh on me, TiT. 

1 hour ago, Yellowtail said:

 

Always like nurses...

Yes, education wise, and understanding of economics... never seen anyone do a more thorough, faster job on washing the dishes, too. 

If you divide common medical services into doctors, nurses, and pharmacists the nurses and pharmacists can often be the brains of your treatment, and didn't buy their way into Uni.