skycop51

I am appalled at this letter and I would certainly file a complaint in writing to the chief or who ever the hel_l is in charge there. You are correct as you are an American and should be treated better. Make an appointment get in there and voice both this issue and your situation.

skycop51

Tues. morning drove to the American consulate in CM for ACS service, arrived a little after 11:00 AM. Just needed to drop off absentee ballot application at the APO for forwarding to the States, which according to their web site is ok to do..

Security guards on duty were Thai, and did not speak or understand aIto do, tried giving me information about Thais applying for an American Visa, to get rid of me which they assumed was the reason for my visit because of Thai friend with me..

Meanwhile the guards said go away come back tomorrow. Lost my temper with them. shouting "Look dam_n it! I'm an American Citizen" and this is MY Consulate. You don't tell me what to do here. I don't want information about American Visa for Thais" They seemed to get the message, Thai friend translated my tirade into Thai for them so there was no question that they did not understand.

I demanded they call inside again. This time I spoke with a rep (think he was a Thai employee) who spoke excellent English. I explained the situation to him and said he would explain to the chief guard in Thai which he did on the phone while I waited. well they finally accepted my letter. The chief guard seemed to explain matters to the other 3, who could have cared less turned their back to the chief guard while the chief gaurd was addresing them.

I plan on making an issue of this with a letter to the Consule General and Ambassidor in BKK.

How could Consulate possibly hire security guards at the entrance with zero English skills. The guards are located inside the security hut within the consulate compound and as such were on American soil, not Thai soil, and representing the American consulate, when dealing with visitors. Last time I looked, English, not Thai, is the primary language in America!!

Would not the consulate be much better off with US Marine Security personel to provide security services and interface in English with visitors.

if anything serious happened at the consulate I think the Thai security guards would probably be totally ineffective at controling anything, not so the US MArines.

Rant is over Feel better now :D :D

Well to be honest that falls under the categaroy of "NONEYA"!

How many hours do you work?? how much do you get paid a month?? what is you average hourly wage?? do you get a yearly bonus?? yearly pay increase??

Help me on this one..that little Piano girl 25ish who verhas just won a grammy I thank making all kinds of money. A few years ago at Disney after a concert got a handshake and a autograph on a $50.00. Cute little girl too.

skycop51

like i said famous people i have met ,and where ?

i've met so many shirley bassey was an old freind of my family ,as a kid my mother lived next door to her ,met her at the talk of the town in london ,my father worked as a resident trumpet player there ,on meeting her he mentioned this ,and to his suprise she remembered the whole family ,we went to lunch with her and she remembered all the old child hood memories they had together ,very down to earth lady ,not forgotten her roots , tony christie ,tom jones ,and as a kid washed reg varneys rolls every sunday for 50 pence. who have you met and where

I am retired Military and they will give me only 2 months in advance is what they are telling me now. You are lucky.

skycop51

quote name='whittler' date='2007-12-10 10:45:31' post='1697636']

I plan on moving to Thailand soon (retirement) I will stay 11 months and go back to the ststes 1 month. While home

I plan on getting 1 year supply on my scripts, covered by insurance, low co-pay. Will this be a problem bringing in

when I come back home to Thailand?

Would there be a problem of having them mailed to me here in Thailand?

And last, if I rent a condo, or house. would mail be delivered there or would I get a P O Box at the post office?

Thanks

whittler

Now I have been around, to Thailand too. Married my Thai wife over 34 years ago and a lot has changed. So I am old and so forth. Now I would like to live here so, but I hear about crime and all of that. I want none of that. Hear you can not wear your gold etc . I know common sense prevails and don't be stupid etc etc. These things I know.

But Can I bring my laptop and leave it my guesthouse without it being stolen? I know those safes some hotels have are not safe. So will some one take time to help. I have posted a few places, but maybe you all do not care for Americans?

Looking to come for at least 6 months then swing right back after two months or so. Will get my resident visa the next time. Need to know that place where you live, stay in touch Ima comin...

william

William

Are you kidding? We love Americans! Or maybe I just say that because I once was one..

Crime in Thailand is frequently overstated but it certainly exists as in any other country. I have lugged my laptop along and kept it in hotel rooms all over the country for some seven years and never had a problem with it or anything else. Most hotels have safes either in the rooms or at reception and I think they are quite secure.

You didn't say whether CM is your preferred destination but there are safe places to rent all around. I live in a very nice gated community with security guards patrolling the grounds all day and night and I have not heard of any crime here. Rents are also quite reasonable and you can find a nice 2 BR house for 6-10,000 Baht/mo.. While most like a year lease, I am sure you can bargain for six months if you wish.

Of course nobody can tell you that your laptop will not be stolen, even in your own home in Florida but I see no reason for you to worry about Thailand unless you wind up in some of the more sleazy areas of town.

Good luck!

Now I have just been ignored. Just wanted to engage in basic topics etc. I too do not care for BSing etc. But again I just generally get innored. Maybe because I am older which I do not hide. I am coming to CM hopefully to retire if its civil and safe. I have a Thai wife and we just want a little peace and to enjoy the people, not the bars and any of that scene.

I do hope we both can find more of what we need on these forums. I have not as of yet.

William aka skycop51

I believe there is a regretable lack of maturity and civility on this forum, and I would like to encourage people who post on it to value the opportunity more seriously.

I have been "lurking," if I have the lingo down pat, on this site for a number of months. Basically new to Chiang Mai, I have always been interested in useful, interesting and fun information about the town, and some "back and forth" about issues is both enjoyable and productive. I have found some of that here, but I have found much more dross. Much more dross. And, too often, a distinct lack of couth.

This forum seems to have become a playground for a number of users in which to try to be humorous. Too many feel it an appropriate place to start what would elsewhere be considered a "private conversation." These conversations often get off topic and even more regretably turn into elementary school pissing contests with or without inane "emoticons." Worse, some of this turns into real "flaming."

I have gone with the flow for a long time and not complained. A few weeks ago, I happened to try out another geographical area forum on thaivisa and was startled to see a remarkably well-organized, well-administered site on which one basically finds intelligent, mature postings. Differences of opinion? Sure. Some ill-founded information? Sure. But the contrast is startling. It made this forum look like "romper room." So, here I am encouraging all to consider how useful this sort of communication can be and use it well.

I am coming to eventually live in Thailand and this issue worries me greatly. I served at Ubon RTAFB during the Vietnam was and and now am a 100% disabled Veteran. My name is William***too much personal information***USAF Jacksonville, Fl.

I can not get a decent word from anyone on this board about help finding us a safe house to rent next summer, we are coming over for six months to check the safety out etc. I have a home here in Florida and the market here is dead in the water. I would love to talk to you sir. Have heard some bad things stick up and robberies etc. I do not go women chasing been married a long time. I might have, ain't talkin bout it no more. I love my wife want peace now and some friends thats all.

thank

William

I know this has come up before but the latest news is good indeed.

The Chiang Mai Post of the American Veterans of Foreign Wars is now becoming a reality. If you are a married veteran of any foreign war, in any theatre, anywhere and living in Chiang Mai, reading this is a must!

Spouses of American combat vets are eligible for benefits you, or they, may not even be aware of and the VFW Service Officers here in Thailand are of incredible help to especially Thai or other foreign nataional wives in the event of your passing. Membership is inexpensive and the best insurance you can have that your spouse will receive whatever death benefits are coming to them as a result of your service.

The VFW is a non-profit service organization, not a branch of the American government or military and is there to serve you and your spouse when you go down, brothers.

I know that my loving Thai wife, as much as I try to teach her, will be ill-equipped to deal with suddenly being alone in terms of death certificates, notification of the American Embassy, forms and applications to the US Veterans Benefit Administration not to mention dealing with bank accounts, wills, probate, etc. after the passing of her American husband. For me, contact with this organization, if not membership, is absolutely essential.

If you care about the future of your spouse after you are comfortably dead, send me a personal mail for more information.

Trust me, you will be glad you did...

Now I have been around, to Thailand too. Married my Thai wife over 34 years ago and a lot has changed. So I am old and so forth. Now I would like to live here so, but I hear about crime and all of that. I want none of that. Hear you can not wear your gold etc . I know common sense prevails and don't be stupid etc etc. These things I know.

But Can I bring my laptop and leave it my guesthouse without it being stolen? I know those safes some hotels have are not safe. So will some one take time to help. I have posted a few places, but maybe you all do not care for Americans?

William

this is stupid...

or

go get alife

OK pattaya Related only please.. you just add 3 words see where the story leads.

Here we go. ( started it so I get more than 2 words)

"I was in walking street when I saw a farrang

this is off topic but really wish I could find out if it is safe up in CM these days. I am older and my wife and I want to settle down. Been married thai for 35 years do not fool around stuff. Want a safe place to live with decent friends etc. can you help with discussion please. I am American if that matters. Retired USAF.

thanks

Bake & Bite's christmas roast is really very good but the restaurant lacks a lot in atmosphere for my taste - last year we had turkey and trimmings at home using a combination of Rimping and Bake & Bite menus.

I agree on the Christmas atmosphere, but the food is GREAT and much cheaper than most other places. I paid 320 baht for tasty turkey and mashed potatoes, really nice mixed vegies and stuffing, hot parkerhouse rolls and a big piece of pumpkin cheesecake for Thanksgiving and was so stuffed I couldn't finish it at one sitting.

Can't beat that!

I would love to hear about that too as I am interested. I am just about to make the move. I have a house to take care of. Coming over next year for six months to look things over etc.

skcop51

I sent you a PM. Let me know if you didn't get it (the moderators here can be a little too 'ambitious' sometimes...)

Hello I am a newbe here and Married Thai for over 33 years oh wow and now we are old and fed up in the US. Want to slow down and move to the LOS.

I want to rent she wants a small house but we have a nice pension, not rich but modest but want it of course safe and here that is a good place in those communities., Any thoughts where this one is please.

Like to find a Mortgage I do have some cash...ideas again???? thanks

thanks,k

Skycop51

I have begged her not to buy but she wants to out side of bankgkok, we have some cash and a good retirement. Both US citizens she is also Thai. What is our chance of getting a loan. We are coming over this next summer. Thank you...Bill

If your wife has a job and can qualify on her own, no problem. Sometimes a falang guarantee helps.

Large deposits at the lender bank is persuasive.

I

There are so many variables involved, ie. length of mortgage, debt ratio, percentage of loan to value in addition to the credit worthiness of the borrowers, that I guess is that you just need for her to shop around and apply.

I see your picture and looks like you got beat up or something happened. I am sorry hope you are recovering niecly.

skycop51

NO! It's far more hideous than just always complaining fanta food! This is obviously a pack of lies and propaganda! How dare you smear Thailands name with these fairy tales! ThailanI d is perfectly safe and the police always try to help us although that never needs doing anyway because bad things never happen to us here.

Damian Mavis

From what little I know, is that Buddah is not a God. He was merly a monk who prayed, did good and reached Nirvana.

Did Lord Buddha Say God Didn't Exist, Or Just Wasn't Important?

Used to have them as a kid, so bad I cried. Nothing to fool around with if you ask me. At least go to a Pharamacy and ask for drops now.

skycop51

I have an ear infection. It's been so long, I'm not sure if it just goes away naturally, or if I need to get anti-biotics for it?

Anyone? What should I do?

Thanks.

Gra"ndpa was wrong. You got a right to protect yourself or family. I think killing the bastards sends out a real good message. "Leave this guy alone!"

Never mind thinking about shoot-outs and running gun battles with locals; maybe moving away from these insects might be a much better and safer idea? You so much as "wing" a local with a firearm, and they will be back in force and make it their miserable life's work to get revenge on you.

A gun is okay for protection, and I enjoy going to the shooting ranges; but I couldn't buy 80k's worth of fireworks and not let them off.

My Grandad once told me; "never bring anything into a fight that you wouldn't want stuffed up your a*se" which was always a reminder of mine.

I am a Big Classic Rock fan back in Jacksonville Fl. coming to Thailand. I am listening to Boston's greatest hits.

all the best

skycop51

Ok guys and girls. A few comments in Bedlam regarding some threads in this forum. Being too long, boring childish or whatever. There was a comment about whether people would read a full thread thats over X amount of pages. So since i started the previous."If You Are Listening To Music Now.., Whats playing? thread" Then i can be the one to request it to be closed and this new one started. To the MODS can you close the other and we can continue from here? Thanks in advance. So the question still is.............

If You Are Listening To Music Now.., Whats playing?

For me its....

Whole Lotta Love - Led Zeppelin

Now that sounds like a good prospect. What are the smaller green colored birds? Saw one on a lady's head at the flea market. Very cute bird that took to me right away. Would love to have one like that.

skycop

Can get a hill mynah from up North locally for about 1000 baht.Very intelligent birds and the children love them for their mimicry.

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People who mess with children need to be shot on the spot. Hate them most I think.

> and perhaps to pass on a message.

How about:  "Smuggling drugs in Thailand is a bad idea."

or: "Don't kill people."

or: "Have sex with people your own age."

Thanks!

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No Morris...died.

skyocp

Isn't Barry Gibb the BG who died?

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I live in Jacksonville in a three bedroom that is not the dumps but not that hot either. I can do a lot better with my $827.00 USD in LOS.

skyocp

a nice serviced studio apt in bkk can be had for $200 while a bare no frills studio apt in the usa would be at least $1000.

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Your painting with an awfully broad stroke. While that my be tru in some parts of the U.S., $1000 would get you a nice, three bedroom apartment in every city I've lived in in the U.S.

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I went to their web site and looked like you can apply right there. Could not complete yet (for wife) she turns 61 this year. Then we apply 2 months prior for the money.

I hope it goes well its not much for her's but in LOS even $400.00 is alot.

thanks

skycop

Approaching age 62, I just finished searching the SSA website for clues as to what I'll need to submit to start benefits -- and to whom and where. I had been under the impression I could do this at the US Embassy in Thailand. But according to the SSA website, I am wrong. Plus, the option to apply on-line and sign electronically is only available if you reside in the US.......

So, it looks like the closest place to file is at the US Consulate in Hong Kong (Korea and the Philippines would be the next closest). Has anyone been through this -- and if so, any recommendations/advice?

My Thai wife is a US citizen, with her own earned SS benefits, so she should have no problems. But I wonder what hurdles my friends with Thai wives who've never been out of Thailand will encounter iin order to get spousal benefits? Translated and certified birth and marriage certificates, at the minimum, I would guess(?). Plus, as nonresident aliens, such wives would have 30% of their SS benefits withheld for taxes(?).

And while you can have your SS check mailed to Thailand (bad alternative), direct deposit is still not yet an option here in Thailand (as of the latest SSA website update, July 2004). (Yet, if you live in such gardenspots as Haiti, you can......)

Ok, so it looks like I'll have to travel, at least the minimum distance to Hong Kong, to sign up for Social Security. I'll have my official 'raised seal' birth certificate with me, plus, as retired military, my DD 214. Do I need a Social Security card, or will anything official with my SS number on it do (like my military ID)? Certainly I'll discuss ahead of time with these folks what I'll need (including an appointment); but just trying here to preclude finding out I need something that requires a long lead time.

And will I have to go back to Hong Kong when I turn 65 to apply for Medicare B? (yeah, I know, Medicare doesn't extend to Thailand, but I do need to enroll to get Tricare in Thailand)

Thanks.

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Good Luck to you tell us how it goes..look forward to hearing.

skyocp

My husband and I are retiring to Thailand within the next 15 months. We are choosing to live in Korat, away from the big tourist and sexpat areas. We know of an English couple, and two couples with a Thai wife who resided in the US for 30+ years - so quite western and speaking fluent English. Thailand really isn't very popular among couples as a retirement destination. I guess most women are worried about how their husband will behave in a sexual candyland! Frankly, I'm not. I got along well with the sexpats I met at the Nana hotel when I stayed there. They seem to be nice enough men, if they notice the presence of a Western woman. Most don't; they are a bit too focused on sex and automatically filter out non-targets.

We will be doing some volunteer work, most likely. Maybe we'll take up golf. We'd love to get together and play Euchre with other couples. Maybe my husband would learn bridge if we met a couple who played it. We plan to continue spending time on our computers, and doing a bit of computer programming.

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Hello all hope all is ok with you.

I am very interested in buying a decent jade stone that I will use to make a ring for me. I am concerned about getting the real stone and not a rip off. Therefore want to ask if anyone knows where I can get a honest deal and a real stone. Without having to take out a loan.

Thanks,

Skycop