lopburi3

Now we know - but OP asked about a Pattaya vibe and that would be Angeles. Believe the Central and Southern islands have some good beach areas but can't speak on them. But PI took a major hit with covid restrictions and is just getting back to some semblance of tourist activity.

Except for a few girls/bars there is almost nothing other than low to mid price accommodations. Angeles is more of the Pattaya vibe but without the water. But my opinion is second hand and based on what I have read/seen on YouTube.

Actually Electrolux is a brand name - not a maker anymore AFAIK. The Otto TT-131A at under 300 baht appears to be exactly the same as the Electrolux Model 131A at over 500. So if you need a warranty on a 300 baht item maybe a good choice - but at that price travel/replacement would likely cost more than a new Otto in my mind.

Actually there is not much wealth involved if paying Thai rate at a government hospital - but they normally want every condition signed off before surgery so normal to have a long list of different departments doing exams and any finding abnormal having to be explained.

By all means avoid anyone you have such vibes from - especially if exam was as brief as you indicate. If the cataracts are not causing you issues (often they can wait) might want to make glaucoma priority - as there is no turning back that damage once done.

I was just working with the quote. So he charges 5k above the normal price - this is common when using doctors at government hospitals on a doctor to patient basis (rather then obtaining service from normal queue system/training). Often there is a special system in place for such activity at larger facilities and set higher payments are made when using. Edit: Now you are making claim this is an off-book "tip"? Maybe - but remember government hospitals have freedom to charge foreign customers more (much more) if they wish to do so.

First thing is to find out what is wrong (causing the blurred vision). Rutnin is a top facility and should be first step if in Bangkok - if not in Bangkok probably worth the trip. Not all blurred vision is a simple fix. There could be cornea damage, as I have, but as said good eye exam comes first.

It is safer to stay a night in hospital - just as with other often out patient procedures - but it adds to costs so often we are shown the door by insurance or expensive western medical facilities as quickly as possible. Expensive room motivation. In Thailand room is often not a major expense so less push to get you out the door.

So if he does it on your back porch it is 20k but 25k if he does it with actual sterile medical equipment in a controlled hospital setting with nurse help and full emergency facilities and to you that is all about money? Nobody is going to argue money is involved but often we do not appreciate how much it does cost for back up facilities (especially to medical standards).

1. Much less cost to patient/insurance for an overnight stay in Thailand than most countries. So no motivation to save on a cost/risk basis. 2. Much stronger sun/UV - darkness is needed. 3. Much lower quality emergency services available if required. 4. Better chance of instructions being followed in hospital rather than from a printed sheet. 5. Cost/risk as above - just better to play it safe. 6. Yes - the hospitals, that many of us use, with room rates at 10,000 baht per night often operate return next day as the sums are much higher. It is not a money grab.

Did not have good luck with more expensive units myself so currently have 300 baht Otto TT-131A and very happy with it. Only 700 watts but English muffin is ready in seconds.

Almost nobody ops for comprehensive insurance in Thailand as the cost is excessive.

Well this was only about 5 years ago and hospital had an active ophthalmology department.

Don't believe they are that common in normal hospitals - my top rated private hospital here in Bangkok referred those needing VFT to Rutnin Eye Hospital until just a few years ago (when they purchased a machine). In USA shopping mall optometrists had them decades ago.

Iif they dilate and check should be able to determine glaucoma - the visual field test will indicate how serious - but normally they are done together as below. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma#:~:text=What is glaucoma%3F,a comprehensive dilated eye exam.

The are private hospitals and then there are private hospitals - not all are quality - but for out patient operation should not matter as doctor is key to that.

There is no requirement to stay overnight in hospital but at the low cost of a nights stay it might be a good option as you will need to be seen next morning for treatment. Saves time and believe government hospital do want you to do so. At private hospital in Bangkok I did not and wife did not stay overnight.

This dates back decades as when color first became common police looked upon any color copy as an attempted forgery. So for a few years insisted on only b/w copies. Color has been accepted by CW for many years in my experience.

Perhaps by the fact he will not be in Thailand?

Although I loved the views in LP when worked there 3 months in early 70's would not advise tying yourself to anything in retirement years, especially in the countries you seem to be attracted to. Your track record does not indicate much stability (how many years before wife #77). 🙂 Much more free if renting in our later years. $400 per month seems excessive but have no knowledge of Laos prices - but if rents go up you could go elsewhere. In Thailand you can get a good home in a city for less cost, as I am sure you know. And prices do not seem to increase much. But don't expect there is much choice in LP.

I had actually thought reporting had become a bit better - then I read this - AI at its worst.

I can say wife who is type 2 and normally has low-mid 100 fasting readings with medication once experienced coma due low level in a hospital - all too many nurses took low readings to be great - not for everyone. Wife now keeps candy in purse just in case. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-coma/symptoms-causes/syc-20371475

Would it be easier to DD to a US account (or Wise) and transfer here as needed? Many of us have been doing that for decades. If you do not have a US account suspect USAA will open with Thai address. FYI never had an issue when using direct deposit OPM to a US joint account but suspect you are right that an overseas account may have to be your name. You might want to try other banks and keep trying as opening any account has been hit or miss for years now.

As said - not my experience this month and have done same twice - once automatic and once manual. But both from normal bank rather than CU. If Wise did not immediately report funds received suspect an issue with CU response. On my transfer yesterday Wise page immediately reported funds received and when payment/amount would be made.