General Reports

[Mr Enternational]

Should I order some Thai Baht from my bank before my trip?

It seems you are making things complicated. This is not 1960. How is this still even a thing in 2024? From when you land until when you leave, you will see an ATM or currency exchange place every 5 feet. I go to a lot of countries and if I had to order currency from the bank every time I went somewhere it would not be at all practical.

[SubCmdr]

Ben Hart of integrity legal is saying immigration is doing House Checks on retirement Visas. Just another Pain in the Azz.

What if you in Miami when they want to visit. LOL. Hahaha.

When you leave the country you are logged out in the computer. They may not know where you went, but they know you are not in the country. So, why would an immigration agent performing house checks goto a location where they know the individual is not in the country? It is as simple as looking in the computer. That is where they find the information to do the house check in the first place is it not?

The name of the agency is called immigration not outmigration. LOL!.

How you like me now?

[Banana Boi]

Answer in Bold .

Do massage parlors and taxis take US $? Or Euros?

I assume they will be don't expect a very good exchange rate at all

Assuming ATM's with US debit cards distribute Thai Baht, yes?

All Thai ATM machines only distribute Thai baht

Should I order some Thai Baht from my bank before my trip?

To make your life easy yes. Enough to pay for taxi from airport to hotel, pay a possible deposit when you check in to hotel, pay for lunch and some snacks at 711. When you arrive in Thailand find a TT Exchange (yellow sign) for best exchange rates. If you want to go out right away, take out enough to pay for drinks and a girl so maybe 10,000+ baht. You can always pay a bar with a CC but not the girl

Do US plugs work, or should I buy a converter for BKK & Phuket?

US plugs work. If your device like laptop can handle 220V then no need for a converter. Most hotels have converters available if needed.

Given the traffic, what's the fastest way to navigate BKK? By MRT, Tuk Tuk or Taxi?

This depends on what time it is and where you're going. During rush hour BTS/MRT are your best bets assuming your start and end points are near a station.

[SubCmdr]

But if you are not "living" there full time why bother?

Not everyone plants their ass in one place and never moves. I operate on the concept of the trifecta I keep multiple bases that I wish to have consistent access to. Therefore multiple citizenships and residencies are needed.

[UglyAzzMan]

The idea just hit me: is it possible to have active retirement visas from different countries? Say, Thailand and Brazil simultaneously?

Ben Hart of integrity legal is saying immigration is doing House Checks on retirement Visas. Just another Pain in the Azz.

What if you in Miami when they want to visit. LOL. Hahaha.

[DarrenCohen34]

Do massage parlors and taxis take US $? Or Euros?

Assuming ATM's with US debit cards distribute Thai Baht, yes?

Should I order some Thai Baht from my bank before my trip?

Do US plugs work, or should I buy a converter for BKK & Phuket?

Given the traffic, what's the fastest way to navigate BKK? By MRT, Tuk Tuk or Taxi?

Do any spas in luxury hotels and resorts offer HJ's?

Sorry--I've Googled the above and get conflicting answers!

[AggieDad1]

The idea just hit me: is it possible to have active retirement visas from different countries? Say, Thailand and Brazil simultaneously?

Both Brazil and Thailand allow dual nationality so dual retirement visas should not be a problem. But if you are not "living" there full time why bother?

[One Eyed Man]

I plan to stay in Thailand less than 180 days in 2024, in order to avoid being a Thai tax resident.

The idea just hit me: is it possible to have active retirement visas from different countries? Say, Thailand and Brazil simultaneously?

[Vendelo]

Yeah, I always travel with a certain amount of "shit-hitting the fan" cash but I started to use the ATM for the majority of my mongering money because I can generally budget a bit better that way. I find it easier to spend less when you have to make a daily or regular withdrawal rather than having a wad of vacation cash that I am more inclined to spend freely. But that can be totally different for someone else so to each his own. I don't think there is a perfect way to budget, except for doing it in the first place which is essential, no matter your price point.

One time in Phuket, I ran out of cash on a Saturday. And I didn't have my 3 one hundred dollar bills I often carry for emergency. And I hit my maximum ATM cash withdrawal so I would have access to cash until Monday. So I sent money to myself via Western Union.

[SubCmdr]

How do you store Gold in Thailand?

Fuck storage! I wear my shit like I'm Mr. T up in dis *****!

[SubCmdr]

Yeah, I always travel with a certain amount of "shit-hitting the fan" cash but I started to use the ATM for the majority of my mongering money because I can generally budget a bit better that way.

Yes, I do the same. That is why I suggested it. But I have suggested it to my friends who are planning to travel here and got the some push back about the how the ATM is better. Big Boy rules apply.

Never had a problem with a ATM network or your ATM card? Yep, I have. All over the mother fucking world where I have traveled and lived.

I don't think there is a perfect way to budget, except for doing it in the first place which is essential, no matter your price point.

Who needs a stinking budget?

Everything that costs more is better. Since that is the case one should not need a budget for anything. Because a budget would mean a limit to spending and therefore you could not buy the most expensive of everything. The budget would cause you be relegated the economy class of life. That wouldn't be good. I live that sort of life. It has been pointed out to me that some find being in that situation unpleasant. They use expressions like: if that is all you can afford. LOL!

Be like this guy:

I appreciate a man that is not hindered by cost.

Forum is full of millionaires. No hate. I am just not one of them. So I post about my activities on the lower end of the scale accordingly.

Unfortunately there are those who think their money makes them better than others. So, they post in a condescending, derisive manner in response to anyone who either must or chooses (I am the former I have no money) to show others how to have a good time in Pattaya without a million dollars in the bank.

I am not going to bust their bubble of self delusion. It boosts their egos to know they are richer than everyone else. It makes them feel superior. There is even a special user blog to document their exploits. Good for them. I am here to let anyone interested know that it does not take a multi-million USD equivalent net worth to have fun in Pattaya.

I find it easier to spend less when you have to make a daily or regular withdrawal rather than having a wad of vacation cash that I am more inclined to spend freely.

The way I budget cash is to put a certain amount in my front pocket when I go out. Along with a 20 THB note in my back pocket. When the money runs out in my front pocket, time to go home. I have enough in my back pocket to get home on the Baht Bus. LOL!.

They print it out of thin air. I spend it like that!

But that can be totally different for someone else so to each his own.

A expression that makes me laugh "to each their own". GTF!

Man Law 101: No grown man ought to be telling another grown man how to spend his hard earned money or who to fuck.

That would include the mother fuckers up in here that have a problem with guys that choose to look for a princess standing under a palm tree on Beach Road. Can someone tell me why it is ok to spend money buying 40 Lady Drinks, but not ok to look for value?

Quality, Price and Value are all very different concepts. Everyone balances their priorities based on the reality of their situation. Are individuals really so lacking in their depth of character to be fully defined by the money they have. It's just paper.

All my life been po'; But it really doen't matter no mo; And they wonder why I act this way; The Cmdr gon be okay - Po' Folks, Nappy Roots.

[TooDirty]

Currently spot price of gold is over 2400.00 USD

One of the things I really like about being here in Thailand is that gold is integrated into the economy and it is very easy to save in gold here.

How do you store Gold in Thailand? I know there is a reasonably priced vault in BKK that also offers insurance on the contents of your box which is the way I'm thinking of going. I'm thinking of spending under 180 days in Thailand then the rest of the time in other Southeast Asia countries, but storing my baht gold in Thailand. I wonder if I would become a tax citizen if I did that?

Thinking of that new DTV visa too. Need to hear more about using it for language courses, cooking classes, or medical treatment. I don't think my portfolio of Kamala memes is going to count toward being a digital nomad. LOL.

[TheDerilious]

But I do recommend keeping a cash reserve. Bringing nice crisp brand new benjis if you want the best rates and least amount of hassle.

Yeah, I always travel with a certain amount of "shit-hitting the fan" cash but I started to use the ATM for the majority of my mongering money because I can generally budget a bit better that way. I find it easier to spend less when you have to make a daily or regular withdrawal rather than having a wad of vacation cash that I am more inclined to spend freely. But that can be totally different for someone else so to each his own. I don't think there is a perfect way to budget, except for doing it in the first place which is essential, no matter your price point.

[Explorer8939]

I plan to stay in Thailand less than 180 days in 2024, in order to avoid being a Thai tax resident.

By September 1, I will have accumulated 121 days in Thailand, which allows me 59 days (about 2 months) for the rest of the year.

I won't be in Thailand at all in September, so on October 1, will still have 59 days in Thailand to spend, so I will need to travel a little more than one month the rest of the year. Where to go is still a mystery to me.

During 2025, I will see if the new Thai tax regime is enforced. If so, that will significantly change my plans.

[SubCmdr]

Open up a bank account with no international fees (or ones that refund it). Many, including myself, recommend a Charles Schwab account for international travel. Just go to any ATM to withdraw money (the random fees get refunded at the end of the month) and you use the card they give you. I've found that the rates are among the best when compared to most money changers, plus it's a lot easier. You don't need to carry around a huge wad of cash and there are usually ATMs close to wherever you stay. Airline ATMs have jacked up rates, just like the money changers so I would recommend only pulling out a small there and then finding an ATM wherever you are staying.

We have more points of agreement than disagreement on this subject. As you advice is spot on!

But I do recommend keeping a cash reserve. Bringing nice crisp brand new benjis if you want the best rates and least amount of hassle. I am still a cash on the barrel head man. Untraceable. Here in Pattaya T. T. Currency Exchange consistently offers the best rates. Often comparable to the rates I get using the recommendation given by TheDerilious.

How you like me now!