curtklay

Interesting video. I think when you factor in that we are in Thailand, Apple Care is worthwhile and cheap insurance.

Thank you, my friend!

The best strategy is to touch and feel at a re-seller, then go home and order from the Apple Store.

Thanks for the research, samuijimmy. I also talked to Apple in Singapore, and everything you are saying is 100% accurate. For those of us not in Bangkok, it's a little harder, but the nearest authorized service station (not a re-seller) can be obtained by calling the phone number Apple provides for Thailand. The parts inventory can delay things as you said, but Apple also offers the option of sending the computer directly to them in Singapore, which might be the best idea. I also think buying from the Apple Online Store is a better idea than a re-seller like Maczone, Istudio, etc.

The bottom line is there most certainly is Apple authorized service available in Thailand. The details and procedure may be confusing, but to say that there is no authorized service in Thailand is just plain false. And from those who have personally used it, the 3 year extended warranty seems to be worth the cost.

Thanks for your input, Rich. I know you are correct and appreciate your confirmation. I have verified the Apple Extended Service Plan with The Apple Online Store that serves Thailand from Singapore. It's all good.

I don't know why this guy keeps ranting on with his delusions. A couple weeks ago he was sounding a false alarm about Visa credit cards no longer being valid in Thailand. He got a lot of people all stirred up with his nonsense. I wish he would just go away.

Hope all is well with you!

Thank you, ubonjoe and metisdead.

We seem to have had a <deleted> running loose in my topic. If he returns, feel free to close it.

Also thanks to DaveBKK for your experience and accurate comments. Sorry you had to endure a personal attack. From you, fstarbkk, and samuijimmy, I have the correct answers to my questions, and I appreciate your venturing into shark infested waters to help me.

Thanks, Samuijimmy.

I know that Apple has authorized service in Bangkok and other locations in Thailand. It's a hazard on the forums that someone will post that has absolutely no clue as to what they are saying.

Thanks to you and fstarbkk for your accuracy.

fstarbkk:

Thanks for your reply. It does help clarify things, and I am going to spring for the Apple Care extended warranty. While it doesn't sound real convenient, it does seem to be the only way to protect my investment.

oz893:

What in the world are you talking about?!

Chicog:

Thanks for the tip. I didn't see the Apple sub-forum until after I posted. I have asked the Mods to move it.

I am about to order a new Imac from the Thai Apple Online Store (Singapore) but am confused about their warranty service in Thailand. I'm debating whether the 3 year coverage is worthwhile. I live in Phrae province. The Apple terms are a bit vague as to what I could expect if warranty service is needed. They say at their option, they might offer onsite service, bring in service, or ship to service. Of course, I would prefer onsite service, but wonder if that is really possible where I live. As far as bring in service, the closest authorized service is in Lampang, about 1.5 hours away. There is a Maczone store in our local mall, but I don't know what they're capable of.

So I'd like to hear from other's experience. If onsite service is likely, I'd be willing to buy the extended warranty, If Maczone can service it, that would be OK, but if I have to schlep it to Lampang, or ship it to God knows where, I don't think I'm getting much for the extra cost. Oddly, Maczone is not listed as authorized service on the Apple website.

Thanks in advance for your input.

I believe you would have to go very native to survive on $750/mo in any city in Thailand. I wonder who writes these thing, maybe a backpacker ! ! ! ! ?????

This article was written by Kathleen Peddicord. She has made a career out of writing highly inaccurate articles and books about retiring overseas.

I think Cornishcarlos' suggestion of an electric fence is a good one, and should be a piece of cake for you, Crossy.

You might also try the new "Ask a Lawyer" feature about the legality of whacking the dog.

I can't answer that because I don't use Bangkok Bank, but I think if you use SWIFT there will always be a fee. It's the ACH system between Bangkok Bank New York and Thai branches that is no fee. I'm sure other members can clarify this.

Stoli: I have used "bill pay" to send a payment to myself, but only works from US to US accounts. Same thing as a domestic interbank transfer. No international option.

Hmmm. I think things have changed, Lopburi3. I initiate SWIFT transfers from 2 different US banks online regularly. I have never signed a wire transfer agreement with either bank. Normally, I don't even need to call them to confirm.

KhunBENQ, Mario2008, and Rooo are 100% correct.

Like it or not, if you want your stuff, someone will have to present the original passport.

It's not a scam. We had to do the same thing when our household goods shipment arrived. It's a bit unnerving, but it's the standard practice. Use EMS registered mail. Know who you are dealing with, and get contact phone numbers.

I won't accept a boxed item that looks like it may have been opened, or has visible damage to the box. I also ask about the store's return policy before buying. Even then, H_P doesn't seem to have a problem with opening the box, checking the contents, or even assembling it for me. I've never had a problem returning defective or incomplete products at any of the big chain stores.

I would think that the reason is because the bank letter needs to as "fresh" as possible.

Living in Thailand is a never ending learning process. Just when you think you've got it figured out, something unknown and illogical comes to light and trips you up. Even when you know all the facts, you can be at the mercy of some "authority" who can interpret things to suit his mood. To our Western minds, it is incomprehensible and frustrating. It is called "Amazing Thailand" for the wrong reasons.

All we can do is plug away, and try our best to learn the process. I think we all learned something from this thread.

If you have not lived here before try it for a least a couple of years before buying, it's not that great

These are words of wisdom.

"Try before you buy". There is a big difference between living here permanently, and spending time here on and off.

Yermanee: Great link! Not my idea of fun either. I could stay home for that. Koh Chang has been scratched.

Puck: Your pictures are exactly what I'm looking for. Bang Saphan is now at the top of my list.

Thank you, gentlemen.

It could be worse...we could still be British!

Anyone know what Koh Chang is like during Songkran?

I was wondering about Koh Chang too.

Any takers?

Thanks Gents,

Called True Visions, had me check a screen showing signal quality. It was in the crapper. Sending a guy out to adjust the dish. Kind of what I suspected, but thought I would see if it was just me or everyone.

Thanks again for the replies!

It's not about EXEMPTIONS. It's about EARNED INCOME. If your income is above the minimun, you have to file regardless of your exemptions. If your income is below the minimum, you do not.