mav000

Found a great website to watch about any movie you want, free.  Type in 123movies, after that type in the name of movie you are interested in.  At times a bunch of ads will pop up, but just keep clicking the ads off, the movie will show up.  Just watched The Mule, Clint Eastwood, quality excellent.

Take care, Be safe

16 hours ago, alfalfa19 said:

does medicare parts a and b work in thailand, does anyone know?

No.  Medicare does not work anywhere outside of U.S.  I suggest looking into long term travel insurance.  I have a policy, One Million U.S. dollars, premium $3,200 per year, $1,000 deductible.  Can pay monthly or up to 1 year.  Can go to any private hospital within Thailand.  Coverage is for Thailand only.  I do have medicare for U.S. coverage.

Has anyone had ( or know someone) any business dealings with Khun Top, Top Design and Build, Chiang Mai- house design/plans/building?  If yes, what is their fee for developing detailed building plans/engineering,  and how would you rate their performance?  At the same time, if anyone can comment on Blank Design, would much appreciate.

I have the room layout with sqm, photos of both exterior/interior for new home.  Are there any good architects in Chiang Mai that charge solely on the square meter of home, not by the total cost of construction.  In other words, if total square meter of project is 300 square meter, they charge  "x" number baht per square meter for detailed building plans and engineering.  I am finding larger companies, Kensington/Thai Architects, charge by cost to build the home, charging 5 to 15% of that cost.  So anywhere from 400,000 to 600,000b, depending on the cost per square meter to build.

Any suggestion would be most appreciated.  I did see someone suggest to contact Chiang Mai University, the head of the Architecture Department, has anyone done this?

Craig

Looking for a plot of land within 30 minutes of downtown, near a big road, not to rural of an area.  Inside moo baan would be great. Lot size roughly 40mx40m, a bit larger would be fine. Access to water/electricity, property ready to build-dirt already there.  Like Doi Saket and San Kamphaeng areas, but would consider all areas not far from city proper. 

I am also looking for land in Chiang Mai to build house.  Approximately: width 40 m, depth 40m.  A bit larger would be fine.  Would like to be near a large main road, electric/water.  Not rural area, like some newer houses nearby.  Also, like to have dirt already there, basically ready to build on.  Location within 30 minutes of downtown,  Festival, airport.  Like Doi Saket and San Kamphaeng areas, but anywhere not far out would like to see.

8 hours ago, fredob43 said:

How can you compare a 2017 Everest against a 2014 old model Tuna. Yes it has electric fold down rear seats. How many times have you used them, gimmick if you ask me. And where do the seats go into the floor. And that doesn't use up useable space? 

Rear seat lies down flat in the floor and you are saying that impacts useable space?  I use the folding seats quite often- shopping/pets.  Lastly,  when I go to purchase a new car, I compare models of the same year.  I only stated I owned the Tuna prior to purchasing the new Everest, never said I was comparing my 2014.  Did compare 2017 of each model, and test drove, by far Everest was our favorite.  I like all the "gimmicks" on the Everest.

I have a 2017 Everest 4x4, .previously had 2014 Fortuner.  Hands down Everest is by far a better choice.

Far more features on the Everest, especially like the power driven fold down 3rd row seat.  Cannot believe Fortuner still has the hoaky tie system, so much wasted space in the cargo area.  So far have received excellent service from Ford here in Chiang Mai.

Ok, I will buy that she is so popular people want to give her stuff. But if she is so "holy", why not insist these people donate to the needy, instead of her. Driving a 6 million baht car, totally ridiculous! A 100% scam artist hiding under a white robe.

Hi Jim,

Lived in Bangkok for 7 years, now in Chiang Mai. The burning season is a drawback, but I found pollution from cars in Bangkok much worse. In any event, I have just completed building a new home in Chiang Mai. Won't be available for rent/lease until we leave for U.S. at end of May- either a 1 or 2 year lease. But it is a great new home, situated in a gated community.

House includes following: All new furniture, 2 flat screens, 5 air cond., western style kitchen, private pool ( 20ft x 40ft), waterfall, spa,, pool house/bath, maid room, 4 bedroom, 5 bathroom, office, lots of closet space(including walk-in closet in master. All bedrooms include ensuite bathrooms.

Let me know if you would like further details/photos. We will most likely ask 60,000 per month which will include professional pool service and yard service.

Good luck with your move, mav

Shucks, I don't care how much rent you pay for the room, how much rent did you pay for the "short timer"?

Don't kid yourself, the "size of the wallet" is the key issue in most instances.

Not sure where you live, however can share my recent experience to help in your hospital selection.

In July I had a lump develop in my neck and went to RAM in Chiang Mai. They did a biopsy, and was told it was an infection which they would remove and test the cells. Long story short, did biopsy, removed infection, said results came back cancer free.

Within a week after the surgery I noticed the lump coming back. They said they would have to go in again to remove more infection that had returned. I decided to get a second opinion at Bumrungrad, Bangkok.

They did biopsy and did find cancer. I immediately returned to U.S., where I am now, to Mayo Clinic.

So at the very least, I would recommend going to Bangkok to Bumrungrad to get their opinion/options. They do have the latest scanners, including PetScan to check entire body to find the source of the cancer. From there, it would be your decision on action to take and where.

Best of luck, no fun at all.

Run for the hills now, or paddle to the hills later!!!

PC= Product Consultant

Flooding, deteriorating, poor "after service. Would advise you to take a look at Koolpuntville. New one is Koolpuntiville 15, better value, excellent location. First house land/house, nothing but battles over numerous problems.

Good luck

Unless there is a medical reason specifically calling for crowns, not just cosmetic, I would go with veneers. I have had them for over 20 years, no problems, much less expensive than crowns. They look great, same maintenance-brushing/flossing. Never stain, you can choose how white you want. Only need to really do teeth shown when you smile, helps with reducing cost.

Good luck.

Highly recommend RAM. In fact, would recommend them for any family member. I just finished spending 3 days in hospital, excellent service at a very reasonable price. All doctors I came in contact with spoke excellent English.

Best of luck.

Recently moved, was able to get plenty of boxes from Makro.

Not sure what you would consider affordable, however, in comparing various companies for coverage/cost I found AXA International to be the most competitive. Day to day medical costs here are very cheap in comparison to U.S. costs, so consider a very high deductible. I went with a $5000 deductible which will significantly lower your annual premium. Also, the plan I selected does not include U.S. hospitals, but just about every other country. This will significantly lower your premium. By the way, there are several excellent hospitals here, same standards as U.S.

Be careful in selecting companies that offer a 1 million or 2 million baht coverage. That is only $30,000/$60,000 in coverage, not enough for major medical issues.

First, do whatever makes YOU happy. But make sure you consider a one year, five year, ten year, and beyond plan. Some things to consider: anticipated inflation rate long term, health insurance costs, monthly budget (food, housing, utilities, transportation, misc.), daily activities to avoid boredom/depression.

If I were you, I would take the $40,000 now and invest in the markets. Considering your age, you can ride out any volatility. The banks are paying nothing, invest in a broad market exchange, such as SP 500. Don't touch this money, let it grow. If you have not done so, open a IRA account, and max it out each year.

Next, if you want to move here now, not waiting to build your wealth, I would search for employment here. Not sure what your specialty is, but there are jobs here with major companies paying relatively well. At the very least, you can easily get a teaching job, check out the internet to find out requirements, it is not that difficult. A teaching position, depending on your lifestyle, may take care of your monthly expenses. You could then take maybe $500 a month for entertainment and save a $1000 month. Again, I would keep stashing money away each month for emergencies, and simply to build more wealth.

Good luck.

HomePro has a fair selection of decorative screens at reasonable prices.

Store called Bangkok Furniture here in Chiang Mai. Good quality, fair price. Can get address off of internet.

I had the same situation, told to let them know how much salary I wanted. We agreed, and I had 10 great years working here, now retired in Chiang Mai.

First, negotiate NET SALARY, AFTER TAX. Meaning, they pay your taxes. This is commonly done here.

Second, negotiate your housing allowance separate from your salary. In the salary range you mentioned, I would think 30,000B per month would be in the ballpark.

After that I am not sure about your job, but if lots of travel/driving involved, you want to include driver, car, gas allowance (5-8000b mo.).

Also, make sure they will handle all expenses involved with work permit, and handling the entire process.

My salary was paid and deposited in local bank here, then I would wire transfer to U.S. bank.

Good luck.