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  1. #26
    Thailand Expat russellsimpson's Avatar
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    Good luck with the transition SK. You seem like a deserving sort of guy.

    I am one of those fools that in spite of living there eight years never learned hardly a word of Thai, written nor spoken. One of the top regrets of my life, you are wise to make it a priority. Thais have much more respect for those that at least try than those who don't. It's a respect thing.

    Take care SK.
    A true diplomat is a person who can tell you to go to hell in such a manner that you will be asking for directions.

  2. #27
    Thailand Expat Storekeeper's Avatar
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    Appreciate the responses. Makes it a lot easier to come back to this thread after arrival to retrieve the recommendations and points of contact.

    Headworx … do you know anything about Jomtien Beach Penthouses? Looks like they offer long stay options for 28,000 a month for 7-12 month leases. I like the serviced apartment options and am also looking at G Residence (don’t think they have a pool though) and Jomtien Beach Residence. Doesn’t have to be a serviced apartment though. Looking for the best possible 2 bedroom/2 bath deal we can get.

  3. #28
    On a walkabout Loy Toy's Avatar
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    Congratulations on your retirement SK and I hope you can make it out to the Darkside for a celebratory few beers on me.

  4. #29
    Days Work Done! Norton's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Storekeeper View Post
    health care, dental care, banking, money transfers, immigration, fitness, vehicles, anything … nothing is off limits.
    Good news is your VA health benefits are payable if you live in Thailand. Hospitals and clinics vary in services and quality depending on location but all are generally good.

    Banking and money transfers have become more difficult recently because of security and money laundering restrictions so you need to open a Thai bank account asap and start the somewhat tedious process of setting up direct deposit for all your retirement income sources.
    I use Bangkok bank. They are very good helping set up direct deposit through their NY branch. As a side issue get a Thai phone number cuz you will need one for most banking transactions.

    Of course to do many things you will need a long stay visa. Retirement or marriage are a couple. Note your VA health coverage is fine for visas requiring health insurance.

    I will pass on fitness comments. Genes, diet preference and normal daily walks and gardening work have kept me in decent shape.

    Sure others here far better than I to recommend places to stay in Patters. However, give Airbnb a look.
    Airbnb: Holiday Rentals, Cabins, Beach Houses, Unique Homes & Experiences

    Would be happy to chat if you are inclined to do so. Send me a PM and I will give you my phone number.
    "Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect,"

  5. #30
    Thailand Expat
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    Quote Originally Posted by Storekeeper View Post
    Headworx … do you know anything about Jomtien Beach Penthouses?
    Sorry I don't, I remember when it was first built and that it is (or was) owned/managed by the same family that have the Residence Garden and Boat House but that's about it. I'd definitely recommend taking there or anywhere else on a short-term deal before committing to anything like 6+ months though to see if there's anything that's not in the glossy brochures like pissed-up Russian neighbours making a racket every night till they pass out, bad water pressure, smells or noise from nearby properties, local howling dog packs, poor management, rodent/insect problems in the building, and so on.

  6. #31
    Thailand Expat DrWilly's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Headworx View Post
    'd definitely recommend taking there or anywhere else on a short-term deal before committing to anything like 6+ months though to see if there's anything that's not in the glossy brochures like pissed-up Russian neighbours making a racket every night till they pass out, bad water pressure, smells or noise from nearby properties, local howling dog packs, poor management, rodent/insect problems in the building, and so on.
    Should be SOP for any place in Thailand.

    Having said that, even a perfect place can have someone next door open a Karaoke bar or start building a 30 story condo within weeks of you buying in.

  7. #32
    Thailand Expat Storekeeper's Avatar
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    Couple more questions:

    1. Had a 5 year Thai drivers license but it expired in 2014. Should I bring it along and try to extend or just not mention it and get another license with my stateside license or international license?

    2. Had two bank accounts before and still have the pass books. One was with Thanachart Bank in Pattaya where my TEFLer salary got deposited as required by my old school. The other was a Bangkok Bank account set up in Nakhon Sawan for my marriage visa. Any idea when banks in Thailand close accounts due to lack of activity?

  8. #33
    Making people dance. :-)
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    Quote Originally Posted by Storekeeper View Post
    1. Had a 5 year Thai drivers license but it expired in 2014. Should I bring it along and try to extend or just not mention it and get another license with my stateside license or international license?
    Bring it along, and present it. There's a time limit on how many years it can be expired before having to do all the tests again. It will definitely be less than 8 years But it might help them pull up an old database file that can help them with their computer admin etc.

    Also, once settled go to get your yellow house book (Tabien Baan), with this you can get your pink Thai ID card. You never need a Certificate of Residence again, for driving licenses (remember there are two, one for car, one for motorbikes) and buying/selling vehicles/condos, opening bank accounts etc. Will save you time and hassle over the next 20-30 years.

  9. #34
    Custom Title Changer
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    Quote Originally Posted by Storekeeper View Post
    Any idea when banks in Thailand close accounts due to lack of activity?
    Yes they do, I think after one year of no activity. I've been here in the PI for 2 1/2 years and wasn't able to access my Krungsri or Bangkok bank via the online apps after about a year of no activity. Best to start anew anyways, I'd reckon.
    "I was a good student. I comprehend very well, OK, better than I think almost anybody," - President Trump comparing his legal knowledge to a Federal judge.

  10. #35
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    im pretty sure you can reactivate them no problem, i did one after about 7 years. it could have changed however.
    will need to pop into a branch and ask

  11. #36
    Thailand Expat
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    Quote Originally Posted by Storekeeper View Post
    Had a 5 year Thai drivers license but it expired in 2014. Should I bring it along and try to extend or just not mention it and get another license with my stateside license or international license?
    For sure they'd have your previous licence on record, but I have no idea if that would be of any benefit or detriment. I'd contact one of the agencies and ask them what the deal is, keeping in mind the procedure to get or renew a licence here varies from one issuing centre to another! I'd be using an agency for sure, you can't just rock-up at the centre out by the Regents school these days and need to have made online appointments and so on. For about 3k Baht an agency does everything including pick you up to take you there and drop you home after you've got the licence in your hand.

    Each to their own of course, but what good is it having a few bob in your pocket and knowing the right people to get shit done if you don't use them to make life easier?

  12. #37
    Hangin' Around cyrille's Avatar
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    You won't have any luck 'extending' a license that expired 8 years ago.

    With a US license and an international driving permit ​you can get a Thai license with the same expiry as your US license, I believe.

  13. #38
    Thailand Expat Storekeeper's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Headworx View Post
    Each to their own of course, but what good is it having a few bob in your pocket and knowing the right people to get shit done if you don't use them to make life easier?
    We’re on the same page.

  14. #39
    last farang standing
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    Quote Originally Posted by Storekeeper View Post
    Well folks my 30 September retirement is rapidly approaching and the return to Thailand shortly after.

    So thought I’d solicit any advice or words of wisdom any of you’d like to share.

    I left in March 2010 and have only been back once since that time for the entire month of October 2017.

    Nope, not going to live in the house in Taphan Hin or Pattaya. And the land in Rayong will be eventually be sold.

    As it stands we’re probably going to live in Pattaya for at least the first 15-16 months. Looking at renting in either the Pratumnak area or maybe Jomtien.

    You heard it here first … setting a goal to lose 100 pounds so looking to be super close to a gym, rent a place with a good size communal swimming pool and will probably be doing a lot of walking. I’ve researched the gyms and I’m inclined to use Muscle Factory.

    Will probably become active in the local VFW so expect to participate in some volunteer activities.

    Also looking to join a 8 ball pool league at some point.

    Any “gotta try” restaurant recommendations would be appreciated including Thai.

    Anything you have to share would be appreciated … health care, dental care, banking, money transfers, immigration, fitness, vehicles, anything … nothing is off limits.
    Pratumnak could be a good choice SK. It should keep you away from most of the riff raff. Hopefully I wont be too far behind you.

  15. #40
    Thailand Expat VocalNeal's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Storekeeper View Post

    You heard it here first … setting a goal to lose 100 pounds

    Pattaya Hash House Harriers every Monday late afternoon.

  16. #41
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    Quote Originally Posted by VocalNeal View Post
    Pattaya Hash House Harriers every Monday late afternoon.
    Preferred the "Dirt Run" last Thursday of every month.

  17. #42
    Thailand Expat VocalNeal's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Iceman123 View Post
    Preferred the "Dirt Run" last Thursday of every month.
    Never heard of it.

    I'm a Maraud man from Phuket.

  18. #43
    Thailand Expat VocalNeal's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Storekeeper View Post

    You heard it here first … setting a goal to lose 100 pounds

    Any “gotta try” restaurant recommendations would be appreciated including Thai.

    Thinking about this again. The above two statements are contradictory.

  19. #44
    Thailand Expat
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    Quote Originally Posted by VocalNeal View Post
    Never heard of it.

    I'm a Maraud man from Phuket.
    It's a bit special here is a link

    Pattaya Dirt Road History of runs

  20. #45
    Thailand Expat
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    Quote Originally Posted by VocalNeal View Post
    Thinking about this again. The above two statements are contradictory.
    Not necessarily Neal, here's two places that come to mind straight away:
    Healthy Kitchen Pattaya - Certified Nutritionist in Pattaya
    Healthy Food Online Delivery | Easy Health Restaurant

    And while this place is not a straight-out health food resto, their salads are sensational (and tasty!) and the American owner is really clued in on clean food.

  21. #46
    Thailand Expat
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    Quote Originally Posted by Storekeeper View Post
    Any idea when banks in Thailand close accounts due to lack of activity?
    SK, good luck with your move. You'll be busy for a while.

    Thai banks typically move accounts to 'inactive' status after 12 months of no activity. Activity usually means money out, deposits in don't always count, it depends on the bank. That doesn't mean the accounts are 'closed'.
    There is a provision for funds in orphan accounts to be taken by the central bank after a number of years. I tried to Google and didn't find the exact number, I think it was 10 or 20 years.
    I have had accounts become 'inactive'. It wasn't difficult to reactivate with a Thai helper. They'll ask to see the passport that was used to open the account and then update their records with a new passport, if that has changed.
    You might need to go to the same branch where you opened the account to do this.

  22. #47
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    A dog . . . a nice Doberman . . . beaches . . . warm sea . . . excellent seafood . . . massages by the ocean . . . tan . . .


    Sounds horrible.


    Care to swap?


    All the very best, SK

  23. #48
    Thailand Expat Storekeeper's Avatar
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    ^ … still thinking about the Doberman part. Seems like all the Soi dogs around would make it a daily challenge.

  24. #49
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    Just got back from a weekend on Pratamnak, man on man has it been built up. Unrecognizable over just say 6 years ago. Still nice but glad we were in the Royal Cliff where there is open land.

    As for the Doberman, if you get a house okay, but dont keep that big dog that needs to exercise and run in a condo SK.

  25. #50
    Thailand Expat VocalNeal's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Iceman123 View Post
    It's a bit special here is a link

    Pattaya Dirt Road History of runs
    Kinda takes the edge off remembering all your Dirts?........ Sir.

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