JimTripper

I think I got off well here because I had a good real estate agent. They were there for the move in and out and handled the money, inspections, etc. The owner (a foreigner who I had never seen previously) did show up for the move out inspection. He just passed me in the lobby, gave me a weird look and looked kind of shifty. No introduction or anything. Then he just left the building quickly afterwards. Not someone I would hand a big deposit to under normal circumstances.

Good luck, but I think that traditional rental situation is becoming less popular in Thailand. I'm just doing Airbnb's for the time being. Max is 3 months. No hidden charges or deposits and you have the reviews. You also have all the dishes, linens and everything I need already there, not to mention the price is the same as I was paying under contract for a similar place.

Well, just an update. I did get most of my deposit back. Landlord kept 3k baht (2,500 for deep cleaning the unit and 500 for washing the bedding). I left the place clean and tidy but did not do an all day move out clean, just a cleaning that a typical person would do. I felt it was excessive, but no choice in the matter really. The fees were not in the contract. Left a 1k baht porch chair and a 1k baht fan there when I left. Next time I will just ditch everything. No hard feelings. Won't pay two months deposit again though, as I was too worried about getting it returned during the rental, it being a 40k deposit. Some of these landlords need that 2 months deposit and are short of cash. So it's a matter of being able to pay that back at the end, not just a willingness to. A year is a long time and some of these people are running at a loss and not really wealthy, especially in Pattaya. Consider that when handing over a big deposit. A lot of them end up having to sell the units, especially if they don't rent out right away. Another thing is the water pressure stopped working for about a week before I moved out, so I got out at a good time. Was glad to be out.

If it's not recognized it may just not want to do it for some reason. The same way mine was rejected. You need to go into the office to sort it out unfortunately.

How much can you afford? Monaco is nice.

Ask them and carry money around with you. You could be told different things. 🤣

You can't be required to get the documents if the landlord does not cooperate. You just end up not being able to file and have to pay a fine. No, it has not improved. Just a way to fine people imo.

Don't go to zoo's. The animals won't be any better off if you go and more likely to be set free if the zoo loses money.

Why? I don't have insurance so need to get it somewhere.

I think theoretically I could be fined for each missed 90 day if I ever needed anything or went into the office to extend the visa another year. Not reporting would also look bad and may even cause the extension to be denied. It would look like non-cooperation if done for a long period of time. It could also trigger a home inspection if landlords were sending in TM30's and I'm not reporting in my address. What I would liked to have received from my Jomtein visit is a receipt indicating that I attempted to report. That lets me off the hook. I can't force the landlords hand and I tried to do the right thing. I did tell them I was moving and a new TM30 was not obtainable when I was there. No answer, just pushed back the new TM30 application and said bring it back.

Thai men more masculine? The country is full of guys that don't support their kids (deadbeat dad's). Drive moto taxi's. Drink snake whiskey. Wear flip flops. Childish sneering & laughter. Keep asking for a cup. Are you referring to their facial features?

So he keeps driving the same general areas up and down because a new location might not sound appealing? Sounds bizarre. I would try Bali. If it's not your thing, so what. It's just a new road trip and it's enjoyable to visit new places.

"It wasn't until the geezer was on top that I could see something spinning around like a helicopter down in the area where that our bits were intertwined" Nice one 🤣

Ok, So are you hoping to find somewhere better to retire to? Do you have any idea where that will be? Or, have you just dismissed the idea for now and will re-examine the issue after saving more money?

Yes, but it's cheap. If you want a nice lifestyle here you have to pay more. Many guys will live in rooms here they would never consider in their home countries. I see older guys of some means in small condo's with no sit on balcony, etc. It seems like a cool (no pun intended) thing to do, but it gets old real fast (pun intended) long term.

No, but I will do that, thank you. Also, I will try re-registering on the new TM30 system and see if it goes through on there. Have had it with the Jomtein office. I won't be returning there in person. Easy since I'm leaving the area anyhow.

I can't file, I don't have an updated TM30 with a new date. I need to produce one to report. Other offices may be different then the Jomtein office, but I'm not sure. My landlord won't work up another TM30 days before I move out of my unit (and I don't blame them. In fact, I never asked it's so crazy a request). Only thing I can do is get a new TM30 at my future residence, but would have to pay the fine when I report. I have not decided if it's worth the bother. If I need something from them or a re-entry permit I would have to pay the fines whatever they are.

Pretty much a no. Most people here just use the hotel pools. The ocean is not a thing. Some people do wade out but I don't see people swimming per se, like in the waves or under the water, etc. Not like Mexico or California where people really get in the water.

Some of Susan's responses are bizarre and unusual for someone living here. They may not live in Thailand.

If I do ever go away there will be many others to take my spot who like to complain...

I will still be on here complaining though...

You're right, I'm not happy in Thailand. I will probably choose Siem Reap as a long term base, rent a place there annually and do 60 day holiday's in Bali. The visa's are easy and nothing to worry about. I will also be keeping the retirement funds in my own account and not depositing them into a Thai bank.

I doubt it will work as intended. They can't even get the 90 day reporting and TM30 correct without giving people fines. It's not all "hunky dory", but a mess.

ID stuff has gotten worse since 2010, not better. Many more immigration hoops now then before. You don't seem to know what you are talking about, or you are only mentioning exceptions because you liked the exception.

How about Bali? Thailand is not that big. It's possible you have seen everything that's unique enough to bother visiting.