Galong

Yeah, it seems like everything is getting more challenging than easy and straightforward these days, especially for expats. I used Fax Plus a few years ago. It was free and I don't recall giving personal info out. That might have changed. I've got a mini post office near me that has a fax machine. I'm not sure if rural areas would have the option, but I'd guess that some research might reveal someone with one in your town. Good luck.

Airmail with tracking is what I do. EMS is not faster and costs a lot more. I sent my 'proof of life' document and the post office said 7 - 10 days. It arrived within 10 days.

There are a few Fax software programs whereby you scan your document and 'fax' it to a fax machine on the other end.

“This may affect the state’s attempts to encourage foreign firms to invest in Thailand as electricity prices are set to increase, eventually driving up their operating costs.” I see NOTHING appealing about investing in Thailand. The unelected government has yet to give the full details on how they're going to ream us over with taxes. They're full of ideas and most are bad. Why would anyone in their right mind trust the current administration?

Maybe the engineering degree is from YouTube.

HINT: if you want more business, have a better product and competent staff. I fly Air Asia all the time and like it, but they do screw up from time to time. 3 months ago they changed a flight to two hours earlier, so I missed it. 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

If this HAS to happen, at least don't give the 10K to anyone who is currently unemployed and has no history of working. They're trying to tax us to pay for this clown show. We're not the reason why they're uneducated, poor, and massively deep in debt. How about a mandatory class on financial responsibility before getting handed wad of cash? 🤔

They didn't come over without assistance and a Thai boss. It's supply/demand issue. Go after the DEMAND side... AKA wealthy Thai bosses who are screwing the country. Yes, I'm well-aware Thais simply won't do the work. 🤦‍♂️

It almost has to be the fact that you gave your Thai address to the SSA that triggered the 7162 (proof of life) form. It makes sense that they would have an easier time proving you're alive or dead in the US than here. FYI, I mailed my 7162 form a week ago via Thai post with tracking and it arrived already. I don't see a need to go full-on registered mail or anything like that as no one on the other end seems to ever actually sign for the letter. I've done that in the past. It simply costs more, doesn't get there any faster, and you get no further evidence that it was received than you do by standard air mail with tracking.

It's been a few years. I don't know how to check on the which method it uses, but I think it's IDD. I don't recall anything on the paperwork that mentioned New York. It was a hassle setting up because of the staff that really didn't seem to know what they were doing, but once done, it's been flawless. I probably shouldn't say that. 🤐

I hope it's just a mix-up. I don't want to have to go to the bank. Having said that, when I started the account, I was under the impression from reading about it that I would not have access to my money except in person. The staff at the bank were not at all helpful. It was as if they'd never done this before. This was the main branch in Phuket Town! It all worked out, but geez. I wish you luck! 🤞🤞

I was just able to move some money from my BKK Bank direct deposit (US Soc Sec account) to my BKK Bank savings account. Not that it should matter, but I'm in Phuket.

He wasn't elected in the first place. Why should he be concerned about public confidence? [rhetorical question]

Everything that I've read, including the US/Thai DTA, says US Soc Sec is not taxable outside of the US. I hope the Thai government honors this and doesn't try to test the waters with individuals just because they can. 🤞🤞

OK, I run around in a different circle than you. Sorry I found it funny. 🤦‍♂️

I'll bet they've figured out a way not to be taxed to high heaven like us commoners. A buddy of mine calls BYD 'Burn Your Driveway' because of battery fires. 😂

My brother says the DMV takes appointments now and is actually efficient. The post office offers photo IDs too.

I've had Thai Social Security healthcare for almost 30 years. I go to the Mission Hospital in Phuket Town and I've had zero problems with anything. I have a lot of health issues, but they always take care of me in a very professional manner. If I ask for additional tests, I get them. If I ask for a more thorough explanation, I get it. If I ask for printouts, I get them. The dentistry at the Mission Dental Clinic is the best I've ever had. It's always completely painless to boot.

JIB is definitely better than Advice when it comes to honoring a warrantee. In Phuket, the Advice stores have a lot more stock, but JIB has enough and they tend to be easier to deal with. JIB's online option is very good. I don't recommend friending the on Line (app). You'll be hammered constantly by 'deals'. 🤨

Humans in general are often dreadful beasts. It's not just retirees and tourists. Yep, "unpleasant, criminal, or otherwise problematic" describes people from almost anywhere. From my experience, it describes a lot of Thais, mostly men. There are, of course, plenty of (as 'Murica's future megalomaniacal dictator describes) "fine people on both sides".

Thanks, but that's not really what I'm after... sorry if I didn't explain myself better. I want a state photo ID card to use in future sign-ups where two forms of photo ID are required. I always use my passport as one and my Va driver's license as the other. My driver's license will expire in 2026. I'm visiting the US in 2025. I don't particularly need a driver's license, so any acceptable photo ID (that is acceptable for government departments such as SSA, IRS, etc) is what I'm after. Thanks for your help.

Hoops and hurdles at every turn. 🤦‍♂️

I am a legal resident of Virginia. I'm not a resident of Thailand. The IRS and Social Security Administration know I live here but have a US address. I'm trying to do everything legally and upfront. I'll tell the DMV that I spend most of my time out of the US. I'm still a resident. If, in fact, it comes down to a legality issue, I'll go with just using my passport for ID purposes.

I'm planning on visiting my family in Virginia next summer. It's likely my last time visiting. My Va driver's license expires in Oct of the next year. I read that every other renewal has to be in person and that it can only be renewed one year in advance. I'll be longer away than that. My last one was by mail, so this one will probably require an in-person visit. I don't really need a driver's license per se, but I do need some form of photo ID other than my passport. Va and many states are going towards something called a REAL ID. Has anyone here been able to get a DMV (Division of Motor Vehicles) Photo ID online? I'm pretty sure I've got all of the documents/statements required. I also read about the USPS offering a photo ID that is just as usable and easier to get than dealing with the DMV. Any insight on potential other photo IDs would be greatly appreciated.

I haven't looked over the entire site. Can you eFile on the IRS site? TurboTax had a glitch the last two years that made it so I couldn't eFile. I had to mail it by post. 🤦‍♂️