[Covid-19 = no food stalls=starving soi dogs - please help them!]

Surely this situation could be resolved quite easily. Chinese takeaway offering dog chow mein with fava beans and a nice bottle of Chianti - Delicious!!!

[PM Johnson moved to intensive care as COVID-19 symptoms worsen]

I wish Boris no ill and hopes he makes a full recovery. However if his illness becomes drawn out and he is unable to resume his position as Prime Minister this does allow for the opportunity to finally get rid of Dominic Cummings.

 

I have never understood Boris’s blind loyalty to this odious individual and I suspect I am not the only person in the U.K., particularly in the government, who would also be pleased to see him gone.

 

In the meantime I extend my best wishes go to Boris, Carrie and there unborn child.

[Post gone missing]

I submitted a post today which can not be found. Does anyone know how I can contact the administrators to find out why as the forum help desk does not work at present. Tried to contact one of the administrators to check but no response. Is there a separate e-mail address to contact the help desk?

 

[Nine separate documents are now required]

Today Cambodian Government has announced they will grant automatic extension of tourist visas and exempt them from overstay fines until they are able to depart. 

[Watching Uk television]

Hi currently in Cambodia but the following should work just as well for you. Firstly the VPN I use is UK Expat VPN. Have had for 6 months and able to access not just BBCIPlayer but also all terrestrial UK channels ie ITV Hub Player, All 4 and My 5. If you enter UK postcode, which is not checked anyway and, if your happy to pay, you can also obtain the premium services allowing full catchup with no adverts. 
 

I also subscribe to Transponder TV which, as based in UK, does not require a VPN. The good thing about this service is not only can you watch live but also save up to 40 hours of recordings to watch at your leisure. As all your recordings are stored on there servers it does not take up any space on your own hard disk. I think if you sign up they give you a free trial so you can check if suitable for your requirements.

[Should I stay or should I go?]

16 minutes ago, Nyezhov said:

Its very quiet here in Siem. Many of the businesses are shuttered and most folks are masked and distanceing. The clubs are closed, all the supermarkets have hand washing stations, my regular hangout has handwashing stations and is not very crowded. Everybody is just riding it out. Good place to do it. Im going to walk around tonight a bit just to get out, the streets are empty of tourists.

 

The local folks are not very happy about a certain country.

Hi know what you mean. Currently sitting in Pub Street as thought I would venture out to see what’s going on. Funny enough lots of the locals celebrating, loud music, drinking and dancing. Suspect this may be due to many businesses closing and they are taking opportunity for one last party until this is all over.

[Should I stay or should I go?]

Currently live in Siem Reap and, following the UK announcement that all British Citizens should return home, am wondering if this is the correct and sensible course of action.

 

Even if the UK arrange for an emergency repatriation flight no doubt this would be from Phnom Penh. I think there are currently just two flights from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh although not certain how long these will continue given it was reported the other day that Hun Sen is considering approaching the King for his permission to impose a state of emergency.

 

In any event if I managed to get to Phnom Penh it would necessitate standing in crowds at the airport before flying in little more than a “sealed tube’ with people I have no knowledge of and what preventative measures they have taken to protect themselves. On arrival in UK they will probably, hopefully, direct the flight to an army/private airbase where I would board a coach and be put in quarantine for 14 days.

 

However given the dramatic increase in infections in the UK would I be any safer than here in Siem Reap.

 

Siem Reap has no mass transit system such as the London Underground, Buses or Trains. Here it is relatively easy to keep yourself isolated and to get around you can always order the Tuk Tuk’s where the driver sits out front on his bike so there is minimal direct contact. Indeed if ordered on grab the fare can be debited direct to your bank account.

 

Whilst still a lot unknown about COVID19 the general consensus is that countries with an older population are more at risk, Italy and Spain for example. Given Cambodia’s somewhat tragic past in general the population has a lower median age than many other countries. Whilst I accept the following data is 6 years old in 2014 the figures for ‘percentage of a population aged 60 years or over’ were:-

 

Italy No 2 with 26.9%

 

Spain No 23 with 22.9%

 

Cambodia No 111 with 7.7%

 

I appreciate the government may have challenges in getting the local community to recognise the dangers of this virus and the need for keeping a distance from each other or even self isolation if necessary. However if the message is clearly made I’m sure people will respond. The only reason I specifically refer to the local community is I feel many of them will find this period difficult and trust, if we stay, we can all play our part by supporting the local businesses to ensure we can all get through this together.

 

I’m thinking of staying but wonder what you guys are planning?

 

[Thailand to tighten entry rules for all nationalities in virus fight]

22 minutes ago, kamma said:

'no one wants to come to Thailand anymore anyway'?

 

And yet Bangkok was the most visited city in 2019 surpassing London and Paris.

Hmmm, correct me if I’m wrong but didn’t the poster say anymore. Surely 2019 is in the past if I’m not mistaken.

[Are you staying in Thailand or going back home?]

33 minutes ago, ukrules said:

What cover do you have? Which company?

 

My insurance doesn't cover pandemics - they are specifically excluded in the policy.

I don’t know about the other poster but, originally from the UK, I have insurance with True Traveler.com a UK based insurance company. They allow you to insure whilst already overseas and have confirmed under my policy I am insured against Covid-19. On the negative side though they advise this could include repatriation to UK which, given current situation could be considered, to use a well known phrase, ‘Jumping out of the frying pan into the fire’.

 

On a positive point medical opinion in the UK suggest virus is more easily transmitted in confined spaces and recommend, even when self isolating, people should open windows and stay in well ventilated areas. One of the benefits of south East Asian countries is most bars and restaurants are open to the elements given the high temperatures. I might be clutching at straws but wonder if this is the reason reported incidences of the virus has been comparatively low compared to Europe and somewhat more inclement weather regions. 
 

Keeping fingers crossed and hoping everyone stays safe.

[Chiang Mai presently ‘most polluted city in world’]

44 minutes ago, ICELANDMAN said:

Nope, covid19 death too....

To be honest I was holding of the deaths for the road accidents. If this goes well we could get a hat trick and really be the best. You do realise the phrase used to be “see Naples and die”.

If Chiangmai keeps this up and get’s all three we could be famous - “See Chiangmai and die” - Yep we are even better at this disaster thing than those pesky Italians. TAT should be proud!

[Chiang Mai presently ‘most polluted city in world’]

Well done Chiangmai, finally number 1. Now if we can just be honest about the actual number of people infected by the Coronavirus we could be top of that league as well.

[Thailand’s popularity dips in Europe]

After 8 years in Chiangmai, whilst I could avoid the poor air quality by flying down south for 3 months during the burning season each year, the changes in immigration procedures proved to be the final straw. The anti farang feeling, not by the locals but officialdom, coupled with TM30 and 90 day reporting and, goodness knows, what will come next. Anyway moved to Siem Reap last November and have no regrets. I know Thailand will not miss me but family and friends will also not be visiting Thailand anymore as they to can also see the changes in attitude and primarily come to visit me. Indeed friends visiting next week and looking forward to a enjoyable holiday together in Cambodia, my new home.

[Recently relocated to Siem Reap from LOS]

Hi - I have also just recently moved from Chiangmai to Siem Reap, about 4 weeks ago. Had lived in Thailand for 8 years and like you are happy to have made the change. I am somewhat surprised at your comments concerning availability of goods as I find the selection far greater than Chiangmai. I’ve been able to find items I could only dream of ranging from Crunchie Bars to Kippers. Have you been to the Angkor Market store who have a huge selection. I confirm electricity prices can be high but find the overall living cost far cheaper (Yes I do like a beer or two - 50 cents a beer on Pub Street lol) Also the variety of restaurants and bars in the centre are of a very high quality. Have you tried Bang Bang Bakery, simply delicious. Whilst I am from UK I feel Siem Reap benefits from having a french influence particularly when it comes to bread, pastries etc. As for travelling around I use the Grab Application and booking a Tuk Tuk, there are certainly many around, and find them both efficient and far cheaper than travel cost in Thailand. I live on the outskirts and most I have ever been charged into town is $1.50. Anyway perhaps one day I can buy you a beer in Pub Street.

[A bridge to far: retirement hoops to jump through]

Like many people on here I have also become concerned at the change in immigration policy over the last few years. No longer able to use combination income method, unable to use Embassy letter despite having prove of pensions received and TM30, 90 day notification requirements. Whilst I can meet the new requirements I certainly no longer feel welcome in Thailand. Currently extension based on retirement and, whilst it is O and not OA, I suspect insurance may be made a condition in the future. Prior to my 60th Birthday took out policy with AETNA which provides 5 million baht of inpatient cover and could be renewed for life, no age limit. The thought that this existing policy may not be acceptable as it does not include a somewhat derisory 40k baht outpatient cover was the final straw. Flights booked and moving to Cambodia 18 November - can’t wait.

[Re-entry permit enquiry.]

1 hour ago, MJKT2014 said:

Yes.

 

Sorry MJKT2014 - Can you clarify your post. Are you saying it will be easier for me to just go down to reception and get them to update TM30 status on-line or, if I do this, it will cause more problems. Many thanks.

[Re-entry permit enquiry.]

5 minutes ago, ProbPossConf said:

Recommend to get your reentry permit now at Thai immigration office.  You have one month before you travel.  This will negate the hassle and rush to process through passport control at Swampy.

 

Hi - Really appreciate your comment but to be honest it’s the question of whether if I go to Immigration office I will be subject to a fine. Honestly cant remember if I got my condo to register me back home when I returned from Bangkok in June. The flight from Chiangmai is 10.10am with layoff at Swampy of 3 hours so hopefully should give me enough time. Just out of interest does anyone know what Chiangmai Immigration are currently charging for non-reporting TM30?

[Re-entry permit enquiry.]

2 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

Whether you stay airside or not depends upon how you are ticketed. If you are flying the same airline all the way you may clear immigration in Chiang Mai.

A Suvarnabhumi the re-entry permit desk is after security and just before the departure immigration desks.

 

Hi Ubonjoe - Yes flying all the way with Bangkok Airways, connecting flight with luggage checked through to final destination in Cambodia. So the main thing for me to remember is to ensure re-entry permit obtained prior to passport control whether this is at Chiangmai or Bangkok Airport. Certainly throughout all my time in Thailand I have considered you to be the font of all knowledge when it comes to immigration matters. Many thanks.

[Re-entry permit enquiry.]

14 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

Did you stay in a hotel in Bangkok that reported your you online? If not there is no need worry about a TM30 report.

If you are flying domestic from Chiang Mai you would not be able to get a re-entry permit there. You would have to do at Bangkok on departure from the country.

Many thanks Ubonjoe. I am certain hotel would have submitted report. The only reason I queried flight is I assume I will remain airside for connecting flight. Do you know if office to obtain re-entry permit is airside at Suvarnabhumi Airport. From your considerable knowledge do you also know if there is any real benefit to obtaining re-entry permit at immigration office or airport re question of any possible fine. Many thanks

[Re-entry permit enquiry.]

Live in Chiangmai and went to Bangkok in June and can’t remember if I confirmed that I had come back (TM30 requirement). Our Condo updates system on-line so easy procedure but not sure if I advised them. Seen lots of comments regarding strict enforcement of TM30 and will be obliged if someone can give me some advise. I am due to fly to Cambodia on 20 September and is it best to obtain re-entry permit at Chiangmai Immigration office or airport to avoid any possible fine. If at airport as the first flight will be domestic to Bangkok then onward international flight to Siam Reap which airport will issue re-entry permit. Having said that as I am flying with Bangkok Airways and luggage will be checked through to Siam reap as a transfer passenger will first flight be treated as international? As I have decided to leave Thailand when my current retirement extension expires in November, Thailand has certainly got worse since I initially came, hopefully I will never have to set foot in the Chiangmai Immigration Office again. Incidentally I just submitted my 90 day report on-line and it has been accepted without any problem. Alternatively would it be easier just to go down to reception advising them I have been out of province for more than 24 hours so they can update status or will this cause more problems. Many thanks for any advise gals and guys.

[A possible solution to the current immigration requirements.]

6 minutes ago, glegolo said:

You should be careful when trying to speak for other people. You shall NOT talk i.e. for ALL THESE NATIONS THAT STILL DO THE INCOME-LETTER.... We do NOT need what you are suggesting. We are just fine.

 

The ONLY people you can speak to and include is people from AUSTRALIA UK DENMARK AND USA.. NO ONE ELSE.....

 

glegolo

I appreciate your comments but do not see my post as being confrontational as the proffered solution would not be detrimental to any expat regardless of nationality.

[A possible solution to the current immigration requirements.]

I have read on this site that Immigration officials sometimes review comments on this forum.

 

With this in mind may I proffer the following solution which may benefit all parties to the current debate and would welcome members comments.

 

It is my proposal that all expatriates currently holding a retirement visa should automatically be entitled to renew there extension on production of there passport for another year without the need for additional documents or confirmation of bank balances.  This would appease expats who feel hard done by that the new regulations were not “grandfathered “ in as has been done in the past.

 

The benefits to all parties if the above policy was introduced are many as follows:-

 

1) It would streamline the procedure for immigration at no financial cost as expats would still be subject to the renewal fee being paid.

 

2) For 1 year no one renewing there extension would need to use an agent as this would clearly sound alarm bells within immigration. Therefore the question of possible “brown envelopes” being handed over would end.  This would also have a significant adverse effect on agents that have been acting illegally.  I appreciate legitimate agents will be adversely affected for the first year but many of these will be able to cover their cost through other services they are able to offer and will benefit in the long term.

 

3) Given the streamlining of extension renewal processing this will allow for immigration offices to prepare for the new procedures to take effect on a managed basis in 2020.

 

4) If the above were implemented it would restore expatriates confidence in the immigration policy and make expats feel that Thailand also appreciates and welcomes the contribution they make to the local community.

[Elite Visa now a serious alternative to 800k in bank?]

5 hours ago, charliebadenhop said:

I do not currently have al Elite visa but I am thinking about it-

 

Here is my thinking- I have a fund I have been investing in that has been returning 10-12% per year for several years now Let's say 10% for easy calculations. 

 

B800,000 = roughly US$25,000 these says. 

So if I invest that in the fund I have my other money in, or research another fund, I can likely make $2,500 a year on the $25,000, but of course no guarantees.

$2,500 = roughly B75,000. 

 

Keeping to five years for the Elite visa at B500K, my first year would be close to a wash, since I had to pay B500K all in one clump, as compared to keeping it i the bank and getting close to zero interest. After that, I make about $2,500 in investing my $25,000, while averaging a yearly spend of $3,000 with Thai Elite. Close to a wash depending on a lot of unknowns. 

 

So for such a small difference in money, Thai Elite is starting to make a good deal more sense to me.

 

What do you think?

 

 

 

 

Taking into account that you can actually get up to 6 years by leaving Thailand and re-entering just before the expiry date, automatically renewed 12 months on entering Thailand, this may help in your assessment.

 

This point has actually been confirmed by Ubonjoe the fount of all knowledge when it comes to a Thai Immigration issues.

[Elite Visa now a serious alternative to 800k in bank?]

Firstly if you pop out of Thailand just before the 5 year expiration date and re-enter before the elite visa expires you will get another full year on entry thus total 6 years.  Secondly you only have to go to immigration to extend if you do not leave Thailand for the full year as you automatically get 12 month renewal on each re-entry to Thailand. Still have to do 90 day reporting but these can be done on-line or depending where you live Thai Elite will do these for you if you drop of your passport to there local office.

[If money is not an issue is the Thai Elite Visa still available and working?]

I wonder how much this delay in processing applications is actually more due to a significant increase in applications being received following recent changes to immigration policy after certain embassies withdrew income confirmation letters?

[Just Received Some Bad News For US Citizens. No More Income Affidavits.]

37 minutes ago, Lovethailandelite said:

Good morning.
Let me explain one more time, as I explained that other Embassy's would follow suit when the BE broke the news regarding Letters of income and indeed, other Embassy's 'Will' be doing the same. No Embassy we are aware of, can or want's to be involved with categorically verifying income. It is simply not going to be happening.
There will be no acceptance of 'Anything' other than 'regular monthly foreign transfers' into a Thai bank account of 40/65k or the banked funds of 800/400k baht. No combination, no ATM receipts, no letters from foreign institutions, taking money from your wife's account etc It will need to be a straight foreign transfer that can be seen in your account. Nobody will be bothered where the funds generate from so long as the source is 'Foreign based' and can be seen entering Thailand.
You need to start making preparations to do it as I have explained above and not waste time thinking anything is going to change. It isn't. All of the scenarios people are coming up with are simply not going to excepted. Of course, it's your choice if you except what I am saying or not.
Enjoy your day.

Not sure why you are stating combination method has been abolished. Have you seen prove of this or is this pure speculation?