[US Passport Renewal Via Bangkok Mail]

THE EMS service and Embassy work was done with excellent result.  Five weeks from start to finish, this in this month. Make sure you follow exactly the directions which are downloadable.

[WRLife medical insurance - experiences?]

While I have been with them for two years, I have not yet had to use their services. Efficient new person on the Koh Samui version of the policy.

 

[SURVEY: What are your biggest issues in Thailand?]

Very few "issues" here, but paperwork stands at the top of the list. 90 day reporting and freedom of movement from province to province, number one. Number two: village life - electricity is quite high, water quality low

[Ridiculous electricity bill]

Mine went from 823 to 1850 baht...when asked they stated price has gone up, but my usage was nearly the same...when does the price go up more than 100%?

[SURVEY: What's your vaccination status?]

I would love to get a Moderna or Pfizer but not possible here in Udon Thani area. Bangkok hospital offered but not to all their customers. When I went to ask they said May (maybe) and 3400baht. In addition, even with test and two vaccinations one must do 14 days quarantine upon return from overseas... or am I wrong?

[University degree guarantee from US Embassy]

Hire an agent to do the compete process. running around and associated stress is worth the fees.

[Hooray, cheaper electric bills for March to May]

HA!  My bill went UP 50%...and then they discounted 105baht. I will believe reductions when I see them. Same for WATER.

[How Covid-19 can have a longer term impact for Expats in Thailand]

Well written.  I would like to add that I have found many Thais especially helpful, even in IMMIGRATION...I changed my address when the virus first presented...didn't do all the paperwork properly and when I did my online 90 day report, was rejected...I wrote an email to Imm and surprisingly, they called me and helped me through the process. The impact of immigration, baht and virus are challenging but not insurmountable.  Keep hope alive.  Take care out there...

[90-day reporting]

I just did 90 day and change of address (47) online without too many issues all of which were my not having enough information...so all in all, not bad...of course, arrest may be imminent.

[90 days should be suspended]

If not abandoned at least make the online process sensible.

[Why can't an American resident of Thailand buy short term medical insurance for a trip to the US?]

You can...travel insurance covers the trip and time spent in USA.

 

Ask Frank.co.th.

[Home visit by immigration...]

Hi,

I just had a home visit...north of Udon Thani... very pleasant, photographs of documents and with officer... no fees even hinted at!

Report to immigration.

[Thai Embassy Hanoi intimidating questions?]

Even a $1000 in bank is really a small amount in today's Thailand ... just for hotel at 1000baht that would be your 1K in $... do you not eat?  or other activities...this raises suspicion that you may not have enough or are coming to work.  At least he was polite...not so much in America these days...

[Building a House in Issan]

This looks SUPER! I hope to do similar perhaps not so grand in Ban Chiang...thank you for sharing!

 

[Access to Government officials]

Thank you for your various pieces of advice. Yes, there does seem to be some sort of scam-like qualities to this. This is private investors attempting to do what governments do not do which is invest pension etc moneys into foreign economies.

As for linkedin and other obvious means to access...not responded to.

 

Interest is not included as this will utilize sinking funds and other tools not available to governments. No government commitments until funds are received...then 40 years before any return obligations if required.  Think life insurance policies...you pay and insurance company wins if you live long...generally 14 years of payments...this is similar...

 

But I will keep trying as those who I have asked in this foreign assistance business having asked specific questions have received satisfying answers.

 

The problem here is that those I know are reluctant to raise their heads with this government.

 

Thanks again.

[Access to Government officials]

Dear Forum:

 

I have been asked by Euroclear Bank (Belgium) to make contact with the Thai government to offer a sizable development loan. 

I have lived in Thailand for a considerable time and know many prominent families which was why I was asked to make these overtures.

Each contact has been reluctant to engage this government.

I have tried to get email addresses of Bank of Thailand governor  Mr. Veerathai Santiprabhob  and Former PM Abhisit to no avail.

 

Suggestions?

 

This is serious money which could be used right now to reduce the flooding damage now and in the future provide systems to alleviate yearly flooding. It is unencumbered and "interest free".

 

Thanks for your ideas.

[Can all retirement visas be multi entry?]

The VISA is one thing

The extension is another

and the third is the re-entry permit...

all three can be had just go through the process...

[Re-Entry permit in Pattaya (on a weekend) / Ignore Non-O Visa and get a tourist stamp]

I recently went through the process of getting what you are attempting in Singapore at the Thai Embassy. They put you through many steps but they made it much easier once you arrive to start work. You do not need a multiple entry visa...you will get a work visa...and re-entry permits...others in this forum will provide the proper document/visa names...but know that that Embassy, while being very picky, is doing you a favor.