LivingNThailand

We can only hope. 😂

It's totally insane. I didn't get a 7162 so I mailed in a duplicate and got proof of delivery. Then I finally received the original 7162 in November, but didn't do anything since I had already mailed a duplicate form. Then I got a final notice two weeks ago saying that SSA didn't receive my forms in the mail and I would be cut off if they didn't hear from me in 6 weeks. I called SSA, was on hold for 2 hours and 59 minutes, and then got cut off. So I decided to mail a second 7162 with a note and said that I hoped the next administration fixes this problem because the current administration obviously doesn't have a handle on it. Cost me 1,550 THB two times for EMS. Ugh. There goes my "raise" Sorry, rant over.

Interesting fact. In 1970 Ira Levin wrote a novel called This Perfect Day. In this book about the future, people had little codes embedded into their wrists, and when they wanted to buy something or do something, they had to scan their wrists across a scanner. If the scanner didn't like what they were buying or doing, the person would be rejected. Obviously there is a lot more to the story, but the first time I saw UPC codes in the 1980s, all I could think was "It's started." Progress. A very interesting read. I read it in high school in the 70s.

which is seconds compared to the person calling his friend / wife for the password on his account so he can FINALLY pay for his transaction. Just today got behind someone that couldn't figure the mobile payment. Three employees and a manager, finally he left with his stuff. UGH>

Nine years ago when I moved here, I was told that Bangkok Bank had a contract with the US Social Security system, and that was the way to send my SS money to Thailand. I don't know if that was true, but things have changed a lot in the past few years with money transfers, wires etc. Personally, the thought of going to a new bank and filling out the massive amount of forms and paperwork needed to open 3-4 new bank accounts (mine, immigration, wifes), interent banking and mobile banking is mind-boggling and frankly, it's not worth the time or energy for me. Especially now that there is an easier way to get the 12 month statement. It's just one extra trip to the bank a year and a nice cup of coffee at the On On Hotel. But I agree, if I started today, I would definitely go with the K-Bank and skip BBL.

That's too bad. I was pleasantly surprised when I found this option. It went from 12 month statement in 7days, to in 10 days, to "Not Sure". Very frustrating when planning your annual trip to immigration. I go to the downtown branch. I have this sneaky suspicion that if I went to the Central Festival branch they would say no. They are a bit difficult there. Maybe branch by branch, like you say. Well, everyone needs to do what is easiest and best for them.

You can now get the 12 month statement from Bangkok Bank in about 2 days. I've done it twice. You need to go to the bank and apply for the 12 month, then they send you an email the next day and you go back to the bank the same day you get the email or the following morning and pick up the statement and letter. BB stamps everything with the purple stamp. For Phuket it works well because immigration accepts the letter and statement up to 7 days. I usually go to the bank on Thursday, they send an email on Friday. I go back to the bank on Monday to pick everything up and off to immigration on Tuesday. It's two times to the bank, but there is a lovely coffee shop across the street. update: you can get a 12 month statement free with mobile banking, but it is generic. Your name and address will not be on the statement. I'm pretty sure immigration wants those details on the statement

Yes, I was going to suggest that. I have a separate savings account with 800,000+ no ATM card. I just update the passbook every few months to show that there is NO activity. No problems for 9 years.

I stopped going there about 2 years ago, especially during "high" season. Yes, heartbreaking. It's all about the almighty baht. I have some friends that will stay there next week and I hope they come up to Chalong to see me, because I'm not going to Nai Harn, at least not until the rainy season again.

That's what I said, stick with beer.

I've been doing it on line for about 1.5 years. No problem at all. I find that if you do it on the weekend it takes a day or two to get the confirmation. M-F usually the same day. Thanks for the heads up about the new passport. I'm getting one next year. Maybe I can get the new passport stamped and the 90 day at the same time. I'll try to plan it that way.

🤣🤣🤣 Today, my wife and I just received the original SSA-7162 forms in the mail dated June 6, 2024. It took five months and one week to get to us. The deadline to send back filled out was 60 days from mailing date. We already sent duplicates to Wilkes Barre, PA, via EMS over two months ago, and SSA received the forms in 4-5 days. Making a note on our calendar for August 6, 2025 to send in duplicate forms if we don't receive the original by that date. Not sure if it is US postal or Thai postal problem. Personally I don't have any problems with Thai post, I think overall they are quite efficient. Just not going to wait past 60 days next year. Why sweat it.

who knows. It was about a week after the dems dumped Biden. It's all Fake news anyway. Back in the day..... In 1897, Adolph S. Ochs, the owner of The New York Times, created the famous slogan "All the News That's Fit to Print," He wrote the slogan as a declaration of the newspaper's intention to report the news impartially. Not anymore... sad

I read that Barrack Obama was hugely pissed off. Said she didn't have a chance.....We will see. High Drama.

Donavan on Sunshine Superman album. Also played by Super Session with Al Kooper, Mike Bloomfield, and Steven Stills. Classic Song. I'll have to crank those up on my Spotify today.