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Just to make the cremation a tad more interesting….. if you are able….. just a few moments before you pass away, eat about 2kg of popcorn kernels….:)

Simply supplement your immune system. Easy.

A Canadian “Computer Engineer” arrives in Thailand 03 February, and makes his way to Chang Mai. Just four (4) days latter on 07 February he’s on an airplane departing Chang Mai to go back to Canada via Bangkok. That’s a Hell of a long trip for just a couple days in Chang Mai. Who did he meet with in Chang Mai…? What was discussed at the meeting..? What threats were made..? Was there going to be someone waiting for him Airside when the plane landed in BKK, or in YVR..? I’m sure Thai DSI will be interested in “Chatting” with him….

I always use the Phuket drive thru, showing up 1 week before my 90 day is due, just in case I can’t make it on the exact due date and am delayed. I’ve lived in Phuket since 1998 and have seen great improvement with Phuket Immigration over the years. Issued with a 10 year “O-X” Retirement Visa in 2019 by the Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the 90 day Ck takes all of 2-3 minutes when using the drive thru. Passport, along with the 90 day notification from your previous visit is all that’s required.

I got my Yellow Book Tambian Baan about 12 years ago, as well as my Thai ID Pink Card. I have found that having both prove to be great “supporting” documents when dealing with the Thai officialdom here. You can now also open an account at the Government Savings Bank (GSB) for which Thai ID is mandatory. An account with GSB is important if you have more than 1MTB on deposit and you want to keep it all at just one (1) Bank. All other Banks in Thailand are deemed “Commercial” Banks ie SCB, UOB, KMA…..and are subject to the Deposit Protection Agency (DPA) new restrictions. Prior to 4 yrs ago the DPA covered / insured cash deposits up to 10MTB, It was then reduced to 5MTB. In 2021 it was further reduced to 1MTB. Doesn’t exactly instill much confidence in the Thai Banking Sector….5555 So, if you keep more than 1MTB on deposit here in Thailand, you’d be wise to open accounts at several banks to protect your cash in the event of Banks failing. The GSB is not a “Commercial Bank” and all deposits are protected.

Sorry to say this but…… If and when you arrive in Issan, be prepared to hand over a lotta Baht. You will have become a walking ATM machine…..

Sadly, the actual deaths caused by road accidents is most probably much higher. To my knowledge, Thai authorities only record a death caused by a road accident, if the individual "dies at the scene of the accident". If the individual dies in the ambulance, or in the hospital as a result of injuries sustained in the accident, then their death is recorded as having died from other causes. If I am wrong regarding this, then I sit corrected. I've lived here on Phuket for the past 25 years. I've seen bodies cartwheeling through the air. I've seen the impacts...... and the aftermath. During my first trip to Phuket in '98, I rented a little 110cc Rice-Rocket. Despite having owned a Honda 550 Four overseas in my youth and being very comfortable riding, 15 minutes after renting my little Rice-Rocket, it was laying underneath a 60' tour bus after its driver tried to kill me. That was the last time I was ever on a bike. I now drive a Volvo with a lotta airbags. Phuket is a tourist destination. "Everybody" is on vacation and with that, goes much drinking....... and driving amongst both Thai's and foreigners. Back in the late 90's, I found myself on more than one occasion driving here in Phuket, when I shouldn't have been. If I had been stopped by the police and tested, I'd probably still be in jail. And, rightly so. Now many years on, if I want to have a drink, I do so at home while grilling a pork chop on the BBQ. Serious enforcement with heavy fines and jail time, similar to other countries here in SE Asia like S'pore, would I believe help in reducing fatalities here on Phuket.

I was faced with the same issue about 25yrs ago when I bought my first vehicle here. What make and model should I buy…? My question was answered when I started noticing the number of Isuzus on the road. They’re relatively inexpensive and cheap to maintain. If you’re going to be doing any traveling, you can install a cover over the back bed (Carryboy) for all your gear. If you do breakdown somewhere, there’s probably a Thai kid walking down the street that knows how to fix it. Look at what the older generation Thai guy drives and your question will be answered.

I just did this with 4 of my banks, UOB, SCB, KMA and Bangkok Bank, transferring 1MTB in each bank from Savings Accounts over to 12 month Fixed Term Deposits. A painless process except for Bangkok Bank who required I go to Immigration and get a letter, saying that I could open a 2nd account. Mai Khao Jaiiii. Just for info….. the Thai Deposit Protection Agency (DPA) now only guarantee deposits up to a maximum of 1MTB in the event of Bank Failure. 8 years ago, the DPA guaranteed 10MTB. 5 years ago it was reduced down to 5MTB. 2 years ago….. 1MTB. Doesn’t really say much for confidence in the banking sector here in T’land.

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I’d kinda like to see the Excited States of America’s Immigration and Border Patrol take the same stand. Can you imagine if Thailand were as complacent and irresponsible as the Excited States…..

There is no escape….. The Provincial Electrical Authority (PEA) here in T’land, just raised electrical rates +17% on 01 September 2022…..

I’ve actually seen Thais wearing cloth masks while swimming in the sea here in Phuket…. Nuff said….

I’ve lived in T’land for over the past 24yrs on various types of visas. Was issued a 10yr O-X Retirement Visa in October 2019. Recommend you avoid “agents” and just use a good Int’l law firm in BKK to assist.