GypsyT

A few days ago I retired to Buddha Hill. Life was good and no stress. Yesterday I heard somebody knock my door. Turned out to be my very first Thai gal 6 years ago came to visit! I had to go back to work.... but it wasn't unpleasant. Was very rewarding to see she left happy.

I'm surprised how many are eating salads packed in plastic! And buying from7/11 etc... Not me! Never in any country. Not even over priced supermarkets are good. An other day I went to Tops to get New Zealand "Envy" brand apples (I got the hint here) , my favorite. All had dull skin. Old stuff for 34 B/kg. No thanks. Thailand has everything available fresh for much low price.

The first and second line should scare anyone ( they scared me when I left!) and they apply even if you don't give up US citizenship; does not waive the benefits of the treaty applicable to residents of the foreign country, and notifies the IRS of such treatment on Forms 8833 and 8854. Penalties are huge! And what a job to go through, say 30 yrs, of books... All assets can be frozen too. My tax man was retired ex IRS investigator... I followed all his recommendations. All went well.

Did you stay at Rio's harbor? For me the most dangerous place. Police station closed AT 6PM. "Too dangerous!" was the reason... I survived thanks to GoGo dancer who took pity on me got me out. Well, I had to please her 3 days and nights for that. Coal black chick from remote mountain clan. Liked white meat. Round bed was on wheels and rotated. Lights were Blue Neon in dark room - reacted to white only. Elvis died that night. Hotel started to play non stop his songs all night, we knew he's dead.

Thank you guys! Via Manila seems to be best.

I walked today and asked many vendors. "No have", "No can" Then got lucky: An old lady, maybe 90, agreed to sell mixed bag for 30THB/kg. I bought 2kg. 60THB - great deal. I'll be going back to her. Very happy!

I know. One cost effective, and often used, is inner tube trip from Africa. English have a little bit Capt Bligh in them so; "Sin Problemas"

"For eligible plans, US expatriates may be subject to a 30% US tax rate on all taxable payments, which is to be deducted and withheld by the payor. In special cases, individuals may be exempt from this tax under certain tax treaties. For example, US expatriates who are Australian citizens may be exempt from the US tax if they begin taking withdrawals at age 65 or older and those withdrawals qualify as pension payments. However, the individual must waive the right to reduce withholding rates by treaty if they wish to receive “pay as you go” treatment for eligible deferred compensation items." The smart way is to "Invest" overseas before exiting. Then sell those assets when needed. US don't monitor investments if they don't bring yearly income.

Where you keep them? In fridz or room temp? - Your idea sounds good, Thx.

I never take "Death Gage" taxi.... Or motobike bone crusher. I walk but not that far. Pls - read the Q and answer only if you can

The horse's dead...

I'm at Pratamnak and can't find fresh mixed salads from street vendors. I hate to buy all separately and waste more than I can eat. I don't want to go Big-C etc. It's a shame we don't have a good Supermarket! It'd be a big money maker. Anyone knows who has it?

When I was in 20's I went to a small fishing village Cascais. Wonderful place! Now it's a new Nice. Very expensive. In those days it was full of African refuges from Congo (Angola) and Mozambique. Gals had nice brown skin and wanted to be with farangs. They were so HOT... Hotels were $ 5-7 a night + sheet fee $ 2 to the manager lady.

Portugal's not bad. Low $$$$ requirement. Portugal duration: from 1 to 5 years financial eligibility: monthly income of €600 per month https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/story/6-countries-with-temporary-residency-visas-for-us-citizens-034836250.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cueWFob28uY29tLw&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAGzqmMFA78JWknXy4MsgYGrd3q9SPDRMI2j6QUbgAUwmYeGxMy-eQcEScl6Md4E1mxTTQLYxVBPGoIwXwh-FTK2msw-r3M9urpmTlsDlMA4yhazAgEj1Mae9SFEERBQHkeavxTA8oI5BrKTyBqZguDsJVRHfUEGcfMcjVn8Aqz8R

And then? MNL is far away from CRK. No direct flights to CRK.

Thanks! I may try Traveloka. Although I had bad experience with hotel bookings with them. Early arrival no problem. My gal will be waiting at any time...

I tried Cebu Pacific Airlines web site but it's horrible... can't get past first page. I tried Firefox and Chrome - no go. Cebu is only one flying non stop to Angeles City. The net is full of frustrated travelers with similar experience. Air Asia is selling Cebu Air tickets but does "two bad ones make one good one?" Expedia is a mess too. What to do? https://www.cebupacificair.com/en-PH/

Listen, Boris Johnson; Tell that to tens of thousands Britts who can't enjoy Spanish and other warm EU places they bought more than 90 days!" And many lost a lot of Euros when selling... "After spending 90 days in Spain, you must leave the Schengen Area. To return, you'll need to wait until another 90 days have passed since your last entry. This ensures you comply with the 90/180-day rule and can plan your next visit accordingly.13 Jun 2024" Smart Ireland, seem to do well; "Statistics from the European Commission's 2024 Joint Employment Report show that the Irish employment rate reached a record high of 78.2% in 2022, while the unemployment rate was at an historically low level of 4.5%.12 Apr 2024"

You forgot "greedy" and "selfish" Rich people and communists are same; " What is yours I want half. What's mine keep your f... hands off!"

UK; Risni Sunak US; Usha Vance - Both will divorce and get remarried. Sunak will be next US Prez. - You heard it here first... "Chancellor Rishi Sunak held US green card until last year"

I agree. After dragging my carry-on from BKK bus to Buddha Hill hotel I thought I was in Gaza after Israel carpet bombing...

You are right! My hotel is full of Indians so asked them. "Yes - ofcourse we are!" they said. Case closed. PS. UK and US are closer now; both have Indians in charge. UK has PM, we got wife of Hill Billy. - easier to plan state dinners during meetings.... Fish n ships of the street vendor

I just moved up here, close to Buddha Hill. Bath bus is not too far for me. Nice breeze coming too and not many people or cars. Nice to walk many back streets in shadow. Better than now ruined Jomtien beach. Nice Russian ladies at pool.

Oh, can be that easy? And cheap? Great. Thank you!

Is it possible to get tenant out legally so I can move in? Best way to do w/o fighting? Maybe pay him some THB? Thanks.