Old John

At my visa extension last month in Pathum Thani; my document packet instructed me to take my own pictures (4) both outside and inside the house. Guess the imm. police have perfected malingering down to an art form.

No real experience with this sort of occupation, but when I offer to exhibit myself to the ladies (I'm 76) I usually charge 5 Baht. If that doesn't work, I'll pay them 5 Baht.

Excellent points. I would suggest that middle income pensioners have a big, complex situation to analyze: comparing everything from everyday cost of living in your home country, to medical costs, to accessibility and cost of transportation. In my case, I also threw in the issue of becoming a burden on my children vs. the Thai custom of family taking care of family. With new more strict 2026 requirements on driving, in the US for seniors, and the fact I have medical insurance as opposed to government health service (medicare); I've decided to live out my days here, rather than struggle back home.

For your reference: www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_f0Q02PPR8

1.) The agent was struck by the vehicle... Investigate the incident. 2.) If the agents believe the illegal may escape before a judicial warrant can be effected, they have the discretion to act. 3.) It's a conservative increasing the number of deportations (combined with <removed>) causing a frenzy in the leftist camp. And now, I'm done playing with you.

I believe it was Mark Twain who said: you'll never win an argument with a stupid person... First they drag you down to their level; then beat you with experience. 1.) Have you seen the videos of the incident with ms. Good? "Drive baby, drive" was her cue to step on the gas and escape, without regard to her surroundings (the agent hit by her vehicle). 2.) Precisely what extrajudicial actions? Removing non-compliant drivers from their vehicles in defiance of legal orders to step out? Defending themselves against uncontrolled mobs throwing objects at them? I did just see a video where agents on a rooftop fired a paintball and hit some demonstrator in the head... but I then balance that against the multiple mob scenes where they smash government vehicles, steal weapons and stab people etc. And what about the mob that desecrated the Christian church service last Sunday??? 3.) As you say; every administration enforces deportations... so why the big crisis now? Could it be that socialists and one world government supporters are trying to destroy the Republic of the United States, after Trump decided that 20 MILLION illegals was a bit too much?

Hmmm... Maybe because they're interfering with government agent in the performance of their duties??? I don't disagree that perhaps an American of Mexican or middle eastern extraction may have been detained, but they are released once citizenship is established (unless of course they are accused of obstruction of justice) .

I just heard that 10,000 illegals have been arrested in Minneapolis alone, and detained for deportation. I voted for this. Violent illegal aliens, anywhere in the US, should not be allowed to terrorize Americans... and that goes for Christian churches as well.

Well thank heaven the Brits are aiding their illegal immigrant Muslim brothers in the UK to avoid persecution and deportation!! I know everyone is much happier with the friendly interaction between communities. You're probably not aware, but ICE is after illegals, not American citizens. The commies and dupes are interfering, and reaping the result.

I suppose that's the choice to make... let SSA do the complete transaction, or do it yourself through WISE. With a WISE account, you pick the day and time: transfer made in US Dollars, which is then converted to Baht. You can see the exchange rate and transfer fees (total cost and amount received) before you execute the transfer. These days it takes maybe 3 days for the process to complete, but the rate is fixed when transfer is initiated.

Admittedly I'm old fashioned (beware digital currency), but here's how I've been doing mine for years. I don't have to leave my house for any part of this, except to visit my neighborhood ATM for a cash withdrawal. Open a WISE (currency broker) account - done online. Link it to your US bank account: ACH payment. When SSA funds are deposited in the US bank, go to the WISE site and transfer the amount you choose, to your Thai bank. The exchange rates are very good, and the transfer fees are lower than most brokers (much less than a SWIFT bank transfer). Since we are in Thailand, it's difficult to access the US Social Security website (foreign phone numbers don't fit their system for confirmation codes).