racyrick

US Treasury checks at Bangkok Bank took a little over 3 weeks to clear last October, November and December.

3 hours ago, Mitkof Island said:

No payments for February yet. This time it looks like it stopped.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

If you did not receive your monthly Social Security payment this month, your benefits have likely been suspended because we did not receive the annual questionnaire form that was mailed to you.

To reinstate your benefit payments, you will need to print and complete one of the forms listed below.

• If you are a Social Security beneficiary, please complete Form SSA-7162
• If you are the Representative Payee for a beneficiary, please complete Form SSA-7161

When completing the form, please ensure that you include your complete name, address, contact number, SSN and sign the form. Once signed, mail the completed form to:

         Social Security Administration
         ATTN: FEQ
         U.S. Embassy
         1201 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita
         Manila, Philippines 0930

Once we receive the completed form, we will take immediate action to reinstate benefits. Any past due benefits will be directly deposited into your bank account, usually within 7-10 business days. Thank you.

20 hours ago, HappyExpat57 said:

 

The FACT that Fox News settled a lawsuit for $787.5 MILLION for LYING  should be a clear indication of what network NOT to trust.

True, but unfortunately, there are many news services, groups, organizations etc. around the world not to mention apps like Telegram and many others.

Red vs Blue in the New Civil War!

The Divided States of America!

If Real News is not to your liking or fits your narrative, then you call it Fake News!

How can you REALLY tell what news is real or fake??????????????? Everyone quotes it for their own narrative beliefs.

Crazy world that is truly polarizing everybody and governments controlling all their citizens.

Good luck world!!

These two are the best America has to offer?? America bites the dust!! 

They will have to move the White House to either a Nursing Home or a Mental Institution or both!!

Hubert Humphrey! I know not a past president but a Vice President. 

22 hours ago, jakow said:

We're in Thailand and traveling to the USA for 1 month. Our 5 year old and 2 year old both have US passports. The 5 year old has a Thai passport, but somehow we completely forgot that we didn't make a Thai passport for our 2 year old and just realized this today. (I know, really dumb.) How big of a problem is this? Our flight is on the 18th in the morning. My wife said we can get an emergency passport for him tomorrow. Is that true, and is it necessary? Thank you for any advice! Can't believe we did this...

My question to you is how long and how difficult was it for you to get a visa for your wife and also what kind did you get? Thanks

I received my 2024 COLA letter from the SSA yesterday here in Khon Kaen.

Of course, I already knew the amount because of the 03 January payment.

I do use this for proof of income to Immigration.

Hell, I'm more pissed that my 12-15 baht kiwi went to over 30 baht!! Geez

The only good thing about Starbucks is that they have decaf coffee.

I know decaf sucks and Thais have no clue what that is, but unfortunately some people can't have caffeine due to health reasons.

Not everyone is able to self insure!

2 hours ago, DudleySquat said:

Yes, there is better pizza from restaurants with wood-fired ovens, but if you want pizza quickly, try the New York Pizza, but you have to tell them to put extra pizza sauce on the pie. I tell them I want extra sauce mak mak mak, and to make the pizza well-done. 

 

As the pizza now has plenty of sauce, they are forced to put more toppings because the toppings slide. 

 

What you get, is not the usual dry pizza that Thais always get, but a very rich and hearty pizza with plenty of toppings and cheese. 

 

 

When did they bring back New York style?

They stopped many months ago and it's not available here in Khon Kaen.

Just went to confirm my details and it was very easy.

All I had to do was confirm that my name and address was the same.

Said they will contact me if they need anything else. Glad it was that easy as I always worry something will go wrong as some people have had a tough process to go through.

2 hours ago, ripstanley said:

I received one in November and had until 13/12/23 to confirm. I clicked on the green line down the bottom of the email. This was after I signed onto the website to check that is was in my notification list. After I clicked on the green area it took me to their website as I was already signed on. I had to check my name and address were  correct. I even updated my address. I hit the confirm button and a message came up to say I was good to send money. I did a transfer on 14/12/23 and no problems,

Thanks for your reply. Do they give you an option to pause the confirmation process in case you need to get something later to submit?

It seems many people get many different requests to confirm. What country are you from? Thanks again

I just received an email from Wise saying that I need to confirm my personal details by 15 January.

Did anybody else receive this type of email and what details do I have to confirm and what pictures or copies will I need to send them?

I would like to know in advance so I can prepare and be ready and not have any issues.

Thank you in advance.

I buy this on Lazada and Shopee but as Sheryl says, you can use IHerb as well.

I use all three with absolutely no problems, but IHerb is very cheap.

8 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

 I have no idea.  Who do you suggest?  If they're as dodgy as you suggest, surely there would be publicity as they're doing tremendous business in the expat market.

They are doing great business because of the price. How can they pay big claims at those prices and with no increase in premiums?

Also, have you seen or heard of any big claims being paid?

The nail in the coffin for me is that all the Thai officers resigned here in Thailand, shouldn't that be a warning to everybody??

Good luck but remember the old saying, if it's too good to be true, it probably is.

4 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Mine was dated 17 Oct, and just sent it back;

1st mailing, slow & cheap

2nd mailing next week

3rd the week after

 

One should make it through, and cheaper than sending 1 express/registered, as apparently that didn't make it last time.

When did you actually receive your second mailing?

Has anyone had any experience with Zurich-Coris Health Insurance and/or with April Assistance?

Thank you

22 hours ago, lopburi3 said:

Believe normally limited to six months or less - but subject to reasons.

Normal tourist visa application.  10 years is often what is provided, unlike other countries.  Your return to Thailand supporting statement/documents are likely to be helpful.  Not sure of current visa timeframe but not normally too long to obtain.  Suspect website may have information.

Thank you for your help.

18 minutes ago, lopburi3 said:

In my case did not have dual national child - but had applied INS and received approval to apply for immigrant visa for wife which we decided not to use several years prior.  Applied for normal tourist visa for few weeks visit and show of INS approval and not being used provided immediate approval of 10 year tourist visa.  If your plans are to relocate, as post seems to indicate, that might be an issue.  But I may be reading wrong.

Thanks for your info. We don't plan to relocate, so a 10 year tourist visa would be fine.

How long does a 10 year tourist visa give you for each visit to the US?

Also, how do you apply for the 10 year tourist visa and how long does it take to get?

She does have her 2 year green card to show.

Thanks for your help and time!!

My wife and son are going to the Khon Kaen passport office to get their Thai passport renewed.

Do they have to bring a passport photo or does the office do it for them?

Thank you

8 hours ago, wwest5829 said:

I advised he forget that idea but … I have been here 12 years and my Thai gf was given her 5 year US Tourist Visa. My now Thai Wife was given her 10 Year Tourist Visa in March. So, yes, it can be done if all is documented but not easy for any young, good looking Thai girl looking for a short time holiday … too many have overstayed.

What visa did you apply for? I know you said 10 year multiple entry, but what paperwork do you need? How long did it take? Did you have to show financial information?

I ask, because I have a unique situation and want to know what is the easiest and fastest way I can get a visa and what type.

I brought my wife to the USA on a B-1 visa in 2006. We got married in Vegas in February. She got her 2 year green card but we left 5 months short before should could get her 20 year green card. We moved to Thailand in 2008 and have never been back. I am 70 years old, my wife is 57 years old. We have a son together that was born in Thailand but has dual citizenship. Thanks so much for your help and time.

11 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

That has been my experience too, and they ask for a $250 application fee which is not refundable so it's basically just the donation to the US government. They hardly ever approve tourist visas for Thais, unless they're quite wealthy, so if you can show very significant assets in the bank, in her name, it's a different story. 

 

Same applies to a student visa, the student visa is even a longer shot. Once we got married it was very easy to get a 10-year multiple entry visa from my Thai wife and the only paperwork they wanted to see was my original passport, and that was it! Granted. 

What visa did you apply for? I know you said 10 year multiple entry, but what paperwork do you need? How long did it take? Did you have to show financial information?

I ask, because I have a unique situation and want to know what is the easiest and fastest way I can get a visa and what type.

I brought my wife to the USA on a B-1 visa in 2006. We got married in Vegas in February. She got her 2 year green card but we left 5 months short before should could get her 20 year green card. We moved to Thailand in 2008 and have never been back. I am 70 years old, my wife is 57 years old. We have a son together that was born in Thailand but has dual citizenship. Thanks so much for your help and time.

I'm not sure, so this will be of little help, but I think it takes a long time and a nightmare of paperwork. Good luck.