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CaptainJack
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Posts posted by CaptainJack
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11 minutes ago, porphyry said:Sadly naivety is no defence in this part of the globe. As a vet he should have been more savvy. Especially here where "huckster" is a career choice by so many.
Porphyry,
I respectfully disagree. Veterans, even combat veterans (I am one) don't have more savvy regarding the differences between the USA and other countries legal systems. They are trained for combat and survival in hostile environments, and not much more. I had to learn the hard way about international travel long after by service.
I understand why many think veterans should have better awareness of these systems. It just doesn't work that way. My opinion.
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What amazes me is how many Americans get on a plane and leave the security of their own country and do not understand how the American Embassy and State Department operates. I have been traveling for work or pleasure this planet for 40 years, and as long as I can remember, the rule is, "You are on your own". The American Embassy will not help except under very limited circumstances.
It does not matter if he is guilty or innocent. It is that he is stupid! Period.
His family better get ready to sell their home and take every penny they have to get his freedom, and that may not be enough.
Every one of us on TV run the risk that our opinions about politics and such could be deemed "subversive " and we end up in jail. Most of us understand the limitations of what we can say, and censor ourselves.
Bottom line, and this is not just Thailand. Keep a low profile, don't get drunk in public, don't dare get in an argument with a local and for d*mn sure, don't use drugs. And remember in almost all none western countries. You are guilty until proven innocent.
<removed>
Spoken by an American.
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You have to love this. Another reference to China's BRI and the ever distancing of the USA from Thailand. At the same time, another news item on the ever increasing tariff wars. All these geopolitical shifting sands as I wait to hear if I'll be returning to Vietnam for a year of work (living there, not Thailand again) and seeing a very different world emerging. Interesting.
BBC News - India announces retaliatory trade tariffs against the US
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-48650505 -
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This is, in my opinion, is a pretty good article. But, on a more personal note. Last year as I finished my work with the NGO I volunteer for in Vietnam, I had the opportunity to have dinner with an American State Department individual and a fairly high ranking Vietnamese government employee. The conversation was interesting, because at the time, China was pressing for 99 year leases on Vietnam coastal resorts. You don't need to be a rocket scientist to understand why. It was clearly not something most Vietnam wanted discussed at dinner, but some government officials were pressing for it.
Here is a big difference between Vietnam and Thailand. Social media was not suppressed regarding this issue, and the average Vietnamese citizen was very vocal about their government's decision.
And! There were public demonstrations against the 99 year lease proposal. The proposed change in lease terms and potential control of Vietnamese coastal areas was defeated.
Plus, Vietnamese citizens enjoy a level of free speech not allowed in China or Thailand. In that Vietnam already has plenty of experience dealing with China, and it's expansionist policies, it is easy to see why Vietnam is not jumping up and down extolling the virtues of the BRI.
Thailand would be well served to pay attention to it fellow AEC country, Vietnam and how they operate in this ever increasing competitive and complex region of the world. Time will tell.
https://www.asiatimes.com/2019/05/article/how-china-sees-vietnams-tilt-toward-america/
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You cannot make this stuff up. As I have said before, wait until Thailand gets on Trump's radar. The day's of Thailand playing Russia, China and the USA are about to come crashing down.
Do they really think in a Trump led USA they get to have it like old times?
Do they really think the EU is going to play along and give them a FTA with their history?
Do they not read the international news and see where Trump has thrown the hammer down just last week with Turkey?
Good grief! There is a reason why, not just the USA, but many other countries are standing up to the Chinese BRI. Military, cultural and economic global expansion and control is what all superpowers want.
There is a contest going on right now, and if we are lucky, it won't get into a shooting match. If not lucky, well, better pick your allies well.
The three superpowers are at it again, except now, they are all startling to play hardball such not since the days of the Cold War and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Don't be on the wrong side is all I can say.
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While in China last year, there were places the only way to pay was with WePay, part of the WeChat application. That and virtually nothing related to Google would work. How long before China extends their full reaching control to financial and communications in the AEC group of nations, with Thailand leading the band?
Oh yea, this is definitely a sign of things to come.
PS. I removed WeChat from my phone yesterday after the latest version required it run in the background 24x7. It's bad enough with all the surveillance going on in the world today, including the USA, to also have China tracking our every move. Geez.....
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Finally, the truth behind getting rid of all the farrang! There is hope for democracy in Thailand. Set free the sausage!
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On 6/8/2019 at 2:03 AM, JimmyTheMook said:
Savage !
Did you mean sausage? 555
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5 minutes ago, Thaiwrath said:
Why bother coming here in the first place, if this was your main concern ?
Was not my main concern. I owe you and nobody any explanation. Bottom line? I'm taking care of me and those I love in Thailand while everyone else is stuck. Wait Thaiwrath. Things have not even started to go downhill in Thailand. Thank God I got out before I was to far in to get out. Good luck. I'd hope for better days ahead for everyone.
PS. I can send directly to my Thai family enough money monthly to never worry again. God speed......
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There is a wake up call coming, and it will be interesting to see what happens. When Thailand gets on Trump's radar, and he has no compunction with demanding the Thai government picks a side.
Things are just starting to get interesting.
PS. Sitting comfortably back in the USA, supporting my Thai family from abroad. Best decision I ever made. Go home while I was in charge of my future, not another country's government.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-48568282
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3 hours ago, simon43 said:
This thread has raised a few hard facts that expats living in Thailand need to face:
1) Despite a recent forum poll that I posted, it seems that many expats have neither a comprehensive medical insurance policy, not sufficient funds to cover the cost of a major illness/accident, (and no means to replenish those funds either).
2) Many expats seem to be under the illusion that they will stay healthy until the day that they die in their sleep. Sorry, but life doesn't work that way.
3) Regardless of what visa type (O-A, O etc) will fall under these new health insurance rules, the simple fact is that you either need comprehensive health insurance, lots of $$$ or are able to return to your home country for free medical care - if that is available.
4) Those of you who intend to relocate to Cambodia etc are missing the point! You should still have the means to cover the costs of hospital stays - just because the visa in Cambodia doesn't make medical insurance/$$$ a requirement for issue of that visa, doesn't mean that everything is going to be fine and dandy after you stick 2 fingers up to Thailand and move to Cambodia - in fact, you're probably at a higher risk of falling ill or having a serious accident LoL.
5) If you're complaining that the available insurance policies don't cover your pre-existing conditions, well welcome to the real world! Unless those conditions are 'dormant', then why on earth should an insurer cover you for this - the likelyhood of a future claim is high.
6) If you're complaining that you're too old to get cover, (not true anyway), or it's too expensive, well welcome to the real world!!
No-one in this world owes you anything. You need to face facts and make difficult decisions,.
I'm not gloating at anyone. Although I do have medical insurance, I don't have the financial means to remain in Thailand after my current visa expires. I've been here for 18 years, have lost all family ties in the UK, and have no idea what I will do...
But for heavens sake, stop moaning and be man (or woman) enough to recognise that regardless of your visa type, you need to make the difficult decision to ensure that if you are seriously ill/injured etc, you can be cared for in hospital. That could mean returning to your home country.
Don't put off making that decision in the vain hope that you'll live healthily to 100 years old.
Well stated simon43. I don't have much to offer. I have kept track of the TV topics because I have a few friends still in Thailand.
First, I can't imagine what you or anyone else is going to deal with returning home after 18 years. I gave up my retirement dreams of Thailand after a year, and was really thrown a curve ball when it came to dealing with no family, only a few friends, no car or possessions. It has not been fun, but, slowly getting my stuff together.
I left Thailand on January 8th!
Ok, I bought a car and today finally got my own place to live. Oh, and I'm only 67.
You would think my being a combat veteran and having faced my own share of challenges would have made me more resilient. Did not make it much easier.
My only addition are these few things.
For those leaving, get your plan in your head before you go. First and foremost, get a car. I could not get a loan because I did not have an verified legal address after being gone a year and had to tap my cash to buy a used car.
Prepare for all kinds of obstacles passing a background and credit check just to rent an apartment.
Be very careful of criminals that will try to scam you. They are everywhere and can smell blood.
Be prepared to accept you will live far below what you can imagine right now. I slept in a tent and the back of my car some to save up cash.
Don't give up hope and don't drink too much.
And last. While a blessing and a curse, I kept in contact with my girlfriend. She has helped me and I her emotionally. She pointed out to me yesterday something I think is really important.
She said to remember, Thailand is part of the AEC and all the SE Asian countries will eventually adopt the same Visa and medical insurance requirements.
Moving to Cambodia or Vietnam may be only delaying the inevitable.....
Good luck. I just turned the corner and see light at the end of my tunnel. I hope the best for all of you....
Oh! Here is a good source for free camping in the USA.
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11 minutes ago, robblok said:Yes enough said forgetting this happened 15 years ago. Comparing them with the US of now not really fair at all. Should compare with US 15 years ago. Anyway things have changed now and are better this is an old case. And of course they did not use the most modern tests as it was 15 years ago.
You are absolutely right. I edited my comment to be more accurate. Thanks. I had a knee jerk reaction.
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This, I have to respond to. I am a certified HIV Risk Reduction Counselor. Fact! Many people do not know they are infected with HIV. Period. Straight, gay and bisexual.
This report from an infection transmitted 15 years ago is not relevant today, unless there is gross negligence involved.
The new tests for DNA, RNA and antibodies are accurate. Why has this article become news? Why, after 15 years reveal it now?
The hospital needs to make clear to the public what their testing rules are today, not 15 years.
https://www.avert.org/hiv-transmission-prevention/blood-transfusions-transplants
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I'm kinda surprised nobody has really talked about the agenda the PM is promoting when he attends the B&R Initiative in Beijing. Nor has anyone even talked much about the longer term effects the EEC will have regarding western influence in the region. What this will ultimately mean for farrang life in Thailand? I mean to say, the original question, "would you recommend retirement in Thailand "?
https://news.cgtn.com/news/3d3d414d3367544f33457a6333566d54/index.html
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3 hours ago, Redline said:
Where will they get skilled workers?
The last numbers I read was there are some 20,000 Chinese skilled workers now in Thailand. They also get streamlined visas for their families.
https://news.cgtn.com/news/3d3d414d3367544f33457a6333566d54/index.html
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50 minutes ago, DepDavid said:
So did you go with Cigna? I did. My rates are a bit less because of age. They cover me anywhere except America because healthcare is so expensive there. If I need an outpatient visit for something I go to the local government hospital. I use a private lab for yearly blood tests which costs about 1500 baht. Cigna was certainly the best bet for me.
Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile appI desided on Geoblue. It is part of Blue Cross/Blue Shield. The key factor for me was because I already have retina issues and high cholesterol, I did not want to risk exclusions based on preexisting conditions. Not cheap, but covers me as good as my Medicare/Advantage plan in the USA.
I cannot return to Thailand because of my visa being obtained by the visa company bribing an IO (without my knowledge) and depositing 800k bt and withdrawing it the next day, which immigration caught on my 1st 90 report.
If I do want to live in Thailand (as of now no), I had very clear instructions from a 20 year veteran officer in immigration to depart Thailand, let my retirement Visa expire and reapply.
I have no problem meeting the income requirements. It was a horrible screw up and I took the fall.
If I was to come back, my medical insurance will be between 1200 and 1400 US dollars a month.
I have the exact same coverage when I'm traveling for fun or work for 200 US dollars a month, so I will likely just go back to my old program and visit Thailand once a year.
Bottom line for me was I caught grief at my second 90 report and I was clearly informed that I had to produce my original bankbook for my renewal. I was risking arrest for collusion. The visa company has already left Thailand and are nowhere to be found.
So, Geoblue for me. Expensive, but worth my eyesight and heart....
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Per marcusarus, the Thai VFW is a good contact for disabled veterans to contact regarding the VA FMP. I looked up the website for those who need information.
Good luck...
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3 minutes ago, marcusarelus said:
There are Thai hospitals that direct bill FMP. VA will also accept information from a Thai doctor and hospital to qualify for a disability. Check with your local Thai VFW or JUSMAG Bangkok for reliable and accurate information. VA will also issue you letters of insurance coverage.
Thank you! Finally someone provided real information that can help others. Thank you sir!
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1 hour ago, Thaidream said:Yes- the issue of medical coverage will cause more problems for many people- the Thai Companies will cover with basic insurance up yo any age but when one looks at the coverage and amount of premium it is completely ridiculous. There is already a mandatory coverage needed when one applies for the O-X Visa but the requirements are that it must be a Thai Insurance Company. How about people that have their own coverage and pay for it. How about retired military and those on VA Disability- they have their own coverage.
Why not offer long stay people in Thailand a buy in to the Thai Social Security system- we pay a fair monthly premium and can use the same medical providers Thais use. The shores up the Thai system and provides the needed coverage.
Thaidream,
Regular VA medical is not available outside the USA. The FMP is only available to veterans with a service connected disability. It is a highly restrictive program and unless the hospital and/or physician accepts it, it is a pay out of pocket and file for reimbursement.
The catch is the coverage is limited to the actual existing service connected disability.
This is how the VA works for disabled veterans living in foreign countries.
Tri Care is a separate and totally different program for military retirees.
Here is information that explains the FMP program. It is important to understand, FMP is not medical insurance.
https://www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/docs/pubfiles/factsheets/FactSheet_04-01.pdf
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1 minute ago, marcusarelus said:I thought you went home because you were afraid they would throw you in jail for a fake visa purchased through an agent? Do I have the wrong Jack?
You got the right Jack. I went home to the USA because of a visa issue, which most everyone that knows me understands. I am one of those that thought I wanted to live in Thailand. It was not thought out, I wasted a lot of money and way to much emotional grief. And please, don't hold back. Yes, I am one dump*ss to have finished 3 months of travel and work in SE Asia, and just decide, "Hey! I'll just retire here". Stupid, stupid and more stupid.
I like to travel, love the people, but I am not cut out for the expatriate life, whether Thailand or anywhere else. I'm being straight up and honest. I made a mistake.
I'm back home, bought a new car, got a nice apartment and will not come back to or through Thailand until the stupid visa stuff is behind me, which is in October. There were many reasons I should have never even moved to Thailand at 66 years old.
I freely admit my mistakes and the only reason I am still involved with Thailand is because of my volunteer work and travel in SE Asia. I'll be back to my old routine next year. Fly to Bangkok, spend 3 or 4 nights at the Novotel in Silom and then fly on to my final destination. Or I may change that, and go through a different hub airport if I keep reading about immigration at Bkk being a problem. If I can't even transit without worry, I'll not even come through Bkk. Yep! That's me on the motorcycle.....
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3 hours ago, totally thaied up said:
This is the part that worries me. To be 70, have to pay huge premiums and have no real cover for priors. How can someone planning 30 years of life know they can cover this. I doubt that not many put this requirement into their retirement plans and once locked into Thailand, understand later that they made a mistake.
I hear you. Everyone I know, even those with plenty of money and those just getting by are waiting to see if they goes through with their plan to tie medical insurance to retirement Visas.
They got it all ready with the draft proposal written and signed off by all the Thai key players. I think they are going to do it. They don't want us here, else none of what has gone down would have happened. Sorry bro. I said scr*w it and went home while I still was able.
CJ
PS. I hope for all that have lives, family and Thailand is home for them this rollercoaster ride is about over. Nobody needs this c*rap in their retirement years.
https://www.internationalinvestment.net/news/4000318/thailand-health-insurance-mandatory-expats
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My rules would be:
1. If over 64 and not able to afford an international medical insurance policy or already have medical insurance, absolutely not. (See my information below on that topic).
2. If not able to handle the heat, not.
3. If not able to handle loneliness and isolation, not.
4. If not having a minimum off 100k USD available for funding your life and "buying" the lifestyle you want, not.
5. If not able to live with unpredictable government and immigration law and rules, not......
On obtaining medical insurance in Thailand when over 65.
I researched this until I was exhausted. Pacific Cross kept coming up as the great option always suggested by TV members.
For the record, at 67 years old I was not eligible for any except 3 of a dozen different companies. Pacific Cross was very clear on the quote they gave me. I am only eligible for an "international plan", and because I have had laser treatment for my retinas and take medication for high cholesterol, those are both preexisting conditions. Any vision or coronary artery or heart disease is not covered.
The cheapest plan with Pacific Cross was around 9000 USD a year. The better plan was around 12,000 USA a year.
I grew tired of everyone telling me how I could get an affordable policy, and I applied for several different plans that I was not already eliminated. The best I could find that would actually pay and cover me was Cigna International and Geoblue with no exclusion on preexisting conditions.
The Geoblue expatriate policy for my age starts at 1200 USA dollars a month and goes up, as do they all with age.
For Pacific Cross, I've included the links and information.
I state again. I actually applied and got quotes. Here are the links you can read for yourselves.
https://www.pacificcross.com/images/Health_Brochure/2018/Standard_International_Plan_2019_Soft.pdf
https://www.pacificcross.com/images/Health_Brochure/2018/Major_Medical_Plan_2019_Soft.pdf
https://www.pacificcross.com/images/Health_Brochure/2018/Premier_International_Plan_2019_Soft.pdf
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Apparently I'm not allowed to share specific plan information. Here are the links you can read for yourselves.
https://www.pacificcross.com/images/Health_Brochure/2018/Standard_International_Plan_2019_Soft.pdf
https://www.pacificcross.com/images/Health_Brochure/2018/Major_Medical_Plan_2019_Soft.pdf
https://www.pacificcross.com/images/Health_Brochure/2018/Premier_International_Plan_2019_Soft.pdf
US Navy veteran locked up in Thai prison, family pleas for help
in Thailand News
Posted
Agreed.