eppic
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Ubonjoe or anyone with direct knowledge, is it still true that children under 12 are not fined for overstay?
Our 6-yr-old is currently on overstay because we did not want to repeatedly take him to crowded immigration while forcing him to miss school. Before this visa-exempt arrival we had always extended him as required but we are now leaving permanently in a few days.
I just want to be prepared with 20k baht in hand if there is any chance we will be fined upon departure.
TIA
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On 4/12/2022 at 7:02 AM, jgm005 said:
Why not get your ATK test at Swampy airport. It's around 500 bt. Results within 30 minutes.
Thanks, may I assume the Samitivej booth provides some sort of certificate for travel? We are going to Philippines which also accepts rapid antigen but I want to make sure they will provide the necessary document showing it was administered by healthcare professionals. Traveling with family so we can't risk it if there is any doubt.
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We are in a similar situation, arrived on 22 Dec. At MTT, my wife and I were both unlucky to get the infamous "dragon lady" who seems to scold and shout at everyone.
In my case, after seeing I had requested 60 days, she loudly announced "no more 60 days!" to me (this was my first ever Covid extension) then asked me to physically write down the date I would be departing, although she did not demand an air ticket.
She was not quite as aggressive with my Asian wife, but still demanded an exact departure date.
So some immigration officers would clearly prefer to stop allowing extensions if it is within their power to do so. Not sure if we would actually attempt another extension since we plan to leave anyway, and not sure of the purpose of asking for a written departure date other than perhaps the intimidation factor.
Just another day at immigration in the Land of Smiles, really makes us feel so welcome here ????
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Having lived in Singapore (15 years), Thailand (7), US, UK (1) and Japan (2)... and married to a Filipina, I would also personally choose Spain (Malaga or Valencia area)...
The never-mentioned problem is, if you have any decent income or assets Spain is a horrible tax trap. Tax worldwide income at very high rates and also a horrendous wealth tax on worldwide assets. Great place if you have no (or very little) income or assets, I guess.
My favorite place for women probably Indonesia, wow, amazing (nevermind that they are Muslim, they don't care!). Malaysia? hell no.
At least SE Asia countries don't tax worldwide, so I don't get the oft-repeated line that no one with money would want SEA...at least you can keep it, whereas Spain will try to take it all!
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5 hours ago, TheScience said:
I'm not a fan of Philippines but given the beaches there compared to Cambodia I'd try it again.
Still American and Aussie friendly
A bit off topic, but in the Phils location is very important. Some wonderful places, some horrible. Better beaches than Thailand for certain (my wife is from Illoilo on Panay island, home of Boracay). Manila mostly horrible but BGC district (where we will move) better and more civilized than anywhere in Bangkok.
Plus, Philippines wins on being accepted as a foreigner, ain't gonna happen in Thailand.
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Screw this. Meanwhile, Philippines just announced full reopening Feb 10 with an end to quarantine for fully vaccinated so we can finally make our permanent exit.
It's time for Thailand to end this nonsense.
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You might also consider Hansar on Mahadlekluang 2. Many of the benefits of Magnolias but a much calmer, zen feel (Japanese designed) and this is big - a private lift. Attached to a hotel so can get room service, etc, but no heavy traffic - very serene - and kitchen far superior to Magnolias (more of a bachelor pad kitchen).
We lived there for eight years and loved it (get the RBSC view if possible).
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There are already numerous threads in this topic, just go back a few days.
Bottom line, just book at MedPark. Forge t Bumrungrad, still refusing to provide a date (could be months away) but Medpark is taking appointments for late Jan into Feb. We just did this a week ago. Contact them on Line first for further instructions.
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6 hours ago, ExpatOilWorker said:
Perfect location. Enjoyed ever moment of it for 20 years.
You will soon find your favorite coffee shops, supermarkets, restaurants and love it.
My guess, you are going to Mahadlek Luang, so Langusuan is a new and upcoming neighborhood.
The Glasshouse is also nice.
Welcome.
Agree. Best area in BKK, actually walkable! We were on Mahadlekluang 2 for eight years, would also consider Magnolias right on Ratchadamri if single (a friend stays there, very nice).
Another fantastic area very nearby is Sindhorn Village off Langsuan with the new HiSo mall... Wonderful green oasis in BKK. We would probably move there if not leaving Thailand soon.
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There are a few threads on this topic. We also got "Pfizered" in the US in early August and went looking for a booster here. Bumrungrad still refuses to give an appointment (just vague timeline, possibly Q2) for Moderna so screw them. BKK Hospital had Shopee vouchers for Moderna but now disappeared, so maybe sold out.
In the end we contacted Medpark via Line a couple of days ago. Next day got email instructions on how to book (bank transfer 1650 first) and appointment dates from 25 Jan onward. Requested Jan 25, two days later got a call from a polite Filipino (obvious due to perfect English) and are now booked for the 25th.
Moral of the story, just book at Medpark and save the hassles...not worth 1650 baht (US$49) to register and wait in some government queue to get jabbed like cattle at a stadium. We personally prefer a Moderna booster after Pfizer, but your options would be more limited if you insist on Pfizer.
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47 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:
No reports of outbound flight being asked for at MTT. Few reports from CW that some folk were asked.
Your extension will date from end of current permission of stay.
Normally couple of week early to apply, no problem.
Depending on your dates you might be able to do it even earlier to beat the Jan 25 date.
Thinking it will be extended. Crazy if not.
Thanks. It sounds like some of your response pertains to the Covid extension, so did you mean regular 30 day extension followed by a 60-day Covid extension prior to Jan 25?
That may not work for us (entry on 22Dec, so 30 day extension would go to around 20Feb) but is worth a try if it appears Covid extensions will end 25Jan - we only want one of those anyway so we can depart in April (Covid-permitting at destination).
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On 12/23/2021 at 4:46 PM, ubonjoe said:
You will apply for the 30 day extension at Muang Thong Thani.
Just to bump this thread rather than create a new one:
At MTT is the 30-day extension effective from application date or waiver expiration date?
If expiration date, how early can the extension be obtained? (10-14 days okay?)
No onward ticket requirement, correct?
TIA
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Has anyone purchased a Moderna booster recently and given an actual date / appointment (in BKK)? If so at which hospital? I know it can be done at many private hospitals including our usual Bumrungrad but their site is very hazy on the date -- sometime in Q1 or Q2 -- which could mean January or June, so not really helpful. I know there may be Facebook transfer options but I am more comfortable just going to the source.
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7 hours ago, Tuvoc said:
I've just arrived and they ask you to scan a QR code that links to a pdf of a big long list of hospitals. Not in every province - for example I saw none in Chiang Rai. Closest seems to a a 3 hr each way trip to Chiang Mai. Best to just pay to get it done locally. However I'm sure the list is expanding daily so I'll check it again in a few days.
May I ask where this (QR scan and notice of need for 2nd PCR test) took place? Was it at immigration or the hotel? Did you need to sign an acknowledgement?
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Can anyone recall how much notice (if any) was provided previously when flip-flopping from 10 day back to 14 day quarantine or other similar changes? We are scheduled to arrive on the 27th but could change to the 22nd. The problem is even the 22nd may not be early enough if they can change the policy effective immediately while we are in the air
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The Thailand Pass site now appears completely dead. I tried multiple browsers, mobile and laptop, and can't even get beyond the first page. Clicking anything except the link to FAQ (MFA) does absolutely nothing.
Edit: check that, I decided to try a VPN and changed my location from Spain to USA. Can now get access. Seriously? Obviously still effed up since Spain is on the list of allowed countries.
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I know many have entered Thailand recently via Emirates using the pass system, so are there any firsthand reports of whether or not Emirates requires outbound flight tickets for visa exempt entries?
Our plan is to enter from Spain after a week stopover in Dubai, so any information specifically about the requirements from Dubai would be especially appreciated.
I know of multiple methods to book refundable tickets (24 hours for any ticket to US, all Air France/KLM, etc.) but would prefer to avoid the refund hassles if possible.
TIA
Edit: also, how strict has Emirates been regarding the 7kg carry on (with no extra personal item!) requirement? Are they still double weighing carry-ons?
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I haven't followed all the threads on this topic, but has there been any clarity on exactly what needs to be uploaded for entry currently?
Unless they changed the website, there was only a single JPG allowed for the insurance requirement.
In my case, I have comprehensive worldwide insurance. I only have my insurance card and policy coverage document, which is several pages. No mention of Covid in the policy because of course treatment is covered.
Any firsthand reports of what is actually accepted now? Does it still need to specifically state that Covid is covered? (any comprehensive plan would cover this).
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23 minutes ago, fusion58 said:Don't have the option to postpone flight as wife's permission to stay (U.S.) is close to expiration.
We faced this issue as well (wife entered US on UK 90-day visa waiver). Rather than return to Thailand, we flew from LAX to Malaga, Spain a week ago. Only requirement to enter was proof of vaccine uploaded to geta QR code for flight.
So far it's been fantastic. Perfect weather, very lively, restaurants and bars open and thriving. Covid a non-issue. We'll probably stay another 90 days in Malaga/ Marbella or elsewhere in Europe until forced to leave again just after New Year - maybe Thailand an option by then otherwise back to SoCal (foggetabout UK for my wife, I vetoed that idea!) or maybe Cancun. Plenty of alternatives these days.
Anyone that has options should still boycott Thailand. Another semester out of school for our 5-yr-old not ideal, but might as well make the best of it rather than be locked in Covid hell.
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38 minutes ago, Bkk Brian said:One of the more interesting measures I'm keen to know about are families that may want to come. Children under 12 in the UK are not vaccinated, those under 16 only have one shot of Pfizer.
So whats the state of play there? Do they have to quarantine as officially they are not fully vaccinated. If so then a 2 week family holiday is out of the question.
Well, there are confirmed reports for the Phuket litter box of children testing positive upon arrival (but parents not positive) being torn away from their parents and put into hospital while the parents are for forced into quarantine in a different location.
The families mentioned included Swiss and Burmese. "Barbaric" was the accurate description of this approach, and this risk is one I absolutely will not take. We escaped Thailand in early July just before the dung hit the fan and no way we return when our child could be ripped away from us (it would take some serious violence to take my child away).
Thailand still a 3rd world, barbaric country in many respects.
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Our international school in BKK actually RAISED all fees by 10%, including lunch fees, etc. The rebate for the last lost semester never came, instead they offered an insulting credit for a small portion of the lunch fees. They claimed costs had gone up substantially (they need to give pay raises to teachers so they can sit at home!).
They project to open on Sep 20 but the chance of that happening are zero.
Since the pathetic couple of hours per week online"learning" was a complete waste of time, we decided not to enroll this semester. Hopefully more will do the same, but I suspect the Thai parents will just quietly pay up.
In the end we quickly escaped to the US (forfeiting two months security deposit), got vaccinated, and will then go to Spain after a couple of months, but many won't have such flexibility.
What a fiasco for families paying huge fees for private / international schools.
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17 hours ago, bradiston said:
The story of the international airport is intriguing. The huge budget of 20bn PHP was initially awarded to upgrade the airport at Silay/Bacolod, but got mysteriously diverted to Ilo. Why and how is a tale of well, let's say everyone was keeping very tight lipped about it. Governor of Ilo, governor's son, mayor of Ilo, etc etc. I bought land near Silay airport on the basis it was going to get this massive upgrade. Me and hundreds, maybe thousands of Filipinos and foreigners, were completely stiffed as the land prices rocketed, but the airport remains the same 5 years later. Be careful in Philippines.
I was actually not aware of this story, but I can't say it surprises me. Government corruption in Philippines probably even worse than Thailand and keeps the people down. From the Iloilo perspective, of course it was a huge win and has made traveling there much easier (we were living in Singapore when the airport opened).
14 hours ago, Jingthing said:Rents are high?
I've been following a youtuber in Cavite province that shows livable apartments for under 100 USD a month and claims 200 gets something really decent. Similar region as Tagaytay.
"There are some roosters in the background."
I would also say rents are high in Philippines for comparable accommodations in the city, for example comparing BGC / Rockwell to the prime areas of Bangkok, the rents are higher in BGC / Rockwell for similar quality, although this has changed a bit during the pandemic. We know this firsthand since we did a serious search and nearly signed a lease in Rockwell just before the pandemic hit (March 2020), but fortunately canceled just in time (although some of our stuff shipped already).
16 hours ago, HappyFive said:Good post.
Iloilo. Thx for confirming what i thought. I'm not excited to visit again.
Cebu city: yes the West side city (around main colon area, aptly named) is awful.
But the island of mactan is different:
* Important airport on the island.
* Spread out development, island air quality higher.
* Possiblity of maintaining friends from all over, the chance of your friends coming to mactan anyway because of Cebu airport being there!
* Also friends who live in Cebu city will occasionally seek refuge from pollution and visit mactan.
*Tons of young bright minds move to Cebu from all over Visayas and Mindanao.
* If i lived in mactan i might never go into Cebu city Central.
Davao is a less stressful life. But would get boring.
The Philippines is a tough sell overall. The rents are high vs Thailand or Bali and the quality is consistently low.
Interesting perspective on Mactan, I haven't been there in quite some time so maybe it's worth consideration. I just know that Cebu City proper is a horrible pit. For us top schools were the major consideration, so really the only option is the BGC area which has International School Manila (ISM) and British School Manila (BSM) easily walkable from a very nice, ultra-safe urban area that is not heavily polluted -- unlike in Bangkok where the schools are very remote and/or in very chaotic areas and pollution is now deadly for three months per year. So for us in the Phils, it was BGC/Rockwell or nothing -- we will still go there for at least a couple of years after Covid finally subsides (we did a rush escape from Bangkok to the US a few days ago - Pfizer vaccine within a few hours of landing, could have had J&J vaccine without leaving SFO airport).
I agree that the Phils is generally a tough sell unless you have special considerations (in my case, a Filipina wife and a PhilAm child I would like to expose to Filipino culture). However, if you are interested in actually being accepted and integrated into society, IMO the Philippines is 100X better than Thailand - you can be genuinely and warmly welcomed there, and also communicate much more easily. So it's really about the people, and Philippines wins easily in this regard, although it absolutely cannot compete based on many other factors (infrastructure, food, etc.).
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My wife is from Iloilo so I have been there many times and return regularly, except since Covid
In the past, it wasn't necessarily a great place because of underdevelopment -- just a typical city in the Philippines.
Since a new airport was built a number of years ago, there has been a development boom at the site of the old airport. Numerous new condos, shopping malls, etc. We stayed in the new area once and over time I expect it will be quite nice, but no doubt Covid has slowed the condo craze (before the airport redevelopment, condos basically didn't exist in Iloilo).
One thing to mention, perhaps because its a new industry, pent up demand, and limited competition, I found the condos to be significantly overpriced and with relatively poor quality -- again, this may change over time, but currently you would get better quality in some other cities. I was open to buying a holiday condo there, but decided to pass until the price/quality ratio improves. At this stage, one of the usual gated housing developments would probably be a better choice.
As for the locals, it's true that they have not been inundated with foreigners and sexpats, but there are a lot of positives for that. You won't see the large number of predator women you see in a place like Cebu, nor the large population of old white guys holding hand with 18 year old girls (I find this distasteful, but many wouldn't mind). Nor will you get stared at as you often are in other cities in the Philippines. Overall, the reputation of Ilongos in the Philippines is that of mostly gentle, sweet people - even the language is considered sweet sounding (tagalog also wdely spoken in the city, but not always elsewhere in Iloilo).
Also of note: Panay island also includes the beach resort area of Boracay, which can be amazing, and you can reach it by car / ground transport.
I personally don't like Cebu City at all, although the beaches nearby can be beautiful. The city itself is horrible in my opinion, but some would differ.
I have been to Dumaguete and it's nice, pleasant and charming, but a bit to small unless you really want to enjoy the leisurely life at home with little to do. It's also a bit isolated if you like to travel.
To be honest, if I were considering locations in the Philippines, I would add Davao to the list for consideration. It's a nice, safe, more developed city in comparison with friendly locals and pleasant environment there. I was fortunate to spend a fair amount of time there when I was seriously dating one of the "mutyas", an annual beauty pageant winner (beauty pageants a huge thing in the Philippines). Women are very curious, friendly and approachable, I would say more so than in Iloilo. The one downside to Davao is a lack of nice beaches, so look elsewhere if that is a priority.
We were actually in the process of moving from Bangkok to Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Metro Manila just before the pandemic hit, but that has been put on hold indefinitely until Covid is contained. If you want a first-world experience, BGC and nearby Rockwell are really the only areas in the Philippines that provide it. BGC has a bit of Singapore feel to it, modern, controlled and safe, but at a cost. The rest of Metro Manila is mostly horrible, but if finances aren't an issue, Makati / BGC / Rockwell area is the most developed, safest, and nicest metro area in all of the Phils.
Anyway, that's my dissertation, you won't really know until you spend some significant time in these cities to decide what you prefer.
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Thanks Nrasmussen and Skatewash, I am aware of the risk for asymptomatic hospitalization but since we would be fully vaccinated (except for our 5-yr old) with Pfizer and tested prior to return, I believe the risk would be relatively low.
Emirates would be a nice option but I don't think it works for our destination (unless we go to Europe first, which is possible), I expect we would be on Singapore Airlines.
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Transfer money from Metrobank online to Thailand
in Philippines General Chat
Posted · Edited by eppic
Actually, this is not completely accurate (we moved to Phils from BKK a few months ago). Bank rules vary slightly, but its pretty universal that you do have to be a resident and in fact they will ask for the ACR (residence card) and lease agreement. In fact, even Filipinos must have a valid written lease agreement or proof of home ownership, which is part of the reason a very large proportion of Filipinos are unbanked (cash is still king here).
We spoke to several banks and I have never heard of 3-yr rule, although its possible it exists at a bank I never spoke with.
In the end, I decided to not bother with getting accounts in my name -- my wife is a Filipina, so eventually (after securing apartment lease, etc.) we were able to open accounts in her name. I still can't open an account as I have no intention to get the ACR card since I can get a 12-month stamp at entry as long as I arrive with her -- very easy and puts the Thailand spouse visa (or any other visa) to shame.
Bottom line, if you close the account it will be impossible to open a new one without moving here and officially stablishing residency