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Everything posted by statman78
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Deputy House Speaker Calls for Accelerated SEZ Development
statman78 replied to snoop1130's topic in Thailand News
While it would be good for the economy here in Chiang Rai, the selfish me would like to see less development. I enjoy our relatively quiet life here. When I what a little more excitement I head to our condo in Bangkok. -
Four unanswered questions about the Biden classified documents
statman78 replied to Scott's topic in World News
Something is going on. The first set of documents were discovered in November but it was not reported in the news until January. It sounds like some sort of coverup to me. -
I used Wise January 5th to transfer $2000 US to my Bangkok Bank account. It took several hours to get into my account. It was coded as an international funds transfer. The same for. $1500 US transfer back in December. I code it as general living funds (or something similar, I can’t remember the exact wording)
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3 Month Bank statement for Immigration
statman78 replied to MJCM's topic in Thai Visas, Residency, and Work Permits
At least here in Chiang Rai it is easy. I just did my retirement extension last month. In November I had Bangkok Bank give me a 11 month statement since it had to come from the main office. The day of my appointment for my extension I stopped at my local bank branch, updated my bank book, got a statement for the last month and the bank letter. Since I copies made of my bank book I had my bank make a copy of the last page which showed the update. I went to immigration and 20 minutes later everything was approved. Since the immigration office in Chiang Rai is not the main office for the area I needed to return the next day to pickup my passport with my new extension. No problem for me since it is only a 10 minute drive to the office. -
As people have posted, I arrived this past Monday just after noon and the lines were short. Took about 5 minutes. The luggage arrive soon after I got to the the baggage carousel. Unfortunately my bag never arrived and I am still waiting.
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I got my first Thai license while my US license was still valid. Right after that I let my US license expire. When it came time to renew my Thai license I did not have any problems. I’m not sure about the EU but I no trouble renting a car in the US with my Thai license. I could have easily renewed my US license but I wanted to make sure I did not have too many connections to the US. Since I can show my country of residence is Thailand, I do not need to pay US income tax on my retirement income.
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The flower festival in Chiang Rai, is in the same location, next to the river. December 25 to January 8. There is another one near walking street but I don’t know the dates. It will be right around the same time but is open longer but it is smaller than the one near the river. my wife and I go every year.
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Re-entry permit successfully
statman78 replied to Jack1988's topic in Thai Visas, Residency, and Work Permits
Last week I also got my re-entry permit here in Chiang Rai. Twenty five minutes total, 10 minute drive to Immigration, 5 minutes at immigration, then 10 minute drive back home. I prefer to have it in my passport before getting to the airport. One less thing to do at the airport. -
I still read books here in Thailand. I love browsing in the used book shops in Bangkok. I also get some books on my IPad. We just added a room to our house in Chiang Rai and my wife wants to put in a fake fireplace. I already have my recliner and reading lamp set up. We are having a few winter scene prints framed to go above the fake fireplace so it will feel like our old home in northern US without the extreme cold and snow to shovel. ????
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More than 57,000 passengers arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport yesterday
statman78 replied to snoop1130's topic in Thailand News
I hate to see what immigration looks like when they open all the new gates they just built. -
For my last 4 retirement extensions I used the monthly income method. I transferred over 65k baht from my US account to my account here in Thailand. When I do my annual extension at the end of December I’ll have my 12 transfers complete. I’ve never had ant issues with Chiang Rai immigration using this method. For the next extension I am considering putting 800k in the bank. Here are my questions. 1. after this current extension is complete, my next extension will be due 29 January 2024. When do I need to have the 800k in the bank? Is it 2 or 3 months before my application? 2. I plan to get my next extension at the end of December since I can apply 45 days before my current one expires. I do not plan on transferring money to Thailand unless I need it. Is there a minimum balance I need to have in my account from the time I get my current extension and when I need to bring in 800k? I plan to have 100k-200k in my account for unexpected expenses. 3. Does the 800k need to be a foreign transfer? We are trying to sell a farm we have and I would use some of the proceeds to cover the 800k. (If you are interested in buying a nice farm in Chiang Rai send me a message ????)
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The book store listed by th3 OP is good. There is another one on Sukhumvit Rd between Soi 26 and 28 that also sells the same type of used books. The place is Dasa Books
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I have used the income method for the last 3 years. My embassy (US) does not provide an income verification letter. I get a 1 year bank statement plus I provide a copy of my bank book. To make it easier for them I highlight the monthly transfers. On the bank statement and in my bank book the transactions are noted as foreign transfers.
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90 day report blues....or maybe not?
statman78 replied to Toolong's topic in Thai Visas, Residency, and Work Permits
Last month I did my 90 day report online like I always do. Like the OP I received an email notice that it was received. I usually get an approval notice the next day with a pdf showing the next due date. This time, like the OP, I did not receive the approval notice. After 2 days I logged in and checked status and I could see that it was approved so I downloaded the pdf. There must be a glitch in the system. -
Have you had a confirmed case of Covid 19?
statman78 replied to kwonitoy's topic in COVID-19 Coronavirus
Tested at home in April. Was negative on the first day of having symptoms. Tested positive on days 3-7. Symptoms basically gone after day 3. I had a J&J vaccine in The US June 2021. Had 2 Pfizer vaccines here in Thailand, December 2021 and January 2022. Got Covid in April 2022. -
Starting Social Security benefits
statman78 replied to DineshR's topic in US & Canada Topics and Events
When I applied a couple of years ago, the office in Manila did give me a phone call to very some of the information on mt application. -
Starting Social Security benefits
statman78 replied to DineshR's topic in US & Canada Topics and Events
rwill, I’ve been getting social security payments for about 2 years. Like you I receive payment on the 3rd of every month. In the US it’s based on the first letter of your last name. During COVID they did not send out the annual letter to confirm that you are still alive. I received my first one about 2 months ago. It had a couple of questions asking about if I started working again. I had to sign it and have a.witness sign it. It then needs to be returned 5o the US by mail. -
90 day report App or website?
statman78 replied to stat's topic in Thai Visas, Residency, and Work Permits
I use the website without ant problems. I also use Google Chome for my browser. -
Thailand’s ambitious bid to co-host 2034 FIFA World Cup gathers pace
statman78 replied to webfact's topic in Thailand News
Based on the comments it looks like people did not read the full article. Thailand alone would not be hosting the World Cup. Other ASEAN nations would also participate. Much like what will happen when Canada, the US and Mexico jointly host the World Cup. -
Non Immigrant 'O' based on Retirement.
statman78 replied to DoctorB's topic in Thai Visas, Residency, and Work Permits
Check around at different banks and even different branches of the same bank. In the past I had no trouble opening an account with just a tourist visa. I’m not sure if they accept an outside bank account when applying for the non-o with8n Thailand