cusanus

10 hours ago, Skytrain2hell said:

Ordinary post. Never had a customs issue through 3 orders. I just ordered again for a friend, and that should be here in 2 weeks. Will let you know if anything strange happens. 

Thanks, good to know. Ordinary post is usually fine, but for the past few years I'm unable to order vitamins. Some companies have quit shipping altogether and the others use courier. The couriers and customs have an agreement such that a few orders are let through but most are seized pending uncertain outcome. A healthy bribe may get them released or they may retain part or all of the shipment and in rare cases levy nasty fines. I'm still interested in finding a supplier here in Thailand. No, I'm not an alcoholic, but a friend has a different reason for taking an interest. Thank you. 

5 hours ago, EricTh said:

I think they won't open bank account to tourists anymore because the average tourist doesn't have much money in their bank account and they only stay for a short term so it's a waste of time for the bank to maintain your account. However, if you were to tell them the real purpose of the bank account which is to bring in 800k for retirement purpose, they should be more than happy to oblige and You won't be considered a tourist anymore.

Yes, Kad Suan Kaew branch seems to have the biggest number of retirees with an account there in Chiang Mai...

That's how I did it 14 years ago at the Mai Rim branch. Every social security recipient gets an annual statement of benefits which should be helpful, also  a 1099 and any other pension you should get a 1099. 

On 9/21/2017 at 2:08 PM, Skytrain2hell said:

I buy it online from India. Takes about two weeks to arrive.

https://www.reliablerxpharmacy.com/

Doesn't customs seize it? Does it come by courier or ordinary post? 

59 minutes ago, SiamAndy said:

 

Hi Nancy, I did try... They told me I need a Non Imm O visa, then I can open it. Is there a particular bank officer there that I should ask for?

I know it's been a very long time since I did this. I did it at the Mae Rim branch as I lived near there. I didn't have the Non-O for a few months because the person who was supposed to help me instead turned out to sabotage the effort, so I was stuck. Anyway, I didn't have to show any Thai bank account just to get the Non-O as I remember, not sure but maybe I showed my US bank statement to show recurring income. Maybe I should just keep a lid on it.  

1 hour ago, SiamAndy said:

 

2 hours ago, NancyL said:

There was a recent report of someone converting a tourist visa to a non-O at CM Immigration very easily.  This used to be a difficult process to do at CM Imm.  The cost for the conversion is 2000 baht.

 

As mentioned CM Imm may not be impressed with overseas bank statements.  It would be best to open a bank account in Thailand and transfer 800,000 baht soon so that it can age for at least 2 months, the length of time needed for the first extension of a non-O.  After that the money should age at least 3 months.

 

The income letter should be OK for the initial conversion but money in the bank in Thailand will be the best way to secure future extensions since the situation is so unsettled about what EXACTLY CM Imm will accept next year for proof of income once Consulate/Embassy letters are discontinued.

So based on what Nancy mentioned, One original affidavit should be enough for both the application for the 90 day Non Immigrant O and the subsequent  conversion/application for a 12 month visa based on retirement.  I just wanted to confirm that.

Oh yeah, I forgot, you can get the non-O in Thailand now. But think the 800,000 baht must be on deposit for at least 90 days. Originally, I had no trouble getting an account at Bangkok Bank on a tourist visa, explaining the non-O was pending and I needed to bring in the moolah, so you might give that a try.  It looks like the income letters may not suffice among other things, so I keep 800,000 baht in the bank. As for overseas bank statements, yeah, kind of scary isn't it, because you can't be sure what they'll approve or not. Originally, I got the non-O/retirement visa just by showing overseas bank statements with recurring income and periodic transfers and a bank letter, but was always a bit nervous so started keeping 800,000 baht in a fixed account. That's surely the most secure method. 

1 hour ago, SiamAndy said:

I arrived in Chiang Mai about 2 weeks ago on a Single Entry tourist visa. I will be applying for a 90 day Non Immigrant O visa at Chiang Mai immigration once I get the income affidavit from the American Consulate in a few days (I do have supporting bank statements showing the required income as well).  Can I use the same affidavit to later apply for the 12 month extension of stay based upon retirement? Would that involve using a photocopy for the application for the 90 day Non Immigrant O and then using the original to apply for the 12 month extension of stay based upon retirement?

Or would it be best to get 2 original income affidavits from the American Consulate just in case since I will not be able to get an affidavit after December 31st?

I'm pretty sure you'll have to get the non-O outside Thailand, Vientiane or Penang, then you have 90 days to apply for the retirement visa. That's what I had to do years ago. I thought the income letter was good for only 30 days, but others say otherwise, but why bother if you you have the bank statements showing the right amounts? You'll need a letter from the bank the first time around and a transaction on that day showing in your book. The easiest is to get the retirement visa in the US before coming to Thailand. 

1 hour ago, worgeordie said:

Has worked perfectly for me the last 4 reports,the new web site is https,

so works much better,as before they signed their own security certificates,

try it out next time, Approved the same day.

regards worgeordie

Did the system parse the website? Try it again? Try leaving out the slashes and use the word dot for the period. Well, non commercial websites should be okay, so maybe you forgot the rest of it. I think I've seen commercial sites in comments, too, but got trounced once for using a dot com link.  Anyway, maybe try again, I'd appreciate seeing the site and taking a look. Theoretically, it would be a lot easier since all I do all day is tinker with this idiot computer.  At least I haven't turned into a cell phone junkie. 

On 10/24/2018 at 3:51 PM, vogie said:

I currently live just outside Pattaya and have been doing my reports at Jomptian, however my wife has decided that she would like to go live near her sister just north of Tak, just below The Bhumipol Dam, a village called Sam Ngao. The reports of CM Imm doesn't make good reading, is there any way to miss out all the queuing, maybe use an agent, and does does the online 90 report work ok there.

The mail system works great for me. The online seems to be a bit tricky and unreliable. 

1 hour ago, mrmillersr said:

You are 70, don't mind long lines and never had a bad experience with CM immigration in 14 years.  Check your calendar because it is not 1 April.

No, I left the <deleted> behind in the USA 14 years ago and to me this has been paradise, friendly people everywhere. I love going to Immigration though I have used mail for 90 day reports the last few years because it was a long drive from Sanpatong. Obviously, the nastiness found in the USA and western countries is in the genes and not the water because you find it here in the forum every day. Kind of fun to watch as long as you're not up to your neck in it, anymore. Thanks for the reminder! 

On 9/26/2018 at 3:54 PM, Bill97 said:

With that line and weather an agent for most of them.

Or what I do which is pay a watcher who works there. I let them when I need to go and they call me in the afternoon if there is nobody waiting. Never takes more than 5 or 6 days before I get the call.


Sent from my iPod touch using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

On 9/26/2018 at 3:36 PM, bubba said:

OK, how about a 70 year old?

I'm 70, I don't mind a long line, have never had a bad experience in my 14 years in CM or felt the need for an agent. Not surprised that after years of complaining about Promenada that many will decide that was better. I did like it, fun to walk up to Rimping, lots of stuff close by. 

1 hour ago, Duke of Earl said:

A nice easy morning for a 30 day extension...

Thanks for a cheerful report! Everybody take note of this man. 

14 hours ago, McTavish said:

Was at CM Immi on Thurs pm when the new cheese arrived with a huge entourage.  Inquiry revealed the old cheese has been set aside whilst a streamlining of services takes place.  Not holding my breath but we live in hope.

 

Q system works ok, aircon too.  Nice new premises, just needs The Dukes as a lunch venue. 55

Who is the "new cheese" and who was the "old cheese?"

I paid $10,000 USD in Chiang Mai for five implants and seven zirconia crowns. It was all extremely professional, painless, and I was treated very, very well. It was worth every baht. The teeth were entirely gone and my grill was a mess, so I'm extremely happy with the results after more than a year now. For a couple of disintegrating molars I used a local hospital for two zirconia crowns, a fraction of the price Elite Dental at Pantip Plaza would have charged. Too bad the local hospitals don't do implants. Osstem. Yes, I know you can go to India or Vietnam, but I much preferred the slow, careful approach here and really don't need the money anyway. 

On 9/9/2018 at 2:46 PM, opalred said:

have a look at the old posts 

nancy started it at old immigration   

i well remember/ as i brought it up at the time it was offensive

as my wife has friends work at immigration / and they are nice people /not animals  

they have a tough job /putting up with the arrogant/ moaning /and rude farangs everyday

No way I'm going to dig that deep, but you're certainly right about the last two. 

On 9/8/2018 at 11:29 AM, Thailand said:

Just 3 posts before yours.

From the thread nearly everyone has missed.

 

"Briefly, we were informed Immigration will relocate to their new facilities near the airport on 24 September. At this stage all services will be moved. Queuing has been an issue of late due to resourcing problems. In the new facility they are planning to reinstate on line queue reservation system, improvements to 90 day on line reporting (a Bangkok system problem) are anticipated and for the new facility parking arrangements are to be available across the road at the spa facility."

 

That must be why they call me the prophet! ?

Years ago at the Airport office there were dozens of free, open spaces to park across the street, then it was gated shut, but there still seems to be plenty of parking available there if the owners would allow it. Hardly worth mentioning, but maybe they will free that up again or charge a nominal fee. Sometimes I have to laugh and sometimes despair over all the backbiting on this site. This is what farang culture is like back home, a nightmare of little beasties getting on each others' backs. I love Thailand because people are generally very friendly and the peace of mind is worth a ton of gold. With any luck I'll live out my days here in bliss, but can always log on to Thai visa for a freak show or a reminder of what I'm missing. Anyway, I've never suffered a day using Immigration services during my 13 years here. Despite some occasional long lines and crowding, the service has always been reasonably efficient and prompt. I love seeing the great friends I've made there and taking the opportunity to spend a day in the city shopping and enjoying the sights.  

17 hours ago, scottiejohn said:

Suggest you have a look at this link

https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1053494-is-there-a-time-limit-of-stay-for-whose-who-have-stayed-in-thailand-for-above-100-days-consecutively/?page=4

 

Thanks. Makes a lot more sense now. Or not! ?

One big GAP in my understanding that one of you experts might close up. Used to be a person could extend a tourist visa ad infinitum, so there were many young people who had stayed in Thailand for years. Then you could extend a one month only twice, but you could still go to Laos and extend that way and get two more extensions. But how does it go now? Suppose a person gets a 30 day tourist visa, extends twice, then has to wait another year it would seem. But can he still just go to Laos or another foreign city and extend again? Can't seem to figure this out, maybe too many changes, but just how long can an ordinary bloke stay in Thailand using a tourist visa / extension at this point in time? Or is that a stupid question? 

On 8/17/2018 at 9:16 AM, Sparkles said:

The receipt that is returned to you ,in the SAF envelope you provide ,always carries the above address stamped on  the front by them .Well at least mine do for as long as I can remember.

Hmmm, then I guess I've been wasting time putting it there myself! HA!

17 hours ago, FredLee said:

TIme for the annual pilgrimage for my extension of stay, so took all my documents to the visa agent upstairs at the Prom. They did ask for documentation to back up the income verification letter. Said the "new" boss requires it. Provided them copies of of each of my retirement income statements. I also had copies of three months of bank statements showing the deposits into my account, but they said the other documents were enough.

Seems like there was a big argument about that recently. 

On 7/22/2018 at 5:24 PM, scottiejohn said:

What lull in a storm?

It has been foul weather at CM IMM for over 20 years.  A new building will solve nothing until;

1.  Consistent rules applied by ALL Imm  officials in all Imm offices Thailand wide.

2.  More Imm officers/staff not just new and bigger offices.

3. More efficient and computerised/online systems.

4. Less hindrance to the officials by "do gooders" who do more harm than good.

My bad.

A lull in the storm... any word on when the airport new building will open? That means no more Promenada I guess. 

3 hours ago, Sparkles said:

The petrol station is on a winner.He can obviously up the parking fee in line with demand.The adjoining lot to Imm was an option but they closed the gate permanently well before Imm departed. Opening that again, which appears to be still vacant, could help.Could well be financially viable to charge a fee.

The large lot in front of the museum just across the street used to be open and free with tons of vacant parking. Now it's closed. I would hope they could work something out. If not, we'll just have to buck up. 

If you get a new passbook after reporting the original stolen, does it have a new account number or the old number?