VBF

Phuket too...... fond memories of going there a long time ago... it was actually reasonably priced too. Had a wonderful lobster meal for under $20. You must be as old as me 😂 I remember Phuket as an unspoilt (almost) tropical island with lots of jungle, (great for the Hash House Harriers) superb almost deserted beaches and, apart from Phuket Town, very little concrete. To quote Joni Mitchell: "They paved Paradise and put up a parking lot" As small as Koh Larn is, it's heading that way.

I would have thought that, almost by definition, a digital nomad isn't likely to spend 180 days in one place(?) Isn't that the idea of being one? Otherwise one is simply a working expat with all that entails.

Which seems like a damn good excuse to revisit........

But would you not agree, that ignoring the (il)legality, digital nomads aren't likely to bother about visas because unless they're spectacularly stupid, no-one's going to know they're working rather than holidaying? I'm not advocating this behaviour just suggesting that this is the most likely situation.

I was about to post exactly the same thing. Koh Larn was lovely and quiet and clean back then. Now..... YUK! Reminds me of a mini version of Phuket ☹

In order of your points..... Interest is itemised on any bank account I've ever had - just show the statements - as you say - attention to detail Open new account(s) now for the future reporting, make no mention of the new accounts to Thai authorities. Bit of a PITA, I grant you, but resolves those two problems. This all shows the usefulness of keeping all bank statements pretty much forever. Easy these days now it's all online.

FWIW, the UK government believe this is now official https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand/entry-requirements#:~:text=British passport applications.-,visa requirements,-From 1 June and the FCDO usually gets these things right (if not much else 🙄) They updated it at 3:59pm (BST), 30 May 2024 but so far the Thai Embassy in London have NOT updated their website https://london.thaiembassy.org/en/page/exemp-visa

I see - on that you're probably right but of course a digital nomad might have old savings that (s)he could show as their source of remittances to Thailand, but I take your points.

I disagree inasmuch as the income may have occurred many years ago and if you're using savings derived from that original income you're not breaking the rules. I'm only familiar with UK tax rules but in your home country you're well within the rules and wouldn't even have to show that money on your tax return. (I'm ignoring any interest element as it's irrelevant for this discussion) So in the (IMO) unlikely event of the Thai authorities asking for your home tax return you'd still be in the clear.

So anyone with savings, can make their remittances from their savings, even if they happen to also be earning new income outside Thailand? I do know that one does not need to be officially retired to get a retirement extension.

How? If they have their money sent to a non-Thai account, and then tell the Thai tax dept that remittances are from savings earned a long time ago. This doesn't affect me but I really don't see how it can be enforced unless and until it's tied in with visa renewals.

And, critically, YOU, the rightful user have received the OTP, NOT the "someone else" if they exist. As others have said, it's more than likely a SPAM bot. Also, OP, how do you know the message was from "genuine MS"? That "account-security etc" address actually is a genuine MS address but could be spoofed. See this, independent explanation https://security.stackexchange.com/questions/187152/is-account-security-noreplyaccountprotection-microsoft-com-a-legitimate-sende You're not the first, by the way - see https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook_com/forum/all/received-an-email-from-microsoft-account-team/62525205-a491-4a81-88e7-31a2e8e30e43?page=2

Are you dyslexic? It's KFC 🙄😂

A quick Google search (that was a hint! 😎) shows the origin of the pic https://www.livescience.com/technology/electronics/new-petabit-scale-optical-disc-can-store-as-much-information-as-15000-dvds Confirmed here https://www.itbrew.com/stories/2024/03/01/scientists-create-1-6-petabit-optical-storage-disc and several other reliable sites. As yet not commercially viable. Somewhat but with large SSDs about, (100tb so far) I see little point. Maybe a new topic for the Technology forum if anyone can be bothered.

It's a while ago so I'm not sure, but I don't recall being given the choice. However, I know I was billed in THB because when I got my statement, the THB amount and rate were displayed and I do recall the payment processor was Kasikorn. I know it was a CREDIT card rather than a debit card though. Too long ago to remember any more detail...

I have seen many hotels in Pattaya, Phuket etc advertising a 3% surcharge on the use of CC. I always thought it applied to all CC but maybe as the hotels are patronised mainly by foreigners, it's just foreign cards. Doesn't make any difference to me but I might ask next time. What DOES make a difference is the exchange rate. I used my UK card once in Pattaya, and if (for example) the CASH rate on the day was 42, the card was billed at 38! So combine that with the 3% surcharge and it mounts up!

I don't think it's quite that simple but yes, we are omnivores. IMO and IME, it's the right balance that seems to give the best results. IE, instead of meat with a few veggies, lots of veggies with a little meat seems to work for me. (That's with Western food I mean) When I had the occasion to speak with a Cardiac Nurse some years ago, she stressed portion control (i.e. size of portions) as being very important. Now for me, that's a problem 'cos I love my food!

And on some flights, one is encouraged to get up and go to the bar. This is one of the attractions of Emirates A380 business class for me. It's therefore possible to encounter CAT whist standing with a drink, or even a hot drink. Having said that, incidents like this are thankfully very rare and there's an element of risk in anything you do. I for one won't take such a blasé attitude to the "Fasten seat belts" signs and announcements in future!

I agree. I'm a Brit but I tend to avoid groups of UK tourists in Pattaya, especially the so-called "football crowds". And adding to the list above, REAL football fans are NOT thugs - the "rent-a-mob" ones are though.

And they say you cannot judge by appearances... Au contraire! 😂 The look on the girl's face said it all, IMO. And IMO, even being dressed like that is just about acceptable on a beach road, Pattaya, Patong etc but in a city? Pleeeaasssee!!!

I don't spend much, if any time in Bangkok these days, but I do remember Thermae from the 1980s - loved its total sleaziness 😆 Woodstock too from the same period. Now, TQ on Pattaya Beach Road is going strong! I believe it was the first gogo in Pattaya (?) - was certainly there in the 1980s when I first went. They had a fire some years ago and rebuilt it as close to the original as possible. For those who don't know, it's a gogo playing rock music and with a few VDO screens showing music VDOs. Good squad of ladies of all shapes and sizes, helpful staff and GREAT rock only music. They open at about 2PM with (I think) 4 shifts of dancers up to midnight. Drink prices are more expensive that many bars, but still cheaper than Walking Street. If you happen to be a Hasher, its an essential visit if in Pattaya. Then again if you ARE a Hasher you probably already know it! Search AN forum - there have been several threads about it over the years.

Don't forget to order the "soup in a basket" as a starter! 😂 Less flippantly, some burger places serve the burger with a stick like a giant toothpick through the burger, and a sharp knife like a steak knife. In that case, I cut the burger in half, put the stick in the half I'm eating, pick it up and eat it. If not....sod it - just make a mess!

Next year? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp5hxHPlTq8

I really don't understand why weed / dope / whatever cannot be regulated, and age-restricted just like alcohol and tobacco. Leave we consenting adults to choose our own vices! My opinions don't just apply to Thailand, of course - this is an issue in many places.