Khyron

Thanks everyone for the detailed explanations, really appreciate it.

I have recently heard that SCB bank gives you much better exchange rates than some of the other banks. From what I hear, they charge one small fee and the rate is more than fair. Anyone have this experience? I don't make it to Bangkok much, this would be in Isaan. Thanks.

Wow, time flies. I thought it was a year or so ago, but 3 years ago? I just remembered there were some weird details concerning missing cash and such, forgot that there was a scuffle with the cops. Sounds like nothing came of it, tea money passed around? Thanks for the replies.

What ever happened with the Swiss man in Nong Khai who shot and killed the home intruder with the intruders own gun? I think it was well over a year ago, I haven't heard if he was charged or not. Thanks.

I've seen it a few times, too broke to replace dry rotted, bald, overloaded tires, but not too broke to able to afford the silly truck accoutrements, the "Power bar" bumpers and exhaust delete, that's so much cooler than not having a blowout.

Oh come on now, why insult Southwest by comparing them to Thai. I always know what I am getting by flying SWA, 2 free pieces of luggage, never been disappointed by them. Thai, on the other hand...

I like Swampy, pretty decent all around. I don't trust the Skytrax ratings though, it is a 100% pay to play site. Basically the top airport paid the most to appear on the list and so on. Even the airline ratings list is pay.

WTF? Such weird visas, must be a joke. The ad was written by a Farang, not a Thai person translating from Thai, grammer is too perfect. No mention of money, which would be the first thing they talk about.

The US and UK tried to stop the newly formed IDF from defending itself after WW2. The IDF had purchased several types of fighters, mostly Spitfires, P51's and ME-109's and flew them to Israel. They had to dodge the allies from stopping the flights from Czechoslovakia. There were a few Americans who helped Israel procure the airplanes, I believe they lost their citizenship. This current conflict has no cut and dried good vs bad. Israel has been stepping on the Arabs in their territories for a very long time, and the Arabs in the region have also not tried to get along with Israel. It looked like they may have been a start during the 90's with Arafat and Rabin, but Rabin was killed before any good came from it. Any successful peoples in history have always had a give and take to maintain the peace, All sides in this conflict are doing neither, so this will go on for a while, unfortunately. Iran hoped this attack would inflame the other middle east countries, it was met with ambivalence from most, and a few big players (Jordan, Saudi Arabia) actually shot down some of the drones that flew over their countries. Iran should let Hamas make their own bed in this one. Maybe with Hamas out of the picture, the Palestinians can actually be a successful people, I work with more than a few Muslims, and a couple of Palestinians, really wonderful people who don't want a conflict with anyone, they just want to get along with everybody.

Cement pond, did the author of this article watch the "Beverly Hillbillies" alot? Those who have never watched the tv show, it was a sitcom in the 60's that followed a family of suddenly rich hillbillies who moved to Beverly Hills, and the swimming pool was known as a cement pond. Quite funny at times.

Don't forget the military, Police and politicians doing a photo op pointing at the border.

Maybe in certain neighborhoods, but overall the median home prices are $450-550k. TBH, I hope the home prices stay or even go up. I purchased in 2010 when the homes were being given away almost. I don't owe much anymore and hope to retire next year. Fortunately, this won't be my main source of cash. Maybe that is being a greedy, I hope not.🙂 I am curious to see how the Thai RD will view the home sale, as the profit isn't taxed until a certain number in the US, I will be under that threshold. So If I sell the house in the fall, and am not a Thai tax resident until the following year, I wonder if it will be subject to Thai tax at all? If I show it in savings, then they shouldn't touch it. I may talk to someone in the RD when we go back next year, I have heard the personnel are very helpful. So many questions... Ca isn't the same as it was 30+ years ago, most people are not that optimistic unfortunately.

My Wife supported Trump the first time (She is a fairly right wing Isaan Woman) Now she won't vote for him, he just won't stop yapping. I am not sure who she will go for though, she vehemently hates Biden, Harris and Newsome (Gov of California). I am a mildly right leaning centrist, both sides have some good and bad points. I don't have the heart to tell her that the MFP who she whole heartedly supports and liberal Democrats are not that far off, and the previous government in charge was essentially right wingers. Most Thais here are right wing Republicans for whatever reason, but support liberal governments in Thailand. I don't think they understand the difference. The free, up to 4th grade education that was offered in Thailand 50 years ago would be one of the reasons.

The lawyer is a dead man walking...

Aren't they getting a high speed train very soon? That will reduce many passengers on any airline. I would take the train, as it will be much less hassle than going through the airport, either DMK or Swampy. I usually fly up to KK, but the high speed train may be a viable solution.

The last Monk I trusted was the Abbot in our local temple. He had been there for 45+ years. Super humble guy, went to other temples in different provinces to help out. Wasn't interested in fundraising, just good works. Died a few years ago and the place hasn't been the same since. Several stories in the states of corruption by monks gone wild with donations. What I tell my wife is, I don't trust a long time monk who looks well fed, fat. I don't get the shysters who have someone drive them around the country looking for "donations" for their temple from well off old ladies. Maybe I am missing something here?

I tried the reaching for a rock, and they scattered, at least far enough away where they weren't threat. The quiet ones that come after you are the dogs I am most worried about. Maybe give them a treat once in a while? They may remember you as someone they look forward to seeing vs something they see as a threat.

Make sure it has self closing hatches, as the navy can't be trusted to close them in a storm.

Nasa sure knows how to get its money worth when it buys a plane. Looks like they re-engined it with much newer engines. First civilian airliner to go above Mach one.

Good luck with the Thai revenue department deciphering a US 1040 long form, It won't be a simple document saying I paid taxes or not. Hopefully when I retire, we will only have to file a 1040EZ, a single page document. My big question is how they are going to determine prior savings that have been taxed throughout the years vs actual income after I retire when monies are sent to Thai banks. The money I will have when I sell my house is considered tax free in California and the US. I figure If I receive that money at the end of one year, then stay in LOS beginning in another year, I won't have to declare it, does that sound correct? Do other countries have similar tax preparation? Or is the US alone in overly complicated yearly tax declaration? Thanks for any and all replies.

I've been flying with EVA for 30 years, they have continued to impress. The only thing I have a slight issue with is the seating on the 777. For some reason the seats on some 777 is 333, and others is 343. Obviously the 333 is noticeably more comfortable, but I would like them to do all the planes this way, right now its a crapshoot. Thai will never be up to the standards of EVA.

My Niece is going through nursing school in Phetchabun, its a 4-year course. Next time I see her I'll ask some simple first aid things and see how much is really being taught. My wife isn't too sure about it though.

Sorry for my ignorance, but what is an "FD" account? and how is it different than a savings account for immigration? Thanks.

They also make money by charging ridiculous prices for "overweight" baggage. Most if not all of the Int'l airlines have a 23 kg limit, Thai domestic and I believe Air Asia are at 20KG's per bag. So when you transfer to a domestic flight, it is lower by design. The fees are in the thousands of Baht for overweight by a few KG's. My wife tore up a ticket counter person about that. I thought she was going to get blacklisted, she is normally mild mannered, but mess with our money and watch out.

At least it wasn't a farang this time, that happens too much lately.