thaisail

1 hour ago, problemfarang said:

hi,

im also a good customer of lazada. I think its great and bought lot of things and never had any problems. Although i cannot understand paying with credit cards when you ordered something online. What ever i have ordered online i want to pay when i see it first. And i never order electronics or likewise things online. Need to see and test first. 

 

im sorry i dont understand what you mean. I might be wrong but, if you have thai DEBIT card which is not credit card which means you have to have money in the debit card account. it is thai debit card so you must have thai baht in it. if it is dollar account then you must have dollar in it. So how they can charge you 4%? what bank charges, what exchange rate? Youi can pay in baht with lazada... 

All my income is in US dollars. I have no income in Thai baht. So if I send US dollars to Thailand there is usually an exchange rate commision and there are wire transfer fees. Schwab Bank charges $15 per transfer. I am guessing that all of these charges result in 2% loss by the time the money arrives in Thailand. The other 2% is a loss from the credit card itself which pays me 2% cash back on all of my purchases. It seems that only domestic US credit cards offer this feature but if anyone knows of other countries that offer this please let me know. So, 2% + 2% = 4%. That is what I am loosing in having to pay using a Thai bank. All of groceries, fuel, shopping are paid with my Capital One. Only Navy Federal Credit Union Visa Card offers 3% cash back for restaurants so I pull out that card when eating out!

38 minutes ago, phetphet said:

Have you tried calling Kasikorn Bank to see if they can  help?

 

I am having a similar problem where my KBank online credit card is being refused on Lazada and AlieExpress. As you say, it must be related to the recent debacle where people's accounts were being debited without permission.

 

Another possible getaround: Have you looked into transferring funds from the US to your Kasikorn account using Transferwise? Their rates are pretty good. You can see everything upfront before committing to sending.

My experience with Kasikorn has not been great. I think this issue is far above the heads of the people responding on their customer help line. Besides, I have no proof that Kasikorn is behind this issue. It could be just Lazada trying to avoid loosing the credit card margin. 

I tried to set up transferwise with Schwab bank about a year ago. The name has now changed from Transferwise to just "WISE". I am looking into that option. However, the immigration needs to see transfers from a foreign bank to a Thai bank. With "Wise" the transfer is recorded as a domestic transfer instead of a foreign bank transfer. I will try to talk to immigration to see if they will accept "Wise" transfers. But I think we all know how that will go!

Lazada has changed their website and mobile app to block the use of my US based Capitol One Visa credit card. I have built my house in 2020 buying all my AC units and tonnes of building materials on Lazada with good success. But suddenly a few months ago, the card I have used for the entire year was no longer accepted by Lazada. There had been a few times I had to jump through some hoops to make large purchases like my Air Con units and had to modify my billing address to get the "verified by visa" system to function but now I can't even by a dog collar with my Capitol One credit card! I also have found that when I call in to find a solution, they are now blocking me from reaching their "financial services" department. All they do now is send an email and request different documents. Things like screen shots of the credit card payment failure screen, photos of credit card front and back, passport copy and the latest credit card statement. I have now been blocked from Lazada for almost 3 months and they keep requesting the same documents. 

It seems that Lazada has taken on Kasikorn Bank to handle their Visa transactions because the Kasikorn window pops up to verify my credit card just before rejecting my payment. Capitol One has no record of any of these 20 rejected credit card transactions so I am sure the Kasikorn is blocking me. I assume that the issue is the billing address which in in Florida for my Capital One credit card while the billing address required for Lazada seems to be restricted to Thailand billing addresses. So, if there is anyone out there with a similar issue and has found a work around, please let me know. 

All of my retirement income is deposted into my Schwab Bank account in the US and payment of my credit card bill each month is easy through the American banking system. I know that most people transfer their retirement income to their Thai Banks but this is costly with bank charges from both ends and poor exchange rates. On top of that US persons must complete a FBAR form every year to declare their combines foreign bank accounts to the IRS if combined balance exceeds $10,000 even for one day during the tax year. But the main advantage of using a Capital One credit card is getting the best exchange rate available and the 2% cash back on purchases. Also the push notifications I receive from Capitol One through my Google Voice messaging system lets me know instantly when my wife uses the card. (my way to keep some control of the family finances!)

Because of this new Lazada policy, I must now pay for a debit card from my Thai bank. I calculate that I am now loosing 4% total between bank charges, exchange rates and loss of my 2% cash back commision. Is there anyone else out there who can offer a solution to the Lazada-Kasikorn conspiracy (perhaps Thai government interferance)?

On Vaxation in France since May 2021. Vaccinated with Pfizer 2 times in July 2021. Waiting for the border to open to fly to Phuket and stay in Thailand!

I left Thailand in May to go to France to get vaccinated and take care of some other medical issues. I would like to return to Thailand in October using the Phuket Sand Box. I have an extension based on Marriage issued in Chiang Khan at the beginning of February. I got a multi entry exit permit at that time. I am a dual citizen with an American and a French passport. However, my marriage extension is in my US passport. I had and still have 400,000 baht in my Kasikorn bank account in Chiang Khan. I have been making an international wire transfer from my US bank account to my Bangkok Bank account of more than 40,000 baht every month since September of 2020. I even make these 40,000 baht transfers while I am in France. 

If I continue to make these transfers every month to my Bangkok Bank account every month, will I be able to use these monthly transfers on a Bangkok Bank statement to avoid having to lock up 400,000 baht in my Kasikorn account for three months at the end of the year?

Since I have my extension and and my re-entry permit in my US passport, will I be getting my COE from the Thai consulate in France or from the US?

For the medical insurance requirement, will I be able to buy medical insurance only until the end of my extension in early February?

Can I buy private exp medical insurance in France that will cover me for $100,000 including Covid? 

Once I apply to renew my marriage extension in February, will I have to purchase medical insurance for an entire year to get the extension?

When I arrive for the Phuket Sand Box, will I have to report my address at the SHA+ resort to immigration within 24 hours like before?

Once I complete my 2 week stay in Phuket, will I be able to fly to Loei to rejoin my wife who is waiting for me at home in Chiang Khan?

If my wife is vaccinated by then, will she be allowed to fly to Phuket to join me at the SHA+ resort in Phuket for the two week stay?

Once arriving in Chiang Khan, will I be required to stay at my home for quarantine for 2 weeks?

Will I have to report my address to immigration in Chiang Khan within 24 hours when I arrive or must I wait two weeks until I complete my two weeks of quarantine if required?

Has anyone considered that this gift of Pfizer vaccines to Thailand from the US government is another way to move Thailand away from the Chinese influence and closer to the US camp?

"The US has stated that it should be used to vaccinate front line health workers as third booster doses and then go to older people, those with health complications and those seeking to study abroad. 

Dr Nat pointed out that 800 medical professionals had been infected with Covid after getting two doses of sub-standard vaccine."

What is the sub-standard vaccine called? Sinovac?

The only ones who will come and accept a GPS tracking bracelet will be the Chinese who are used to this type of surveillance!

1 hour ago, Gulfsailor said:

Recommended by whom? From what I read this is not helpful and possibly even dangerous. 

I am on vaxation in France. Left Thailand 3 weeks ago! Got my first Pfizer vaccine 10 days ago. I was invited to a BBQ at someone's house near Paris and one of the guests was a high level immunologist who is advising the French government on their vaccine plan. This treatment with 75 mg of asprin was recommended by her. Of course like all medical advice, it is always best to check with your doctor before taking any medication even if it can be bought over the counter without a prescription. 

12 hours ago, hotandsticky said:

 

 

You have got more chance of being killed on the journey to the clinic/hospital.

 

You have more risk of getting DVT on a flight.

 

Your missus would have more risk if taking the contraceptive pill.

 

 

Those facts don't matter because if you are a worrier, you will worry.

It has been recommended to take 75 mg of asprin once a day for 2 weeks before the AZ jab and 2 weeks after which may lower the tiny risk of blood clots. 

6 hours ago, bkk6060 said:

Even with the vaccine  progress in the US, they are talking about another wave coming possibly in the fall.

Here, there are many people in the north or away from cities throughout the country that have no idea about registering or don't care or will not take time to do so.

Short of the government here actually getting out into communities throughout the country, I see this plan unfortunately as failing.

On 5/4/2021 at 11:09 AM, Kiujunn said:

Medconsult, 2600. Google it.

Nobody has ever mentioned anything cheaper. 

I registered yesterday out in the countryside in a very small village because my wife heard the announcement from the village chief on the loudspeaker. So I think this will work as there are good communications in the villages and the word is passing quickly. The nai ampur is saying that all farang will be vaccinated based on age and medical condition. They said work permit and pink Thai ID card are not required to be vaccinated.

I was told that the PCR test cost no less than 4000 in Phuket. Is there a thread with the pricing at all the hospitals in Thailand for farangs wanting to board an international flight to leave Thailand?

9 hours ago, farmerjo said:

Near Chumphae so 120 km's away.

Didn't get close enough to see inside its mouth but i had it's tail pinned so that's why it was angry.

Normal range of snakes here are-

Golden tree snake

Rat snake

Copper head racer

Checkered keelback

Pythons and Cobra,less of the last two and more of the above.

You will recognise a Cobra with distinct hood on the head and stand up straight.

The 1st four will move their heads back to the side.

The mrs works on the theory that slow moving snake dangerous,fast moving not.

 

I have joined the Facebook Group called "Snakes of Isaan" and they positively identified the snake the puppy brought home as a Yellow Spotted Keelback. The other snake that we saw a week earlier was Mekong Mud Snake. Both were said to be non venomous. The people in that FB group were very friendly and helpful. They are really snake lovers!

1 hour ago, Tagged said:

Location is always important to give when you ask for id of snakes. 2. Thai visa do not have any active snake experts as far as I know. 

 

If you need a quick id, search for the right group on fb. The mods of these groups will in most cases give you the right id in few minutes, and also give you instructions what to do, where to get antivenom, and also who can relocate the snake if necessery. 

 

And you will after some few months learn how to reconize different snakes. 

 

 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1076644525809817/?ref=share

Thank you for this very valuable link. I have asked to join this group and I am waiting for a reply so that I can post my photos on that group.

3 minutes ago, thaisail said:

That is an impressive fighter! Does he have fangs that can puncture deep? I am in Chiang Khan, Loei. Are you near to us?

This is our rice farm in Chiang Khan. We have three ponds full of fish! Perhaps that is why we are able to support these Asian Water snakes!

9 hours ago, farmerjo said:

Had one under the table outside the other day.

 

 

That is an impressive fighter! Does he have fangs that can puncture deep? I am in Chiang Khan, Loei. Are you near to us?

14 hours ago, thaisail said:

We have had three separate sources confirm that this snake is not a Malayan pit viper. These three sources are saying that this snake is harmless. I have sent photos of the snake to our vet in Loei and he said to wait an hour and if there were problems to bring the dog and the snake to the pet hospital in Loei which is a one hour drive from Chiang Khan. But our puppy is doing perfect and we can't find any mark indicating that she was bitten. She seems to be in perfect health 3 hours after the snake arrived. I will keep the snake in the fridge and see how things are in the morning. I plan to take to her and the snake to the vet in the morning anyway in Loei. 

Snake identified as a Checkered Keelback or Asian water snake and is non venomous!

https://reptilefacts.tumblr.com/post/123805913582/checkered-keelback-xenochrophis-piscator-the

3 hours ago, farmerjo said:

Looks like a checkered keelback.

Not poisonous but will hiss and strike if cornered.

Jackpot! Looks like you identified our snake! The giveaway is the eyes and the underside pattern. 

https://reptilefacts.tumblr.com/post/123805913582/checkered-keelback-xenochrophis-piscator-the

33 minutes ago, poohy said:

Not entirely helpful but my dogs have killed similar snakes certainly underside was identical

 

In that case seems according to locals  this snakes bite but not poisonous plus poisonous snake bite on puppy would show up pretty much immediately (bite mark and bite effect of poison's)

Lastly dogs seem to know the poisonous snakes and stay well away the ones that just bite they kill

My 3 kill about 2 a month here 

 

A vet check asap will put your mind at rest or failing that take dead snake immediately to local farmer and ask that will be quicker and cheaper

Thanks for your advice. We have sent photos to my brother-in-law who is a farmer in this area and he agrees with you that this snake is not poisonous. I had a dog 40 years ago that took on a rattle snake that was nearly 2 meters long under our house in Florida. There were two other dogs as well trying to corner the snake. My dog got bitten on the nose and eventually her head swelled up to double the normal size. I had no choice but to shoot the snake with a shotgun. The head was vaporized but I kept the rattle on the tail as a souvenir. There were 7 sections on the rattle indicating that this snake was 7 years old. 

1 hour ago, Sheryl said:

Could be a Malayan pit viper which is of course poisonous. Get the dog to a vet now.

We have had three separate sources confirm that this snake is not a Malayan pit viper. These three sources are saying that this snake is harmless. I have sent photos of the snake to our vet in Loei and he said to wait an hour and if there were problems to bring the dog and the snake to the pet hospital in Loei which is a one hour drive from Chiang Khan. But our puppy is doing perfect and we can't find any mark indicating that she was bitten. She seems to be in perfect health 3 hours after the snake arrived. I will keep the snake in the fridge and see how things are in the morning. I plan to take to her and the snake to the vet in the morning anyway in Loei. 

15 minutes ago, izod10 said:

First shot looks Malayan pit viper,second is the belly I take it,see a few squashed

Do you know if this snake is poisonous?

Please if anyone can identify this snake shown in the photos attached, please let me know if this snake is poisonous! My puppy brought it to to my front door dead but we think she killed it. 

I am trying to set up a small portable 2 KVA generator to supply power to lights and a small water pump during a blackout. If there is a black out, I will secure the main power on the consumer unit and shut off all the breakers. I would then connect the cable with a male plug to the generator and the opposite end of the cable to the outlet on the back patio using another male two pin plug. I would then start the generator and back feed 220 volts to the consumer panel. The power would only energize the circuit for the outlets in the garage which is good because nothing is normally connected to the garage outlets. If there was something connected, I would disconnect it. Then I would start the generator when everything is safe and make sure that no electric power can pass through the consumer unit and go into the power supply from the electric company. I would know when the black out ended when the voltage would show on my voltage protector. I would then secure my generator and unplug the jumper cable from the outlet and the generator and then turn on the main switch on the consumer unit.

When using the generator during the black out, I would use my clamp type amp meter to make sure that I don't overload the generator. Since all the lights in my house are LED, I think that there should be sufficient power for the lighting. The small water pump is only pulling 1.6 amps and would only run after some one used water in the sink or flushed the toilet. I would not turn on the power to the outlets in the house because of the refrigerators and no need to run them for a blackout less than 8 hours. I might try an experiment to see how one of my three Samsung double inverter 12,000 BTU aircons will work. Normally if run correctly, there would not be more than 4,5 amps. The big fridge is also inverter type and might have a soft start so that I could run the fridge when the water pump and air con would be secured. 

I want to be sure that no power can go to the city power supply through the neutral which would be energized on my side of the consumer unit during the black out but I need to be sure that there is no risk for anyone working on the power lines from the town. I am also interested to know if there is a reasonably priced transfer switch that I could use that would allow me to do this job in a safer manner. 

1 hour ago, fishtank said:

Your Wife could go and get your extension stamp. It is not a visa.

Nothing to stop you turning up at Immigration and ask if the paperwork has been received already or ask if you can return a week late.

 

Sorry I should have written marriage visa extension. If there is no risk, I will go see immigration this morning.

I applied for a marriage visa on February 16 and immigration came to my house in Chiang Khan, Loei on February 17. There is a stamp in my passport which states the my marriage visa is under consideration until March 18. However I must drive from Chiang Khan to Phuket with my daughter tomorrow and I would like to stay in Phuket until March 25 which would make me one week late to appear at immigration in Chiang Khan. I have considered going to CK immigration this morning and request a one week extension on my need to appear at the immigration office on March 18. Would making this request of immigration be risky for me since my marriage visa is still under consideration? 

Is it possible that I could send my passport to my Thai wife and could she bring the passport to CK immigration office to get the final one year stamp or do I have appear to sign a document?