MalandLee

17 minutes ago, saengd said:

No, the insurer MUST be one of the eight or nine approved Thai insurance companies ONLY, overseas insurers are not permitted.

The "correction" was referring to travel insurance, not health insurance. I understand what you are saying, however, it is out of context, as regards my correction.

20 hours ago, gearbox said:

This is incorrect. I'm here on travel insurance too, which is valid for 6 months, then I can go back to Australia and come back to Thailand and the 6 months period starts again. I have unlimited medical coverage. The insurance policy does not require any specific type of visa to be valid. I've read the insurance policy very carefully and asked the insurers a few questions as well. 

 

One can get also worldwide 1 year travel insurance from World Nomads for around 1K AUD.

 

Any of the offered O-A visa insurance policies would give me way less coverage.

You need to change the highlighted text to THOSE UNDER 70 can get travel insurance from World Nomads for around 1K AUD.

2 minutes ago, Puchaiyank said:

Very interesting chart...I think it closely reflects current visitors to Thailand close enough to draw your own conclusions as to why Chinese is being taught in school...not sure about all schools but is mandatory in my son's school...

"Lies, damned lies, and statistics" (Mark Twain) of course as with many "statistics" the devil is in the detail. However, even if the figures are "in the ball park" so to speak it is a massive shift for Thailand.

I think your son will only benefit from learning Chinese.

Good Luck - Mal

Source: Here

I have seen a desperate longing to share their faith in the eyes of many Christians, and I believe it to be in most cases a heartfelt expression of their love for their fellow man and their desire to distribute or disperse widely the joy of God’s fatherly love for mankind. Trouble is, they don’t apprehend how difficult it is for us rationalists to even converse with them.

For example, the words I have typed above presuppose me using symbols that I don’t even believe in, just in order to communicate. We atheists always Feel that way when we are drawn into a discussion about religion and we are forced to use (to us) meaningless terms like ‘God.’ We feel that we are debasing ourselves by descending to use the unscientific Christian lexicon, which we genuinely see as barbaric and primitive.

We feel awkward and vulnerable when we do so. We don’t take their crude representations seriously, but rather as quickly disposable verbal tools for contact purposes.

Now you know that I’m speaking in general terms here, and this isn’t an attack on any specific religious person, but merely an attempt by me to explain how frustrating it is for guys like us to parley.

It must work the other way for them too, and be equally frustrating when they quote the Holy Bible to us and we don’t respond to their quotes and references to the truth, as they see it, in the Holy Scripture. I can feel their frustration and I genuinely sympathise with them sometimes.

On certain occasions or in certain cases but not always, I ask them to imagine what it’s like to be within our minds. It’s not the notion of negativity that they probably imagine it to be - it’s not a sort of vacuum filled with an indescribable hunger or longing for something unbeknownst and unreachable - but rather an exhilarating, expansible, euphoric, exciting place, full of freedom, challenge and counter-challenge and breathtaking self-sufficiency.

Can they imagine how arduous it is for us to regress into some sort of Crude childhood naivety characterised by over-simplicity and babble seriously of ‘God’ and ‘soul’ - nouns that for us are without substance of significance, denoting nothing. I can insinuate myself into their minds by using my natural empathy. I get A feeling of love and a kind of peace and joy, but also detect a yearning For something further - there’s a feeling of incompleteness - as if some expansion of their selfhood is required which is intangible and mysterious.

As for those that still have the faith, I hope that someday they find peace they seek, whether the route is by a total immersion in the completeness and love of Christian spirituality, OR by opening the golden door of joyful liberation and joining those of us who are waiting for them in the garden of atheism/humanism, sipping the nectar of self-determination through silver straws.

22 hours ago, jonwilly said:

There is a history of Cardiac problems in my family and my older brother had triple heart bypass years ago when he was late 50's or early 60's, paid for by UK's National Health which I cannot access any more.

OP This is a genuine attempt to offer you an alternative - IT IS ENTIRELY up to you of course, to accept it. It has worked VERY well for millions of people.

{SNIP} Meet Frances Greger, Dr. Michael Greger's grandmother (in the above two videos). Dr. Greger says that his grandmother "was given a medical death sentence at the age of 65."  Seeing his grandmother's health improve is what inspired Dr. Greger to pursue a career in plant-based medicine.{END} SOURCE Link

Many (Maybe you're one of them?) will not accept that alternatives exist. However, my own humanity compels me to at lease add my own "empirical" experience into the debate you initiated.

19 hours ago, Sheryl said:

The problem with your 1.5 million self insurance is (1) how will you replenish it when it has been used?  and (2) that amount is will not be sufficient for care in a private hospitals if you have a really catastrophic illness or accident. Bills can easily top 4 million and that's for just 1 hospitalization.

This comment by Sheryl resonated too. Building a fund to cope with what you (seem to) feel is inevitable will drain your resources.

My bottom line: Researching, then modifying your lifestyle could well stave off heart surgery completely - as it has done for countless people (Me included)...

Not everything in medicine is improved by a "scalpel" 

Some would say Hippocrates and his teacher Democritus are considered to be the father(s) of modern medicine. Hippocrates also is reputed to have said "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food"

Good luck mate...

1 minute ago, Elad said:

Err what about vitamin B12 an essential nutrient that our body needs for producing all cells. Vitamin B12 is only found in animal meat and fish, so vegetarians and vegans need fortified foods such as cereals in order to get their B12 intake. if it wasn't for these fortified foods then vegetarians and vegans would not survive.   

Utter uneducated rubbish...

20 minutes ago, alexlm said:

I'll try to get the visa exemption stamp of 30 days.

+ 2 months extension based on marriage.

I have never heard about this option - if you care to elaborate it would be much appreciated.

11 hours ago, bwpage3 said:

We have a few cousins that have been working on an Israeli farm for a couple of years. They are very happy, getting paid much more than they could ever make in Thailand.

 

They also get a trip back to Thailand once or twice a year.

 

They have made enough money to buy their own tractors, trucks and other things back in Thailand.

 

I suppose it all really depends on who you are working for?

 

When we Skype them, they appear to be happy and having a good time.

 

Only complaint is they miss their families.

 

On a side note, my brother in law and his wife have made a couple of trips from Issan to Sweden to Pick berries.

 

Interesting to note, they go to Sweden on a tourist visa???????

 

Not sure who arranges this from Thailand, but they go every year.

 

This last trip they came back with enough to buy a pickup truck.

 

I liked this post – Thank you.

I read these boards and sometimes I Pity those who don't understand, who can't or won't see the "story within the story". This post (FOR ME) teaches us that our own attitudes, prejudices, opinions, values, etc, are what determine our view(s) of the life, of others. These are things we carry with us - simply changing one's location ultimately changes little, as these boards so often "teach".

Israel Like all nations has it's share of good and bad. Like ALL they should not be immune to being called out on "issues" - healthy debate is constructive - your own prejudice is not.

My example: I personally love Chinese people, but, I am of, - what "used" to be described in anthropology - of Caucasian decent. The Chinese dynamic in young adults is something that works best with "compassion and understanding". Social skills are difficult with the “only one child per family”. I found they created "brothers and sisters" from extended family AND close friends, plus MUCH more.

Far too many dynamics to extrapolate here..

A few of you will find a way to set aside prejudice and preconception against all members of our species – a wonderful, colourful world awaits those that succeed – it does not fix the issues, healthy debate is best for that.

I watched this lovely women win the X factor Israel - seems like all the colours of the rainbow on stage hugging her when she won...

Does not look like apartheid to me.... But then, my agenda may be different?

5 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

You're absolutely correct about the perverted use of "chosen people" to insult Israel and the Jewish people in general. Such garbage shows up here pretty much every time there is a topic about Jews or Israel. 

 

As far as Thai workers being mistreated in Israel or anywhere, of course that's a legitimate issue worth talking about. But no need to bring Jew hatred into it. 

Could not agree more.. For me that applies to all groups of people, not just Jews.

18 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

Not new "By The Thaiger & The Nation February 14, 2018" as shown on the article.

It was posted in news section back then and was discussed there.

Foreigners to be tracked by Defence Ministry

    17 May 2018 at 11:10 | 98 viewed | 0 comments

Did not see the date on the site referenced, however, ONE of your (TV)  banned sites carried it as a new article, with the above headline - spelling mistakes and all :-) - . There are subtle differences in the wording on the two sites - I used the above URL because of the ban.

https://thethaiger.com/news/keeping-track-foreigners-thailand-new-e-passport-data-used

Appeared on a number of sites today (2018 May 17) - if the above site is banned, my apologies.

If we can dispense with the TM6 then perhaps it is one bureaucratic hurdle less to jump?.

However, there is always the small print and the REAL "intent"

I live in Perth.
I used the "Sydney list"
Bound everything with one of those binder thingy's from Officeworks $3.00
Sent to Canbera in "Platinum bag" from OZ Post.
Put a paid up "platinum bag" for return postage.
Process took 5 working days

Sent flowers to the fantastic Thai Lady who seemed to answer all calls.

YOUR MILEAGE MAY VARY.
Mal

18 hours ago, Berkshire said:

Funny.  Is this another way to scam from those who've already been scammed before?  Might be pretty cunning as those dumb enough to fall for it the first time may be ripe to fall for it again.

 

But if it's for real, I can imagine real scammers trying to get some of that loot.  Regardless, good luck with that!

It is sad there are people like you in this world, however, most decent people have learned to ignore those of your ilk. It is a rather simple process to check the validity of a website, particularly an Australian Government Website.

I sincerely hope genuine claimants can ignore this recalcitrant diatribe.

Thanks Lou,
One would think within the huge 'xpat membership here, some would like to know and some may be eligible - as usual, with most corporate vermin, there is only a TINY window to claim, which expires in about two weeks.
Good luck to those that spot this post "in time".
Mal

http://www.scamnet.wa.gov.au/scamnet/Help_and_support-Financial_recovery-Western_Union_refunds.htm

Use above URL to start your claims process - good luck

January, 2018

If you lost money using Western Union you may get a refund
If you sent money to a scammer using Western Union you may get a refund
If you sent money to a scammer through Western Union between 1 January 2004 and 19 January 2017, you may be entitled to a refund after the global money service agreed to repay a settlement of $586 million to scam victims.

Claims must be submitted by 12 February 2018.

FULL Details Here: http://tinyurl.com/y9v3jd5n
PS I know tiny URL's are not the best but the original URL is ridiculously long.

Good thread BB...

Good luck mate

31 minutes ago, sipi said:

I don't do this personally but I know one couple who do......

Some credit cards offer free insurance if you pay for air tickets using said card. Of course if you pay it off immediately you basically get it for the cost of the card annual fee. 

Might be worth investigating. 

 

Edit.. I could never live in Thailand full time and a lot of other Aussies also. 

Seems I have to join the dumb <deleted> club - I too never gave this credit card insurance a thought..... BUT, I will now.

Plus I am same as you mate - cannot live there full time - currently in Ozzie land and loving it :)

You are probably correct Bob on the drug front. However, the "trade" does exist. Sadly because I am not sure of the legalities, I prefer not to expand what I know. I can say, there is a myriad of checks and ALL drugs are dispensed to the patient, on the order of a doctor and in the case of my friend, "FULL Doctor supervised pain management" was top notch. THERE WAS NO, (nor was there EVER) any SELF MEDICATION. I prefer not to say more.

My guess is members of each "tribe" that chooses to call Thailand their home, will have different requirements after a tribal member is deceased. I am an Aussie, would not have a clue what is needed after I depart this world, however, my (deeply bereaved) friends partner, has reminded me I must try and make the transition for my beautiful wife as seamless as possible - I will endeavour to do that.

We NEVER dwell on death, but, some practical steps have been taken. We have a will, plus an encrypted document, password protected, containing ALL known passwords, banking, insurance, etc... PLUS as much info as could possibly be needed to smooth out the bumps. Minimal but practical, I know.

Firstly I must echo Nancy's comments on the McKean Centre. Prices start at (around) 32,000 Baht per month. Of course everyone's  needs are different AND prices vary accordingly, BUT, if one is cognizant and able to express their wishes - many will know (Certainly my friend did), that remaining at home was an unacceptable burden on the person  who cared & loved the person.

We have a Thai friend in a "San Sai" palliative care centre - His family pay 34,000 Baht per month for his care. Being Thai and "local", they hunted for a cost effective solution to home care - hiring nurses 24/7 did not work for them.

Note, that in both cases - (Thai, Non Thai) drugs are not included in the prices quoted. MANY enterprising partners of terminally ill persons can "source" expensive drugs, from the families of recently deceased persons. I know from experience, it can save considerable sums of money. Whilst it may seem distasteful, to some doing this, it is often a "win - win" situation for the terminally ill person AND the partner of a deceased person - FINANCIALLY.

Other things happen after death and can be quite draining on the "bereaved" - but need to be done.

<SNIP>I had to go to immigration to cancel <deceased> visa. Speak to British Embassy to get <deceased> passport cancelled. Apparently these are urgent items to get sorted.

I am in the process of getting Thai & English death certificates certified. I went to City Hall this morning (Twice) for them to finish off the process. I go back Monday to collect the papers.

Yesterday I posted off <deceased> UK driving license to get that cancelled. There are a few things like that, that I still need to do - need to look at my list of actions. <END>

These last weeks have been draining saying our final goodbye's - If I am to go, whilst here in Thailand, I hope the McLean centre has room for me in my final days..

One last thought, re drugs to keep terminally ill patients comfortable - "it may exist but I have never heard of it" IT WOULD BE NICE, if expat's had an acceptable repository, where drugs could be "donated" by the families of the deceased - to assist those less fortunate. Given the potential for abuse and legalities, something like this could be difficult - but would not be impossible?