2lz2p

The two times were for hospital admissions late at night when they couldn't contact BUPA to confirm coverage. For emergency room, had no problems at all - guarantee was only for admission for observation - no deposit was required, only that I agreed to be financially responsible in the event BUPA wouldn't cover the particular ailment - as mentioned, they did cover 100%. I don't know if other hospitals, such as Pattaya Memorial, follow the same procedure.

I obtained BUPA for my bf. Also, several of my expat friends here have BUPA Thailand insurance. If you go to Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, you need not file a claim. The BUPA card will generally get you admitted without a deposit required (but on two occasions, I was asked to sign as guarantor of payment - in case BUPA denied coverage). On check out, the cashier may tell you the amount, if any, you need to pay that BUPA did not - or, as it happened to us, they had not received confirmation from BUPA on the amount they would pay by time the bf was ready to check out of the hospital - I was asked to pay the entire bill and told they would refund any amount that BUPA later paid. I was called an hour after we got home to come pick up the refund - the entire amount I had paid - BUPA had covered the entire bill. The bf also had some emergency room treatment - those d*mn motorcycles - when we left, we got a copy of the hospital bill from the cashier - paid nothing ourselves.

I have lived in Thailand 7 years and have only my US health insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield - Federal Program). Each BCBS program can be different on the coverage it provides. My BCBS program, provides a separate claim form and a specific claim center to mail the form. I know of another individual that had a BCBS program from his California employer that carried over into retirement which continued to cover him here. In my case I pay the hospital and then file a claim for reimbursement - takes about 4 to 6 weeks to get the check (mailed to my US address). In the case of the other individual, as I recall, he has obtained a "guarantee" faxed to hospital here in Thailand. I can have that done if necessary by my BCBS program (800 number 24/7 operation - I have it on file with my record at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya). I have not considered getting a Thai health insurance policy for myself because it would not cover me for pre-existing conditions.

As I understand it, Government Savings Bank (GSB) and Aeon still do not charge the 150 Baht fee for using foreign ATM cards. Aeon ATM machines according to their web site are at: Lotus South Pattaya - 2nd floor, Home Work Pattaya - 1st Floor, and Carrefour Pattya - 2nd Floor. GSB I think has an ATM at Tukcom and one on 2nd Road in South Pattaya.

BUPA has an office on Sukhumvit Road - going North it is on left just past Pattaya Nua (North Road). Several of my friends have a policy with them. I obtained one for the bf. One Australian friend has had several medical problems and his experience has been good with most of his bills covered. In getting any Thai insurance policy, be aware they will generally not cover pre-existing conditions. An American friend approached BUPA and noted he was taking Lipitor to control cholesterol - they agreed to insure, but wanted to exclude any heart related problems. He declined and obtained health insurance from another company (agent he used is mentioned below - they are a broker and can advise on several different insurance companies). Age is also a factor - some Thai insurance companies will not cover beyond a certain age. Also, check the exclusions, e.g., most Thai health insurance companies exclude coverage for any liver ailments. AA INSURANCE BROKERS CO., LTD. 565/62 Moo 10 (Next to Big C, South Pattaya), Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi, 20260 Phone: 038 415 795-6 Fax: 038 374 251 Email: info@aainsure.net Web: www.aainsure.net

Looks very good - can you post the rest of the menu? Menu on WOW (online) is a bit more than the menu posted here - so, would like to order sometime, but from your menu. No menu for Subs-N-Suds on Door to Door online. Do you deliver to Jomtien area (near Soi Jomtien Welcome - between soi 11 and 12)?

Confirming with Immigration is always a good idea - things change. The latest information I have comes from Barry Kenyon, Honorary British Consul, who also often mans the information desk at Immigration. He has previously advised that the Embassy letter is accepted if it is less than one year old.

As previously mentioned, you can arrive in Thailand on Visa Exemption (30 day stay), Tourist visa (60 day stay that can be extended for 1,900 Baht for another 30 days), or Non-Immigrant Visa (90 day stay for all categories except O-A, which receives a 365 day stay - the latter is the one GB mentions as a retirement visa obtained in your home country). If using a Non-Immigrant "O" visa, you can apply for a one year "retirement" extension of stay. If using the Visa Exemption or Tourist Visa, you can apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa at Thai Immigration (upon showing documents that qualify you for the retirement extension). The fee is I believe 2,000 Baht for the Non-Immigrant Visa. Generally at the same time, Thai Immigration will then process your application for extension - fee of 1,900 Baht. However, if using monthly income as part or all of the required financial resources, you will need a letter from your Embassy. You will also need to open, if you do not have already, a Thai bank account (required even if you are using only monthly income to meet qualification requirements). But, if you are using 800,000 Baht in a Thai bank, it has t be on deposit at least 60 days before the initial (first) application for extension. A friend went to Pattaya Immigration and changed his Tourist visa to a Non-Immigrant visa even though his 800k had not been on deposit 60 days. They gave him a 90 day stay from the date he got the Non-Immigrant "O" visa at Immigration. They told him to come back and get his one year extension after his money had been on deposit the required 60 days. In his case, as with others getting the Non-Immigrant from Pattaya Immigration, they gave him 365 days from the expiration date of his 90 days - thus, about 15 months total. Myself, I had the same experience that GB did - they gave me 365 days from the date I last entered Thailand on the multiple entry visa. I don't know if that is still the case as my first extension was in 2003. Also, if you use the Visa Exemption, you should check with Immigration right away about converting - I have read some reports that some Thai Immigration Offices required at least 21 days remaining on your permitted stay in order to apply for the Non-Immigrant Visa. True? I don't know, but better to be safe than sorry. The stories mentioned about being denied by the airline when you have only a one-way ticket is something to be concerned about. When I retired, I came to Thailand using a multiple entry Non-Immigrant "O" visa, but had a round trip ticket for returning 5 months later. I don't recall the airline, but it was not a US airline. I had no problem boarding. After returning to USA, I bought a one-way ticket on Korean Air for my return - no problem. I got my first "retirement" extension after returning. My next return to USA, I bought a round trip Ticket from Bangkok to Dallas, Texas and return from Eva Airlines - the Los Angeles to Dallas and return leg was on American. When I went to American counter at DFW Airport for return (this was in May), they said I couldn't board because I didn't have a return ticket. I showed them my original visa stamp along with my "extension" of stay to July 10 of that year and my "re-entry" permit - to no avail. A supervisor came over and also said I couldn't board without a ticket out of Thailand. After much discussion, they finally issued me a boarding pass to Los Angeles only (the flight from LAX to Taipei was an American code share with Eva). Fortunately, they tagged my bags to Bangkok. The supervisor's parting words were that if Eva let me board, it was their problem with the further statement that Eva would not let me board. When I checked in with Eva in Los Angeles - no problem at all. I thought at the time that it was fortunate that I didn't book American to Japan with a connection to Bangkok as I probably would not have been allowed to Board. I was also prepared to buy another ticket to a neighboring country if that is what it required - of course, if bought from American, getting a refund would have been difficult - if bought with Eva, at least they have a presence in Thailand. On subsequent trips, using a round trip ticket purchased from Bangkok to USA, I have continued to use Eva - but, my return trips have been from Tampa to LAX on Delta -- no problems (probably because Delta does not code share and I had to check in with Eva - no problems encountered when checking in with Eva at LAX).

On one of the other forums, there is a similar thread. One person wrote about the sales clerk saying there was a 2 for 1 promotion and gave the buyer an extra item -- of course, when checked by the police, the receipt showed only one item. That comment kind of jogged my memory - I think that was the scam I previously read about instead of the clerk "dropping" something in the bag.

I'm not sure, but recall reading another story about this type of scam. According to that story, someone at the duty free shop "drops" an additional item into the bag when a purchase is made - not knowing the item is in their bag - the person is accosted later and accused of shop lifting the item. Anyway that is what I recall, but it might have been the sales person not ringing up all the purchases - thus the receipt does not show the item was paid for.

Thanks for the info. I like Vietnamese food, but my favorite (Pho) that is served here is more the Thai variety of beef noodle soup instead of the Vietnamese style. I don't live too far away from Nusa, so will give it a try. Anther landmark would be that it is in front of the Nusa Playa Hotel - which has about 35 floors and is the tallest building in the immediate area.

We met almost 17 years ago - was long distance for 10 years and living together here full time for almost 7 years now -- yes, it can be difficult, but fortunately only a few bumps along the way.

I agree with GB, the process for retirement visa is very straightforward - I renewed this morning, it took 15 minutes from the time I arrived until I left - pick up passport tomorrow (it used to be you could get it on the same day, but it appears delay is becaouse of increased workload (lady captain had a box full passports - apparently all from yesterday as I was the 2nd applicant this morning) -- anyway, coming back for a few minutes to pick up the passport is, for me, a very minor inconvenience). As to producing a new proof of income letter each year -- Pattaya Immigration Office was apparently the only one that was allowing people to use a photocopy each year instead of original (not sure, but seem to recall that it was Immigration HQ that caused that local policy to be changed - even so, Pattaya Immigration still took the older original rather than requiring you get a new one when they changed their policy).

As I recall, a few years ago, several foreigners were arrested at the Immigration check point when they were leaving Thailand because their Thai visas were counterfeit. The following has been posted on the US State Department's travel section for Thailand for some time: In this regard, American citizens should be aware that private “visa extension services,” even those advertising in major periodicals or located close to Immigration offices or police stations, are illegal. A number of Americans are arrested at border crossings each year when the visas and entry stamps they have obtained through these illegal services are discovered to be counterfeit. Source: US State Dept - Travel to Thailand

GB, I used the url that you had in your post for Central Festival --http://www.centralfestival.co.th (you don't need to copy text from the Thai website - instead, copy the URL in the address bar of your browser and paste that into the text box for google translate. It will take a few seconds, but the website will reappear translated into English (Thai words it can't translate will still be shown in Thai script). The translation for Central Festival appeared quite good. Also, go to these TOT sites and copy the URL from the address bar into Google translate -you get a pretty good translation. www.tot.co.th/index.php OR www.tot.co.th/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=802&Itemid=1528 I agree, that some sites (documents) can come across at times as not making any sense -- thus, my caution about doing a reverse translate if you are using google translate to draft an email. The few times I have found need of using it for Thai language web sites, it did a pretty good job. In one case (can't remember the site), after doing the translate, it showed there was a button for an English version of the document (without the translate, would never have known they had an English version of the document since the "English" was written in Thai script) - However, in that case, I noted that google translated document written in Thai script was almost exactly the same as the English language document they provided when you clicked on the appropriate button.

Hi GB & others - if you find a page written in Thai script -- open google tranlate in another tab. Below the box that appears for inserting text, select Thai to English. Then go to the tab with the Thai written web site, highlight the URL and "copy" - then to google translate and "paste" the URL into the text box. Then select translate. The web page will appear with the Thai translated to English -- if google can't translate a particular Thai word, it will still be shown in Thai script. Give it a try. I have google translate bookmarked - also, every time I go back to it, it remembers I had selected Thai to English - so don't have to select those again, only paste in the URL. I also found it handy to translate some German cooking instructions for a potato pancake mix I purchased at Foodland -- however, translation was not perfect and I'm not sure why I only needed to add an egg if I was at the airport (I add the egg anyway and it turns out fine). Another tip - it can be used to write an English message to your Thai friend - translates it to Thai script. You can copy the script and paste it into an emai to the friend. CAUTION - it does fairly well with short simple sentences - but it is not perfect. So, before sending the email, suggest you past the script into the text box and have google translate that script back into English.

Residency certificate from Pattaya Immigration 200 Baht - provide evidence of residence (house book, rental agreement). copy of passport main page (don't recall if I had to have copies of pages with pertinent stamps) and 200 Baht (first time). To renew one year license to 5 year license, showed current driver license and provided same documentation to Immigration, no charge for the residency letter -- that was about 4 years ago, so don't know if still free for renewal or if fee has gone up for initial (but latest mention of it I have seen, it is still 200 Baht.

My first experience was with Euro Optics opposite Royal Garden Shopping Complex. On a later change, I decided to try progressive lenses -- couldn't adjust to them (my fault, not shop) - went back for bifocals. Later, I tried a couple of other shops in the Jomtien area (too lazy to go into South Pattaya to Euro Optics). Was never fully satisfied - also, the eye exam consisted of looking at an eye chart rather than the optical machines that optometrists used in USA and the lady at Euro Optics uses. So, for my last pair, I went back to Euro Optic and am again fully satisfied. The only drawback is they seem to stock more expensive frames than some of the other shops - they do have some less expensive frames, but they are not on display - kept in a drawer and choices limited. However, this last time, they used my old frames for the new lenses. So Dale, maybe next time I will try your suggestion for the Beautiful Optical at Mike Shopping since they apparently use the optical devices that lets the optometrist adjust the different lenses as they examine your eyes (not sure, but if memory serves, the Beautiful Optical shops in Jomtien do not have the machines - only the chart -- but, then again, maybe I have them confused with one of the other shops I used as you said, there are so many.

The Thai Bankers Association, which apparently has some control/administration of the ATM network in Thailand voted in March to impose a 150 Baht fee for using foreign ATM cards (ATM cards from Thai banks not affected - same charges, if any, as always). Previously, there was no charge for using foreign ATM cards at Thai bank ATMs except for fees charged by the bank issuing the card. IMO the rate is outrageous -- a nominal charge of say 50 Baht would seem more reasonable, especially since there was no charge before. Once the "word" gets out, I think most tourist will switch to Travelers Checks or even carrying large sums of cash, especially since many banks (in the USA, at least) charge a high fee for using their card internationally. When my bank was bought out by Chase, Chase brought in their charges - International ATM fee $3 + 3% conversion fee + lousy exchange rate. Also, they limited my daily withdrawal to $400 (about 14,000 Baht at current exchange rates). So, to draw out 14,000 Baht, the fee would be $3+$12+$5 (estimate of difference in exchange rate) for a total of $20 per transaction. That drove me to establishing accounts with a couple of Internet Banks that did not charge fees or conversion rate and also gave me a daily withdrawal rate of $1,000. Many of my friends and acquaintances that live here did not want to deposit (transfer) a large amount of funds into their Thai bank accounts - preferring instead to use their US ATM cards (most with banks that did not charge fees). So, the new 150 Baht charge will affect them and probably cause them to seek other means of getting funds - such as wire transfers to their Thai bank accounts and then using their Thai bank ATM card. Myself, I generally quit using my US bank ATM cards a little over a year ago - opting instead to using one of my US Internet Banks that sends "electric" checks to anyone with an account in a bank in the US bank system (having an Automated Clearing House (ACH) number). These "electric" checks have no fee involved. Now I send an "electric" check to myself using Bangkok Bank's New York Branch's ACH number and my Bangkok Bank Pattaya Brach account number. The NY branch charges a fee based on amount of funds involved ($10 if between $2,000 and $50,000). Bangkok Bank in Thailand charges a 1/4 percent fee for converting the funds to Baht here in Thailand using their regular rate of exchange (minimum 200 Baht, maximum 500 Baht). Based on the amount I transfer (electric check) each month, the total cost is a bit less than $20. It takes about 3 business days from the time I send the funds until they are deposited in my Thai bank account. Bangkok Bank will probably start making the 150 Baht charge as soon as they get thier ATMs configured -- the following announcement is on their web site: International Cards – ATM Withdrawal Announcement The Thai Bankers’ Association has announced a new regulation permitting banks to charge a surcharge for ATM withdrawal transactions on VISA, MasterCard and JCB cards issued by banks in foreign countries or any other bank or financial institution not an ATM Pool member (e.g. AEON card). The surcharge will be 150Bt per transaction and will be in effect from 17 April, 2009.

The 350 Baht was a promotional price and was raised at the beginning of April to 600 Baht.

Last week's Pattaya City Expats Club Newsletter had the following announcement: RUSSIAN CIRCUS - IS CLOSED FOR THREE MONTHS - With all that is happening in our city - Songkran, reduced tourist traffic, and problems of other kinds in the country - the Russian Circus has closed, effective Thursday, April 16, 2009 for about three months to improve their business situation and develop additional promotions. We will have more information as it becomes available.

This is advice from Pattaya City Expats Club: When Visiting Thai Immigration - Remember to dress properly, thereby showing respect for the official nature of their duties. As it is with many countries, the decision to grant an extension of stay in Thailand is up to the Immigration Officer you are dealing with. So, don't get upset, be calm, and wear a smile - the process at Pattaya Immigration Office is usually smooth, but occasionally may require some patience on your part. The documents required by Immigration seem to vary from individual to individual, so please expect surprises, keep your smile going, hold your temper (if necessary) and you will usually get through without any trouble.

Yes, Killin is very good and recommended by many. I used him once to upgrade a computer (when he had shop near Immigration). Another person I would recommend is A. He used to have a shop on 2nd road opposite Pattayaland Soi 3 then moved to Tuk Com. He now operates out of his home - as with Killin, he comes to your home. He has done repairs and built computers for me and several of my friends. All are will satisfied with his service. His telephone number is 08-1743-7073. I recommend either one of them if you need computer work.

The following was prepared to be put on the Pattaya City Expat Club web site: USA CITIZENS - ARE YOU REQUIRED TO REPORT YOUR FOREIGN BANK ACCOUNT TO THE US TREASURY DEPARTMENT? Questions 7a and 7b on Schedule B, IRS Form 1040, US Income Tax return has a place to enter information about whether you have control over foreign bank account(s) during the calendar year that totaled $10,000 or more at any time during the year. If the answer is 'yes,' the instructions note that you are required to file form F90-TD22.1 (separately from the income tax return). However, many USA Citizens, especially retiree Expats, do not file a US Income Tax return and thus, are not aware of this reporting requirement. Any retiree or person married to a Thai that uses the 800,000 or 400,000 Baht in a Thai bank to qualify for their Thai visa would be subject to this reporting requirement. US law (money laundering) requires that US person complete and file this information report with the US Treasury if at any time during the calendar year they had an aggregate of $10,000 US dollars or equivalent in foreign bank account(s). So, even if you had less than $10,000 in two or more foreign banks, but the total of all these accounts exceed $10,000 at any time during the calendar year, you would be required to file the report. For example, if on June 8, 2008, a US Citizen has control over a Bangkok Bank Account with 250,000 Baht balance ($7,200.46) and a Hong Kong Bank account with a balance of 22,100 Hong Kong Dollars ($2,851.64), the aggregate amount would be $10,052.10, thus triggering the reporting requirement. The exchange rate to be used for foreign currency conversion is the exchange rate on the last day of the calendar year or, in the case of the example, December 31, 2008. On that date, the Thai Baht rate was 34.72 and the Hong Kong Dollar rate was 7.7499 (source www.x-rates.com/d/THB/USD/data120.html ) Note: A US Person includes a citizen or resident of the United States, or a person in and doing business in the United States. The term "person" includes individuals and all forms of business entities, trusts, and estates. You can download Form F 90- TD 22.1, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts, for calendar year 2008 from at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f90221.pdf . The report is required to be filed by June 30, 2009 for calendar year 2008. If you filed for an extension in paying your US income tax, it does not extend the filing date for this form. Visit www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=148845,00.html for IRS answers to frequently asked questions about the report. The Privacy Act Notice on the form states in part: Disclosure of this information is mandatory. Civil and criminal penalties, including in certain circumstances a fine of not more than $500,000 and imprisonment of not more than five years are provided for failure to file a report , supply information, and for filing a false or fraudulent report. Frequently asked questions and answers include the following: What is the statute of limitations for assessing civil penalties for violations of the FBAR requirements ? Civil penalties can be assessed anytime up to six years after the date of the violation. What happens if an account holder is required to file an FBAR and fails to do so? Failure to file an FBAR when required to do so may potentially result in civil penalties, criminal penalties, or both. . .