Source: https://www.worldairportawards.com/worlds-best-low-cost-airline-terminals-2024/

The lottery in Thailand is hugely popular despite the low odds of winning and the unfavourable payout ratio. The payout ratio for the Thai lottery is 60%, as compared to worldwide averages of 74% for bingo, 81% for horse racing, 95% for Las Vegas slot machines, and 98% for blackjack.

https://www.samuiforsale.com/condominium/foreign-exchange-transaction-form.html

Please keep us posted on your future plans. 

1 hour ago, HerewardtheWake said:

I will talk with my insurance agent and see if I can lower my premium, albeit for another useless deductible schedule. 

I contacted Pacific Cross Thailand directly to ask if I could buy an annual policy with only the LTR required coverage of $50,000. They said "no", I must buy a policy with minimum 3 million baht coverage...because that was what they offer foreigners (the policy is called "New Normal Lifestyle Series"). The agent readily admitted that this was in excess of BOI/LTR requirements and said there was some internal consideration of a policy to meet the legal requirement. 

I have paid Pacific Cross 2 years of premiums and they have still not paid for my only small claim I made months ago. First they claimed the forms were never received which was proven false. Then they asked for more paperwork and yet another copy of my passport. I have given them 3 signed copies of passport already this year. What BS!

On 9/10/2023 at 7:16 AM, charleskerins said:

Good evening-I need an American phone number for 2FA  while living in Thailand.Mt bank and credit card companies require it what is the cheapest and most reliable solution ? thanks

I use Google Voice. Texts are sent to phone and GMail account. Perfect for 2fa purposes. 

21 hours ago, Mike Lister said:

I want to buy a bike for exercise, (not a stationary machine type and not off road).

 

I'm looking for reasonable quality at a sensible price, I'm in Mae Rim. Where do I go? 

I bought my last bike from Decathalon because of their large selection and free delivery to my door.

Previously I bought one on Lazada (buyer beware) and another used in Bangkok that soon required many repairs. 

I initially showed BOI an investment account holding $100k but they rejected that saying money must be in a BANK account...and they wanted 12 months of BANK statements with $100k which I did not have...so I was forced to buy insurance.

Leaving money in a US BANK account is expensive because the interest rates are low. Schwab banking pays only 0.48 annual interest on deposits but you can earn about 5% on a 1-year US T-bill from Schwab investing...so the difference in interest is about $4500 USD per year. Therefore, rather than earn 0.48 in a Bank account, it may be cheaper to buy the minimum Thai insurance and be prepared to pay cash for most medical services. 

Your experience and best choice will vary based on your current/expected insurance premiums and your pre-existing conditions for which you get no insurance coverage.

18 hours ago, HerewardtheWake said:

Frits, thank you. Yes, I am aware of the requirements, but I am trying to find out how to register the

US100,000 deposit with the LTR organization, so that I can cancel my Pacific Cross health insurance. 

To get my LTR, the BOI asked for 12 consecutive months of financial statements submitted in one PDF. I downloaded 12 PDFs and joined them into one doc. One monthly statement was not enough in 1/2023. 

I am in similar situation. Pacific Cross Insurance has proven to be a waste of money and bureaucratic mess so the 100k route now looks better.

I think that you have to visit the Bangkok LTR office to settle this as emails may not be answered. Being in the office forces a decision to be made. 

LTR VISA UNIT

Expatriate Services Division One Stop Service Center for Visa and Work Permit (OSS)
18^th floor, Chamchuri Square Building (MRT Sam Yan Station)
Phayathai Road, Pathumwan Bangkok 10330
Email : ltr[at]boi.go.th
Tel : +66(0) 2209 1100 ext. 1008,1109

I too want the 2024 for better engine. Much better than 2023 based on reviews. Dealer may not want to tell you hoping you will buy the 2023. 

Great question richard_smith237. I hope we get good answers. My experience with gummies was so bad that I started smoking instead. 

Thank you

500 KM NW of BKK

There are many in Chiang Mai where weather is cooler and costs are lower.

I suggest you watch the videos by Les, see below. He has visited several retirement homes. Les also does excellent videos on health insurance.

I got the Hatari air purifier model AP12R1, room size 32 sq m

Under 3000 on Lazada

Kunming and Xian China. I visited both in 2023 to escape the heat/smog in BKK.

Both had much cooler weather and far cleaner air. 

Both cities are served by AirAsia and return tickets were about 6000 Baht from DMK. 

22 hours ago, gamb00ler said:

1. Determine the model/version of your smartphone
2. Google search for model esim.
3. If you find that your smartphone is capable go visit your carrier's office
4. True converted my service from sim card to esim in a few minutes with no charge.
5. After conversion your sim slot will be empty and you can add a local sim easily.
6. After you add a foreign sim, you may need to configure your phone to make sure you use the correct number for future outbound calls.

Perfect answer. I wish I knew this before buying phone that cannot handle esims.

"Poonpong detailed that ... there are significant risks linked to potential shortages in the skilled labour force, especially within the service sector. He warned of the heightened competition from other countries investing heavily in their workforce development, which could pose challenges for attracting foreign investment."

Foreign investment is also hindered by high and rising corruption in government. 

Thai births falling is a longterm trend similar to Japan, Korea and Taiwan. 

The elites do not want an educated workforce that challenges the wealth distribution or government corruption. 

St Louis Hospital Bangkok

Red Cross Hospital Bangkok

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