mosan

You must have missed the part where the OP said he wanted a "Multiple Entry" not "Single Entry"—said he travels often and didn't have his financials in order. I gave him the easiest option......What? And exactly where did I say this was the "ONLY" choice?

A Thai Embassy or Consulate in "your" country is sovereign territory and the "rights" groups will have zero influence on them. Period.

You can fly into Bangkok without a VISA. Once you're there you can go to Savannahket, Laos which is across the border from Mukdahan, Thailand and with the proper documentation you can get your Multiple Entry Non-Immigrant "O" VISA.

The income of your "Partner" in Thailand has absolutely no bearing or your obtaining a VISA—the income must be your own—no joint bank accounts (in Thailand) accepted.

Most people that use the Thai Consulate in Savannahket do not have to show financials, however, one must always be prepared. An income affidavit from your home Embassy in Thailand, or a 20,000 Baht in Thai bank (carry your bank book), or even 20,000 Thai Baht in your pocket can never hurt.

An always be courteous, and smile a lot!

Anywhere else in Asia, she would be shot or hanged for drug trafficking. Anywhere in the west, they would have tracked down the buyers at the bus station and made a ton of arrests. But, TIT.

I don't know if it occurred to you, but I think, the authorities don't really want to try and catch the "big fish". They don't want to face the consequences of maybe stumbling into one of their own...which could be trouble for them. I'm just saying.

I did not use a VPN or any IP spoofing software to sign up for the My Social Security account. However I did talk to a SS Rep using Skype on the US Information line, and they told me to make sure to log on during United States Eastern time zone during the specified times the site is open and to make sure I try to log on first thing at the start of the business day. One hour into the business day, the servers are so busy you may never get logged in. I followed their instructions and got in on the second try. Nothing special, just timing luck. And I was using Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 and Windows 8.1 -- not that it should make a difference. The software on Social Security's site only wanted the correct spelling of my name, my address shown on my tax returns (I've been filing from my Thailand Address since 2003), and my mother's correct maiden name the get through. Done, and done.

Do not let sleeping dogs lie...if you can't afford to miss payments, then act now! I've just started receiving benefits in March of this year. I got the form today (will mail it back tomorrow). My money is deposited in my stateside bank account. IRS, SS, and my bank only have my Thailand address. And, by the way, I set up a SS account online on their website and applied for benefits online without a problem in October 2014. I've never called or emailed the SS office in Manila for anything--everything is working fine.

You say you got a bad motherboard. My question is did you buy the motherboard here in Thailand or did you buy it direct. If you bought it from a vendor here, then they will exchange the motherboard (providing it's still under warranty at no cost to you and the vendor will take care of the exchange. You only need to drop the part off, let them confirm it's bad and they take care of the rest. You only need to pick up your new part when it arrives--and maybe, maybe pay a small fee for their trouble (100 - 200 Baht.

If you bought it direct, then it's usually pot luck as to whether or not customs intercepts your shipment.

No need to hassle with import/export licenses, find a good vendor like Banana, or JIB computers, a well capitalized mom and pop shop or even that Alien shop in Phuket and they will special order anything you'd like and you don't have to worry about customs or which delivery service is used.

Been here for years (14+), been doing this for years, and it works for me.

If you go to the US Embassy website and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) you will get this information and other pertinent data sent directly to your email inbox.

"U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Thailand are strongly advised to enroll in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) https://step.state.gov/step/. U.S. citizens without Internet access may enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. By enrolling, you make it easier for the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in case of an emergency."

I am saddened to hear that Abhisit was involved in such a farce. What is the U.S. government supposed to do? Take a side in this internal conflict? It's normal to deal with the current legal government whatever it is when there are relations between nations, and there are relations between the USA and Thailand. It doesn't mean the U.S. government is endorsing the government or fighting the opposition. That's not their role. The USA can't win. When it acts imperialistic it is justifiably dissed and when it doesn't its dissed as well.

So does this mean more of this faction are becoming more anti-American? How does their level of anti-Americanism compare to the red and PTP side? As an American living in Thailand, I suppose it would be useful to know.

Exactly what part of this action leads you to believe anti-Americanism is involved here? They simply went to the embassy to ask the US government not to support the current Thai administration. Did you just misinterpret what was written? Help us out here...

I'd like to reiterate that it's been made almost clear that no new transfers will be issued, only new extensions. If you joined late and started reading in the middle of the thread, then I suggest you go back and start reading from the beginning.

Just for the record, when I got my new passport, the American Embassy automatically gave me a letter addressed to Immigrations requesting the transfer of information to my new passport. In the mean time, I'll look around and see if I have a copy of that letter in my files somewhere. Mind you, this was a back in 2006 when I last renewed my passport.

Strange... I'm sure some of these visa holders are bad guys, but I know some good folks who live around me here in Thailand that paid 15,000 to 25,000 Baht to get a visa because they thought is was a perfectly normal thing to do! Casual conversation with others told them it beats all the hassle!

Additionally, I've met people doing multiple tourist visa runs because they didn't understand the rules and didn't know how to find the rules (or never inquired.)

Not to mention all the do gooders that duck their heads when you pass them in Tesco or Big C. Makes you wonder how clean their background is...many are probably here posting on Thaivisa...

This morning at 10:30 I arrived at Phibun Immigrations here in Ubon Ratchathani. After being closed for two days and this being a short 3 day work week, the placed was packed. They have a new system in place where you take a number like in the banks and post offices, then have a seat and wait your turn.

To make a short report even shorter, I submitted the following items along with 1900 Baht:

1) Passport

2) Income Affidavit from the US Embassy

3) Form TM-7 Application for Extension of Temporary Stay in the Kingdom (with one 2cm x 6cm photo)

4) Form TM-6 Arrival/Departure card (along with 2 copies each of the front and back.)

Also included were 2 copies of the following pages from my passport:

a) Signature page

Initial Non-Immigrant O Visa stamped page

c) Latest Extension of Stay stamped page

As an additional hedge, I had two copies of my Retirement Pension Statement which shows monthly and annual amounts paid plus contact information, and my Thai Yellow Book house registration—neither of which are required...though I included them in the stack of papers I turned in.

My number was called after about 30 minutes, my paperwork was processed in 30 minutes. At 11:30 I walked out the door with my 1 year extension. All was smiles and cordial.

JC

Just go to EBAY and search for Windows 7. Many people sell their old Windows 7 Keys and most will just email the key to you. Also many vendors have overstocked copies of Windows 7, and will also sell you the DVD but most offer the option of only getting the Product Key emailed to you.

invadeitdotcom Replace the "dot" with a period...

By the way, The Product keys cost anywhere from 800 to 1500 Baht, and this goes for you unlicensed XP user also. Get legal and get the windows updates without looking over your shoulder. For a few dollars, quid or baht, it's worth having less hassle to deal with!

Just Google "Windows 7 Product key." There are many resellers that bought overstocked copies of Windows 7 and will gladly sell you a legal product activation key (without the disc) and email it to you in literally minutes. Activate your present copy and off you go!

Well, it's up to you mate, I'm just trying to help you while helping myself at the same time. My Honda is new for all intents and purposes. It just sits around gathering dust for the most part. Just thought I could save you some heartache and about half the cost of a new one off the showroom floor.

Cheers

Just for the record, I'm in Ubon and I got my income letter during the Consulate Outreach in January of this year (2012). Prior to renewing my annual extension, I call Pibun Immigrations and asked how long the letter was good for. The officer replied that the letter was good for on year (12 months from the date of issue). Completed my extension in July (2012), no questions were asked and I was in and out in under 30 minutes.

So, what you're trying to say is that you forgot where you are living!

I have a Honda Scoopy - I with 2000 Kilometers on it, about one year old. Send me a Private Message for additional details.

The majority of us do not have full time jobs. I spend most of my time helping others with DIY tasks, whether it be research, a physical helping hand or tending to my own self help projects around the house. There are many, many things to do as standards vary wildly between foreigners and locals. I have spent more time fixing things in my 2 year old house than I did in the 19 years I spent in my previous house in the USA. If you're not going to work full time, then a hobby is a must—even if it's trekking to the stores each day just to purchase the days meal.

I've been in and out of Thailand since 1972 and without a doubt, the best Christmas parties have been at a close friend's house. Or even an acquaintance for that matter. On the occasion, several of us (foreigners) get together at one or the other's house for presents, dinner, drink and songs...even American football and it's always a blast. Last year we spent the day at an Englishman's house in Ubon Ratchathani and I experienced my first taste of Christmas pudding. It's very similar to an American fruit cake, soft and with a touch of liqueur and cream poured over the top...excellent. This year's gathering will no doubt be as fun filled as those in the past. I hope you find someone having a private party such as those I've experienced here, and if not, drop me a message on or about the 15th of December and I'm sure I can get you on the guest list. Sorry, not the full Monty, but sure to be great fun!

I have no idea what Null8x is talking about, the GPad series are decent Android tablets. Most are running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and use the Google Play app store. Everything I have put on my GPad 7.0 Explorer III (S) has worked flawlessly. My apps include Kindle Book reader, Google Maps, all kinds of movies, podcasts and streaming audio from the web. I've even gone into Tesco's food court or other restaurants that offer WiFi and streamed NFL Game Pass to watch American football through the standard Google web browser. And my model only has a 1.2 GHz processor with 4 Gigabytes of storage--though I have added a micro SD card for an additional 16 Gig of storage memory. Most of the newer ones have 1.5 GHz Dual Core processors, 8 to 16 Gigs of on board storage and the micro SD slot to add an additional 32 Gigabytes of storage with 7", 8", and 9" screen sizes. All for only 3500 to 6000 Baht and their upgradeable to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. My particular model lasts for about 6 to 8 hours watching video but lasts up to 12 hours when just reading books or listening to audio books or podcasts or streaming radio, etc. I've never figured out how long it takes to recharge, because I usually plug it in at night at bedtime. I started to buy a Galaxy Nexus 7 for 12,900 in our local IT mall, buy I'm glad I saved the money (mine cost 3,500 baht.) I really just wanted something to tide me over until the Windows 8 tablets came out, but now I'll be happy until the price on those drop to truly affordable...probably about a year from now!

Here is a real solution if you want...bring or send me your tower only. I will install Windows XP on it for you. By the way, I built computers and managed networks for a living before I retired. Send me a Private Message with a way to contact you so we can acertain if we can make this happen. Will not cost you anything but your time and it'll give me something to do for a couple of hours.

Cheers

I recall reading a few months ago that the banking rules have changed for foreigners on retirement visa's, in that the required funds (800,000 THB) can be maintained in a Thai OR foreign account of your choice. Can anyone very/confirm this?

Taking your post literally, RETIREMENT VISA applicants can use funds in an account outside Thailand (usually your home country) to obtain said visa. This visa must be applied for in your home country, NOT from within Thailand. It has been this way for a long time.

If you are talking about a retirement extension of stay, however, the money must be in a Thai bank.

Nothing new.

The money does not have to be in a Thai bank to get a retirement extension of stay. I have been here for 10 years and it's always been the case that you can maintain your money in your home country, or any other account/investment vehicle for that matter. The only thing you need is "PROOF" of said funds. Meaning they can call the entity on the phone and verify your account and the amount. Alternately, have a authenticated letter (which I use) with a phone number and contact names from the company or investment firm that holds your funds. Your mileage may vary depending on your local immigrations officer, but this is covered by the immigrations rules.