avander

Same for me. The Thai translation option to English that used to appear on every Thai language post has not been available for the past 2 or 3 days. 

Very frustrating as I am married to a Thai a0nd have many Thai friends.

Is FB doing anything about this?

Just now, mfd101 said:

No, but security does require (1) robust build with blast-proof independent spaces and (2) clear sight all around the building. So eventual gardens will be well away from the building.

 

And don't forget that too much prettying-up and hordes of expats on this site will be complaining on how their money has been wasted on all those useless bureaucrats who only think of themselves and never serve the hardworking old men who want to pay less taxes but want more service ...

I had a "momentary lapse of reason" (pun intended) and forgot about our Aussie whingers.  I'm still proud of my country even though it has gone to the dogs in recent times and would have liked to have seen a better show instead of a "bunker".  

According to the Wikipedia definition this would have been better off out of sight underground. And with a nice Eucalypt native Aussie park on the "roof" full of CCTV and whatever else the security experts like. 

Call me a dreamer........  

You'd have thought they could have prettied it up a little by putting a little greenery in or maybe they couldn't afford "advanced" plantings.

Surely, security doesn't have to mean design it to look "ugly as....".   It looks so dated.

I am hoping the photo doesn't do it justice.......

I easily got the Yellow Book when I moved here with my Thai wife and kids 4 years ago.  My wife owns the property we are living in here.

We are returning to my home country  later this year for an indefinite period; could be 10 years.   When we do come back to LOS again I am wondering if my Yellow Book will still be "valid" and  just need updating with any new address?

My new Citibank cards were sent regular mail from Australia. No problems. They were not activated and unsigned  (not that signatures mean anything here). 

4 hours ago, Andyfez said:

Yes I used it about 3 weeks ago.

 

Remember: Use IE Explorer, other browsers don't usually work.

Windows security says the certificate is not updated/valid and recommends you don't go to the site. Go anyway.

Dont forget to scroll to the bottom of the 'conditions' box and tick acceptance.

You must have found a very rare window of opportunity. I had to visit my local immigration office for my 2nd 90 day report since the system has been unavailable or failing for around 6 months now.

I tried access every day during the days I could have lodged it electronically on both occasions. Previously it worked for a year or so.

19 minutes ago, khunano said:

You may want to consider extending the validity of your driving license(s) should you hold any. Remaining valid for 5 years, this may only be necessary once since you intend to return to Thailand within 7-10 years. You would most likely have to enter on a non-immigrant visa to do so. Maintaining a property in Thailand you should still have a valid address. 

Good point and one I hadn't thought of.  My license here is good for another 4 or years or so.  By then it maybe a case for a short holiday to renew the License and do any other "jobs" required.

4 minutes ago, Xobtsiwt said:

The mere fact of a little money in the account may not be enough to stop it being closed over time; I have had two accounts closed for being inactive (and the balance of a few hundred Baht disappeared) over the years. You may need to make a small transaction every once in a while too.

Good idea, I will keep that in mind and luckily have 2 accounts with the one bank so I can do the occasional bank transfers between the accounts. 

Thanks to those who have posted their advice and knowledge   Much appreciated.

TV is a wonderful source and I know many who rely on it for their daily doses of Thai/Expat news as well as the useful threads on I dare say almost any subject on Thailand.

Kudos to the moderators and people of genuine knowledge who provide their time and effort to make this forum (and the site) what it is.

3 minutes ago, RocketDog said:

Above all don't ever believe that the immigrant law won't change drastically. That said I agree that maintaing. your current extension is surely the safest bet. Maybe you could renew each year at the Thai consulate in oz?

Juse a thought ;

I did give some thought to maintaining the 1 year extension;  something another TV member mentioned also however, I reckon maintaining it would be a huge hassle. Nor am I planning to come back for many visits at this point.

I'm placing my bet that the visa door will remain open to me primarily on the basis of being married to a Thai and also maintaining a property here.

5 minutes ago, Evilbaz said:

Ensure you understand the Visa rules  for your wife and the costs involved for a long/permanent stay.

Thanks Baz.  
A LOT  of time (and money) went into that originally when my wife and the children got their permanent residency in Australia so no problems there and no further costs until they go for citizenship which they are likely to do.

I have been living in Thailand for 4 years on a Non Immi O visa based on marriage and with extensions every year.  

We are planning to return to Australia this year and will likely return again after 7-10 years.

Is there anything I can or should do at my Immigration office prior to leaving to:

• Notify them I won't be applying for a new extention
• "Cancel" my current extension which won't have expired by the time I leave and no re-entry permit of course?
• Make it easier to reapply for a new visa when we do eventually return?
• ??

Alibaba is geared to wholesale purchases of quantity although many suppliers will allow samples or 1-off purchases.  It is older than Alibaba and their online shop is a little dated now.

AliExpress is newer and for the likes of the end consumer.  The purchase process seems easier through Aliexpress.

'I have purchased a number of times from both and had no problems with either although their English can be troublesome.  

As of yet I have not had to pay duty on anything either.  Some say the Thai Customs authorities favor Chinese suppliers.

Standard deliveries to Thailand are normally 3-4 weeks although I have had faster shipping and you can pay for more expensive faster shipping should you wish.

20 minutes ago, soisanuk said:

If using an Embassy income letter for applying to change the visa (Tourist Visa to Non O) or for a visa (exempt arrival applying for a Non O), Pattaya Immigration has been requiring the Ministry stamp for some time now - however, for those entering on a Non-Immigrant O Visa and applying for an extension of stay using the Embassy letter, they have been accepting the letter with no requirement for a Ministry stamp.

Correct. I am currently renewing my Non Immi O 12 month extension and the Embassy letter was fine on its own.

4 minutes ago, Hedghog said:

Some great replies,all manner of remedies thank you all.

I have placed sticky rat traps where the vermin congregate,under the eaves,

My neighbours are interested in the experiment,and will follow suit if successful, will offer a progress report in the morning.

No adverse comments were made about the method I am using,not directly anyway.

They seem to start arriving from 6am then start to dissappear early evening.

 

 

I don't expect many will start disappearing any time soon now.....  
Good Luck with the remedy.  Interested to see how it goes.

P.S. Sorry I couldn't resist. 

9 minutes ago, csabo said:

I saw an few owls for sale in chatuchak. Looked hungry too.

I don't know if this works but read in another thread that they hate WD40....a TV member bought it in a large container  and uses a pump sprayer on the surfaces the birds congregate on. They won't go near the stuff. No idea how long it lasts and no other details.

I used bird spikes puchased at HomePro which I glued to the walls on my roof with Liquid Nails. It is a little expensive but works for the long term. If you have a lot of open flat space around your roof it may be a problem though.

The kite idea sounds good.

I don't know if this works but read in another thread that they hate WD40....a TV member bought it in a large container  and uses a pump sprayer on the surfaces the birds congregate on. They won't go near the stuff. No idea how long it lasts and no other details.

I used bird spikes puchased at HomePro which I glued to the walls on my roof with Liquid Nails. It is a little expensive but works for the long term. If you have a lot of open flat space around your roof it may be a problem though.

The kite idea sounds good.

13 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

You should use your address here.

Thanks so much Ubon.  

I don't know what we'd do without you!!  

I have another question regarding the income substantiation documentation.  

The Statutory Declaration I complete and have my Embassy certify requires my address.

As this is for my 3rd year here should I use my current Thai address or my Australian address?

1 hour ago, ubonjoe said:

They do not ask for it if you are applying for an extension of stay.

From the info you quoted.

 

Thanks. I was not sure as I will change from the "money in the bank" method I've used previously to the monthly income so wonder if they need Consular Affairs to check. 

Hi All,

I read the following on the Pattaya City Expat Club website in relation to Non-Immigration O visa application (& renewal?) requirements for substantiating one's income:

"  NOTE: As of the end of March 2016, we received reports that if you are using the Embassy Letter certifying income, Pattaya Immigration will not accept it unless it has been verified by the Department of Consular Affairs. This applies only to application for a Non-Immigrant “O” Visa – the stamp is not required if only doing an extension of stay. The Department of Consular Affairs fee is 400 baht for regular processing or 800 baht express processing (same day). You may wish to check with Pattaya Immigration to confirm this requirement is still in effect before traveling to Bangkok: Legalization Division, 3rd floor Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs 123 Chaeng Watthana Road, Bangkok 10210 Telephone: 02-575-1056/59 Email: [email protected] Service hours: 08.30 - 14.30 hrs. (Closed on Saturday - Sunday and Public Holidays)   "

I am about to do my 2nd 12 month Extension of Stay renewal application for a Non Immi O visa based on marriage and will use a Statutory Declaration from the Australian Embassy (the "Embassy Letter").

Can anyone confirm if Chonburi Immigration will require me to have a verification by the Dept of Consular Affairs in Bangkok?  It seems to read as if this is only required if you are doing your first Non Immi O visa application and not an Extension of Stay but want to be 100% sure.  Apart from my 1st application in 2013 where I also used a Stat Dec. the last 2 times I have extended I have used the "money in the bank" option.

I hope someone can clarify as one can never be too sure here. ...

41 minutes ago, psmiller said:

WD40, Acetone(nail polish remover), hairspray(do it quick) gaffer tape(stick it on the floor then rip it off) Orange or lemon essential oil.

 

WD40 is also good for keeping Pigeons away from your house, just to let you know.

It is full of Fish Oil and for some reason Pigeons and even a lot of birds hate the smell.

@psmiller:  Never heard of WD40 as a pigeon deterrent before.  Sounds like a great idea.   How long does 1 application last? 

Try some bleach straight from the bottle. Just dab on the marks and let dry. Keep applying until the marks are gone and then rinse off.  I have used this to remove marks from tiles such as you mention and small marks and makeup stains from white granite benchtops (where I used a cotton bud to apply).

Obviously take care when near carpet, mats, clothing etc.