lexilis

I second the recommendation for Chouquette Bakery (SiPhum corner of moat). Excellent food, bakery, deserts. Baguettes are very crusty. Croissants are delicious! They are closed for renovation until Friday I think.

I have been wondering about that shop. Anyone with personal experience there?

This guy needs to go away at least from this site. He is full of it and just needs attention. Bye.

I have used the same agent in Chiang Mai for seven years. I meet all of the financial requirements so no funny business. She picks up all the documents at a coffee house near my house. Later that day she calls and says be at immigration at some time the next day. I go at that time, meet up with her or her staff, get shown to a desk, take photo, and pick up my passport. This year was typical and I was in and out in less than ten minutes. One trip. No hassle. Well worth it.

The stopover in SF seems excessive (over 6 hours). There must be multiple flights per hour SF to LV.

Pib: BTW, regarding the online My Social Security account, my understanding (from a few years ago when I tried) is that you cannot get an account if you have a non-US address. Is that (still) true?

Thank you Pib for the helpful and informed response. I get it: two separate issues. I sent the 7162 in back in June or so and did NOT get a separate, follow-on 7162 in Sept or Oct so I assumed they got it. If the Feb deposit does not show up I will have to go through the reinstatement process which will be a real drag for a couple of months but it will not be a catastrophe. Thanks.

OK, thanks. The COLA increase started 1 Dec. was in the Jan deposit. As I understand it, the Jan deposit was for the month of Dec 23. However I have STILL not received the COLA letter (in CM). I am still a bit worried that my payments will stop in Feb (payment for Jan and first deposit for 2024) for some unknown reason. We will see.

Still waiting on mine in CM. BTW, my understanding is that the Jan payment is actually for Dec 2023. If you don't get the COLA letter (lost in the mail, whatever) you wont know until Feb what your 2024 amount is.

The Grab food delivery service is acting up for me. I have used it many times but not in a few weeks. Always pay cash on delivery. Today though it says "This method is not supported" and prompts me to enter a credit card which I do not want to do Anybody else have this problem? It doe not seem possible to contact them (in English). .

Highly recommend Bliss Clean and Care in Chiang Mai (Google for website). They came to my house and did a deep clean on a 10 year old fabric couch that was stained and dirty and that I was was about to get rid of and buy a new one. They did a fantastic job. The couch is as good as new. Cost less than 1500 Bt. They probably can recommend repair options also.

Thanks for the good report. I'm in Meechok Plaza often and have been curious about BeFixed. Next time I have 'puter probs I'll keep it in mind.

Star Visa Chiang Mai was always very good service when I used them a few years ago. Office behind Tesco Lotus on the "super" highway. Another office in town I think. I dont remember what they cost.

Very sad news. He helped me very much as I was trying to make sense of the Immigration/visa threads over the years. These threads would go on page after page (with most posters completely misinformed) and I finally learned to just scroll down to UJ's comments. Concise and always accurate. What a terrible loss for the extended community here. I have no idea how old he was or his personal situation but I would say that was a good life. Hundreds of people are expressing their sorrow and condolences (out of the many THOUSANDS that he no doubt helped). Not many of us will be remembered and missed in this manner. RIP UJ.

What Sheryl said is true. I went to the Chiang Mai SS facility a month after I left my long time employer (this was about 5 years ago) and was initially told in one office that it was "not possible" and "the policy was changed" and that farang (and presumably all non-Thais) would not be able to get Thai SS after employment. That was very disappointing. I wandered around the building and found another office and asked there. No problem! There was some forms to fill out and they needed various information from me. Took about an hour but it all worked out. A few weeks later I got my blue plastic SS card in the mail. I pay 432 Bt. per month (can pay at any 7-11). In Chiang Mai my assigned SS hospital is Lanna Hospital. In five years I have only used it once for an outpatient procedure with a specialist (I have been very lucky healthwise). Did not cost a single Baht. For routine tests, consultations, or diagnosis I pay for them myself and go to either Bangkok Hospital or CM Ram. This is because the initial entry process for Lanna is so crowded and annoying. I will use SS when I need in-patient treatment or an operation.