Wavehunter
American expat in Thailand
Forum posts
89
Contacts
1
About me
American
Lives in Chiang Mai
Speaks English, Norwegian
Registration: 10 May 2019
Chiang Mai air pollution by GuestPoster5892
Hi, we are planning to pick Chiang Mai as our retirement city, but heard the city is covered by heavy smog EVERY YEAR between the months of March and April, if it is true, is this a big issue for the local residents ? how serious is the air ...
For any one curious, it seems like we are coming out of the smoky season finally here in Chiang Mai. The stench of smoke was brutal this year with AQI's at dangerously high levels for days on end, but it's all beginning to get MUCH better ... Read More
Thai Government Daily Covid-19 LIVE Briefings...in ENGLISH!
The Thai government is now making daily live televised updates on COVID-19 situation in Thailand...IN ENGLISH by the deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Natapanu Nopakun. These updates are INCREDIBLY INFORMATIVE and well ... Read More
COVID-19: 1 Month Emergency Decree to start on March 26 by Wavehunter
In a televised announcement, the Prime Minister of Thailand announced a 1 month Emergency Decree that will start on 26 march. Details are sketchy but confirmed. More details will come later today. Stay informed and up to ...
For those still concerned about rumors of a 24 hour curfew, you can view the OFFICIAL TV announcement made by the Thai Government (in English) yesturday, 06 April here: https://www.facebook.com/thailandprd/videos/2700111163551847/ If the link does ... Read More
Chiang Mai air pollution by GuestPoster5892
Hi, we are planning to pick Chiang Mai as our retirement city, but heard the city is covered by heavy smog EVERY YEAR between the months of March and April, if it is true, is this a big issue for the local residents ? how serious is the air ...
Considering that Chiang Mai is now considered to be the #1 most polluted city IN THE ENTIRE WORLD, I thought I'd bring this topic back to life. This year has been unbelievably bad! You can view the daily stats on the IQAIR website at ... Read More
COVID-19: 1 Month Emergency Decree to start on March 26 by Wavehunter
In a televised announcement, the Prime Minister of Thailand announced a 1 month Emergency Decree that will start on 26 march. Details are sketchy but confirmed. More details will come later today. Stay informed and up to ...
=== If you make a comment like that you should really provide a source link, otherwise you are just adding to the confusion and undue worry caused by unfounded rumors. I am following this very closely and am not aware of any official announcements ... Read More
COVID-19: 1 Month Emergency Decree to start on March 26
In a televised announcement, the Prime Minister of Thailand announced a 1 month Emergency Decree that will start on 26 march. Details are sketchy but confirmed. More details will come later today. Stay informed and up to ... Read More
COVID-19 in Thailand...FACTUAL updates, information, and thoughts. by Wavehunter
As an expat living in Thailand right now (Chiang Mai), I'm optimistic about how things are going here right now, but still quite concerned. While everything [b][i][u]seems[/u][/i][/b] to be on an even-keel here, there is a lot of confusion ...
In all fairness to the Thai Government, the situation is a very complex one because the economic impact of the virus is just as critical as the public health aspects, particularly for a country whose economy is as fragile as Thailand's is. Any ... Read More
COVID-19 in Thailand...FACTUAL updates, information, and thoughts. by Wavehunter
As an expat living in Thailand right now (Chiang Mai), I'm optimistic about how things are going here right now, but still quite concerned. While everything [b][i][u]seems[/u][/i][/b] to be on an even-keel here, there is a lot of confusion ...
=== I agree with that 100% Why do they not close the borders? It seems crazy to me. The Health Minister, when asked why more stern social distancing mandates were not in place, why borders remain open, even to people from high-risk countries, and ... Read More
COVID-19 in Thailand...FACTUAL updates, information, and thoughts. by Wavehunter
As an expat living in Thailand right now (Chiang Mai), I'm optimistic about how things are going here right now, but still quite concerned. While everything [b][i][u]seems[/u][/i][/b] to be on an even-keel here, there is a lot of confusion ...
The link (under review in above post) refers to the Lumpini boxing stadium event last week, that is largely responsible for the huge jump in reported cases of COVID-19 in the last few days here in Thailand. Google for the Bangkok Post article ... Read More
COVID-19 in Thailand...FACTUAL updates, information, and thoughts. by Wavehunter
As an expat living in Thailand right now (Chiang Mai), I'm optimistic about how things are going here right now, but still quite concerned. While everything [b][i][u]seems[/u][/i][/b] to be on an even-keel here, there is a lot of confusion ...
I'm not very happy about how things are progressing here in Thailand at the moment, and I really wish the government would get MUCH MORE PRO-ACTIVE in their strategies, and the individual people in charge would all get on the same page with their ... Read More
Vietnam suspends a few nationalities from VISA application by Dan911
The Vietnam Government will deny to issue visa for ALL NATIONALITIES from Mar/15 to Apr/15/2020 (even if they already had the Approval Letter) Please delay or cancel your trip and wait until having the update information from the Vietnam ...
=== Yes, but seeing them destroy a useful and helpful thread in the process is not.So why do it ?=== You are asking me that question? I think someone (not mentioning anyone specific) who was recently banned for such bad behavior should be better ... Read More
Vietnam suspends a few nationalities from VISA application by Dan911
The Vietnam Government will deny to issue visa for ALL NATIONALITIES from Mar/15 to Apr/15/2020 (even if they already had the Approval Letter) Please delay or cancel your trip and wait until having the update information from the Vietnam ...
=== Yes, but seeing them destroy a useful and helpful thread in the process is not. Read More
Vietnam suspends a few nationalities from VISA application by Dan911
The Vietnam Government will deny to issue visa for ALL NATIONALITIES from Mar/15 to Apr/15/2020 (even if they already had the Approval Letter) Please delay or cancel your trip and wait until having the update information from the Vietnam ...
For those who seem to have forgotten the title of this thread, it actually pertains more to people living outside of Vietnam seeking a visa, than those currently living inside its' borders, and is certainly not the private domain of ... Read More
COVID-19 in Thailand...FACTUAL updates, information, and thoughts. by Wavehunter
As an expat living in Thailand right now (Chiang Mai), I'm optimistic about how things are going here right now, but still quite concerned. While everything [b][i][u]seems[/u][/i][/b] to be on an even-keel here, there is a lot of confusion ...
=== I'm not certain but I believe there is a way to alert them to data that should be updated. Remember that they are compiling all of this data manually, and primarily from news reports. I'm certain that your input would be appreciated by ... Read More
Vietnam suspends a few nationalities from VISA application by Dan911
The Vietnam Government will deny to issue visa for ALL NATIONALITIES from Mar/15 to Apr/15/2020 (even if they already had the Approval Letter) Please delay or cancel your trip and wait until having the update information from the Vietnam ...
It is a completely ignorant assumption that all professional agents are crooks only out to get your money. Some may be, many are not. Many are providing a professional, legal, and totally transparent service that can openly be discussed on a ... Read More
COVID-19 in Thailand...FACTUAL updates, information, and thoughts. by Wavehunter
As an expat living in Thailand right now (Chiang Mai), I'm optimistic about how things are going here right now, but still quite concerned. While everything [b][i][u]seems[/u][/i][/b] to be on an even-keel here, there is a lot of confusion ...
Since officials seem reluctant to release information about the geographic location of cases, a third party app has come into existence providing such information, based on news reports, etc. The data is depicted very simply in a map format, and the ... Read More
COVID-19 in Thailand...FACTUAL updates, information, and thoughts. by Wavehunter
As an expat living in Thailand right now (Chiang Mai), I'm optimistic about how things are going here right now, but still quite concerned. While everything [b][i][u]seems[/u][/i][/b] to be on an even-keel here, there is a lot of confusion ...
One of the reasons I am starting this thread is that official announcements are very sketchy at best right now. Many discrepancies are starting to pile up lately. They range from delays in announcing cases, airport invitations to see body heat ... Read More
COVID-19 in Thailand...FACTUAL updates, information, and thoughts.
As an expat living in Thailand right now (Chiang Mai), I'm optimistic about how things are going here right now, but still quite concerned. While everything seems to be on an even-keel here, there is a lot of confusion about what the real state ... Read More
Vietnam suspends a few nationalities from VISA application by Dan911
The Vietnam Government will deny to issue visa for ALL NATIONALITIES from Mar/15 to Apr/15/2020 (even if they already had the Approval Letter) Please delay or cancel your trip and wait until having the update information from the Vietnam ...
In Thailand, there are some expats who are always trying to circumvent the system to get a visa or extension by dubious means. I'm sure the same is true in Vietnam. It usually comes back to bite them sooner or later. Best to stick with ... Read More
Hand to Hand Combat -12 month study Visa by Twodogs100
Hi - anyone have experience with above? Heard of 1x School in Chiang Mai. Although I have read some mixed feedback, like some waiting 3-months for the Visa. Anyone have a List of Approved Training Establishments for this 'study' ...
Yes, they are very aware of the situation and will work very closely with interested applicants to secure a positive outcome. BTW, the head of the school, Kung Jongjet is a former high-ranking police officer with extensive government connections, ... Read More
Hand to Hand Combat -12 month study Visa by Twodogs100
Hi - anyone have experience with above? Heard of 1x School in Chiang Mai. Although I have read some mixed feedback, like some waiting 3-months for the Visa. Anyone have a List of Approved Training Establishments for this 'study' ...
=== Very familiar with H2H. I signed up with them last September BUT had to back out. Let me explain the situation. Firstly, H2H is a very reputable school and can be trusted 100% to act in your best interests. Secondly, they have an excellent ... Read More
New members of the Thailand forum, introduce yourselves here - 2020 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Thailand forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Hi everybody, I have lived in Thailand for almost 3 years now; planning to move to Vietnam later this year. I make my living as an entrepreneur, having products manufactured in SE Asia and selling them online as an FBA merchant. I live in Chiang ... Read More
Vietnam suspends a few nationalities from VISA application by Dan911
The Vietnam Government will deny to issue visa for ALL NATIONALITIES from Mar/15 to Apr/15/2020 (even if they already had the Approval Letter) Please delay or cancel your trip and wait until having the update information from the Vietnam ...
=== If there was any doubt about this, it is now in effect (as of 00:00 on 18 March). Widely being reported now. Discussion of specifics from a well-vetted source (Vietnamlawmagaine.vn) here > Vietnam suspends visa granting to foreigners for 30 ... Read More
Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh City - Corona Virus by Zozz7
Hello All, I just moved to Saigon (for few years) by mid of December from Europe and i have some concern regarding corona virus. I am following daily basis the international news but I am interesting what could be in the local news. How risky the ...
THIGV, Oceanbeach made a good point; perhaps these discussions should be in a new or more appropriate thread. Read More
Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh City - Corona Virus by Zozz7
Hello All, I just moved to Saigon (for few years) by mid of December from Europe and i have some concern regarding corona virus. I am following daily basis the international news but I am interesting what could be in the local news. How risky the ...
=== Sorry, you are right. I did not intend to hijack your thread. I got carried away with my responses, and apologize. It was inappropriate. Won't happen again. Read More
What is situation right now in Thailand with regard to COVID-19? by Wavehunter
I live in Thailand (Chiang Mai) and am really having a hard time understanding exactly how the government is handling the situation with regard to COVID-19. Unlike Vietnam which seems to have a very strong proactive approach to dealing with the ...
=== Personally I would be a little wary of getting your facts from that site. Many of their stories lack fair and balanced reporting, presenting only one viewpoint on controversial subjects, for instance in whether or not NSAID drugs exacerbate ... Read More
What is situation right now in Thailand with regard to COVID-19? by Wavehunter
I live in Thailand (Chiang Mai) and am really having a hard time understanding exactly how the government is handling the situation with regard to COVID-19. Unlike Vietnam which seems to have a very strong proactive approach to dealing with the ...
=== You are correct about Vietnam. Temporary ban on ALL new visas until at least 15 April. In Thailand, restrictions are far more relaxed but in a extremely confusing state of flux. My impression (and this is just my personal opinion) is that the ... Read More
Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh City - Corona Virus by Zozz7
Hello All, I just moved to Saigon (for few years) by mid of December from Europe and i have some concern regarding corona virus. I am following daily basis the international news but I am interesting what could be in the local news. How risky the ...
=== You express a lot of really good points. Kudos to you :) Not nearly enough people are really taking the time to become truly informed about the current situation, and individuals taking the responsibility of being well informed is what's ... Read More
1 Yr DN Business visa for US entrepreneur by Wavehunter
HI folks, I'm new on this forum. I have a question regarding 1 Yr DN Business visa for US entrepreneur. I am planning to move to Vietnam (Da Nang) from Thailand in the next 3 months, and want to get a Business visa. I'm not sure how to go ...
I think the easy rule right now is that it can't be done through a visa on arrival letter and even if a person has a visa on arrival letter, it's invalid. The only option available seems to be through an Embassy of Vietnam in your home ... Read More
Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh City - Corona Virus by Zozz7
Hello All, I just moved to Saigon (for few years) by mid of December from Europe and i have some concern regarding corona virus. I am following daily basis the international news but I am interesting what could be in the local news. How risky the ...
Wow... I was just browsing through this thread. It's amazing how much things have changed in these past six weeks. In the beginning practically everyone shrugged it off as only China's problem. Now it is everyone's problem the world ... Read More
1 Yr DN Business visa for US entrepreneur by Wavehunter
HI folks, I'm new on this forum. I have a question regarding 1 Yr DN Business visa for US entrepreneur. I am planning to move to Vietnam (Da Nang) from Thailand in the next 3 months, and want to get a Business visa. I'm not sure how to go ...
My visa agent informed me that presently Immigration is not accepting requests for any visas, including visa-on-arrival, and the 1 Yr Category DN Business Visa for US Citizens due to Coronavirus situation. This temporary ban is through at least 15 ... Read More
What is situation right now in Thailand with regard to COVID-19? by Wavehunter
I live in Thailand (Chiang Mai) and am really having a hard time understanding exactly how the government is handling the situation with regard to COVID-19. Unlike Vietnam which seems to have a very strong proactive approach to dealing with the ...
=== That's my fear; that only people with obvious symptoms are being counted. If there's anything to be learned from Wuhan, and Italy, most of Europe, and now the US, it's that aggressive proactive measures are required to fight this ... Read More
What is situation right now in Thailand with regard to COVID-19?
I live in Thailand (Chiang Mai) and am really having a hard time understanding exactly how the government is handling the situation with regard to COVID-19. Unlike Vietnam which seems to have a very strong proactive approach to dealing with the ... Read More
Amazon ships to Vietnam - anyone have experience with this? by Jim-Minh
They will deliver to Vietnam which is a part of their AmazonGlobal service where they will even calculate any taxes and duties as part of the checkout process and organise customs clearance so you get your order quicker and to your door. If you ...
Sorry, I forgot to mention, Amazon handles everything including clearance, through their FBA Global Export department on behalf of the merchant (but only if the merchant has signed up for this, and many do not. IMO, much better and cheaper to use a ... Read More
Amazon ships to Vietnam - anyone have experience with this? by Jim-Minh
They will deliver to Vietnam which is a part of their AmazonGlobal service where they will even calculate any taxes and duties as part of the checkout process and organise customs clearance so you get your order quicker and to your door. If you ...
=== Hi Dbrutter, For some reason my original reply is not updating with the link to Vietnam Customs Tariff Lookup page, and my typos and format make it hard to read. The link is actually in Post #5, and here is a recap of my original ... Read More
Amazon ships to Vietnam - anyone have experience with this? by Jim-Minh
They will deliver to Vietnam which is a part of their AmazonGlobal service where they will even calculate any taxes and duties as part of the checkout process and organise customs clearance so you get your order quicker and to your door. If you ...
Yeah, there is no rhyme or reason when it comes to Customs for any country. In Thailand, everyone here has nothing but bad things to say about their experiences using FedEx and DHL for delivery of consumer products. I used DHL early on for a ... Read More
Amazon ships to Vietnam - anyone have experience with this? by Jim-Minh
They will deliver to Vietnam which is a part of their AmazonGlobal service where they will even calculate any taxes and duties as part of the checkout process and organise customs clearance so you get your order quicker and to your door. If you ...
Sorry but this forum takes forever to "review" links. PM me for the link, and sorry for the entire paragraph being underlined and containing typos; this furum does not not allow editing while a link is being reviewed (so lame IMO, but ... Read More
Amazon ships to Vietnam - anyone have experience with this? by Jim-Minh
They will deliver to Vietnam which is a part of their AmazonGlobal service where they will even calculate any taxes and duties as part of the checkout process and organise customs clearance so you get your order quicker and to your door. If you ...
=== If you use Amazon Global, valuation will be determined by Amazon's FBA Global Export department (on behalf of the merchant). Unfortunately, the assessed value is often higher than necessary to preclude Customs at destination from ... Read More
Amazon ships to Vietnam - anyone have experience with this? by Jim-Minh
They will deliver to Vietnam which is a part of their AmazonGlobal service where they will even calculate any taxes and duties as part of the checkout process and organise customs clearance so you get your order quicker and to your door. If you ...
I came across this thread looking for something else related to Amazon, but thought I'd chime in since I have a lot of experience with Amazon (I am a FBA merchant), and also with other expat consumer purchasing options here in ... Read More
Vietnam GDP Loss due to COVID 19 outbreak. by Wavehunter
According to Asian Development Bank, Vietnam to lose 0.41% of GDP due to COVID-19. ADB says developing members that will be significantly affected are those with strong trade and production linkages with mainland China. 鈥淭he magnitude of ...
The Asian Development Bank's in depth forecast on the economic impact of Covid-19 outbreak on Developing Asian countries (including Vietnam) , published 06 March, can be viewed ... Read More
Vietnam GDP Loss due to COVID 19 outbreak.
According to Asian Development Bank, Vietnam to lose 0.41% of GDP due to COVID-19. ADB says developing members that will be significantly affected are those with strong trade and production linkages with mainland China. 鈥淭he magnitude of ... Read More
1 Yr DN Business visa for US entrepreneur by Wavehunter
HI folks, I'm new on this forum. I have a question regarding 1 Yr DN Business visa for US entrepreneur. I am planning to move to Vietnam (Da Nang) from Thailand in the next 3 months, and want to get a Business visa. I'm not sure how to go ...
That's OK; another highly credible member on here provided me with one. I really appreciate your advice on approaching potential suppliers for a letter. I have, in fact, been in discussions with several so that is an excellent idea. I thank ... Read More
1 Yr DN Business visa for US entrepreneur by Wavehunter
HI folks, I'm new on this forum. I have a question regarding 1 Yr DN Business visa for US entrepreneur. I am planning to move to Vietnam (Da Nang) from Thailand in the next 3 months, and want to get a Business visa. I'm not sure how to go ...
Thanks @SteinNebraska for your concise and helpful advice; most appreciated. Can you suggest best option for applying for a tourist visa. When I google for information, all I get is agent listings that sound shady (as though they are trying to ... Read More
Re: Customs for "personal items" - Flying from Thailand to DaNang by Wavehunter
Planning to move from Thailand to Da Nang next month and will be flying with personal belongings: 鈥� 3 duffel bags of clothing personal effects , etc) 鈥� a (very used) mountain bike in a bike box 鈥� 31 inch LCD computer ...
When I originally moved to Thailand, I never even considered such issues. Upon arrival within the Kingdom, I collected my checked baggage, and was simply waved through Customs without issue since I only had 2 Duffle bags and a bike box. I assume ... Read More
Re: Customs for "personal items" - Flying from Thailand to DaNang by Wavehunter
Planning to move from Thailand to Da Nang next month and will be flying with personal belongings: 鈥� 3 duffel bags of clothing personal effects , etc) 鈥� a (very used) mountain bike in a bike box 鈥� 31 inch LCD computer ...
You're just talking about the monitor, and anything of extraordinary value, or appearing to be new, correct? Read More
1 Yr DN Business visa for US entrepreneur
HI folks, I'm new on this forum. I have a question regarding 1 Yr DN Business visa for US entrepreneur. I am planning to move to Vietnam (Da Nang) from Thailand in the next 3 months, and want to get a Business visa. I'm not sure how to go ... Read More
Re: Customs for "personal items" - Flying from Thailand to DaNang
Planning to move from Thailand to Da Nang next month and will be flying with personal belongings: 鈥� 3 duffel bags of clothing personal effects , etc) 鈥� a (very used) mountain bike in a bike box 鈥� 31 inch LCD computer ... Read More