papajohn Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 (edited) Got your heart beating again but is true, the consulate will be closed on Thursday, January 20,2009 for 1 day. More important starting February 10,2009 an appointment must be made, no walk in service. check it out @ http://chiangmai.usconsulate.gov/ hope I got the link right, your tix for the inaugural ball are in the mail Edited January 8, 2009 by Tywais Fixed link Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackArtemis Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 One of the few reasons to be happy I live in the US now, I don't have to deal with these idiots anymore... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
papajohn Posted January 9, 2009 Author Share Posted January 9, 2009 One of the few reasons to be happy I live in the US now, I don't have to deal with these idiots anymore... Actually in 2 visits in 2 years I found them helpful. I, like you, try to avoid any contact with any government agencies. It's our freedom loving nature I guess. The woman at the service window has many answers to questions and is very efficient. You yanks that have early retirement with SSA be aware that when you reach 65 the SSA starts taking about $100.00 a month out of your check for Medicare. The catch is Medicare does not cover you outside the USA !!! You must go to the Consulate for a form, fill it out and mail to the SSA in the states to cancel the medicare. SSA will do nothing for you over the telephone. Do this before your 65th birthday. Sawatdee Kup. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dan Sai Kid Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 Will they have a vietnam style helicopter taking off from the compound withdrawal? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paagai Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 This reminds me, there was a plan a couple of years ago to move the Consulate out on the Hang Dong road as the current building has to be returned to the government or something in a few years. Anyone know if that's still alive? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ajarn Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 This reminds me, there was a plan a couple of years ago to move the Consulate out on the Hang Dong road as the current building has to be returned to the government or something in a few years. Anyone know if that's still alive? No plans to move anywhere I've been told. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackArtemis Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 When I was living there (I just returned home in late oct) I hated their hours for us, I was working as a teacher and always had trouble getting time to get things done there. Furthermore the problems they caused for many with the election (because of closure) made me think even worse of them, I was lucky enough to vote stateside and avoid that mess. But they were a small taint on a wonderful 3 year experience I will be back soon, and I hope it's not too long before I relocate back there. so excuse me if I find things to winge about, it's just to make up for my jealousy of you guys >_< Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeaceBlondie Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 The big news is the appointment system, but I am fine with that. Might even cut down on the waiting. I have always found them helpful and informed. The middle aged American lady with reddish hair was very helpful. Even the Thai staff is efficient. SSA noticed my Thai address and automatically decided I did not want Medicare premiums deducted. For SSA questions, it is best to call the experts at the embassy in Manila. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vagabond48 Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 (edited) One of the few reasons to be happy I live in the US now, I don't have to deal with these idiots anymore... Actually in 2 visits in 2 years I found them helpful. I, like you, try to avoid any contact with any government agencies. It's our freedom loving nature I guess. The woman at the service window has many answers to questions and is very efficient. You yanks that have early retirement with SSA be aware that when you reach 65 the SSA starts taking about $100.00 a month out of your check for Medicare. The catch is Medicare does not cover you outside the USA !!! You must go to the Consulate for a form, fill it out and mail to the SSA in the states to cancel the medicare. SSA will do nothing for you over the telephone. Do this before your 65th birthday. Sawatdee Kup. I didn't know that. Although, I have several years to go, I might consider that option when I get close to 65. Thanks. Another wonderful example of helpful information members share on TV forum. Edited January 9, 2009 by vagabond48 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vagabond48 Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 SSA noticed my Thai address and automatically decided I did not want Medicare premiums deducted. For SSA questions, it is best to call the experts at the embassy in Manila. For those who might know, if one elects to deduct the Medicare premium would they would allow you to reverse it years later if you wanted to return to the US. If they did, I assume you would have to pay back the past premium payments Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
damian5000 Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 they've been "thai-i-fied"... converted to the ways of mai-pen-rai.... what a sad bunch of lazy bull... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeaceBlondie Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 SSA noticed my Thai address and automatically decided I did not want Medicare premiums deducted. For SSA questions, it is best to call the experts at the embassy in Manila. For those who might know, if one elects to deduct the Medicare premium would they would allow you to reverse it years later if you wanted to return to the US. If they did, I assume you would have to pay back the past premium payments Yes. If you return to the USA and apply during an open season, I understand you can get coverage again. I heard the penalty for delaying was ten percent for each year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dingdongrb Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 Got your heart beating again but is true, the consulate will be closedon Thursday, January 20,2009 for 1 day. More important starting February 10,2009 an appointment must be made, no walk in service. check it out @ http://chiangmai.usconsulate.gov/ hope I got the link right, your tix for the inaugural ball are in the mail So if I read that correctly they will implement the appointment system on 2/10/09 but will take walk-ins up until the end of March. I am just wondering how much of a wait this will make for the walk-ins who did not make an appointment? I would suggest making an appointment if possible to avoid many long waits due to scheduled appointments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
papajohn Posted January 9, 2009 Author Share Posted January 9, 2009 The big news is the appointment system, but I am fine with that. Might even cut down on the waiting.I have always found them helpful and informed. The middle aged American lady with reddish hair was very helpful. Even the Thai staff is efficient. SSA noticed my Thai address and automatically decided I did not want Medicare premiums deducted. For SSA questions, it is best to call the experts at the embassy in Manila. You are right on the money Blondie, The folks in PI have a good reputation for helping expats in S.E. Asia. Both SSA and VA affairs can be addressed thru them. Mail: Social Security Admin Division or: Dept. of Veterans Affairs U.S. Embassy Building 1131 Roxas Blvd, Ermita 0930 Manila, Philippines,1000 Telephone: (632) 301-2000 Fax (632) 301-2017 I have been reading forums about PI as a fall back position in case things go belly-up here. I pray not but one must be prepared Sawatdee Kup Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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