MehrK

On 1/16/2019 at 8:52 AM, KittenKong said:

Actually Thai staff are quite likely to give you an answer from the opposite end of the horse, and frequently it is necessary to get them to call their head office who can tell them the real answer. It happens often here in banks and internet shops and other shops/offices.
And to make it all go smoothly it is always advisable to know the real answer before you start talking to the people in the branch, as they can never be relied upon to know.

This is the exact reason I made the post. Justweird seems to think that one AIS rep on the phone , or whomever you happen to speak with at the AIS office, is incapable of giving you the wrong information. Either way, I appreciate everyone chiming in as it all helped in some way, shape or form.

No, I do not have a landline, this is a mobile number only. And like I mentioned, the rep told me that it would be IMPOSSIBLE to keep the same mobile number when I switch condos. I find this hard to believe and will see how it pans out. You can call and ask the same question to 20 different agents, and probably get 5 or more different answers, at least lol. I just got the keys for my new place today and am in the middle of the move.

Hi all, I just moved to Bangkok a few months ago and this pollution the past month is nuts. It wasn't like this in Oct/Nov.

Is this a seasonal thing, or was it a seasonal thing in the past? I have an air filter in my condo and wear n95 masks everywhere now. If it's going to remain like this, I might need to choose another city in Thailand lmao.

Thanks in advance,

On 1/13/2019 at 9:51 AM, Just Weird said:

No, of course there isn't, I didn't say that you couldn't do that but it doesn't make any sense to ask anonymous forum members when you could just call AIS locally for the real answer in a fraction of the time, does it?  So far it has taken you over 48 hours to get no answer at all, just opinion, when a call to AIS would have given you an accurate answer in minutes.

 

What "preparation" could discussing it here help with?  AIS will give you the answer from the horses mouth and they won't be open to discussion or negotiation about it just because you've asked some strangers their opinion.

See my last comment after QPRFC's helpful answer.

20 hours ago, QPRFC said:

I only did the same this week with AIS.

 

Easy to do but you will have to enter a new 12 month contract agreement to relocate your Fiber connection. There were no costs to me except an installers fee of 650 baht. I continued the same plan, just signed for another 12 months commencing from the day of installation (only took 3 days after I visited the AIS store to discuss).

 

Alternatively, you can pay 400 baht for each remaining month on your existing contract and return the hardware to nullify it.

You will then be free to take another offer elsewhere or use the new apartment wifi if you want ie stable, fast etc.

 

The phone didn't need a new plan, just simply an address update for the new apartment.

Thank you. See this is a perfect example of why posting in the forum is helpful. I called AIS and the rep told me I need to cancel my current package and I would lose my phone number and there is nothing I can do about keeping it. That I need to turn in the old equipment and just sign up for a new package at the new condo, with a whole new internet/phone number.

Now having recounts like this, I am able to sit down and discuss with AIS, when I go to the store, that I would like to do as you did, and keep the same number. 

Thank you!

Is there any reason why I wouldn't be able to post on this form to get a little information before I contact AIS?

I do plan on contacting them about it, just like to do a little research first, to be more prepared.

Thank you!

Hi Everyone,

I'm an AIS customer for Internet/Cable/Mobile on their 50/20 mbps and 4g cell phone plan. I'm moving to a new condo next week that AIS also operates in.
What's the process of switching things over to the new condo. Will I be able to keep the same account/mobile number and everything? What's the process?

First time moving somewhere new. 

Thanks in advance!

Thank you Sheryl. I've gone ahead and booked it. I appreciate you taking the time to respond ????

Anyone do the full health screening checkup at Camillian Hospital? They seem do have quite a few more tests included in the package, compared to Bumrungrad. It's also cheaper.

http://www.camillianhospital.org/en/program-executive-plus/

Don't know much about the Hospital or their health screening/checkup program. Any feedback/tips would be really appreciated. Thanks!

17 hours ago, wpcoe said:

I've wondered about the taking of Zentel (or similar) as routine prophylaxis.  What if you have one of the infestations that requires a prolonged period of treatment?  Is it like antibiotics where if you take less than the required complete course to obliterate a bacterial infection, that the infestation would be able to build a resistance to Zentel?

 

e.g.  I've been taking Zeltel for years, usually once annually, as a precaution.  What if I have, say, Neurocysticercosis -- which requires twice daily treatments for 8 to 30 days -- would periodic one-shot prophylactic 400mg doses of Zentel make the Neurocysticercosis grow resistant to it?

Very interesting thought. I have no idea and am curious about this as well. 

24 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

Routine prophylaxis is one dose only.

 

If certain specific parasites are suspected (e.g. strongyloides) then 3 day course

Thank you very much for the quick response! 

Hi All, 

For those that deworm with Zentel about once every 6 months. Do you just take 1 pill every 6 months (400mg)?

Or do you take 1 pill a day for a certain amount of days as the treatment (that you do every 6 months?)

Thanks in advance!

18 hours ago, kmw said:

Yes from what I know the PE Visa is not well recognized with the banks, hence the reason thai elite do the booking and send a representative to help opening an account, the friend of mine who has the 5 years sometimes has issues with immigration, as sometimes the io just stamps the 30 day exempt,(aus passport) he said it's not usually an issue as hes out of Thailand usually before then, but he has to tell the io and say "elite" in order to get the yearly stamp, 

1 hour ago, steve73 said:

I'm hearing of more and more instances where the airport I/O stamps a 30 date PtS, for any types of visa..  Just a few days ago, a friend of mine with a Non-O-A, noticed his most recent entry in Oct was only stamped for 30 days - now obviously "expired" so technically on "overstay".  His local I/O told him he needed to return to the arriving airport (DM) to get it rectified there...  I thought any I/O could "repair" an incorrect stamp, and a return to DM is pretty inconvenient for him....

 

It always pays to check it at the counter before you leave...  and that will apply to the Elite as well..  

Very good thing to be mindful of, you two. Thanks for sharing. I would HATE to have to go back to try and get a stamp fixed, very inconvenient. 

Regarding the bank account. The service to have a representative come help open it, should be free. Definitely will be having them help with that. I can't expect every employee and bank to know about the program and instantly bend what they think are their rules for me. However, the Thai Elite member team probably has branches they deal with that are already hip to the program/process, making it a breeze.

We'll see.

2 hours ago, JohanB said:

Bayer Drontal Plus (praziquantel + pyrantel + febantel)

Should be aviable many places.

 

 

Thank you!

1 hour ago, Crossy said:

I think our OP was looking for something for humans.

 

 

Yes, I was definitely looking for something for humans. I should have mentioned this in my original post.

1 hour ago, Sheryl said:

Albendazole 400 mg single dose. Zentel is a common brand. Available at all pharmacies.

Thank you so much Sheryl! Now to do my research on Zentel and if a single dose is enough ????

Hi all, does anyone have any recommendations for which pills (and where to buy them) that are best for de-worming?

This is a preventative type thing as I don't feel like I'm suffering anything crazy. I just think it's safe to do this once in a while.

Thanks in advance!

On 12/10/2018 at 10:23 AM, JayBird said:

Dear OP

I was in a similar situation to you, age, and everything. I thought of doing SETV in Singapore, and KL, as i visit there often. However they were not interested in giving visa even if I'm only in Thailand 6 months a year.

I did some basic maths. If I planned to stay here at least 7 or 8 years. That would be two 5 year visas, which would cost 1M. By paying 1m upfront, instead of 500k, I would get the option to stay an extra 10 years without an additional fee.

This also gives me the benefit that if fur any reason I need a prolonged stay (sickness, accident, avoiding riots in France) I can do so without worry about overstay or doing border runs.

There are also some useful frills:

1) Correct stamp when entering, checked by staff and sorted out on spot if IO make a boo boo
2) Banks, immigration, government offices, police, etc, are happy when they see a 5 year visa in your passport.
3) 90 day report in person is done so quickly I sometimes don't need to sit down.
4) if needed, you can stay in the country without leaving for 20 years.
5) Depending on when, you may lock in a good exchange rate, as the price is in baht and does not change according to world currencies.

Also, have not heard a single story of anyone having any problems.

Sent from my ASUS_Z017DB using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app
 

Thanks for sharing Jaybird. Interesting about KL, I got there often and didn't think there would be issues getting SETV's. Either way, seems like the elite is the way to go.

I submitted my application with the 20 year 1m baht one ticked off. I still can change my mind to 5 year while they're approving my app. We'll see how I feel at the time my app is approved lol.

4 hours ago, charles70 said:

Interesting on Elite Visa, I have a founder life one for sale as do not play golf anymore, thai massage too tough for the old body, no travel, offers?

PM sent.

1 minute ago, Jdietz said:

New page each time. Get an e-visa.

 

Oh nice. So if I get an e-visa then no big full page visa in my passport?

Hi All,

Quick question. Can't find the answer anywhere. I flew into Cambodia as a US Citizen and got a full page inserted into it (just like Vietnam) for the visa on arrival. On future visits, will they place the new visa on top of the old one, or will they take up a page each time I go to Cambodia? I really don't like using a whole page just to visit for a week or two.

Thanks in advance!

3 minutes ago, gk10002000 said:

How often do major elections happen?  Are you serious?  Have you not researched Thailand at all?  The country has had more coups, junta takeovers, the last few decades than most countries have in their lifetime.  Dodgy, courts, large corruption at many levels, so many individuals and businesses can be targeted for reasons you never saw coming.  Step with care.  Things can work out, and many have made things work out.

To be honest, I really don't pay much attention to politics here or in the US. Usually just big tax changes like the recent tax bill in effect this year in the US. It seems like business is doing well here and the city is bustling. I can't imagine things falling to pieces after just 1 election, but as mentioned, I haven't done much research on those aspects. I probably should.

12 hours ago, steve73 said:

Many good replies, so I'm not sure this post will be contributing anything else.

 

I'm 58, been here 12 years, initially using 12 month ME Non-O (no longer available), which I've since been extending once over 50 using the 800k in the bank (usually takes me a full morning for travel/bank/IO, so no real hassle - yet!).. I usually keep just over 800k all year round as my "emergency" slush fund, and keep it topped up whenever the GBP rate looks favourable (using Transferwise).

 

I recently ran a DCF model to compare the 5(+1), 20(+1), against my current method. In summary,  (@10%) the 800k is discounted to "virtually" nothing after 21 years, and the other annual costs make it broadly similar to the 1MM cash up-front cost.  4 (or even3) x 5(+1) is less value.  

So my conclusion was I'm happy to proceed the way I am since the benefits of having some readily available Thai baht offsets any slight economic advantage.  I don't have Health Insurance (too many preconditions), but if I was to run down my 800k throughout the year, then this might be slightly more in my favour.

 

BUT, for the OP at age 36, the retirement extension (RE) option is not available, and the decision is perhaps easier.  Unless getting married (and I have met a few older guys who have done this simply to be able to get the "RE" cheaper), the Elite is the only way to stay here long term hassle free.  

 

At 36, the option of 20(+1) and then RE is slightly more expensive than 5(+1) x 2 (almost, followed closely by a RE, or even 5(+1) x 3 then RE, but in reality, the cost difference is marginal, and the other benefits (that may of may not be of value to each individual), makes it difficult to accurately compare.  Also, the investment returns you can achieve on the other 1/2MM for the first 6 years makes a huge difference.

 

But at 36 with adequate resources to provide "income" without working here, does suggest money is not really a consideration.

 

Also, since we don't know what the future holds, nor when (& by how much) price increases of either the Elite or RE's will occur, these unknowns cannot be fully evaluated.

 

My suggestion to the OP would be to go for the shortest commitment. 

After all, in 6 years time Thailand MAY have changed beyond all recognition, and perhaps none of us will want to be here.

 

I wish the OP good luck whichever way you decide, (and part of me wishes I was in your position 22 years ago)..

 

 

Thanks for taking the time to reply. Your post definitely contributed great value to me and I appreciate it very much. Pretty nifty that you top up the fund whenever the GBP looks favorable, nice. 

Thanks for sharing your info/data on the calculations you made. "Also, the investment returns you can achieve on the other 1/2MM for the first 6 years makes a huge difference." Makes a good case for the 5+1. As you mentioned, we don't know what the future holds as far as price changes for the elite or any currency changes. Same about the point that Thailand could change so much that it becomes less desirable to live than other countries. 

There is a potential that 6 years down the line I freaking love this place even more, the the exchange rate is less favorable for USD to baht, and the cost of the elite goes up ????

I feel like this post has given me a lot of thoughts to ponder on while I decide. Thanks again.

6 hours ago, trawler said:

For what it's worth,have one of the old style TE visa for life and that was in 2007,still works fine and don't have the worries of immigration visits as also travel regionally enough that I am never here for more than 90 days.

While it's a chunk of cash it does give peace of mind in case the rules change on retirement or any other visa.

Yes it's a sunken cost but have made use of the services and will continue to do so????

So personally I think it's worth or it.

Cheers

 

Really nice to here. Thanks for sharing. You had me at "peace of mind" ????

4 hours ago, HerbalEd said:

You're not a 'big boy" yet if you think today you know what your life will be like 10, 15 or 20 years from now. Also, few Western expats last very long in their newly-adopted country. They either become bored or disillusioned with expat life, or their life takes an unanticipated turn.  

 

BTW, you should get some professional guidance on your USA tax obligations. It's very unlikely you'll be able to legally not pay USA taxes -- no matter where you live in the world. That is, if you want to maintain your USA citizenship. 

As mentioned, I was honest about not knowing what life would be like even 5 years from now. Big boy decisions give direction and planning to that outcome though. I am exactly where I am today, financially, physically and in my freedom to travel, that I planned more than 5 years ago. It is true though, it can becom easy for things to change and anything can happen. I've also had some friends pass away in the past 5 years ???? . This can happen in Thailand and anywhere else in the world also. Either way, I believe decisions I make now will affect my future.

Thanks for bringing up the tax considerations, far too many US Citizens don't know anything about this. I'm well versed in my US and international tax obligations. Even as a US Citizen, it is favorable to be in a country that doesn't tax it's tax residents on worldwide income. Appreciate your response Ed!

4 hours ago, Thaidream said:

At age 36-  I would purchase a 5 year plan.   You are too young to depend upon Thailand as a permanent home due to many factors that have already been mentioned. 

 

I, personally, would do nothing  and make no investments or spend a large amount of money on anything until after the  election set for February 24, 2019.  There is way too much uncertainty in the air until one sees  how the next government is structured and if it will be accepted.

 

Until the election situation is settled- it will be difficult to assess the exchange rate.  According to a few economist projections I have read is that the US Dollar is in line for a big correction which will bring the Dollar down to around 28-29 exchange rate to the Baht.

 

Also, depending on your liquidity and total investment- you need to look at what your  potential exposure is over 5 years and then 20 years. At Age 36-45-  if necessary you could return to work at a nice salary. After the age of 50-  that won't happen. 

You don't ever want to end up in Thailand being hurting for money or living month to month. When one is poor- this country will  eat you alive.

 

I wish you well...

I wasn't aware there was a major election on Feb 24 that could change things that drastically. How often does this happen? Good thing to be mindful of.

"Also, depending on your liquidity and total investment- you need to look at what your  potential exposure is over 5 years and then 20 years. At Age 36-45-  if necessary you could return to work at a nice salary. After the age of 50-  that won't happen. You don't ever want to end up in Thailand being hurting for money or living month to month. When one is poor- this country will  eat you alive."  - Warning/advice understood and I'll definitely remember that. Thank you very much.

4 hours ago, tpkhk said:

I too got excited over the same post from Sunbelt - ran it by a lawyer who is active in this field - who said NO WAY it would fly (ie. legally permit employment for a foreigner without a Work Permit for an Amity Treaty company).  I was the fourth or fifth person to quote the same article.  Sunbelt is credible - wonder what they themselves say now.

 

 

Also, on another matter - the 90 day reporting - each time you travel & return back, that 90 day clock starts ticking.  With the amount of travel you do, you'll probably rarely have to go in person &/or even hand it to TE for processing.... unless you stay here for 89+ continuous days.

Ah interesting to know about the the Amity and the work permit. I mean they were quoting an official statement in that article, right? Either way, guess it would still be doable via the method you mentioned.

True on the 90 day reporting. It's kind of an incentive for me to plan little vacations to not have to report. The difference would be huge doing that on the TE visa vs doing visa runs. No stress, hassle free immigration both in/out. Nice.

15 hours ago, Tom9999 said:

The question is not really 5/(6) years versus 20 Years.

If you can see yourself here or returning to Thailand regularly 6 years down the road from today then go for the 20 Year Visa.

In 6 years you still do not qualify for any other Visa, unless getting married to a Thai.

 

So if you are likely to purchase a second 5 Year TE Visa in 6 years then by purchasing directly a 20 Year Visa you get 8 Years "free".

This will bring you over the threshold of 50 years and you can continue on a Non O.

 

If you decide life is better somewhere else and you have a bigger earning power there then you can afford having paid for the Visa.

 

So ask yourself: Is it likely that I still want to spend a significant time each year in Thailand 6 years from now? 

 

PS:

I am over 50 and have a 20 Year PE Visa, purchased for 1 Million THB 2 years ago.

I can afford it, still working abroad and like being able to come and go like a local.

Good point on picturing whether or not I'd want to spend a significant amount of time each year in Thailand, 6 years from now. As of right now, the answer is yes. Hopefully it doesn't wear on me I continue to feel this way! I do like the fact that the 20 year would put me over the 50 year retirement age and continuing as Non O. Thought it's a long ways from now, it does give me that option should I decide to stay here that long. 

Thanks for sharing that you're on the Visa even after 50 because of being able to go abroad and come/go like a local. I like that convenience as well. 

14 hours ago, Ctkong said:

Hai mehrk, I would like to give my two cents worth of advice here. 

But first I would like some clarification from you. You mentioned that you are 36, earning enough passive income from home and single. You are not planning to earn some money working at the side. Have you thought about the future when you set up a family with somebody? I once was also free and easy. But now saddled with a family, the expenses seem to be flying off the budget. Do you think your passive income is going to be on the upward trend and able to cover future bigger expenses ? I have heard a number of hard luck stories of foreigners who had to cut short their retirement plan due to unforeseen circumstances like falling exchange rate, health insurance and bad investments. Always hope for the best and expect the worst. 

Assuming all are rosy , then I would like to give some information for my missus’s 20 year TE visa. My missus ( rather girlfriend) is a Myanmar chinese . She used to obtain various guises of visa be it Education visa, work permit for past 10 years. She is now 33. I find that the authorities are getting more and more stringent in the visa department.  It is a matter of time that they closed up all the loop holes for long stay here in Thailand. So I decided to buy her a 20 year TE visa. The cheaper version without the frills at 1 million baht. TE is a whollly owned company of TAT so it may be a statutory board of TAT?  I think TE is not going to disappear in future because the thailand government is committed to welcome ‘rich spending foreigners’ into their country. It is to their advantage to honor the contract too because the so called rich folks can relocate to any of the ASEAN countries if they wanted to.  Given the economic growth of the competing neighbors, there would only be more competition for quality tourists. 

90 days reporting can be handled by the TE office for Bangkok, chiangmai and Phuket areas only if I am not mistaken. Last week of the 90 days, passport must be submitted to the office on Monday or Tuesday and collected on Friday. 

You would also be given priority in opening bank account as well as credit card application.  Credit amount of credit card is collateralled with the fixed deposit you put in.  Platinum card can be obtained. 

Many posters had given the pros and cons of 5/20 years package so I would not dwell on that.

my final parting advice is if you can afford to part with 1 million baht with little pain, then it is the way to go. You will enjoy many years of convenience it provides. By the time 20 years( 21 years if use extension after the final year)  is up, you are already 56/57 so time to use retirement visa .

if you were to decide to cut short your stay in Thailand and had to write off the money invested in TE visa, I would think that the balance of the small amount is the least of your worries. You would have more important issues to deal with then. 

Life is a gamble. Who can foresee the future? But the price of the  5 years TE visa( though fully loaded)  is already half the price of the  20 years no frills TE visa. Take a gamble and roll the dice...

 

 

I haven't done much family planning and am still on the single man life at the moment. I do know that I want to raise a family "one day", but not sure when. Most likely between the ages of 40-45 ????. I do believe my income will be going up over time and should be able to cover future bigger expenses, God willing. I've heard a lot of stories of people that have had that happen to them, here and back in the US, it's a scary thought. One good thing about trying to bounce back from something like, while in Thailand, is being in a place where things ARE cheaper. I'm pretty conservative with my investments and business and hope things will go well down the road also. Great thought experiment regarding the family and worst case scenarios though, Thank you.

Thanks for sharing about the GF, interesting. I've heard mixed views on the TE visa, some believe it for sure will stay around, others don't think so, it's hard to gauge for myself. I have a feeling that my stance resonates more with what you're saying about it. I agree, that it's in their best interest to at LEAST see previous sold TE visa's through to the end. But who knows if they will be logical about things if things don't go well. 

"if you were to decide to cut short your stay in Thailand and had to write off the money invested in TE visa, I would think that the balance of the small amount is the least of your worries. "This really helps put things in to perspective. At that point the $15k USD about for an extra 15 years wouldn't be the biggest plate on my mind, because it is already a past cost and the money will already have been spent. 

I appreciate your comment and it's really helping me with my decision. Cheers