moontang

58 minutes ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

Now on page 188 of this thread....  But I think it's worth mentioning:

 

Anyone visiting Immigration with an extension of stay application based on an Embassy income letter who has an otherwise correct application denied during the remainder of 2018 because they won't accept your income letter DEFINITELY needs to report the details of that denial to the Embassy that issued your letter.

 

The British Embassy is still issuing letters until mid December, and the U.S. Embassy until the end of 2018. And those letters certainly should be accepted as valid by Immigration now and certainly at least while those embassies are continuing to issue them.

 

And beyond that, the embassies have said, and it's long been Immigration policy, that income letters are valid for 6 months from the date of issue, which would mean mid-2019 at the latest for British and American citizens who get them just before their embassies shut them off.  However, it remains to be seen whether Immigration is in fact going to continue honoring that 6 month period into mid-2019.

 

 

 

But what if they are accepting the letter, but not the supporting documentation?

I am starting to lean towards Cha-am for the upcoming beach trip.  Rates are good in HH, but always seems kind of pretentious...and last time I was there I had to really hunt for real Thai food, with real Thai prices...

31 minutes ago, tideout said:

Thanks Moontang,

Interesting seeing the various changes in tourism in SE Asia. Here in Vietnam, more Chinese tourists ("overrun" is the term often heard) and HCM proper is seeing a slow rise in those who recently left Thailand - Nigerian working girls, workers from India in restaurants and while I haven't seen it myself, apparently there are new arrivals from the "cleanup" of a redlight zone in Jakarta (no details). Hard to really say what the reality is with people coming in and out so much.

The Chinese are mostly to blame for ruining Chiang Mai.  They have really crippled Sukumvit, too.  Selfies and shopping malls, and changing baby diapers in the food courts.  Apparently, many visa rejects are finding themselves more welcome in Vietnam, as opposed to Camodia, which has also been overrun by Chinese.  I know the Viets and Chinese hate each other, but can't let a simple war get in the way of a tour bus.

15 minutes ago, tideout said:

I'm curious, what are the dates for the "quiet season" in Hua Hin? Is it very different from Pattaya?

I think it is a higher high season, jan-feb, and a lower, low season in HH, because it attracts a lot of people, like scandanavians, escaping their harsh winters.  Indian, Chinese,Arab tourism is more evenly spread out.

In CM, Udon, and Nonthaburi; they want the original in your passport.... extension time is when they nail people.  I own my condo, so I just showed the chinote.  Others have done their own as a leaseholder, but you may need copies of the owners blue book and ID.  Some offices are requiring an appearance by the owner.  I would actually put this as a high priority, if not the highest, when finding an apartment.  Foreign owner, out of area, and maybe not paying taxes...could really suck.  I went in two years ago, a few months before extension time, and paid a 1600 fine in CM...there were quite a few Thais in there getting squeezed, too.

1 hour ago, Oztruckie said:

Renewed my extension to stay at jomtien last week, rocked up with all the forms filled out and signed, io looked at my Stat Dec, umm, she ask, you use Stat Dec last year, yes, last 2 years my reply, I go see my supervisor, stat dec not enough now, must show 800k in bank, she tell me next year no more stat Dec, must show 800k in bank, guess its more confusion about what's required

But, you did get your extension? And what embassy was your letter from?

4 hours ago, edwardandtubs said:

 

So go to chaengwattana and open a complaint with the consumer protection board.

They usually give you a nice old AC to go with those rates, too...and never a nice  hatari wall fan.

2 minutes ago, Cuba said:

How can you be an unqualified volunteer?

teachers with no experience or solid background come to mind.

1 hour ago, onera1961 said:

If one marries, does she get a social security number? Or she has to emigrate to the USA? May be they can go to the USA, marry in Las vegas, apply for a social security card. With a social security card, spouse will be paid 50% of his SS (when she turns 62 of course), without any contribution made to the system. 

I heard something about them having to live in the US for ten years..otherwise you would have old guys taking a girl back for a quick wedding, and permanently moving back to Thailand....

16 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

I would like to see Thailand require health insurance for expats at the same time offering a BASIC government plan at a reasonably inflated cost for those that can't get decent cover privately due to preexisting conditions. That's another logical thing they could do which they will not do. 

Why would Thailand want to become a magnet for foreigners with medical conditions?  

1 minute ago, onera1961 said:

What did you do two weeks ago? Did it a trial deposit to link your account. That is impossible. I have already asked them. They said the their format is not IACH format. 

as stated, last linked in April....but I guess it is like Yellow Book..glad I didn't listen to all the bar stoolers about that, because it is handy as hell without a work permit.

Just now, onera1961 said:

Bangkok Bank rejected all trial deposits because they don't comply with IAT format. Please do't tell me you have done hundreds in the past.

i did it two weeks ago....but yes, there is some kind of crap going on with that system, too....better ask bangkokbank ny...they actually answer their phone....ask for suggestions.  I last linked an account in April....someone else reported they couldn't do it.  Let us know////

USd is over 33 at the moment.....a good starting point to bring over a chunk..

1 minute ago, onera1961 said:

Can you outline the steps how to do it? I have accounts in all major banks in the US (Ally, BofA, Chase, CaptialOne, Welsfargo, HSBC, Citi, First national, and a few credit unions)

you just get the routing number for BBL, NY....and use your Thai account number.....then you link it like you would any other payee account....Zelle nor pop money work....credit unions are BS...capitalone360 works fine, and is free..it is a traditional ACH transfer.

2 minutes ago, Thaidream said:

Virtually impossible to get foreign companies to transfer pensions/investment income into a foreign bank account.  Never going to happen except for isolated instances and US Social Security. My annuity fund refuse to even consider it.

most could set up their home account with an auto-transfer every month..you would never even notice the extra step.

Maybe call the group:  FLAWED...Farang Living Abroad With Excessive Debt.

1 hour ago, Jimi007 said:

Do you realize you don't know anything about the law? Or the health certificate as I guess you never got one. My healthcare isn't free, I pay about $500 a month. Why don't you refrain from commenting, as you appear to be clueless on the subject. 

You said it was free earlier...the health certificate requires a signature that you are in good mental and physical condition, but since I have met way too many people here, mostly from California, on SSDI, it must not have mattered..thankfully, the loophole will be closed on the high percentage with a liar letter and no savings.

Looks like some people believe that our embassies and consulates have a voice in any Thai policies.  The reality is that what they think doesn't mean squat..same with the expat clubs, etc.., and they can easily do more harm than good.  Michael Fay got the cane, even with Clinton's intervention.  Brits, Canadians, and Americans are often given what amounts to cruel punishments here...the embassies can only observe that it is carried out judiciously; they won't even comment that the offender deserves a slap on the wrist, instead of a ten year sentence.

The US deports Thai citizens, regularly.

Would like to do it for a few hundred...even DM is kind of opposite direction..and heavy traffic both ways...would consider train from Bang Su, but years ago it was about 4 hours.

Could someone give me tips on a good and kind of cheap way to get to HH from the west side of BKK..near MRT Purple?  Last time I did van from VM..and that is no longer an option.  Mo Chit if I have to, but I hate to go in the opposite destination from my destination.  Thanks!

36 minutes ago, Jimi007 said:

Tax returns have all of one's income sources. 1099, 1099 int, properties, gains and losses. If it is accepted by the US IRS and my CA State Government, why not the Thai Government. It's better than me swearing this is true and correct, right? Or why is my US bank statement good at the Thai Embassy and consulate, but not at Thai Immigration? It's not like I can falsify my bank records.

 

The Embassy cant expect funds to be here before you are..and you have 20 months+ to bring the funds over.  Are TI suppose to understand tax forms from every country?  Would you like to pay to have it translated?  and each page notarized and stamped?  Didi it also occur to you that you are using your disability to get free health services and then using them to provide proof that you are in good physical health?

2 minutes ago, OJAS said:

Certainly whenever I have initiated a TW transfer from my UK to Thai accounts I have been able to download a TW PDF confirmation which includes details of the THB conversion amount and Thai bank account (including number) into which it is to be paid. So in the case of Thai banks who don't code incoming TW transfers as FTT or the like, it should hopefully be possible to prove beyond reasonable doubt that these originated from abroad when passbooks are read in conjunction with TW PDF confirmations.

A good litmus test would be if they are willing to issue the official form showing money came abroad..like for condo purchase.  I sold and bought, but round tripped the money..was lucky..

and I heard they do the stupid notary thing in LA, but overall, LA is the smoothest sailing....mainly consistency...DC being more political can have quicker shake-ups at the Embassy, even though they seperated consular services to Kalorama from Wisconsin Ave..heard there was a Croatian lady in there, who is a first class koont.

2 minutes ago, Jimi007 said:

What are you talking about? The medical certificate is really stupid. Do you have TD, elephantiasis, 3rd stage syphilis, alcohol or drug addiction? I have medical insurance in the US, no charge for an office visit. In Thailand I think my doctor charged me about 100 Baht. It's the notary and criminal report that jack up the price along with the fee from the consulate or embassy that keeps going up in price. So now the Foreign Ministry and Embassy gets the money instead of the local Immigration Office. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot!

 

i am speaking on behalf of the people with 3500 Dollar deductibles....who don't get free stuff..My local Occupational Health Clinic told me they would only sign it after a complete physical..450 USD..CVS Caremark told me they do not sign any forms but their own.  My local county clinic said the same thing.  I got out google, and found a guy near Kalorama...one visit, and a few laughs about the stupid form...55 USD...my local police report was free, but rules in DC may have changed...and they were smart enough to know the notary thing is a damn joke, and makes no sense.  Notarizations are free if you have some $$$ in the bank.

There are travel medical clinics that will do that form for 50-60 USD..otherwise it can be kind of daunting.