Danthai

5 hours ago, Gecko123 said:

I hear where you're coming from, but given that a substantial percentage of Thais have income less than 30k, and the average social security benefit in the US is $1,360 the 65k cost of admission seems somewhat arbitrary. It should also be kept in mind that this change was announced without warning less than 90 days prior to implementation after remaining the same for decades. This is a fairly significant change and a longer lead in time to make adjustments would have been useful. I don't think this shows much sensitivity to the financial realities many people face.

Your right! I believe there were 3 changes by end of January if you include Big Jokes request for leniency in 2019 until filers in 2020. 

3 hours ago, garyk said:

After reading threw many threads here. Personally I think the U.S., SS administration should start cutting benefits for people retiring to Thailand. Basically treating them as Foreigners having worked in the US, and returning home to collect US benefits. That should help shore up the SS monies, and deter retirement in Thailand.

Of course anyone with a current extension of stay would be grandfathered in, but it would essentially stop all people from considering Thailand as a retirement destination, even more that the new rules put in place by Thailand. 

 

BS

Don't know what agents you all use or know about. The the agent I used a few times was for accomplishing paperwork and getting appointment. Sometimes easier to have all paperwork done properly than be denied visa and return again with this form or that form. All times very professional, my qualifications all legal, and no money was paid out to IO. It not right to lump all agents into same basket, yet many of you want to blame the agents for new rules. Over the many years I have lived here I have come across many here that cheat the system without ever using agents. No I don't work for an agent! 

By letter from bank are you referring to copies of bank book/report from BKK showing deposits and the usual letter indicating up to date bank balance?

After the first change end of 2018 I did go to Bangkok Bank and signed up for direct deposit in Jan. Military pay changed on line to BKK NY and received first direct transfer on 3rd. I expect by March 3rd SS will start. I can sympathize with your situation (a little like mine).  But all these condition and rules seem the keep changing here and there. Hang in there and do your best to find a solution to take care of your family. 

Maybe the rule, but on both married and retired visa, never stamped copies of bankbook, and letter indicating current balance from bank. Seems rules are different everywhere one processes their extensions. 

Impossible with monthly money pension transfers because bht fluctuates daily.

Ubonjoe, what's your take in this information. Sounds they are trying to be reasonable for 2019.

I think the least we should without the negativity with the consideration is thank them for the break in 2019. It will help a lot of families and retirees. Direct deposits through the Thai Bank don't start instantly. Good luck to everyone in working out their individual situations. I thank Big Joke for the tire to change my direct deposits that will satisfy the new requirements.

Chiangmai using the combination method with no problems. Any body recently?

Thank you both. Hope to register in near future after our little house is finished in Maejo and in her name. And hopefully have some options for visa extension late this year. Ubonjoe, I have had a nice direct contact with people that handled SS benefits. He assured me that the processing is handled in one two months, but can't change until Bangkok Bank sends the documents to them. So apparently it is the process through the BKK that delays the SS processing.

The SS claims department also explain the quickest way to change direct deposit BKK back to US bank. Can just call, email, or telephone giving them routing and account number and they will prioritize it.

With the kind information from several on blog, I feel like everything will work out somehow.

9 minutes ago, Kalasin Jo said:

Update: Yesterday went to the Savanakhet consulate as planned. Border crossing was fine. Not sure if you were scammed about the Lao entry stamp. Decided to get the consulate form across the road and fill it in whilst waiting to save time. The friendly guy asked if I had copy of Lao entry stamp. No, I said, not needed. It is he said. So I let him do it.15 baht for both form and the copy. Glue to stick on photos provided and plentyof pens.

So wait to go in. It's 8:30 and a small number waiting too. 9:05 and let in. I'm number 5 in queue and about 10 behind me. First 2 needed the consulate form. The guy behind the glass hands over forms as none outside in the waiting area. So back of the queue for them. No pens, no glue. They go away to do the forms. It's my turn in just a few minutes. The guy takes my papers and competed form, including the copy of the Lao stamp in my passport which he be kept.

 

He also took copy change of family name certificate for my wife and checked original. Why my wife decided to do this I do not know, but we have had this problem before because her name on marriage certificate does not match her ID card, which carries my family name, same as her passport. So I thought best add this in to complete the picture. Paid the 5k and given ticket. Less than 10 minutes inside. Nobody was waiting when I got there at 8 am. So going back this afternoon to collect my passport, hopefully with the right visa! No financial evidence of any kind required.

 

 

Very nice report. When registered your wife kept her own name on marriage documents (Certificate)? Your saying that it is best for gov ID and name on marriage docs best to match? Thanknyou for your report. Did you spent a night there?

39 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

It might be Manila that is slowing things down by doing it as soon as they receive the email from Bangkok. I assume your address with the SSA is for here and that was what you put it on the 1199.

Be sure DFAS does it in the IAT format or it will be bounced back by Bangkok Bank in New York. I have heard that could be a problem with DFAS. Same for VA payments.

Yes, can go to secure online account and change to Bangkok Bank using 9 digit code. Comes up with BKK NY Bank address. Social security should send to BKK NY. using all the information on BKK forms. Actually all my mail from IRS, Social security, DFAS statements are sent here using Apo military system through Bkk Embassy to Consulate. But Bkk did take my local address on some of their paperwork. Thank you again. Will just have to go with flow. Have several things going at same time as you know, and all these changes complicated everything this year.

This is what my plan is. To continue transferring to SCB after receiving direct deposits. Dont want to give up my SCB services, debit card, prompt pay, etc. Just have to see what they will do without 12 months indicating foreign transfer. Hoping they will accept ifbyou cash show you transfered money every month by any means this changeover year.

1 hour ago, jesimps said:

This could be a big problem for all of us not with Bangkok Bank. I'm with SCB and mine is indicated as domestic transfer too. Even if I change to Bangkok Bank, I won't be able to do the 12 transfers necessary to use the income method before my visa extension is due in October, unless they allow averaging out. Luckily, even though I really don't want to, I can deposit the 800,000 before the seasoning is due in June. A lot of people aren't as fortunate. I'm waiting for the first non-Bangkok Bank client to report his attempt to obtain a visa extension using the income method and if it can be averaged out for the first extension after the police amendment came into effect.

Same situation here.

Hope your right Ubonjoe. When I questioned it, they said not them, but it is Social Security taken time. I can access my DFAS secure online account and request direct deposit right away now that I have my direct deposit book and account number and NY bank routing number. Thank you for your expertise as always. 

Thank You Jack Thompson. Have processed a Bangkok direct deposit account for SSA and Military Retired Pay, but they indicated SSA can take two or three months to start. Hoping to get a retirement extension on combination method, but my extension was done just before they came out with all the new rules about proving money is being transferred. So don't know what they will do with money in bank and less than 12 months direct come end of September 2019.

Good luck to everyone getting their extensions.

In Chiangmai 3m N95 mask at pharmacy outside registers Hangdong Lotus. 35 bht. By3 at time, get discount. I keep big supply because during pollution season everyone rums out. Use year around on bike because of autoimmune allergy problems.

Is there a difference between a Lao applied multi entry non-O and a multi entry non-o to visit wife. You say no funds required. If they should ask for some proof of funds, how much in Bank book would satisfy them and would you have to show proof of where money came from? Posters mentioning ME-O from Saigon same as Savannakhet. Would it matter if Passport only shows long term extensions based on retirement to get the ME Visa would the multi entry Non-O still be approved? 

Only non-o I have ever had was a 90 Day non-o for marriage from LA while living in Tacoma over 20 years go. Terminology is a bit confusing. I understand the difference based on an extension.

Thank you. 

Does anyone use Transferwise with Bangkok Bank book in Chiangmai using your bank or credit union debit card. If so, does your CU or bank charge an additional fee for using your own debit cared on top of the Transferwise fees? Does your transfer go right into Chiangmai Account or through Bangkok Bank, Bangkok?

Your still alive SS letter can be downloaded, printed out, and mailed anytime and changing your  address.

 https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms/images/SSA7/G-SSA-7162-OCR-SM-1.pdf