Utility Bills

[niggle]

Forgive a seemngly stupid question but having been here fo 9 months, we have only just had water and electricity bills (previously paid by development owner).
Now ... I read that you dont get long to pay the bills after they are issued or you get cut off fairly smartish. So what happens if, say you go to UK for a month or so - obviously not here to pay bills - do the electricity / water have a system where you can notify them of this ?.

[Hobiecat]

Both the power company and the water office provide direct debt form your bank account. You have to go to both offices and fill in a form (in Thai) and take it to your bank to get it authorized.

The power company office is on Petchisan between Soi 94-102 if my memory dosen't fail me and the water office is between the Tesiban office and the train station tucked back off the road.

And yes they will cut you off quick. Happened to us immediately after we got hooked up. Seems they didn't know where to deliver the bill. Go figure?

[Norseman]

You don't need any paper from either the water company or the el.company.
Just go to your bank and tell them what you want.
Hand over one already paid bill from each company and that's it.
Just remember to bring your passport if you want to open a new bank account for this purpose.

[Hobiecat]

Well we were informed and had provide the form at the Bangkok Bank. Maybe your bank is a little more relaxed?

[Norseman]

I did it that way some time ago and a friend did it this way last week.

[Thai Tam]

Niggle,

As others have stated you should be able to have your bills paid by direct debit.

Be careful with the electricity company as not only do they cut off your supply, they may also remove your meter.

Also, you may still have to pay for communal water and Electricty supplies, as well as other services. Make sure you understand what responsibilities are being transferred from your developer and to whom.

[niggle]

Thanks all.
I will get direct debits set up asap
Incidently - do the elect and wter have the facility to pay online ?

[ozuncle]

Twice we have set up direct debits with Electric Company.
The first time was with Bangkok Bank. My wife did it so may have got the paperwork mixed up.
The second time was Jan 08 and my daughter did every thing as stated by the electric co. Paperwork from them was completed and taken to Siam Bank.
I was with her and the manager clearly said that everything would be OK.

Both times failed.

It has since been reconnected but it is very annoying.

We will try again next visit.

[crazy88]

We used to have the non-delivery of bill and changing of due dates issue .The first couple of times I just reconnected the wires myself .(primitive system back then for temporary electric) About a year ago the power went off and I looked out of the window and saw the guy who had cut us off .Went out and spoke to him and exchanged phone numbers and gave him a cold drink .Now he calls us when the bill is due and we call him if we are going away .Have not been cut off since .We have now got the same deal with the water man as well .Well worth a can of coke and a can of chang .

Crazy88

[niggle]

How long after the 'pay bill by date" is it generally before they start disconnecteing ? We will only be away a month and I'm not keen on setting up direct debits if I can help it

[lomuamart]

How long after the 'pay bill by date" is it generally before they start disconnecteing ? We will only be away a month and I'm not keen on setting up direct debits if I can help it

I'd say that the electricity will give you a week, water 3 months, cable tv - not sure. TOT a couple of weeks, maybe.
If you're only away for a month, why not pop into the offices, explain it to them and ask to pay in advance, based on previous bills. I'm sure that should work.

[crazy88]

I don't know if it varies from district to district but they used to cut it the same or next day without warning .Now they phone us up as I said earlier .As Lomu points out they should be flexible if approached .They were with us .

Crazy88

[lomuamart]

I'll confirm that the water bill gets left for 3 months where we are. The chap just turned up and said the office wanted to cut us off. And neither of us had any cash in the house, so it was a swift trip to the ATM.
Didn't realise that we'd left it that long. I certainly don't want to end up more smelly that I normally am in this hot weather!

[huahinsimon]

[quote="lomuamart
If you're only away for a month, why not pop into the offices, explain it to them and ask to pay in advance, based on previous bills. I'm sure that should work.[/quote]

Don't be toooo sure. I tried it. They wouldn't take the money. No bill, cant take money.
Tried the debit thing at bank, that failed also.
Wouldn't it be great if you could pay in advance like the phone card.

HHS

[Norseman]

Tried the debit thing at bank, that failed also.

HHS

What failed HHS?
(Works perfect for me).