@Julian ******

Disagree on travel, banks and hospitals. Airline bookings are in English language and my Pink ID card doesn’t have English transliteration. Banks always demand to see passport as proof of ID as does both my community and regional hospitals.

@Jim *******

Agree! Always ask for passport.

@Steve ******

Agree! Our DLT (Department of Land Transport) previously accepted Yellow Tabien Baan’s. However, they now insist upon a Certificate of Residence from Thai Immigration Office.

@Brandon ***********

Top advice! I carry two phones in case of flat battery. One has AIS pre-pay and the other True pre-pay. Add-on unlimited data packs on both. Never a problem connecting with either.

@Tony ********

I find U.K. energy companies customer services to be atrocious too. Lack of experience, poor training and a desire to get you off their phone ASAP. Vyke is great for me. I’d never want to be without it. I’m sure you’ll be very happy once it’s running smoothly.

@Tony ********

Sorry to hear this Tony. Never failed for me (both making and receiving calls and SMS). From UK banks to airlines to Amazon to my UK GP’s surgery to the UK blood transfusion service and energy companies I receive all SMS and voice calls/voice mails. I have had great success with Skype too. I didn’t have a Skype number so whoever I’ve called couldn’t ring me back. That was why I subscribed to Vyke. People in the UK honestly believe it’s only a local call.

How about a UK mobile number for £12 per ANNUM? Receive SMS and calls for free. Caller pays at UK rates. Outgoing SMS and calls very cheap. Never had an OTP blocked in the three years I’ve subscribed. Runs on top of your mobile data or WiFi connection.

My experience was that the cheaper companies insisted upon excluding my pre-existing conditions (even those from 40 years ago with no treatment being necessary since). Cigna Global regarded such as ‘resolved’ therefore no exclusions apply. However, their Silver Plan is $565.48 USD = 19,000 Thai baht per month. $750 USD deductible applies.

@Brandon ***********

Last time I exited Suvarnabhumi International, the immigration officer (very pleasant and female) noticed my date of birth and wished me ‘Happy Birthday!’ She seemed delighted when I said; ‘Thanks!, you’re on the ball’.

@Graham *****

Airline check-in staff aren’t all that knowledgeable. For example, I was asked if I had a ‘visa?’. I answered ‘yes’ and was asked to show it. I found my passport page with the latest Retirement Extension stamp. That satisfied them. However, they should also have ensured that I had a re-entry permit too (which I did). They were Thai Airways staff. To be fair, that’s expecting rather too much of them.