[PM Srettha: Legalise casinos to save Thailand’s economy]

Land bridge, hubs of countless varieties, a flood of tourists that will eventually ruin the Kingdom's reputation and now gambling? Does he think this will resolve the debt problem with Thai households or restrain Thais from borrowing from 'illegal' moneylenders? There's no focus or solid planning going on in government house just the soup d'jour to rescue the economy.

[Maybe Thailand should follow Korea and be more selective of expats/tourists]

As many posters have already noted, Thailand has opened the flood gates to tourism in a effort to prop up the economy.  For those who of us who do retire here, there is a rigorous process in applying for such a visa that requires a background check in the applicant's home country. But the real issue is that everything is for sale in Thailand.  Corruption is rampant and a visa, work permit, etc, is available for all at the 'right' price.  And it is downright discouraging for those of us who followed the rules, no matter how nonsensical or completely worthless - like mandatory health insurance for retirees, learn the language, care about the culture and are good human beings.  Our reward is the excruciating trip to Chaeng Wattana every year to be scrutinized in a way that no other person who enters Thailand is and we will never be eligible for residency.  And what about double pricing? How many countries outside of Thailand practice such an overt form of racism?

[Pita’s shocking family secrets exposed in IG post controversy]

I'm amazed in talking to countless Thais about their ancestry and the reply is nearly uniform in saying: "I'm pure Thai." It is a badge of honor of 'ethnic purity'.  Unfortunately, it is also a badge of complete ignorance. Anyone who knows anything about DNA knows that no human being is 'pure' anything. However, in Thailand, the most insulting thing you can do is to imply that any Thai has Burmese, Lao, or Cambodian ancestry.  It is a complete rejection of history and reality in the name of ethnic purity.

[Court rules Move Forward attempted to topple constitutional monarchy]

I believe that the court's decision can be read several different ways. There could be many situations, outside a proposed change to a law, could be decided as unconstitutional. Given the fact that Thailand has had more constitutions than nearly every existing 'democracy' is somewhat humorous in and of itself. In any other situation, a proposed amendment or even an enacted amendment ruled unconstitutional would render the proposal or the newly enacted law null and void. However, in the current situation, there was no overt attempt to void Article 112. There was just an attempt to amend it to make it more humane it its application. How this becomes an act to 'attempt' to overthrow the monarchy remains a mystery to me. However, the court, in its wisdom and findings, should not have left the issue of dissolution to be decided at a later date. If the only finding is to 'cease and desist', then it should be left at that.

[Social Security Direct Deposit, change from Bangkok Bank to another bank]

What I don't understand is why anyone would want to have their Social Security check direct deposited to any bank in Thailand when the exchange rates are so crappy.  It makes much more sense to have the money deposited to your bank account in the US and transfer funds as necessary. Bank laws in Thailand are beyond the pall and not consumer oriented - especially for expatriates.

[Opinion: Thailand’s ambitious plan to tax incoming funds risks falling flat due to lack of clarity]

First problem that those of us who applied for an extension of stay based on retirement was that some embassies refused to provide income affidavits because they informed the Thai government that they were not in a position to verify the information.  For those of us affected by this change, we then had to show proof of an international transfer in the amount of 65,000 baht/month which complicated the process.  Now, it would appear that every person using the monthly income method would have to show that the source of funds is retirement income taxed in the home country and covered by 'bi-lateral' treaties. For those of us from the USA, we could have our social security directly deposited into a Bangkok Bank account at less than desirable exchange rates but what if we need more than social security to show an income of 65,000 baht/month? This could be the case with fluctuating exchange rates.  So, push everyone into the mandatory deposit of 800,000 baht instead - which is a fool's choice if you need money or think about what would happen to the money in the event of one's death.  To me, it is apparent that Thailand does not want retired expats anymore. It is a process that is too cumbersome and subject to arbitrary changes as this!

[Thai Royalists Gather at US Embassy, Petition US to Stop Intervening with Thai Politics]

I realize this 'thread' has pretty much run it's course but I would like to note one big issue in this discussion. In replying to my first post, an individual made reference to 'your secret war' as though I was personally responsible for US foreign policy and the reference was specifically to the Vietnam war. I was 18 when I received my draft notice in February of 1967. Not old enough to vote but considered old enough to 'fight and die' for my country. Vietnam was a hugely unpopular war in the USA. Lest we forget the students at Kent State University who died when protesting the 'war' in Vietnam and the continued demonstrations against the war. To hold individual citizens accountable for the actions of their government is a form a blind prejudice - but it happened to me when this whole fabricated idea that the CIA was meddling in Thai elections.  Are all the Russian tourists in Phuket responsible for the invasion of Ukraine? No, most are afraid of their own government.

 

As a 'kid' who was thrust into being into the Army during a time of great confusion in the USA about Vietnam, I have always had a big problem 'reconciling' what happened to the Vietnamese people during that time and I'm sure there are thousands of other veterans who feel the same as I do. As 'Memorial Day' approaches in the USA, I'm sure many other Veterans who saw service during the Vietnam war will feel very conflicted as I do and wonder 'Why was I there?'  'What did we accomplish?' 'Did my government lie to me?'

 

Had I not had the experience of military service during Vietnam, I think my world view would be much different than it is now. It's easy to point a finger because I hold a US Passport but my passport does not tell my life story or my ideological views about global politics today or how it evolved. The history of colonialism is abhorrent in itself.  Should we forever blame the English, the French, the Spanish, the Dutch, the Portuguese, etc. for the ravages of slavery and domination/extinction of whole societies and cultures?

 

The fact of the matter is that humanity is on a precipice of its very own existence right now.  Events in Ukraine, the quest for continued global dominance by the USA and its allies in an effort to 'contain' China. We are a hair breadth away from a nuclear holocaust. We are on the precipice of the destruction of humanity through climate change. It is impossible to think of the future of humanity on the basis that 'national' governments will be accountable to these problems. It is clearly not the solution. So what is? Each and every person on this planet has to answer that question for themselves. For some, based on the nature of their own government, they may have more freedom than others.  But a global 'consciousness' is what is needed by each and every citizen to make his/her governments accountable.  If not, game over.

[Thai Royalists Gather at US Embassy, Petition US to Stop Intervening with Thai Politics]

38 minutes ago, Mr Meeseeks said:

We are talking about South East Asia here. The Gulf of Tonkin incident started the Vietnam War.
The US supported and propped up the Lon Nol regime which led to the Khmer Rouge taking power in Cambodia. Not to mention your ‘secret war’ and carpet bombing of innocent civilians.

The US then supported the Khmer Rouge as the rightful govt. of Cambodia at the UN even after the extent of the genocide had been uncovered. 

Yes, and all these events were after the fact in terms of the French colonialism of Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos.  Thailand was a willing participant in the US' 'domino theory' and clearly enabled the actions to which you note. B-52's in Satthahip, the SR-71 in Udorn, helping Air America in Laos. US Air Force at Takhli, etc., etc., The government of Thailand was probably more fearful of communism during this time than in the US.  No doubt that events in Vietnam were tragic but Thailand was complicit and a willing co-conspirator.  Plenty of blame to go around.

[Thai Royalists Gather at US Embassy, Petition US to Stop Intervening with Thai Politics]

A good Thai friend of mine, a pharmacist on whom I had relied on good advice for a healthy life and for whom we had done favors for each other for seventeen years - and never, ever discussing politics, began attacking me on LINE for no other reason than I was a US citizen. I finally had to block him avoid his senseless attacks and diatribes.

 

It is not as though the US is without sin in enforcing its will in certain political events around the world - but these guys have lost the script. US intervention comes after the fact, not before. If you know US history in the Middle East, Central and South America, you would know this to be true.

 

So to the the Thai people, and my 'former' friend, who are absorbed in this political fiction, know your history before making such brazen assertions. Know your own people who are tired of the continuous yoke of military dictatorships, countless coups, Constitutions that are the whim of the power elite, and know these are the events that predicated the results in this election.

 

Whether my friend would blame me for interfering in Thai politics, I will say that I am elated with the results of this election and hope that the Thai people will finally be able to embrace democracy with all its attendant processes that allow the people to have a voice in their own future.

[Pheu Thai is facing a threat of dissolution with complaint being pursued by Election Commission]

Let's face it, no matter what party you like or dislike, the rules of the Election Commission are bizarre and will be used in a discriminatory manner. All parties can have a 'platform' on issues it believe to be important and will try to implement. The EC seems to get their knickers in a knot over what is perceived to be 'vote buying' but every party makes promises, i.e. minimum wage increases, lower energy prices, etc. The crux of the matter with the EC appears to be 'where will the money come from'.  All the Pheu Thai has to do is to elaborate on how it will formulate budget priorities to include the 'digital wallet'. But let's get down to the nitty gritty: where is 'free speech' in election campaigns? No one is being defamed. Any party can formulate policy initiatives. Is 'cannabis' a vote buying ploy? As for the electricity subsidy, the issue goes to the ability of the interim government to spend money from existing budget allocations and whether it should be permissible. Liking or disliking Thaksin is a red herring that just won't disappear from Thai politics. What about this issue of democracy as opposed to another junta being in place soon!

[RIP Ubon Joe - ASEAN NOW visa expert]

"Ubon" Joe helped me on countless occasions and was always prompt to reply to any problem or inquiry regarding Thai immigration. Finally good to see a picture to put with someone I regarded as a true friend. I'm back in the USA, now but I will miss him. Sorry to see this news.

[US Social Security deposited directly into Thailand via Bangkok Bank fees ?]

In my opinion, it would be much more prudent for you to maintain a bank account in the US and have your social security check deposited in that account and transfer money to your BBL account via WISE (WIZE). The exchange rates at BBL are usually much less than WISE. Additionally, maintaining a bank account in the US makes a lot of sense in maintaining residency, paying bills, etc. As an expat from the US who lived in Thailand for 17 years but returned to the US last year because I 'lost' my residency address, among other things, I can tell you that it is increasingly difficult to do banking business or government business while living overseas. For example, you cannot access the Social Security website without a VPN. Most banks require 'multi-factor' process to log-in, etc. All of these things are in place to allegedly reduce 'money laundering' issues but the reality is living overseas is becoming an arduous task.  Good luck.

[Thai Health Expert Warns Youth Against Smoking Weed]

The whole problem with 'legalizing' marijuana in Thailand is that it was done without any sufficient regulatory oversight. If one looks at situation in the USA where marijuana is legal in some states but tightly regulated, the distinction is stark. Having said that, there is no regulatory environment in Thailand that is beyond being corrupted or laxly enforced. As long as marijuana is 'legal', it will be widely available, smoked in public, and kids will have easy access.

[Burmese worker cant renew expired passport]

The underlying problem is that the junta knows that the vast majority of migrant workers are financially supporting the National Unity Government (NUG) and the People's Defense Force (PDF).  The junta reasons that it can impact the financial aid to the NUG and PDF by curtailing the issuance of passports. This will only result in more undocumented migrants who will be extorted in Thailand instead of being helped.  I would also expect that all Myanmar migrants in Thailand will soon be required to repatriate a 'minimum' amount of their earnings to Myanmar via a 'government' bank to keep their work permit.

[Opening. US mobile phone account while living in Thailand]

I have a Skype phone number but did not opt for the SMS because it said that the SMS service did not include OTP (one time passwords). I think you will find that most, if not all, banks will not send OTPs to a VOIP service.  It has to be a regular cellular carrier.  Some banks will send a OTP to your registered email but not many.  The best solution is to have someone in the US who will receive your OTP when you are online so you can complete the sign-in.

[Thailand reports 20,420 new COVID-19 cases, 43 deaths, 18,297 recoveries]

2 hours ago, Bkk Brian said:

PCR test positive cases, total of 20,420 official new infections. 43 official covid deaths recorded.

 

No updates on official dashboard today yet for ATK, hospitals etc?

 

Rolling 7 day average chart from 27th Feb for confirmed cases and deaths 

https://ourworldindata.org/coronavirus/country/thailand

 

I can't see that the 'dashboard' has been updated at all.  Is the Ministry of Health going to stop issuing COVID stats?

[COVID Booster Vaccinations]

46 minutes ago, mtls2005 said:

Yeah, you may not yet be "in the window", 3 months and all.

 

I'm guessing you prefer Pfizer, from the government?

 

Maybe just wait until next month, consider a walk-by/in at Bang Sue in January if you don't see other options.

 

Monitor those AIS/DTAC/TrueMove options.

 

There will be thousands of others in a similar boat, so would expect you'll eventually get a booster.

 

 

 

 

Yes, would prefer Pfizer.  Thanks for the assistance!!

[COVID Booster Vaccinations]

2 hours ago, mtls2005 said:

Yes, it looks like that option is FULL right now. (Bang Sue filled up first, they're the only one said tot have Pfizer, then Fashion Island and Asiatique filled up.)

 

Just stay informed, flexible.

 

You're in Bangkok?

 

What is your vaccination status?

 

Which booster are you looking for? (I'm guessing Pfizer.) Obviously you could purchase Moderna.

 

Boosters are hot right now, that'll eventually cool down.

 

There is no one single strategy or source, vaccinations can pop up at the strangest times, from the weirdest sources.

 

 

Yes, in Bangkok. Two previous AZ - 2nd on 26 Sept.  Good info here from a number of people.  Thanks for your input and taking the time to respond!

[COVID Booster Vaccinations]

Yesterday, a Thai friend sent me a link in Thai for registering for booster shots through the three Thai telephone carriers - DTAC, AIS, and True.  I was unable to complete a registration on two of the carriers I utilize. It appears that all times at the various vaccination centers are full.  I find it very frustrating - as has been the case in the past - that the Thai government is offering needed vaccinations on the basis of 'first come, first serve' without any prioritization for older individuals and those with underlying health conditions.  Additionally, no registration information for booster shots has been available in English language sources to the best of my knowledge.  If anyone knows how older expats can register for boosters from the Thai Ministry of Public Health, please let me know.

[O-A extension, why need insurance?]

Just to clarify a couple of issues. Is medical insurance from a Thai insurance company that is needed for a 'extension of stay' for an original O-A visa also required when a person applies for an O-A visa in their home country?  The issue of exiting Thailand on an O or an O-A, which has been extended get confusing as well. Under the Thai Pass, it would appear that even a person on an O visa who leaves Thailand and returns during the period of time the visa is valid, would be required to have insurance of at least US$50,000 when returning - but for how long? For those on O-A (or extensions), it would appear that they would also need to show insurance for the 'new' three million baht policy that is being required.  One last note, the O visa is big profit maker for agents and brokers who process O visas or extension 'under the table'. There will always be ways to navigate 'around' the system for a price.

[Online 90 day reporting available from April 1st]

My report is still pending since last Friday.  I hope it is finally approved. Anyone else had a long waiting period?

[Thai immigration online 90 day reporting system]

I was able to register and then received another email that said my information was received and had an 'approval' form that was partially filled out but nothing to indicated that my application had, in fact, been approved. The website shows that my application is pending.  No new email saying I was approved to date.

[SURVEY: Health Insurance for foreigners -- Good idea or not?]

As I see it, the requirement to have health insurance coverage by the Thai government for O-A visa holders (and those on extensions of stay) does not provide health security for older visa holders. One, all pre-existing conditions are excluded. Two, the requirement for out patient coverage is meaningless. Three, most retirees have to opt for policies with large deductibles to make the insurance affordable. Four, the rates charged would far exceed that if a Thai seeking similar private insurance. Double pricing at its best. Five, all policies are rated and adjusted based on the individuals use and experience.

 

If the Thai government was really interested in providing health security for its long term retirees, there would be a method to enroll the retirees into the existing Thai universal health insurance scheme. I have seen some posts that say such on effort would be onerous and unrealistic.  All you need is an actuary worth his/her salt to come up with age related premiums with a realistic annual premium and surcharge for expats.  I would not object a dual pricing system if there was insurance that covered the 'Thai' portion of health plan price. Reasonable? Probably too logical and reasonable.

 

As things stand now, older retirees who had to insure/enroll as a result of the new regulations have no expectation of health security. It is a measure that only benefits the insurance industry and their predatory practices.

[Elderly expats dazed and confused over insurance, ‘retirement visas’ and COVID]

As it stands now, all persons entering Thailand (except those with work permits with medical insurance under the Thai healthcare system), must have health insurance with a minimum of US$50,000.00 coverage that includes treatment for COVID. This is less than the 'new' requirement for O-A visa holders that will require US$100,000 medical insurance that includes treatment for COVID. Currently, expats on O visas are not required to have any insurance.  Frankly I don't see how those on O visas will be allowed to continue with no insurance but one never knows for sure.  For sure, the system needs to be overhauled and certainly some elderly people are 'trapped' in having to meet the new insurance requirements if they leave Thailand and then return as they have in the past.  I don't see a resolution to this problem soon.

[Opinion: Rubber glove scandal a national embarrassment in the making]

"It was not the government but a bunch of crooks."   And one can only wonder how we are supposed to tell the difference!