oceanbluejewell

Problem Insurance premiums/hospital bills can become unaffordable. Been here since 2015 (from Canada) and researched medical coverage now on two occasions. Pre 2019 many insurers did not have much for pre-existing conditions. Now they (insurers) all have pre-existing conditions. The contract leaves very big openings for possible denial of future claims. Two friends expats +70s had their policies cancelled on renewal. One used it extensively and other had no claims. I really don't want to pay to: a) have cvg. denied. b) be deemed uninsurable and without a policy after paying yrs of premiums. Solution That being said I have choosen to self insure at 63 I had a stint in 2020 done due to congenital heart defect from birth. Was done in government hospital but still ran near ฿200,000. (The doctors sent me out to several specialists before doing Angioplasty and a stint) am now am classified as having a heart condition. Chronic care is expensive: kidney failure, by-pass (heart), dementia, home nurse, oxygen supplies including cancer care. My Current Health Coverage Fund is 3M฿ from 60 to 70 years. Increasing to 4M฿ from 70 to 80 years. I used data from this study to determine health costs, added for inflation over time. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1155/2018/4180565 The study takes all aspects of medical care into consideration. The money (Health Fund) earns 3.25% after withholding tax/year. Which I save and use to cover 2 x yearly medical checkups and medication as needed now. Note costs are rising: The UHC is underfunded as medical costs since 2020 have increased over 15%. I might be under funded for terminal cancer treatment but at that point I am ready to go. Risks: 1) not enough money. 2) stock market takes my capital. 3) develope expensive long lasting terminal illness.

I choose Rabbit Care Broker online they are very good for my Nissan xTrail Hybrid 4x4. They provided over 10 different company quotes via email. The reason I choose Rabbit was the access to higher liabiliity limits and that the price Roojai quoted at the time for Bangkok insurance was higher than Rabbits quote. (Never did get an answer why) Have since renewed 3 years, had 1 not at fault accident and 1 at fault accident. Claim service was very good BUT helps if you can speak thai. After the accidents our premium was bumped by about 1000฿ year. This is good discussion topic. Thanks

I agree with IsaanT Trading is a series of transactions, well investing usually has a defined future outcome (Investment plan). For each trade that is made there is a winning side and lossing side. Know which side are on before you make the trade. I am not an investment professional; consult your professional investment advisor and/or legal counsel and/or professional accountant before making any investment decision. While all reasonable effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information and data contained herein, accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Past performance is not a good predictor of future performance. Results are not guaranteed and I assume no liability whatsoever for any material losses that may occur. No compensation for suggesting particular securities or financial advisors is solicited or accepted. The information in this document is not intended to be educational, nor does it constitute financial advice nor is it a suggestion or recommendation. Investing is risky and may result in substantial losses.~ Terry W Jewell

Yes use the app, sign in to account, find the settings wheel, scroll down to daily limits. Everyone has there own needs.

Good post thank you. I think it is important to think these things through. My situation: semi retired, healthy, divorced/now single, >15 year in Thailand. Own a hybrid, rent two apartments in BKK and HuaHin. My current cash reserves: Healthcare: self insured ~3M฿ Dividend income: 120K฿/yr. Extension $: zero as i have 5 year DTV visa Cash: >250K฿ (thai bank) @0.9% Monthly wise income: 23K฿ On retirement monthly wise income would likely increase by another 52K฿/mo. Again thanks for post and comments.

I feel for the engineering team. I suspect they going to be going out a window soon.

Been here a while never heard a VIN could be used to find past claims. @novacova more information or details on this would be helpful. Tks

@shady4lyfe @oldcpu Great post thank you for your invites and being part of the solution in this community Much appreciated 🙏

Yes, I would agree. Thailand has bigger issues and problems. Not sure one could say that Thailand is safe holiday place any longer. Though there are worse places like Haiti

I would agree - no attraction at all. We haven't traveled to USA for over 30 years & we live next door. This was a conscious choice. The gun violence, poor exchange rate, rude or indifferent and often judgmental people. (My wife is of Asian dissent) At times people even suspicious of us. There are some great people in USA, I know we met some but more often than not we encounted problems. (NOTE: Some of our extended family live and work in USA) but listening to gun shots while sitting poolside in Sarasota or on a hotel balcony in Minneapolis is not appealing not to forget the constant all night sirens in new york city .... Interesting too on a recent overseas trek , we over heard an American couple with a distinct accent telling the Australian and English speaking co-trekers that they were from Canada. (Seemed odd as they had a distinct American accent) On a break we asked them why, they said they often are not received well when traveling abroad if they tell people where they are from. Hearing this made us feel sad.

[I think each persons vehicle needs, financial situation, ability to navigate the thai system, supports & knowledge would be different] Since 2015 I have spend 6 months each year in Thailand often doing 1 or 2 longer trips to Udon Thani but mostly driving in Bangkok and Hua Hin. Until 2022 I rented cars as needed. Prior to 2018 was about 12,000฿ / mo. After 2018 increased and now 2025 at >20,000฿ / mo. Rental Car Pros: "initially" cost effective, no stress for annual insurance & car tax, maintenance/repairs, no need worry for storage, no need find repair shop/garage. Cons: need international license (IDP), or need Thai license, sometimes vehicle we wanted was not available and in the past difficulties to rent a pickup truck. Over time significant rental price increase. Notes to my situation: As of 2022 I have large cheap long term apartment (with secure parking) in rural BKK and rental with parking in Hua Hin. I also speak, read/write thai and have thai banking. Plan to retire in 2027 staying for the full year. Covid created some financial stress for some Thai people and for a period of time cars became significantly cheaper in Thailand (both new and especially used). So because I could park the car securely, converse with the thai dealer or garage staff. Was able validate the vehicles integity; I bought a fully loaded (used) 2018 Nissan xTrail Hybrid with 40,000km from some older thai guy who thought he was gonna be rich running tourists to Pattaya. Pity for him but good for me. Owning a car became cost effective and convenient. Staff at my baan keep an eye on my tires, the starter battery has been removed while parked. I own a battery charger so will top it up and reinstall once back. You're asking good questions, do your research. But keep in mind that: the buses, water taxi, MRT & BTS system in BKK is mostly fast, cheap and convenient. Parking in many places/cities is difficult or impossible to find. Road signs in Thailand are not always clear and goggle sometimes gets it wrong. I like being able go out jump in the car and run to the Fino club at 9 pm to play some pool with friends or get up in morning and go to Nakhon Pathom visit the temple and night market before coming home at midnight. Two thoughts come to mind "convenient" อยู่ใกล้มือ and "cost effective" คุ้มค่าคุ้มราคา. Best of luck to you.

Hello SupermaNZ Can you provide links to the products you mention. Especially the Bangkok Bank and SCB. I'm not seeing this available as you describe. Thank you.

RE: What is the best % per annum? A very good question Packer. The banks here in Thailand pay very low rates for fixed term deposits. Attached is BBL.bk Mar 3/25 updated rates. If you don't read thai just pay attention to the first column (unless your a government agency or non-profit or insurance company). To get the higher rates and products like # 10, 11, 12 you will need TIN and a good relationship with your bank. -> I will not comment on your method or the mechanics, other than it creates risk to you. Being a landlord in a third world country is likely unwise and has made lawyers like Advanced Adjusting Associates Co. Ltd a lot of money. (They specialize in collections). Personally I invest in the stock market, generate 4.050% after withholding tax (2024). Not interested in chasing yield, more interested in satainable long term yields. But, if you need the money because the IM officer wants to see it and the market is in a downturn then your fudged. In the end Packer it will come down to your risk tolerance and understanding. I am not an investment professional; consult your professional investment advisor and/or legal counsel and/or professional accountant before making any investment decision. While all reasonable effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information and data contained herein, accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Past performance is not a good predictor of future performance. Results are not guaranteed and I assume no liability whatsoever for any material losses that may occur. No compensation for suggesting particular securities or financial advisors is solicited or accepted. The information in this document is not intended to be educational, nor does it constitute financial advice nor is it a suggestion or recommendation. Investing is risky and may result in substantial losses.~ Terry W Jewell

Hi Thaiinnomad3 Congratulations on meeting a nice (fertile) thai lady. I strongly recommend you read the comments made here. But, as a Canadian married to a Thai National (who works for thai government) I will share my limited experience: 1) SinSod = mothers milk is money & gold that is negotiated with the mother & father of the bride. It represents their investment in the woman and considers: education, upbringing, social status in community, abilities and even if her virginity is intact. The gold portion is security for the wife; incase you run away before ceremony. Thai woman are obliged to help support their parents in thai culture, in marriage her ability to help support them is lessened as she must focus on her new family. I too was told if a thai woman was previously married NOT to pay sinsod. (Prior to my current wife I dated a woman previously married and with 2 children. Our relationship goto the point of discussion about possible marriage. At no time did she or her family bring up sinsod) 2) Marriage in Thailand can be informal meaning not registered at the local Ampuer office or registered. If registered each can declare assets not brought into the marriage as well as other conditions. 3) Now days sinsod is most often returned 3 days later by the parents as capital for your new family. 4) Now days sinsod is often rented as a symbol used in the ceremony as well as many young men don't have the capital to pay it. Your question, description and language used is cause for concern. And, raises some questions/concerns: a) In her previous marriage was it registered? If so there will be marriage contract and divorce contract. b) Getting married either informal or registered is easy, getting divorced in Thailand is not easy, can take 3 or more years and is expensive. Have you spoke to a Thai family law lawyer? According to my Thai family lawyer if her previous marriage is unregistered you could become financially responsible for the 2 previous children too. https://www.samuiforsale.com/ The above link is translation of law in Thailand. Goto the family law section, read and reread. If your marriage is to obtain a visa, you will annually be at her mercy as her signature is required on one document for the marriage visa renewal at the immigration office Best of luck to you.

Yes. This is green pit-viper, ranger in national park said dangerous.

I'm sure more news will come but a step in right the direction; my sense is a retinal scan is better & more exclusive, meaning less likely to be tapered with. THAILAND already takes your picture and prints so what's the difference. I've had this E- Gate in UAE now since 2017. Very fast, very effective, they allow people opt in or opt out. I'm sure no-one here would disagree there is room here in Thailand for improvement. The cues here are the worst (meaning waste lots of time) and thus I no longer check luggage. I'm heading to Vietnam next month and the agent says entering will take ~2hrs The above humorous comment is another point why I like retinal scans. Anyway, let's see what happens.

สวยแต่รูป จูบไม่หอม I've watch this drama now since his initial demise and feel sad for Thailand that he is back but ขว้างงูไม่พ้นคอ they say a bad penny always comes back. Educated thai have expression for him I can't exactly remember it but the "gist" is to "becareful as that he says is sweet and kind while holding knife to your throat" Anyhow, time will tell ... ระยะทางเป็นเครื่องพิสูจน์ม้า กาลเวลาเป็นเครื่องพิสูจน์คน

Hello George, Attached are the exchange rates for your "meagre Australian pension". I can't even imagine where you are shopping in Thailand. BUT, look how many Vietnamese "dong" dollars you will get for your Aussie buck ... wow ... think of the buying power you "might" have.🤭 {Tongue in cheek comment here.} I do hope you can find some solutions to your retirement funding issues. Take much care.

Excellent question We are doing 14 day tour Nov 4 to sort of get our feet wet. Appreciate the suggestions.

I like your points ... thank you and have a fully diversified portfolio. I currently have earnings in THB yields 3.9% after tax THB GICs @1.6% CAD dividend income yields 3.5% tax free to $55,002.00CAD and AMT (Alternative Minimum Tax) kicks in on the excess. 🙃 USD dividend income yields 2.2% after withholding tax. I use wise as you indicate but not to hold any currency as the lack of return seems erosionary. Keep emergency funds in all three currencies in laddered GICs equal to 3years living expenses regardless where I live. BTW your English very understandable thanks 😊

Free investment tracking tools I have and still use: 1) Yahoo Finance Pros: Will provide price data for most Asian equities. Earnings announcements. Price alerts. Allows for region and currency changes. Cons: Poor historical data on asian equities. No option, no portfolio tracking without email account setup. 2) MS excel Pros: Incredable flexibility. Security of data. Can pull equity data from various sources. Lots of templates/tutorials are available on www. Portable. Cons: Calculation errors can cause grief to users who have low understand of excel. 3) Wealth Connex (Thailand) Pros: Research, tracking, news, investor events, public events. Cons: Need BLS investment account. Need be able read Thai language. (Recent changes give english language support) Fee based investment/portfolio tracking tools I have and still use: 1) Fund manager https://www.fundmanagersoftware.com/ - I've used this program now for > 14yrs now to track my USD, THB, CAD securities/equities, bonds, GIC, from the various brokerage accounts. Pros: Does everything: equity, bonds, options, cash accounts ... etc. Active speedy technical support via forum. Complete video, html tutorials. Good broker & institution interfaces. Currency support, custom reports, ROI, TWR, adjusted cost base tracking. Allows for pulling historic data from many sources around the world. If your broker is not interface supported, the program allows for importing of transactions via cvs file downloaded from your broker. Cons: Requires 1 time fee for license. The mobile interface is not useful.

VAYUPAK FUND 1 CLASS A symbol VAYU1 If a brokerage reserved shares on you behalf you would have been able to buy. Generally this process is to help the asset manager https://www.ktam.co.th/search.aspx?q=vayu1&btnSubmit=&form_submit=SUBMIT determine interest in the market. The "Fund" will have two(2) classes of shares A/B and despite my research can not determine what the defined definition or difference will be. I suspect the fee and/or voting rights but can not confirm. The prospectus and fact sheets are still in Thai language but primarily the government backed fund is designed to invest in SET 100 https://www.set.or.th/en/market/information/securities-list/constituents-list-set50-set100 and other infrastructure and top rated ESG companies. Link here as it pdf document: https://www.set.or.th/en/market/news-and-alert/newsdetails?id=84240400&symbol=SET click the download document in right upper corner. The SEC.TH filing documents are here: https://market.sec.or.th/public/mrap/MRAPView.aspx?FTYPE=M&PID=0681&PYR=2546&lang=en The prospectus in Thai can be found here: https://www.ktam.co.th/search.aspx?q=vayu1&btnSubmit=&form_submit=SUBMIT scroll down to the pdf documents. Stated goal of the fund: 1.Invest in liquid securities such as government bonds and short-term debt instruments.2.Invest in active and/or passive securities, focusing primarily on securities listed on SET, including SET100 equities, infrastructure funds, real estate investment trusts, and non-SET100 equities with the top two highest ESG ratings (such as AA rating or higher).3.Invest in other securities not exceeding 10% of the Net Asset Value (NAV), such as unlisted securities, non-investment grade debt instruments, gold, and crude oil. Dividend Policy Dividend payment shall be made at least twice a year only in the event that VAYU1 has net profit and/or retained earnings and/or unrealized gain from investments (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "profit of the Fund") and/or dividend provision. The dividend shall be paid according to the actual rate of return of VAYU1 but not less than the minimum rate of return at 3.0% per annum and not exceeding the maximum rate of return at 9.0% per annum, which is set at a fixed rate for 10 years. The asset management company will calculate the dividend for the Class A Unitholders by multiplying such rate of return by par value of the Class A Units. Liquidity thinly traded https://www.set.or.th/en/market/product/stock/quote/VAYU1/historical-trading Like all things new a pinch of caution is always advisable. .I am not an investment professional; consult your professional investment advisor and/or legal counsel and/or professional accountant before making any investment decision. While all reasonable effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information and data contained herein, accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Past performance is not a good predictor of future performance. Results are not guaranteed and I assume no liability whatsoever for any material losses that may occur. No compensation for suggesting particular securities or financial advisors is solicited or accepted. The information in this document is not intended to be educational, nor does it constitute financial advice nor is it a suggestion or recommendation. Investing is risky and may result in substantial losses.~ oceanbluejewell

Thank you for the comments everyone. I have simple question as a Non-Thai National who lives in Thailand, how can I hedge my exposure to currency fluctuations in Thai currency? Note: My primary income is CAD & USD. Your suggestions will be appreciated & if any additional information is needed please let me know.