About hawkesk

Currently Lives:

Citizen of:

Some Forum Posts:

Thailand: Shipping to the US:

I've lived in Thailand over 10 years and have a 100% failure rate on ANY kind of shipping. Digitize your DVD's and put them on a thumb drive/laptop/external usb drive.

Thailand: moving:

I would never, NEVER, ***NEVER*** recommend Phuket as a destination. I've read too many horror stories reported on ThaiVisa.com and personally know people who were recently kidnapped and held ransom to the tune of over $15,000.00 U.S. There is an extremely aggressive mafia there, and too many other MUCH more tourist-friendly areas. I hear Vietnam is even better, less expensive, and as an educator I have NEVER heard a teacher who taught in Vietnam say they had a bad experience.

Thailand: How can I get a Thai retirement visa ??:

You can, but it's expensive. Somewhere between $600 and $1000 USD. You can enter Thailand on a tourist visa and pay an Immigration officer to do it. I'm not sure it's exactly legal. I forgot about the necessary process to obtain the proper visa while in the U.S. and that's what I had to do.

Thailand: Ed Visa Renewal Challenge at Savannakhet Border:

Can you teach with only a two-year degree in VN? I can easily in Thailand, but it IS illegal. While not a huge concern, I'd be happier if I was 100% above-board.

Thailand: Moving to Thailand:

Having lived in Thailand over ten years, I would HIGHLY recommend you come to Thailand for as long as you can afford AS A TOURIST, have a look around, and try to get work while you're here. I was a database manager for 14 years and would NEVER be able to get a job here (by law) unless I created my own business, and that's difficult and dangerous to do. These are just about the most xenophobic folks on the planet and will thwart you every chance they get. They want you to come, spend your money, then go away. Teaching is the only stable position you will find here, overqualified or not. Join ThaiVisa.com and look around there, too. Many good folks eager to help you in your quest. Don't become another statistic . . .

Thailand: Pension:

You do this at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok. I was surprised at first, and only once was I questioned a little. I have a pension that just squeaks by but when I combine it with my real estate investment income, I'll be good the rest of my life. AFTER signing the affidavit, the agent said "That's quite a pension." It was more of a killing time statement rather than an official inquiry.

Thailand: Moving to Buriram:

You need to be EXTREMELY careful when dealing with ANY form of work/business in Thailand. For example, if you outright own a bar and are caught operating the cash register, they will send you to jail unless you pay a heavy fine. I know of NO foreign business owner who has had good luck maintaining a steady staff. That doesn't mean there aren't some out there, I've just heard horror story after horror story. The culture shock of trying to apply reason and logic to the general public can be staggering. My suggestion is, if you are absolutely hell bent on opening a business in Thailand, contact someone who is running a similar business and ask them about the pitfalls. It is possible to eke out a living here, but the economy is SO depressed right now I believe the chances of success are very slim to none. And a foreigner operating in the food industry? THAT'S a recipe for disaster (pun intended).

Thailand: Getting settled in: Credit Card, Bank account, Car Insurance, babysitter! ah!:

Traditional wisdom is Bank of Bangkok.

Thailand: retiring Thailand:

You don't provide enough information to answer your question. Thailand is an EXTREMELY diverse country and offers too many options to mention without narrowing your scope. Are you looking for a family friendly environment or an adult playground? Do you want to do the "touristy" stuff or the countryside? Bangkok, Chang Mai, Kanchanaburi, Pattaya . . . ?

Thailand: Want a break from your business??:

draks - No flack from me! I've lived in Thailand almost 11 years and would NEVER NEVER NEVER recommend a family move here unless they are being sponsored by their business and have tuition to an international school provided as part of the agreement. I've been teaching five years (grades Kindergarten through six) and the Thai educational system is ABYSMAL! Just two weeks ago we essentially lied and cheated to get all our students' grades up to passing. The international schools are very good but damned expensive - two children would cost an easy 1 million baht per year plus all the extra costs of field trips, music lessons, etc. Thailand is a good place for single retired expat guys or couples, though it's starting to get expensive. I just paid $275 U.S. to have the lenses replaced in my glasses. Rent is still cheap, but food/medical/most other things are rising dramatically.

Date Joined:

8/15/2014

Total Posts:

72

Posts/Day:

0.07