mokwit

I did all the right things for 20+ years and then had a tumor the size of a golfball in my colon. I also have mild hypertension despite doing all the things you do to lower blood pressure for years. I had no need to go to a Doctor for 20 years and so I was always putting off the colonoscopy and tests I knew I needed to have. I wasn't thinking if I exercised enough and ate enough vegetables I wouldn't get sick. Fact is I didn't, but I did get older and that is when things start in previously healthy people.

I would have thought there would have been richer pickings in Suthisthan, especially illegal possession of firearms.

Farangs on overstay need not apply - they are not benefiting a Thai employer.

Be careful what you wish for.

Why would you? OX is a 5 year visa where you have to put 3m in a Thai bank and then requalify at immigration each year for 5 years when you can extend for another 5 years and that's it. Why not put 800k in a bank for a Non O retirement extension and "requalify" each year with no limit?. OX is a complete hassle. https://www.immigration.go.th/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/20.Non-Immigrant-Visa-O-X.pdf

Man, that must be a good trough.

Yes, I am hearing stories of people being treated and none of being turned away, but you can't know for sure.

Should have added "assuming you cannot travel". Yes, and that is what I intend to do for end of life care However, It is not certain I can just go back for surgery - they changed the rules to prevent non residents doing that - it is pot luck whether you get treated. Some may have to reestablish ourselves in the country to get that treatment. I should be able to stay with family, but being sick and looking for somewhere to live and all the necessary visits to various agencies and all the paperwork won't be easy. Seems B&B in Blackpool is an option. If you still retain an official presence/property in your own country then it is a "no brainer", but some of us came here with $1,000 and the clothes on our back 25+ years ago.

'catastrophic accident or illness' will be more than an emergency surgery. Also things can be ongoing, operation after operation, long stays in hospital. I paid Bt141,000 for emergency surgery and 8 days. Now I am looking at another 330k, and maybe more down the road.

Seems you can't insure for what yo really need to - over 70 health care needs and end of life/debilitation.

Dead giveaway, if we were playing spot the shill.

Separate from import duties, major reason for doing it on a new form is to ensure the correct classification labeling for Thai customs e.g a computer graphics card - I f I label it as "computer part" it (correctly) gets treated as such - if someone labels it as "video card" as many sellers would, we may now be classified as broadcasting equipment and different duty or even import license required (hypothetical example to make the point). Agree, questionable and unclear where the liability lies. May be more likely that the person who is making the declaration is doing something illegal - not sure where the liability would lie - If someone makes a false declaration I would not think it was the courier who was held liable, although I have had packages opened, presumably by the courier. No sales tax with planet express if you pay $10/month for Oregon(?) warehouse shipping.

With Planet Express this doesn't happen. You enter the customs value on a new label. They can repackage also.

A saying translates out of Thai as: The big fish in the pond don't go after the other big fish.

Wi Fi.

You might have a problem getting either without one.

Exactly this. So many businesses with one foreigner and no sign of the wife and two other employees or a ratio of non Thai employees to Thais that the regulations only allow for priority BOI companies. A Westerner would last 5 minutes doing that.

Presumably the guys who stand outside the hotel coffee shop opposite Foodland were checked and found to not be competing with Thais or selling anything illegal.

The current crop of vendors, primarily "marital aids" sellers etc are not Thai. Not sure what Nationality they are.

.....but it is best to have it with you in case it is....................

Collective punishments.

In my country all forms for free healthcare and welfare benefits have been translated into 26 languages and they must provide interpreters. Note: I don't approve and I think Tony Blair should be sent the bill for this.

Anywhere that changes the financial terms of visas/extensions without grandfathering is NOT a retirement destination. Look at the angst on this web board amongst retirees here due to ever shifting visa/extension sands.

The Thais expect that they can play one off against the other, but I think they will find China can make them make a choice, and the US can't.

Heads up for anyone transferring retirement (and assume marriage) extension at CW - you will need your bankbook, updated on the day. Bank letter and statement also might be good to have.