newbegin4

Could it be April 1st already?

USD $10,000 and up must be declared according to the law..

And who do we make such declarations too? I understand that we must declare to the U.S. authorities upon arrival, but do we have to make such declarations to any Thai authorities upon departure?

Also we may have a layover in Japan, Korea or Hong Kong along the way back (and staying a few days as a mini-vacation). Does anybody know if we would need to declare to these governments?

I am a U.S. citizen. My Thai wife and I are thinking about converting her Thai baht savings to U.S. dollars (actually buying U.S. dollar Traveler's Checks) and then cashing them back in the States upon our arrival this summer.

I've been living here several years and my employer transfers money to our Thai account. Unfortunately, I never kept open a U.S. bank account so there is no convenient way to send money back the other way.

Now that we are planning to resettle back in the States, we would like to convert her savings in baht to U.S. Dollars (good time for the exchange rate) now, then physically bring the dollars (i.e. via Traveler's Check) with us back to the States at which point we could open a new a bank account and deposit the funds.

I haven't heard of anyone using Traveler's Checks in many years. Assuming these instruments are still available (and can be purchased in Thailand), are there are any 'gotchas' that we should be aware of (i.e. legalities, hidden costs, or other pitfalls)?

Thanks all!

Ok, thanks everyone. We're going to drop the U.S. bank account idea, seems too much red tape and trouble for what its worth.

I'm going to start a new thread about other options. Specifically, we are thinking now about converting to U.S. dollars here (actually buying U.S. dollar Traveler's Checks) and then cashing them back in the States. I haven't even heard of anyone using these things in years. I'm wondering if there are any 'gotchas' going this route (i.e. legalities, expense, etc.)

I've seen conflicting opinions on foreign nationals opening U.S. bank accounts. We've read that it can't be done (unless she travels to the U.S. first to open the account in person) but then I've also heard that it is indeed possible to do.

Anybody had any experience with this?

Details:

Wife is Thai national.

U.S. immigration visa in progress and resettlement in the U.S. could be still be many months away.

Meanwhile, she'd like to convert Thai baht to U.S. Dollars now (to take advantage of favorable exchange rate).

She'd like to have her own U.S.-based bank account to keep the U.S. dollars.

Failing that, what are the other less favorable options?

1) Convert to U.S. dollars now and then physically carry them to the U.S. and then exchange?

2) Open a Thai bank U.S. dollar account then transfer later once she is in the U.S.? (we understand that there would be a huge loss doing it this way because the sending Thai bank would first convert the U.S. dollars back to Thai baht, send the Thai baht to the U.S. where the recipient U.S. bank would have to convert the baht once again to U.S. dollars - would appreciate knowing if this is true or not).

Thanks all!

Thanks all! Well I guess it was just me! Thanks also for the tip about using the Google DNS. I'll look into that.

I have tried to reach the following sites using IE, Chrome, Firefox and Netscape over several days via both TOT and TTT/3BB. Is it just me or are they blocked countrywide?

• http://www.xoom.com
  
• http://www.nranews.com
  

If several people could try the above links I'd appreciate it very much. Please let me know what happened and what ISP you are using, thanks!

I'm looking for the experiences of Thai nationals who have obtained a Green Card (Permanent Resident Status) from the United States, but are splitting time between residing in the U.S. and Thailand ... what has been your experience in the following areas:

1) Any issues whatsoever (complaints, funny looks, probative questioning, threatening of denial of entry, etc.) at the U.S. port of entry simply because your passport indicates long periods of absence (though less than 1 year) from the United States?

2) Providing you have not remained outside the U.S. for a period exceeding 1 year, have you had any issues renewing an expired Green Card?

3) If you don't mind sharing, please indicate what is the average balance of time spent residing in the U.S. vs. Thailand.

Second-hand experiences of others that you have heard of, would also be welcome as I'm really trying to figure out if split residency is more than a theoretical problem for Green Card holders in practice.

Thanks!

Any authorized resellers in Udonthani? If not mail order may be ok.I'm assuming (hoping actually) that I can get an English-language version. Any reason to not to be optimistic?Thanks for your suggestions.

I injured my ankle in a motorcycle accident in March of 2010. I suffered a nasty cut/scrape almost to the bone followed by an infection. The doctor said a vein was damaged (that was before the infection so I'm sure it didn't heal properly. Nowadays the ankle area is still looking bruised (skin discoloration) and is a bit sensitive to the touch. I'm able to fully support my weight (in fact I can jog if I want). Anyway, I would like to see a specialist to see what, if anything, can or should be done about it.

Anyway, I'm in the Udonthani city area and was wondering if anyone could recommend a foot specialist (good command of English a plus) as well as a physical therapist (I'm sure I'll need one).

Thanks!

Wife and I felt it here in Udonthani, but just barely, I might have missed it if she hadn't alerted me.

Oh, I just caught a typo in my original post. That should be 2,000 baht in fuel in 1 week, not 6,000 (sorry).

Yes, we will take it into the Honda dealership to have it checked out. We also just noticed today that the A/C was acting strange. Warm when on and cold when off. Then later running normally. Perhaps a switch problem.

I'm particularly intrigued about the theory that the engine is running too rich. I hope that the Honda technicians know their trade well. I don't speak any Thai and it is difficult to communicate about technical/mechanical matters. Does anybody know the Thai phrase for an engine running too rich? I'd sure like to get to the bottom of the engine heat issue. Thanks!

Hi all. My wife and I almost bought a Nissan March but then found and bought a 2003 Honda CRV instead. We paid 648,00 baht in Udonthani City (I think we paid too much). 104,000 kms and appearance-wise in excellent shape and has all the options. It drives very well and is very comfortable. Nicest car I've ever owned.

However, 6,000 baht in fuel lasted only a week (ouch!). Being a new vehicle for us, I babied it around town (I'm a very cautious driver anyways). Just filled it up for the second time and calculated 8.23 km/liter. I was very disappointed, but that sounds about right from what I have since read of other Honda CRV reports on this forum.

What worries me most (please correct me if it is 'normal' and no worry) is that the engine compartment is very hot after a drive. I mean it feels like you are standing next to an oven. You can just feel the heat radiate off the car. The hood is hot to the touch and even the interior dash top feels hot. Clearly there is a lot of heat generated under the hood. The temperature gauge reading seems ok (only 35-40 percent of the dial). Is this normal for a CRV? I've never noticed this issue with any other car I've owned.

I'd appreciate any thoughts on the car in general, especially about the heating issue, thanks!

This model (Thomson, also called Speedtouch) is about 5 years old and it is not wireless. You will need to add in an access point for wireless service.

http://www.speedguid...-view.php?hw=31

I don't need wireless for my application. Is the Thomson no longer manufactured? If so what is the best ADSL modem readily available for wired (non-wireless) use?

It was recommened to me several weeks back to try the Thomson 536 modem. I was just.about to order that model, but after. reading this thread, I'm a bit curious as to why it hasn't been mentioned.I was under the impression that it was the best, or nearly the best, option for use. in Thailand.

Any thoughts about the Thomson 536 modem?

I'm in Udonthani and have a small internet-based U.S. business that I operate out of my home-office. I've been here a year and for convenience sake would love to be able to work with an accountant locally. It is a long-shot, but I hope to find an expatriate (perhaps a retired accountant . . . anybody who can help me figure out how to properly file my corporate and/or personal tax returns).

I've been using Quickbooks for three years and have copies of prior year business tax returns as a starting point.

I'm late (past my extended deadline) in filing my 2009 1120S corporate tax return, ditto for my personal return.

I'd be willing to travel, even to Bangkok, if need be, to meet but of couse prefer to stay as close to Udonthani as possible for convenience sake.

Thanks, David

Thanks everyone for your replies with good information. My wife just told me that insurance will probably not cover any Glaucoma treatment. I had been under the impression that we had good coverage, but it seems not. I don't fully know, or understand, the reasons about this but anyway we'll have to have treatment here in Thailand no matter what as we don't have the financial means to do so back in the States.

I understand that there are a great many different medications and/or procedures so the long-term financial impact of treatment can vary. I'd appreciate knowing what the experience of others is with regards to the on-going cost of treatment. I expect an initial round of examinations to nail down the exact type of Glaucoma, regular checkups for life and then routine medication expense. What can we expect? How much in funds should we try to scrape together for an initial round of consultations at Rutnin Eye Hospital? What will be the recommended schedule of follow-up visits (cost & frequency). What is the range of medication prices?

Any help in sorting out these long-term issues will be a great relief as my wife and I discuss how to rearrange our life to deal with this disease.

Thanks!

Thanks everyone. I've printed out the Rutnin Eye Hospital information and will be giving it to my wife. It was good to hear also that the eye pressure can vary (as opposed to being constant). That gives me some hope that this disease will be treatable. I accepted that I'd be able to cope with blindness on a personal level, but not with being a burdon on my family (i.e. loss of income) so it is nice to hope that I can keep what I still have and continue to provide for my family.

I'm not sure what type I've got. The doctor did mention the word 'angle' but I thought that she was talking about my eye-glass prescription. Anyway, she really wanted to see my medical records from previous opthamologist visits. It has been about 4 years and it may not easy for me to retrieve those documents as I don't recall the name of the doctor, only a general location for his office back home (I'll have to do some research). Otherwise I've got an appointment scheduled in 3 months to see if there has been a change (for the worse). Personally, I'd rather not wait those 3 months prior to beginning treatment because that would be 3 months of irreversible vision lost.

One other thing, the tonography (air-puff-in-the-eye) test showed a normal pressure. That actually scares me because high-pressure can be treated....but what if my glaucoma developed despite normal pressure? In such a case, I wonder how to treat as all the medical options that I read about online focus on lowering high-pressure.

My wife if going to ask around for a specialist but I have a feeling that the better specialists are in Bangkok. Does anybody have a specific doctor that they can recommend who specializes in Glaucoma (even if in Bangkok)?

Also I recall from the exam that the optic damage was more advanced in the left eye, less so in the right eye. Is this normal?

Thanks, I really appreciate your replies.

I just found out I have optic nerve damage from Glaucoma after having an ophthalmology checkup yesterday in Udonthani. I'm only 41 and I'm very worried as is my wife (I don't think she told me everything yet that the doctor said during their private Thai-to-Thai conversation).

Anyway, as I speak no Thai I'm feeling a bit lacking now in my ability to communicate with my doctor and even my wife about the intricacies of my condition, treatment and long-term prognosis.

Even though the doctor and my wife speak English quite well, there is still that last 10% of comprehension that eludes me and that makes it hard to get precise answers to my questions. Then there may also be cultural reasons for not speaking frankly. In the end I'm left with many questions and a lot of worries mostly about caring for, and not being a burden on, my family.

I need some support from anyone who speaks native English (I'm from the U.S.A.) who either has, or is familiar with Glaucoma. I'm not looking for a final diagnosis or anything like that (I have to wait for further tests) but the questions I need answers to are related with how to cope and manage the disease form a day-to-day perspective; whether the treatment regimes commonly available in Udonthani are adequate (up to Western standards); what to watch out for, etc. I really don't know all to well what to ask as I'm just starting out.

Unfortunately, my family and I don't have the financial resources to seek treatment back in the west, although we have pretty decent Thai medical insurance coverage.

My mobile number is 08 749 21046. My name is David. I really just need to talk to someone, thanks!

I think he said 'spikes' not 'pipes'. Ground spikes are solid and are about 2 meters long. One end is pointed to make driving into the ground easier.

I knew what he meant, but just used a different term to describe the same concept.

Copper ground spikes are available in HomePro but you need someone to install them proper, ie. long masonry bit, hammer-drill, etc.. It sounds like you may be in a house rather than a condo so you may need to set several ground spikes around the premises with priority on outlets where the expensive home electronics are located and MORE IMPORTANTLY where you may have hot water heaters or heated shower units.

There's only a couple of brands of outlet strip to buy in LOS, either Wanpro or Belkin. Everything else is sh!te. I have seen Wanpro stuff at HomePro and Carrefour carries the Belkin gear.

Thanks NanLaew for the information. I'm going to HomePro tomorrow for the copper pipe. I don't need the masonry bit, hammer-drill etc. as the house is wooden, not masonry. Hopefully the copper pipe will pound down into the ground fairly easily (unless I encounter buried debries) as the earth is quite wet now. I'll take a look for the Wanpro and Belking outlet strips.

OP, listen up!

Where EXACTLY are you? Udon Thani is a city and also a Province; be more specific please. So your house and a nearby factory have sh!te service. What point in asking if anyone else has this issue if you don't say where YOU are (apart from near your wife's factory)?

Calling TT&T is for what? They don't do broadband any more. They farmed it out to 3BB and they have EXCELLENT English speakers on their support hot-line and I never need to get the wife to call them when I have a problem. If they confirm that it's a network-wide issue, they will tell you. If not, they set up a Tech to visit. Now that is where you may need a Thai speaker as the Tech will call asking for directions! Once they show up, they have been pretty good at sorting out issues like 'tweaking' my modem settings to compensate for a crappy, noisy phone line from ToT! But make sure that the problem you asked them to come and check is resolved before they bugger off as they tend to escape as fast as they can when they see 'no promplem'.

PS. What sort of 'internet business; cannot tolerate a few milliseconds of latency? I am always intrigued by this. I have an AIS GPRS dongle (USB modem) that fairly flies along when the 3bb line goes walkabout. Maybe GPRS is faster than EDGE... or whatever the 'GSM card' you bought works with?

NanLaew, listen up!

I'm in Udonthani city. VoIP works best with low latency, not to mention an internet connection that does not quit right in the middle of an important business call. Sorry, I guess I should have said 3BB (not TTT), I didn't realize I was referring incorrectly.

A surge protector requires a good earth connection to work properly. Unfortunately most houses, apartments, and condos in Thailand, don't have a proper earth connection. If they do, it's usually dubious. Also some surge protectors sold in Thailand don't have an earth connection either (even though they have three pins).

Most of the multi-outlet strips sold in Thailand do not have surge protectors nor do they have earth connections. You need a competent electrician (be aware most electricians in Thailand are not competent) to check it out.

As an alternative, I have seen some multi-outlet surge protector strips sold in Thailand that have two lights on the strip (one light for power and the other light, lights when the earth connection is proper). These type of surge protection strips are sold in the upper class home improvement stores (like Home Pro and Home Works). If both lights are lit, you can be fairly sure the strip has a good earth connection and it may provide some protection. If not, you need a qualified electrician to resolve the problem.

Again, even with a surge protector or UPS, you are not guaranteed that you will be protected against a lightning strike. It just provides a little more protection for surges.

In developed countries there are devices that are installed at the meter or installed in the distribution panel. They provide some more protection. I haven't seen them sold in Thailand, nor have I seen an electrician who would know how to install them.

Nothing will protect you 100% against a direct hit. The best protection is to unplug the devices when they not in use and when there is an electrical storm present. Just turning the switch off does not guarantee the device is disconnected, especially with newer electronic devices.

I also rather skeptical about the grounding of the older Thai-style house I'm in now. I plan on going to Home Pro this weekend to see if I can find a long metal rod so that I can put in my own ground. Does it have to be copper, or will any metal rod do?