thaibook

It sounds easy but there can be unexpected hiccups or even road blocks. I applied for a change of visa from exempt to Non-O. I had brought money into the country to buy a condo and have 800,000 in the bank. The IO said I must have evidence the 800,000 had come from abroad. My bank account here is with Kasikorn. When I transferred the money from the USA using Wise it was sent via a correspondence bank - Bangkok Bank. I therefore have a letter from Bangkok Bank saying I have brought in money for the purpose of buying a condo (the amount was more than I needed for the condo). The IO said that this was not acceptable - my 800,000 is with Kasikorn not Bangkok Bank and also that the letter said it was to buy a condo. She was not interested in papers showing the cost of the condo and hence sufficient left over or the bank trail from Wise to Bangkok Bank to Kasikorn. So now I need to bring in more money direct to Kasikorn and get them to produce a letter saying it comes from abroad - not just a credit advice. Most branches will not do this apparently one needs one with an International Business Department. Of course there is a time limit so I coud end up having to leave and re-enter which in view of the current entry difficulties I wish to avoid.

I opted for United Healthcare/AARP's Medicare Advantage programme in Florida. It provides parts A and B and some drug beefits. In Florida in network PCP visits are free; thre is a copayment for specialists. Annual check-up plus a ew other things periodically free. I asked about cover overseas and was told that it covers emergencies in all US states and all countries. One has to pay first and is reimbursed. It also covers repatriation in case of emergency. It does not cover run of the mill or elective treatments. As others have said, I think it is well worth having if you spend time in the USA, even for visits. I have no insurance in Thailand. When my wife has needed treatment (I have not needed anything) we paid out of pocket. Remember we will all live a long time in superb health and one day wake up in another world, so no need to worry.

there is a "door" but no air lock. If opened under water the sub is filled. It is a Chinese concept - to encourage new submariners to obey socialist discipline.

what a thoroughly woke/socialist definition. So there have been no civilisations outside the west and even then only sporadically since 1920.

I had asked whether for someone living in Bangkok, the office is Chaeng Wattana or Muong Thong Thani. Each province has its own office.

Why bother with a quorum. If people do not attend they do not vote. A quorum is another device, cherished by socialist Thailand, to ensure some can extract additional benefits.

Ubonjoe, thank you very much. Youa re always prompt and with concise specific replies.

two quick questions: does one apply for change of visa (TM86) at the Chaeng Wattanan or at the Muong Thong Thani office? can on emake an appointment or is it a matter of joining the queu? Thank you.

"He said that all the traffic lights at zebra crossings, which are now being installed across Bangkok, will be useless if drivers do not stop their vehicles." How perceptive. As so oftern, there is a simple solution but it is beyond the scope of a clientelist society. Enforce laws.

would it be easy to escape to the surface, however close, if here are no escape hatches?

"there will a token charge as a gesture of friendship." How much do I have to pay you for you to be my friend? Perhaps the misuse of English by peace-lovers goes beyond the political.

The RTP was created to ensure no politician or civil servant could hide surplus income and hence would distribute it, usually via the RTP. To root out corruptio would destroy its raison d'etre. Any attempt will be as successful as passing a law saying traffic should stop at red lights.

I think in your case you mean veni, vidi, decede (does not have the same ring) I would not live long term in any of the countries in your second list. As to living in your first list countries - Belgium - total nono; France - OK if you speak French well; Switzerland - boring unless you are a ski nut. UK, Spain, and Portugal - worth a try,

You seem to have been thorough. Unless she or a relative feel insulted for one reason or another there should be no problem to come back later. Many years ago, I had a Thai business partner, with a well known name, at a restaurant my wife ran in London. His approach was quite different and we fell out. I bought out his share, he was vindictive telling Thais that if ever I went to Thailand he would have me killed, which did not prevent me going but it worried my wife. Some years later he was working in Taiwan and behaved in a similar way. However the Taiwanese partner reacted by having someone ambush and crack him over the head. He nearly died but while recovering in hospital he let it be known that I was forgiven.

letting it happen twice is carelessness. ..

condo fee of 26 THB per sq m - this is a tightly run condo building, lucky man

If one has worked hard and been successful or even relatively successful, having $250,000 to invest in real estate shoud not be difficult. A qualified investor in the USA (even a Usonian) needs to demonstrate assets other than his residence of at least $1million). If the worst happens and after 10 years one is forced to leave and cannot sell the property it is the equivalent of having paid $25,000 a year or just over $2,000, in rent. What would you get in South Kensington now for $2,000 per month - a broom cupboard? All in all these are not high numbers. Whether they will attract the additional number of investors mentioned is a different issue. There already are quite a few who fit these criteria but I do not think the scheme of itself will attract many more. The qualifications are not onerous but the additional attractions offered are of low value.

The government text says that self-insurance (for non-immigrant O-A visas) will be accepted for those who can provide documentary evidence of having been rejected by insurers. So you must still apply for insurance and only if rejected, because of age or pre-existing conditions, can you benefit from self-insurance assuming you meet the other conditions.

although th enumbers are much smaller, there are significant number of illegal immigrants coming across the northern border too. Apparently they are mainly Indian, brown not red. Ukraine should not let in any Russians but the US should welcome everyone from Mexico and Guatamala.

That does not make them Chinese. Apparently our ancestors all came from Africa - are we all Africans, then? China is the country ruled by and for the Han It is an empire that now encompasses other territories and rules over other "lesser" people. Incidentally China's GDP in 1890 was greater than that of the USA, and of every other country. Perhaps not being able to catch up economically through domestic investmetn and innovation it is adopting the conventional route of expansion and colonisation.

no enforcement - no improvement. I assume there is no defund the police movement here - instead they are fully funded, twice over - by the government and by th epublic - and do nothing so why not keep them?

Sondheim must be quite a chap if he gives interviews after dying. More to the point, I like Church music, especially requiems - Mozart of course, Bach but I find the Renaissance requiems - Morales, Victoria, etc with singing in cappella very uplifting. Would like the Morales sung at my funeral.

How does one find one's phuyai, if one is living in an urban centre? If my address is 17/22 M7, Thanon .... does this mean I must find the phuyai of Moo 7?

It is not relevant for teh vast majority of those on TV but I am still intrigued to know what happens to the blue book of someone who sells his condo. Is it given to teh new owner or is a new blue book issued to the new owner and the former owner has to watch his blue book torn in half in public?

thank you, gradually some light is starting to shine on htis opaque subject. Life is so much more fun when rules are not written down and everyone may interpret them or vary them as they wish.