smo

On 8/6/2017 at 11:25 AM, skatewash said:

The bank staff were apparently requesting 2.2.1 information.  My understanding is that such a document from your embassy will basically state that you live in Thailand (not so much a recommendation) and that would be sufficient to satisfy that requirement.  However, letters from most embassies are notoriously expensive, not to mention inconvenient to obtain for many.  You may instead be able to satisfy the 2.2 requirement by meeting 2.2.2 rather than 2.2.1.

 

 

My fixed one-year term saving account got its first anniversary last week, so this morning I went to Bangkok Bank wanting to close this account and open a new one on fixed 3 month term. Was told by bank manager that I would need a letter of authorization from my (US) embassy to open a new account. 

I told her that last year when I opened the one-year fixed account she did not ask for this letter (based on my retirement extension). She said yeah but now we need it. I have this nagging feeling that she didn't like the fact that I was switching from one year to 3-month term. But then I saw that current edition of guide to Bangkok Bank was of Jan 2017, so maybe that has been enforced? Come to think of it, in Feb this year I did open a money market fund account with them (same branch), and they did not ask for the letter either. So does this come down to the discretion of the bank manager?

It happened to me once, I don't make calls that often but was seeing the strange sms popping up and my money credit going down steadily ('m on prepaid.) So I called dtac. The English speaking rep cheerfully informed me of the state of the affair and readily offered to cancel "it" (whatever that was) on the spot, if I so desired. 

Absolutely no fuss, meaning no explanation given and no voice raised (both parties assumed it's a fact of TIT life.) That took care of it and it has not happened since. In all I lost a hundred baht but that taught me to look out for those dodgy sms ever since.

On 8/13/2017 at 0:36 AM, KittenKong said:

 

Phyathai hospital, Sri Racha.

 

I think their list price is 45,000B now and as far as I know they only have the one implantologist. Her name has been mentioned on here several times but I can look it up if you need it. They have a British rep named Gavin on their international staff who is very helpful and whose details are here:

http://www.phyathai-sriracha.com/pytsweb_eng/index.php?page=contact

 

If the root of your tooth is still sound I see no reason why you should not get many more years out of it.

No I won't get rid of the tooth while it could still be of use. It's just that losing one good front tooth at this late stage in life makes me feel a lot less self-confident (it even had me start thinking maybe I should arrange my own funeral now while I still can...that sort of things, crazy I know). 

Thanks for the link. I'm in BKK so I doubt when the time comes I would make the trek down to Sri Racha to see your specialist, but who knows, I will put the info in my Rolodex for now. 

Thank you for being so helpful and your input is very much appreciated.

On 8/10/2017 at 9:05 AM, KittenKong said:

 

In this particular case as the root seems to be sound it would be a shame to remove it. Plenty of time later to put an implant in if the crown fails in 10-20 years.

 

I think you made the right choice.

Thanks Kittenkong for your input and reassurance, I really appreciated it. If by chance you got your implants done in Bangkok, do you mind sharing the name of the clinic/hospital, and while we're at it, the doc name also?  The info might come in handy...The price (40K or only double of what I'm gonna pay for the crown including root canal) you quoted seems tempting, I might go for it, not right now, but sooner than "10 - 20 years" perhaps? (You are welcome to pm me for the info if you don't want to make it public) Thanks,

(Come to think of it, it must have an English-dubbed soundtrack, all foreign movies released in the US invariably do,)

As far as war movies go, I rank WWB above Apocalypse Now, which even Coppola admitted was a jumbled mess, no matter what a glorious mess it was. What I really dig in WWB is the way memories were depicted as something that only memory should dictate (for its own "purposes" I guess) not as something that truly happened (the older one gets the more certainly one can attest to this effect). I guess some of this must not have been lost on you who have been there in real life. 

I remember reading an memoir excerpt sometime ago by someone growing up in Beirut and recalling fondly an idyllic bourgeois childhood spent on what was considered then the Middle-eastern French riviera before the war. That should make a nice bookend for this movie on the dvd... Anyway hope you would get it as your personal war memento! (and someday someone would remake Apocalypse now a la Bashir!)
 

I used to have a dvd of this movie in my collection, which ultimately went to the local goodwill prior to my departure from the us. I am not sure that it had an English (dubbed) soundtrack. However it has something immensely better which is the director's running commentary throughout the movie, he speaks excellent English and offers great insights into the way he directed the movie.

Absorbing and unusual movie. Since it's not an English-speaking film, if ever it showed up in Thailand, it would certainly be dubbed in Thai and may or may not include English subtitles. Last year on my home visit, I found it aplenty at weekend swapmeets - seemed like a popular film back then in the states - was going to get one, but kept forgetting.

Last resort, if you must have it, get it from amazon uk, and choose sellers that would ship international. I have one movie on  my list that I'm gonna get from there, it's worth the wait and not that expensive (roughly 3 or 4 british pounds for postage).

7 minutes ago, mogandave said:

 

She'll likely want to remove the roots and insert posts to act as the structure that will support the crown.

 

On the other hand, there is a smaller side tooth that needs root canal because doc says the cavities have come into the pulp part of the roots. However she emphasizes root canal only, no crown is necessary. So what gives? I always thought that doing root canal is to pave the way for putting on a crown.

Thanks tonray for the numbers. I went in for a check up at Mahidol dental clinic (in bkk) today. Doc says that an implant to cover that ghastly hole where the front tooth used to be would cost around 60K baht, so she grudgingly goes the crown route, in conjunction with a root canal on the remaining base of the tooth, the total cost of which would be 20K. Before anything is done, I came home with a temporary tooth, which makes me feel "human" again.

On 8/6/2017 at 8:15 PM, giddyup said:

A plate is removable, it just fills up the space where teeth have been removed. Better you do a Google search where there will be photos that give you a clearer idea. I just did a tough calculation of 16 molars, 8 top and 8 bottom @ around 75,000 baht each for implants, but I won't be going down that road. Here's a link https://www.google.co.th/search?q=partial+dental+plate&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwifhLTS2MLVAhVDv5QKHTp9ALAQsAQIcA&biw=1600&bih=736

Thanks for the link, gyddyup. btw, I went in for a check up at Mahidol dental clinic (in bkk) today. Doc says that an implant to cover that ghastly hole where the front tooth used to be would cost around 60K baht, so she grudgingly goes the crown route, in conjunction with a root canal on the remaining base of the tooth, the total cost of which would be 20K. Before anything is done, I came home with a temporary tooth, which makes me feel "human" again.

I just wonder why a root canal is necessary in this case, kinda "killing" the tooth now that it has become useless?

Thanks tonray for the very clear and informative info, just the kind of knowledge I need to arm myself with when I walk into the dentist's cubicle next Tuesday. btw, do you know  a general figure for the cost of one implant? (the bridge option doesn't sound too good). The place that I'm going to is the Mahidol Dental Hospital off Victory Monument in BKK which I guess is in the mid-range regarding price. 

Thanks,
 

On 8/4/2017 at 1:31 PM, giddyup said:

Just got back from the dentist, needed two adjacent crowned teeth removed (painless) because both were decayed under the crowns, cost 4,600 baht. In a month I can get fitted for a partial plate that will fill the gap. Not something I ever wished for, but another one of the joys of getting old.

May I ask how a partial "plate" works? Like more than one implants installed on a plate and then the plate gets affixed to the gumline? Also how much did they quote you for each implant? (you did mention lately that "escalating to around 800,000 baht if I just had all the molars done" but I don't know how many molars are involved). I just broke one of my front teeth, but in general my teeth have also entered the "decaying" stage for quite sometime now so I kinda look forward to a dental future not unlike yours right now.... I agree that the visual of a pair of dentures clattering in a glass of water by the bedside is not something that can be un-seen! 

I broke one of my two big front teeth last week. Actually at the start was a stupid mistake (one of those instances where you think you're invincible) me trying to crack a (supposedly soft shelled) crab claw. After a couple of tries I managed to crack the claw alright.... Nothing (seemingly) happened but the next morning I woke up with painful swelling sensation on the other side of the upper jaw, where a couple of cavities resided (and were in the process of waiting for fillings), so I thought the cavities had acted up and caused the swelling. I almost went in to see the dentist then, but after a week, the pain went away and I thought that was it. An appointment has been previously made for me going in next week for the fillings anyway.

Then earlier this week, I bit into a skewer stick. Interesting this time, maybe not surprisingly so, no pain, just a loud crunch noise, then the big tooth flew out. Just like that, a sudden rush of air. Only the chipped base remains. I am thinking of the worst scenario where I'd have to get one of those screw-through-the gum implant thing, or the best scenario would be technology is advanced enough to make a sturdy replacement, ie crown. (FYI, it happened in the street and I was walking around rain puddles therefore there was no chance for me to see why it went/recover it.)

So if any TV members have gone down this road before, I'd very much like to hear your input before my upcoming visit to the dentist. I'm sure there are other options available that I'm not aware of..
Thank you much in advance.

ps - I just read a thread about tooth decay a couple of threads down in which a "bridge" was also mentioned...I'm also at retirement age and tooth decay has already occurred here and there, the one I just lost was rather thinned out at the backside.

1 hour ago, NancyL said:

Much ado about nothing.  They'll send a second notice if they don't receive your letter.  

Others might not think so. As newbies (first-year SSA receivers) naturally we tend to fret more than then those who've done it year in year out.  

I'm sure next year's crop of SSA newbies will find this thread - clear, concise account of what-happened-or-not-happened-next from both EMS and regular "registed mail" angles with accompanying screenshots to boot - very helpful comes time for them to send in their fisrt ever DOA letter.  Especially with the warning of a record-breaking 30 day plus delivery time between US and Thailand using registered mail... On the other hand it would probably save them 1300 baht plus change, not bad heh? 

So I for one don't think this was "much ado about nothing."

Ouicha (thai - not french - exclamation!) after all the hue and cry, USPS has finally delivered:

1) interesting that mine and higgy's got delivered at the same time to the minute.

2) all the email alerts/search request etc. were simply for show, in the sense that they did not yield any update or alert. Granted the search request was replied with this tagline "Items that meet the US Postal Service's® search guidelines will be searched for, and if found, forwarded to the address you provided."

3) FYI it took one week to get to us shore, and 4 more to reach its destination = total time 5 weeks, total cost 84 baht via registered mail.
 

At this point I begin to think that the letter has not been lost, but as many have voiced on the thread, probably delivered but tracking has been neglected. Which unfortunately is the case these days with USPS. On another forum that deal with mostly members living in the states, I see people go through a lot of trouble tracking down their registered package, sure thing is to show up at your local post office and have a face to face encounter with the staff!

On the other hand, it seems EMS for the money that you pay, is more diligent in their tracking and therefore can provide you with the privilege of request for proof of delivery as shown by amvet's post. So this is what I feel like doing at this point: just assume my letter has arrived at SSA. If not comes September I will receive a 2nd notice, at which point I will get "proactive" and use EMS. I still wish that SSA has some way for us to check on their site that our DOA (dead or alive) letter has arrived, but that might be just wishful thinking on my part.

On 7/13/2017 at 9:53 AM, MickTurator said:

I don't bother opening the box and checking the contents before payment, I only check that the box is undamaged

When I get indoors I immediately give it a good check that everything works and has no faults.

Much the same as buying in BigC, you can't check it properly in the store.

 

No need to phone for a RMA#, just do it online and select your return method - post office, 7-11 or courier (if it's over 20 kg)

 

If you order any USB flash-drives check them with a proper full capacity checker.

Some sellers are dumping rejects that only hold a fraction of the stated capacity.

A few sellers are dishonest but Lazada is there to help and appear to be fair.

Overall I am happy with the service.  I have placed another three orders this week.

 

 

Thanks for the in and outs in shopping with Lazada, very generous and informative. I really appreciated that. Now ready to place my order #1 

On 7/6/2017 at 9:06 AM, ubonjoe said:

Any update on the form being delivered to the SSA.

I have just filed a claim with USPS. Got an auto reply claim confirmation from them. Let's see where this will lead...

17 hours ago, MickTurator said:

One thing I forgot to mention about returns.

If it is a big item then a courier will collect the return from your house.

The criteria is weight not value, if it's over 20kg then you can request a courier.

 

The return period is either 7 or 14 days depending on the item.

You MUST register for a RMA before that time expires or you will be stuffed so check out the goods as soon as possible.

Hope that helps and happy shopping.

 

In your experience, do you usually open the box and check anything broken before you hand over the cash? Or you trust they are reliable in handling the merchandise and not worth the bother to check before payment. 

Also re registering for an RMA# do you go ahead and do that on your own or do you need to call customer service first and explain the reason for returning?

Thanks for ample explanation as always.

3 hours ago, MickTurator said:

They are listings from different sellers.

Anyone can register to be a seller on Lazada.

 

What can I say, sir, you're a champ (55 orders, 3 returns and counting...)

1 hour ago, MickTurator said:

You have a choice when you print out the return label, either Post Office or 7-11

 

The post office is 12 kms from my house, 7-11 is 3 kms, so I always choose the latter.

Wow, learn something new everyday, didn't know that 7-11 also handles shipping, though I have never seen them in this kind of action....

Another question: why is it that lazada often lists one item (model number) under more than one different pricings? does it concern open box items, clearance, etc.? In the attached example, a particular AOC monitor model is listed under normal price, then next  is listed with a slightly higher price but includes a free flash drive, then listed again one more time with even higher price but "in stock soon."  So what's the catch?

On 7/8/2017 at 0:07 PM, superal said:

Yes they do have English speaking agents . When you call them you will be given options  i.e. press 1 for THAI , Press 2 for English or something like that . Varying degrees of competency but always polite . Regarding returns , Haven't done that yet but came close with a smart tv but turned out I was at fault not understanding correct setup . However they were prepared to take it back with the proviso that all items were inside the packaging as delivered and that is not easy , reckon it was packed by a robot . Could not achieve it and had 1 item loose but as it happened did not matter as I found out what the problem was and all ok .

              After a recent purchase of kitchen tools I was asked by Lazada to complete a survey on their online business .You may have read previously that I posted here about the lack of product description in English and that is what I told them . I received 2 email replies , both standard auto replies and the 2nd one asking for a product order number . I wrote back asking " why is it that Lazada do not have a c/s dept; ? and that I do not like speaking to robots . The next day I had a call from their c/s asking me to explain my complaint which I did . The agents replies mostly consisted of " ok I understand , sorry sir " and finally " thankyou for using "Lazada " . There was no constructive discussion but at least they had the courtesy to respond .  

Yeah, I also found out that Thai customer service in general, though able to speak polite English, is not geared to having discussions with customers, instead they learned by rote stock answers such as those you have encountered. But at least in this instance with lazada they were able to verbally deal with you when it comes to returns/complaints and get the ball rolling. Thank you for your detailed input. Very informative.

On 7/8/2017 at 0:30 PM, MickTurator said:

Yes you must get a RMA# code first.

It is very easy to do online, just print out the return label and ALL the relevant info that they need is on that label.

No need for you to add anything extra.

Then you take the parcel to your nearest 7-11 and they give you a proof of posting slip.  No money to pay.

 

The only annoying bit was that they phoned up and asked for a copy of passport to send a refund.

I refused point blank but they sent the refund anyway.

Thank you for your reply, and the heads up about them asking for a copy of passport before issuing the refund.  Very helpful, good to know. 
 
(btw, I assume you meant the nearest post office - not 7-11 - when returning the item.)

On 7/6/2017 at 10:16 PM, MickTurator said:

I have ordered from Lazada 55 times.

Sometimes I pay by debit card and sometimes I pay COD.

Never a problem with payment.

I have had to return 3 items,  2 were defective and 1 was not as described.

Never a problem with getting a full refund and they even reimburse you for the return postage.

Thank you to all who have responded for your very helpful and generous advice. I really appreciated that.

Re making returns, does it work like in the states where you have to contact customer service first to get an RMA# (I guess stands for return merchandise approval code)  which you include in your package before sending it back to them? does lazada has english speaking staff if you have to call their customer service?

thank you again for your time.

11 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

Have you checked Thai Post tracking. Sometimes they update quicker that USPS.

If you don't get an update soon I suggest you send Thai Post a email  [email protected] . I sent a email (in English) to them once about a domestic EMS tracking not being updated and they got it sorted out.

Just checked thai post tracking, nada. Will send them an email by Monday if nothing happened in the meantime. Will keep you posted, thanks.

Believe it or not, I'm going to make my very first online purchase with lazada (or any Thai sites for that  matter) for a flat screen TV and would like to ask TV members who are used to shopping on this site if there is anything I need to watch out for when checking out (I have watched their "tutorial" which show a number of steps to go through). I'm going to choose "cash and delivery" option and wonder how that would play out: do they give a time window  in which I need be at home waiting for the goods to be delivered; or can I give the cash to my reception downstairs in my building to sign and pay for the delivery on my behalf (in case I need to go out)? Also is it recommended to open the box and check the content before handing over the cash?

I know these are really  elementary points but as someone who never have done this before I would appreciate some heads up if there is any. Thank you much in advance.

10 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

Any update on the form being delivered to the SSA.

Unfortunately not, Joe. I signed up on June 30 for email alerts with USPS and they will notify me with any activities for the  next 2 weeks. It's been quiet and I just logged on to the USPS website itself, today being the day  July 5 back in the US ie the day after the 4 of July: there is no further update since the last one. Any suggestion what I should do next? thanks for checking.