5davidhen1

Until I opened a Thai bank account, I used to change sterling at one of the many FX kiosks. Not once did anyone attempt to short-change me. In 2018, I spent 3 months mainly in Sanur, on the south-east coast of Bali. Almost every time I exchanged currency, there was an attempt to short-change me. One of the tricks they employed was to try and pay me in low-denomination notes, making it more difficult to check the amount. On another occasion, with the FX rate clearly displayed, and a notice claiming "No commission" the man tried hid darndest to fiddle me. I had put 2 £50 notes under a rock on his counter. He was putting bundles of IDR on the counter but, as I was counting them, in my peripheral vision I noticed he was removing some which I had already counted. When I challenged him, he said, "I have to make a little commission!" I swiftly retrieved my 2 £50 notes and walked away. On the subject of food, I thought that the fare may have been even more diverse than here in Thailand --- what a misconception that turned out to be? A lot of the meals seemed to be topped off with the same boring sauce/gravy. Also, because there is a hefty import tax, or so I was told, the Aussie steaks were more expensive than some here in Thailand.

I don't like the man --- but to coin a recent phrase which he used ---- can we say that tomorrow is Pattaya's "liberation day"? Will we be able to venture outside without fear of being drenched? And, as an add-on, a friend of mine has told me that many businesses will still be closed on Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd. Does anyone know anything about that?

Recently, an ad has begun appearing across the bottom of the page when looking at forum threads. Please, could someone stop this from occurring? It is quite broad in area and creates a less than enjoyable experience when trying to read other members' posts.

Please, what/where is "PFP"?

Many thanks to all respondents. I'll head over to HomePro.

Mr.D.I.Y. in Thepprasit road does not have any of the above, nor does foodmart near the bus station in Jomtien. Also, I have not seen any in 7-elevens of my local hardware stores in Rompho market. Does anyone know where I could obtain some? I only want a few, so am not interested in buying bulk online. TIA.

Oooh, aren't we the perfect pedant? lol.

Yesterday at Jomtien immigration, I applied to renew my retirement extension of stay. The IO asked for documentation relating to the OWNER (I rent) of my condo. Although, sensibly, I didn't argue with the officer, he was incorrect to ask me for this as: I was extending using "minimum of THB 800,000 in the bank method." I had previously obtained from immigration a list of required documents for extension. The list clearly mentions the OWNER'S documentation requirement --- but ONLY if using the "THB 65,000pm method." I was NOT asked for ANY documents relating to tax.

If you're in Jomtien, Koonjae supermarket (really a minimart) have been selling it for THB950 for several months now. They are open 24/7, have a green and white sign and are on the south spar of Thappraya Road, just after "Country Road 3 bar" on the way to the police box on Jomtien beach road. Yes, it is what is known as a "fruit wine" but it's 12% strength and personally, I find it quite palatable. I refuse to pay the extortionate prices (because of tax and freight charges) for any of the other bottles of wine. Also, there is the problem that some wines don't travel well --- add that to "paying through the nose" for them.

Please forgive my ignorance but, what or who is DOGE?

As 007 once said, "As long as the collars and cuffs match?"

Alas, many members have tried to respond to my post without reading it properly! It is my THAI girlfriend who is receiving the UK pension! I know this to be factual because it was me who helped her to start receiving it! She DID accrue some NI years stamps whilst working in the UK --- but fell short of the 10-year minimum requirement to secure a pension in her OWN RIGHT. Her late husband was much older than her (in receipt of the old pension, before changes occurred in April 2016) and the pension which SHE is in receipt of is "on the back of" HIS NI contributions. I hope this clarifies matters. David.

Hi folks, I know that many UK ex-pats have to deal with this every 2 years or so, but this concerns my THAI girlfriend who is in receipt of a small UK pension as a legacy from her late British national husband. About 2-3 years ago she got her village headman to sign the form and DWP rejected it. I suspect that this was because the headman was also her brother, the form wasn't stamped and may have even contained Thai language written by her brother. I rectified the problem for her by paying 1,000 baht to have a lawyer complete the form in English and authenticate it with an official stamp. I then, because of the delay which had already occurred, paid a further 1,000 baht to the Thai post office to effect a guaranteed speedy return. This was most annoying since, her pension payments amount to less than 1,000 baht per lunar month! I have read a similar thread on this site BUT it relates to UK nationals and NOT to Thai nationals. Does anyone know of a similar situation to my girlfriend's one, and can they advise on the following: How can I avoid a 1,000 baht visit to a lawyer? If I can effect the return in a timely manner, what method/price of postage would they suggest? In the other thread to which I earlier referred, some respondents have stated that a stamp was not necessary but, I am pretty sure that the form does in fact, state that the stamp is required. Many thanks.

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