RBWilson

I went to Siam Discovery Ctr. today - witnessed an unbelievable queue and gave up.

An important issue for those of you mailing Absentee Ballots to the USA (I found this on the Internet):

The return envelopes for absentee ballots are not clearly marked for postage requirements. They state:

No Postage Necessary in the U.S. Mail - DMM-E080

and, where the stamp would normally go:

U.S. Postage Paid

39 USC 3406

Par Avion

Here's the problem: How many people overseas will think that it is perfectly OK just to drop your ballot in the mailbox of a foreign country and have it delivered?

The answer is that it won't be. According to the

Federal Voter's Assistance Program website:

"Generally, all election-related materials are mailed postage-free from any APO or FPO mail facility, all U.S. embassies and consulates and any post office in the U.S. You must pay postage if the materials are mailed from a non-U.S. postal facility. The on-line version of the FPCA must be printed out, signed, dated and mailed in an envelope with proper postage affixed. Ensure that your ballot or FPCA is postmarked."

So, unless you are planning to drop your ballot off at an APO, FPO mail facility, or at an embassy or consulate, YOU MUST PAY POSTAGE!

There is nothing in the materials you will receive, or on the return envelope itself that explicitly states this. I found all this out while preparing to return a primary ballot to Massachusetts from Du"sseldorf, Germany, as a US citizen residing outside of the United States who is not affiliated with the Armed Services.

I think that this point must be stressed to all absentee voters as it is not clear in the instructions received.

The 2000b is their standard 'registration' fee which is waved during the current promotion if you have a TRUE (TelecomAsia) phone line. Otherwise, there is a 1000b fee to install a TRUE phone line. Monthly rates are unchanged at 590b/Month for 256; 750b/Month for 512, etc. (per previous post).

TRUE now has a new promotional package - a 3-Com ADSL Modem/Router/Wi-Fi unit; cost is 7500b (+tax) but includes 6 months free service (at 256k). This nets to around 4000b for the modem. I have had it installed for 2 weeks and it works fine. Performance varies depending on thime of day and site being accessed, but around 240k speed is the norm. The package is available at IT City at Pantip (top floor) - for some reason the ever present TRUE booth on the gound floor does not yet promote it, but it is available. The contract for this service does not mention the 'one PC clause' as does the USB modem package (multipe PC connections work fine). My recommendation - stay away from the USB modems - too inflexible; get a router /modem as a minimum. Also, start with 256k as the Thailand Internet infrastructure will usually be your bottleneck - not your connection speed. (You can always upgrade the speed later). At 590b/month it really was a 'no brainer' for me as I have been paying at least that much for 3b/call and ISP service on dial-up. James Hein has had a good series on ADSL in recent BKK Post Database.

Minimums don't apply if your employer is the Thai Govt., of course.

Not a direct answer to your question, but in Chiang Mai try 'Love at First Byte' on Chiang Mai-Lamphun Rd (Soi 1). Outstanding pies.

Just to reconfirm - my SS withholding is only 1.5% (Perhaps because my employer is the Thai Govt.??). I do have the health coverage cards mentioned, but have never attempted to use them for anything, feeling that private coverage is superior).

Thanks for the update - that is consistent with the prevalent opinions where I work. There is one exception - those who initiate their contract work while over 60 do not have social security deducted. Current rate for me is 1.5% withholding.

I have been employed by the Thai Government for 8 years, under annually renwed contracts (with non-immigrant visa & work permit). I have had Thai Social Security withheld from my pay during this time. I have several questions:

1. Is it correct for for ex-pats to be subject to Social Security withholding?

2. I was 60 years old on the last contract signing and Socail Security is still being withheld - is this correct (60 being the normal retirement age)?

3. Assuming it is proper for these amounts to be withheld, how does an ex-pat claim Social Security reimbursements (or benefits)?

I am getting conflicting answers to these questions - anyone with similar experience?