tropicaldoc

I want to have a basic Thai will.  I am seeking information regarding lawyer recommendations, various costs, probate processing, etc.  I am based in Bangkok on a retirement visa.  Main concern is to have the funds in my Thai bank saving account distributed as per my wishes. 

Thank you for the timely replies.  I hope things will go well.

To answer "why"  one bank savings account was used only for extensions and for emergency if needed while the other was for routine day to day use.

Office used is Chaengwattana (Div.1).  "2 bank letters, etc." in addition would bank statements and copies of  saving books be useful too?

Two separate banks.  Kbank and SCB bank.  Both just saving accounts with passbooks.

I assume that two separate saving accounts can be used to satisfy the 800k requirement for the retirement visa?  Primary savings account used for extensions in the past fell below 800K for a couple of days recently, but have another savings account which would cover that discrepancy.   

Yesterday I went to Thai immigration at MuangThongTani to obtain a Certificate of Residence (COR).  Arrived at about 10:30 and proceeded to the 2nd floor to get the B queue #.  I had brought the usual required items like my passport and copies of the id page, visa and extension of visa pages, TM6, re-entry stamp page, and current 90day receipt.  Because of my review of several internet sites I also brought the original and copies of accommodation lease, TM30 docs, a utility bill, 2 photos, and a copy of landlord’s ID.

After obtaining the queue # I was seen quickly since very few people were at the section B (also only a few at section A for 90day reports).  The IO only required my passport and the usual copies as above.  The additional items (copies of accommodation lease, TM30 docs, utility bill, 2 photos, and a copy of landlord’s ID were not needed.  Within a few minutes the IO gave me a slip to track the to be mailed COR which should arrived by 2 weeks.  The cost was 200 Baht.  I asked if there was an “express services” but was informed that wasn’t available.  In addition, having brought all the same data, copies, etc. from my partner, the IO said that she would have to come herself to obtain the COR.   Finally, was all done in about 15 minutes from the time of arrival.

You might try Tastyworks.  They are expanding overseas.  They are quick to respond to email, etc.  Might also try Schwab.  They can be contacted via chat on their website.  Good luck.

Re: renewal of my 5yr. DL at Dept of Land Transportation Sukhumvit 99/1 on Dec 2. no health certificate was asked for which was consistent with my previous visit in 2010 when I renewed my DL from the initial 1yr. DL. The only time I was required to have the health certificate was for my very first application for a Thai DL.

Renewing my Thai 5yr driver's license at Bangkok Land Transport office Sukhumvit 99/1.

Yesterday in preparation to renew my license, I went to Immigration Dept (Chaengwattana) and inquired about obtaining a "certificate of residence" needed for license renewal. The immigration officer asked me how long I lived in Thailand and did I always do the 90 day reporting. I told him I been here 8 years and report as required every 90 days. He then informed me that they would arrange a police visit to my address to verify that I lived there and in would take 3 weeks and cost 200 Baht. When I asked if I could get the certificate right away (express service) and not wait 3 weeks he informed me if I want that then best to get a letter from my embassy stating my address. So I downloaded the form "requesting the Thai Authority to issue me a Thai Driver's License" which was just filling in my name and address. So this morning with an appointment in hand, I proceeded to my embassy (U.S.) and had the form signed off by the Consular Associate. The charge was $50 or 1800 Baht.

With this subsitute form, my current 5 year license with a copy of front and back sides of the license, copy of my passport id page, copy of my visa details (retirement) and latest extension, and my current TM 6 card (don't know if needed), I arrived at the Land Transport office Sukhumvit 99/1 just before 9:00am. I was instructed to counter 9 where a lady checked my documents and then issued me a number. Later I picked up all the documents, but since today seemed rather crowded, I was in the third group of people for watching a video about the 4 physical test to be conducted. A depth perception test by aligning two bars, a reaction test to see how fast to apply brakes, a peripheral vision test with red, yellow, and green lights, and a color vision test using the same colors. After completion of the physical tests we were sent to watch an almost hour video basically comparing a good driver vs a careless driver. Don't sit near the fan at the front unless you want to get hypothermic. Anyway after that challenge we then proceeded to go to counter 8 returning all our documents including the test results. I was given #259 and the current number processing was #180. I went outside to get warm and get a quick snack and water at the small food court going left out the front of the building. Finally my number was called. I went to the desk, a picture was taken, I paid 605 Baht, and was issued a new license for another 5 years (the license number was the same as before). Total time a bit over 3 hours.

Thank you for the reply. I believe in Bangkok the ED visa is only extended for 90 days at a time. So, as you mentioned, it depends on each immigration office can others who view this topic please report the situation from other immigration offices regarding the time given for each ED visa extension (90 days 180 days, or 1 year?).

I heard that it is possible to obtain an ED visa for Thai language study for the usual one year but now without the need for obtaining extensions every 90 days? Has anyone in this forum heard of this change? I have not yet found any information to verify this rumour.

Today at 08:45 I went to get my first Thai driver's license. I still had a valid US driver's license. Yesterday I obtained a letter to certify my residential address from US embassy ($30 USD) and a health certificate at a local clinic for 100 Baht (form completed by the nurse - no doctor exam). With that and copies of my passport front page (personal details), the TM card, non-immigration visa, and my last entry date stamp I proceeded to the 3rd Bangkok area office.

Bangkok Area 3:

opposite Soi Sukhumvit 62/1,

Bangjak Prakhanong,

Bangkok

tel: 02-332-9688 to 96

Covers the districts: Prakhanong, Pravate, Suan luang, Klong toey and Wattana.

Upon entering the spacious building I proceeded directly to the information counter that had an English sign and presented my documents. I still needed to get a copy of my US license which was available onsite at 2 baht per copy. After this I was sent to counter 8/9 area and watched the video regarding the 4 tests that I needed to take and then was sent to the line waiting to enter room #16 to take the tests. The first test was a simple color vision test that ask you to identify red, green and yellow circles. The second test was a peripheral vision exam where you placed your nose against a notch on a table looking straight ahead and then telling the tester what color you saw in your lateral vision. I had a bit of trouble at first since the yellow light actually was a light green so the tester was expecting yellow but I kept saying green. After she showed me the light it was easy to give the correct color that I was seeing in my lateral vision. The third and fourth test station was taken sitting in a chair where they tested my reaction time - using my right foot to depress a pedal and then when I saw the green light start I had to hit the brake pedal, and finally the last test was a depth perception test where you are required to align two rods in a box about three meters away. Anyway including the waiting time and test time it took about 25 minutes total. After completion I was instructed to return to the "Information" counter where they gave me a number and advised that I would need to pay 205 baht. Sitting to the right of the "Information" counter I had to wait about 10 minutes for my number to come up and then I went to the desk where they collect the money, take your picture, and issue your Thai license.

So less than one hour to get a Thai license which expires in one year and then next year I can get a five year license. I don't have any knowledge about other offices but at the Bangkok area 3 office the staff were helpful, friendly, and efficient. I do speak and read basic Thai but I don't think its necessary since the form was completed by the staff and they were very helpful. So you can do this without a Thai friend. The only thing that I would do different next time is to not restrict the license only to cars but also include motorcycles.

Hope this is helpful for those who are trying to get their first Thai driver's license and have a valid driver's license. Oh, I think if your country's driver's license is not in English you may need a proper translation of the license to take with you.