Searat7

I rent small condo from farang owner. My AC was a mess too, not having been cleaned in ages...this should be done annually at owner’s expense. I showed her the dirty filters and the pail of black water after the cleaning...no problem for her to pay. Several small repairs I have done at my expense but I made sure to show her the improvements when she stopped by. I have lived in the same building for 12 years (several different owners)  with no lease, just a one month security deposit which has never been a problem. Renters should take care of the smaller things themselves here in Thailand. 

I used NYC consulate to obtain OA visas many times with no problem but now live in Florida so used DC this year....they processed visa within a day and then let it sit for a week before it was sent to me via Express Mail which I thought was strange...it was like they did this on purpose.  Otherwise no problem. 

American, Age 70, have used O-A visas since 2006. Currently staying in BKK only 7 months a year. New O-A visa issued June, 2019. Arrival in BKK July 7. Have already decided to reduce stay to 6 months and use METV for future stays, keeping under 180 days here. 
 

I plan to return to USA Feb 11 which is not a problem EXCEPT THAT I have booked 6 day trip to Vietnam early next month. Returning to BKK I would get stuck with a 30 day entry permit since I refuse to buy insurance here (many reasons) which leaves me about 32 days short of my departure date to USA. I am convinced that even if I was able to get re-entry permit at airport it would probably not be accepted 9 days later when I return. 

Obvious solution is to cancel Vietnam trip, take a loss and just return to USA in February. But I would really like to go there.  Any other ideas ? 

The problem is getting to the river. I live in Silom and the BTS is chocked full when it reaches Saladeng and there are big lines. Last year we gave up and walked to Lumpini.

I was told my a Chinese friend that the 200b payments are back again, putting money under passport so the infamous No Tipping signs must be gone.

Go to the gym 5 times a week and just by living in Bangkok do allot of walking. All of my friends are younger which helps too.

As soon as the runway quality problem was discovered years ago they should have built the third runway as the first part of airport expansion....this is really a no brainer

There was an expensive renovation at Jomtien Beach in the past year or so and the very last thing they touched were the quite disgusting public toilets for which they charged 5 b. After finishing the job they locked up the building and it was never opened for use-unless this happened in the past month.

20 hours ago, Jano22 said:

But living in a foreign country WITHOUT health insurance is safe ?

If you are very financially secure it is certainly safe. I had medical insurance here till I was 65 but now forced to buy in USA without coverage here except for first two months of any long stay. Cost of insurance here would be very high for little value and I only stay here 6-7 months a year anyway.

I read somewhere that consulates will start using the same computer system as Immigration sometime next year....not sure if this is true but would be a step in the right direction.

With the new edict on health insurance for new OA applications I foresee an increase in METV applications for those who live part time in Thailand but have been using the O-A visa in the past. I am among this group, from USA , well past normal working age and spending 6-7 months a year in Thailand. When my current O-A visa and re-entry permit expire I would consider using METV but be careful to stay here under 180 days a year- hopefully this will work but who knows !  I already pay a substantial amount for Medicare plus supplement plan in USA and am not interested in purchasing additional insurance here as I can easily pay for any medical expenses incurred. 

They finally admitted to having 19 inactive planes which includes the undesirable A340’s which have been collecting dust for years. Selling off the inactive planes is an important part of rehabilitation plan. When will they realize they have to bring in a non Thai with airline turnaround experience and full authority to make changes ?

I just had an account deduction of 300b for Be First card annual fee at BB

The airport just had its 13th birthday but they have not even added a third runway which is a no brainer. Takes forever to get anything done here.

Oasis Condo. Soi Pipat Bangkok....I believe they are listed on Booking.com

Three dead and 19 injured = 22 minus 2 in car behind still leaves the van with 20 people so there is no way most of them could have fastened seatbelts. The driver should be jailed for a long time.

Even some Vietnamese airports don’t accept e-visa. I am going to Dalat in December and that airport is not on their list which I believe includes some land entry points too.

Have they added any cars to the Blue Line ? The last time I checked they are still operating only the original equipment from 2004

I went to Pattaya (Jomtien area) this past weekend and found it very quiet compared to past years at this time. A number of bars and stores have been shuttered and the only places with customers seemed to be bars with live entertainment. Also saw a For Sale sign on a restaurant which was always busy in the past. 

It looks to me like another vessel struck the speedboat on its starboard side.

A friend arrived at BKK on Sunday and was told by IO that TM 6 is no longer required.

17 hours ago, NCC1701A said:

i stay with people who have a younger mind set. i had to tell a lifelong friend to stop with the old folks jokes because they don't apply to me.

 

i am 64 and go dancing in clubs in Bangkok and all my girlfriends are half my age and that really helps. 

 

motorcycle trip all over Thailand coming up oct, nov dec.

 

if you don't like my illusion or delusion please keep it to yourself.

 

Great advice...I do the same and go to the gym 5 times a week. Travel regularly. Stay active. As long as you have your health and your mind your age is just a number.

If you are fortunate enough to have a large income be prepared for a shock because Medicare B is indexed to your income for prior year and the base monthly fee of $135 can increase significantly even though you live in Thailand.