OneZero

If your comments were directed at neerenam, he is not the op. 

Pravda is the op.

Any recommendations or experience to share?

The following was all that was available in the pinned topic:  

RHEUMATOLOGIST - stiff muscles and pain in joints and associated structures.   Awaiting forum input

8 hours ago, NancyL said:

It's a DIY document.  https://www.lannacarenet.org/lessons-learned-at-the-end-of-life/

NancyL,

Thank you very much.

On 2/8/2022 at 5:24 PM, NancyL said:

The current Lanna Care Net Advance Directive is in both English and the Thai language.  Has been for at least 4 or 5 years.  We've also added a section on how you want to handle your funeral arrangements, so that your Thai family doesn't feel the pressure to have an elaborate (i.e. expensive) funeral for you or your overseas family doesn't feel compelled to bring your body "home" rather than having it cremated here and the remains repatriated.

Interesting, & I'd like further information:

1.  How much does it cost?

2. POC Ph# to investigate further / potentially hire Lanna Care to do one for me.

2 minutes ago, OneZero said:

I think that is correct.  But unless the applicant has evidence of residence in that province (COR, TM30, perhaps yellow book alone might do) I'm guessing he might be turned away (& possibly without adequate explanation (hence the question).

 

Couldn't find edit.  I've seen posted here of folks doing it at different location.  But I think I also remember one being turned down w/o current proof of residence presented.  Perhaps with proof of residence (TM30, etc), even in a different province, it is no problem to do it anywhere.  Perhaps best to go & ask ahead of time.

19 hours ago, seedy said:

Wrong - any DLT in the country

I think that is correct.  But unless the applicant has evidence of residence in that province (COR, TM30, perhaps yellow book alone might do) I'm guessing he might be turned away (& possibly without adequate explanation (hence the question).

Pib, Connda,

Thank both of you very much for your input.

Despite my disappointment with the Bkk Bk CM bank mgr, I would like to stick with them & ACH, at least for now.

Pib,

your suggestions are exactly what I was hoping for, and I will proceed with your advice.

Again, thank you both.

1 hour ago, Pib said:

You post is confusing....I'll explain why below. 

 

Based on the post it appears Bangkok Bank opened a special/restricted savings acct for you to receive reoccurring U.S. govt payments.  This type of acct is only required if you use the "ACH" method for Direct Deposit....that is, you use the Bangkok Bank New York branch ACH/ABA routing number of 026008691 and your in-Thailand branch acct number.  Usually a SF-1199A Direct Deposit form is used.....https://www.gsa.gov/Forms/TrackForm/32810

 

Although the Bangkok Bank special/restricted acct is setup to receive reoccurring U.S. govt payments "via ACH", repeat, via ACH, you can send personal ACH transfers, SWIFT/wire transfers, Transferwise transfers, etc., to the acct if desired.  

 

Then you start talking the NY branch doing the exchange and the passbook coding received is BTN which stands for the BAHTNET transfer system which is primarily a Thailand domestic transfer system but it does interface with the SWIFT system.   Now that makes me think you signed up for International Direct Deposit (IDD) which uses the SWIFT system (not the ACH system) and the signup form is different....it at this SSA weblink: https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-1199-op107.pdf

 

Bangkok Bank NY is "not" involved in IDD transfers.  The U.S. Treasury/its contractor bank for IDD payments accomplishes the exchange several business days before the payment date and then transfers baht to you.  The current contractor bank that the U.S. Treasury uses for Thailand once the payment leaves the Federal Reserve Bank of New York is Citibank.  The SWIFT routing going thru Citibank Europe and then on to Bank of Thailand/Citibank Thailand where the final leg of the transfer is via the BAHTNET system....that's why you get the BTN coding. 

 

If your benefit payment is approx $1,125 or more after all the exchange rate/fee dust settles you will get a little more if using the ACH method; if if less than approx $1,125 you will get a little more if using IDD.

 

So, which direct deposit method did you sign up with....ACH or IDD?    

 

If you signed up for ACH the a Bangkok Bank restricted/special acct is required "and" the Bangkok Bank NY branch is involved as you used their ACH/ABA routing number.  However, they "do not" accomplish the exchange at the NY branch but they do slice off a pass-thru fee....the exchange is accomplished once it arrives Bangkok Bank Thailand.  The exchange rate used is the Bangkok Bank "TT Buying Rate" on the date of posting....since the TT Buying Rate usually changes the several times per day the 0830am/opening rate is usually used.

 

If you signed up for IDD a Bangkok Bank restricted/special acct is "not" required....it can be a regular savings acct at any Thai bank to include Bangkok Bank....AND the Bangkok Bank NY branch is not involved in the transfer.....only the local Bangkok Bank branch receives the payment from Citibank via the BAHTNET system.

 

If you did signup for IDD payment then the Chiang Mai branch should not have opened a restricted/special acct for the payment but maybe they just didn't know better....they heard U.S. govt payments and just defaulted to opening the restricted/special acct....IDD was just something they didn't know about/understand.  

 

So, did you signup for payment via ACH or IDD?  If ACH, you must have the Bangkok Bank restricted/special acct.  If IDD a Bangkok Bank restricted/special acct is "not" required....just a regular Thai baht saving acct at any Thai bank (including Bangkok Bank) is needed.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pib,

I had already opened the restricted acct & was happy with that as my OPM pension is deposited to it and I use the FTT deposits for renewing extension of stay at Immigration. Fine. I used the same restricted acct when I asked Bkk Bk folks to help prepare the paperwork for the SSA pension direct deposit.  They filled out the paperwork, I signed it (wo realizing any distinction between ACH & IDD) & mailed it to Manila.  I don't know exactly where the decision to start it as IDD came from, but certainly seems to be what happened.  Thanks for your explanation Pib.

.

Ok, now I'm hoping for suggestions as to the easiest way to get it converted to ACH.

As I stated, the Chiang Mai, Kad Suan Kaew Bkk Bk manager was not at all willing to do anything for me.

Also, he sure seems to have made an erroneous statement when he stated that SSA has to do it the IDD way.  That is contrary to everything I've learned here. 

19 hours ago, Pib said:

ACH is still available/works for U.S. govt payments; but will not work for individual transfers like a person initiating an ACH bank transfer unless the U.S. bank uses International ACH Transaction (IAT) format which to few to none use.     And Bangkok Bank will happily setup a person for ACH DD deposit because that earns them more payment/transfer fees than IDD DD. 

 

 

On 9/23/2021 at 7:50PM Pib said:

 ….keep in mind there are two different types of direct deposit methods.  (ACH and IDD)

 One is the original ACH transfer method where the Bangkok Bank NY branch routing number along with your in-Thailand branch acct number is used.  This method is for for the restricted direct deposit acct with Bangkok Bank where you can only withdraw/transfer funds by physically visiting any branch, no debit card allowed, acct can be in your name only, etc..

 The other direct deposit method is the International Direct Deposit (IDD) method .........

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Pib, or anybody else with experience to share:

1. Bangkok Bank Chiang Mai Kad Suan Kaew branch assisted me with form to direct deposit my SSA pension to my existing acct into which I currently already receive my OPM pension (This Acct solely my name & I need to show ID to withdraw, No ATM). The OPM pension arrives Thailand US dollars with FEX in Thailand coded FTT.  Fine so far.  Beginning 04Jan2022 I received my first SSA pension direct deposit to same acct.

2. But something I don't like about the SSA deposit:

The US dollars were converted to Thai Baht in NYC (Bkk Bk branch) first.  I received the baht, but at a reduced FEX rate from what was being used here in Thailand if US dollars arrived.  Also, the deposit showed up in my bank book coded as "BTN" (whatever that means) as opposed to my desired code  "FTT" (which I understand to mean Foreign Transaction).  

3. I talked to the manager at Bangkok Bank Chiang Mai, Kad Suan Kaew branch, who told me that there is nothing he can do to change it so that US dollars will arrive in Thailand before being converted to THB in NYC. He insisted that it is just the way that SSA & Bkk Bk NYC must do it.  I'm not sure he is correct about that, but rather than argue I accepted that there was nothing that he (the mgr) was willing to do to assist. 

4. So, I also sent an email to SSA Manila office asking them if there is anything they can do to assist.  However, knowing the bureaucracy can at times also be unhelpful, or at least slow, I thought it potentially beneficial to ask aseannow readers for comments ref their experience with SSA direct deposits to Bkk Bk.  Thanks in advance for sharing your experience /

19 hours ago, Pib said:

ACH is still available/works for U.S. govt payments; but will not work for individual transfers like a person initiating an ACH bank transfer unless the U.S. bank uses International ACH Transaction (IAT) format which to few to none use.     And Bangkok Bank will happily setup a person for ACH DD deposit because that earns them more payment/transfer fees than IDD DD. 

 

 

I am reposting my question here due to no response on a different post.  My situation is as follows.

On 9/23/2021 at 7:50PM Pib said:

 ….keep in mind there are two different types of direct deposit methods.  (ACH and IDD)

 One is the original ACH transfer method where the Bangkok Bank NY branch routing number along with your in-Thailand branch acct number is used.  This method is for for the restricted direct deposit acct with Bangkok Bank where you can only withdraw/transfer funds by physically visiting any branch, no debit card allowed, acct can be in your name only, etc..

 The other direct deposit method is the International Direct Deposit (IDD) method .........

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Pib, or anybody else with experience to share:

1. Bangkok Bank Chiang Mai Kad Suan Kaew branch assisted me with form to direct deposit my SSA pension to my existing acct into which I currently already receive my OPM pension (This Acct solely my name & I need to show ID to withdraw, No ATM). The OPM pension arrives Thailand US dollars with FEX in Thailand coded FTT.  Fine so far.  Beginning 04Jan2022 I received my first SSA pension direct deposit to same acct.

2. But something I don't like about the SSA deposit:

The US dollars were converted to Thai Baht in NYC (Bkk Bk branch) first.  I received the baht, but at a reduced FEX rate from what was being used here in Thailand if US dollars arrived.  Also, the deposit showed up in my bank book coded as "BTN" (whatever that means) as opposed to my desired code  "FTT" (which I understand to mean Foreign Transaction).  

3. I talked to the manager at Bangkok Bank Chiang Mai, Kad Suan Kaew branch, who told me that there is nothing he can do to change it so that US dollars will arrive in Thailand before being converted to THB in NYC. He insisted that it is just the way that SSA & Bkk Bk NYC must do it.  I'm not sure he is correct about that, but rather than argue I accepted that there was nothing that he (the mgr) was willing to do to assist. 

4. So, I also sent an email to SSA Manila office asking them if there is anything they can do to assist.  However, knowing the bureaucracy can at times also be unhelpful, or at least slow, I thought it potentially beneficial to ask aseannow readers for comments ref their experience with SSA direct deposits to Bkk Bk.  Thanks in advance for sharing your experience /

19 hours ago, Pib said:

ACH is still available/works for U.S. govt payments; but will not work for individual transfers like a person initiating an ACH bank transfer unless the U.S. bank uses International ACH Transaction (IAT) format which to few to none use.     And Bangkok Bank will happily setup a person for ACH DD deposit because that earns them more payment/transfer fees than IDD DD. 

 

 

I am reposting my question here due to no response on a different post.  My situation is as follows.

On 9/23/2021 at 7:50PM Pib said:

 ….keep in mind there are two different types of direct deposit methods.  (ACH and IDD)

 One is the original ACH transfer method where the Bangkok Bank NY branch routing number along with your in-Thailand branch acct number is used.  This method is for for the restricted direct deposit acct with Bangkok Bank where you can only withdraw/transfer funds by physically visiting any branch, no debit card allowed, acct can be in your name only, etc..

 The other direct deposit method is the International Direct Deposit (IDD) method .........

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Pib, or anybody else with experience to share:

1. Bangkok Bank Chiang Mai Kad Suan Kaew branch assisted me with form to direct deposit my SSA pension to my existing acct into which I currently already receive my OPM pension (This Acct solely my name & I need to show ID to withdraw, No ATM). The OPM pension arrives Thailand US dollars with FEX in Thailand coded FTT.  Fine so far.  Beginning 04Jan2022 I received my first SSA pension direct deposit to same acct.

2. But something I don't like about the SSA deposit:

The US dollars were converted to Thai Baht in NYC (Bkk Bk branch) first.  I received the baht, but at a reduced FEX rate from what was being used here in Thailand if US dollars arrived.  Also, the deposit showed up in my bank book coded as "BTN" (whatever that means) as opposed to my desired code  "FTT" (which I understand to mean Foreign Transaction).  

3. I talked to the manager at Bangkok Bank Chiang Mai, Kad Suan Kaew branch, who told me that there is nothing he can do to change it so that US dollars will arrive in Thailand before being converted to THB in NYC. He insisted that it is just the way that SSA & Bkk Bk NYC must do it.  I'm not sure he is correct about that, but rather than argue I accepted that there was nothing that he (the mgr) was willing to do to assist. 

4. So, I also sent an email to SSA Manila office asking them if there is anything they can do to assist.  However, knowing the bureaucracy can at times also be unhelpful, or at least slow, I thought it potentially beneficial to ask aseannow readers for comments ref their experience with SSA direct deposits to Bkk Bk.  Thanks in advance for sharing your experience /

On 9/23/2021 at 7:50 PM, Pib said:

Yes...it completed on the spot and then that local Bangkok Bank branch probably relays it to the HQ Bangkok Bank main branch on Silom Road in Bangkok who will then email/fax it to the Manila SS Office.  Or, you can email/mail it yourself.

 

Also, keep in mind there are two different types of direct deposit methods. 

 

One is the original ACH transfer method where the Bangkok Bank NY branch routing number along with your in-Thailand branch acct number is used.  This method is for for the restricted direct deposit acct with Bangkok Bank where you can only withdraw/transfer funds by physically visiting any branch, no debit card allowed, acct can be in your name only, etc..

 

The other direct deposit method is the International Direct Deposit (IDD) method which became available for Thailand about 2 years ago and does not use the NY branch ACH routing number....instead the U.S. Treasury/SSA converts to baht on their end and sendsvia SWIFT....uses the SWIFT code and acct number of your Thailand bank.  IDD can go to any bank in Thailand (Bangkok Bank, K-bank, Krungsri, SCB, etc) and can go to a regular savings/checking acct....no restrictions at all....can even go to a joint acct.

Pib, or anybody else with experience to share:

1. I did your first/top method above & beginning 04Jan2022 I received my first SSA pension direct deposit to my Bangkok Bank acct in Chiang Mai (Acct solely my name & I need to show ID to withdraw, no atm).

2. But something I don't like:

The US dollars were converted to Thai Baht in NYC (Bkk Bk branch) first.  I received the baht, but at a reduced FEX rate from what was being used here in Thailand if US dollars arrived.  Also, the deposit showed up in my bank book coded as "BTN" (whatever that means) as opposed to my desired code  "FTT" (which I understand to mean Foreign Transaction).  

3. I talked to the manager at Bangkok Bank Chiang Mai, Kad Suan Kaew branch, who told me that there is nothing he can do to change it so that US dollars will arrive in Thailand before being converted to THB in NYC. He insisted that it is just the way that SSA & Bkk Bk NYC must do it.  I'm not sure he is correct about that, but rather than argue I accepted that there was nothing that he (the mgr) was willing to do to assist. 

4. So, I also sent an email to SSA Manila office asking them if there is anything they can do to assist.

However, knowing the bureaucracy can at times also be unhelpful, or at least slow, I thought it potentially beneficial to ask aseannow readers for comments ref their experience with SSA direct deposits to Bkk Bk.  Thanks in advance for sharing your experience / knowledge.

11 minutes ago, OneZero said:

Original Name: Lilly Valley.

 

Lily Valley Now Called Star Palace Condo - Chiang Mai - ASEAN NOW - News, Travel & Forum

Original Name: Lilly Valley.

59 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

You have to block the seat with a bag then show ticket, then ask to see their ticket and tell them where to sit, people frequently sit in the wrong seat until moved

Seat numbers on back of seat for the seat in front is confusing to newbies.

If you don't get better advice here, ask your questions at the DLT on road to HangDong.

Reference the recent Thai government talk of a shift to seeking "High quality tourists" (not here solely for the beer & the women) but without the requisite factors in place to make Thailand an irresistible attraction (immigration & covid requirement hassles, scams, etc).  

Perhaps Thai & Pattaya hierarchy, and those funding huge infrastructure investments smell a Casino in the works. 

Reference article in today's newspaper Thai legislators to once again consider it.

Recently did my marriage visa extension at Korat immigration and only new thing is now I have to have my US Government pension letter translated to Thai. Not a big deal if you are aware of it ahead of time and not find out the day you go to apply. 

JIMBOB4 or Ubonjoe:

1. I Didn't know that this type evidence was officially (stamped, etc) issued by USG (in light of US Embassy no longer issuing an affidavit of income).  Perhaps I just don't understand, Could someone please elaborate.

2. Could someone also please advise what Thai Immigration allows such a USG letter to substitutes for (Thai baht in bank, monthly foreign receipt?).

CMU Humanities Dept for one.  A couple years ago, if I remember correctly it was 500 thb/page.

Another is Star Visa near US Consulate, was about same price.

Does anybody have advance info on where the entrances will be? 

I would be interested in an entrance off Rama IV, preferably just east of the railroad tracks / expressway.

In past Wing41 opened applications for entry in November. 

Anybody know if they have already opened again this year?

Raindancer,

Thank you very much.