jimmym40

Have no experiences yet to date, but here's a few things you can do that might help:

Carry in your wallet info of a contact in case of emergency: Name, phone, etc.

Put your safe combo into a sealed envelope, initialed, then taped over, give it to a person you totally trust, and give him instructions what to do in case of emergency.

You can give this kind of info to more than one person if you wish.

You think like me, always planning ahead. I always carry a copy of my passport, TM7 form, visa extension of stays, and phone contacts in my wallat. This info could mean life or death if something serious happens.

JimGant, I believe you are correct, honorary consulates cannot issue O-A visa, at least that's what I was told the the honorary consulate in Alabama in Aug 06. I obtained the Non-immigrant O visa from them back in Aug 06 and now just last week obtained my one year retirement stamp here in ChiangMai. It was a breeze. All I needed was my bankbook and a letter from that bank stating how much money I had in the bank. The letter cannot be over 7 days old, otherwise, they will ask you to get an updated letter.

No health check or police investigation was required. It was my first retirement stamp ever.

I am from the US and just obtained my retirement visa just last week. The easiest way to get it is to get a 1 yr Non Immigrant visa, Type O from any Thai consulate in the US. You must have a non immigrant visa before you are able to obtain a retirement visa. When in Thailand, if you are over the age of 50, the only piece of evidence you need is proof of 800,000 baht in the bank for over a three month period. You don't need health certificate, police report, nothing else.

Over a year ago I tried to do it from the US also, the LA consulate. On their website was a list of requirements. And they wanted most of them notorized. What a pain. I asked my doc if he would get the certificate (letter) notorized, and guess what kind of look he gave me. Next to impossible to get everything the LA consulate wanted. The doc also said he would have to have all kind of blood tests run on me as per the requirement of the LA consulate. Would have cost a bit to get all the labs done.

In short, forget about trying to get a retirement visa from the US. Come to Thailand and apply.

One more important thing, if you are not over 50, you cannot get a retirement visa and also, if you don't want to have the 800,000 baht here in the baht, I think the other requirement would be to have 400,000 and then show a monthly baht income of 45,000 baht. Maybe some other TV member can correct me on this if I am wrong.

Jim

I won't say impossible, but near impossible.

At least what the US Embassy people look at and ask the question, "will this person return to Thailand and not overstay". Don't know what the UK people look at, but probably something similar. Probably some Brits can answer this.

With the info you provided back, it doesn't sound good. With her being so young, it is a very negative.

Other questions come to mind. What about her family, mom and dad. Is she living with them? Does she already have a passport? Has she travelled out the the country prior. How long have you known her? How/where did you meet her?

How old are you?

Don't know your specific agenda. But if you have marriage in mind, you should start documenting all contacts with her, thru emails, visits, etc. With solid back up proof, sometime in the future, you may be able to get her a finance visa to come to UK. I believe then you'll be able to obtain 90 days. In that time, you must get married or have her return to Thailand. At least that the procedure for the US finance visa.

Don't know if I helped much. But no one else has replied so thought I would share what I know and believe.

Not near enough info here.

Where are your from? GF going to study with you? How old is she? Have a job? Have land ownership in Thailand? Study only or maybe marriage? Many, many questions need to be answered.

email...

I know you said he doesn't want anything, but come on, seriously???

Don't think in percentages. Depends where you are building in Thailand - what is the average daily wage? Think in these terms. If he were to work as a laborer or supervisor, how much would he get paid. That is only fair.

Also, if he takes all the heat from the builder/workers and resolves most of the big problems withou getting you involved (what he should be doing anyway), the a bonus at the end of the job would be appropriate - maybe because he is a family member.

One point I want to bring up. He also may be getting a commission (kick back) from some of the trades or building supply houses. I know, I know, you will say "no way", but this is part of the Thai culture. I know for a fact that family members make commissions from other family members - it happens. So, he may be making a small amount of money from these sources.

Hope you will be overseeing the job on a daily/weekly basis. I'm sure you will catch errors that he might overlook.

Good luck and hope it turns out just the way you want it.

I cannot give any recommendation as to the pros and cons of bringing your mother over to thailand. I just want to say that if I was in your situation, I would definately bring my mother over to spend her last years together. If you don't, you will always have this in the back of your mind if you should have. I can tell you love your parents very much (as did I). At least give it a try...

We just moved to CM this Jan 07 from the US. My wife has had this condition for several years, but just now started requiring monthly blood transfusion. It seems as if they guard their blood even more so than their gold. Difficult to get at some hospitals.

Does anyone know of, or have a family member with this disease? Or needing frequent blood transfusions? Just wondering where to go on a continuous basis. We have been to three different hospitals since arriving. She was able to get the transfusions, but initially, we are told that "maybe" they could get the blood. Then two days later they call and say they have it, but we already searched others avenues and had the transfusion.

Oh, she is thai, and also has rhuematoid arthritis which compounds her condition.

Anyone wish to share their experiences.

Thanks.

I have been a long time reader of TV for a couple years, but never registered because I was still home in the USA. I've recently (Jan 07) made the permanent move to CM and joined in Jul 07 when I had something to contribute. I don't believe the date registered or the number of posts matters (some people just add one liners for kicks).

My main reason for this post, however, is a thought. If people want to bring more than one guest, what about charging a nominal fee (200 baht) for each additional guest? I haven't seen this suggested or even mentioned.

I haven't RSVP'd yet because I may be out of town. I would very much like to attend and will make every effort to do so.

TV is a super venue and a big thanks to all those who make it possible.

Here's what I've heard through the grapevine (thai wife and others). If at the age of 18 your son(s) still retain Thai citizenship, then they are available for the thai draft (army) and must serve their appropriate time. I think this is common knowledge of all thais, but I don't know where you can find this on the web.

I believe it is at that time (age 18) that they have to decide which citizenship to retain.

Maybe someone else has first hand experience of this.

What are your thoughts.

Would it work?

Does anyone know of any in Thailand?

I, too, have been aware this situation may come up. Same as you, I still keep mail flowing to our daughters address back in the states. And I keep reminding them to look carefully at the mail for anything from the courts. So far, no problem.

I would have no problem having my daughter call the reporting number and tell them I am out of the country on an extended vacation (6 months) and just see what they say. If they want proof, she can tell them I will mail a copy of my passport and entry card in to Thailand so they can see that I am currently out of the country. I know there is a penalty if you do not respond, so I would recommend you have someone call for you.

Please keep me posted on what the outcome is. You can message me privately.

Thanks.

Jim

I totally agree with jetjock, reply as above. I second his thoughts and observations. I know of many farangs in Thailand that had high hopes as you think, but never materialized.

Work hard a few more years, continue coming to Thailand on holiday, and then plan for your retirement.

I too have had back surgery in the US. I had a herniated disc, which back in 1991, I believe the only option was surgery. I also have had back pain for 30 yrs. At the time of surgery (having had MRIs, etc), I was told I also have degenerative disc disease. (Drying up of the discs) At the time of surgery, they fused two lower discs and was told one disc upwards was half gone also. Since then I have been having MRIs approx every 5 yrs. No improvement mind you, just to see how far the degeneration has gove. The surgery alleviated the excruciating pain from the herniated disc, but the fusion gave me no relief from the daily pain I still have today.

I know you asked for info about the hospital. My question to you is: do you indeed have herviated discs? degeneration? or both?

I haven't been to see a spine surgeon for many years, but I believe in this day and age in medicine, that they stay away from using hardware to fuse discs. That is a very serious surgery. I think they now just replace the discs with artificial discs which is also a much safer, shorter time spand surgery.

Just wanted to add my two cents in case this facility does not have the up to date procedures in their book.

Hope all goes well...

Jim

Would like any information from anyone whose knows/or has had an MRI done in CM. What hospitals perform MRI or clinics and what fee is charged.

I normally have a MRI done every 3-4 yrs back in the states, but the last time my insurance company refused my referrral. I'm here in CM now and wish to have one while I'm here.

Thanks.

I am in need of an MRI. I've had back problems/surgery for many years and it's time to have it checked out again. Wondering if anyone can recommend or have any knowledge of where and if anyone has done any cost comparisons at different hospitals.

I totally agree. I have used and many of my friends have used the honorary thai consulates. They ARE definately much more easily to deal with and don't ask for gobs of paperwork. You can do a search for Honorary Thai Consulates and a list will be provided. We have used the fellow in Albama, very helpful, good service and pleasant to talk to. He also has an assistant, female, that you may be speaking to. Doesn't matter where you live in the US, you can use any consulate location. Total turnaround time is 10-14 days.

I too looked at it a few days ago. Was told by the salesperson that is just hit the market and they just had the vehicle three days ago.

I'm impressed. It looks great, and interior also very nice. The only drawback is the name. I'd be hard pressed to choose between the Honda and the Captiva. For the looks and style, I'd say Captiva. I keep thinking about it also.

At China Airlines website it's $1,230 roundtrip. Doesn't this seem high?

Did you go to China-Air.com or China-Airlines.com you have to have a dash in their to go to the right website.

I have been flying to thailand from LA for the past 20 yrs. I have been using a consolidator (travel agency) in LA, could never beat their prices.

Call 323 913-3938 and ask for Emily, she has been very helpful.

August is the high season you know, beginning around 10 Sep starts lower fares.

I have been looking at cars for the past three weeks. Test drove the Teana, didn't like it at all. The dash looks like it's modeled after the 60/70s chevy caprices, UGLY.

I looked at the top of the line camry, didn't test drive, I loved it. Interior very luxurious and many bells and whistles.

I've owned several Honda Accords back in the states. Very reliable cars, but I think they are getting boring in their looks.

My vote goes for the Camry.

I was told the new Corolla will be out in Oct with a total new look. I'm hoping to hold out to take a look at them before we purchase. But right now, it'll be the Camry.

My thai wife moved in to a new home and wish to purchase fire and theft insurance in Chiang Mai. Don't really need the fire part, mainly theft of contents of home. The home is 90 percent concrete.

Any companies that you know of that offer this coverage.

Thanks.

Thanks guys, especially Tigerbeer. I was up and down that road today, couldn't find it. Now I'll look for the Audi sign, if there is one. It's so difficult to spot these things when you are driving and have to watch out for these idiots (thai drivers).

There's not really much involved. You don't need to have an agent. Most will just rip you off.

Like said in previous post, go to the immigration office and get the required forms and fill them out yourself. The other paperwork you will need comes from YOU. No agent can do that for you. Example: marriage certificate, bank account(s), monthly income to support (maybe) and so on. Immigration should have a pamphlet on all the items you will need.

Just do the leg work yourself...

Does anyone know of a Volkswagon dealership and where it is located in Chiang Mai. I did many searches but came up empty.

Thanks.