forcebwithu

I think the key is you used an agent. Probably got a pass for that reason on the new TM30 policy fine. I wonder why the agent I talked to this morning didn't just tell me it wouldn't be an issue. Then again when I pick up my passport on Friday or Monday I may find out there's an additional amount owed before I can get my passport back.

Had you been out of country, or even stayed at hotel within Thailand since your last extension to stay (I'm assuming that's what you meant by visa renewed)?

For those using an agent, this new TM30 policy may not apply based on my experience today. Just back from having my photo taken at immigration and am happy to report I didn't get dinged for not filing a new TM30 after my trip abroad back in May and returning to the same address I've lived at for the past 12 years. It may be that those using an agent, having already paid their pound of flesh in "extra fees", are not getting done over again with the TM30 "fine". It'll be interesting to hear from those that are doing it on their own if they're getting done over by the reported new immigration policy. Kudos to Manareet for the efficient handling once again of my extension to stay. Their office this morning was a beehive of activity, but I was lucky enough hit it at the right time when one of the agents was free. Took about 10 minutes to prepare and sign all the bits of paper and then it was over to Bangkok Bank on Beach Rd for their step in the process. Like last year that step took the longest as they were on number 4 when I walked in and was given a ticket no. 13. Settled in with my Kindle and about 30 minutes later my number was called. It was another 30 minutes before I was handed my passbook back and was free to leave. Probably 15 minutes of that time though was spent on replacing my expired ATM card and activating the mobile bank app on my new phone. Those are two tasks I had been putting off because I hate wasting my time dealing with the inefficiencies and bureaucracy of Thai banks. BTW, new this year was a Manareet rep at the bank to make sure we were well taken care of. The last step was a trip to immigration to have my photo taken by a Manareet rep with me standing in front of the immigration desk. The rep stands by the front door and on your arrival takes you inside for the photo. That was over and done with in less than a minute. Cost for the extension to stay, plus a multiple re-entry stamp was 16,500B. My passport should be ready to pickup Friday, or Monday at the latest. What I'll try to remember to do next year is go to Manareet in the afternoon. I think morning's are when most go and that results in a crowd in the office, and another gaggle of ex-pats at Bangkok Bank.

Think you got lucky on that one. SSA deposits to a foreign bank are supposed to be to an account that requires your physical presence to withdraw or transfer the money. Another possible explanation, you signed up for SSA benefits using a US address. I could have done the same, but for a too long to repeat reason I ended up having to go through the Manila office to start my SSA deposits. So to avoid the physical presence requirement I have my deposits go to my Chase account. I should look into changing that to my Schwab account, but IIRC it's not an easy process to change banks when living overseas.

Just learned something new about the archaic US ACH system. Last month I initiated an ACH transfer with Schwab to transfer money to my account there from my Chase account. The money arrived in the account almost immediately, but after five days there was still a hold on the funds. I sent a message to Schwab as to why the long hold on the funds, but they never replied. Finally got around to following up with them as to the lack of reply 17 days later and this time had a couple of quick message exchanges that resulted in the following answer. Something to keep in mind when using the ACH system. "There is a 4 business day incoming funds hold on all ACH transfers to Schwab Bank Investor Checking accounts when initiated through the Schwab website. This is in place for your protection as the sending bank can pull the funds during this time. Alternatively, if the transfer is initiated through the sending bank's site, this typically doesn't have a hold since the funds are being pushed to Schwab as opposed to Schwab pulling the funds. It is our complimentary Moneylink tool that requests the funds and must verify the incoming funds. It is a longer process to pull those funds into Schwab than to directly push them from the other firm."

That's a pretty sick mind to do that to anyone, let alone a minor. The Disturbing Reality: Sociopaths Exploit AI to Generate and Blackmail Women with Nude Images

AI has now invaded the music world. ‘The only thing we can’t do is sign autographs’: The rise of virtual K-pop bands In the music video for their latest single “DTDTGMGN,” members of South Korean band Eternity dance in perfect time to a bubblegum pop beat in a neon pink room decorated with school uniforms and celebrity posters. The dizzying camera movements and quick-paced scene changes are typical of the K-pop genre that has become a global phenomenon in recent years. “Hold me tight, lean on my shoulder,” one member sings. But the group’s fans cannot do either of those things, physically speaking — because none of Eternity’s 11 bandmates are real. Built using AI technology, Eternity is one of the latest South Korean acts pushing the boundary between real and virtual entertainment. And the group’s creator and management company, Pulse9, believes that computer-generated stars have a significant edge over their real-life counterparts. As with most popular K-pop groups, Eternity’s members include a group leader, vocalists, rappers and dancers. But one member in particular, Zae-in, can do it all. “Zae-in has (a combination of) characteristics that most human artists would be hard-stretched to pull off,” said the firm’s CEO Park Ji-eun. “She can sing very well, rap very well and she can be creative as a (fashion) designer. And she’s a natural-born actress.” With the help of real-time face-swapping technology and an AI-generated voice, Zae-in is played by 10 different people, including actors, singers and dancers, who lend their talents to her avatar as needed. In one video posted on Zae-in’s Instagram account, for example, she deftly rides a longboard beside Seoul’s Han River. For the video, her creators filmed the stunt with a stand-in whose face was later swapped out for Zae-in. “There is the pop music Zae-in, actress Zae-in, reporter Zae-in,” the virtual star told CNN in a Zoom interview, during which she was played by an actor (though Pulse9 said that its AI software can recreate Zae-in’s voice and generate speech without human input). “Various Zae-ins exist, so our unique advantage is that we can do what one person cannot.” ...

The building behind the green privacy netting at one time housed one of a couple illegal casinos scattered around Pattaya.

Thanks @monkeyman for another installment of Monkeywatch. Don't understand why someone would give your lighthearted look at the state of Pattaya a red arrow. Hopefully it's just a case of color blindness and they meant to click on the green one.

Coincidently we used Kubla Bar as our venue after last Saturday's Monkey Hash run. The theme of the run was the Xanadu Monkey and came from the first line in the Kubla Khan poem; "In Xanadu did Kubla Khan". It's hard to see in the photos of the run shirt, but the smoke trails contain lines from the poem. @blue_flag might be interested in this as at one point he was trying to help us come up with a design for a different theme.

Day time checkpoints I get waived through everytime. Of course being on a bicycle would have nothing to do with that.

OS and software updates that automatically download are could be what's eating into your data limit.

Soi 15 on the Buakhao end now open for vehicle traffic, when there isn't a truck parked in the way. Think they're still trying to figure out how to fix the water leak in front of Korando's. 2nd Rd end still under construction. Beach Rd paving is done up to WS entrance.

Tum Masage is one of the better shops in Pattaya. Nicely done out inside and the oil massage beds are seperated by wood walls rather than curtains.

I'd be happy to toss you a cracker as you pass by. Happy B'day Adam.

Steps for reporting and the documents required in the link in my original post. Reposting the link, but note if you click on English it'll take you to a page telling you the system goes live tomorrow. I used Chrome's translate feature to avoid the redirect. https://tm30.immigration.go.th/TM30/Foreigner/TM30Th/index.html

I think you're thinking of the TM6, which is no longer used. Whenever you stay at a new address the landlord, hotel or guesthouse owner needs to report your stay via the TM30. It's their responsibility, but you'll get tagged for the fine if you go to immigration for an extension to stay and they find the TM30 has not been filed. The problem has been some landlords refuse to do the TM30 leaving you to handle the report. It can be done in person at immigration, but for owners there is an online system they can use. What's new is immigration has reconginzed the need for an online system for guests to self-report. Most would agree this is a redundant requirement as we're already doing a 90 day report of our address. Bureaucracy at its best.

As of tomorrow a new online system for submitting the TM30 goes live. https://tm30.immigration.go.th/TM30/Foreigner/TM30Th/index.html

Soi 15 as of late this morning. Close up of a pipe repair job. Wonder if they plugged the leak in front of korando's.

As if Soi 15 doesn't have enough problems. Now this... https://www.facebook.com/Thepattayanews/posts/1242264213208824

Soi 15 update: Looks like they be be able to start pouring the concrete road surface later this afternoon. Grand Avenue entrance is now concrete. Bailing to find the Korando's Creek leak. Sure hope these guys don't have any open wounds.

Soi 15 watched for about 10 minutes while they squeezed the excavator through an opening just barely big enough. At this point I thought for sure I was going to witness the equipment tumbling over into the hole.

Beach Rd. repaving is done on the north end. The palm trees are now sporting big ass, super bright street lights. Better remember to bring sunglasses if you're going to walk the footpath at night. There's also a whole slew of new combination street and footpath lights. The north end shower is still sitting uncompleted. Although it looks like they've hooked up the water main. New "5G signs" getting a test run. Working on another shower farther south. I was tempted to remind them they having finished the one to the north yet. Working on more lights to turn night into day. Road resurfacing is now up to the Hilton. Work on giving the manhole covers an six inch erections. 2nd Road drainage junction with Soi 15.

I read on another forum a chess club met for games on the 4th floor of Central. Don't know if it's still going, but probably worth a look see.

Here sisters have talent too.