Sakon Nakhon

Wednesday, October 12, 2022

สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

Expat Death

สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon

Why are exchange rates different at different banks

In order to make a profit , banks and other money changers use different rates for buying and selling currency. The online rates you see are probably mid-rates - half-way between the buying and selling rates. Of course, just to be on the safe side, banks also charge commission on the transaction...

Why is it that, when I check exchange rates ... - The Guardian

For my charts I use BOT Bank of Thailand

สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon

Monday, October 10, 2022

Cataract Surgery # 2 - huge price increases

Had my right eye surgery done on December 17, 2013 at a cost of 30,000฿ ($940 exchange rate at the time).

Recently found out that such a surgery would cost 100,000฿ at the government hospital. Doctors wanted to add the cost of a more expensive lens, adding another 30,000฿.

A friend arranged a visit to the Udon Eye Clinic, where the doctor spoke English and answered all my questions.

The reason for government hopital high prices, more than double (x2.5) for foreigners is because nationals from nearby countries were taking advantage of Thailand's low medical prices and overburdening the system.

That is probably not going to help Thailand's medical tourism.

The big difference between lenses is the cheaper lens has only one focus and requires reading glasses for near sight. The more expensive lens focuses near and far. The optometrist recommended both eyes should have identical lenses to minimize future problems.