ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

I do not need to work anymore going there, so not some of the regular issues associated with making money. I only have been there 2+ months since December, but I am done with the USA regrdless. I am familiar with foreigner's rights, or lack thereof, purchasing land, et cetera so we are on the same page. I am thinking of getting a place in the country, growing a lot of our own food and just chilling out with my love relaxing. I do see your points hands down on some issues, so not like you are blowing smoke at all and I do appreciate all the posts on here. I might however get a small business so I can get a business visa there, but I don't care about making money, just something to show them is all as I do not want to do visa runs. Anyhow, heading there again very soon and will update as things progress on my end and look forward to seeing other Thai/Farangs post on this thread too.


As long as you don't actually need to LIVE off the food you grow, it sounds like you have a good plan. Personally, I could never live in the Thai countryside--give me a high rise condo in Bangkok with a view any day... damn, I love this place.

Attached Files


toma1MaleThailand2011-07-05 22:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

You might want to "experience" Thailand a bit more before you decide to leave the U.S. in favor of Thailand. I can assure you that you will not have less problems in Thailand, compared to the U.S. Moving to Thailand may be a viable option for those looking to retire, but for those looking for a better life, look elsewhere. Do some rudimentary research about life in Thailand for foreign business owners as well as foreigner rights in Thailand and you will start to see my point.


Depends. I agree with a literal reading of RSN's final sentence, but if you don't need to worry about money, or if you can find a Thai employer that pays well, this is a FANTASTIC place to live and they treat you quite well. I spend 4-5 months per year here and 7-8 in the US and I definitely prefer here and I could give at least 10 reasons.

Visa runs can be annoying, but if you go by air, they can be fun and they force you to do things you might otherwise never get around to doing.
toma1MaleThailand2011-07-05 12:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Friend of mine sent his in on the 14th may, an the embassy received them on the 26th of May and the just set his interview for the 8th of August, looks like it is out quite a bit. He emailed them, and they sent him back the interview date.


Wow.. that sucks.
toma1MaleThailand2011-06-24 07:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Hope everyone is doing well!

Anyone else have a problem getting a state ID based on the I-94 date being "almost expired"?
The idiocy that is the New York State DMV made us wait over 2 hrs today to finally instruct us that contrary to what the NY DMV doc ID-44 (Proofs of Identity) states, my wife is not eligible for a non-driver ID because the last day of validity for her I-94 is today. NB: We filed for AOS last month so no 90-day issue.
I offered to show the receipt for the I-485, but was instructed that document is not on "their list" and could not be accepted. We were told she has to wait to get her green card. Are you kidding me!
My argument was, the I-94 is valid today which is my wife is applying. I was told that Albany would not process it and I should not pay the $14 (who cares, I just waited 2 hrs), because by the time Albany received it, the I-94 would no longer be valid - HUH? Where did it ever state that the I-94 must be valid at some point after application. This makes no sense, which I tried to explain, but explanation failed. Like an idiot, I paid my $14. Now we will wait before I contact the Albany office, since we will not probably receive the ID.
Has anyone else had this experience?
Gotta love the New York DMV workers too - wearing t-shirts with sayings on them, texting on their phones under their desks. What a class act!
I will keep everyone posted on the outcome.
Oh yeah, this experience was after we had to go to the social security office 2 times and 1 30-min phone call to get her social security card, even though we had everything the first time. Go New York!!!


That's normal in every state. Ann drove on her Thai license for several months. Got pulled over once, too, and... no problem.
toma1MaleThailand2011-05-03 16:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

You posted this long after it was debunked as an AFD prank.


LOL
toma1MaleThailand2011-04-01 07:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)
Don't know if you guys saw this article from The Nation or not, but... WOW. You would think they would at least tie it to the woman's age.

Law prohibiting marriage to foreigners over the age of 50 proposed to Thai Cabinet

BANGKOK: -- The Ministry of Interior are bringing a new proposal before the Cabinet prohibiting foreigners over the age of 50 from marrying Thai nationals.

According to a Ministry spokesperson, statistics show that many older foreigners are marrying much younger Thai women, which is not appropriate and often leads to many problems.

"Many older foreigners seem to marry Thai women so they can stay in Thailand under less strict requirements. Instead of needing to meet the requirements of 800,000 baht in the bank they only have to show 400,000 baht a year when married to a Thai. Additionally, many of these people seem to come to Thailand simply to marry much younger girls. In many cases they are old enough to be their father. I am concerned that these people are attempting to circumvent the rules by marrying innocent Thai women. If these people don't have enough money to retire then they shouldn't be here and become a burden to Thailand," Tawatchai Suksoom of the Ministry of Interior stated.

He added that the measure is not discriminatory as it will apply to both men and women, but admitted that the proposal would mainly affect Thai women and foreign men.

Thai nationals cannot be prohibited from marrying older foreigners abroad, however Thai embassies will warn them of the possibility that Thailand will not recognize the marriage if they return to Thailand, he noted.

It is expected that the new law will be brought before the Cabinet for approval at the beginning of next month where it will then be proposed to Parliament. The law will not apply retroactively but only to marriages that take place after the new law comes into effect. Tawatchai advised Thais living overseas to provide proof to their Embassies that they were married before the law came into effect so as to avoid any potential problems.

The new law is in line with similar laws in Cambodia and Laos as part of the upcoming ASEAN integration in 2015 and is expected to pass Parliament with ease and should take effect on May 1st, 2011.

Edited by toma1, 31 March 2011 - 11:26 PM.

toma1MaleThailand2011-03-31 23:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

I can't BELIEVE IT!!!! Teaw and I zipped down to Pattaya for a couple days cause she wanted to go to the beach and there were no cheap flights to Phuket or Samui when were were going to be here. Now I have not been to Pats for 3 or more years, but I was totally shocked to be in LITTLE RUSSIA!!!!! It's 95% Russians now and everything has Russian writing on it. At the hotel we were at I felt like we were the only English speaking people there and we pretty much were. While getting a foot massage last night the lady we were talking to said she wished it was like the old days where it was all Americans and English as she did not like the Russians so much. It was really depressing to see the place change like that from what I remember it was. I sure won't be going back to Pats again!!!! Scratch that one off my list. I just hope the tour people don't screw up Phuket and Samui and other places with the Russians.


Russia and Thailand concluded a visa free travel agreement a little over a year ago. That (Russia) is now one of the places that your wife can travel visa free that you cannot. Similarly, Russians can now travel to Thailand without a visa--hence the large numbers you saw. This is a great thing for the Thai economy, as the Russians have a lot of cash right now.

Edited by toma1, 24 March 2011 - 08:18 AM.

toma1MaleThailand2011-03-24 08:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Yes, planning on filing the I-131 (advance parole) and I-765 (EAD) as well.
Any advice on filing any of these docs would also be appreciated.
Also, one more question - my wife took my last name. So for the adjustment of status, AP, and EAD - she should use her married name (not her maiden name), correct?


I would file all of the new documents under her new name and address. I don't think you will have any problem if you file everything together.
toma1MaleThailand2011-03-13 23:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Hi,
Good news here - passed the interview, arrived in the States, and just got married! A very busy couple of months to say the least. The advice from everyone on this forum has been fantastic. Thank you all.
Now, a few more questions... re AOS.
We moved into a new apt after my fiancee's arrival (moved from Manhattan to Queens). I know we need to file a change of address (AR-11 I believe) asap, but we just married and I want to file the Adjustment of Status application as soon as possible.
Should we be concerned about the change of address causing any problems receiving communications from the USCIS going forward? Or causing any delay due to the office our application will be assigned to? I seem to remember reading that some people's applications have been delayed due to this issue. Any experiences to share or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks again,
Eric


Are you planning to travel outside the country?
toma1MaleThailand2011-03-13 21:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Hard to believe, but after we got in today Teaw and I were walking through Siam to MBK and there was a table set up full of boxes of Krispy Kreme donuts with many in plastic covers on display. I sure don't know where they got them from but they looked like the real deal. I had to get a picture of it too!!


Yep, they opened a regular KK shop in Siam about a year ago. It always has a line out the door.
toma1MaleThailand2011-03-13 10:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Why has the bank not allowed you to add her to your accounts? All she needs is a SSN/ITN, and she can be added there is no stipulation that she needs to have filed income taxes. Adding her to your deed should be the same.

You should be able to file taxes without the Wage & Income statement. I have done this before for, when I did not receive a 1099. If your CPA doesn't know this, you should get a new one.


The law doesn't REQUIRE that you do this. It is just one kind of evidence. We have a prenuptual agreement that states that we will keep our accounts separate. My wife owns a house and I'm not on that deed either, FYI.
toma1MaleThailand2011-03-08 12:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)
United has $1189 all inclusive fares from Tampa->Bangkok in March at the moment. Not sure how widespread this pricing is, but that's quite good from here.

(This is kind of a glorified topic bump.)
toma1MaleThailand2011-02-17 19:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Do you know what qualifies as "barely over"?

$1.


Also, do you think it would be a problem that I make 25k this year, with an income of 20k last year? Is it a problem that I haven't made that poverty level steadily for three years? I know that whether you think it or not doesn't make an ultimate difference, that it's the interviewers decision, etc.


Just be prepared to explain and document why it is going to go up and that this year's income is not a fluke and you should be fine. For example:
If you had a one time inheritance that pushed you over the limit, that would be a problem.
If you had a job and got a permanent raise, you would probably have no problem as long as you could document that.
toma1MaleThailand2011-02-12 01:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

His blog says he is a retired marine. Assuming he has tricare, he's covered.


Good point. Bumrungrad, BNH and Bangkok General are the Tricare providers in BKK.

Edited by toma1, 07 February 2011 - 01:49 PM.

toma1MaleThailand2011-02-07 13:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

They warn people over and over DO NOT MAKE PLANS to fly to the USA until you have the visa in hand!! And that is certainly good advice


HAHA... BUT even that CAN help:

They couldn't get Ann's fingerprints because she basically has none (they've had the same problem in the US) and were going to delay her by a couple days to have a fingerprint expert come in and take them on paper. She gave the interviewer a sad puppy face and said, "But I already have a ticket..." He replied, "well... we can't base visa decisions on that..." and she kept looking at him with the sad face and he finally said, "oh... ok, I'll let USCIS deal with this when you get to the US..." and he actually passed her through without prints.

So, as you said, you never know what might help!
toma1MaleThailand2011-02-06 13:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

I read your article and it is quite an unfortunate story. I hope things get resolved for you and your family soon. I would like to mention though, that Thailand has some world-class top-ranked hospitals that you may want to consider for your son. Bumrungrad in Bangkok is one such facility.


Bumrungrad, BNH, Param9, and Siraraj are all excellent, though the problem might be with his US-based medical insurance not being accepted in Thailand.
toma1MaleThailand2011-02-06 12:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Thank you. I told her I would go, but she insists she'll be ok with her friend. (I'll tell her that they'll be someone there to help with Thai and that her friend can't be in with her) I did want to go to support her, but that was before I knew I couldn't go in with her. However now I'll be re-thinking if I'll go again. A question about my passport though. Why would I have to send her my passport if I didn't go with her? Do they really need that after all the paperwork we've given up to that point?

Thank you again.



They don't NEED it for sure. Some people just like to go. I didn't go, and Ann (yes, her parents actually named her Joanna...) didn't have my passport. Still, the interview seemed like a formality and they just joked around with her for half an hour and then approved the visa. This is probably a minor issue, unless she needs moral support. In your case, it sounds like she's ok with going by herself. Personally, I'd let that dog lie.
toma1MaleThailand2011-02-04 23:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

assuming you can get an appointment during visa interview hours. It's my understanding that this is not possible.



I think that was in the past. USC services opens at 7:30 AM now.
toma1MaleThailand2011-02-04 18:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

They likely won't even let you in the building during the scheduled interview times.


They should if you have an appointment...

PROCEDURE TO OBTAIN EXTRA VISA PAGES
1. Complete an application form, DS-4085. Complete and print your online application here.
2. Make an appointment (click here).
3. Submit the application to the American Citizen Services section between 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.
toma1MaleThailand2011-02-04 14:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Aaron is right. You cannot go in with your fiancee, nor anyone else. They will ask her if she wants to do the interview in English or Thai. Just make sure she has all the documents that they might ask for.


Unless you happen to need visa pages at the same time... the waiting room happens to be the same place. :)
toma1MaleThailand2011-02-04 13:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Just got back from the one of the two hospitals in Bangkok for the medical exam, and something weird happened. Since my fiancee is pregnant, they said they did not require a chest x-ray. This was against everything I read in the past about the K1 visa process, so we asked why. I guess something happened before, and a pregnant woman who had the chest x-ray done had complications during childbirth and was born with sort of malformation. Anyhow, since then, they stopped giving X-Rays to women who are pregnant.

My question was then, does this fly with the U.S. Embassy. And the nurse's response was, "I'm not sure." How could she not be sure? She told me she doesn't remember the last pregnant woman who was applying for the K1 Visa, maybe it was a few years ago. Now, I have to imagine that just can't be true...

Obviously, our attempts to call the embassy to clear up the matter were for naught, and we left without the x-rays.

Anyhow, looking for anyone who's gone through the K1 Visa process with the US Embassy in Bangkok while pregnant. Did they require you to have a chest x-ray?


My wife is an RN and she said that it is normal not to give an x-ray to a pregnant woman unless it is a life or death situation. Don't know what the embassy will think, but my guess is that they will excuse that and--possibly--make you get it after the baby is born.
toma1MaleThailand2011-02-04 08:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Teaw and I had our interviews today for her green card. We had a great agent.



Congrats!!
toma1MaleThailand2011-02-04 08:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

I think the Thai just have to take the process very seriously, have ALL their stuff in order, and show good proof that they will be returning home (a.k.a. full time job with a big company).


:thumbs:

I've know lots of single female Thai tourists that have been to the US (and many other countries--MANY single Thai women are quite well travelled). And yes, they all had college degrees and professional jobs with (mostly) international companies or they ran their own successful businesses. Most of these were not the typical "HiSo" girls, but rather middle or perhaps upper middle class women that--for the most part--made their own incomes.
toma1MaleThailand2011-02-01 23:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

In general it is extremely difficult for a "normal" Thai citizen to obtain a B2 tourist visa to enter the US. In most cases you are reading here the Thai national has never left Thailand and met the US citizen petitioner in Thailand.


I disagree with the first sentence, but am not sure about the second.

I suppose it depends on what you mean by "normal."
toma1MaleThailand2011-02-01 17:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

For you guys who have recently submitted your Packet 3, were you able to obtain your police report before you received packet 3 from the Embassy. My lawyer told me today that there is a new guy down there and we had to actually wait until we received packet 3 in order to request the police report. Also said there was no more expediting the PR for a little tea money. Any recent reports? I would like to save the 2 week delay and get the report so I can turn packet 3 around as quickly as possible.


Its been that way for a LONG (e.g. years) time.

Edited by toma1, 29 January 2011 - 12:08 AM.

toma1MaleThailand2011-01-29 00:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

After doing some reading, it seems like the CR-1/IR-1 route is better.
--cheaper. less flights back and forth. Process itself is cheaper.
--quicker for her to get a job, since the residency is immediate. No sitting at home for 4 months.
--Would allow us to get married in Thailand first. I think her family would like that.

The only downside I see is longer time to wait to live together.
K-1. Apply for K-1 immediately, wait 7 months, move to USA, can't work, wait a few months, residency. (7months + 4months)
CR-1. Plan wedding, fly to Thailand, get married. Apply for CR-1. Wait 9 months, move to USA, residency. (2months + 9months)

What do you guys think? If I'm planning (well, hoping) to be married in Thailand and the USA, is it wise to go the K-1 route or CR-1/IR-1?


I don't get what you mean by: "can't work, wait a few months, residency. (7months + 4months)".

Do you have a job lined up for her already? Unless her English is in the top 5 percent of Thais or she has a professional degree (RN, physician, medical tech, engineer), I wouldn't necessarily expect that she will find something instantly regardless of how she enters the country. You can look for a job while the K1 remains valid. If you have a ceremony in Thailand and have all of the paperwork ready, you can go to the justice of the peace a few days after she arrives and file the paperwork immediately. In that case, you should have an EAD within 60 days or so.

Few Thai families care (or for that matter even know) if you register you marriage. You can have the ceremony there either way.'

IMO the choice is between:

1. Cheaper (11-12 months)

2. Faster (6-7 months)

I don't get what you mean by: "can't work, wait a few months, residency. (7months + 4months)".

Do you have a job lined up for her already? Unless her English is in the top 5 percent of Thais or she has a professional degree (RN, physician, medical tech, engineer), I wouldn't necessarily expect that she will find something instantly regardless of how she enters the country. You can look for a job while the K1 remains valid. If you have a ceremony in Thailand and have all of the paperwork ready, you can go to the justice of the peace a few days after she arrives and file the paperwork immediately. In that case, you should have an EAD within 60 days or so.

Few Thai families care (or for that matter even know) if you register your marriage in Thailand. You can have the ceremony there either way.'

IMO the choice is between:

1. Cheaper (11-12 months)

2. Faster (6-7 months)


toma1MaleThailand2011-01-28 17:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)
We never got a packet 3 or a packet 4...
toma1MaleThailand2011-01-24 12:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)
I didn't think they required an interview for the two year green card...
toma1MaleThailand2011-01-06 23:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)
Merry Christmas everyone.
toma1MaleThailand2010-12-24 20:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

*english is not my first language so pardon my poor grammar. :lol:

Really? I always thought that you were native American.

and as i understand it one wife is enough trouble who would want more than one. girls are a pain in the backside


Not sure, but there are definitely a lot of mia noi's back in Thailand...

Edited by toma1, 22 December 2010 - 06:52 PM.

toma1MaleThailand2010-12-22 18:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

congrats on your marriage...arizona mike and to you and gif as well, bless 1010. wish you lifetime of happiness and an easy transition for your wives in a new country.


Wives? Now I know why he lives in Arizona... I heard they ran all of the polygamists out of Utah. :D
toma1MaleThailand2010-12-22 15:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

I'm not sure "enjoy" is the right word to use. It's at about 29 down from about 33 5 months ago.


I know, I was there all summer, but barring a catastrophe in Thailand or a sudden reversal in Fed policy, you are unlikely see that again for a while... though it is up above 30 today.
toma1MaleThailand2010-11-23 20:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)
Enjoy this exchange rate while it lasts.

By next summer It should be around 24:1 if the Fed gets its way.
toma1MaleThailand2010-11-22 21:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

My wife reads it. I suspect she is a closet Thaksin lover being from Isaan and all. Whenever I start talking bad about him I get dirty looks. :)


You can talk with my wife then. She hates his guts. You two would get on fine... :)
toma1MaleThailand2010-11-19 15:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

3) Download the free Thai language pack for Windows XP/Vista (this allows you to switch between Roman and Thai language on the computer by clicking on an arrow on the far right side of your Start Bar in Windows). Unfortunately, if you have Windows 7 you have to upgrade to Windows Ultimate in order to download/install any language packs.


Or buy a MacBook and it's ready to go.

Though I wouldn't recommend actually switching the OS to Thai language, if that's what you mean. In the long run, it's far better to get used to running things in English even if you write email in Thai. Even many Thais in Thailand use the English OS. Ann didn't want the OS to be in Thai, because she wasn't used to the terms they used.

5) "Bidet BB-50: Hand-held bidet with room temperature water and adjustable pressure" offered from Amazon for $45.50 with shipping. This is the popular "Bum Gun" found everywhere in Thailand. It comes with all the necessary hardware to go between the water hookup and your toilet's tank and mounts on the wall. This one has held up well so far for me.


You can build one from parts at Home Depot, but good to know this exists.

6) Some kind of clothes drying rack or setup some clothes lines. Mimi is not a fan of clothes drying machines (I don't think they're popular in Thailand but someone can correct me if I'm wrong). My socks and underwear are OK in the dryer but for the more delicate stuff she prefers the old fashioned method.


We have one there--in fact it is a washer/dryer combo. You put in dirty clothes and they come out clean and dry. I think dryers aren't popular due to the cost and because they require a lot of amperage which most people don't have at home. (So do ovens, btw, and most people don't have one of those either...)
toma1MaleThailand2010-11-18 21:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Use a local bank for deposits, do an e-transfer to your onliine bank, keep a sandboxed account attached to the ATM card you send over to thailand. No mailing in deposits, no fees, no hassle, no problems.


In order to get a system like that with no fees from a local bank, they want direct deposit of my salary. Otherwise the local fees are crazy these days.
toma1MaleThailand2010-11-17 01:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

The problem is bank fees for wiring money are too high. Western Union, which I have used a few times in the past, lowers the exchange rate but it's usually cheaper to send money unless you are sending thousands at once.
Sure, an ATM card with a bank that does not charge the fees or reimburses them is great but not easy to find and then you have to have an acct. with that bank.


Online banks often refund ATM fees. The main problem with them in this circumstance is that you have to mail in the deposit which, in turn, makes it less than useful for fast transactions. I don't know of any local banks that refund foreign ATM fees.

Charles Schwab Bank is what I use. They refund all foreign ATM fees (no limit) and charge none of their own, but that's my regular account. I wouldn't give someone an ATM card on that one.

The best exchange rate in Bangkok (maybe the whole world) is at Superrich (there are two companies that are both called Superrich, and both have similar rates).

Superrich rates today are USD100 BUY29.95 SELL30.10

That spread is a little worse than normal, but knowing that place, it's probably the best there is right now... I would guess the worsening spread is related to current USD instability.

Edited by toma1, 16 November 2010 - 10:35 PM.

toma1MaleThailand2010-11-16 22:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)
We pay for our place over there by depositing money in an account here and having friends in Bangkok withdraw the money with an ATM card and make the payment... costs 150 baht per withdrawal.

I assume that would be the cheapest way for you too, but you might not have the time to do it now. Good idea for the future, though...
toma1MaleThailand2010-11-16 00:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Question for all you Thai culture experts. As most of you might know already Five told me over a week ago that she's not ready for marriage and I wasn't the right man for her etc.....
I canceled her ticket and luckily was able to get most of the money back.
Her dad called me Saturday and said that he hoped that I had not canceled the ticket because he wanted to take Five to the airport so that she could come. Her parents very much want her to go to states and be with me. They think that she's made a decision and needs to not give up. They also worry about losing face/honor in front of their whole family, friends, and co workers. Everyone knows that we're engaged. Had a big party there in May.
So I'm worried that Five might come back feeling pressured by her dad to come to Utah. Any secret to know if she has a real change of mind or if she's following her dad's orders?

At this point even if she says sorry and that she wants to come I'm not really sure I would want her to come....


You don't have to be a Thai culture expert for this one, gbagbo.

The secrets are:

1. Her dad called you rather than that she called you herself.
2. "THEY think that SHE made a decision and needs to not give up."
3. "THEY also worry about losing face..."

Sorry to tell you this gbagbo, but I would run away from this situation as fast as I could. Also, isn't this the second time she's done this? You don't need to be in a marriage with someone that is not SURE. If by any chance you go against this recommendation--and I hope you don't--AT LEAST delay things for a year. At least you will have a chance to see this for what it is.

He probably ordered her to marry you, as a failed engagement is about as big a black mark as a family can have. (It's even a bigger loss of face for Five, BTW.) But she broke it off, so you should probably let her deal with those issues. The loss of face was created by her, not you.
toma1MaleThailand2010-10-18 14:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

The 15% probably also comes from registered marriages in the province. I have heard a lot of the people in the villages never actually register their marriages, and I would guess the western men that liver there do register the marriage.


Ah... I think you may be exactly right about that. The Western guys need to register to get the immigration benefits. Excellent analysis Aaron.
toma1MaleThailand2010-10-17 16:01:00