taiping

Just now, oxo1947 said:

As someone who knows zero about this----how do you cash them in...( into $$ if that's what you want to do) do you have to advertise for a buyer of them ??

In a variety of ways. Sell them for fiat currency on a Bitcoin exchange (I like Bitstamp), or sell them locally face to face using https://localbitcoins.com/

Jingthing -- As someone who actually has Bitcoins which I bought a few years ago my net cost per Bitcoin is now zero, so I intend to hold on to them, wherever the price goes, at least for now. 

But it's always been a gamble so if you want a small flutter with money you can afford to loose then go ahead.

But just to comment on some of the other posts with my 2 satoshies worth . . .

It is not a "pyramid scheme." It's a very interesting mathematical concept which some mainstream financial institutions are looking at.

"other major currencies" do not have gold to back them up. They have the full faith and reputation of governments backing them up (!). At least there's a finite limit of about 21-million to the total number of Bitcoins that can be created, unlike fiat currencies where governments can print the stuff ad infinitum.

I think the Chinese are interested in Bitcoins in order to avoid currency controls, not as an investment.

I have no experience in other cryptocurrencies, but for a variety of reasons Erthereum and Ripple look interesting.

However, Bitcoin still maintains the largest market cap.

Sounds to me like sour grapes from the naysayers.

50 minutes ago, SiamBeast said:

 

Ignorance is the result of stupidity and unwillingless to learn, because if you're not stupid, you will be able to realize that what you're thinking does not make sense without even having studied the subject.

Is Trump ignorant, or stupid, or both?

Just like to know the answer because I'm probably the latter.

https://iq-research.info/en/page/average-iq-by-country

Surely that's an exaggeration? 

11 hours ago, tazly said:

Total nonsense...many of the gold ETFs are backed by a physical supply of gold stock...much less risky than buying on the street...

It is you who is talking total nonsense. Just read the fine print of the gold ETFs - trading can be suspended for any number of reasons. That is why so many advise holding physical gold yourself. I do have gold ETFs myself, for convenience, but I am well aware of their limitations and I don't like paying the management fees (which comes out of the share price). Central Fund of Canada (CEF) which holds physical gold and silver is a good alternative, and currently selling at 7% below the Net Asset Value (NAV). Buy gold and silver at a 7% discount!

Why do you want to attend these ceremonies anyway?

It's all a load of malarkey.

ALWAYS ask how much the drinks cost FIRST before ordering (unless you know the bar), particularly for the "lady's drink" because otherwise they will choose an expensive drink rather than local whisky and coke. NEVER pay by credit card. 

14 hours ago, TerryLH said:

"please explain why a foreigner holding a gov med card is not going to get it"

 

What do you mean by a 'gov med card'?  30 baht gold card scheme, SS, or civil service coverage?

(For general info:  Under my CS coverage, they didn't give me a card.  When I asked about it, they told me I'm on the computer and don't need a card.  Apparently that info is accessible for all government hospitals.  I forget what they told me about using private hospitals.)  

 

 

 

"The article doesn't say anything about having to be covered by government medical plans to be covered for this emergency care. Do you have some special knowledge of this to be able to say foreigners are definitely not covered?"

 

But they do say; "...emergency patients can receive free medical service for the first 72 hours at any hospital before they are transferred to their registered hospital on their medical scheme."  in the sub title, repeated in the story.

 

That seems to say that if you do have a 'medical scheme', you'd be covered.  Whether that would include private insurance, which might not be hospital specific to begin with, is anybody's guess.  If you are covered by a Thai government scheme, it implies you'd be covered.

 

Just my thoughts...

Terry

 

PS

"I'm a retired farang with a yellow Tabian Bahn book with my name it it.

A few years ago I used the TB book to register with a designated government hospital under the 30 baht scheme."

 

Those registering for that were done by mistake.  There was confusion who it applied to.  Turns out it was intended as a program for workers from the countries surrounding Thailand.  Many had to pay 2800 for some tests and registering.  Most of those had the money returned when the mistakes were corrected.  Some were not.  There is at least one who to this day claims he's still able to access free services.

For the most part, the registration was intended for one year at a time, so would be long past the expire by date.

 

Some people think they must be getting special deals because of how cheap routine services are at government hospitals.  

 

Ref the PS, the designated government hospital at first refused to register me because they said it only applies to workers from surrounding countries. This was not what the government health hot line told me. In fact with the registered address in the yellow Tabian Bahn book, using their computer system, they allocated a particular gov hospital. The gov hospital did register me after talking directly to the health hot line. The card I received in my name was from the hospital, not any special 30 baht health scheme card, but the hospital staff were very clear that I am now covered under the 30 baht scheme the same as a Thai. The hospital card has my Thai ID number from the yellow TB. At no time did anyone mention a time limit using the hospital card.

Of course, since I have not used the service I agree the rules might have changed since I got the card. I should really try to use the card and see what happens.

I'm a retired farang with a yellow Tabian Bahn book with my name it it.

A few years ago I used the TB book to register with a designated government hospital under the 30 baht scheme. This took several phone calls to the government health hot line and a phone discussion between them and the designated hospital, who at first refused to register me.

I've never used this service because the designated hospital is some way from where I live.

But I see nothing in the article to suggest I would not be covered under the 72 hour emergency treatment rule at any hospital. It would be interesting to know if it works as described for me, but more likely I would be met with incredulous looks by the private hospital staff. Just wondering.

Draw up a list of assets in Thailand, including property, motor vehicles, and any personal effects which are worth anything.

Have the list translated into Thai and notarised.

When registering the marriage at the Amphur, give the official the notarised copy.

Only assets acquired after marriage are split 50/50 in a divorce.

Most (but not all) Thai marriages to foreigners end in divorce. Mine has lasted, but I'm still glad I did the above. In my case the official just accepted the list of assets without question.

Good luck!

I think Speedtripler is correct from my limited experience.

Bitcoin. Transfer time and fees are minimal, but I haven't checked the buy/sell THB/BTC/GBP spreads. 

I have used Bitstamp to transfer BTC to my UK bank account.

To buy BTC in Thailand check out rates at https://localbitcoins.com/

MichaelBates -- PM me if you want a sensible answer from someone married to a Thai for 23 years. I don't wish this to become public knowledge. My wife does not work.

49 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

That is incorrect info. It even mentions the nationality act that has been amended several times since the date they mention. 

The age of majority is 21 not 18.

 

 

Yes, I think you are correct.

The 2008 amendment to the Nationality Act can be found at http://thailaws.com/law/t_laws/tlaw0474.pdf

Sections 14 & 15 say "if he desires" to renounce Thai nationality, not compelled.

Section 17, although not directly related, may be of interest.

Again, I say better to be safer than sorry. Better to keep a low profile in these matters.

17 hours ago, louse1953 said:

Dual citizenship allowed for nearly 30 years to my knowledge.

Not what it says here . . .

http://www.multiplecitizenship.com/wscl/ws_THAILAND.html

Quote:  Child born abroad to Thai parents, who obtains the citizenship of the foreign country of birth, may retain dual citizenship until reaching the age of majority (18). At this point, person must choose which citizenship to retain.

Whether the rule is actually applied or not is another question, but surely better to be safer than sorry.

I had always thought that Thailand does not permit dual Nationality???

That's why I always told my Thai-Brit daughter to be careful about this and not show both passports at Immigration.

Sorry if this is duplicated, but I couldn't see my previous post.

Does anyone have any resources in Thailand for using a Ketogenic Diet.

This is a very low carb, moderate protein diet. Some say it's useful for cancer.

Since my cooking skills are limited to boiling an egg, it would be great to find someone in Bangkok who could supply keto foods on a daily basis.

I was named a joint Executor in the Thai Will for a Brit friend, who wanted to leave most of his substantial financial assets to his daughter in the UK, with a small legacy to me. When he died in November 2014 I advised the daughter to find a lawyer in Thailand to obtain Probate from the Thai court, and suggested a lawyer for that purpose. She preferred to choose an expensive firm of lawyers. I signed a letter waiving my rights to be a joint Executor. I asked this lawyer if there would be any problem in expatriating the money to the UK and he told me that there should normally not be a problem after Probate is obtained. I eventually received my part of the legacy in September 2016. I presume the daughter would have received her money at around the same time, since I've not heard back from her. 

So other than the long time delay, and lawyer costs, the system does work.

16 hours ago, LongTimeLurker said:

 

Are you suggesting that there's no corrupt police in Thailand extorting money at roadblocks (tourists included)?

 

That the government and politicians are not corrupt?

 

That property is not overpriced??

 

Seems like your downsides of Namibia are equally applicable to Thailand.

One Swedish visitor to Zimbabwe counted 37 police roadblocks driving from the Botswana border to Bulawayo. He vowed never to return. No comparison to Thailand.

Recently returned from Zimbabwe. I agree with the OP on most points, but would add . . .

^^^ Visa cost $50 for Brits valid for ONE YEAR. No Visa hassles!

^^^ No restrictions on selling alcohol at certain times.

^^^ No restrictions on buying property, as far as I know.

^^^ I love African music. I hate Asian pop.

^^^ Nearly everyone speaks English.

^^^ Very friendly locals, both white and black.

^^^ Supermarket products including booze around 20% cheaper than Thailand, but less choice.

^^^ USD as base currency. No concerns about exchange rates.

^^^ Very few tourists, except at Vic Falls.

Downsides:

*** Public transport very demanding. Packed buses etc.

*** Very corrupt police with many roadblocks extorting money. But they seem to leave tourists alone.

*** Very corrupt government and politicians.

*** Property seems surprisingly expensive. Hotels and taxis not as cheap as Thailand.

*** The economy a disaster. 90%+ unemployment rate.

=========

I am trying a Ketogenic Diet for prostate cancer. Basically, this is a very low carbohydrate diet which hopefully will starve the cancer cells. Very experimental.

Since I'm no cook -- fried eggs are about my limit of expertise -- I would prefer someone to prepare keto meals for me. Anyone know of someone in Bangkok who might do that?

Any other resources, like keto food stores? Packaged foods in supermarkets generally have sugar added (a definite no-no), except for packaged green salad.

I thought you also needed photos with your wife and family inside and outside the house, showing the house number, copy of marriage certificate, and you have to go with your wife to Immigration so she can sign some forms. At least, that's what they required a few years ago, before I changed to a Retirement extension.