jaideedave

1 hour ago, Wydahoan said:

i Have seen it happen to my neighbor in the USA, flooded her house first floor very quickly, and she was home. She didn’t know about the shut off valve. She called me first, and not her husband, because she knew I fixed things. I have been a handyman for almost 50 years, I wouldn’t install a new washer without the top of the line washer hoses. The hoses sometimes have movement depending on the pressure and your washer, so there is actually wear and tear happening every time you do a load. If you know where an isolation valve is inside your condo, and it’s easy to get at, it wouldn’t hurt to turn that off when leaving for awhile. And if you google washer hose and insurance you might see some other stories. Sometimes it’s good to worry! 

I completely forgot about the special hoses for washing machines.I don't they excist here.They are very robust but there should always be a shut off valve nearby to open/close for convenience.

2 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

 

I think it is obvious what I am worrying about: A flooded kitchen/condominium. That is obviously something that I don't want.

I am pretty sure any water pipes in the walls will not suddenly burst, worst case they will start to leak one day.

If washing machine hoses never burst, then fine, then I don't have to worry.

But I am sure some people will close the valve to the machine after every use. And maybe some people do that because they had a bad experience. This is why I ask. And I think worrying a little about a problem which could possibly happen is not really a problem.

But maybe I don't have to worry because that just never happens...

Things break and deteriorate over time. A burst/leaking hose while you aren't home can cause a ton of damage especially in a condo situ.In my house there is a valve/tap that is opened and closed upon each and every use.Its never left in the open position when not in use. It's in my standing orders for all to see.555

For peace of mind I'd fix it. It probably won't cost a lot.

13 minutes ago, Robin said:

3 per cabin.  Hope you are all good friends.  if you have no experience of long sea journeys, think carefully.  What do you do for  long days at sea?   Eat, sleep, drink.... Always with the same group.  No chance to get away or see anything new, except Computer screens.

Remember the old song?  "What did we see?  We saw the see!

The most/least interesting time I have spent at sea was in an old diesel submarine I was serving on in the early 70,s. 28 days submerged. Modern nukes routinely do 90 days. No distractions.

21 hours ago, Mike Lister said:

Here's a few examples that may help some people. Keener eyes than mine will tell me if I made any mistakes

!

(Revised/updated) Abbreviations and Acronyms used below

TEDA = Tax Exemptions, Deductions, & Allowances

OAE = 190,000 (over age 65 years exemption)

PD = 50% of pension received, max 100,000 (deduction for pension income received)

PA1 = 60,000 (personal allowance for the tax filer)

PA2 = 60,000 (personal allowance for spouse)

ZR - zero rated for tax - 150,000 (the zero rated tax band in the tax tables)

(Note: there are additional TEDAs depending on your personal circumstances but these are the major ones most commonly used)

 

PERSON A - Single, over 65, from UK, pension income THB 50k month.

Has assessable income of 50 x 12 or 600,000 per year. Their TEDE totals (PA1, OAE, PD and ZR) or 500,000. Taxable income = 100,000 baht at 5%. Note: if married to a Thai, their TEDE increases by  or 60,000 and their taxable income is 40,000 which is taxed at 5%.

 

PERSON B  - Same as above but from USA on Social Security old age pension

This person pays no tax, married or single, because all of their income is exempt under the Double Tax Agreement between the USA and Thailand.

 

PERSON C - Either A or B above but also has some savings

If the savings were earned before 1 January 2024, there is no change to their taxable income above. IF the savings had been earned after that date, their total assessable income would increase by the same amount. AND/OR, if, they also had savings interest in Thailand during the same period, the interest earned would be added to their taxable income but this would be offset by tax withheld at source by the banks.

 

PERSON D - Under age 50, income from savings and investments.

This person has limited TADE because of their age plus there is no tax exemption on their sources of income. This person must look at whether their income was taxed at source in their home country, and on the terms and conditions (T&C) of their country's DTA, either of which may make some or all of their income tax exempt.

 

PERSON E  - Property or other capital item such as stocks or bonds

This person has owned their investment for some times but decides to sell it and transfer the funds to Thailand. The sale of the item comprises two parts, the capital that was used to buy the investment and the profit earned since.  

 

The capital used to buy the investment is free of Thai tax but the amount may need to be proven via statements etc.

 

The profit on the investment that was earned prior to 1 January 2024 is tax free but the amount should be capable of being proven hence a statement or valuation dated 1 January 2024 will be helpful.

 

The remaining profit is potentially taxable in Thailand, subject to the terms of any DTA and is added to existing Taxable Income.

 PERSON B  - Same as above but from USA on Social Security old age pension

I believe I'm dude B. Change the USA to Canada and the DTA reads about the same. Only taxable in Canada. Therefore I deem my pensions non assessable so no point in even filing. I don't have any assessable income. period.

This person pays no tax, married or single, because all of their income is exempt under the Double Tax Agreement between the Canada and Thailand.

 

 

 

2 hours ago, thpitsch said:

I found out that you can pay for your own cremation and the spreading of the ashes in the sea in advance.

I have it written in my Thai will that I wish to be cremated in the Buddhist fashion. My wife has even gone to a local temple and got an estimate. 555 apparently it's about 50k but food and booze obviously extra.

Hope they don't charge by the kilo because I'm up a couple this last year.

1 hour ago, Bobthegimp said:

Here's a relevant section for Canadian pensioners from our country's dual taxation agreement with Thailand.  I urge people from other countries to check their agreements before caving in to despair. 

Bob, I receive a company pension from Canada. So I understand that can only be taxed in Canada? What about my OAS,CPP pensions? Same?

20 hours ago, cardinalblue said:

Thailand is still a paper and pencil culture unable or unwilling to take the jump to our high tech world…

 

total lack of trust in people and unfamiliar systems so gravitate to the lowest level of a system possible - paper and black pen

That must be why the requests for so many copies and signatures for everything we do here.Banks,licence,immigration on and on.It's got to be mistrust like everyone is a natural born thief.Maybe I'm too honest for my own good.

23 hours ago, Bangkok Barry said:

My Bangkok Bank ATM card expires this month. Went to the bank on Wednesday and after waiting for over half an hour during which time no-one ahead of me was finished being dealt with I left. Returned today, had the same wait with two in the queue numbers ahead of me leaving as they left while losing the will to live (see me on Wednesday). Having had to present my passport and Passbook, I then had to sign my name nine times and enter my PIN number four times before receiving the card. That's the Thai way. At least it was free, which I didn't expect.

 

I also have an HSBC card in the UK. When the card is due to expire they post me a new one. That's it. No passport, no passbook, no personal visit to the bank, no signatures.

 

It's deeply imbedded in the Thai psyche to make things as difficult and as complicated as possible. And because it is normal here the locals see nothing wrong with that. It's all they know.

555 thats my laugh for the day.OMG what an ordeal to get a new ATM card. I lost my Kbank ATM for the 1st time in 20 years before Xmas.

I called customer service to cancel the old one and was instructed to go to my branch to get a new card..I asked to have it mailed to me. She said but that will take a week.I said no problem and it sounded like she was trying to discourage this and wanted me to visit the bank.They took 200 b from my account and a week later it arrived along with tracking. Quite easy.I hate going to my branch because everything takes an hour to complete. 

14 hours ago, donx said:

Based upon your response, I believe the situation I outlined is legal since a townhouse is owned by a Thai. How else could it be owned other than by a Thai or a Thai LTD?

Agree it is owned by a Thai who is representing the Chinese couple by proxy for a fee.There are now half a dozen in this moo ban that have sprung up in the last 5 years.Similar to many farangs who have their houses etc. in a company name registered through their solicitor.One of many loopholes and workarounds prevalent here.Just about anything can be accomplished for a fee. Thats why we love living here. So in an reply yes, it's probably legal.  555

7 hours ago, GammaGlobulin said:

 

Sounds really terrible for you.

 

The only solution is to move, I think.

 

You are too old to waste time trying to endure the unendurable.

 

Only solution is to move out, and find someplace which is peaceful. 

Yes as a last resort. We've lived in the same house for 17 years now in peaceful harmony with the neighbours until this invasion. bah

49 minutes ago, ChipButty said:

I tried searching their site I cant see any links and their customer service is not very good, unlike Airbnb they give you a link to look at, https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/3290 

Wow, the link is very informative. I wish Booking.com had that.I have to register and sign in  to even access their help line ffs. Then they want a booking number...I'm not very optimistic.

11 hours ago, donx said:

I know this thread is about buying a condo and renting on Airbnb or some other short term rental site. However, there are posts about a villa being rented out short term. My question is, assuming that someone has a townhouse, is it illegal to rent it out short term? If this is the only property being rented out by the landlord, it doesn't appear to violate the Hotel Act which requires a license when renting something like 4 or 5 units or more. And if the townhouse doesn't have an HOA to restrict short term leases, is there any reason such a rental would be considered illegal?

You've just described my situation.The difference being they built a 5br Pool Villa next to us.These are called "small hotels" and are only allowed to Thai citizens.The lady who looks after the moo ban probably has it in her name and the real owners are Chinese.There are about 5-6 examples in the immediate area now. At a glance it looks legal. Our complaints about loud pool parties at 3 am to city hall(Pattaya) result in crickets.We've upgraded out adjoining wall/windows to the tune of 60k. It helps but thats all.

I am now reduced to childish revenge like a prolonged air horn blast at 0700 for their amusement.

FYI It's listed on Booking.com.I wonder if contacting them will bear any fruit?

25 minutes ago, mokwit said:

You know who the owner is and can contact her? Years ago I had to move out of an apartment block because of Africans making noise in the night. I would phone their room about the time OF DAY I felt they would be sleeping the deepest and when they picked up I would explain that they were very noisy last night and I couldn't sleep and if I couldn't sleep then i would make sure they couldn't sleep. The were incandescent with rage when it was them having their sleep disturbed.

No we've never met the Chinese owners but we have their phone no. She only responded late at night the 1st time we complained at 1 am. The other times she has responded to my wife's complaints have been the next day.I picture they're living in a posh high rise condo near the sea and not bothered after midnight by loud pool parties.I've told my wife I'm moving out but she thinks I'm kidding. At 73 when I get a rude awakening in the wee hours it f___s me up the whole next day. 

So calling the owner after midnight is not productive as the phone is probably off.

21 hours ago, bkk6060 said:

I have insurance,  but with all the exclusions it is really accident insurance.  Having close calls on a motorbike, or even walking I will be covered unless I am reckless or drunk.

Other then that, it seems they can exclude coverage for just about anything else.

Same here, I've had bypass surgery previously and my exclusion list is a whole page.I refer to my coverage as from my " chin up and my knees down" Virtually useless.At 73 I have a DNR Form signed in with my Thai Dr. My Etna/Allianz premium is only 3500/month so like you its really only accident insurance.When it gets much higher I'm stopping it all together.I tried to quit them 2 years ago and the rep practically begged me to keep it. I said ok but knock off some exclusions..he said he can't.555 

9 minutes ago, Everyman said:

 

If it’s in Thailand, use scan pay. If that isn’t available, use a virtual debit card provided by your bank. A few do that. Otherwise just use your Thai debit card.

 

Even if you could get a credit card in Thailand it wouldn’t be worth having. Surely you can get a card issued in Canada, shipped to a relatives, address and then they can send you a photo of the card. Then you can add it to Apple pay or whatever and it use that way.

I have had a credit card with my non-resident Canadian bank account for 2 decades.I seldom use it but it's a nice backup to my medical insurance.Never had a problem and they mail the new cards directly to my house in Pattaya.(takes 1 month) ? 

18 hours ago, Mike Lister said:

US Social Security overseas is paid primarily on 3rd each month, not long to wait.

I just transferred one of my pensions from Canada yesterday Jan 1st using Wise.

All done in a matter of seconds exactly as stated with zero deductions and no surprises.

On 12/28/2023 at 8:38 AM, In Full Agreement said:

 

 

You'll make the first responders very happy.

Reminds my of a YT story about the 1st responders being filmed picking up a deceased foreigner out of his apartment. In one corner you could just see 2x 24 packs of Leo cans(unopened). As they filmed them packing the body into the back of their truck you could plainly see the 2 boxes of beer. I still laugh about this whenever I see a rescue truck. He won't be needing this stuff where he's going.555

On 12/28/2023 at 4:47 AM, scubascuba3 said:

The last 6 months are often medically very expensive

Yes it can be Scuba, that's why I gave my Thai Dr a copy of my signed DNR papers. She was surprised by this and I explained I don't want my families inheritance blown away while I'm in ICU waiting for the grim reaper.She totally agreed and said she wished more elderly folks (I'm 73) would do this.She explained that is the Thai Drs credo to prolong life for as long as possible.My medical insurance has a ton of exclusions because of a previous bypass surgery. And no, I hope they don't put under for a broken leg.555     

19 hours ago, nauseus said:

 

And ask the airline to organize it.

I've done that(wheelchair request) with Bangkok Air from Phnom Phen > Bkk. It's very tedious as I tried to explain my "spinal stenosis" to the agent.She finally agreed when she realized I was 72 at the time. I was on the phone for over 45 minutes.Persevere and It will work.I can walk just fine but only for about 10 minute segments and then I need a quick sit down somewhere and the long lines at the a/p would do me in.555

56 minutes ago, mfd101 said:

I'm no expert on this but you certainly need more than just a piece of paper with your wife's signature on it.

 

Inquiry at the local Land Office would be a first step. Lawyer thereafter, I think.

 

 

When I bought my house in Pattaya I had a 30 year lease drawn up. I hired a lawyer to have the house put in my step daughters name.All registered at the Land Office. My name is on the chanote as the lessee. About as bullet proof as you can get IMHO.

 

 

 

4 hours ago, Mike Lister said:

I'm now on my 21st extension. I used to do my own but I finally grew tired of the run around that Immi used to give me, every time I went to extend. There were never enough copies, there was always always something that had to be copied. One year they asked to see my lease, without any warning and when I mentioned it on here, everyone said I was lying or crazy. Pretty soon, everyone had to produce a lease or similar. One year in Phuket the IO didn't like the fact my bank letter was one day old and since my bank was HSBC in Bangkok, that  meant a new return trip to Bangkok, a new letter and another immi appointment. In another year, my bank letter showed my total assets with the bank in Thailand, rather than just 800k, it had never been a problem before. That year the IO wanted me to reconcile all my bank books and accounts, back to the letter, it was like teaching accounting 101 to a kid. There were numerous other things also.

 

Eventually, things got to a point where we were required to start queuing for a queue number, in the parking lot of Immi, at 4 am and I finally said borrocks to that. That was when I started to use a well regarded legit agent and now they do everything Immi related for me and I only ever set foot inside an Immi office, once a year, for five minutes, to get my picture taken. Best investment I ever made.

I'm with you on this.I did my own for a few years and after one bull<deleted> copy this or that or some minor item I just gave up.I now pay a popular agency and and nowadays don't even have to go for the pic and as a bonus they do my 90 criminal report also. Money well spent IMHO.

PS: The signature on my visa stanp is exactly the same as the one from when I did it myself. That in itself tells me a lot.