silverhawk_usa

Just north of Meechok, on the 1001, as you go over the small bridge, on the left. Walking distance from Meechok.

Bought a house this past November.  To change to my wife"s name:  Deposit for meter

2,000baht.

On 3/15/2020 at 12:24 PM, Mapguy said:

Chiang Mai Immigration Office requirements for conversion to NON-0 (retirement) status from tourist visas are apparently changing and becoming more onerous and time-consuming.  The office has previously issued a written list of requirements which mirrors the national requirements except for requiring at least 21 instead of 14 days processing time.  Attached in such a list dated when obtained.  What changes are being made, what new documents or requirements -- not simple errors of submission that need to be corrected -- are being demanded, and is such direction verbal from an officer or in written (and dated) form?

Conversion Requirements (Chiang Mai) 15FEB20.rtf 4.46 kB · 5 downloads

I'm not understanding this one:   " a letter from the bank stating the specific deposits labeled ‘FTT’ (foreign transfers) in your bank book are actually in your bank passbook (even though you and they can see them in your passbook) " What is the difference between Bank Book and Bank Passbook? 

As of this past Sunday the 118 was still under heavy construction, but traffic was moving.  You know you can take the 107 to Mai Sai.  A little longer, but a nice drive. Some scenic stops along the way, if you are into that. 

PharmaChoice in Chiang Mai would only sell 2 packs per day of 3m brand per customer.  No I wasn't hording.  I wanted one pack for my wife and one for sister in law flying in from NZ for family funeral.

On 1/11/2020 at 2:15 PM, canthai55 said:

I did not - as of 2558 - 5 years ago

I believe you.  Just related my own experience, 1 year ago.. 

16 minutes ago, canthai55 said:

Doi Saket

I was married in Doi Saket in November 2018.  I needed all the documents as stated above by MAF666 in post number 3.  I will say they were quite congenial and helpful. One lady who spoke English gave me all the requirements needed without alerting my wife to be. Also as someone already posted; Star Visa did all the government leg work on the Thai side.  The Amphur did not ask for two witnesses as their staff volunteered for that. 

Thank you, @jeffandgop.  It is good to see a succinct report based on actual experience.  I am in a similar situation, except I arrived on a O-A retirement in 2002.  If the insurance situation isn't more favorable when I renew my visa in October, I will do the same.  Good news for a change. 

1 hour ago, watgate said:

Lopburi3- I am having a hard time getting a handle on this whole procedure. When I do my income tax return each year I use my US address since I still have a condo in the US which I go back each year around the beginning of April to stay in for the 1- 1 1/2 months I am in the US. I go back to see some DR's and take care of some business. Would using my US address on my tax return cause any potential problem with obtaining a ITIN for my wife?  

 

     Can you possibly walk me through exactly what I need to submit to the IRS to obtain the ITIN for my wife. I guess I would have to mail any required info to the the IRS. Do you think it would be better to try and obtain the ITIN in Thailand or obtain it in the US? I guess I  would have to pay a firm in the US to apply for the ITIN whereas if I apply in Thailand I guess I can apply myself at no additional cost.

 

     Thanks for any input and if this doesn't kill me nothing will. 

Look at my post on page one of this topic.  The IRS link will walk you through the steps and explain better than anyone on here. It really is not that difficult if you do a little searching.  My opinion, and only an OPINION, is your address shouldn't matter.
BTW I have lived full time in Thailand for 17 years, and with my now wife for 14 of those years.  Every year I had to pay additional tax to the IRS.  Don't tell my wife, but we were married just last year and mainly because I realized the tax savings under the new tax laws.  I regret I did not do it sooner.  Don't get frustrated; follow through with your application.
 

14 hours ago, riclag said:

Did your wife sign her name to the application in English or Thai and how about the 1040 income tax form did she sign her name in english or thai?

As the forms and process have nothing to do with Thailand She signed in English. A certified translation of her passport was included.  On the IRS site is a table of what ID may be accepted.  
I used Star Visa, near the U.S. Consulate, to take care of her passport translation and walked it through the Government offices to get the necessary certifications.  Easy.

(If she doesn't have a passport, get one.  It is a quick and easy process in Chiang Mai, and probably the best ID for your ITIN )

Search ITIN on the IRS Site.  A lot of info.  I did it for my wife last year and it is not that difficult.  You send the form in with your tax filing.  It took about 3 months to process, but it is worth it for added deduction.  Whatever you do, do NOT use the agent in Bangkok.  There is one listed on the IRS site.  I contacted them, and not only did they give me incorrect information, but they wanted an exorbitant fee for processing.  There is no charge from the IRS if you do it yourself.  More here.  https://www.irs.gov/individuals/individual-taxpayer-identification-number

Additionally, my wife is the beneficiary on my mutual funds in the U.S. When the time comes, she will need a tax number (now listed on the account) to collect.  Better to get the number now then have her try to figure it out later. 

6 hours ago, PremiumLane said:

so how do you know it is non-emergency? it is simple, if it is an ambulance, get out of the way - there is no grey area. And what have SWAT teams got to do with this?

I agree, get out of the way.  But I would say that when many are in the habit of using the emergency lights when just driving with regular traffic, stopping and waiting for traffic lights, making no effort at being in a hurry, their emergency lights are not necessary. Other drivers then tend to become complacent when they see the lights.

The SWAT is one recent blatant example of misuse of emergency lights and racing through traffic I have seen.  This is not just a problem with ambulances. BTW I am a retired police officer and certified emergency vehicle driving instructor.  I was just making a point that many of the emergency vehicle operators need training also.  I am in no way defending this guy, or others, blocking or not giving way for emergency vehicles.  Thanks for your question,  ????

7 minutes ago, AlQaholic said:

Did it ever work?

I did my 90 Day last week using FIREFOX.  I actually submitted it on a Sunday and it was received as pending.  Notified by email on Monday approved.  Printed it out no problem.

Today, Sunday, for the sake of this topic, I went to the site using CHROME. One can check the status of their current and past 90 Day reports from the same page as for reporting at anytime. Again, no problem and it lists my previous reports.  If you lose your report, or whatever, you can always go there and print out a new copy.

You don't say how old your children are.  To this day, I remember how humiliated I was pre-teen when my mother sent me to a party in a cheap store bought costume.  All the other kids had costumes of their own creations and proudly shared their ideas with each other.  I called my mother to come and get me because I felt so embarrassed.  Just a thought,

Look further down to here......

6 minutes ago, wildewillie89 said:

Going from one city to the next there will be up to 4 checkpoints on many routes. And naturally as they are highways, highway patrol will do speed tests. You couldn't drive too much around the country to only be stopped a few times. 

I said I only used the ID card a couple times.  I have traveled S.E. Asia extensively since 2002.  Still, I was never stopped that often.  I am not doubting what you say, just not my experience.   :) 

I don't know why the poster above has been stopped "hundreds of times", but I have had only a couple instances (in 14 years) where I used my U.S. retired police ID card.  When having to go to the police station to pay a parking  fine, I explained how in the U.S. we usually didn't fine other police.  The one Thai officer who spoke rather fluent English simply stated "Yes, but this IS THAILAND".  I did get a discount at least.  

Once stopped at a check point I found my road tax was expired.  The officer spoke little English.  I tried the ID card and he was quite observant.  He questioned why in the photo I wasn't in uniform (I was a detective). He turned the card over and saw on the back where the card was signed over the words "Chief of Police".  Of course by my Chief authorizing the card.  The Thai officer said "Oh you're Chief of Police"? I thought Ok, go with it, and I said yes.  Impressed, he showed his partners, gave me a salute and sent me on my way.  It doesn't hurt to try.  :)

7 hours ago, Sydebolle said:

Whoa, utterly surprised your posting - what did I do to trigger off such a rough tone.

I never referred to any translation needs from nowhere.
I confirmed that no no-more-existing "motorbike passport" is needed. 
I gave the person asking some phone numbers of customs and, if down, of immigration at the border crossing (in this case Nongkhai/Thanaleng. 
I never queried your "competence" - how could I, not knowing you and not seeing any posting prior to my first answer! 

So I might humbly suggest you to read the questions and the answers; and if you have anything factual/useful to add, your non-emotional input is more than appreciated by everyone reading this thread. 

The trouble with forums and emails, is tones can be misconstrued or not appear as intended.  At second reading, my post does sound a little gruff.  In turn, I did misread your posts final sentence as questioning competence.  My apologies. Your post contained useful and direct information. I read the initial questions and answers.  Many of them incorrect. I did add what was factual and hopefully useful in post 13. There was still some question about translations.  Perhaps I have been on Thai Visa too long and just anticipate the usual debates.

I don't know where some of you get your information.  No motorcycle passport needed.  No translation needed.  No carnet needed.  You can buy insurance on the Lao side of the border. No you cannot cross into Vietnam (there are a few exceptions, but not easily done).   I have ridden in Laos many, many times since 2004, also Vietnam and Myanmar.  Post number six above is giving the best advice, http://www.gt-rider.com/ . My trip reports are also there.