Kwarium

After contacting Kasikorn and SCB helplines today (and Krungsri branch staff previously) the concensus is that Thailand has no TOD (transfer on death) or beneficiary assignments to bank accounts. Interesting to hear of other experiences such as @gomangosteen who says he set a beneficiary with Kasikorn. It seems @freeworld has it right, as I was told by the two helplines that even joint account owners do not become owners in the case of the other owner passing. It seems the last will is indeed the best way to go, even for ‘simple’ bank accounts! Live long and prosper, but be prepared… right? Edit: Kasikorn says that both joint account owners must be present to make passbook counter withdrawals. Krungsri says either owner may do so. TIT!

SCB (along with Krungsri) have no beneficiary options available for savings accounts. They (call center) advised for my wife to use my atm card upon my passing. But if she notifies the bank of my passing, then documents from the Thai courts will be required. TIT In the case of a joint account, as either owner can make withdrawals, this type of account would not be a problem if one owner dies. It would still require court docments to close the account though. Of course the account would automatically be closed after a few months of no balance.

I recently opened a joint savings account with my wife as Krungsri Bank said that is the only way for her to easily gain access if I was out of the picture. Unfortunately the account cannot be accessed by phone app. They seemed concerned that one of us could use the money digitally. But either of us can empty the account at any branch. No logic? TIT

I can’t find anything online or on Wise dot com about any fee increases. The new look showed up in March 2023. I use Wise twice per month USD to THB and the fee is 89 cents plus point six percent. A direct SWIFT bank to bank transfer becomes cheaper at about eight thousand USD. About a fifty dollar fee. I

Pretty happy with the four week turn around to the Issan village! The “New Generation Passport” has the alpha-numeric passport number perforated through every page. Laser technology? While working in Bangkok, I carried a laminated credit card sized color copy of my passport in my wallet. Any photocopy shop can make it for about a dollar. ✌????️

Just an update re the OP question, exactly four weeks to renew US passport by mail from Issan. Someone mentioned the US Embassy Thailand website now says 3-4 weeks where previously it said 2-3 weeks. FYI: I used the US Embassy Thailand website, filled the form online, printed the form and checklist which needs to be included, paid online using Thai CC, went to the bank to teach them what a 100Bt bank draft is, stapled 2 photos using 4 vertical staples with only 1 staple into the second photo, mailed everything off using Thai Post EMS for ~70 Bt. My passport issue date is 18 days after I mailed The application. Upon checking the state.gov passport status page, it also showed “passport mailed” that day. Mailed from US passport printing office in Arizona to US Embassy Bangkok. 27 days after I mailed the application, I received an email from ACS Bangkok stating my passport(s) were mailed by Thai Post with a tracking number. Received the following day. Thai Post tracking page was updated about 8 times in 20 hours. Excellent experience all around, aside from the bank being a bit frustrating. Btw- Why do they return the 2nd photo? It was clipped inside my old passport, so maybe they think Thai immigration will want it? Why do they say your 2nd passport will be returned 8 weeks later? Maybe if applying in the US? I did “check the box” for the larger passport, but luckily it is only 5” x 3.5” like all passports. ???? YMMV

No reason to panic. “It’s not a loss until you sell low”, is what I’ve been told. It is a very good time to not check the brokerage account too often though! My plan is to not begin to draw down my 4-5% per year unless my balance is near an ATH. Maybe 5 years from now? Good luck. Stay strong! BTW- While we’re not checking actual balances, its good to play around with Monte Carlo statistical outcomes on portfolio visualizer website!

In Udon a shop called Master Key can more than likely get you a new remote and program it. They are on Naresoun Rd, the traffic light nearest Udon Immigration, 1 short block off of the “T” with Posri Rd. Actually, if you come out the”L” road that immigration is on, you’ll run right in to it! Not literally, please. Good luck!

Yes, the pricing is ridiculous. Paying 8,800 Bt for Day 1 as a couple. The hotel price was previously just under 3,000 for two. Day 5, even in Issan near our home, is only slightly less. Thai citizens are getting no break from the regime or from the hotels. Someone said it is “their country”. Yes, “they” being the idjiots in power and control.

David143, you finally made it! What a (sometimes) patient guy! 555! Congrats!

i was thinking of those not in Social Security. More information: https://www.scb.co.th/en/personal-banking/stories/how-to-choose-social-security-gold-card-and-health-insurance.html

Congratulations to 78 newly minted Thais! Dated the 5th but published today? One thing to remember to do after you have your Thai ID is go to your local government hospital (Insurance Department) and have them register you for the Gold Card 30 Baht health care. It just takes 5 minutes and it is not done for us automatically just because the ID is issued.

I just spoke with MedConsult Clinic. The PCR test with English certificate is still 2,000 Bt. Results in the evening if tested before 9 am., otherwise next day results. A Rapid Antigen test is 500 Baht with a certificate and immediate results. Walkins accepted, or you can book on their website. They are open every day including the upcoming holidays Dec. 5th and 10th. The USA accepts either the PCR or Rapid Antigen test, but be sure your airline is ok with the Antigen test for boarding. I just confirmed with ANA that either test is fine for boarding in BKK headed for USA. A self or home rapid test is not ok. Ymmv. Happy Holidays!

Of course that is completely false. The QR code is 2” x2” and in the top right of the A4 Thai vaccine certificate.

Sad that the lovely Scala is no more. The bigger picture is that Thailand has no concept of preservation, artistic or achitectural attractiveness, or any concept of what might create a pleasant environment for locals and visitors. Singapore had big plans do bulldoze everything that was old, or not modern and shiny. Somehow, there was intervention and the older places that survived are a gold mine of social and cultural draw. Unfortunately, the Old Seventh Story Hotel along an old road in a green space, with an old brass accordian door lift, was swallowed up before they came to their senses. Thailand shows no sign of making any chnages to their ‘new, shiny and concrete is better’ philosophy. How about the way they decimate old trees or just rip them out all together? No concept of what makes an attractive environment. PS- I don’t think Scala could have been saved due to the disaster that is Siam Square.