schmutzie

THere is confusion over health care here.

THere are at least three schemes:

The Gold card scheme free to all thais. (was 30baht)

Social Security which entitles limited private health care....but is still really good

Government scheme which covers much more and also covers family

Yes Harry is correct.

1. The Universal coverage scheme (also called the gold card scheme) is overseen by the National Health Security Office and was formerly known as the 30 baht project. Care is now free for a patient registered with his/her local health service. Both public and some private hospitals participate in the scheme, and receive an annual capitation payment from the NHSO for each enrolled member. The house registration document is used to establish eligibility. Care is fairly comprehensive but there have been complaints about uneven quality and attempts by a few local doctors to demand illicit payments for care. Bottom line is that it is a better scheme than most people on this forum think. I was not aware that there was a reciprocal health arrangement with the UK that allows use of this scheme and would be interested to see proof of this (it would be a good idea).

http://www.nhso.go.t.../index_main.jsp

2. The Social Security Scheme (in Thai bpragan sangkhom) covers people who pay employment-based contributions and is administered by the Social Security Department of the Ministry of Labour. Many westerners join this scheme, and coverage can be maintained after employment has ended by paying a modest monthly contribution. A member normally has a choice from a short list of local public and private hospitals Coverage is fairly comprehensive, but a private hospital may have different tracks for SSS and private patients.

http://www.sso.go.th.../eng/index.html

3. The Civil Servant Medical Benefits Scheme is financed from general tax revenues and covers civil servants and their dependents, including foreign spouses (this would apply to the school teacher example). The scheme is overseen by the Comptroller General Department of the Ministry of Finance. Treatment is limited to public hospitals but members are rumoured to enjoy preferential treatment so that this may be in a single rooms. Again the package is pretty comprehensive.

The original intention when the policy to extend low cost care to the whole population was introduced in 2001 was to move towards a single unified scheme. However this was opposed by several powerful interest groups largely on the basis that this would worsen the care available to SSS and CSMBS members. Current policy is to move towards harmonisation of the schemes so that the care packages and reimbursement mechanisms become more similar. At the moment they are all slightly different and each scheme offers advantages in certain areas. See this web article for a brief summary:

http://www.socialsec...Wiki.do?wid=276

Thanks for taking the time to post the links above!

I haven't read all the posts, but personal circumstances aside:

You made bad financial arrangements for 6 months. I do not consider this a very long time so should have been easy to protect yourself from this type of situation. I believe you stated that you had some funds upon leaving the UK, so I don't understand why these would also have to be tied up to your Paypal account or Ebay business? DId you spend it already? Did you invest these funds in order to get the Ebay business going?

Why did you leave your funds locked up in the Paypal account? You claim experience but this does not demonstrate it. Start the process of unblocking the account regardless of it taking 180 days or whatever. Get this going now and keep pushing it.

At a minimum, have an overdraft facility in place with your UK bank for emergencies (like getting home and paying first month/depo on room or flat).

Have minimum two accounts with funds spread evenly between them or even better, where you can transfer between them. Have multiple cards for these accounts.

It's easy to lecture and patronise, especially in hindsight. But you made some serious errors and frankly seem enough in command of yourself to also think

of a solution. I can not understand the suicide comment (your post seems mostly about money issues, which are never worth contemplating suicide over), but as you've had time and energy to riposte here I take it that this was more meant to highlight your level of frustration.

You could simply start by applying for jobs. If you have been a successful businessman in the past, surely you can convert those skills into an excellent CV.

Plenty of web/PHP developer positions are advertised.

I wouldn't worry about the work permit. Be optimistic and see what happens and maybe that'll sort itself out. Not suggesting you do something illegal, but just trying to cultivate an attitude of optimism.

Do you have any assets back in the UK that could be sold? Did you leave a key/access with one your family members or friend for the items you put in storage?

To me, it sounds like you arranged some time out with a bit of adventure thrown in vis a vis your romantic relationship with a Thai lady (a bit harsh perhaps).

You seem fixated on your web business plans, to the detriment of yourself, your family in the UK and perhaps your Thai girlfriend (eventually).

Set a deadline, and if things have not improved by then, then go back home and regroup yourself and come back better prepared. Your initial trip here seems have been based on impulse, which is fine, but badly executed in terms of finances. I would not have come here without enough funds, and then some, to tie me over the full 6 month period.

I had my ERIG shot at the Thai Red Cross today ("Snake Farm").

They did an allergic reaction test (inject you and you wait 15 minutes for observation).

Then injected me at the wound and both sides of my behind. It's quite a lot of serum, depending on weight (I'm 72kg so not massive).

Then observed me for 30 minutes to check for side effects.

Charged me 2000 for the ERIG and 20 for registration. HRIG (administered if they find an allergic reaction to ERIG) would have been +3000, so not really much more. Compare this to a quote of approx. 20000 for RIG shots at Lat Phrao General Hospital.

They would also be cheaper for the Verorab shots, charging only 350 per shot.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Thai Red Cross clinic for vaccinations for residents or travellers. They were efficient, professional and courteous. I was surprised that they actually all spoke much better English than at the private hospital.

I will definitely want to follow up with Lat Phrao General about what their MO with regards to rabies is. We visited them late last night, at about 1.30am, and were given frankly a very poor response: Basically, they claimed that RIG shots were not standard in Thailand for rabies (!) and that if I did not have any symptoms now they could not really see the point of giving the RIG. As I mentioned, they suggested the shot would cost 20000, which they used as a another excuse as to why did not think to do this, ie. that I would probably find it too expensive. They claimed to have some form in English that would describe to me their rabies policy and set up an appointment with a doctor today for further explanation.

Really very worrying behaviour for what I considered a large hospital in the capital. This is potentially life threatening. Not something to take chances with or gamble.

I found this:

http://www.who.int/rabies/human/adminimmuno/en/

So it seems to me the hospital neglected to follow the recommended procedure. They failed to ascertain the level of exposure (cat 3)

and to perform a skin test. And subsequently failed to recommend an ERIG treatment. It mentions all this on the Verorab jab card (in Thai)

so am puzzled.

That sounds about right I had 5 shots (not Painful at all) cost 2,100 baht 18 months ago, dog owner is legally obliged to pay, that if you can find owner!

From what I can recall 2nd injection after 3 days 3rd after further 5 days 4th 7 days etc

It is a no brainer must have injections alternative is death if dog was rabid.

Good luck

TBWG

PS Just noticed I was replying to 2008 post so not really relevant to latest post.

Were you aware or made aware that an additional immunoglobulin might be required, or did the dog not break skin?

Ok, I'm resurrecting this.

Was bit by a soi dog on the 10th at what qualifies as a cat 3, ie. blood came out from the bite (but was actually more like a scratch from the teeth).

Called the Red Cross clinic but they had already closed and advised us to seek treatment in a hospital, that is, not to wait for the next day.

We went to Lat Phrao Hospital because it's nearby. Gave me Verorab and cleaned and dressed wound and prescribed a course of antibiotics.

Total bill came to 1800THB.

Had my second shot of Verorab yesterday at a local clinic. Cost me 450THB.

But now I'm reading that I should have been given Immunoglobin (sp?). Is there any reason why the hospital would not have given me this,

other than a misinterpretation by the doctor (went to emergency and he saw me all but 5 minutes)?

Confused and a little worried. I think I'll contact the hospital and have them explain why I wasn't given this.

I am not looking for the Sketchup itself I have that one already but 3SKENG which is an plug-in for Sketchup so you can add plumbing and piping to your designs??

Anyone has this?

Sorry, I misread your post.

Well, the makers clearly state that the free version is no longer available and encourage you to buy the full plugin, with a possibility of a free upgrade in the future. What's there to know? You presumably are aware of what options you now have.

It would seem more purposeful to post on some vaguely Sketchup related forum, if you're hoping for someone to throw you an old copy. Assuming that that would actually work at all.

Good luck.

School provides paperwork but you obtain the visa and in most cases it will be single entry and then you extend using school paperwork every 90 days rather than having to travel outside Thailand from my understanding. Cost will be 1,900 baht for each extension of stay but single entry visa will be 2k rather than the 5k for multi entry.

Yep, they do mention to get extensions in Bangkok. As the visa runs are 2k also per trip, I kind of just thought of them as the same thing.

So the downside is that if I wish to exit Thailand during my year on Ed visa, I will have to purchase the multi-entry visa.

I guess this is really a question for the school.

I'm just paranoid that for some reason I won't be given another 90 days on the existing visa, as the Ed visa will obviously take some time to process.

And another question/point of discussion:

What are the best ways to apply for a job?

Right now I look on the "XPress Jobs-site" from The Nation (the big newspaper). There are a lot of jobs stated on this site, and it is a good overview.

Unfortunatly, the response from the companies I send my application to is zero to nothing.

And:

Is another way in applying more successfull?

When I would be in Thailand, I can visit them in person. Before for my research, I also visited a lot of companies, schools and government agencies,

and everybody wanted to help me out and wanted to fill in with me my questionaire. I also wore a suit at all time.

Still however, when I come in and ask for a job it can be different.

I think the biggest concerns, as already stated, is the wage level and quality of professional experience. If I've skimmed your posts correctly, it appears that you are in love with Thailand and want to try and make a life here.

Have you looked at the major organisations like NGOs and places like UN/EU/IMF? IMF runs a graduate program I believe. You sound like a good candidate for a junior position there.

I think you need some clear goals/"dream job" and not just chip away in any direction. You seem to have the right attitude, so if you can focus a bit I think you'll find something eventually.

Thanks all. Change of plans and looking for input on whether or not I've missed something:

Current visa expires Sep. 21st.

Current permission to stay expires Sep. 19th

I plan to go to on a last visa run on the 16th or 17th, to get a final 90 days. Should expire sometime Dec 2010.

I then plan to apply to a Thai language school (Walen) at approx. 25k THB and have them apply for a 1 YR Ed visa.

When Ed visa is confirmed, which Walen says should take 3-5 weeks, will go pick this up in Cambodia or other neighbouring country.

I will the continue with visa runs every 90 days for another year.

Is any of this problematic?

I don't think so, but am a little paranoid.

Reason is, I think it's about the same as a flight to either Perth or UK and will get the benefit of some Thai lessons.

Overall, I think this solution fits my circumstances better at the moment.

Well, check some reviews...?

Canon makes a great many cameras...What type of camera are you after?

The Canon 7D and 1Dmk4 are supposed to be pretty solid in all sorts of weather.

i brought a canon 450D,

In that case I think you do have to worry about water/rain, as that model won't have pro-type weather sealing. I wouldn't worry about condensation too much.

Well, check some reviews...?

Canon makes a great many cameras...What type of camera are you after?

The Canon 7D and 1Dmk4 are supposed to be pretty solid in all sorts of weather.

Can we get back on topic ?

"Is Thailand becoming a censored society?"

Thailand not so long ago was seen as the beacon of free speech in the region, worldwide now only China, possibly Myanmar, blocks more internet sites. Try looking at that well known radical left wing publication, The Wall Street Journal for some background.

My link

Come on, wake up and smell the coffee.

Thank you. Let's discuss this...

Perhaps try and talk to a vet or animal hospital about trainer names and recommendations?

I thought the Emergency Decree included a ban on political gatherings of 5 or more?

Exactly. They're making it up as they go along.

If I'm not mistaken, these reassurances by the Police and CRES sound all too familiar, including the availability of "rapid response units".

I hope they somehow have the organisers tied down with huge legal and financial liabilities should this thing get out of hand.

I don't actually know what to say. Does anyone in Thailand have some original ideas or are we just gonna go on with the same soap opera?

Even this forum is censored.

And I thought the whole idea about a forum is, is that you can write what you want, and then others can agree or disagree with you.

But not in Thailand.

Depends what you want to write??? it's the same everywhere, try for example anti Islamic garble in the New York Times and see if it gets published.

Edit: s on gets

But there is a difference between being censored by the government and being censored by the private sector.

I think the point about TV is interesting. To start by examining what is actually closest to you. Mind you, we're not even supposed to discuss this AFAIK.

My own joke is that Thailand, if anything, is becoming Singapore. My hope is that Thais find their own unique answer to being economically successful yet socially responsible. But it all takes time.

Google "google sketchup"...?

http://sketchup.google.com/

There's a pro version which I believe is not free. I'm not up to speed on the differences but the free one might exclude Autocad exports etc.

No chance. Waste of time and money.

Why aren't they pushing for Bangkok? They should submit bids for anything like World Expo, Olympics, World Cup and so on.

Thailand has the talent (construction, design, organisation) to pull this is off in great style. Financial worries aside, this could

be great "healer". Thai people need something to get exited about, and it isn't getting done by any current campaigns/promises.

You will indeed need someone who speaks Thai.

And as stated, it'll require a lot of in person searching. If you have a car, even better. Get a good feel for the moobaan also before you choose.

There's a few Thai websites knocking about with more ads and better prices than you'll find through English speaking agents. You might find some

good leads on those (I think there's a sticky somewhere on TV with links, some of which are outdated, but still useful). Some of them have part English translation. Some of it can be run through Google Translate.

Facebook Markeplace also has the occasional ad, but more rare.

I would let all my Thai friends etc. know that you're looking, as I'm sure you have already.

PS: Here's one of the sites I've used in the past -

http://www.konbaan.com/

When I signed up for my 16Mb True package I got a free N-Link True Online branded Wi-Fi router - silver in colour.

Personally, I think it's rubbish and I would advise you to avoid - it's 799 THB for a reason! Seeing as it's free with some contracts or included as part of the deal is great. They couldn't exactly hand out top of the range routers for every contract applicant could they!?

I 100% agree with lomatopo, get yourself a LinkSys router if you can. Not overly exspensive and can easily be ordered online from Thanni or Jedicool and delivered via EMS for a total of around 2,000 THB.

That's exactly what I did and I've had uninterrupted service.

On a related topic does anyone else think that the software you have to install with True's internet connection at startup is a farce? Such a shame a fantastic and progressive ISP has such a terrible interface for easy-of-use/point-and-click users. It's a resource hog and IMO not very user friendly at all. It also corrupted some data on my HDD when I uninstalled it.

If you can familiarise yourself with getting into your router and editing settings that way - do so. It'll save you lots of headaches.

N.B. LinkSys are a sister company of Cisco Systems, probably the best router manufacturers in the business.

I think that's well intended info, but overkill for most. I think if the OP is getting a package that does not incl. a free router (ie. the cheapest), he's unlikely to splash out 2000THB on a supposedly better router. Those 2000THB might be better spent on getting a contract with a few more mbps. Or getting 3 months free internet, depending how you look at it.

The n-link router should do just fine. Like I said, it won't cut it if you need n speeds. Get it for free!

There's no need to install any True software AFAIK. You can do the install from a browser.

The box they showed me has True brand. It doesn't indicate a manufacturer. It's going for 799 baht, so I just want to know if it is worth it. Other wi-fi routers in shops cost more.

I think you'll find it's probably the n-link one, which is some OEM or rebranded product from True. It only has b/g support and apart from some security configuration issues during installation with Mac wifi has been working OK for me.

If you go to a shop you might be able to choose what you get, whereas sometimes I think it's simply down to whatever they have in stock.

You could opt for a higher subscription and they should throw it in as a (borrowed) freebie plus truewifi hotspot access across BKK (which frankly is more useful than I suspected at first).

Call them and ask. It might work out more or less the same in the end (or a few hundred more costly).

I suppose most of you have missed that several of the terrorist-elements, both actual bombers and planners, have been arrested during these events...

Yeah, I have because that obviously did not help prevent 6 bombings in a single month from happening.

Do you have some links? Thanks.

I think I mentioned I'm being deliberately naive. Sometimes it is good to start by asking "stupid questions".

I don't put corruption at the level of informal taxation at the same level as letting people die and terror rule.

Someone has to be held accountable, and if the police can not catch the one's that are, then I'm afraid they

need to answer some serious questions.

This is the job of the press and the public.

With regards to finances, it depends where and how you live.

Assuming you'll be covering a lot of her expenses, it's a decent amount for a Thai lifestyle, but it leaves little room for extras or surprise expenses. Of which there inevitably always are a few. I would have some backup to the tune of 4-6k extra for a year at least.

But it really depends on a lot of things.

I would just get a one year multi entry non-immigration type "o" visa from Hull, even though you're married to a Thai (or plan to be?). Others would probably disagree.

You can extend this to almost 15 months total by doing a last visa run a few days before it expires. You could then consider other visa options thereafter.

PS:

Your questions relate to the future, eg. 2 years from now or 12 years respectively. I guess it's worth considering that quite a few things could be different by then and some of our answers will become invalid by then. I would simply try and save as much money as possible for now.