Soondae

On 5/7/2024 at 3:47 PM, gargamon said:

Used to have garmin hand held GPSs. Google maps on a phone are much less trouble. Garmin GPSs are now in the trash bin.

Yep, my $1000 Garmin Colorado GPS went in the recycle bin, my iPhone with Google Maps is better here in Thailand.

Absolutely, even you can use external contractors to remodel your condominiums. I just finished remodeling my villa in Udon Thani with no issues other than you need to notify the complex of what you are doing and the contractor needs to follow their rules as far as hours worked, ( I believe they register with the villa complex) etc.... Same went for my condominium remodel in HH.

The only time I have had online rejection was when my annual extension was expiring before the new 90 day report period would have extended me past that date. I went to HH PKK Imm and they extended my 90 day past the Non IMM O extension date, but reminded me that my extension was due in the next month......This past 90 day I was in the same scenario, so rather than chance the online rejection with Songkhran holiday in the same timeline, I opted to go to the IMM office 15 days prior to my 90 day due date and had no issue with the report, once again they reminded me my extension was going to be due in two months.

I think a lot of the rejections are on account of extension due dates? Like to hear from the forum members if they feel this is the issue or not. I'm not sure if a human reviews our TM47 requests or if it is done by AI? Peoples thoughts...

9 hours ago, bangkokgalaxy said:

I'm not stuck on WU. If you know of any better options, would love to hear about them. Thanks.

I know that you don't have a Thai bank account, but I thought I'd mention for others that as of this week Kashikorn is now offering international Swift transfers. 

On 4/19/2024 at 6:06 AM, mania said:

Just wondering but Wise charges about $142 for 800k Baht / 21,800USD

 

What does a SWIFT cost these days for same amount? Lastly is Domestics Wire Transfer from US Bank to Bangkok Bank NY out of the question these days?

Out of the question these days, due to US intel banking laws change a few years ago, only way to use the BBL ABA in New York is for SSA payments and treasury payments such as US Tax return.

On 3/29/2024 at 10:15 AM, brianthainess said:

Thanks My 90day is due 16th so i'll leave it till 3days later, to avoid the masses.

Mine was due on 11 April, so instead of waiting for later... I went early, 29 March and was only 2 of us in the office at Hua Hin. You can do the 90 day report 15 days early why wait for all the people whom will be there after the holidays?

I just purchased the Nissan Calibre only had a month but really like it. My Nissan dealer in Udon Thani threw in lot's of extras. I had the cash but when dealership offered 4 years at 0% interest, I said why not. I can use the cash for other things.... 2.3L diesel has plenty of power, I opted for the automatic 2 WD 4 door model. Bangkok factory called back to say my color was not available but offered me the upgraded Black Edition model for only 5000 baht more in my color, a savings of 30,000 baht and the BE came with nice rims and 18" tires. Overall it was a pleasent purchase experience.

As far as the TM30 is concerned, it should not be any issue for you which is the question you are asking... correct. You need not change TM30 every time you move around. And as far as the border run at Nong Khai is concerned, it also is not an issue as Dr Jack clarified. I know an individual that made the trip from Hua Hin, taxi to DM airport and fly to UTH then taxi to border.... stamp out then back in reverse the process finish in 1 day.

3 hours ago, BenStark said:

Indeed there is no need to move your account, since you can do all administration at wherever branch

The only reason I could argue with your statement is that an out of province account will be charged 15-20 baht per ATM transaction even though at BBL ATM. If that isn't an issue to pay the small fee per transaction then I agree with your comment.

22 hours ago, Guderian said:

I got a new passport while in the UK last September. As soon as I arrived back to Pattaya in October I got the visas transferred from the old one and the new passport into the Immigration system. I also got it into the SCB banking system, and thought that was probably it. Now, though, someone has pointed out that both my driving licences have my old passport number on them and I should get it changed and new licences issued. There's still over 5 years validity left on the licences, so a long time to get caught out.

 

What is recommended, to update the licences with the new passport number or ignore it and hope nobody queries it? I must admit, in almost 20 years of driving here I don't recall the cops ever checking my licence with my passport details. Is it something important or is it just a cosmetic matter? If I change it, I assume they'll charge me the usual amount for replacement licences, are there any other costs for the service? Thanks for any insights.

So I was in a similar situation with about a year left on my license validity. I went to the DLT in Cha Am and inquired if I should get updated license with new PP and they replied "No don't bother now wait until next renewal" which I did with no issues whatsoever.

1 hour ago, Crossy said:

 

A. AFAIK the wallet never expires.

A. Possibly, you need to set it up via the App. Not sure if it's available to foreigners.

A. Check your refunds page, usually you don't get the refund until the item arrives back if they want it back. I've had a couple recently where the seller didn't respond to the return request (wrong or faulty items) and Lazada just refunded. I still have the faulty items.

The wallet is not available to foreigners..... if you have money stuck in a wallet then chat online to have it released to your debit card

On 1/13/2024 at 10:25 PM, LikeItHot said:

And with that news I'm switching all my accounts from Chase (the bane of expats) to BOA.  Can I assume that they also are comfortable using your Thai phone number.  I've had horrible times trying to use US bank apps here because they constantly require sending text confirmation numbers and don't have the ability to use my foreign phone number.  Please advise. Thanks.

As noted by an individual earlier in this thread; BOA has my Thai address as my mailing address and sends my replacement cards to the Thai address. In order to make online swift transfers I use a FIDO USB key (for security) and to get around the SMS text issue as I have no U.S. phone number, the BOA associate you are talking to can send you the verification via the BOA APP on your tablet or phone. I have no issue with banking with BOA.

On 1/17/2024 at 1:59 PM, retarius said:

Hi folks,

I have a slight problem with making internet phone calls with my mobile phone. I had an iPhone and always had a poor line when I phoned the US, particularly if phoning a company that had an automated voice system to direct customers. I changed my phone to Android, but it has the same problem. My phone is nice and clear on the first menu, but deteriorates to a very poor line when I get through to the choices, such that I cannot hear anything and neither can the computer or any stray human that is listening. 

So I also noticed that I had a similar issue with my computer i.e. when my laptop is logged onto the 5G option on the router I have a poor connection, only 'two bars' and losing the internet often etc. If I switch the connection to there 2G mode the computer works very well and always has maximum number of bars. So I think to myself, maybe the problem is that since there is not really a 5G network and since I live in the boonies, then maybe if I switched my phone to call on 2G, then it would work better. Well I have no setting on my phone to alter the 5G to 2G....I have asked at the shop that sold me the phone as well.

So, I am wondering whether one can still purchase 2G or 3G phones that would only connect to the 2G mode of my router? Obviously I have tried locally and unsuccessfully to buy a 2G burner type phone. Does anyone know where to buy one.....or alternatively why, when I call my banks in the US, I am unable to communicate with them?

Get a Skype number and use Skype to place your calls. You will login via your provider; AIS, True, etc. then connect to Skype whom will route your calls to the banks for a small fee. Works great for me, as a matter of fact I had placed calls this morning to two of my banks and call quality was perfect.

4 minutes ago, jimn said:

I have used the online 90 day reporting at Jomtien for 2 years now, I am on a Retirement extension. I still have an old TM30 for the same address I logged years ago. This year I arrived on a new passport and had the stamps moved over. Now if I believed all the negative reports about Jomtien I would have had to do a new TM30 and do the next 90 day in person. But no. The report logged online in the afternoon and approved next morning. Excellent service as always from Jomtien.

I was concerned about the new TM30 system and being enrolled via the old system so I went to IO and had them enter me in the new system (Condo owner with bluebook) then when I submitted my 90 day TM47 on a Friday online it was approved on a Sunday (interesting).

39 minutes ago, ricklev said:

It has nothing to do with your visa extension timing. As best as I can tell they sometimes just randomly reject them with no explanation.  Sometimes resubmitting will result in acceptance. Since you have a few days left before the 7-day grace period expires I would try resubmitting.  If you don't get approval by the last day you can do it in person then you have to go to Chaenqwattana. 

I respectably disagree, it depends on the approving IO if the reasoning is extension prior to next 90 day cycle. I actually asked the IO that approved my 90 day in person and she told me that the reason online renewal was denied was most likely due to the extension renewal date.

19 hours ago, Brian K said:

I am not quite sure why they rejected my online 90 Day reporting application online.  This is the first time it happens and of course, no explanation is given!   the email I received is 'ordering' me to go my nearest immigration bureau immediately.  The due date is today, 17 January.  My retirement extension is due for renewal mid Marck 2024 so wondering if the two are linked ie I have less than three months visa remaining.  If that is the case then why would I need to go to immigration?  Does it have to be CW where I normally get my visa extension?  Any insight is gratefully received

Same happened to me when I was 45 days to extension renewal. It was on account of my extension being due prior to the next 90 day period. IO actually approves your online 90 day report with a person from your province IO office. It is entirely up to them if they approve or not.... Funny thing is I went next day to an IO KIOSK in Hua Hin, they approved my 90 day for me (full 90 days due next) and pointed out to me that my extension was coming up. Yes a waste of time for both them and me.

4 hours ago, reefsurfah said:

I was unable to pay 100 baht for the courier passback envelope via credit card online but was able to pay via QR code, but it shows as "waiting" after QR payment, no email confirmation code.  How were you able to show "A printout the electronic payment confirmation" with your money order?

I sent the 100 baht money order I got from the bank along with my physical package to the embassy, didn't know they had an thaipostonline. 

2 hours ago, KhaoNiaw said:

 

I also think there may be something in this. A number of people have reported receiving a rejection with the reason that they should "submit a new TM30". In these cases, it would be interesting to know if they are still on the old TM30 system or have already registered on the new system. Or whether there is any pattern of this at particular offices.

 also read many posts showing concern about the new TM30 enrollment so went to a IO in Hua Hin November to ask if I could get enrolled in the new TM30 system there. The IO accepted my Condo bluebook and replied that it was a good idea to enroll in the new system for TM47 online. She removed my prior TM47 paper that was expired as I had left country and re-entered, stamped a new paper with my next TM47 reporting date (based on my entry date) and updated my TM30 with a new date stamp in my passport (paper TM30). 

I just submitted my TM47 online, have my fingers crossed.

17 hours ago, Celsius said:

I started feeling lightheaded every morning for a week now. Suspiciously it started at the same time the pillution in Bangkok started getting much worse. I have been living in Bangkok and crappy air for 10 years now but never felt this bad. I have a feeling it is affecting my gut. At night my nose is completely stuffy to the point I fight for air. 

 

The air purifier is not helping much.

 

Should I be worried?

See an ENT specialist for possible BPPV (Benign Positional Vertigo) caused by crystals in your ear canal, I've been suffering for a year now. Also I use a Hashi Salts rinse for my nasal issues, really helps keep the nasal passage clean of the pollutants and allergies. You can purchase the Hashi salts a practically any pharmacy.

18 hours ago, djeetyet said:

Time to renew my American passport. Last time done at Pattaya outreach and so simple - but, times have changed. I'm trying to see if I've got the new process right. So, yeah, I'm trying to summarize the 9-step process outlined here:
<<https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passports/instructions-for-ds-82-processing-by-mail-and-online-fee-payment-for-u-s-citizens-residing-in-thailand/>>

 

I read lots of the previous Aseannow threads - thanks to all!

 

Seems like here's the deal. 

- Pay the U$130 passport fee online via US.pay.gov
- The return envelope is done through the Thailand Post Courier Pass Back online services and paid online, too 

<<https://www.thailandpostmart.com/product/1013460000929/Courier-Pass-Back-envelope/>> 

 

Then send to US BKK embassy via EMS or Courier service:
- Old Passport
- TWO DS 82 Passport renewal forms
- ONE copy of Passport front page, i.e. bio page
- 2 passport sized photos
- Printed receipt of the Passport fee that comes via email
- Printed receipt of the "return envelope" fee that is also sent via email
- The printed BKK Embassy Passport renewal "Checklist" form - DS82

 

Have I got this right? Am I forgetting anything?

Follow the checklist; it was simple other than having to go to bank for the 100 baht money order to pay for return postage. Whole process took me three weeks.... painless.

2 hours ago, Dan O said:

Most banks only charge $15 or $ 25 for a Swift WIre so if your bank is charging $45 they are abusing you. 

$15 is for a domestic wire usually, and $45 is the accepted norm for Swift (international) transfers. Most credit unions these days will not process international wires only domestic. I know people whose pay the $15 domestic wire to BBL NY ACH and what they didn't realize until I pointed it out was that they were getting raped by the BBL ACH to Baht exchange rate. I always do my Swift transfers to SCB as they give the current exchange rate for my dollars transfer to baht and as Yellowtail mentioned, they call you to verify the exchange and rates before progressing.

What bank offers a $15 to $25 swift transfer fee?

1 hour ago, NotEinstein said:

Online 90 day notification requires the 'stay visa expire' completed so if you apply close to that date, that is the date now given, not 90 days after application.

This means that one has to do a 90 day report in person on or soon after the renewal date, assuming the IOs don't do it for you (Chiang Mai don't after the 30 day waiting for a Wife/Family visa renewal)

 

Correct, last time I tried to do a 90 day report online with my extension due in the period of the new 90 day period I was denied. However I went to IO and did the 90 day report in person with no issue. I had 45 days left on my extension. Didn't make much sense to me why I was denied online but no issue in person????

16 hours ago, Yellowtail said:

Wise is generally better for small transfers (<$10-15K) but a bank/SWIFT is better for large transfers. 

 

 

Yellowtail is absolutely correct, Wise transfers over $20K have fees higher than the standard $45 for a swift transfer. Also if you choose to do a swift transfer be sure to have the bank send the amount in dollars and not convert prior to send. You will lose out if the US Bank does the exchange.