billzant

The issue has been resolved with the bank. I phoned Kbank, and they had blocked the card as a payment method for google. Hence the message that the "account is closed" at Google's payment methods. When I phoned Kbank they explained that they were concerned there might be fraud and had blocked the card as a payment method for google. It was immediately unblocked, payment has been made and there is no issue with Google.

I am unsure why fraud is question as  an old card was used for payments at Google. 

Kbank were civil. It means that I will have to test that civility as any time in the future where the card is brought into question I will have to phone the bank immediately in case it has been fraud-blocked.

Thank you, Charlie.

(apologies for wrong forum)

I am wondering whether finance regs are giving me a problem. By finance regs I mean the changes that ended my using Paypal here in Thailand for transactions overseas. Asus web storage insisted on paypal, and I was unable to use them any more.

I usually use Kweb card for online transactions. Last year (March) I bought a Google One package, but since then that Kweb card has expired. I have a new kweb card and tried to enter the details at google, and it gives me "the account is closed". The account is not closed as I use it for Lazada regularly.

I have a case opened with google. Their first attempt at resolving the problem didn't work, I am waiting to hear from them as to what to do next.

So I am asking here if anyone has experienced similar?

billz

 

5 hours ago, Liverpool Lou said:

What is this "tax code letter"?  I've been receiving a state pension for six years and have had no correspondence about it since it started.

Every year I receive a letter from HMRC saying what my tax code is. I get it early in the year before it is applied in the April.

3 hours ago, Eff1n2ret said:

I don't think VFS clerks are expected to verify your identity. If the photos submitted do not approximate to that in the expiring passport, HMPO may require someone known to the applicant to certify that they are a true likeness. Lots of applications are made by agents without the applicant being present - otherwise, there would be no point in using an agent.

Edit: I will be 85 if/when my passport needs renewing, and though I've made the trip to apply in person before, I too don't fancy doing it again.

Hi Eff1n2ret,

As part of the application package this time, my photo was signed on the back, and the name of the signer was entered on the application form. VFS were helpful but meticulously checked what I gave them. If the embassy "outsources" to VFS then it is reasonable to think that an agent can submit an application to VFS to be forwarded on. 

I note your sympathetic edit.

I have rarely used agents but have found them helpful. I have never done this but I do know of agents who are able to bend the bureaucracy in Thailand. I am asking if there is "bending" going on when agents submit to VFS?

I am interested in this because my next passport will be at 80, the thought of 2 trips to VFS to renew my passport is daunting.

My understanding with VFS was that I had to apply in person so that my face and photo could be matched. If an agent does it, such matching could not happen. The 2nd trip was to collect the new passport, a letter for immigration to renew stamps, and have the corner of the old passport cut off.

Are there legal comebacks?

Peter,

I had a year of bureaucracy caused by this issue, and I now have a DL but no solution for you.

I went to my immigration office to get a CoR, they refused - sympathetic but new boss was not for turning. I went to Konsoong for driving license, they said go to immigration for CoR. Going round and round in circles.

Konsoong suggested the Amphur.  Amphur told me get a yellow Tabian baan and a pink identity card. This required  a trip up to Bangkok, official signed copy of passport, then to a translation agency for a translation of copy of passport, then back to Amphur.

I then needed much cooperation from landlord who went 4/5 times to the Amphur to get yellow Tabian Baan and pink ID card. I went to Konsoong with new documents and he refused saying he wanted a CoR from immigration. I went back to Registrar at Amphur who knew me by then, she got on the phone. I sat there for half an hour, and eventually she told me that the Konsoong had agreed to allow me to renew the DL - with reflex and colour test - and medical certificate from hospital. My immigration office has now said that they issue CoRs, so fortunately no problem in 4 years - unless there is a change.

The DL can be renewed at any Konsoong. My last resort was going to be using agents to renew at Pattaya - I had contacted the agents and they said they could make it possible.

Please feel free to DM me if it helps.

brianthainess,

Interesting. I was dealing with my DL for a long period last year.

In the end it was solved by the amphur getting on the phone to the konsoong. I would go to the guy and say I wanted to renew my DL. He just said he wanted a CoR and stonewalled.

The amphur told me the matter would be resolved if I got a tabian baan and a pink ID card. I went up and down to Bkk - embassy and translation; then several trips to the amphur with landlord, got the tabian baan and ID card, took them to the konsoong and the guy still stonewalled.

I think the amphur felt guilty at sending me from pillar to post and also felt Thai  embarrassment   at the DL guy. The registrar got on the phone and after 20 mins he agreed to let me register for a renewal test - colours and reaction test.

Last year a Thai friend got in touch with the Khao Saming office because I had heard they were more sensible. Last year they were not.

I am glad they were more sensible for you.

see PM

Aforek,

I am glad you didn't have problems In Prachinburi, and you are probably right that your tabian baan was enough for you. Things are different in different areas.

Sadly the rules in Trat appear different. The amphur suggested I got a tabian baan and a pink ID card to renew a  driving license. The driving office still caused me problems that the amphur eventually solved.

However the tabian baan and pink ID card are now enough for me to buy a car - I checked.

HappyExpat57

It is not only in Chantaburi but various offices.

This is a big problem in Trat also, immigration will not issue Certificate of Residence (CoR) letters. But here in Trat the Honda office last year would not sell a bike without a CoR, maybe this has changed in Trat as well now.

Trat Transport office would not renew driving licenses without a CoR. This was a huge problem for me. Maybe that will change as well.

ubinjoe, that is very clear. Thanks again.

This is a tentative post. I will be buying one more car and would like to buy electric, not now but when my Mazda Bt50 (7 ½ years old) starts to go wrong -  fine at the moment. I would prefer a big pickup like I have but don’t think they do them - prefer EV more.

I live in rural Thailand 8 kms from Meuang Trat, am not sure but think there are 2 charging stations in Trat and one in Saen Tung. To be honest I rarely travel outside Trat so that is not too much of an issue.

But I would want to charge at home. Are there issues about chargers at home? The electrics in my house are iffy. Are PEA helpful about this?

I asked Mazda whether they will be doing anything a couple of years ago and was “laughed” at but that could just have been language.

Am interested in seeing where government incentives go, and whether there will be anything useable for me over the next few years? Am not too intrepid ????

Thabnks ubonjoe for the confirmation as moderator. Apologies for feeling the need to ask for confirmation but ....

Dear Consular Team,

I have received a helpful reply that I will be given the letter with my new passport, please confirm.

Dear Consular Team,

I did my 90days today.

She noted that I was renewing my passport this year. She told me that I now require a letter from my embassy so that I can update visa details from my old passport to the new passport.

She showed me two letters from the Austrian embassy and Italian embassy as examples. The letters were very different. She stressed the need for headed notepaper and an embasssy stamp. I noted the letters also contained the  renewer's name and quoted both passport numbers.

Please can you advise how I will get this letter. I expect to be going to Bangkok to start renewing the passport at the end of May/beginning of June, and collecting the passport approx 11 weeks later.

Yours 

Bill Zanetti

brewsterbudgen,

That's good to know, thanks very much.

Dear Consular Team,

I did my 90days today.

She noted that I was renewing my passport this year. She told me that I now require a letter from my embassy so that I can update visa details from my old passport to the new passport.

She showed me two letters from the Austrian embassy and Italian embassy as examples. The letters were very different. She stressed the need for headed notepaper and an embasssy stamp. I noted the letters also contained the  renewer's name and quoted both passport numbers.

Please can you advise how I will get this letter. I expect to be going to Bangkok to start renewing the passport at the end of May/beginning of June, and collecting the passport approx 11 weeks later.

Yours 

Bill Zanetti

Interesting.

Upnotover,

Thanks for this.

BillZ

Dick,

Thanks for your advice.

My plan was out-of-date or misunderstood. I thought they took my passport because I read of an online problem last year. 90 days doesn't count.

Helped clarify my plans or rather I don't need to be worried about the dates.

Does the renewal of the passport ie the 10 years run from the old expiry date?

Thanks again

BillZ 

Dick,

Thanks very much for this info. So quick.

 I am concerned about how long it takes to renew the passport once I have attended the interview. Any thoughts?

I want an appointment on or around 25 April - just after my 90 days. When should I send the email requesting interview dates.?

BillZ

I must renew my UK passport this year. Last time I sent DHL to Hong Kong. Now I understand the process has been outsourced. Please can you send me up-to-date details for renewal - link or otherwise.

Omega 7,

I had huge problems renewing my DL. In my area, previously you got a letter from immigration - certificate of residence - and DLT gave a short colour test and a new license. My amphur told me get a tabian baan and a pink ID. I did and DLT refused. The registrar got on the phone and eventually DLT agreed to renew.

The problem is that it can be different in every area, but they told me I could renew my DL in any area legally. Check the various posts on this issue, and find an office you can travel to and get a new DL.

In my area people are using agents in Pattaya (different DLT office) to arrange for renewal.

At my embassy they offered an affirmation of address to get round this problem but there was no guarantee that this would work. If you want to try this you would have to speak to your Nonthaburi office.

To solve your problem, renew at a nearby office or go to agents.