[German tourist’s night out in Pattaya turns into nightmare]

 "group of unruly Go-Go bar brutes callously seized the space, sparking fury in the German tourist. "

 

Be careful with those ladyboys, they'll kick the crap out of you for even looking at em' wrong LOL!!!

[Renewal Blues]

2 hours ago, bbko said:

I did my visa extension a few weeks ago and when I went to my bank they gave me an on-the-spot 3 month letter, at Jomtien IO they said I needed 12 months and gave me this sample letter to show the bank. I went back to the bank and they said that type of letter will take 5-7 business days. Cost me 100b with Bangkok Bank and it arrived 5 business days later. This was for me using the international monthly transfer.

Here's the sample letter IO gave me to show the bank.

 

yep, these have to be ordered from the main Bangkok Bank office in Sathorn Bangkok. Fortunately I live in Bangkok so I'll just go there and get one in person. Several things cannot be done at branches with Bangkok Bank. 12 month letter is one of them. Also getting a new Foriegn Currency Account passbook can only be done at main office. Such is business in Thailand. Still using mounds of paper work for business too. They are way behind in finance Information Technology and accounting. They are still using mainframe style old banking software and systems.

[Cannabis & Hemp Bill goes to Thai Cabinet next week]

9 hours ago, sungod said:

 

How does it have effect on your daily life?

Smelling the stench of pot smoke in hotel hallways, walking down the beach and smelling the stench every 100 feet. The dangers is poses to youths now that it is so easily accessible.

[Cannabis & Hemp Bill goes to Thai Cabinet next week]

The cabinet must be smoking a lot of pot. How much is their bill? Check bin please!!!

[Homosexual TV shows, movies]

The times they are a changing my friend. Unless you are a philosopher, a Dr. of social science or the like all you will do is drive yourself into depression. Your conclusions are inaccurate and are not well informed.  By the way. You remember a show called "Three's Company". It aired back in the mid 70's. One of the main characters was portrayed as gay. It's nothing new on TV.

 

Just accept that things are changing, be happy you are still alive and move on. People are a lot smarter and resilient than you think it seems. Give people the benefit of the doubt. Nobody is "ramming anything down anybody's throat". People choose to watch shows. Kids will figure things our for themselves. To make such conclusions from the arm chair is a mistake. Unless you are a Doctor in the field of social science or psychology and have done extensive study on the subject and have solid evidence that TV show's portraying gay relationships is "damaging" etc. just forget about it. You'll be a lot happier in the long run.

 

[The dangers of AA fundamentalism]

If the OP is looking to try to damage AA as a whole I think he's made a good start by writing an essay about a practically non-existent issue. In all my 30 years of attending AA I've never heard or experienced anything of the sort mentioned.

[Russian Neighbour Using My YouTube]

It's a defective set. If it's out of warranty then I can help.  Give it to me and I'll properly dispose of it for you. Just buy another TV that has the "anti-russian" hacker feature. It's a relatively new technology that older sets lack.

 

Another way to trouble shoot this problem is this. Go into the kitchen and look at the Microwave clock. Has it been blinking 12.00 since you purchased the unit? If so the problem with your TV is probably between the chair and TV set.

[The dangers of AA fundamentalism]

23 hours ago, ding said:

In the US - I saw many religious people try to stick the camel's nose under the tent and make AA a religious organization, instead of a spiritual fellowship. That was in the 90's and again in the early 2000's. I see it happening again in the past couple of years. I suspect it's due to the social and political passions of the times in America. It wasn't long before I figured we'd be smelling camel butt if we didn't remind those folks that this is a spiritual fellowship.

 

1) It would cause severe disunity. There would be conflict between religions, obviously. Even if everyone agreed to allow Christian doctrine only, we just have to look at Northern Ireland to see what might happen.

 

2) Religion has never kept drunks sober. Despite all the kind hearted effort and selfless sacrifice on the part of the good people of religion... it just didn't work. To quote a paragraph from the Big Book pg 88, "It works- it really does". And if it works, don't fix it.

 

It's a miracle a couple of white Christian drunks, only sober a few years, allowed for this openness of belief. But that's just my opinion.

 

 

In all of my 30 years attending AA I have seen very little religious fundamentalism within the fellowship. Off the top of my head, maybe 3 shares where people went off on "Jesus" tangents. Thankfully most in the fellowship understand the basic tradition of not affiliating with outside organizations or enterprises. What is a problem in modern day AA is the introduction of quite a lot of bad information that is simply not AA. This waters down the true program and many real alcoholics suffer due to not hearing the simple program outlined in AA literature. 

 

Many long time AA members, who in some cases are not even real alcoholics, have not even take the time to study and be taught the AA literature and fail to pass along the simple practical program of action. Another disappointing occurrence is the attendance of others who seek to impose their fringe "secular / atheist program" that being a thorough misunderstanding of the true AA 12 step program. yes these long timer atheists/agnostics are welcome in the fellowship but they are splinter group that chooses to not let loose their prejudices, not have an open mind toward a Higher Power and twist the true program of AA to suit them. This further undermines the simple message of recovery through contact with  Higher Power, Power Greater and the like. These dangerous so called "free thinkers" have more than likely, by muddying the message, directly blocked real alcoholics from hearing the actual message of recovery as designed and quite likely allowed loss of life where life could have been saved.

[I love everything about Pattaya what about you ?]

On 12/23/2023 at 11:04 AM, georgegeorgia said:

I get so peeved off when I read posts that just knock Pattaya continually .

I was actually in tears last night reading posts on another forum where the writer was so negative Pattaya 

Please let's be grateful 

I love Pattaya and as soon as I can I'm going to retire there., but I'm planning in the next few years .

 

For those of you who haven't retired what's your dream about living in Pattaya ?

Mine is to live in the Arcadia resort in Soi 5 Jomtien and walk to the RAGE fight academy where they have muay  Thai boxing for seniors 

 

Wake up every morning to the sunshine  with a coffee on the balcony , stroll thru my day with the gym and Canterbury Tales bookshop ,

What a life to enjoy in Pattaya 

 

Relax at night in a bar ,enjoy our trip me left 

 

If only I could retire ...we all love Pattaya !! 🤗

 

It's like any city or place. There is the good and bad. But just how good? Just how bad?

 

So you want to retire here. What is the longest period of time you've lived in Thailand? 2 weeks? 3 weeks? 1 month? Please do give us a post after you have lived in Pattaya for 1 or 2 years. This will be an interesting post I imagine. Like any city there is the good and bad. But lately Pattaya has been totally overun and over built. It's really turning into a huge tourist ghetto with large sections that are basically open brothels. Just 20 or so years ago Jomtien was a nice peaceful place outside Pattaya to get away from the noise and traffic. Now it's so overbuilt traffic on holidays comes to a stand still on beach road. I lived there on and off for about 7 years. Now I'm looking elsewhere.

[RE: Requirements for Retirement Visa]

On 12/31/2023 at 1:45 PM, DrJack54 said:

You skipped over the details of how to do this. 

 

The OP must be entering visa exempt or SETV.

Either way very difficult to open a Thai bank account.

Added note USA embassy does not provide "address verification" means he requires a certificate of residence.

Not possible in Bangkok.

The OP needs to provide more details for best advice. 

 

Yes, I didn't intend for it to be a comprehensive guide. Getting a bank account these days is something I thankfully have not had to do. I've had my accounts for 10 years already. BTW how does one obtain a bank account in country on a tourist visa? Is it even possible lately? (within the bounds of thai law?)

[RE: Requirements for Retirement Visa]

51 minutes ago, Upnotover said:

You're talking about an annual extension of stay.  Replying to a post talking about the initial 90 day non-O visa.  Different things with different requirements.

 YES for the initial non-o visa (which is the actual visa you will do extensions for permission to stay on) @ CW division 1 there is not requirement to have funds in the bank 2 months prior to the TM.87 or TM.86 application.. for the EXTENSION it is required to have money in the bank for 2 months. Once on the initial NON-O then one would the apply for the 1 year extension and by that time the money will have been in the bank for the 2 month required period (60 days)

[RE: Requirements for Retirement Visa]

2 hours ago, ezzra said:

No requirement for health insurance, ( not yet anyway) just the 800k in the bank 2 months prior to

asking for the visa and 3 months after the issuing the visa, 400k monthly average in the

past 12 months of your bank account and a whole pile of documents, bank statements and copies

of everything,

you can have an agent to do it for you for the cost of about 12-15,000 baht or do it yourself if you have

the energy to spend a few hours at the Immigration office, I'm sure that other members will

even contribute more to this subject... 

At Division 1 CW, Money does not need to be in the bank 2 months prior to application. Money can be actually transfered the day before and CW division 1 will accept. ( I did this 2 months ago) Other offices like Chonburi Jomtien may require "fund seasoning" for 2 months but this is not official "law" as CW in Bangkok does not require it and they pretty much play by the book.

 

Application for a Non-O (in country) does not require insurance.

 

 

 

Where will the OP be applying for the Visa? If in Bangkok no need to "season" the funds for the initial Non-O.

 

Very roughly here is a way to do it in country--it goes like this.

 

-Come to Thailand on visa exempt (given at the airport) or Get a 60 day tourist visa online .. Thailand eVisa.

-Get a bank account ( or two) I prefer Bangkok Bank. Others may have other preferences. I prefer to have a Bangkok Bank Foreign currency account to keep my money in dollars and then change dollars into baht by transferring money out of the FCA to baht account.

-Apply for the initial Non-O Visa for the purpose of retirement. This visa gives 90 days permission to stay.

       Depending on the way you entered Thailand, you'd fill out a TM 86 or 87  (you will need various documents like a Tm.30, copies of passport, some small proof of residency like a hotel receipt (this CW Division requirements, other offices may require more)

- after about two months from receiving the initial Non-O 90 days permission to stay apply for the 1 year extension of stay

  you will need documentation of money in the bank, residency and various other forms as well as the TM7 extension application form.

- do 90 checkin reports during the year and keep the money in the bank (you can deplete it somewhat but the timing needs to coincide with requirements, more on that later if you decide to deplete money in the bank by 400k it is allowed.

-a month or less before extension expires apply for another.

-Rinse, lather, repeat for long term residency in Thailand.

 

Many of the expats who frequent this forum do their immigration business themselves. If you have the time and energy to research and do the foot work then great. Otherwise it may be worth it for you to find a reputable, above board agent to do the work. I have never used and agent so I would defer to others here for referral and  use of an agency.

[USA Bank Transfer]

Short answer to the OP's question. Any major US bank ( and a lot of brokerage houses) will do Global Wire Transfers using the swift system. Bangkok Bank Swift Code and account information is all that is needed. My advice is to open a FCA at Bangkok bank. I have both a THB and Dollar account there. I transfer to Baht when I like the days exchange rate (going down lately)  Don't need to mess with Wise as I think this is mainly what the British use.

 

Did anybody Google search it?  Pretty easy issue to handle.

 

https://www.bangkokbank.com/en/Personal/Other-Services/Transfers/Transferring-Into-Thailand/FAQs

[Do you do immigration business yourself? If so why?]

7 hours ago, Mike Lister said:

Consider doing at the airport next time, it's quick and easy. 

That's what I plan on doing. As usual, when doing extra business at the airport I'd show up early with all the correct paper work already filled out.  BTW, it is possible to get a MULTIPLE re-entry permission stamp at Suvarnabumi Airport. I'll be doing this next time I fly out.

 

It's much quicker for those of us in Bangkok to use the airport for re-entry permits than CW Division 1. One can easily avoid the lines by doing the business at the airport.

[So where do the Mountains of A4 Paper... go for Extensions of Stays (ie Equivalent to 2.5 Empire State buildings annually!)]

The same place all my lost socks go. Science has verified this through careful observation and study. The mystery of lost socks, lost guitar picks and paper documentation has been a question that has baffled man kind for ages.

[Do you do immigration business yourself? If so why?]

11 hours ago, Screaming said:

I would have to agree, the 90 day report is BS. I also never do it and just pay my agent the extra fee along with my yearly Visa expense. I also do not keep 800,000 BAHT in the bank, that is stupid. My agent takes care of everything for me.

Why pay 2000 THB when one can spend 5 minutes every 90 days on the website to do the checkin?

 

BTW, let's please keep this thread on topic. I didn't ask why you use an agent, rather I asked if you DIY your immigration business and why. This forum provides tons of useful information about how to navigate the Thai Immigration System and those who use an Agent really would only benefit to find out if the agent is ripping them off, which in most cases they are!

[Do you do immigration business yourself? If so why?]

Could we bring the thread back on topic?

 

You guys ought to start another thread "What's the difference between Thai Police and Immigration Police" 

 

[Do you do immigration business yourself? If so why?]

27 minutes ago, Unify said:

I used an agent for my first extension. I met the financial requirements, but I wanted someone who knew what they were doing to help me through. I also paid for the year's 90-day reports, since it was cheap.

 

But what did it get me? I filled out forms in the agent's office rather than the immigration office. And I still had to deliver my passport to the agent for the 90-day reports. I didn't even save a trip.

 

I've done it myself since. If I have a gf she might help. If not, that's ok. 

Exactly! Even if you hire an agent, they don't help you procure the required documentation, or even fill out the forms in some cases. They are just a middle man who give instructions and does some hand holding at immigration. For 30k THB? No!! Forget the middle man, come on this forum, get directions and help and DIY.

For the 90 days reporting I've heard some agents who do business for Bangkok residence but give a Pattaya address require you to hand over your passport to them every 90 days. I'll bet they just go online and do the 90 day reports and for people who don't know any better put on a song and dance to justify the high fee for it.

Those of us who DIY immigration business know that 90 day reports can easily be done online in a few short minutes

[Do you do immigration business yourself? If so why?]

On 12/27/2023 at 12:59 PM, Tropicalevo said:

Why do you assume that others are 'going around the rules'?

 

I have a company (well actually two) and we hire Thai staff.

My accountant handles my income tax, social security, annual accounts, work permit, and visa (which is 'tied' to the accounts and the work permit).

She also handles the SS and tax for the staff.

Included in her services is the visa renewal, as I said, that is tied to the WP and making a profit, and she includes 90 day reporting and everything else.

I go to the IO once a year for the photograph. Appointment made by the accountant, 5 mins max and home again.

Before I hired this accounting company, I used to do things myself.

I was always asked for a bribe and made to sit in the office and wait for hours because I refused to pay it.

The IO people would accuse me of working illegally and even phoned my home to check that there was a business there.

Why would I do things myself?

In your situation it would pay to have good solid employees or hired agents to conduct the business. My post is directed at single case business. I think it goes without saying that using an agent for this more complex business makes good sense especially if they are reputable and well organized and effective.

[Do you do immigration business yourself? If so why?]

I fear I've created a monster LOL! But seriously, I am grateful for all the responses. I found out something I wasn't sure of. That there are actually quite a lot of expats who do their own immigration business AND frequent this forum/board. Thanks to everyone (save the trolls) for the responses.

[TM30 and immigration]

1 hour ago, daejung said:

Hello,

 

I asked my landlord for a copy of his TM30 declaration and he answered me it is no longer required for the renewal of my extension of stay.

 

Is it true ? I have an appointment at Chaengwatana and I wouldn't like to go there for nothing if they do require it.

 

Thanks

You should bring it along with a copy of your lease and a copy of the landlords ID signed if you can obtain it. Also a copy of the house book is a good idea. (Tabien Baan) Best to have more documentation than less. I brought an updated Tm.30, lease copy, Tabien Baan copy and ID of my Landlord. I was denied my first application for having a TM.30 but no lease.

[Do you do immigration business yourself? If so why?]

4 minutes ago, Denim said:

 

Ha ha. No it's for real. I went in at 11 am and it was deserted. I was confused. Nobody even to ask. However on the right I saw a cleaner slowly mopping the floor. I asked her if immigration  was closed for unofficial  holiday ? No she said. They are all in the backroom chatting. Wait and I'll tell them you are here. I say all but actually only 3 officers in the building. One came out, did my 90 days and I was out in 5 minutes.

 

This was the quietest it has been. Normally there will be 3 or 4 people there doing visas.

 

If I lived in a tourist ghetto I would be tempted to use an agent or else maintain an address in a quiet province.

Amazing. Perhaps you wouldn't mind disclosing this, what looks to be, the most peaceful Immigration Office in all of Thailand!! LOL! Wow, it's tough to believe after venturing in and out of Division 1 4 times in the last 4 months. Ha! Or maybe you might like to keep it a preserved anti-tourist ghetto destination LOL!

[Do you do immigration business yourself? If so why?]

20 minutes ago, Denim said:

 

Do everything myself since my local immigration office is quiet and user friendly. 

Would only need to use an agent if I were disabled in some way.

 

My recent 90 day report took 5 minutes. Only person there.

 

This office picture looks to be also devoid of Immigration officers. come on now, are you fooling around with us? This looks to be a picture lifted from an Immigration website showing the interior of a closed office. Come now.

[Do you do immigration business yourself? If so why?]

13 minutes ago, mancub said:

Well. I do mine. simply because I can.

I suspect (and have witnessed) others that are just plain incapable . No doubt some of these hide under the excuse of "being able to afford to" or their "time is worth more".

Each to their own .

 

I would agree with you. I've met expats AT Chonburi immigration who actually need the help of an agent since they are just not suited to doing this kind of business. They are "incapable" of handling it alone. Do not know how to follow directions.

 

It appears to me some do not know how to calmly conduct themselves with Thai people, who very rarely raise their voice or lose their cool as it is seen by other Thais as very immature and embarrassing. They show up in shorts and a wife beater, incomplete documents and hope to successfully do the more complicated business of an extension etc.

[Do you do immigration business yourself? If so why?]

17 minutes ago, mokwit said:

Yep, NEVER alter a date yourself (I know you didn't). Document fraud is very serious in Thailand.

it's almost 2024, the Internet has been in full swing for about 30 years. IT technology is very advance, yet here in Thailand the banks, Immigration and a myriad of businesseses still use all kinds paper documentation so it's easy to understand why the altering and counterfeiting of paper documents (which can easily be done using computers) would be a very big deal in Thailand.