Tom100

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

Please keep us posted on your future plans.

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!

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

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.

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) 18th 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

In many ways, I think that Tokyo is cheaper on a quality-adjusted basis. First, the air, water and streets are very clean. This is important & valuable to me. Second, Japanese food is cheaper there and better. For example, MaxValue is better there than in BKK. Third, the city and national rail transport networks are fantastic. Fourth, the climate is cooler & better! If Japan creates a retirement visa I will move there.

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.

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

Here are the OECD PISA and Thailand O-NET test score results. The OECD PISA test is better than the Thai test because it tests active thinking...whereas the Thai NET tests memorization because it is only multiple choice.

Pay.gov works best with Micosoft browser. Recently it did not work with Google Chrome

They said I had to pay 4680 baht for renewal. 4680/$130 = 36. That is, the exchange rate they use is 36 baht to dollar.

Here is a Thai/English form you can take to your bank to get a draft to pay for passport renewal. Just change the Baht amount for your needs. I agree that Pay.gov would be easier...but it is not working now (Jan 8 2024). Maybe it will be fixed? bank draft form Thai_English.pdf

I emailed US Embassy to ask how to pay since Pay.gov is NOT currently working for Thailand. "You may please submit a payment by a bank draft as our office cannot accept any type of bank checks. Please be informed that starting from January 10th, passport renewal fee will be 4,680.-THB payable to “American Embassy Bangkok” Regards, American Citizens Services unit U.S. Embassy Bangkok"