rickb

Thailand's mortality rate of 1.7% is actually quite good.  Many people are saying that Thailand has had only very limited testing.  But, if there was more testing and more cases of Coronavirus were found, the mortality rate would only get better, assuming the number of deaths doesn't change.  Others are saying that if, in fact, these numbers are correct then there was no reason for quarantines and closed businesses.  But, perhaps quarantines and closed businesses are the reasons for these low figures.  I think the main reason for Thailand's success is the "spread out" nature of the country.  Except for a few large cities where large populations are crowded into small spaces, most of the country is vast farmland with very low population density, thus making it difficult to spread the virus easily.  Plus, as much as I hate to admit it, the closing of airports and border crossings to incoming people from other countries must have helped to reduce the spread of the virus by those entering Thailand already sick with the virus.  If I was to be suspicious of anything reported, I would question the validity of the actual number of deaths attributed to Coronavirus.  If that number is inaccurate, then the mortality rate is also questionable.

I also recommend the Viofo A119 V3 (single camera) or A129 (dual cameras, front and rear).  I have the A119 V3 model and find it has very good clarity.  An important feature is that it uses a capacitor rather than a lithium-ion battery, which is very good for use in hot weather climates like Thailand.  On Lazada, you can find the newest model for around 2,600 baht.  Even one of the older models at a lower price is still a good investment.  In addition to the camera, you need to purchase a micro SD card for recording the video.  Don't skimp on this purchase as it is what saves any evidence the camera captures in an accident.  I use a Samsung 64 GB Pro Endurance card which sells for ~900 baht.  These cards need to be checked over time to prove they are still recording properly, since they do wear out. 

Our local Tesco Lotus has also closed the aisles where office, electrical, recreation and car supplies, home furnishings and TVs, etc. are stocked.  It seems like they are only selling food, drink and bathroom supplies, i.e., essential things.  I guess this reduces the workload on those that stock the shelves.

6 hours ago, smedly said:

visiting from where - Bangkok ? Pattaya ? Phuket ? Udon ?

 

Lacking in information just in case he was infected by a Thai - god forbid

Probably visiting from Belgium.

18 hours ago, KhunBENQ said:

 

If possible avoid nightly rides (as a general rule), wear masks after leaving the vehicle at any time.

 

My wife advised me that the government now requires that masks be worn by all occupants of the vehicle at all times, including if you are driving all by yourself.  Be aware that you could receive a hefty fine if you are caught not wearing a face mask while driving or riding in a vehicle.

I've heard from many Thais in the neighborhood that the Thai government has ordered all stores, including Mom and Pop mini-marts to cease selling any form of alcohol (e.g., liquor, lau khau, beer, wine spritzers, etc.).  My son manages a small mini-mart in our neighborhood and he has sought confirmation of this order.  But, he can't find anything.  Normally, that is a topic of discussion on TV when it happens and I've seen nothing so far.  Can anyone confirm or deny this rumor?  I don't want him selling alcohol and then being arrested by the police.  Ignorance is not an excuse, even in Thailand.  Any info would be appreciated.  BTW, we live in Suphanburi Province.

A friend of mine who plays regularly in Hua Hin is still playing.  But, he goes very early so he can play alone.  He uses a caddy because the course requires it.  But, he keeps his distance.  He doesn't stop at any of the kiosks for drinks and doesn't use any minibuses.  And he always walks the course, i.e., no cart.  So, apparently it can be done safely.

In response to your specific question, the Consulate requires a letter from your employer certifying your current employment.  If you are working, that should be easy to obtain from your HR department.  If you are not currently employed, the Consulate wants a letter of guaranty from a US resident or an affiliated organization, in effect guaranteeing or attestingo for you.  I hope this clarification helps.

I just checked Lazada and there are places selling these same masks at ~ 30 baht per mask.  But, they all come from sellers located in China, not Thailand.  I don't think I want them if they come from China!

The best advice I've heard so far is to try to not touch things with your hands, things like door knobs, elevator buttons, toilet flush handles, etc.  Basically, anything that someone else has already touched frequently.  If you try to use your arm or elbow more, rather than your hand, it will help reduce your risk.  Also, the frequent use of hand sanitizer with alcohol content in excess of 60% is highly recommended, as are baby wipes.  These two items are said to be much more helpful than masks.  I read an interesting fact that was news to me:  a human involuntarily touches his/her finger to his/her nose at least 90 times a day.  So it shows how easily virus germs can be spread from hand/finger to the respiratory system.  When coughing or sneezing, it is best to cover your mouth with a tissue, rather than your hand or arm and then the tissue should be properly disposed of.   

According to the ThaiBev website, Saeng Som comes in two sizes, 300 ml and 700 ml, not 700 ml and 1 liter.  So maybe your price per ml calculations are incorrect if you are using incorrect volumes.

I think the offer you got in Chanthaburi is a very good offer.  In my experience in Thailand, having bought two different vehicles, they usually don't give a cash discount.  What I got each time were add-ons for free, like plastic rain guards over the windows, special floor mats, and other things that the dealer normally sells on site.  I also got the free one year insurance each time.  Make sure the insurance offered is Type 1, not Type 2 or Type 3.  I also agree with the other posters that suggest you won't get any further discount by offering a cash payment.  Dealers normally want you to take the financing because they make a lot of money on the interest.  So I suggest you try to have a local dealer match the offer from Chanthaburi or buy the car from the Chanthaburi dealer.   

I went the route of two wills, one prepared in the US for my US assets and one prepared in Thailand for my Thai assets.  I was told by my US lawyer that the US will had to be written in the US by a US lawyer for it to be valid.  Perhaps other countries are not so specific.  I trust my US lawyer because he is my son.  My Thai will was prepared by a law firm in Korat.  You can contact them at [email protected].  The cost for the Thai will was 5,000 baht.

Actually, the water wasn't ready to be hooked up to the hydrant and they didn't want the hydrant to be stolen.  So they "temporarily" encased it in concrete.  Thai workers are always thinking ahead!

Last August, when I was preparing to renew my extension of stay based on retirement using the monthly income method, I went to my local Bangkok Bank branch (in Sam Chuk, Suphanburi) to request the letter listing each of the international transfers to my account.  The local branch told me that they couldn't produce that type of letter as it was not a standard-form letter.  I then went to my Immigration Office in Suphanburi and asked them what to do.  They advised that I didn't need that type of letter.  Instead, all I had to submit was a printout of the past months since I started sending the international transfers to Bangkok Bank (in my case it was only 8 months, this year it will be 12 months) along with the standard bank letter verifying that the specific account was mine and the current balance on the day before I went to Immigration.  Perhaps other Immigration Offices will say the same about these special letter listing only the FTTs.  This year i'm getting a 6-month summary printout of my account and six credit advise notices at the halfway point of my last extension of stay and then another 6-month summary printout and six more credit advise notices just prior to going to my Immigration Office to renew my extension of stay.  I'll also get the account verification letter on the second visit to the local BBL branch.  I've checked with the IO at Suphanburi Immigration Office and this is all acceptable.  So it does pay to communicate with your IO to best understand what they want.  I am very fortunate, though, to be able to use the Suphanburi Immigration Office where the IOs are exceptionally cordial and very helpful.   

We have four mid-size dogs that live outside and never come inside the house.  Our house is located in a rural area.  Years ago when they had a tick and flea problem, we used Exdex 4000 pills monthly.  Then our vet told us about Cleartix, which is a liquid applied to the skin at the back of the neck.  It has worked great with no ticks or fleas seen on our dogs for several years now.  Dogs are all healthy and have never showed any signs of problems caused by the medicine.  We buy Cleartix from Lazada at less than 800 baht for 12 applications for dogs weighing 10-20 kgs.  The vet charged 300 baht for two applications of the same product.  

My immigration office (Suphanburi) has already advised that they want a 12-month printout of my bank account transactions, in addition to the normal bank certification letter about my bank account.  They advised that two six-month printouts would be acceptable so that I can get these at the local branch office of Bangkok Bank and would not have to get a 12-month printout from the HQs office in Bangkok.  I've already had a visit from an IO at my house about two years ago.  So I think that is now normal procedure for a retirement extension.  The visit was actually very cordial and the IO advised they just want to "get to know" each of the farangs residing in their jurisdiction.  

I am really confused.  I just checked how long it would take to send money using my wife's TransferWise account, same US bank, same amount, etc., etc., and TransferWise said the money would arrive in my Thai bank tomorrow.  So, obviously, there is a glitch with my account.  I have sent an email to TransferWise asking for an explanation.  We'll see what they say.

Thanks to all that responded to my original question.

I just checked on the rate to transfer money from the US to Thailand with TransferWise and noticed that they are now saying that if I send it now, the money will arrive on Friday, June 28.  Many of my earlier transfers were completed in 2 work days.  So I'm curious if anyone else has noticed that TransferWise is slowing down on the transfers.  FYI, I normally use the Bank Debit (ACH) method of transferring money from my US bank to TransferWise.  As a point of interest, my last month's transfer was initiated on May 31 and received in my Thai bank on June 6.  But, I realize that time included a weekend and a Thai holiday on June 3.  TransferWise advised that they received my money from my US bank on June 3.  Normally I would have expected to receive the money on June 4.

Anyone else receiving their transfers slowly?