oldgeezer

This could just be a browser issue.

Many sites are optimised for IE and do not work well with other browsers

The first thing both techs checked was browser issues. Both IE and Chrome were ok. True admits there problem as they have to go to their networking people to sort out. Vipre has confirmed none of their customers in Thailand can update software or definitions.

The least likely are the items you are concerned about. More likely (by quite some margin of probability) is one of about 15 boring technical issues that can and do exist on such networks as those typical found serving apartment internet access. Majority of which you have no control over.

Hear here. Right on the money

Just a thought: are you using a script-blocking add-in (like NoScript) in your browser?

Both Vipre tech and True tech remote accessed my pc using two different browsers and checked every possible windows and true status. The conclusion was true had a problem that they will have to take to their network group so sort out.

I followed them on the screen all through their checks and True tech checked link Vipre/True and got "timed out" signal immediately many times in succession. It is a True network problem. I also have two computers that worked fine, showing latest Vipre updates as Jan 18. Both computers have same problem even though my wife rarely uses her laptop.

But thanks for your interest. Hope they get this sorted out soon.

One question: Is anyone else out there experiencing problems with virus program updates?

I use GFI Vipre anti spy and malware program. Now will not update definitions. After 3 hours with Vipre's extremely competent and professional staff night before last, they determined the problem is my True internet ISP. Not just passing the buck. They followed up with an email saying they verified no one in Thailand can update software or definitions even though no other countries are having this problem.

At their advice yesterday I called true, explained the problem and they said they would check and get back to me in two hours. 26 hours later I still have no response.

At least I know where the problem is if not how to correct.

Verified:

No proxy

No virus

True is blocking

GFI Vipre is hot on the trail.

Most professional, courteous and knowledgeable technical support I have ever experienced with a software or hardware provider and I bought my first computer in 1987.

At least I know it is fruitless to deal with True on this issue.

Udate:

I was too hasty with the true comment.Just got off the phone with their tech support. Took remote control of my pc and seemed to conclude they had to go to their networking people to see what was going on. Very courteous and helpful with nice lady translating for the tech. Who seemed to be very proficient.

I use GFI Vipre anti spy and malware program. Now will not update definitions. After 3 hours with Vipre's extremely competent and professional staff night before last, they determined the problem is my True internet ISP. Not just passing the buck. They followed up with an email saying they verified no one in Thailand can update software or definitions even though no other countries are having this problem.

At their advice yesterday I called true, explained the problem and they said they would check and get back to me in two hours. 26 hours later I still have no response.

At least I know where the problem is if not how to correct.

Verified:

No proxy

No virus

True is blocking

GFI Vipre is hot on the trail.

Most professional, courteous and knowledgeable technical support I have ever experienced with a software or hardware provider and I bought my first computer in 1987.

At least I know it is fruitless to deal with True on this issue.

my wife says once you had your trip to the usa, you are cleared for 10 years, right ?

That is for a visitors visa. Nothing to do with immigrant visa/green card.

If she was gone for more than 6 months, upon her return, immigration will give her the choice of surrendering her green card or the will take it and provide the information required to go to court and dispute the action.

If she surrenders her card she will most likely be provided with a 6 months visitors visa.

If she then wishes to renew her green card and does not do that within 1 year it is likely her green card will be considered to be "abandoned" in which case, she will have to make a complete new application. This process is very time consuming and involves the Dept of Homeland Security as well as the U.S. Visa services.

Many other issues may be involved depending upon individual circumstances, not the least of which is a sponsor, demonstration of intent to immigrate permanently, financial capabilities, etc.

In the interest of clarification on eligiblility for 30 baht insurance:

I have been here on retirement extension continually for seven years, renting homes all that time.

Married to a Thai lady for 30 years.

Eligible or not?

_{Thanks to those that gave me some hints. Tried several things but no difference. Folks on Internet forums seem to agree that their download speed is roughly 10 time upload. Coincidence?}

_{But thanks again.}

I live in the Suan Luang area west of BKK and have True HIspd internet.

Checked my speed recently and have:

Download speed: 2.3 Mbps

Upload speed: .23 Mbps

Upload speed seems very slow, but would like to compare with others that may know about True internet.

According to website, global average for upload is 4 times my connection.

Would appreciate comments.

Thanks much.

I was referring to the "Thai Residency" statement in the headlne. Did he have residence status. He doesnt have to be stripped of a stamp in his passport a visa..

Headline in The Nation: An Iranian man arrested in connection with Tuesday's blasts in Bangkok has been stripped of Thai residence status, Immigration Police chief Pol Lt-General Wibool Bangthamai said yesterday.

No further reference was provided in the article. Can anyone provide further details about this Iranian's "Thai residence status". Knowing the criteria for residence, and if true, it doesn't seem possible without some special dispensation. What's up?

Everyone has an opinion. Here's mine.

Keep it simple. Get 90 day visa from U.S. When in Thailand, apply for retirement visa. Either deposit 800K baht or if 65K baht monthly income, get affadavit signed in U.S. Embassy.

Take required paperwork to Immigration. Get retirement extension. Forget about O,A.etc. Keep it simple.

Check upload speed. Mine is .22Mbps. About 1/2 dialup. Has been for 4-5 days. Flood?

Download is ok at 1.3Mbps.

My experience has been to watch carefully what is being denied before it has been alleged.

So officials have a helicopter to fly around in, when it could be used to deliver supplies. Maybe they should have bought those submarines after all!

I appreciate your post is sarcasm and well taken.

Alternative, buy 2 Submarines from Korea for $500,000,000 or build 10,000 Army type DUKW's for same price. Puts Thai's to work, new business for thailand for entire east and SE asia. Holds min of 32 people each, tons of supplies....etc..................................Goes on land, water everywhere.

And Khun Chalerm is...................?

The fact that "The floods will last for weeks" is probably true and interesting. The real question is when will the water pressure against the temporary and permanent dams and gates be below levels of danger. And what is happening with the levels, as there has not been much rain and gates have been open for a couple of days.

From this morning's "The Nation"

"LATEST"-"Bangkok opens watergates"

"Runoff from Nava Nakorn rages through waterworks canal"

Pathum Thani deluge 'out of control'

"HOT NEWS"-"Plans to let capital flood ruled out - The government has ruled out a proposal to allow runoffs to pass through Bangkok before draining into the sea"

She said the water from Bangkok's canals would not overflow onto the roads. "But if it does overflow, we will use pumps," she said.

Asked whether Bangkok could be considered safe from floods, Yingluck said, "It's a surveillance area. It's not a risky area".

I feel much better now.

If the OP is 56 years old and can now draw $1400 a month, this is not from SS. Then if he can draw $4500 a month at age 62, at least $3000 of this is not likely to be SS. One can assume the majority of his retirment income will come from sources other than Social Security. This would necessitate waiting until 62, at which time the difference between early SS draw and maximum would not be much.

Complicated but think this through.

Sorry, but trying to be as brief as possible.

Retirement extension and 90-day notification of staying longer than 90 days and Thai ID card

I understand the reasons for yearly extensions of visas and the new offices are a pleasant change from the previous.

I must comment that the necessity for tracking of retirement vs. marriage and other types of visas should be recognized. For instance, marriage, education and other status may change, wherein retirement visas are likely until death. Of course at which time, one can no longer show up to extend.

I have been married to a beautiful Thai lady for 28 years, and have a non-resident retirement visa. Perhaps after 5 years, one could be allowed a 5 year extension and freedom from 90 day reports. I spend all of my time and income in Thailand and it would be nice to have some type of ID card to show (non) residency and allow one to keep their passport under lock and key where it belongs.

Thank you for your consideration.

I extended my retirement visa today. U.S. embassy at 7:30 am. Took 1/2 hour. Taxi to Chiang Wattana, extended visa, filed 90 day report and finished at 10 am.

I no longer need bank letter, butI was told also that bank letters could be obtained in the same building as immigration. That used to take a day due to having to go to main BKK branch, fill out forms and return in afternoon to pick up signature. Now my 2 day ordeal is down to 3 hours.

They have taken a complicated extension process and made it simpler. But have taken the simple 90 day reporting process and made it complicated. Mail in from now on.

Go Thailand.

My hotmail hasn't been working for a week. I can open hotmail. But cannot open or send any messages. This is in Bangkok. The computer was fine with hotmail before last week and I have not made any changes to my configuration system.

I had the same problem last week, as did hundreds of others. Must have been a result of an update as I never had problem before.

I run Windows xp and followed the following, which solved the problem.

Go to your hotmail screen

Under options, click "more Options"

Under "customizing hotmail', click "advanced privacy settings"

Under "using https for extra security", click "go to https settings"

Select "USE HTTPS AUTOMATICALLY"

Click "SAVE"

That solved my problem instantly.

Hope this helps you and many others.

After getting a very minor ding in the back bumper of my 1992 Mercedes, I was reminded that even though cars are expensive here, insurance for an older car and repair parts and labor are extremely cheap. While insurance paid for repainting back bumper, I had front bumper restored. My cost 1000 baht. I bought the car 4 years ago from a good friend mainly because it was pristine inside and out. We've spent the last four years completely going through the mechanical, tires and computer systems. Looking through the bills, I must say it was amazingly cheap, and the work was first class. I now have the most immaculate 300E in Thailand, and all on a beer budget.

Thanks to all for your input. This came up mainly due to a discussion with our Thai neighbors when they revealed their belief that everything in America was very expensive. They were surprised to find out that with the exception of fruit and veggies from the far east, the U.S. was cheaper. And with food prices going up here, that may not continue. Not sure they believe it even now.