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American sausage can be "link" (similar to frankfurter, but smaller and much tastier) and in "patty" form (similar to a hamburger patty, but usually a little smaller). Thanks lvdkeyes for the recipe for patty sausage - one of the things I greatly miss living here in Thailand. As to breakfast here, I usually order an English breakfast over an American breakfast as I prefer the back bacon and English sausage -- like the other posters, I prefer my American (streaky) bacon fried crisp.

Back on topic -- Bangkok Bank has sent out the letter GB received to all their customers with direct deposit. The Pattaya City Expats Club website has information about these letters and their contact with Bangkok Bank about them. Pattaya City Expats Club Information

As with GB, I do not keep that kind of money in my Thai bank account. I do have a couple of credit cards (-0- balance) with very high credit limits in case I should have to pay up front in an emergency. I also have a good health insurance policy from US - they have a telephone number staffed 24/7 that can verify coverage and fax the appropriate guarantee to the Hospital - I have my insurance information and the 24/7 number on file with my records at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya (BHP). Another hospital not mentioned, is Phayathai Sriracha Hospital -- they are private and have an International Ward with rooms offering the same amenities as BHP - room is not as large and no flat panel TVs, though . From most reports of people who have used them for surgeries, they offer quality care at substantially less cost than BHP. Of course for an emergency, their distance from Pattaya is a negative factor as would going to Queen Sirikit in Sattahip.

Go to the following to see a checklist. of documents needed. Pattaya City Expat Club - checklist

Question for GB - out of curiosity, did you inquire about creating a "new" account for the direct deposit (would require a change in direct deposit instructions for Social Security Administration), thus keeping your existing savings account the same as it has always been? Also, the following are some observations on some of the items posted: Bangkok Bank provides SMS messages for foreign deposits to your regular savings account - takes a bit to set up, but is available (I haven't bothered yet, but a close friend has set it up and has received SMS messages when funds he transferred from USA were deposited in his account). Social Security web site indicates that checks are still issued, but they encourage recipients to use direct deposit, DirectExpress Card (prepaid debit/credit type card - fees for int'l ATM use are too high, $3 US plus 3% conversion fee), or Electronic Transfer - ETA (accounts set up at participating banks). Social Security website under Frequently Asked Questions explains that by law, a person is not entitled to social security benefits for the month in which they die - whether they die on the first or last day of that month, e.g., person dies on 28 June - the benefits they receive in July is for June. Thus, they would not be entitled to the June payment received in July. If the US bank receives notification of the death before receipt of the July deposit, they will return the funds. I don't believe this is totally correct. The Instructions for completing the form state that the form must be filed if you have any financial interest, signature authority, or control over such account if the aggregate value of these financial accounts exceed $10,000 at any time during the calendar year. So long as your Thai bank account plus any other foreign accounts you may have does not exceed US $10,000 at any one time during the calendar year, no report is required -- of course, for those USA citizens that use the 800k Baht in the bank to qualify for the retirement extension, would meet the requirements to file the report. For those required to file, but say they "ain't going to do it" - the Privacy Act Notification on the form states: 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. As to the other Thai banks with a US presence, one would need to find out if they have an ACH number and would they provide the direct deposit service. Myself, my direct deposits are to my USA bank - I use INGDirect Internet bank (FDIC insured) to transfer funds - first from my account that receives my direct deposits (no fee for transfer to INGDirect). Second, I send an INGDirect "electric check" (no fee and can be to an account in any bank with an ACH number) to myself as payee, Bangkok Bank NY branch ACH number, and my Pattaya savings account number. It takes about 3 business days to arrive - the conversion from $US to Baht is done by Bangkok Bank in Thailand. The NY Branch charges from $-0- to $20 (depending on amount involved) and Bangkok Bank in Thailand charges 0.25% (minimum 200 Baht; maximum 500 Baht).

I have eaten there a few times. Yes, they do have Gado-gado - was quite good, in my opinion. They also have one of my favorites Rendang Daging (slow cooked beef in a spicy curry sauce - pot roast with a "kick"). The Rice Table is their specialty, but they have several other Indonesian dishes as well as Western and Thai dishes. The Indonesian chef (part owner, I believe) is nice and usually visits the table. He said that the 14 dishes are not always the same, depends on what he can get at the market. The western dishes are cooked by the other owner, who is Australian - steaks are imported Australian beef. Both owners are very nice and, I believe, the two of them are also partners in more than just the business sense. They also have Thai food prepared by a Thai cook. The waiters are generally attentive and, although I think they are gay, are not flirtatious (e.g., Mags and L'Olivier). Not the easiest place to get to. It is located on Theppresit Soi 8 - going from Thappraya to Sukhumvit, make a left turn onto Soi 8 and it is a few hundred meters on your right. If driving, you can park at the Car Wash, which will be on the left a very short distance before the restaurant. The name of the restaurant is Villa Bali.

The Pattaya City Expats Club had a Thai Attorney speak to them on various laws and legal rights in Thailand. One of the questions asked related to use of fake ID cards by minors, the lawyer's response as reported in their September 14 Newsletter stated: An issue that often comes up is that of a farang picking up a Thai companion at a bar and taking them to their hotel, residence, or elsewhere to engage in sex. What if they have a fake identification card? The age of the person “is what it is” under Thai law. So, it doesn’t excuse having sex with a minor if they provide a fake identification card. Khun Katrena said that under Thai law, anyone under the age of 15 cannot legally give their consent. However, there are other criminal laws that may apply, especially if prostitution is involved. So, she strongly recommended that no one should get involved in having sex with anyone under the age of 18.

Barry has mentioned this several times when updating Immigration matters for the Pattaya City Expats Club. He also announced that Immigration prefers renewals be done at least 7 days before expiration so, if any problems, it can be corrected before the foreigner winds up in an overstay situation. A good friend of mine renewed almost 90 days in advance, no questions were asked by Immigration on why he wanted to renew so early (at that time, there had been a notice that beginning Oct 1 that year, one would have to have their Embassy letters also certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok, his visa expired a couple months after the effective date, so he wanted to renew to avoid the hassle -- fortunately, that requirement was rescinded before it became effective ) Myself, I usually renew 4 to 6 weeks in advance and have never been questioned about why so early. One time I renewed early, I was going to Hong Kong between the date I renewed and the expiration date of my retirement visa. After renewing about 5 weeks before the expiration date, I then got a reentry permit -- the expiration date on it was my "new" expiration date some 13 months later.

Barry Kenyon at the Pattaya City Expats Club meeting said that asking for additional documentation to support the Embassy letter is "discretionary" with the Immigration Officer - so, some will be asked while others will not -- no, he didn't know what might trigger them asking. My guess is that one is less likely to be asked when they are very busy. Also - and again, just guessing because who knows what lurks in the minds of our friendly Immigration Officers - if one has a small bank balance and the bank book doesn't show any funds being transferred into the country, that might be a trigger. Also, Barry said that many of the former Immigration staff have been transferred (most to Suvarnabhumi Airport) and they have a lot of new people (coming from Suvarnabhumi) who are in process of learning their new duties -- I did note that the Sgt Major that reviews the initial retirement documentation was still there.

As a result of the information being reported, the Pattaya City Expats Club (PCEC) invited Barry Kenyon, Honorary British Consul, to their last Sunday's meeting to provide an update on Thai Immigration requirements. The next issue of the Pattaya City Expats Club Newsletter will include this update - it should be available on Friday at Pattaya City Expats Club Barry Kenyon, lately, has been spending a lot of time at the Information counter at Pattaya Immigration Office offering assistance/information -- if you haven't visited Immigration recently, they have moved the Information counter and the "number" machine. They are now located on the left hand side as you enter the doors into Immigration. They also have placed the tables and form bins just outside the front doors. I visited yesterday about 11am and there was a huge crowd -- fortunately, I was only doing my 90 day address reporting (took about 10 minutes with 7 of that waiting). While waiting near the Information Counter, I overheard Barry telling some poor soul that based on their "number," they could probably wouldn't be called until around 2pm

I have had minor surgery at Bangkok Pattaya Hospital (BPH) and have been well satisfied with the care. (inserting pins into a broken wrist, still required general anesthesia as well as an angiogram and andgioplasty). Similarly, I am well satisfied with my regular physicians at BPH (cardiologist, urologist, internal medicine, and dermatologist). My US health insurance covers my treatment here, but so far I have always been able to pay the bill and then file a claim for reimbursement. However, if I should need major surgery/treatment that I can't cover in advance, my insurance company has a 24/7 telephone number for obtaining a "guarantee" when being treated outside the USA. I have placed this insurance information on file with BPH in case I might be unconscious or otherwise incapable of communication on admission. I also keep that number in my wallet along with my US insurance card and Bangkok Hospital Card.

This was my experience - Embassy voided my old passport, but returned it to me. I took the Emabasy letter and old passport to Pattaya Immigration - they transferred information to my new passport (a few stamps as it appears they put in the history of original visa and previous extensions plus last entry into Thailand).

The following is from the Pattaya City Expat Club's Newsletter: Gary Hacker, US Embassy Warden for Pattaya, has provided the following directions: Aisawan Resort Compex on Wong Amat Beach Road is between Sois 18 and 16 off Naklua Highway. You need to go around the Dolphin Turnaround and head out Naklua Road, turning left on Soi 18. Proceed straight ahead all the way to the end and turn right (only way you can) onto Wong Amat Beach Road. You will pass the new Northpoint Condo being built on the left side and the Aisawan Resort is next door also on the left. The Consulate Group will be in the Lobby. Also, here is an Aisawan Resort and Spa location map: http://www.aisawan.com/location.html .

It appears that if you want to attend the Grand Opening on Friday morning, they will be offering 5% discount cards to foreigners. The information I received says: Foreigners wanting the card must have their passport with them (as proof they are foreigners), and may apply at the Festival Center. The store opens at 10am Friday morning, but nothing can be done until the Information Counter opens at 11:39am. The cards may be used for purchases at the Festival Center throughout the year.

I know of a few folks who received an "O-A" (retirement/long-stay) multiple entry visa in USA. When they arrived, their entry stamp permitted them to stay one year. During that year, they left Thailand and returned to Thailand. Upon return, they received another full year stay on arrival. However, those folks didn't have to have a reentry permit so long as their initial visa was valid.

Prior to the most recent Police order, the requirement was 800k had to be on deposit 90 days prior to application -- Pattaya Immigration apparently interpreted that to mean only for initial application and was not requiring any "seasoning" period for renewals. The latest Police order changed the time before the initial application to 60 days and to 90 days for renewals -- so, since it is now spelled out in the latest Police order, I'm sure Pattaya Immigration will follow the new requirement of 90 days for renewal. The underlined (my emphasis) appear to be new. Someone at a recent Pattaya City Expats Club meeting announced during the Open Forum that he was asked for documentary evidence of pension in addition to the Embassy letter -- this has not been required in the past as far as I know and my own experiences. Also, in my previous renewals, they only wanted to see the face page and balance ending page of my Bank passbook, but others I have talked to were required to provide copies of additional pages of their passbook (Immigration Officer discretion apparently). Also, I have heard from a few folks that they had to deposit more funds in their bank - apparently had only a small amount - before Immigration would approve their application. It now appears that the new Pattaya Immigration chief has established a written policy for that aspect - past 3 months activity and a balance of at least 2,000 Baht. So that is probably a plus since the number of pages and balance are no longer at the whim of the total whim of the Immigration Officer. As to letting your retirement visa lapse, I generally agree with GB that in order to reinstate it, you basically go through the same process (especially if using 800k, now that 90 days on deposit is required for renewals). However, there is a possible (vs. probable) risk that Thai Immigration could change the requirements for a retirement visa during the period of lapse. If so, then you would not be grandfathered in. Also, I keep dreaming that one day Thailand might actually decide to allow longer extensions (e.g., 2 or 3 years) if you have lived here on a continuous retirement visa "x" years without causing any problems -- I know, I know, but I used to keep thinking that one day I would win the lottery.

I've only been "searched" once when returning from Thailand - that was several years ago when clearing customs in Dallas (wasn't bringing anything back, but a bother, especially since they "dumped" the contents and I had to put everything back). My more recent trips back from vacation and now from living in Thailand, I have entered either through Los Angeles or San Francisco ports of entry (once I flew into Vancouver and was surprised that US border clearance done there before catching my connecting flight to Dallas). Most of the time I haven't even been asked any questions by customs - must not fit the profile, whatever that may be. As for DVDs, can't say from any personal experience as I never brought any back - wasn't sure they would play on my US TV (NTSC format). But, some years ago when I was booking using AAA Travel, the lady travel agent cautioned me about bringing back counterfeit goods - she had taken a group to Thailand on tour and, at request of friends, brought back several fake watches (rolex, cartier, etc.) - she said customs let her keep one of each brand, but confiscated all the rest.

If you wait till the American Embassy folks come to Pattaya, then IMHO, you are cutting it way too close. As GB says, Immigration often asks you to return the following day to pick up your passport. It may be a bit of a bother to go to Bangkok now to get the letter, but better that then having Immigration hold onto your passport because you waited for the convenience of the Embassy visit to Pattaya - although Thai Immigration might expedite and return it the same day if you plead enough, but that is a BIG chance to take. Barry Kenyon, Honorary British Counsel, at the Pattaya City Expats Club meeting a while back said Immigration is urging all retirement visa holders to renew at least one week early - so you may not get any sympathy. Also, you will need to renew BEFORE you apply for the re-entry permit; otherwise, the permit expiration date will be the current retirement visa expiration date. Once you renew, they will put the latter expiration date on the re-entry permit. On a previous renewal, I renewed over a month early and got my re-entry permit the same day I picked up my passport (the following day after going in to renew) -- the expiration date for the re-entry permit (single) was some 13 months later (new expiration date for retirement visa - this is the case for either single or multiple reentry permit). If you get a single reentry permit (1,000 baht fee), then when you return, you will need to apply for another reentry permit, which can no longer be done at the airport. If you are not going to have that much time, then get the multiple reentry permit (3,800 baht fee). This will allow you to leave and reenter as many times as you want until the expiration date of the reentry permit.

per Barry Kenyon, Honorary British Consul, and a couple of friends of mine who have done so, pattaya Immigration will renew a retirement visa up to 90 days prior to its expiration - the new expiration date will be 12 months from the old one -- thus, no loss in validity. Myself, I have done it 6 weeks early - again, no questions asked and expiration date is the same as if I renewed a few days before (12 months from the old expiration date). If you are departing more than 3 months before and explain you will not return until after the expiration date, they might do it even earlier. Since a renewal requires the same paperwork and requirements, if it does expire while in US, you can return, convert the 30 days on arrival to a non-immigrant "O" visa (according to reports, you pay for that visa and they will give you a 90 day stay - then on same day, you apply for a 12 month extension based on retirement (pay again for extension fee). Again based on reports of others, the 12 months will be from the expiration of the 90 days, thus making 15 month stay). The primary risk in letting the retirement visa (extension) expire is that in the interim before reapplying, Thailand might change the requirements, e.g., money required or age. Always in the past, if they change the requirements, those with an existing extension are "grandfathered" in and can continue to renew under the requirements in effect when they first obtained their retirement visa (extension).

GB, I agree with you. Even in US, I would not allow any company to direct debit to my checking account -- if they make a mistake (which does happen sometime), the money is "gone" until you can get it sorted out -- same with debit cards that can be used like credit cards if they get lost, stolen, or compromised - reason I only use them in ATM. I too wish we could use online banking to pay electric and water here in Pattaya - but, a quick trip to the 7-11 is not too bad --- usually the bf takes care of it. My experience in using the online transfer within Bangkok Bank (my bank) or to accounts in other banks is the same as yours -- no problems. But, I still use my screen capture software to capture the "confirmation" page, which has the details and confirmation number, and save it to a file (backed up periodically). BKK Bank currently does not charge a fee for same bank transfer within the same branch. Not sure about the other banks, but Bangkok bank has 3 different fees for interbank transfer -- 25 Baht for immediate, 12 Baht if you want transfer the next day -- there is a middle amount if you want it done by the end of same business day (haven't used that one and don't recall the fee). Since it pops up with a T Express logo, my guess is all the banks use the same service for the interbank transfers.

As mentioned by the original poster, the 4,800 is round trip - Ambiance web site shows 2,600 for one way, which is about double what I paid for private car (taxi) to/from airport about 9 months ago (tolls were extra). I have also used Image Limo in the past to/from Don Maung Airport - comfortable cars, reliable, and driver that speaks English. Their current one way rate is 2,700 Baht (tolls included). Most of my arrival/departures were outside the hours Bell Travel operates. But, if you arrive during the times they operate, it is both convenient and economical. At my suggestion, a friend recently used them and was very happy with their service.

I am presuming that "expires later this year." means sometime in 2009 after your April renewal date. Otherwise, later this year, message being posted on December 30, would mean it expires today, the 31st. Thailand requires that holders of US passports (and probably most others) to have at least 6 months validity for entry into Thailand (visa waiver or holder of a visa) - see Thai Tourist Visa Requirements and Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It appears that only 6 or more months validity is necessary for renewal of a retirement extension. The Thai Embassy in Washington DC notes that to qualify for an O-A (retirement or long stay) visa, the applicants passport must have 18 months validity (one year granted upon entry plus 6 months) - see: Thai O A Visa requirements. Before you say I got it wrong, I did in fact renew my retirement visa with less than one year of validity remaining on my US passport (I had about 9 months remaining). Pattaya Immigration renewed my retirement visa on my regular anniversary date, BUT put its expiration date as the same date my passport expired. They told me when I had my new passport, to bring it in to change everything over and they would extend the stay to the normal expiration date (which date they had written adjacent to my extension stamp). A couple of months later, I applied for and received my new passport through the US Embassy in Bangkok - they also gave me a letter addressed to Thai Immigration noting the issuance of the new passport. I took my new passport, old passport, and the Embassy letter to Pattaya Immigration. They entered information in my new passport about my original non-immigrant visa and subsequent annual extensions. They then put in another extension stamp with my normal annual expiration date. There was no fee charged for the changeover.

Well, I just spent a lot of time writing a response based on visiting several web site - and then something happened and I lost it all. So, rather than do all that typing again, here are some websites that may be of interest: From Drivers.com Thailand In Thailand, International Driving Permits are issued by the Department of Land Transport (Tel: 0 2272-5322, 0 2272-5416). Applicants must possess a Thai driver's licence for at least one year to be eligible to apply. The following are required for application: * Valid passport * Work permit * Thai Non-Immigrant Visa * Residency declaration * 2 photos size 2.5" Phuket Land Transport Office offers IDP: Phuket Land Transport Office IDP General information about IDPs from wikipedia: IDPs in general US State Department designation of AAA: US State Dept on IDPs About mid way down the page. Also cautions against buying over Internet from unauthorized sources. Eurocar Rental and Budget Rental agencies on what is required for driving in Thailand (no mention of any 90 days from issue date for IDPs): Eurocar Rental & Budget I did find a site that said drivers staying in Thailand more than 90 days must have a Thai Driving License: EThailand.com I didn't check to see if US or UK Embassies might have something on IDPs -- oh well, something for another day.

That is also my understanding - also that Thailand is a signatory of that UN Document. Although many call it an International Driver License, it is as a "Permit" and must be used in conjunction with your own country/state's driving license. I for one would be interested in the source of this information. Not disagreeing, just trying to understand it.

As I understand it, the 90 days is a Thai limitation, i.e., anyone staying in Thailand for longer than 90 days is required to possess a Thai Driving License. Many states in the USA also have requirements that you must obtain their State Driving License if you take up residence there (time period and circumstances will vary). Britney Spears ran into that problem in California. That said, it seems to me if you present the International Driving Permit, the officer would also have to look at your passport for the last entry into the country to determine if you have been in country longer than 90 days (unless the driver "volunteers" the information to the Officer). However, if you are staying in Thailand on a long-stay visa (retirement, spouse, etc.), why not go ahead and get the Thai Driving License - with an International Driving Permit, there is no movie to watch or written test - the initial one year license used to cost 105 Baht, but may be more now since they started the new license with digital photograph. The Thai license can also come in handy as several people I know have shown it at National Parks and other tourist spots to get the "Thai" admission price.