sidelines

2 hours ago, arkom said:

Thai store, but it’s a bit strange for some reason it doesn’t appear when you search for it.  I had to go https://www.hbogo.co.th/#mobile and click the link for the App Store to download it.

Thanks, will give it a try.

25 minutes ago, arkom said:

Just downloaded the app on my iPhone and signed up for free trial, so far pretty impressed.  Has the option to turn on/off subtitles and change audio language similar to Netflix, and from what I can tell nothing seems censored.

Unfortunately there doesn’t seem to be and for Apple TV or my LG Smart TV but you and Airplay or cast it from the app.

Which Apple App store did you use?

14 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

There are several ongoing topics about a original OA visa entry requirement insurance when you apply for an extension of stay.

On is here where it has been discussed. https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1138196-o_a-extensions-75-based-on-retirement-only/

There are some office far from Bangkok that may be not require it but you would not be apply there without formally changing your address to where it is located.

Info about the companies offering the insurance is here. https://longstay.tgia.org/home/companiesoa

Many people are opting to do away with their original OA visa entry by going out of the country to get a non-o visa entry and then applying for a new extension due to the insurance not be required for them.

When does your current extension end?

 

Could you detail which office/s far from Bangkok that may not require (insurance). I have been following the various topics on this subject but have not seen mention of anyone successfully receiving an extension of stay, from an O-A base, without insurance. 

On 11/21/2019 at 8:17 AM, Peterw42 said:

Is the OA insurance having a big impact ?

Judging by the amount of posts/threads, it would appear that its not having a broad impact.

 

Past issues like income letters, changes to seasoning, tm30, have all seen 1,000s of posts, a new thread every hour etc. I can only presume the changes dont effect many people, It would appear most people started with a Non-O and its business as usual.

Well said that man.

There has been nary a tremor on thaivisa.com so the numbers effected must be negligible, every woke individual either reads thaivisa or posts here. Anyway those pesky O-A visa holders had it coming, they were gaming the system. No money held hostage in a Thai bank for them.

The O route was obviously the way to go for retirement and the majority of thaivisa posters obviously went down that route. Far more sensible. O, we are alright Jack, no mandatory health insurance for us.

Yes, those on extensions of stay based on an original O-A entry are also caught up in this and need 800,000 baht in the bank plus mandatory health insurance from a Thai provider, even if they have far superior coverage from an insurance company not on the approved list.

But, hey, this is an even smaller demographic including a handful or so of over 70s with no hope of getting health coverage who face a very uncertain future. Surely it is not up to O visa holders and other retirees to worry about/encourage/assist these people who seemed to have not planned properly for their retirement.

On 5/24/2019 at 4:27 PM, StevieAus said:

I think the only one muddying the waters is you.

Many people progress to a retirement extension from a O-A visa as I did many years ago however when the former is obtained the latter expires.

Perhaps you thrive on creating problems that don’t exist, try buying some worry beads.

With my worry beads in one hand (thanks for the suggestion) and typing with the other, I asked for clarification on my status from several sources. As expected, everyone I contacted agreed with my conclusion that I will be caught up in this as I originally arrived in Thailand (albeit 13 years ago) on an O-A visa, details of which remain in my passport despite it being used (rather than it being expired). I hope that those people I contacted and myself are wrong but (still with the worry beads handy), I fear not.

BTW, I renewed my driving licence for five years using a Yellow Book.

The point being that there is little consistency in Immigration and Government matters in Thailand.

Brilliant. Thanks for the information and advice, davpatt1 and Jai Dee.

Davpatt1, can I ask how you connect to ACE? For me, at peak hours - 7pm to midnight - the picture regularly freezes even on SD. It is the same on my computer - via Kodi and browser - and the Android Box. I have a TOT Fibre 2U 100/20 mb package  and suspect my line is being throttled at peak hours. At those times, I cannot connect unless I use a VPN, which slows down the process.

The actual wording (in English) reads...Windstorm, Earthquake or Volcanic Eruption, Hail, at the limit of liability for any one peril, of not exceeding twenty per cent of sum insured. That is for their Rak Baan Plan (Residential Perils). Their "Home Multicover Insurance Plan" covers "10 per cent of the sum insured, not exceeding 500,000 baht"

Yes, I would imagine they changed the conditions after the earthquake here in 2014. I tried Bangkok Insurance first after seeing your Post. Will shop about and see what else is on offer for new accounts.

Sorry to hear of the damage. We had a couple of trees down and were without power for seven hours plus. Been investigating increasing my insurance cover and interested to read SoilSpoil "pays 5000 a year for insurance, storms, earthquakes and hail storms included." Just spoken with Bangkok Insurance and for storms, earthquakes and windstorms they pay a maximum of 20 per cent. Quoted just under 5000 baht a year. Is there anybody who can point me in the right direction for better cover at a similar price.

I drive past Boomerang Park on the "scenic route" home about twice a month and can testify that there is little to no traffic on a normal day. In the six kilometre stretch of road, there are times when I don't spot another car or bike. On that evidence alone there is absolutely no need for a four lane highway if that, indeed, is what is planned. I, like the OP, am not privy to the plans but concur with him that a highway in that area is not required.

There is a condo development in the area but doubt the increase in traffic that will generate justifies a new road.

Much appreciated rain at the moment in Tambon Mae Yao - sorry not sure which way it is headed.

Yes the smoke bad out my way and looking at a number of options to improve air quality in the house. I have an air purifier and will likely buy another. Read in the Chiang Mai forum about 3M Filtrete for air conditioners. Anyone know where this product can be purchased in Chiang Rai. I have tried the usual suspects - Home Pro, Home Mart, Sinthanee, Power Buy - with no success.

Can anyone put the following co-ordinates, issued by Malaysia Airlines, into a format for Google Maps... 065515 North (longitude) and 1033443 East (latitude)

Incorporated a number of ideas posted here and the mini adventure playground was ready for a Christmas morning unveiling.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Enlisted the local builder to help and he has drawn a blank thus far.

The swings at my daughter's school are made from climbing rope (they were built several years ago and nobody sure where they got the rope) so thought I would go down that route but looking like will have to settle for chain link, although I think it is more dangerous,

Thanks. I spoke to the guy from Boomerang Rock Climbing and Adventure Park and he said not available in Chiang Rai.

I'm building a garden slide and swing for my daughter for Christmas and having a bit of trouble finding rope for the swing.

Looking for thick climbing rope..have tried Home Mart and a few other outlets without success.

Anyone know where I can buy in Chiang Rai.

Could this be it....

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thailand/chiang-mai-province/fang-and-tha-ton/sights/religious-sites/wat-tha-ton

Thanks for taking the time to reply and the advise, Villagefarang - much appreciated.

Looking for a bit of guidance. I am planning a trip between Christmas and New Year, and the good wife (like most Thais) would love to visit Doi Angkhang. Last year in the dry season we (wife, myself, my sister and five year old daughter) drove up to Doi Mae Salong in a Mazda 2, automatic. There were a couple of climbs that I thought we were not going to manage and a number of exhilarating sections but nothing too hairy. Realise, it is subjective but can anyone who has driven up to both Doi Mae Salong and Doi Angkhang compare the degree of difficulty and would you do the latter with a young family (an eight month old baby on board this time as well). Also, again subjective, what is the best combination, highway 1178/1340 or 1249/1340?

Not sure how much "live" coverage you will get via thaiexpat TV but 365 sport definitely has it....watched a bit this morning, not HD but picture is ok (for me anyway).

More information and a promo code here...http://www.richardbarrow.com/2013/11/promo-code-to-watch-the-ashes-in-thailand-for-999-baht/

I have a subscription for sport365 and on the whole reasonably satisfied.

However, of late, a couple of worrying developments....Channel 5, which used to show primarily StarSports, was replaced by Eurosport - a decidedly backward step, in my opinion. And just noticed yesterday that Channel 6, which used to show cricket, has gone altogether (not a big cricket fan so no loss to me but others may take a different view).

By accident, I came across www.ilikehd.com, which like sport365 uses servers in Thailand so little buffering. You have to register with an email, after which you can check out a number of free channels, including SkyNews.

They broadcast a lot of channels in HD, which (I believe) sport365 are still working on.

There are various sports channels and their online schedule says they broadcast most of the BPL games, F1 and a whole lot more.

You pay for the premium channels with True Money - 200 baht for a month's viewing or 30 baht for two hours. I am going to invest 30 baht and compare the quality of picture with sport365 for a live football match tomorrow.