Neocon

On 2/6/2023 at 9:40 PM, OneZero said:

Using Skype free call to a US toll free number, I called TRICARE +1-800-538-9552 at 9:15 pm Thai time.

Glad it worked out for you.

You had phoned the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) Support Office (the office that manages DEERS).  You'll notice that the letterhead on your TRICARE proof of eligibility letter is from DMDC.  TRICARE has no involvement with determining one's coverage eligibility.

OneZero Posted:  "Military retirees under age 65 are entitled to free overseas TRICARE health care funding, ..."

For TRICARE Select and TRICARE Select Overseas, ENROLLMENT and continued payment of the monthly enrollment premium is required to retain access to civilian care under TRICARE:

https://tricare.mil/Plans/Enroll/SOS

https://www.tricare-overseas.com/beneficiaries/plans-and-programs/tricare-overseas-program-top-select/tricare-select-retirees

As some local TRICARE Select Overseas US military retirees (retired for longevity) have learned the hard way, when you miss a monthly enrollment premium payment, your access to civilian care under TRICARE is suspended.  To request reinstatement, one must contact TRICARE Overseas. 

Contact TRICARE Overseas:  https://www.tricare-overseas.com/contact-us/country?tricareRegion=pac&country=thailand

On 5/14/2022 at 8:58 PM, patekatek said:

OK!  So what gets entered in the two fields at the bottom of page 1 of the SS form?  In the left field do I enter the 026008691 account number followed by my thai bangkok bank account number and nothing in the SWIFT code box?  Or do I use the bkkbus33 code for the new york bangkok bank swift code?

OP - Your Bangkok Bank (BBL) branch entered it correctly for International Direct Deposit (IDD):  Your BBL account number and then BKKBTHBK.

IDD does not use BBL's ACH Routing Transit Number (026008691), and IDD is not handled by the BBL NYC branch.

10 hours ago, Peter Denis said:

In case you consider the LMG Insurance option (cheapest option to meet the Non Imm O-A retirement extension requirement for health-insurance), just PM me and I will provide you with full details on how to apply for it, including tips/caveats.

Peter, my good fellow, I too would like the LMG info. I have PM'd you.

Thank You and Best of Health!

On 9/4/2019 at 11:14 AM, Pib said:

 

Below Medicare webpage should help/answer your question.  But best to ask Manila SSO to be sure since you haven't received the letter.

https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/how-do-i-get-parts-a-b

 

On 9/5/2019 at 1:03 PM, smo said:

Thanks Pibs for the link and the advice. I looked up and saw that in my case since I've already got SS benefits months before age 65, I will be getting Medicare A + B automatically:

 

"If you already get benefits from Social Security, you'll get Medicare Part A and Part B automatically when you're first eligible and don't need to sign up. Medicare will send you a "Welcome to Medicare" packet 3 months before you turn 65. You'll still have other important deadlines and actions to take, so read all of the materials in the packet. (If you live in Puerto Rico, you'll only get Part A. If you want Part B, you need to sign up for it.)"

 

- and that I would need to sign up for part D if I want drug coverage. First thing first I'm going to email Manila also to inquire about the  "Welcome to Medicare" packet that I haven't yet received. Will keep you posted what happens next. (I recall we discussed briefly about this in one previous conversation...)

According to:  https://www.hhs.gov/answers/medicare-and-medicaid/when-should-i-sign-up-for-medicare/index.html

"Residents of Puerto Rico or foreign countries will not receive Part B automatically. They must elect this benefit."

The U.S. Embassy used to have an Address Affidavit template on their website that clearly is no longer there. As Joe stated, use the blank affidavit template.

For my recent Thai DL renewal I used the blank affidavit template and added three numbered paragraphs. These paragraphs closely mirror the information in the former address affidavit template previously available on the embassy's webpage:

1. I am a U.S. citizen born on <Date of Birth>, at <State> USA and am the bearer of U.S. Passport
No. xxxxxxxxx issued on <Date> by the United States Department of State.

2. I am retired and reside at:
<Thai Address Line 1>

<Thai Address Line 2>

<Thai Address Line 3>

3. The purpose of this affidavit is to:
Respectfully request the Thai Government issue me a Thai Driver’s License so that
I may drive in the Kingdom of Thailand.

A similar format may also generally be used for other DLT business and when requesting to open a Thai bank account; just change the purpose in paragraph 3.

As always, check with your local DLT office for their specific documentation requirements. (For professional reasons I did not want to obtain a Residence Certificate from my local imm office.)

"Federal retirement have no service of oversea direct deposit".

Incorrect. If interested, contact HQ Bangkok Bank (BBL), Direct Deposit Section, Tel: 02-230-1323 to learn how to open a direct deposit account for US OPM and various other US monthly benefits. BBL currently provides direct deposit service for 95 US monthly benefits sources.

Welcome to Bangkok Bank: https://www.bangkokbank.com/-/media/Files/Personal/Other-Services/Branch-Services/International-Branches/ExpatBooklet_Jan2017.ashx. (Please note that some of the direct deposit info is outdated.)

Again, If interested, contact BBL for the correct (new) SF-1199A to use. Also be advised that local bank branches sometimes apply their own additional rules that are not required by their HQ.

I successfully transferred $5K last week from my US bank account to my BBL account via US domestic ACH.  Funds transfer ordered on Tues, deposited in my BBL account Thurs.  I will do the same next month but am cognizant of the 30 June deadline.

6 hours ago, Pib said:

1.  I think it was a bank rule to keep the US Treasury and pension paying agency such as the SSA happy that the bank took extra efforts to deter fraudulent activity like a pensioner passing away but the spouse (or any joint account holder if allowed)  intentionally or unintentionally failing to promptly notify the US govt that the dear pensioner was quietly barbecued  at the local temple which would have terminated monthly benefit payments.   Make the US Treasury/govt agency feel secure in even though the funds are really leaving the US via ACH (i.e, Bkk Bk NY relaying the funds overseas) that Bangkok Bank is taking extra efforts to ensure no fraudulent activity occurs, US govt can recover any over-payments, etc.  Yes I know in the U.S. that benefit payments can go to joint accounts, but in the U.S. a pensioners death is quickly reported by multiple agencies (and usually family) and US laws allows easy recovery of over-payments within US borders.  But it gets much harder trying to recover money that is sent to foreign countries with no restrictions on the accounts.  Banks in the Philippines have the same policy as Bangkok Bank regarding direct deposit of US govt payments via ACH....i.e.., no debit card, must physically appear at a branch to withdraw funds, etc.  Retirees in the Philippines used Philippines banks in Los Angeles and Guam routing number to get their payments into their Philippines bank accounts.....basically was doing the same thing as what Bangkok Bank does via it's NY branch.  I don't know if those Philippines banks in LA and Guam are cutting off non ACH IAT transfers also.  But I bet they are.  Plus IDD for the Philippines supposedly started mid 2018 but hard to find an info on how it's going....what restrictions, if any, Philippines banks apply to IDD.....maybe the same as ACH....maybe none.  We'll just have to wait and see what if any fine-print applies to IDD for Thailand.  The impression I got from a Bangkok Bank point of contact is the IDD should allow debit cards and not require in person withdrawals---but as said we need to wait for the details to be released.  The difference between the IDD program and ACH program polices/rules is just different. 

 

2.  US govt payments going into the current Bangkok Bank special Direct Deposit account for payment via ACH and I expect whatever special account "might" be required for IDD can set in the account as long as desired....just like a regular account. 

When Bangkok Bank receives a direct deposit transfer from a USG agency, Bangkok Bank is legally liable for the proper distribution of those funds. For overpayments, the USG goes only to Bangkok Bank for recoupment. It's not about making the USG/UST "feel secure". It's about Bangkok Bank protecting their bottom line.

Bangkok Bank instituted their restrictive fraud prevention policy on direct deposit accounts in response to losing a pile of money on continuing payments to dead recipients that were being collected by dishonest families, sometimes for years.

tiger99 - Some clarification is needed. Nov 26th was a Sat. You also said "day #12". Being that you posted yesterday did you mean you applied on Dec 2nd? The adult passport renewal service takes two weeks from application submission.

I submitted my adult passport renewal application in-person at US Embassy Bangkok on Dec 1st. I received an automated email today from ACSBKK informing me that my new passport arrived at the embassy. I chose the pre-paid Thai Post EMS return option to my local address. The ACS email said to expect up to one week to receive the new passport in the mail. The email also said that along with the new passport the embassy will return the old passport and include the visa (stamp) transfer request letter for me to give to Thai immigration.

Try to enter the Thai Post International EMS Tracking # into the British postal service (whatever it's named) online tracking service. It works when I EMS to the US and enter the Thai Post EMS tracking # into USPS.com. it shows article arrival stateside and each waypoint until final destination delivery.

News reports suggest Abhisit's alleged conscription avoidance was other than legal.

Abhisit reportedly didn't think military service was worth his time. Google Abhisit's name plus conscription avoidance or draft dodging.

Tesco sells waterproof mattress pads - stated in English on the packaging.

My previous mattress contained a top layer of latex in its construction. Had nighttime sweating. Changed mattress, problem solved. Good luck.

It's LE's duty to enforce the law and not to prosecute or apply legal punishment.

The new Friday night format cured my insomnia.

NinComPOops

I place a normal 12cm men's hair comb in the fold of my wallet and another comb under the flap of my phone case. Rubber band is then wrapped one each around wallet and phone case.

Comb teeth catch the pocket lining and lip. Rubber bands provide friction. Wallet and phone are in a single front pocket - easier to protect.

. . .

By chance, are you also trying to use your iBanking acct for direct deposit from a US gov’t source? Doing so is unauthorized by BBL. BBL eventually catches personal banking clients that try to use their Bualuang iBanking accts for direct deposit via ACH from the US.

I'm confused by this statement, as per Bangkok Bank's website, direct deposit from the US government to a Bangkok Bank account (via New York branch ACH) is actually encouraged. Is there a difference between a regular savings account, and an "iBanking" account that you mentioned. I was under the impression that Bualuang iBanking just gives you online access to your regular savings account.

The following is from BangkokBank<dotcom>/bangkokbank/personalbanking/dailybanking/transferingfunds/transferringintothailand/receivingfundsfromusa/pages/receivingfundsfromusa.aspx

Who can use it?

The service is available for holders of US bank accounts transferring funds to recipients with a Bangkok Bank account in Thailand. It is particularly useful for:

• Making funds transfers via the internet banking services of US banks
• Receiving payments from US government agencies or private organizations (Direct Deposit service)
• Receiving E-Commerce payments from online payment service providers in the US

. . .

Step-by-step Instructions

The following step-by-step instructions are available:

Advice to senders using US bank internet banking services Advice to Bangkok Bank customers receiving payments from US government agencies or private organizations (Direct Deposit) From March 1, 2013, the US Treasury Department will cease issuing paper cheques for federal benefits such as pensions, annuities or payroll, including Social Security and Veterans Affairs payments and will transfer benefits electronically via direct bank deposit.

If you currently receive your payments via cheque, you will need to notify your Federal Benefit Agency of the US account you wish to have your payments directly deposited into by March 1, 2013. As Bangkok Bank is the only provider in Thailand offering Direct Deposit services into a Thai bank account, you will need to request your US government agency or private organization route your payments into your Bangkok Bank account via the Bangkok Bank New York branch. If you currently reside in Thailand, you can apply for the service in person at any Bangkok Bank branch near you (except the micro branches).

PayPal Payments for International E-Commerce Operators in Thailand Fees

For direct deposit from a US gov't source via ACH to BBL, BBL issues personal banking clients a special type of restricted access acct designated specifically and solely for receipt of direct deposit payments - a single acct may be used for funds receipt from multiple sources such as SSA, VA, OPM, etc. BBL uses a different acct numbering scheme for direct deposit-only accts. These restricted access direct deposit accts are not to be confused with BBL's traditional savings accts.

Also, BBL's direct deposit accts cannot be a joint acct - one name only. BBL instituted this policy as a fraud prevention measure due to past high baht losses from families sometimes for years not reporting the death of the annuitant. BBL usually tells prospective direct deposit acct clients that it's the US gov't's policy for the one name, no iBanking, no ATM card, no checks, and acct holders must present themselves monthly at a BBL branch to withdraw their money. Again, it's BBL's internal fraud prevention policy and not that of the US gov't. When BBL accepts receipt of direct deposit funds via ACH from the US gov't the liability for the proper handling of those funds then becomes BBL's.

Many BBL personal banking clients have two BBL accts - one direct deposit / one traditional savings. A client visits a local BBL branch to make an in-person withdrawal from their direct deposit acct, proves their identity, and BBL releases the funds. While at the same counter/teller the funds (in whatever amount) may then be deposited into a traditional savings acct which may be joint, have an ATM card, and iBanking.

I personally have my US gov't monthly annuity direct-deposited into my US bank and then I make online transfers as needed from my US bank via ACH to my BBL Bualuang iBanking acct and then use my BBL ATM card in Thailand. This method permits me more freedom to access my funds instead of having to schlep monthly to my local BBL branch to access my money. The one and only time I ever visited my local BBL branch was when I opened my BBL traditional savings acct and established iBanking privileges.

OP – You said you asked a local branch. You need to phone Bualuang iBanking at 1333. If BBL told you the ACH transfer from Union was rejected they most definitely know and can tell you the precise reason why. Sometimes they need to phone their processing center on Rama III Rd. (BKK) for the answer, but it can be done if BBL staff chooses to follow through.

I’ve not experienced any iBanking transfer problems via ACH from my US bank to BBL. My US bank acct name is <First Name> <Middle Initial> <Last Name>. My BBL acct name is Mr <First Name> <Full Middle Name> <Last Name>. My BBL iBanking screen name is KHUN <First Name> <Full Middle Name>.

By chance, are you also trying to use your iBanking acct for direct deposit from a US gov’t source? Doing so is unauthorized by BBL. BBL eventually catches personal banking clients that try to use their Bualuang iBanking accts for direct deposit via ACH from the US.

Does anyone know about this gym? I just recently moved to the Nimman area and this was the closest gym. I went in and next to the receptionist was this organizational chart and at the top was "JESUS". Jesus as CEO? of a gym? I thought maybe it was a branch of the YMCA but that can't be it. What is with this gym? I left.

"Jesus" (hey-zeus) is also a common Latino name.

I previously used hotel fitness center memberships to avoid the pack-'em-in mentality at the franchises. Promotions (i.e. discount membership rate, F&B/room discounts, etc.) on hotel fitness center membership can often be found. Although I didn't answer your question directly, other forum members may read this and choose to research alternative membership choices in their area.

Hi,

Thanks for the info Neocon. If you don't mind me asking how much was the Lasik surgery? I'm moving to Thailand later in the year but currently am in London. I went for a Lasik consultation here and was quoted £2550 (~127,000bht). This was for the full works - wavefront & intralase. Just wondering whether it'd be an idea to hold off till I got to bkk.

Many thanks,

Mark

In Nov 05, I paid B79,500 total for TRSC's Ultimate Lasik and had both eyes done at the same time by Dr Sukanda. It's been a treat since. No more monkeying with prescription lenses (until it becomes time for age-related reading glasses)!

If you know your prescription you can just take in the numbers and buy your contacts on the spot. If not, most places will test you for free. The only problem is they never seem to have the right diameters for farangs (thai eyes are apparently a different size). I always buy my contacts from the place on the ground floor of MBK because they always have the diameter i need. i think it is called Yours Optical.

Google "MBK Center". See their floor plan.

I went twice to "Optical 88" (1B-11). I was extremely nearsighted with a significant astigmatism. They and their lenses did me right. All irrelevant for me now. :-)

"Your Optical" (1B-32). I never tried them but it's always good to have more than one seemingly reliable source.