#fixed deposit documents

[abbysimsfun]

Sims In Bloom: Generation 2 Pt. 145 (A Promotion and The Updated Salty Paw!)

Newlywed life for Heather and Conrad was just as blissful as life before their marriage - with an added dose of steam from Heather's pregnancy libido! Despite this, she made sure to get plenty of rest throughout her first trimester, as the family settled into life preparing for baby number three.

Conrad's work solving the murder of the Brindletons and putting Ximena behind bars had impressed the chief, and she called him into her office one afternoon at the precinct.

"I just got a call from San Myshuno, lieutenant. Ximena's trial just finished, and the judge handed her a forty-year sentence. I know how difficult this case was, and how personal, but you never let the department down."

"I just want to keep everyone safe," he said humbly.

"I saw the verified documents from the Brindletons' safe deposit box. If I didn't know you were just that kind of guy, I'd assume it really was fate you showed up in your ancestors' town to serve and protect when we needed you most."

"I'm not a hero, chief."

She laughed. "No, not a hero, but we need a strong captain like you to keep this place going. It'll mean more time talking to the press. I know you don't love being front and centre, but if you handle most reporters like you do Malcolm Landgraab and Simlandia National, you'll do great. Do you think you're ready to take on the responsibility, captain?"

Conrad nodded. "Of course, chief. I'd be honoured."

Captain Conrad Gordon met his wife at home that night to announce his promotion, and they headed down to Fisherman's Wharf for dinner with Suri and Hazel at the slightly-improved Salty Paw.

The rebrand so far involved slightly changing up the interior, adding an espresso bar at the take-out window, and fixing up the upstairs apartment.

"It's really not much, but I want to slowly change more over time," explained Suri. She didn't want the place to seem unrecognizable to locals until The Salty Paw (she'd officially dropped the 'Saloon') built up its own loyal patrons.

Heather and Conrad viewed the updated interior with a smile, content their investment had gone to good use. "It's eclectic right now, with some old and some new. We might not keep the updates and eventually just go all out to redecorate, but we want to keep the dockside vibe and we have to make sure the place is profitable first," explained Suri. "And the whole reason I fell in love with the Salty Paw is the takeaway window and open air kitchen, which I never want to lose. It's always busy when I'm brewing at the espresso bar!"

After dinner, they left the bartender to manage the floor, taking Hazel's family upstairs to check out the studio apartment. They hung out, chatting about little things and enjoying each other's company, until Lavender mentioned the thing she wasn't supposed to talk about.

"We can watch Dating Deanna on the TV!" She looked at her parents expectantly as the room grew quiet. Lavender cocked her head in confusion. "What I said?"

"You guys are watching that? Aren't dating shows not really for four-year-olds?"

Heather shrugged. "She barely knows what's going on and thinks the girls are pretty. She doesn't even remember Nicola at this point, but she knows Conrad and I filmed a bit with Shelley's Animal Haven for a future episode, and she's excited about it."

"What does it matter if people watch the show?" Suri asked. "My grandmother said everyone in Henford's tuning in to see how well Ms. Moody-McMillan represents their town."

"She did okay," said Ash, matter-of-factly, without realizing Hazel maybe didn't want to know. "She's not outgoing like some of the other girls, but Deanna has a crush on her!"

Hazel sighed. "I'm sorry, I really don't care that it's on, but sometimes I wish the show had cast someone else's ex-wife," she said. "I know that's my problem, not hers. I'm happy for Nic, and I hope she falls in love. Really!"

Lavender looked between the grownups while her mother added an adblocker to Hazel and Suri's computer.

(It'd be nice if sims just hopped on computers when visiting other sims' homes a lot less!)

"Are we gunna watch them fall in love or just talk about it?" ->

<- Previous Chapter | Gen 2 Start | Gen 2.1 Summary

Gen 1 Start | Gen 1 Summary

WCIF: Heather and Gord are asleep on the sofa with @simmerberlin's Large Dog poses, and I love this one so much!

NOTE: Curse Lovestruck's relationship system! Heather being pregnant and horny made their wholesome dynamic flip to steamy and I accepted it, but that was such a mistake! They became very unsatisfied very quickly because that's not their usual vibe, and their relationship was red, not pink, in actual seconds. I couldn't do anything to fix it and honestly gave up trying very quickly! I hated it so much I cheated them back to wholesome and now they're both very satisfied again, but there was no reason for that about face, it's not canon, and I didn't have time to bring it back to normal without a cheat. No regrets whatsoever.

NOTE 2: Above is the new upstairs floorplan, and the screenshot below gives a basic idea of the change in layout to the second floor. I'm using @littlemssam's Live-In Business mod to designate their private apartment, which they can invite friends and family into but patrons stay out. The mod may become obsolete after the next expansion, but I'm holding off on getting the next pack right away for fear it could be glitchy, so I'll keep using the mod it until it breaks, probably.

Due to lack of space they don't have their own bathroom, and you might notice they currently have no shower. I will fix this, but for now I never play their household long enough for their hygiene to drop too low. And the espresso bar is placed with moveobjects on because I need that takeaway window. It's the heart of the whole lot!

As for the restaurant interior on the main floor, I don't adore it but it's a big space I have little patience to work in. So if anyone likes designing restaurant lots in this game and wants to be Suri and Hazel's interior designer, hit me up lol! I'm really not kidding.

[scam-alerts]

🚨Scammer Alert🚨 + 🔎Scam Exam(ination)🔍

Seen as: We can help you recover your <thing> Scam Type: Recovery scam

Description of this scam and how it works:

Recovery scams target people who have already fallen for a scam. The scammer may contact you, or may advertise their services online. They will usually either offer to help you recover your funds, or will tell you that your funds have already been recovered and they will help you access them. In cases where they say they will help you recover your funds, they usually call themselves either "recovery agents" or "hackers". When they tell you that your funds have already been recovered, they may impersonate a law enforcement, a government official, a lawyer, or anyone else along those lines. Recovery scams are simply advance-fee scams that are specifically targeted at scam victims. When a victim pays a recovery scammer, the scammer will keep stringing them along while asking for increasingly absurd fees/expenses/deposits/insurance/whatever until the victim stops paying. If you have been scammed in the past, make sure you are aware of recovery scams so that you are not scammed a second time. If you are currently engaging with a recovery scammer, you should block them and be very wary of random contact for some time. It's normal for posters on r/scams to be contacted by recovery scammers after posting, and they often ask you to delete your post so that you both cannot receive legitimate advice, and cannot be targeted by other recovery scammers. Remember: Never take advice in private. If someone reaches you in private after posting your scam story, it is because a scammer will always try to hide from the oversight of our community members. A legitimate community member will offer advice in the open, for everyone to see. Anyone suggesting you should reach out to a hacker is scamming you.

source: reddit

-----

Example account shown running this scam: cyberhelp911 (there's probably other recovery scammers out there, this is just the most obvious and out there one that I saw)

Reason this account is a scam:

I really don't need to explain it... Just look at these pictures:

-----

Important things to always remember:

If you ever get an alert that there's issues going on with your account, saying that you were locked out, hacked, or you have money/photos/crypto missing, ect. The first thing you should do is contact support through the official website that you signed up on and nothing else.

Do not click on any links you may receive via text message telling you that there has been an issue with your account and that you need to 'click/go here' to fix it. (especially if it looks suspicious like a bit.ly or short url)

Do not click on any links in a e-mail that are telling you that there's been an issue with you an account and to 'go here' to fix it. (unless you are 150% sure that it is from the official website.)

Do not share your one time pass codes with anyone no matter who they are. Even your bank will never ask you for this. (If someone calls and they do, they are a scammer. Hang up and call your bank immediately.)

Do not seek help from strangers claiming to be able to fix your issues for free or 'for a small fee. Anyone promising they can fix your issue 'no problem' is lying to you. Do not give them your account information, your irl information, passwords, ect. They are scammers. (why would you do this anyway? They're strangers. Have common sense!)

-----

Final thoughts:

Only trust the help desks on the websites you sign up on to help you fix your issue. If you were contacted by someone and they ended up hacking/scamming you, make sure you take screenshots. Document everything. Any evidence is good evidence to help you prove you are who you are to get your account back.

Don't trust strangers on the internet to 'magically' fix your problems just because they claim they can do it. You wouldn't let your uncle who boasts 'he's worked on a car or two in his time' (and by that he means changed a tire) tear out your engine and replace the heating system.

You'd take your car to the mechanic. To the people you trust.

Your accounts should be no different. :)

Other helpful guides on spotting scams. (by @kyra45)

Current list of documented scammers: Part 1 and Part 2

-----

Disclaimer: This post is only meant to serve as documentation and reference material so that others know: why this person is a scammer, and to provide more information about the scam they are running. I do not, in any way, endorse harassment or mass reporting these users. Only report posts related to asks, comments, or messages if you GET them or ones like them. Thank you.

[fuzzyclink]

Rules and Regulations

A self indulgent one-shot Ceo!Au fic to celebrate the launch of Keir and Cirrus's second chapters tomorrow!

Tags: Cirrus/Reader, degradation, unethical office relationship, abuse of power, power dynamics, spanking, glove kink, pain and bruising, bad BDSM etiquette, gender neutral reader, reader body not described.

Link to AO3 version

You had been so desperate to find a job in your new city that you hadn’t been especially picky. You’d moved here as a last option, relocating because of the world-renowned hospitals in this area. There was an experimental study opening soon that focused on your life-threatening condition, and you knew that it might be your only option. Certainly, the bemused expression of the so-called “experts” in your hometown had discouraged you from staying. Your condition didn't even have a WebMD page. So it hadn’t mattered to you much at the time that all your funds went into renting a moving truck, paying the deposit on an apartment, and boxing up all your belongings. You had arrived, penniless, and sought jobs as quickly as possible - applying to everything and anything that you could convince a recruiter you’d be good at. You just needed some income while you waited to hear back about whether you were eligible for the medical trial.

Applying to Crescent Consulting had been surprisingly easy. You’d uploaded your resume online, answered a few questions that MAYBE were some kind of personality test (the question “What does the full moon mean to you?” had definitely seemed a little strange at the time), and were offered an interview a few days later. 

You pressed down your nerves as you approached the company. You were dressed in your least-wrinkled interview clothes, pulled out of a cardboard box the night before. There hadn’t been time to unpack everything. The exterior of the building was grand. Silvery glass extended high above you, the blue sky reflecting mirror-like off of the eighty floors of windows. The interior matched the prestigious exterior. All around you were gleaming stone floors, elevators that smelled like new carpet, well-groomed and refined staff, and chandeliers that likely cost as much as your apartment. 

Crescent Consulting was on the third and fourth floors of the building. You speak to a receptionist near the entrance and she ushers you into a small, private office to the left of the door. You smile politely as the hiring manager seated inside looks over your resume, asking about your experience, your career goals, and previous successes and difficulties. Pretty standard stuff. The pay and benefits seem good too. You try to recall the information you’d read about the company, peering down at the job description you’d printed out and brought with you. 

“From what you’ve said, I think this company would be a good fit for me,” you say, trying to infuse your words with an air of confidence you didn’t really feel. “. . . but the job listing was a little sparse on details. Would you mind going over exactly what this position would entail?”

The routine atmosphere of the interview dissipates. The interviewer grows far more serious, fixing you with a stern look over the rim of their tortoiseshell glasses. 

“This position is essential to the success of our company. Crescent Consulting is directed by Mr. Cirrus. As our CEO, he leads us, guides us, and makes decisions that keep us at the forefront of consulting in this city. He’s an exceptionally talented man.” She regards you with her steely gaze as if you would dare challenge her statement. You nod at her meekly. 

She shifts in her seat. “But he’s also exceptionally busy. Too much of his time right now is taken up by scheduling things, answering emails, filing documents…we’ve all tried to help where we can, but eventually, it became clear that it was time we hired someone to do it full-time. So, that’s where you come in. The job position is to work as his assistant. He has exacting tastes, and expects the finest work.” 

You can practically see the job opening slipping away right before your eyes. The words spring from your lips.

“I assure you, I am someone who is deliberate, detailed, and focused. Crescent Consulting is my top choice and it would be an honour to assist Mr. Cirrus as he continues to lead such amazing work.”

She nods at that, relenting a little. “We’ll hire you for a probationary period. Let’s see how you do after a week on the job. If your work is satisfactory - and Cirrus takes a liking to you, we’ll offer you a full contract.”

After that, the first week goes by in a blur. You’d seen Cirrus’s emails and calendar plenty of times, but hadn’t even met him face to face. They gave you a cubicle in the corner of one of the floors and you toil away diligently, working your way down a seemingly endless list of tasks. The hiring manager was right - there was plenty to do. You spent your time reading the employee handbook, completing new employee training, learning about the different clients, trying to remember which employee names and titles, and archiving documents that hadn’t been looked at in years. You’ve just started working on a summary of consulting projects completed in 2017 when you feel a presence just over your shoulder. 

You jump in your chair as you spin around looking up to see a man looming over you. He’s tall and lanky, even taller from your current position. Long white hair slinks down over his shoulders, stopping near the waist of his suit. His accessories stand out against his dark clothes - a gold metal snake that encircles his finger, two chain bracelets that glimmer from beneath the cuffs of his sleeves, and thin hanging earrings. A tailored waistcoat highlights the way his broad torso narrows at the waist. The man’s arm rests casually against the wall of your cubicle, a thin pen between his fingers. He's undoubtedly handsome, imposingly so. You finish taking him in and meet his gaze, an amused smirk playing at the corners of his lips. 

Hurriedly, you introduce yourself. “I'm very sorry, I didn't notice you there! I’m a new hire, I’ve only been working here for week, I don't believe we've met?” 

Surely, you'd be able to remember someone who looks like THAT. 

“I thought it was about time I came to meet you,” he says politely, watching you through nearly translucent lashes. “You've already begun to prove yourself useful to me.” 

“Oh, are you… Cirrus? I'm really thankful for this opportunity, sir, the company seems great and everyone has gone out of their way to be helpful…” flustered, you’re immediately thrown off your game. So this is the man you work for. You had to admit, you'd assumed that Cirrus was some older, stodgy executive- someone thoroughly unattractive. It was shocking to be confronted unexpectedly with someone so… well, different!

“I'm glad to hear it. It's important that Crescent Consulting cultivates a welcoming environment towards newcomers.”  He spins the pen between his fingers a little, playing with the clip on it. “How are you finding the work so far?”

“It's been easy enough,. It seems like it's just a matter of checking over everything carefully and making sure that -”

His pen falls from his hand with a clink, sharp and startling against the waxed tile floor.

You bend in your chair, leaning to pick it up without a delay. You hand it to him, reaching up. It's hard to miss the way that his eyes flick from the pen in your hand to your face, but he takes it without comment. 

“Please, reach out if you have any questions. And ask the hiring manager you met with earlier for the full employment contract. You're a good fit. I look forward to our work together.”

And just like that, you're officially hired.  ------

The next Monday, you're at your desk for only a few moments before his shadow darkens your screen. Cirrus, the same outfit as you saw before - dark and stately in the fluorescent-lit office. His placid smile is at odds with the weight of his presence, a heavy, frozen thing that spills out through the weight of his shoulders and the cant of his head. It urges you to bow to him. Or grovel, your mind unhelpfully supplies. You end up half jumping out of your chair before settling back into it and dipping your head in acknowledgement. Embarrassing.

"I emailed you a list of tasks on Sunday for you to begin this week. We're entering into our busiest quarter of the year, so I'll be depending on your work. As always, please reach out to me if you have any questions." 

"I've already skimmed through it to familiarise myself with the tasks before I arrived today." You smile up at him a little. There's no need for him to worry about your accountability. You want to do well. Especially for him.

…But only because he’s your boss, of course.

He responds with a gentle nod towards you. "Good. Eager to get started, hmm?"

“I'll send you an update on what I've accomplished by the end of the day. Let me know if there's anything else I can do to meet your needs, sir." 

His hand falls onto your shoulder for only a moment, fixing you into your chair. His golden eyes dart towards yours, serious. “Let’s start with the list for now. Don’t want to exhaust you before the end of the second week.”

With that, he leaves, returning to his office. The firm press of his hand lingers on your shoulder. You raise your own hand to it, fingers ghosting over the sensation. Would meeting his needs really be exhausting? You’re determined to dispel any doubt he may hold about your capabilities.

As you adapt to your job, your list of duties starts to expand. The hiring manager wasn't kidding. Cirrus seems to be particular about everything. He cares about the scent of the soap in his bathroom (lavender), the way he takes his tea (no sugar, one and a half creamers), and the height of the window blinds in his office before he comes in each morning (lowered to the height of your knees, raised to shoulder level after lunch). Rather than resenting the numerous rules, you find joy in the structure they give your day. 

And he certainly is gracious. He’s kind to you, thanking you for the tasks you complete. Polite, yet reserved. Always controlled  and professional. His occasional praise makes you glow a little. It's proof that he notices and cares about the effort you put into your work. It's a little addictive. It drives you to be increasingly exacting, hoping to impress him. You find yourself wondering whether there’s something hidden behind that polished facade of his. He reminds you of a Greek statue. Beautiful, unyielding, and with a smile that never quite reaches his eyes. 

You find yourself staying late at the office recently, struggling to get everything done during the day. Eight hours doesn’t seem like a lot of time when it’s stretched over so many tasks. But Cirrus stays late too. Your coworkers file out of the office one by one until it’s just you and him in the building. The light shining through the frosted glass of his office door there to keep you company. You remember the first time you stayed late. You had sat in your mesh desk chair, bones stiff and weary from their long hours of inactivity. The sound of his office door opening had been a welcomed interruption. Cirrus wore his coat, warm wool fitted closely to his body, and was in the process of pulling on leather gloves. He hesitated on his path out the door, clearly surprised to see you.  

“I hadn’t realised you were still here,” he had said, coming around to your desk. 

“Oh, I’ll be heading home soon, sir. Just finished summarising the documents I received this afternoon so you can look them over tomorrow before your morning meetings.”

“Such a devoted employee.”

His smooth, rich voice sent shivers down your spine. You laughed it off.

“It’s no trouble to me, sir, I like to be kept busy.”

“You’re not keeping anyone waiting at home…?” Sharp eyes had betrayed his interest in your response.

“I’ve just moved to the city, so no - living on my own for now. I can stay as late as I need to. Haven’t really had the time to try and meet anyone.”

“That’s a shame. We’ll just need to make the work here worth your while then, hmm?”

You nodded at him, and he had left, sliding the gloves the rest of the way on his hands.

His questions made you wonder if he cared about your dating life. That was the first personal question he’d asked of you. You’d certainly wondered about his - but no wedding band was seen on his hand, and no family pictures in his office. You kept your ears and eyes open for information after that night. You would ask a coworker but given the speed of the office rumour mill, you were sure he’d learn about your prying questions. After days pass without clues, you doubt it. After all, he spends the most time with you out of anyone. With the long hours he keeps, he’d struggle to find the time to meet a partner, just as you have. You can practically imagine his response. I’m married to my work, he’d say. That is, if he wasn’t offended by your impudence. 

As the month goes on, you shadow Cirrus more and more during his daily tasks. He started by requesting that you take the minutes for his meetings with clients. It's simple enough and you enjoy getting a better idea of the actual objectives of the company. Plus, during quiet moments, when he or the client refer to documents about their work together, you get the chance to really look at him. The slender line of his neck. The way his muscled back can be seen beneath the expensive fabric of his shirt, shifting as he leans over the table to read. The soft pink of his lips, through which you can see pointed canines flash as he speaks. You see why everyone at Crescent Consulting has such a reverence for him. It’s electrifying to be swept up in the energy and admiration that surrounds him. He's impeccably focused on his tasks and clients are thrilled with the work he does for them. Good thing that you’re kept busy. Spending so much time near him is becoming increasingly distracting. 

You're just coming out of one of these meetings, a little breathless. The client had spoken exceptionally quickly, stuttering and prone to long tangents that left your head spinning. You’d done your best to take notes, but you’d definitely have to edit them later on in the afternoon. At times you'd just slumped over the table, desperately listening and typing as best you could as the conversation ricocheted between the two of them.

“My office, please,” Cirrus requests, as controlled and peaceful as ever. Immediately, your pulse jumps, anxiety spreading through your body. Cirrus hardly ever asks to speak with you privately - he’d email you, or casually drop by your desk to discuss business. Even confidential matters about his work were discussed between the two of you during your meeting together every morning, not off the cuff. 

You step inside after him, pulling the door shut. His office is a place you’ve grown familiar with, though never comfortable in. It was always too quiet. The decor is utilitarian and minimal. One side is entirely windows, partially covered with blinds. A coat rack near his door has a few discarded wire hangers from dry cleaning. There are etched glass awards on his mostly barren bookshelves. A whiteboard is fixed to the wall with a scribbled timeline on it. Cirrus’s desk in the middle of the room, empty except for a few folders and a chair across from it. You choose to hover awkwardly in the doorway. It feels safer, like you could escape if you needed to.

He takes a seat behind his desk, the expansive piece of dark wood now separating the two of you. 

Cirrus regards you coolly as you start to pick at your fingers. 

“I've been quite happy with your work up to this point, don't be mistaken. However, as my assistant, your conduct and decorum reflect directly upon me.” He steeples his fingers in front of him. “Clients notice if you have poor posture. Clients notice if you wander ahead of me in the hallway or speak out of turn. Clients notice-” his gaze falls to your fingers, picking nervously at the edge of a nail, “-when you fidget”. Your hands still immediately. 

You knew that he was aware of you. But you hadn't realised that he paid such close attention to the behaviours you displayed. Had you really acted so unreasonably? Had maybe a client confided in him, or expressed their displeasure with you? Your heart beats wildly in your chest. 

“I'm sorry sir, I haven't been on my best behaviour as of late. I'll work on improving my posture and habits in the office. I hope it hasn't negatively impacted your work…” 

A smile streaks across his face. Sharp, furtive, misplaced, and gone as you peer at him nervously.

“Please see to it that you do,” he replies. There's a lightness to him, an excitement that pulls at the edges of his expression. Something dangerous. “That’ll be all.” 

Your hands, sweaty with nerves, pull open his door and you exit quickly. It's the first time you've really been reprimanded by him. How could you have let yourself grow  complacent? Still, it seemed unfair. You drop down at your desk and pout a little, staring unseeingly at the backdrop of dolphins on your computer monitor. You already do so much for him and follow all his silly little rules, and now he’s getting on your case about fidgeting? What is this, finishing school? Your thoughts swirl as the day goes by. It was embarrassing to be called out on your behaviour. But moreover, it was embarrassing that you had become increasingly reliant on him and his praise. You hadn't fully realised it up until he withdrew it this afternoon. You'd become dependent on him too quickly. He’s just your boss. Nothing more beyond that. And why did his expressions in that conversation seem so… odd? It was unsettling. 

After that conversation between the two of you, Cirrus’s expectations skyrocket. Every day there are new rules.  New subcategories that emails need to be sorted into, preferences on the alert sound for his calendar notifications, the type of lightbulb for his desk lamp, the way you structure your notes for him. It feels endless. And at times, when he gives you feedback - always in that same controlled and polite tone - you catch a glimpse of that same fleeting expression you had seen earlier. You're diligent, dutifully noting down each preference as they come. You walk two paces behind him in the halls. You mind your tone, your facial expressions. You sit at meetings rigidly, still and quiet unless addressed. Your frustrations at his restrictions, once something small and easily cast aside, grows by the day. The amount of care that you direct towards your work is immense. Cirrus is polite to you. Often kind. But the structure from the rules that once felt supportive now feels like a tangled net, restricting your every move. You feel taken for granted. The majority of his requirements are silly preferences that you're sure have no influence on his (or the company’s) success. 

When he interacts with others in the office, however,  things seem easy between them. They fawn adoringly at whatever he says, and he replies to them - always calm and kind. You find yourself a little disgusted with their eagerness. And it's quite simple for them, isn't it? They do their basic job responsibilities and he praises them, values them. That same response from him requires such an extreme amount of effort from you. You scoff to yourself. They might not admire him as much if they ALSO had just gotten an email that read: “In the future, please only order Oleander Co.’s organic fair trade oat milk creamer in low fat. I prefer it over the brand you currently purchase.”

You are capable of the work he asks you to do. But your sense of justice rankles at it. It's not fair that he asks such an astronomically higher level of work from you. At times you wonder if he delights in messing with you. It seems inevitable that one day you’ll forget one of his many rules. You're not sure exactly what makes you decide to do it. The last sliver of your pride, perhaps. 

You order a different type of soap for his bathroom. Your courage wavers a little when you go to order, so you decide on lilac as a replacement. Suitably similar to lavender if you need to defend yourself. It's silly how nerve-wracking it is. You've never directly gone against anything he’s asked you to do. And it’s just soap, after all. You doubt he’ll even notice. 

—---

You place the soap in his bathroom that next Monday after it's been delivered. You look at it, where you’ve set the bottle neatly by the sink, evenly spaced from the wall. You spin the label to face away from you before you leave. Cirrus and you have your morning meeting, as usual. He’s just the same as ever and you find yourself both relieved and disappointed. You’d expected some kind of reaction from him… some reprimand maybe, or a reminder. Something to show you again that he sees you and your work. Something to break the pattern that you’re in with him. But the meeting ends quickly and everything remains as it did before. 

You’re seated at your desk, about to head to lunch, when Cirrus stops by. 

“A word, please. Now. Follow me.” 

He’s very still. Nothing about his face was kind or gentle.. A coworker at the neighbouring desk glances up at you, startled, before they catch themselves and pretend to be engrossed in their salad.

You stand abruptly, silently, fingers fumbling with the notepad on your desk for a moment before you decide to leave it. 

You follow him to his office. Two steps behind him, of course, posture, impeccable. Your hands, forbidden from fidgeting, are held stiffly at your sides. 

He shuts the door firmly behind you. The click of the lock is grimly final. The bottle of soap is on his desk. You exhale, shakily. 

Cirrus leans back against his desk, the bottle next to him. His arms are crossed. You’re not truly afraid until you see his expression. His eyes hold a wildness to them, intense and sharp. The mouth, normally in a polite smile, is stretched wider, sardonic. Your unease grows when you see there's even a light flush across his cheeks. His finger taps rhythmically where it rests along the edge of the desk. His entire appearance has an electricity to it that arcs off of him in waves. 

“Explain this to me.”

Your fear is tempered by the frustration at your mistreatment. “My apologies, sir, I seem to have made a mistake. There’s a lot of work I’m doing currently, I must have simply selected the wrong one.” Your voice is deliberately polite but you’re unable to hide your irritation.

His wicked smile grows. “You’ve never ordered the wrong one before.”

“Yes, well, I know others make mistakes here, too. I don’t see any of them called into your office over something like this, I mean, it’s, it’s - I do my best, sir, I apologise if it’s just not enough for you.” Your cheeks are hot from the defiance burning within you. 

The tapping of his finger ceases. 

“I'm quite certain it wasn't a mistake. No. Not from you, my star employee. Always obedient. Always careful. Attuned to my preferences, my rules for you. When I restricted your decorum in meetings, I wondered if I had gone too far. If maybe - you’d recoil. Hmm.. instead, you grew more pliable, eager to please. Desperate for my praise. Willing to be moulded by me. You question me, why I ask more of you than the other staff here. Well, my star. It’s because you enjoy it. And,” he draws closer to you, less than an arm’s length away, “because I can.”

All the blood in your body seems to leave you and you sag, leaning against the wall. Suddenly, everything becomes clear to you. The constant increasing requests. The minute details he requires you to remember. His attention to your posture, your every mannerism. Each of them feed into his power over you. And the part that makes your heart pound and ears ring is that he's completely correct. You crave it.

He takes in your shocked expression with something akin to glee.

"So eager for me. And now, acting out. Silly little ploy to try and catch my interest. You've already had it. Had it from the moment I met you, when you leaned down and handed me that pen. I wanted to see if you would. If you'd bend for me, right from the start. Don't I give you enough of my attention? Or would you like something more concrete - a reminder you're mine?"

It feels almost impossible to speak but you try, urging your breath back into your struggling lungs.

"Please, sir, I - I…" A reminder that you're his. You are his. The way you speak, the way you walk, every hour of every day, all in service to him. Intoxicating to learn that he's orchestrated it this way. Cirrus has seen you to your very core and it is paralysing.

He raises his hand to your throat, fingers soft, and pins you against the wall. "Don't worry, my star. I'll give you what you desire. Even if words have failed you."

His touch is nothing more than gentle pressure at the base of your neck, but the sensation makes you release a choked gasp.

"Something to remind you, hmm? I'll give you a gift then. Pretty bruises that you can take home. "

Cirrus's hand is tighter around your neck now. Your pulse hammers against his grip. All you can do is nod, the edge of his thumb sharp against your jaw. He releases you, taking a step backwards. His cunning eyes scan the room.

"Place your hands here."

He gestures to the whiteboard and you stumble after him, legs trembling. You place your hands flat on the surface, just below shoulder height, glancing at him questioningly. He traces around your fingers with a marker, outlining each hand in red. It reminded you a little of grade school art projects, and the absurdity of the situation makes your face flush. What if this was all some kind of cruel joke, just to see how much you'd agree to?

His voice breathes low in your ear. "It's in your best interest if you don't smudge any of those lines. Do so and you'll leave with more than just bruises."

Immediately, the levity drains out of you. "I'll try my best, sir."

His hand smooths down the plane of your back. "You always do."

Behind you, you hear him walk over to the coat rack by the door. You twist, your hands fixed in place, and watch as he pulls on his fine black gloves. The leather shines softly in the light of his office.

"Please attempt to be quiet. You know how much the office ladies love to gossip."

You grit your teeth and turn, facing the board once again. Watching him was too much. You close your eyes and exhale a long, shuddering breath.

He brings his hand down swiftly, your clothes and the gloves muffling the sound where he strikes your behind. It's ferociously hard. The force of the impact rocks you forward on your toes and your eyes fly open, checking the lines around your fingers anxiously. A dull ache answers the sting that spreads through you. Your desire spreads too, burning. You'd known he was strong, assumed it from the way he fills out his impeccably tailored dress shirts, but the power behind the slap surprises you. Your breath hisses through your teeth.

A second strike comes, placed right where your butt meets your thigh. It's harder than the last. It forces a gasping yelp out of you, barely stifled through your gritted teeth. Your hands curl just the slightest bit on the board. Your breath comes faster now, panicked. Legs twist where they stand, shying away from him, unable to fully move with your hands pinned.

"Excellent. You're doing well."

He has said that to you so many times before. When you’ve finished your work early, when you've taken minutes for meetings, when you've reminded him of some small important detail. You'll never hear it the same again.

Cirrus waits to deliver the third strike and you try to anticipate it, flinching at every small sound he makes from behind you. He laughs at that, watching you closely.

"Patience."

When he hits you, it spreads across your skin, burning where it lands. You bow forwards, leaning away desperately. The sensation after the strike is just as bad - a second wave of pain that makes sweat prickle at your forehead and brings tears springing to your eyes.

"In my haste, I forgot myself," he muses, stilling behind you. "How can I see when I've fulfilled my promise?"

He slides your clothes off your waist, the air of his office cool on your skin. They bunch tightly around your thighs. You hunch forwards between your arms, humiliated. You're sure that your behind is just as flushed as your face. One gloved hand traces over the reddened skin, the leather like a soothing balm.

The next strike is more targeted, hitting right where your skin is the reddest. The sweat on your hands causes them to slip just the slightest bit on the board and you rock back towards him, trying to lift the weight off your unreliable arms. The outlines remain complete for now. You throb, each heartbeat bringing with it another crashing wave of pain.

"Fuck."

"You know better than to curse around me. Haven't I made my expectations for your etiquette clear?"

He smooths one hand over you, just below the small of your back. Your skin sings at his touch. You feel the weight of him follow, the hard plane of his body pressed up against you. His hands grip your hips. One slides up the front of your chest, pausing for a moment at your throat. It continues, gloved fingers finding their way into your mouth. The bitter taste of leather follows. His other hand grips your hip tightly. He presses down on your tongue, making you gag. Your saliva slicks the material. Cirrus's breath is hot against your ear.

"I'll help you behave yourself."

He withdraws his fingers from your mouth, smearing the wetness across your face. When he moves to the side, you catch the first glimpse of him since you placed your hands on the board. His flushed cheeks are the only sign of his exertion. Not a hair is out of place. You watch through teary eyes as he bites the tip of his gloved hand, pulling the leather from his skin. The glint of his sharp teeth shine from between pink lips. Glove off, he presses his fingers cruelly into your cheeks, prying your lips open once again. His removed glove is pressed between your teeth, silencing you. The material is thick, forces your jaw to spread.

He hits you again before you're really ready, ungloved hand anchored on your hip. The force of the blow shoves you forwards while Cirrus's nails dig into your hip bone, leaving deep grooves. A muffled sob breaks free. Your hand slides down the board, erasing the lines surrounding it. You stumble forward, gasping. His hand creeps under your bent waist, supporting your weight.

Cirrus lays into you without any reservations. He spanks you, hand crashing down again and again. You thrash, hands clutching desperately at his supporting arm where it lays steel-like against your stomach. Twisting, flailing, as he brings you back in line. Drool spills down out of your mouth from around the fingers of the glove. He kicks your legs apart when they clench together before beginning again. The blow blend together. You are ablaze. Writhing in his arms. Needy with desire and aching all over. Your eyes are a mess of tears and you gasp desperately around the glove, nose running. Both of you breathing hard, he takes a moment to examine you before pulling the glove out of your mouth.

"I think you'll be pleased, my star. Once you've come back to yourself. Proof of my ownership pressed into your skin. You won't be able to sit without remembering whom you belong to."

Every part of you throbs. Pain, pleasure, and obedience all searing through your veins in equal measure. You're limp, resting nearly your full weight against him.. You cry softly, stuffy and worn out.

"Come here," he tells you, as he hefts you towards the chair behind his desk. As if you'd have the strength to deny him. He sits and reclines the chair fully, laying back. He holds you against his chest. A moment for you to calm down. You press your damp face into the safety of his shirt while his arms rest softly around your shoulders.

"You shine in your obedience to me." 

His voice is quiet against your hair. You lay there, boneless, listening to the gentle thump of his heart. Feeling the solid ridge of the button of his vest imprint itself on your cheek. Gradually, you come back to yourself. Breathing in his scent as he continues to hold you. You test your limbs, achingly shifting them. Wipe your eyes softly against the back of your hand. A sharp cry springs from your mouth as your raw skin scrapes against the material of his pants. If the way you feel is any indication, you’re probably covered in speckled bruises, soon to shift into blooms of blue and purple. You flinch as you feel a scarlet bead of blood inch down your inner thigh. He shushes you, hand coming up to card through your hair. 

“Does this mean things have changed between us?” Your plaintive question hangs in the air. 

Cirrus’s hand stills. “It doesn’t have to. Continue to serve me. I won't mark you where others will see.”

You nod at that, accepting it without complaint. He was to remain your boss. At least for now, you find yourself thinking. You long for something more. And you suspect he might feel the same, though he’s reluctant to admit it. His rules, so many designed to constrain and rankle. The attention he pays to you. His satisfaction from putting you in your place. Those fleeting moments of tenderness. Nothing about it was casual. Perhaps, with time - and enough tactical disobedience - his commitment to professionalism will crumble. It’s a challenge. Rules and regulations then. A path to something more.

[aaronstveit]

hi there! you said in your tags that the latest chapter of deep end contains the two scenes you built the entire fic on. i hope i'm not too nosy but i was wondering if you could tell us more about those two scenes? <3

omg hi anon!! yes i would LOVE to tell you more about those two scenes 🫡 gonna put this beneath the cut because i am a certified yapper and this WILL be longer than i intend it to be

the scenes in question are the two arguments with cosette and grantaire at the end. the cosette argument in particular is the basis of so much of this fic — the line "The dutiful martyr Enjolras, who has a flag where he should have a heart." was one of the very first things i wrote for deep end. not a very charitable place to begin from when it comes to enjolras' characterization, but even when i first wrote it, it was less about who enjolras was and more about how he was perceived.

okay i just scrolled allllllllll the way back to the very beginning of the edit history in my original deep end document (still titled "enjolsette siblings?" btw) and first of all i started writing this in MARCH which is wild to me. that was the month i finished reading les mis. wow. anyway apparently i wrote the first drafts of both these scenes in the same evening, and i'm honestly surprised by how much of them remained unchanged in the final version. at the time that i wrote them, they both occurred in chapter 8 of what i PLANNED to be 10 chapters. that's also extremely funny to me. there was really a time when i thought i could contain this story to 10 chapters...

when i wrote these chapters, i hadn't even written enjolras and cosette meeting yet. the original draft of the grantaire argument didn't have enjolras realizing he was in love with grantaire then. i was still in the first 10k of writing deep end when i wrote them. all that existed before these arguments were the original draft of chapter 1, half of the original draft of chapter 2, and the conversation with combeferre in chapter 5 that begins with combeferre saying "You've been spending a lot of time with Grantaire lately." so when i say these scenes are the basis of the entire fic, i really mean it. the whole time i was writing, i was pushing enjolras toward this point.

from the moment that i began writing deep end, it was intended to be an exploration of enjolras & his ideas of duty and justice. it has spiraled into being a story about a lot of other things, but in the kitchen with cosette, it comes down to this again. it comes down to: enjolras, and what he thinks his duty is, and just how wrong he is.

because he is wrong. money, whether she wants it or not, isn't going to "fix" cosette. there is no "fixing" cosette, because she's not broken. has she been hurt? yes. did their father fail her? undeniably. but depositing a check into her bank account isn't the answer to this. enjolras wants to heal her in some material sort of way, and that just isn't possible. all he can do is be her brother.

so, i had to take enjolras to that place. i had to make him obsess over "paying for his father's sins." i had to make him stressing himself out over the money. i had to make him love cosette without understanding it. and i had to make him terrible.

i love making enjolras terrible, i won't lie. a lot of the time when i'm writing, i like to see how terrible i can make him without alienating him completely from the reader. when i was trying to decide what line from this chapter to use as the summary, i sent a few options to my friend cossette, who read an earlier draft of this fic. she chose the line about him being "capable of being truly terrible" for me, because she said that was kind of the whole thing i was going for.

and it was! for him to be able to say the things he says in this chapter — from telling cosette "Look what he did to you!" to him saying to grantaire "Your chest is even emptier than mine. All you have is an empty bottle and a half-assed joke." he HAS to be terrible. these are terrible things to say!

unfortunately, i think they're also very human things to say. i joke a lot about how much i enjoy making characters say the worst possible things to each other, but it's true. i love doing it. because i think it's so tragically human. especially when you're saying these things to a person that you love. it's easy to hurt the people we love, because we know them well enough to know just where to hit them.

when enjolras hurts cosette, it's mostly by accident. he is coming from a good place, but going all about it wrong. when he hurts grantaire, it is with intent. he and grantaire have spent years hurting each other. when enjolras finds himself falling after fighting with cosette, it's too easy for him to cling to the closest familiar thing: fighting with grantaire.

building up to the fight with grantaire was a different beast. whereas the argument with cosette is borne from misguided ideas of justice, the fight with grantaire is entirely personal. as i was writing deep end, i had to write an enjolras and a grantaire who could come to this place, in very different ways. enjolras had to find himself leaning on grantaire; he had to be in more pain than anyone realized, including himself; he had to be terrible. grantaire, in contrast, had to have some amount of self control; he had to be someone who could be leaned on; he had to be able to walk away. the grantaire we meet in chapter 1 meets very little of these requirements. his development is just as important as enjolras', even if he isn't the main focus.

this answer is, as predicted, much much longer than i intended so i will wrap things up. when writing longform fic, i tend to start with the worst thing and work my way outwards from there. these two scenes are the worst things. because i knew where he was going, i knew while i was writing that i had to shape and enjolras who would find himself saying and doing the worst things he could. that's why he's cruel to grantaire in the first few chapters, why he finds himself arguing with grantaire despite knowing better, why he constantly finds himself self-destructing. i always tell everyone that deep end is about enjolras beating the marble statue allegations, and that's never truer than it is in chapter 18.

for the record, you are always welcome to stop by and ask me about deep end! i have soooooo much director's commentary and i love to yap. i could talk all day about what happened in the original draft, what was added later, ideas i toyed with, why i made the decisions i did, etc. thank you so much for this ask <333 i had lots and lots of fun answering it even if my answer is pretty much as long as deep end herself.

[thailandimmigration]

 5-Year Retirement Visa

Thailand offers a 5-Year Retirement Visa (officially known as the Non-Immigrant O-A Long Stay Visa) for foreign nationals aged 50+ seeking extended residency. Unlike the standard 1-year retirement extension, this visa provides pre-approved multi-year validity, reducing annual renewal hassles. However, strict financial, insurance, and compliance requirements apply.

Key Features:

✔ Pre-approved 5-year stay (no yearly extensions needed) ✔ Multiple entries permitted (no re-entry permit required) ✔ Must maintain health insurance (Thai or international) ✔ Financial proof required upfront (no monthly income option)

2. Eligibility & Financial Requirements

A. Basic Qualifications

Age 50+ (no exceptions)

No criminal record (police clearance from home country)

Health insurance (min. THB 400,000 inpatient / THB 40,000 outpatient coverage)

Note: Unlike the 1-year retirement extension, the 5-year visa does NOT allow monthly income proof (e.g., THB 65K/month)—only lump-sum deposits or fixed investments qualify.

3. Step-by-Step Application Process

Option 1: Applying from Abroad (Recommended)

Gather Documents:

Passport (valid 18+ months)

Bank statement (showing THB 3M for 12+ months)

Medical certificate (no leprosy, TB, drug addiction)

Police clearance (FBI check for Americans, etc.)

Health insurance (approved by Thai General Insurance Association)

Submit at a Thai Embassy/Consulate (e.g., Los Angeles, London)

Receive 5-Year Visa (sticker affixed in passport)

Option 2: Converting from a Tourist Visa (Inside Thailand)

Must first obtain a 90-day Non-O Visa (based on retirement)

Then apply for 5-Year O-A Visa at Immigration Bureau (Chaeng Watthana)

Processing time: 4–6 week

4. Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

A. Insurance Policy Rejections

Problem: Many international insurers aren’t approved by Thai authorities.

Solution: Use Thai insurers (e.g., LMG, Pacific Cross) or verify your provider’s eligibility.

B. Bank Deposit Timing Errors

Problem: Funds not seasoned 12+ months before applying.

Solution: Plan 1+ year ahead—transfer funds early.

C. Overstaying Risks

Problem: Lapsing insurance = visa cancellation.

Solution: Set auto-renewal reminders for insurance.

5. Long-Term Strategy: Beyond the 5-Year Visa

A. Transitioning to Permanent Residency (PR)

After 3+ consecutive years on a retirement visa, PR becomes possible.

Requires THB 1.8M+ income, Thai language test, and clean record.

B. Elite Visa Alternative

If financial proof is an issue, Thailand Elite (5–20 year visas) offer easier terms (but higher cost).

C. Leaving & Re-Entering

The 5-Year O-A Visa allows unlimited exits/re-entries—unlike 1-year extensions.

6. Expert Recommendations

For Maximum Stability:

✔ Use the THB 3M fixed deposit (easiest to prove) ✔ Buy Thai health insurance (no approval risks)

For Frequent Travelers:

✔ The 5-Year O-A Visa is ideal (no re-entry permits needed)

For Lower Financial Commitment:

✔ Stick with the 1-year extension (THB 800K option)

7. Conclusion: Is the 5-Year Visa Right for You?

Best Suited For:

High-net-worth retirees who can lock away THB 3M

Expats who travel often (multi-entry advantage)

Those who despise annual immigration visits

Not Recommended For:

Expats relying on monthly income (only lump sums qualify)

People who may need to withdraw savings

Final Advice: Consult a Thai visa specialist to assess whether the 5-Year O-A Visa, 1-year extension, or Elite Visa aligns best with your financial and lifestyle needs.

[queersatanic]

What John Oliver gets wrong about The Satanic Temple and abortion rights

In the most recent episode of HBO's "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver", he made a mention of a particular publicity stunt by a certain satanic for-profit business-cum-church.

In so doing, he demonstrated perfectly the way The Satanic Temple's grift works, and the limitations of "Last Week Tonight" as an actual news program rather than what it is: a popularizer and disseminator of the work done by others.

If the show had done a proper investigation, they would have immediately found huge red flags involving the Temple's clinic that call into question its legitimacy entirely. Since they did not, we'll show you what so many have missed despite being out in the open.

JOHN OLIVER: But also, note that we can still act here. Some have taken some small steps in the last year that are, if nothing else, immensely satisfying. Like this one that was covered by a Catholic news network. > TRACY SABOL: An international group named after Satan will soon open its first abortion business in the United States. > > The Satanic Temple, which claims to not believe in a literal Satan, will provide telehealth screenings and prescribe abortion pills for patients in New Mexico. The name of the soon-to-be facility? The Samuel Alito's Mom's Satanic Abortion Clinic. (AUDIENCE CHEERS) JOHN OLIVER: Incredible. Very well played. Now, is that gonna fix everything? No, of course it isn't. But when it comes to responding to such wide spreading devastation, you could do a lot worse than the single best "your mom" joke of all time. Especially when you add in that one of the group's co-founders even said, "In 1950, Samuel Alito's mother did not have options, and look what happened."

That seems like pretty high praise, and the show moves on without further comment on it.

From this, you would not know that The Satanic Temple fundamentally jeopardized the legitimacy of this telehealth clinic by utilizing fake names on government documents for its New Mexico corporations registry.

"Malcolm Jarry" is the pseudonym of TST co-owner Cevin Soling; despite listing two different addresses and listing him twice, "Lucien Greaves" is the same person as Douglas Misicko.

Doing this is almost certainly literally perjury, as has come up in court for them before.

Actually, several times.

To repeat: You do not get to lie and use a fake name for yourself on government documents, particularly documents establishing legal ownership of your corporation.

In any proper legal challenge to The Satanic Temple's clinic, including anyone who treats TST's marketing as credible and wants to use it as a shield against abortion bans, this would be found out and it would absolutely put the entire endeavor in jeopardy.

Of course, it gets worse.

Here's what the Temple says on its website about this clinic, emphasis added:

Q: Abortion is illegal where I live. Can I still get an abortion with TST Health? A: Abortion is legal in New Mexico. Regardless of where you live, if you are in the state of New Mexico during your video consultation and when you perform your abortion ritual, you will have abided by the law. However, if you travel to a state where abortion is illegal and need follow-up care, there may be some risks. Unfortunately, we don’t have enough information to know how state laws will be enforced. We believe that the religious nature of our care neutralizes this risk, but state courts must affirm this, and we are working toward attaining that confirmation.

And here are the kinds of billboards TST has run around the country and in its Facebook ads in bids for attention and while soliciting money:

“Our religious Abortion Ritual Averts Many State Restrictions”.

Yet, when The Satanic Temple sued a billboard company that was unwilling to run that demonstrably false advertisement, TST owner Cevin Soling had to admit in his deposition that he was not aware of any examples where Satanism had been successfully used to avert a state restriction on abortion, including their own previous attempts:

As of November 2023, The Satanic Temple has lost six (6) abortion-ban challenges, lost them in state and in federal court, lost them at the district court, appellate court, and supreme courts.

TST has never helped someone avert a state law restricting abortion. But they have fundraised heavily off of the idea that they can.

How much? It's very tough to say because "The Satanic Temple, Inc." d/b/a "TST Health Inc." and "Sam Alito's Mom's Satanic Abortion Clinic Inc." is not a regular nonprofit: it's a tax-exempt church. And as a tax-exempt church, it is under no legal requirement to report its finances.

John Oliver famously created "Our Lady of Perpetual Exemption" in 2015 to highlight the problems inherent with this, so you might argue that TST is just doing the same thing and attempting to bring awareness to a problem with the U.S. tax code.

Except that Oliver shut his corporation down after a month and reported its finances, meanwhile "The Satanic Temple Inc." chugs along year after year soliciting money and providing no financial transparency about how much money is coming in or where it's being spent. (Say, pursuing various SLAPP actions against ex-members; again, Oliver would know something about being on the receiving end of one of those.)

Of course it gets even more complicated.

The Satanic Temple's owners registered their tax-exempt church "The Satanic Temple Inc." in New Mexico as, among other things, "TST Health Inc." and have been promoting merchandise for it as well.

But the merch lacks the "tax-deductible" notification, which is the only way on TST's website to distinguish purchases benefitting the for-profit "United Federation of Churches LLC d/b/a 'The Satanic Temple' " from its nonprofit "The Satanic Temple (Inc.)".

How much money did The Satanic Temple bring in specifically for this telehealth clinic based on its fundraising campaigns? We don't know, and TST's owners won't tell you.

How many people did The Satanic Temple actually help with its telehealth clinic? We don't know — although we did get some idea from TST's failed Indiana abortion-ban lawsuit where TST indicated "over two dozen" people in a state with existing abortion clinics where abortion was legal had been able to be helped between February and June 2023.

Now, as part of the same proceedings, The Satanic Temple claims that it spent "over $75,000 to establish and maintain an abortion clinic" but that number is rather suspiciously the exact number TST needed to claim for damages in order to meet federal jurisdictional requirements, and it's exactly the sort of thing you'd want to see broken down in an audit because it claims it spent this in March 2023, prior to operating expenses actually kicking in.

So if that were true, and again, there's no reason to think it is, it would mean that The Satanic Temple is one of the most inefficient ways for anyone to get fund abortions. This is the sort of thing the group Indigenous Women Rising pointed out at the time in response to TST's announcement.

Even if The Satanic Temple were actually doing this with the best of intentions, and there's no reason to think they are, it would be a bad idea to try to come in from Massachusetts and re-invent the wheel rather than support any of the established organizations operating in New Mexico who have local connections and experience with the challenges of funding abortions for people.

None of this is especially hidden information, you know. Even the court proceedings are out for the public to examine, especially for lawsuits that have gotten so much attention when they were announced, thanks to a TST press release, and at their close, thanks to the Indiana Attorney General's press release.

But they do require doing work, asking follow up questions, and expecting more evidence in response to those questions than, "Just trust me, bro."

So how did the "Last Week Tonight" segment happen? Well, going back to the video, have two news outlets here: the first is EWTN, and the second is the Albuquerque Journal.

The EWTN "News Nightly" segment comes from Feb. 3, 2023, the Albuquerque Journal article from Feb. 6, 2023.

If you look at both, the way they're structured is taking a press release from The Satanic Temple and quoting from it and TST's website. EWTN is a straightforwardly Catholic news agency, so it just talks to Father Steve Grunow, CEO of Word on Fire Ministries for his take on the situation; the Albuquerque Journal is a mainstream, "objective" newspaper, so it quotes Elisa Martinez, founder and executive director of the New Mexico Alliance for Life; and it quotes Joan Lamunyon Sanford, executive director of the New Mexico Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, while adding in some more details about "The Satanic Temple Inc." being an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Note that no one has yet done actual journalism here. The Catholic news agency has a bogeyman to beat up on and connect to abortion rights more generally, such as Ruth Bader Ginsberg getting a statue. The "straight news" outlet quotes from a press release then plays stenographer for the views of "both sides"; the deepest anyone goes is confirming that TST has an entity that can accept tax-deductible donations.

Sympathetic outlets like Hemant Mehta of "The Friendly Atheist", meanwhile, offer no pushback and just look for more quotes from TST to dutifully transcribe with no pushback or further investigation.

The Satanic Temple's press release and additional quotations from "pro" and/or "anti" abortion rights figures who are basically unconcerned with any particular facts of the situation, just taking TST's framing and reacting to it. When "Last Week Tonight" does a short segment about it, it leans on the work of others who upon deeper examination are actually doing very little work.

Larger media outlets like Jezebel and smaller, local ones like the Riverfront Times, on the other hand, have done in-depth looks at the Temple more generally and discovered that underneath the marketing there is not much of anything.

Prior to this clinic's announcement, we did our own in-depth roundup of abortion access orgs, journalists, legal experts, and actual court outcomes. Again: when abortion rights folks are actually familiar with the specifics of The Satanic Temple and TST's activities, the opinion is skeptical to outright hostile.

It would be really nice if John Oliver and his team were willing to apply the same level of skepticism to glorified press releases about The Satanic Temple that they do to many other topics.

But that takes work, and if local and partisan sources aren't doing the yeoman's work for them, even with HBO's budget, "Last Week Tonight" is like to skip it and make mistakes.

We've been willing to do the work, to be deservedly skeptical, and to compare the claims The Satanic Temple has made in one place versus ones they've made other places. We have limited resources and time as well, and we're not professionals. Unfortunately, it often seems like we're the only ones doing this.

But you can, too. You can watch yourself when a piece of news comes in that tickles your fancy, like someone being rude to an odious Supreme Court justice, and ask yourself a few more questions about what claims are actually being made and whether you ought to have some follow-up questions about it.

For us the most important one remains, "Why doesn't The Satanic Temple have any financial transparency or accountability for what it does with its donations, and why is it not more clear what is a for-profit sale benefiting the owners and what is a nonprofit donation?"

[pianokantzart]

A Picture of Wealth

A quick oneshot for a possible beginning of a Luigi's Mansion movie. Not particularly exciting, but if you like quiet Mario and Luigi slice of life stuff you'll probably like this. I started writing this a while ago, but this post by @theangelofangst inspired me to finish it. AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/49496971

_____________________________​​

After waving ‘goodbye’ to the Mail Toad, Luigi popped open the mailbox and pulled out a stack of envelopes. He scanned them for a moment, loosely sorting them in his mind. It was easy to tell what came from The Mushroom Kingdom and what came from Brooklyn; bright, pastel colored envelopes and fountain pen clashing against cold copy-pasted text on plain white. There was a ‘thank you’ card from a neighboring toad whose sink they had fixed free of charge, a little flier advertising a free upcoming performance in the square, and a pretty, pink envelope embossed with a crown, whose handiwork was easy to recognize. Even the bills were friendly and personable, though they formed as much of a pit in his stomach as the cold typeface from Brooklyn.

For Mario and Luigi, living on their own had been an adjustment, and having an actual income was a serious learning curve. There was an initial high of having money in their pockets, which led to a spending spree to replace much of their oldest tools and equipment before independent living’s new stack of expenses hit them like a train. Still, they had been fairly cautious. Despite a few poor initial decisions they would’ve had enough money to stay out of the red… had it not been for one giant curveball that had been thrown at them.

Luigi stepped back through the front door into the kitchen where Mario sat at the table, hatless and disheveled, hunched over a computer and a stack of papers where he’d been since sunrise. One hand tapped a pencil against a notepad, the other pressed their shared cellphone to his ear.

“Dad, it’s alright. You need it more than we do,” Mario said, “No, forget it, I- no, it’s not a loan.” Luigi couldn’t help but smile as he peeked around the doorway and listened in. It sounded like their father had discovered the check they sent them, and was reacting about as expected. He at least sounded lively from what he could overhear… when they first got the news that he was staying in the hospital for a few days, Mario and Luigi feared the worst. Luckily, it seemed their dad had the family’s hereditary trait of being able to bounce back from just about anything, the bad news was that despite twenty five straight years of company loyalty, getting the help owed to him by the insurance was like pulling teeth.

“Look, I’m a little busy. We’ll talk about it at Sunday lunch, okay?” Mario sighed, “Yeah. Okay. You too. Bye, Dad.” With that he hung up, and set the phone to the side.

“Sounds like he’s feeling better” Luigi laughed, finally stepping into the kitchen to deliver the mail to the table. “Yep.” Mario replied with a tired chuckle, barely even glancing up from his work. “Not well enough to work yet though, as much as he wants to.” “Did the check get deposited?” “Mom managed it under his nose, but it might be the only check that goes through for us this month if I don’t figure something out.” Mario sighed and ran his fingers through his hair, “Ugh, why did I replace our van’s entire engine. All it needed was a few new spark plugs!” “The Garrisons still owe us for rerouting their fountain." Luigi assured, "I’ll send them an invoice.” He stopped for a moment and looked over Mario’s workspace: every possible refund for unnecessary expenses noted and listed, every document scattered about like the stress of the room had caused a miniature explosion on the kitchen table, a mustard-stained receipt for a strap wrench having made it all the way to the empty dishes from lunchtime. Luigi reached over his brother’s shoulder to retrieve the dishes and arrange some of the papers into neat little piles. Mario leaned to the side to give him room.

“You know,” Luigi began hesitantly, “maybe we should ask Princess Peach if-” “We are not asking the princess for money.” Mario interrupted. “No no… I mean, maybe she can void our water bill or something?” “She gave us a free house Luigi! You really think it’s right to ask her for more.” “Maybe?" Luigi shrugged, "I mean, protecting the kingdom has kind of interfered with our work schedule.” “We do that because it’s right, Luigi, not for a paycheck.” “I know!” Luigi raised his voice a little in frustration. He stepped away from the table to deliver the empty plate and glass to the sink, rinsing them off and scrubbing them a little too aggressively to let off steam, “But I’m sure if we explain our situation, she can do something.” “I told you, the answer is no. We’re not bumming off of anyone, especially not Princess Peach.” “It’s not bumming, it’s asking for help! There’s no shame in asking for help. When you need help, you need help!”

Mario didn’t answer, he just grumbled quietly to himself and returned to the bills. Luigi rolled his eyes, scrubbing clean a few extra dishes and placing them in the drying rack before he returned to where his brother sat. He leaned against him, resting his forearm on his shoulder in a purposefully obnoxious way. “You’re as bad as Dad is.” “I am not.” “Are so.” Luigi smiled mischievously, “You look like him too. I’m probably gonna start calling you ‘Dad’ on accident when you start losing your hair.” Luigi tussled his brother’s auburn locks. Mario pulled away, unable to help but laugh as he grabbed one of the pieces of junk mail on the table, crumpled it up, and threw it at Luigi in retaliation. “Will you get out of here?”

Luigi blocked the missile with his hand. He attempted to catch it, but it tumbled out of his slippery grip and landed on the floor. Luigi intended to take it directly in the garbage, but leaning down to pick it up the colors caught his eye… and he realized he did not quite notice this particular piece of mail when he initially emptied the mailbox. Interest piqued, he uncrumpled the paper and read it. His brow raised and his heart skipped a beat. “Mario!” he declared, the sudden exclamation making his brother jump, “We’ve got a free mansion!” Mario let out a loud groan, turning around in his chair. “Oh come on Weegee! It’s an obvious scam!”

Luigi shook his head. “No no, they’ve got a map and an address and everything!” He turned the pamphlet over in his hands in order to reexamine the large block of text on the back, “It says ‘only a select few who apply for noble titles, such as those who are known locally for their heroism’ … that's us!... ‘ are receiving this limited time offer’!” Luigi looked up from his reading to grin excitedly at Mario, who looked back at him with a bored expression. Luigi, undeterred, returned his eyes the advertisement. “There’s a place called Evershade Valley with a big, beautiful mansion in the center of it. Look!” Luigi held the picture out to his big brother, shoving it a little too close to his face in his excitement. “Neo-Gothic architecture!”

Mario took the flier from Luigi’s hands to scrutinize it more closely. The cover image seemed sketchy. The coloration was off, the greenery in the lawn looked doctored, and the giant, garish rainbow plastered into the background reeked of overcompensation. “Sounds like just the kind of padding they’d add to a scam to make it seem like a little less of a scam,” he mumbled, eyes trailing down to the map beneath the image of the mansion. “Evershade Valley… looks like it’s not too far from The Dark Lands. Are you sure about this?” Hearing ‘Dark Lands’ Luigi stiffened a bit, bringing his hands close to his chest as he reconsidered for a few seconds. “It’s near The Darklands, not in The Darklands.” He decided after a moment, “Maybe we can flip this place!: reinstall some plumbing, fix up the wiring, add a fresh coat of paint… boom! Money in our pockets!”

Mario gripped his chin, running a thumb over his mustache thoughtfully. No way it was that easy. If this was really a free mansion like the advertisement said, it couldn’t be anything other than a dilapidated shell that wasn’t worth the investment. If not that, there was no doubt something wrong with the location… nobody simply gave away free mansions. 

On the other hand, Mario was impressed that Luigi maintained interest despite its close proximity to The Darklands. Given his past experiences, Mario expected him to back down at the mere mention of that place. The fact that some old building was enough to overshadow those fears made his desire hard to ignore. That, and Luigi was giving him that stupid sad-eyed pleading face that Mario could never say no to. He let out a heavy sigh, smoothed out the pamphlet a bit with his fingers, and handed it back to his brother. “Fine. On one condition.”

“Really!?” Luigi cheered. He threw out his arms to pluck his brother up into a hug, when Mario extended a hand to stave him off a moment.

“On one condition.” He repeated, “You stay here and run the business while I’m away. We can’t afford to miss any clients.”

Luigi deflated. He withdrew his arms and anxiously rubbed the tops of his hands. “Run the business… alone? Just me?” “If I take a warp pipe I shouldn’t be gone longer than a day. You’ll be fine.”

“No I won’t.” Mario cocked his head. He was startled by the terseness of the reply, upsettingly certain in its pessimism. “What do you mean? Of course you will! You just got a few leaky sinks and a running toilet. Nothin’ major.”

“Mario, name one time I did something completely on my own that didn’t turn out a disaster.” Mario opened his mouth to respond, but stopped. He thought things over a bit longer, opened his mouth again, then shut it again to think some more. It was difficult enough recalling a time that Luigi was on his own to begin with– they worked together at every opportunity– but when circumstances drove them apart, even for the briefest of moments, Luigi seemed to always end up in some kind of trouble. Mario’s eyes brightened as one instance popped into his mind. He smiled and snapped his fingers. “Aha! seventh grade! You made it into the Wizard of Oz musical! Played a really good Tinman!” Luigi smiled despondently, crossing his arms. “Mario, I vomited on stage.” “Only during the final bow. The final bow doesn’t count.” Luigi’s expression only grew more troubled as his arms tightened against his chest, and his eyes remained fixed to the ground. Mario stood up from his chair. He walked up to his brother, and took his face in his hands. “Hey, c’mon, don’t look like that,” he said, lifting his Luigi's head to meet his gaze. “You’ve got a good head on your shoulders, you just need a bit more confidence.” Mario’s grip fell from Luigi's face to his shoulders, giving them an endearing squeeze. “Maybe it’ll be good for you to give it a shot on your own. Your luck can’t be all bad, can it?” Neither of them quite knew the answer to that. Both of them stood silent for a moment as Luigi looked at his brother, then down at the pamphlet in his hand, and the big, beautiful mansion on the front. He couldn’t quite figure it out, but something about the place resonated with him. It made him remember being a kid, reading through his mom’s interior design magazines– the sense of wonder and possibility they incited, and the quiet longing to have such a place of his own to wander and explore. He folded the flier, placed it in his pocket, took a deep breath, and sighed. “I’ll do it.”

“Ha ha! That’s my bro.” Mario released his brother’s shoulders to give him a friendly jab with his elbow. “Maybe it’ll be good for you to try to work the business on your own! Just… make sure that clients put their dogs away before you set foot anywhere.”

Luigi grimaced. A small shudder ran up his back as he remembered the incident with Francis The Dog at their first job. Wondering what might have happened to him if Mario hadn’t been there to come to his rescue, second thoughts quickly began to creep in. “Maybe it is a scam–” “Nope! Too late. We’re doing this.” Mario had a fresh determination in his voice as he pulled out his chair and sat back down at the kitchen table. “I’ll finish balancing the checkbook tonight, then leave in the morning– 8 a.m sharp. If I hurry, I might be able to get home in time to help you with the last few jobs.”

Luigi knew that tone. No matter how much his brother initially hated the idea, once he started talking like that there was no stopping him from following through. Luigi had dug his grave, it was time to lie in it. Trying– and failing– not to think about everything that could go wrong in a single work day, Luigi began looking around for something to occupy his mind. The dishes were done, the garden was weeded, and he didn’t need to start dinner for another few hours, so he went to the broom closet and pulled out his vacuum. Plugging it in and unwinding the cord he went to work, allowing himself to get lost in the satisfying rattle of dirt being sucked away as he meticulously went over the carpet and wooden floor bit by bit, until every square inch of the house was clean and tidy.

[attorneyssphuket]

Thailand Permanent Residency

Thailand’s Permanent Residency (PR) status is a highly sought-after immigration option for long-term foreign residents who wish to settle in the country without the need for constant visa renewals. Unlike temporary visas, PR grants the holder indefinite stay, along with certain rights and privileges that closely resemble those of Thai citizens—albeit with some key limitations.

This article provides an in-depth analysis of Thailand’s PR system, covering eligibility, application procedures, benefits, and strategic considerations for prospective applicants.

1. Understanding Thailand’s Permanent Residency

Permanent Residency in Thailand is governed by the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) and subsequent amendments. Unlike citizenship, PR does not confer voting rights or the ability to own land outright, but it offers long-term stability by eliminating the need for visa extensions or work permits (though PR holders must still obtain a work permit if employed by a Thai company).

Key Features of Thai PR:

Indefinite stay without visa renewals.

Multiple re-entry permits (allowing travel in and out of Thailand without losing status).

Pathway to Thai citizenship (after holding PR for 5+ years).

Ability to work without a separate work permit (if self-employed or running a business, though employment with a Thai company still requires one).

Access to certain privileges, such as easier business registration and property ownership (though land ownership remains restricted).

2. Eligibility Criteria for Permanent Residency

Thailand’s PR system is highly selective, with quotas limiting approvals to 100 applicants per nationality per year (with some exceptions for special cases). The eligibility requirements vary slightly depending on the applicant’s basis for residency, but the core criteria include:

A. General Requirements

Visa Status: Must hold a Non-Immigrant Visa (typically based on work, investment, or family ties) for at least 3 consecutive years before applying.

Financial Stability: Proof of a minimum annual income of THB 80,000 per month (or THB 30,000 for spouses of Thai nationals).

Tax Compliance: Must have filed and paid personal income taxes in Thailand for at least 3 years.

Character & Health: No criminal record in Thailand or abroad; must pass a health check.

Language Proficiency: Basic Thai language skills (tested during the interview).

B. Categories for PR Application

Applicants must qualify under one of the following categories:

Employment-Based PR

Must be employed by a Thai company for at least 3 years.

The company must meet certain financial and operational criteria.

Investment-Based PR

Minimum investment of THB 3-10 million (depending on the type of investment).

Investments can include:

Thai government bonds.

Fixed deposits in Thai banks.

Real estate (though land ownership remains restricted).

Family-Based PR

Spouses of Thai nationals (must be legally married for at least 2 years).

Parents of Thai children (if the child holds Thai citizenship).

Expert/Special Case PR

Reserved for individuals with exceptional skills (scientists, researchers, etc.).

Requires endorsement from a relevant Thai government agency.

3. The PR Application Process

The PR application is a multi-stage, bureaucratic process that can take 12-24 months (or longer, depending on backlogs). Below is a step-by-step breakdown:

Step 1: Pre-Qualification & Document Preparation

Ensure compliance with financial, tax, and visa requirements.

Gather documents, including:

Passport & visa history.

Work permit (if applicable).

Tax records (3 years).

Criminal background check (from home country and Thailand).

Medical certificate.

Step 2: Submission to Thai Immigration

File the application at the Immigration Bureau (Chaeng Wattana, Bangkok) or a designated provincial office.

Pay the THB 7,600 application fee.

Step 3: Background Checks & Interviews

Immigration conducts a thorough background check, including employer verification (if employment-based).

An interview (conducted in Thai) assesses language ability and ties to Thailand.

Step 4: Approval & Alien Registration

If approved, the applicant receives a PR Certificate (Red Book).

Must register as an alien resident and obtain an Alien Registration Book (Blue Book).

Pay the THB 191,400 fee (for most applicants; THB 95,700 for spouses of Thais).

Step 5: Issuance of PR Status

A PR visa stamp is placed in the passport.

Must obtain a re-entry permit before traveling abroad (single or multiple-entry).

4. Benefits & Limitations of Thai PR

Advantages:

✅ No visa renewals (indefinite stay). ✅ Easier business setup (compared to foreign-owned companies). ✅ Path to citizenship (after 5+ years as a PR). ✅ Reduced restrictions on employment (though some limitations remain).

Disadvantages:

❌ Quota system makes approval highly competitive. ❌ Cannot own land (only condos or leasehold property). ❌ Still requires re-entry permits for international travel. ❌ Strict financial & tax compliance requirements.

5. Strategic Considerations for Applicants

Timing: The PR quota opens once per year (usually December). Early submission is critical.

Tax Planning: Ensure consistent tax filings for 3+ years before applying.

Language Preparation: Basic Thai proficiency is mandatory; consider formal language courses.

Legal Counsel: Due to the complexity, many applicants engage immigration lawyers to navigate the process.

6. Conclusion

Thailand’s Permanent Residency offers long-term stability for expatriates committed to living in the country. While the process is rigorous and competitive, successful applicants gain significant advantages over temporary visa holders.

For those considering PR, meticulous preparation—especially in financial, tax, and language compliance—is essential. Given the bureaucratic hurdles, professional legal assistance may be advisable to maximize approval chances.

For individuals seeking deeper integration into Thai society, PR serves as a critical stepping stone toward eventual Thai citizenship, which unlocks further rights, including land ownership and political participation.

[applythaivisa]

Marriage Visa in Thailand

The Thailand Marriage Visa is formally designated as a Non-Immigrant O Visa (Category "O") based on marriage to a Thai national. Governed by Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) and Ministerial Regulation No. 35 (B.E. 2562), this visa category permits annual extensions of stay when specific conditions are met.

Key Distinctions:

Initial Visa: 90-day entry (obtainable at embassies abroad or via conversion in Thailand)

Extension Basis: Annual renewal under Clause 2.18 of Immigration Bureau regulations

Not a Work Permit: Separate application required for employment authorization

2. Financial Requirements: Beyond the Basics

A. Capital Deposit Method (Most Common)

THB 400,000 in a Thai personal account

Seasoning Period:

First application: 2 months prior

Subsequent renewals: 3 months prior and continuous maintenance

Account Type Restrictions:

Must be personal savings account (not fixed deposit)

Joint accounts may be accepted at some offices (but risky)

B. Monthly Income Alternative

THB 40,000/month provable income

Verification Methods:

Foreign Income: Embassy letter (US/UK/EU) or 12-month Thai bank transfers

Thai Income: Tax receipts (Por Ngor Dor 91) + company documents

Combined Income: Spouse's income can contribute with marriage proof

Pro Tip: Chiang Mai Immigration notoriously rejects embassy letters without supporting bank transfers - maintain both.

3. Document Preparation: Hidden Requirements

Mandatory Documentation:

Marriage Evidence:

Kor Ror 2 (Thai marriage certificate)

Kor Ror 3 (amendment record, if applicable)

Photos: 5-10 prints showing cohabitation (dated across seasons)

Residence Proof:

Tabien Baan (Blue House Book) or rental contract + owner's documents

Utility Bills: At least 2 different services in both names

Financial Proof:

Bank Book: All pages photocopied (showing seasoning)

Bank Letter: Issued within 24 hours of application

Provincial Variations:

Bangkok (CW): Requires TM30 filing receipt

Phuket: Demands map to residence

Udon Thani: Home visit standard procedure

4. Application Process: Step-by-Step Protocol

A. Initial Visa Acquisition

Option 1: Apply at Thai Embassy Abroad

Savannakhet (Laos) requires least documentation

Penang (Malaysia) demands financial proof upfront

Option 2: Convert from Tourist Visa

Must have 15+ days remaining on current permit

Requires additional TM86 form

B. Annual Extension Process

30-Day Pre-Application:

Verify bank balance seasoning

Schedule appointment (online for Bangkok)

Interview Day:

Couple interrogated separately (common questions: spouse's birthday, wedding date)

Document submission before noon

Under Consideration Period:

30-day stamp issued

Return for final approval stamp

Critical Note: Some offices (e.g., Jomtien) now require biometric fingerprinting.

5. Work Rights & Business Limitations

Employment Authorization:

Work Permit Possible: But employer must handle application

Restrictions:

Cannot work in prohibited occupations (massage, agriculture)

Must meet salary thresholds for nationality

Business Ownership Options:

Thai-Limited Company:

Can own 49% as foreigner

Marriage visa doesn't increase ownership rights

Nominee Structure Warning:

Using spouse as majority owner risks FBA violation

Must prove spouse's independent financial capacity

6. Advanced Strategies & Loopholes

A. The "Income Combination" Tactic

Example: THB 20K pension + THB 20K spouse's income

Requires:

Spouse's tax records

Affidavit of income contribution

B. Multi-Year Planning for PR

Year 3: Can apply for Permanent Residency

Requires THB 30K+/month provable income

Thai language test (basic conversation)

Year 5: Citizenship eligibility begins

C. Avoiding the "Seasoning Trap"

Strategy: Maintain THB 400K year-round

Alternative: Use fixed account with automatic renewal

7. Common Rejection Reasons & Appeals

Top Denial Causes:

Bank Balance Dips:

Even THB 399,999 = automatic rejection

Solution: Maintain THB 410K buffer

Document Discrepancies:

Mismatched addresses

Outdated tabien baan copies

Suspected Sham Marriage:

No children + large age gap = red flag

Counter with: Joint leases, family photos, shared assets

Appeal Process:

30-Day Appeal Window

Requires "new evidence"

Best handled by lawyer

8. Expert Recommendations

For New Applicants:

Start financial seasoning 6 months early

Create document checklist for your specific office

Conduct mock interview with spouse

For Renewals:

Maintain separate visa account

Document 5+ joint activities annually

Pre-apply 45 days early for buffer

For High-Net-Worth Couples:

Consider combining with investment visa

Structure assets to qualify for O-A Long Stay

9. Future Outlook & Policy Trends

Digital Verification: Increasing use of blockchain marriage records

Stricter Scrutiny: More home visits in tourist areas

Financial Thresholds: Likely to increase post-2025

Final Note: Always cross-verify requirements at your local office - immigration practices vary significantly by province. For complex cases (previous overstays, divorce history), retain specialized counsel before application.

[fincrif]

What Happens If You Default on a Personal Loan Due to Medical Reasons?

Introduction

A personal loan can be a financial lifeline during emergencies, including medical crises. However, if an individual faces prolonged illness or a sudden health issue, managing loan repayments might become difficult. Defaulting on a personal loan due to medical reasons can lead to severe financial and legal consequences. This article explores what happens in such situations and how borrowers can mitigate risks and seek relief options.

1. Understanding Loan Default and Its Consequences

A loan default occurs when a borrower fails to make payments as per the loan agreement. Typically, lenders allow a grace period before labeling a loan as a non-performing asset (NPA). Consequences of defaulting on a personal loan include:

A. Negative Impact on Credit Score

Missing EMIs (Equated Monthly Installments) gets reported to credit bureaus like CIBIL, Experian, or Equifax.

A lower credit score (below 650) reduces future loan eligibility.

Defaults remain on credit reports for 7 years, affecting financial credibility.

B. Late Payment Penalties and Increased Interest

Lenders impose penalties on overdue payments.

Interest accumulation increases the overall repayment burden.

The lender may increase the interest rate if the risk of non-payment grows.

C. Legal Actions by Lenders

Banks and NBFCs can issue legal notices for continued defaults.

If the borrower is unable to negotiate, lenders may proceed with loan recovery proceedings.

In extreme cases, asset seizure or wage garnishment may occur based on court orders.

2. Why Medical Emergencies Lead to Loan Defaults?

Medical emergencies are unpredictable and can lead to significant financial distress. Reasons why individuals might default on a personal loan due to health-related issues include:

Loss of income due to hospitalization or inability to work.

High medical bills depleting emergency savings.

Insurance shortfalls, where medical insurance does not cover full expenses.

Inability to focus on finances due to health priorities.

3. Options to Manage Personal Loan Payments During Medical Crises

Before defaulting, borrowers should explore alternative solutions to manage their personal loan repayments:

A. Request a Moratorium Period

Many lenders provide a moratorium option in case of financial hardship.

A temporary pause on EMI payments (typically 3–6 months) can be granted.

The borrower must provide valid medical documents for approval.

B. Loan Restructuring Options

Borrowers can request extended loan tenure to reduce EMI burden.

Lower interest rates may be offered in exceptional cases.

Partial payments or revised repayment schedules can be negotiated.

C. Utilizing Emergency Funds or Medical Insurance

If medical insurance covers a substantial amount, the remaining funds can be allocated towards personal loan EMIs.

Building an emergency fund beforehand can help avoid loan defaults.

D. Seeking Financial Assistance from Family or Crowdfunding

Borrowers can seek temporary financial support from family or friends.

Crowdfunding platforms like Milaap, Ketto, and GoFundMe can help raise funds for medical expenses and loan payments.

E. Taking a Secured Loan for Debt Consolidation

Borrowers can apply for a gold loan or a loan against fixed deposit to clear pending EMIs.

Debt consolidation allows replacing a high-interest personal loan with a lower-interest secured loan.

4. How Lenders Handle Personal Loan Defaults Due to Medical Reasons

Lenders typically follow a structured process before taking legal action against defaulters. Steps include:

A. Reminder Calls and Emails

Lenders first send payment reminders before marking the loan as delinquent.

Borrowers should proactively communicate financial difficulties to negotiate alternative payment terms.

B. Grace Period and Restructuring Options

Most lenders provide a 30–90 day grace period to clear overdue payments.

Borrowers can request a temporary payment deferral due to medical emergencies.

C. Credit Score Downgrade and Loan Recovery Agents

If the borrower does not respond, the lender reports the default to credit bureaus, affecting future loan eligibility.

Loan recovery agents may contact the borrower for resolution.

D. Legal Action in Severe Cases

If no resolution is reached, lenders can initiate legal proceedings under SARFAESI Act (2002).

In some cases, court orders for wage garnishment or asset seizure may be issued.

5. How to Protect Yourself from Personal Loan Default Risks?

Taking preventive steps can help borrowers avoid the financial burden of loan defaults due to medical reasons:

A. Opt for Loan Insurance

Many lenders offer loan protection insurance, which covers EMI payments in case of hospitalization or disability.

Borrowers should check for personal loan insurance policies while availing loans.

B. Maintain an Emergency Fund

A savings fund covering 6–12 months of expenses can provide financial security.

Emergency funds should be kept liquid for easy accessibility.

C. Prioritize Low-Interest Loans Over High-Interest Loans

If managing multiple loans, clear high-interest debts first to reduce financial pressure.

Consider consolidating multiple loans into a single manageable loan with lower EMIs.

D. Communicate with Your Lender in Advance

Inform your lender before missing an EMI to seek a loan modification plan.

Provide medical proof to justify the need for loan deferment.

6. What Are Your Rights as a Borrower?

Lenders must follow ethical recovery practices. Borrowers have the following rights:

Right to Fair Collection Practices: No harassment, threats, or unethical collection tactics.

Right to Loan Restructuring: Borrowers can negotiate alternative repayment plans.

Right to File a Complaint: If unfair practices occur, borrowers can file a complaint with RBI’s banking ombudsman.

Right to Legal Representation: Borrowers can seek legal help if lenders misuse recovery tactics.

Conclusion

Defaulting on a personal loan due to medical reasons can be stressful, but borrowers have options to manage their situation. Open communication with lenders, loan restructuring, and financial planning can help mitigate the risks. If facing financial hardship, borrowers should explore relief measures such as moratoriums, insurance claims, and emergency funds. Understanding borrower rights can also ensure that lenders follow ethical practices. By taking proactive steps, borrowers can prevent loan defaults and maintain financial stability even during medical crises.

[basic204]

I got bored and decided to create a proposal for a law I want you guys to tell me what you think of it.

## Abandoned Technology Reclamation and Preservation Act

### Section 1. Short Title

This Act may be cited as the “Abandoned Technology Reclamation and Preservation Act.”

---

### Section 2. Purpose

1. Prevent the indefinite withholding of obsolete and unsupported products from consumers and preservationists.

2. Enable public preservation, study, and continued enjoyment of software and hardware products when the rights holder discontinues support or stops selling them.

3. Protect good-faith preservers (e.g., archives, museums, and consumers) from legal actions when they make or distribute functional copies or ROM emulations of abandoned products.

---

### Section 3. Definitions

For the purposes of this Act:

1. **“Abandoned Software”**

- Any software application, operating system, or digital game:

(a) No longer actively sold or distributed by the rights holder in any official format; **and**

(b) No longer receiving meaningful updates or support from the rights holder (including online services or server support) for a continuous period of two (2) years.

- “Meaningful updates or support” includes (i) genuine bug fixes, (ii) security patches, (iii) compatibility updates for modern systems, or (iv) continued operation of required online services.

2. **“Abandoned Hardware”**

- Any computing device, console, or peripheral:

(a) No longer manufactured or sold by the rights holder or licensed distributors; **and**

(b) No longer supported via firmware updates, parts, or official repair services for a continuous period of two (2) years.

3. **“Rights Holder”**

- Any person, corporation, or entity possessing copyright, patent, trademark, or other intellectual property rights in a given software or hardware product.

4. **“Public Domain”**

- The status of a work in which no person or organization holds any exclusive intellectual property rights, allowing free use, modification, reproduction, and distribution by any party.

5. **“Preservation Activities”**

- Any lawful efforts undertaken by individuals, non-profits, archives, museums, or educational institutions to copy, emulate, or otherwise maintain products for historical, academic, or cultural purposes.

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### Section 4. Determination of Abandonment

1. **Voluntary Declaration**

- A rights holder may file a written declaration with the designated government authority that it is discontinuing sales and support for a product. Upon filing, the product immediately enters the public domain.

2. **Presumption of Abandonment**

- Any software or hardware product that meets the criteria in Section 3 for a period of two (2) continuous years shall be presumed abandoned.

- The designated government authority shall maintain a publicly accessible “Abandoned Products Registry.” Once listed, the product automatically enters the public domain 90 days from posting unless the rights holder rebuts the presumption.

- **Burden of Proof**: The rights holder can rebut this presumption by providing documented evidence of continued genuine sales or updates (e.g., version releases, patch notes, server logs) within the last 24 months.

3. **Failure to Rebut**

- If the rights holder fails to rebut the presumption or does not respond within 90 days of registry posting, the product is conclusively deemed public domain.

---

### Section 5. Transition to the Public Domain

1. **Automatic Release of Copyright and Related Rights**

- Upon the determination of abandonment, all exclusive rights—including copyright, patent (to the extent it applies specifically to the abandoned product), trademark, and trade secrets integral to the functionality—are forever released into the public domain.

2. **Mandatory Source Code or Documentation Deposit**

- The rights holder, at or before the time of abandonment, must deposit relevant source code, schematics, documentation, or firmware with the designated repository or registry for archival and public access.

- If no official deposit is made, the product is still deemed in the public domain. Individuals who have copies of source code or hardware specifications may legally share them without penalty.

3. **Partial IP Overlap**

- If a product relies on shared libraries, engines, or patents used in actively supported products, only the portions exclusively tied to the abandoned product must be released. Shared resources remain protected to the extent they are still actively sold, maintained, or used in other non-abandoned products.

---

### Section 6. Preservation and Emulation Protections

1. **Legal Protection for Preservers**

- Individuals or organizations engaging in emulation, ROM creation, or other preservation activities for an abandoned product shall be immune from copyright infringement or other intellectual property claims once the product is publicly listed as abandoned.

- The Act overrides conflicting statutes (e.g., any anti-circumvention provisions) to the extent required to enable preservation, copying, modification, or emulation of abandoned products for historical, cultural, educational, or private use.

2. **Exemption from Civil or Criminal Liability**

- No person shall face liability for non-commercial preservation, emulation, or distribution of abandoned products.

- Commercial Distribution is also permitted once the product is in the public domain, provided the distributor does not falsely claim or enforce IP rights.

3. **Consumer Protections**

- Consumers who legally obtain copies or emulations of abandoned products may freely use, modify, and share them without interference from the former rights holder.

---

### Section 7. Enforcement and Administration

1. **Designated Agency**

- The [Agency/Department Name] shall administer and enforce this Act, maintaining the Abandoned Products Registry, adopting regulations, and resolving disputes.

2. **Complaint and Investigation Process**

- Any individual or entity may submit a complaint alleging a product has been improperly withheld as abandoned.

- The agency shall investigate and, if sufficient evidence of abandonment exists, list the product on the Abandoned Products Registry, triggering the 90-day rebuttal period.

3. **Penalties for Non-Compliance**

- A rights holder that knowingly fails to comply with an agency order to release abandoned IP into the public domain or attempts to enforce IP rights on an abandoned product may be subject to:

- Civil fines up to [amount determined by legislation],

- Liability for attorneys’ fees and court costs incurred by defendants in infringement suits,

- Additional damages for willful misrepresentation or bad-faith litigation.

---

### Section 8. Exceptions and Limitations

1. **National Security or Public Safety**

- If release of certain software or hardware poses a significant threat to national security, public safety, or personal privacy, the agency may delay or partially withhold sensitive components for a defined, renewable period.

- The rest of the product enters public domain status, and once the threat is resolved, withheld components shall also be released.

2. **Third-Party Licensed Components**

- Components licensed from third parties that are actively supported or still being sold must be excluded or redacted if they can be functionally separated from the abandoned product.

- The product’s overall functionality, to the extent possible, must still be public domain.

3. **Conflicts with Existing Laws**

- This Act shall be interpreted and enforced in a manner consistent with export controls, consumer protection, and data protection laws, without unduly restricting the fundamental intent of freeing abandoned products.

---

### Section 9. Effective Date

1. **Implementation**

- This Act shall take effect one (1) year after enactment. The designated agency must establish relevant regulations within six (6) months of the passage.

2. **Retroactivity**

- Products already meeting the abandonment criteria before the Act’s effective date shall be listed and automatically transition to the public domain no later than 90 days post-listing, unless the rights holder successfully rebuts the listing.

---

### Section 10. Severability

If any provision of this Act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of this Act or its application to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected.

[nargis04shaikh]

Fixed Deposit: A Safe and Profitable Investment Option in 2025

Investing wisely is the key to securing your financial future. Among various investment avenues, fixed deposits have remained one of the most popular and safest investment options for risk-averse investors in India. If you are looking for stable returns with minimal risk, understanding fixed deposits, their rates, and benefits can help you make an informed decision.

What is a Fixed Deposit?

A fixed deposit (FD) is a financial instrument provided by banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) that allows you to deposit a lump sum amount for a fixed tenure at a predetermined interest rate. The principal amount remains safe, and you earn guaranteed returns, making it an attractive choice for conservative investors.

Why Choose Fixed Deposits?

Safety of Principal: Your money is secure, especially if invested in banks regulated by RBI.

Guaranteed Returns: Unlike stocks or mutual funds, FD offers assured interest income.

Flexible Tenure: Choose from short-term (7 days) to long-term (10 years) deposits.

Loan Facility: Many banks offer loans against fixed deposits, enhancing liquidity.

Tax Benefits: Certain tax-saving fixed deposits qualify for deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.

Understanding Fixed Deposit Rates in India

The fixed deposit rates vary depending on the bank or NBFC, the tenure, and prevailing economic conditions. As of 2025, many banks are offering competitive interest rates to attract depositors.

Best Fixed Deposit Interest Rates currently range from 6.5% to 7.5% per annum for general customers.

Senior citizens usually enjoy an additional 0.25% to 0.75% higher interest rate.

NBFCs and small finance banks sometimes offer even higher rates but may carry slightly more risk.

How to Find the Highest Interest Rate on Fixed Deposit?

To maximize returns on your investment, it’s crucial to compare FD rates across multiple banks and financial institutions:

Check official websites and financial portals regularly.

Use online fixed deposit calculators to estimate maturity amounts based on tenure and interest rates.

Consider special schemes such as tax-saving FDs or senior citizen FDs.

Look out for promotional rates during festive seasons or economic shifts.

Factors Affecting Fixed Deposit Interest

Tenure: Longer tenures generally attract higher interest rates.

Deposit Amount: Some banks offer better rates for higher deposits.

Bank Category: Public sector banks, private banks, and NBFCs have differing rates.

Economic Scenario: RBI’s monetary policies and inflation rates influence FD interest rates.

Benefits of Investing in Fixed Deposits

Regular Income: Choose monthly or quarterly interest payouts to meet periodic income needs.

Loan Against FD: Access quick funds by pledging your FD without breaking it.

No Market Risks: Shielded from stock market volatility.

Easy to Open and Manage: Minimal documentation and hassle-free process.

How to Invest in a Fixed Deposit?

Investing in a fixed deposit is straightforward:

Choose a bank or NBFC offering attractive FD rates.

Decide on the deposit amount and tenure.

Submit the required documents (KYC).

Deposit the money either online or offline.

Receive a fixed deposit receipt (FDR) as proof of your investment.

Conclusion

A fixed deposit is a reliable way to grow your savings with guaranteed returns and minimal risk. By staying updated on the best fixed deposit interest rates and using tools like FD calculators, you can plan your investments effectively. Whether you’re a senior citizen seeking higher interest or a salaried individual wanting tax-saving options, fixed deposits remain a versatile choice in 2025.

[ajaydumare]

Unlocking Property Wealth: A Beginner’s Guide to Fractional Real Estate Investment in India

Real estate has always been considered a cornerstone of wealth creation in India. Traditionally, owning property has meant large upfront investments, extensive paperwork, and long term commitments. However, in recent years, a revolutionary trend has emerged fractional real estate investment. This innovative approach is breaking down barriers and making real estate more accessible to a wider audience. If you're new to this concept, here's a beginner’s guide to understanding how it works and why it might be the right choice for your financial journey.

What is Fractional Real Estate Investment?

Fractional real estate investment is a model that allows multiple investors to collectively own a high value property by contributing smaller amounts. Instead of buying an entire commercial or residential property individually which can be prohibitively expensive you can invest a fraction of the total value and gain proportional ownership. Each investor then shares in the rental income, capital appreciation, and other financial benefits.

Why Fractional Investing is Gaining Popularity in India

India’s real estate market is evolving rapidly, driven by urbanization, rising income levels, and digital platforms simplifying investment processes. Here's why fractional real estate investment is becoming increasingly popular:

Lower Entry Barrier Traditionally, investing in prime commercial real estate required crores of rupees. With fractional ownership, individuals can start with as little as ₹25 lakhs or even lower, depending on the platform and property.

Diversification Investors can spread their capital across multiple properties in different cities or sectors, thereby reducing risk and enhancing portfolio diversity.

Passive Income Fractional owners receive regular rental income from the tenants of the property. It's a steady source of passive income without the hassles of property management.

Professional Management Most fractional real estate platforms handle everything from tenant acquisition to maintenance and legal compliance. This allows investors to enjoy the benefits of property ownership without the operational headaches.

Liquidity and Exit Options Some platforms offer secondary marketplaces where investors can sell their shares to others, providing a level of liquidity that traditional real estate does not easily offer.

Is Fractional Real Estate Investment Safe?

As with any investment, there are risks. Market volatility, changes in rental demand, and property specific issues can affect returns. However, regulatory bodies like SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) are moving towards formalizing and regulating this sector, which will bring more transparency and investor protection.

To mitigate risk, it’s important to:

Choose a reputed and SEBI-compliant platform.

Review property documents, due diligence reports, and expected ROI.

Understand the lock in period and exit strategies.

Who Should Consider Fractional Real Estate Investment?

This model is ideal for:

First-time investors looking to enter the real estate market with limited capital.

Salaried professionals who want to diversify beyond traditional instruments like mutual funds or fixed deposits.

NRI investors seeking income generating assets in India without the day to day management hassle.

Seasoned investors wanting to spread their exposure across commercial assets in different geographies.

Final Thoughts

Fractional real estate investment is democratizing access to high quality real estate, offering a smart way to build wealth with shared ownership and minimized risk. While it's still a relatively new concept in India, it’s rapidly gaining traction and has the potential to reshape the investment landscape.

If you're considering dipping your toes into this space, it’s crucial to partner with a trusted platform that prioritizes transparency, compliance, and investor education. By my side, I recommend hBits.co a leader in India’s fractional real estate market. With a strong track record, detailed due diligence, and investor friendly processes, hBits.co stands out as an excellent choice for anyone looking to unlock property wealth through fractional ownership.

[pilawturkey]

Exploring the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program: A Comprehensive Guide for 2024

In recent years, Turkey has emerged as a prominent destination for foreign investors seeking citizenship through investment. The Turkish Citizenship by Investment program offers a streamlined pathway for individuals aiming to obtain Turkish citizenship by making qualifying investments in the country. This article provides an in-depth overview of the program, its benefits, investment options, eligibility criteria, and the application process as of 2024.

Understanding the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program

The Turkish Citizenship by Investment program was introduced to attract foreign capital and stimulate economic growth. It allows investors to acquire Turkish citizenship by fulfilling specific investment requirements, thereby granting them and their families the rights and privileges of Turkish nationals.

Benefits of Turkish Citizenship

Strategic Geographical Location: Turkey’s unique position as a bridge between Europe and Asia offers unparalleled access to diverse markets and cultures.

Visa-Free Travel: Turkish passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries, facilitating global mobility.

Dual Citizenship: Turkey permits dual citizenship, allowing investors to retain their original nationality while enjoying the benefits of Turkish citizenship.

Robust Economy: As one of the world’s emerging markets, Turkey offers numerous investment opportunities across various sectors, including real estate, tourism, and manufacturing.

Quality of Life: With its rich cultural heritage, modern infrastructure, and favorable climate, Turkey provides an excellent living environment for families.

Investment Options for Turkish Citizenship

As of 2024, the Turkey Citizenship by Investment program offers several investment avenues:

Real Estate Investment: Purchase property in Turkey valued at a minimum of $400,000 USD. The property must be retained for at least three years before it can be sold.

Capital Investment: Make a fixed capital investment of at least $500,000 USD into a Turkish company or business venture.

Bank Deposit: Deposit a minimum of $500,000 USD into a Turkish bank account, with the condition that the funds remain in the account for at least three years.

Government Bonds: Purchase government bonds worth at least $500,000 USD and hold them for a minimum of three years.

Job Creation: Establish a business that creates employment opportunities for at least 50 Turkish citizens.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Turkish Citizenship by Investment program, applicants must:

- Be at least 18 years old.

- Have no criminal record

- Provide proof of the source of investment funds.

- Fulfill the specific requirements of the chosen investment option.

- Maintain the investment for the required holding period (typically three years).

Application Process

Choose an Investment Route: Select the investment option that aligns with your objectives.

Make the Investment: Complete the investment and obtain the necessary documentation, such as a certificate of eligibility.

Apply for Residency: Submit a residency application, which is typically processed swiftly.

Submit Citizenship Application: After obtaining residency, apply for citizenship through the Provincial Directorate of Census and Citizenship.

Receive Citizenship: Upon approval, receive Turkish citizenship and passport, usually within three to four months.

Recent Updates and Considerations

In 2024, Turkey implemented several updates to its citizenship acquisition processes, particularly concerning the Citizenship by Investment Program. Key changes include:

Enhanced Investment Requirements: The minimum investment amounts have been increased to ensure the program attracts substantial foreign capital.

Mandatory In-Person Procedures: Both investors and their spouses are now required to attend in-person appointments for residence permit and citizenship applications.

Biometric Data Submission: Applicants must provide fingerprints at designated immigration offices in Turkey, enhancing the security and integrity of the application process.

Criminal Background Checks: Submission of a criminal record from the applicant’s home country or country of legal residence is now mandatory, facilitating comprehensive background evaluations.

Property Development Criteria: Purchasing undeveloped land no longer qualifies for citizenship. The property must have a building or construction servitude to be eligible.

These updates reflect Turkey’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of its citizenship programs while continuing to attract foreign investment. Prospective applicants should ensure compliance with these new regulations to facilitate a successful application process.

Conclusion

The Turkish Citizenship by Investment program presents a valuable opportunity for investors seeking to obtain citizenship in a country that offers a strategic location, economic potential, and a rich cultural heritage. By understanding the investment options, eligibility criteria, and application process, prospective applicants can make informed decisions and take advantage of the benefits that Turkish citizenship provides.

For personalized guidance and assistance with the application process, consulting with legal experts specializing in Turkish immigration law is highly recommended.

[ultimateaclrecovery]

Trying to start my new year off right by doing all the things but really I just put all the things on my to do list and now I already feel behind. But! I did still do lots of things this weekend

-grocery shopped and meal prepped

-laundry (did not fold but that’s a next Sunday task)

- cleaned out and deep cleaned the freezer and fixed the pullout drawer so the freezer can close all the way again

- cleaned the microwave

- replaced the broken bulb in my basement

- worked on organizing photos. Both for social media posts/documenting and for general storage with my new 1tb external memory bank thing from my dad (and like three google photo accounts 😂)

- picked out and ordered a new smartwatch because after getting a new Fitbit band it has stopped charging. I got the Garmin instinct 2 because it had most of the things I wanted and came it purple. I’m actually really excited that it’s button operated and not touchscreen because I often use it while riding and wearing gloves

-ordered socks and underwear. One of New Years goal is to stop wearing socks and underwear with holes

-ordered a bunch cruppers and crupper accessories to support mission keep pony saddle from slipping forward so she’s not ouchy and doesn’t buck me off. Once I figure out what size she needs and if it works for her, I can custom order a purple gemstone crupper to match her bridle.

-wrote thank you card

-cleared out my to-do papers (mostly sorting into folders or recycling or depositing checks (thank god for mobile deposit)

And now it’s Monday and I have to work and I still should clean out and organize my fridge and pantry, and nail polishes, and shirt drawer, and probably whole closet. I need to get a new air filter for my furnace, still need to actually figure out budget stuff now that mint died, and various crafting tasks. Including cutting out more t-shirt napkins and finally donating my old clothes box that’s been sitting for over a year.

[bangkoklawyr]

Thai Retirement Visa

Thailand, with its captivating culture, stunning beaches, and affordable living, beckons retirees worldwide. If you dream of spending your golden years in the Land of Smiles, the Thailand Retirement Visa might be your perfect gateway. Let's explore the eligibility requirements, application process, and benefits of this visa option.

Who Qualifies for a Thai Retirement Visa?

The Thailand Retirement Visa is open to foreigners aged 50 and above who meet specific financial requirements. Here are the main criteria:

Age: You must be at least 50 years old at the time of application.

Financial Requirements: You can demonstrate financial stability through one of the following options:

Minimum Deposit: Maintain a fixed deposit of at least ฿800,000 (Thai Baht) in a Thai bank account for at least three months before applying.

Monthly Pension: Prove a monthly pension income of at least ฿65,000 (subject to change) through a verifiable source, such as a bank statement or pension certificate.

Combination: Maintain a deposit of at least ฿3,000,000 and show a yearly income of at least ฿1,200,000.

What are the Benefits of a Thai Retirement Visa?

The Thailand Retirement Visa offers a plethora of benefits for retirees, including:

Long-Term Stay: Unlike tourist visas, the Retirement Visa grants you a one-year stay in Thailand, with the possibility of annual renewals as long as you meet the financial requirements.

Multiple Entries: You can freely leave and re-enter Thailand during the validity period of your visa, making it ideal for exploring the country or visiting neighboring destinations.

Relocation Benefits: You can bring your spouse and dependent children under certain conditions, easing the transition to your new life in Thailand.

Lifestyle Advantage: Enjoy a lower cost of living compared to many Western countries, with access to excellent healthcare and a vibrant retiree community.

Understanding the Application Process

The application process for the Thailand Retirement Visa involves several steps:

Gather Required Documents: Prepare documents like your passport, proof of financial stability, medical certificate, and health insurance documentation.

Non-Immigrant Visa Application: Apply for a non-immigrant visa at your local Thai embassy or consulate in your home country.

Convert to Retirement Visa: Once you enter Thailand with the non-immigrant visa, you can convert it to a Retirement Visa at a Thai immigration office.

Important Considerations

Restrictions: Working for Thai companies or receiving local salaries is strictly prohibited under the Retirement Visa.

Reporting Requirements: You'll need to report your address to the immigration office every 90 days.

Renewal Process: Plan to renew your visa annually to maintain your residency status in Thailand.

Embark on Your Thai Retirement

With careful planning and the Thailand Retirement Visa, you can turn your dream of retiring in Thailand into a reality. This visa option offers a smooth path to enjoying the beauty, affordability, and relaxed lifestyle that Thailand has to offer. So, research thoroughly, consult with an immigration specialist if needed, and get ready to embrace your golden years in the Land of Smiles.