ajarnmarc

My passport expires next year, so I will be interested to see what they can do to assist.

I got a new passport after having the 5-year PE visa for ~6 months. I got the new passport at the embassy in BKK, then had to physically go to Chaeng Wattana to meet with the Thai Elite representative to get the PE visa put into my new passport.

90-day renewal is a breeze; fortunate for me, since the online system simply refuses to approve my 90-day report. I use a courier to pick up my passport from my condo and deliver it to the Thailand Elite offices; they take care of the 90-day reporting and get the reporting slip inserted into my passport; then the courier picks it up and returns it to me at my condo.

Smooth setup, for sure.

Cheers

thanx for many good replies. i agree with you. this gal alleges she is an engineer and even writes on profile meeting for coffee is not acceptable but it must be a quality restaurant.

i messaged her asking if she has a list of acceptable places. sirocco was the reply.

next i thought maybe she gets a commission? maybe she wants to get a free expensive meal? maybe she is a very bitter unhappy person and thinks her ego will be healed with expensive food?

maybe golden pussy syndrome?

Or she's looking for the experience on your money.

This is probably why she's single,

and more importantly,

on a dating site.

I'm curious, has anyone married a Thai lady outside of Thailand i.e. Malaysia,

and then went to the consultant to apply for a Non O visa?

As there are plenty of places I can think of that are much nicer to get married at,

than within Thailand...

Once the honeymoon is over with,

then could a person use their new relationship status to apply for a Non O visa,

while still being out of the country?

My guess is Thailand would want you to marry within Thailand,

and they leave to apply for a Non O based on this relationship status.

Since some people still don't like to fly,

as often as others do, but still fall in love,

and wish to marry, it would be nice if this were a option.

I can also imagine that some would like to marry within the presence of their own family,

in their home country, and then apply for a Non O visa upon returning to Thailand with their new bride.

I bumped into a guy I knew at the airport when I was flying back to the UK. He was on 5 1/2 years overstay and worried. He asked if I would go through immigration with him. The immigration staff were very polite and professional and even gave the guy some advice on which visa to get to come straight back which is what he did.It took no longer than 15 minutes in all. Even I was impressed. Don't worry too much and don't believe the doomsayers on TV

Oh and you are a very bad man for overstaying

I'm assuming this was @ Surat Thani Airport,

which you bumped into this guy...?

If so, I thank you for sharing your experience,

and the details you've been so kind to include.

I shall pass along your reply to my associate,

as he has been very concerned about this.

He had thought he'd booked a domestic flight from Surat Thani,

and would be connecting to his International flight in Bangkok,

but apparently that's not exactly accurate,

as the initial flight is scheduled from Surat Thani to be continuing outside of Thailand.

Can you also kindly inform me when it was that you happened to witness this exchange between

the guy with the overstay, and the Immigration @ Surat Thani Airport?

As it would be interesting to know if this was recently or not.

To all the overstayers wanting to clear up their issue,

I can only hope this helps to encourage others to sort things out before things get much more serious within Thailand,

concerning this type of matter.

Cheers and safe travels.

Has anyone had experience with clearing overstay @ Surat Thani Airport, prior to International Flight?

Can it be done @ Surat Thani Airport?

If so does anyone know what the operation hours are?

How soon before the International Flight, should one show up to clear an overstay @ Surat Thani Airport?

I've read when people have tried to clear an overstay @ Samui Airport, they were transferred to Nathon Immigration for processing,

but I haven't read how the procedure went, and can imagine it was a huge delay for the processing.

Any impute would be very useful to a friend of mind who is trying to clear up his overstay,

and fly out of Surat Thani for an International flight.

I thank you for your time,

and any assistance anyone can provide.

Also any experiences dealing with Surat Thani Immigration @ the Airport would be very helpful,

I think.

Cheers

I'm going tattoo my passport number on my wrist with a small American flag so they know which camp to put me in.

, that's what they really want...complete control, to keep us at our homes or resorts.

Amazing

Something to look forward to,

the next time I fill up.

Unfortunately this will only allow the kids to scoot around even more on their parents mopeds,

without a license, as the price declines on the fuel.

"The people of Thailand don’t currently enjoy the high incomes or political freedoms to which they aspire — and the future prospects are not good for either."

be careful what you wish for, Thailand.

resist all outside influences with your last breath.

real police, traffic laws enforced, traffic tickets, speed traps, computer criminal record database, driving record for insurance companies, soaring auto insurance costs, wear your helmet, seat belt, pass a real driving test, maintain your vehicle, must be 18 to ride a scooter, CCTV cameras that work, watching everywhere you go, emission controls, parking tickets, parking meters, paying taxes for all income, tax audits, property tax, rice tax, fishing tax, fishing license to fish from a bridge, permits for everything you do, no burning fields, catalytic converters on all restaurants, no food carts, no street vendors, business licenses, health inspectors, food inspectors, liability law suits, public safety restrictions, real fire departments, fire safety inspections, building codes, electrical codes, strict zoning laws, unions, soaring health care costs, the UN, global warming , draconian environmental laws, planting rice bad for the environment, rice causes diabetes, "proper" education, "freedom of speech", demonetization and destruction of your culture, English, IMF, new immigration laws for diversification, farangs elected to public office, farangs owning land, business and banks, farangs in the police, military and government, rule of law, no drinking in public, no urinating in public, no smoking, no parking, no loitering, beach closed after dark, no fireworks, no guns, no littering, no drinking or fires on the beaches, no food sold on beaches, trash containers, police helicopters over head 24/7, intellectual property rights, human rights, animal rights, no death camps, no slaves...

and of course no gogo's and no bargirls.

in other words, welcome to California.

All too true. It's a slippery slope.

We'd all like a few of the things you mention, but many of them truly are ludicrous.

------------------------------------

"catalytic converters on all restaurants"

They put those on restaurants?

I don't desire any of the items on the list here,

that's why I stayed here upon my first visit...

There wasn't any of that noise,

all was well,

and peaceful.

Showing me how simple life could be and enjoyed.

It was most likely something the foreigner was sold,

and now that he has the deed,

he's on the hook for how he purchased the property?

Who he bought the land from?

Perhaps, even where the money came from?

Tough times ahead for the person whose names are or might be on these chanots indeed.

I reckon at any given time, there would be at least 40K riders in greater Bangkok that are riding without helmets. Just enforcing the law would net millions for the BiB in a short space of time...but in the long run their income would dry up.

Nah, Thai's are stubborn.

The helmet law was passed in 2000,

and after 16 years,

it still hasn't taken much effect on the motorist,

aside from the motorcycle taxi drivers.

i.e. Thai gets a ticket for not wearing a helmet,

he thinks well...

now I can drive around as much as I want for the rest of the day without worry

of a 2nd infraction for not wearing that plastic bowl on thy head.

Good stuff...

Good stuff...

Perhaps this is what TAT would like to think,

or more importantly, like other to consider...

Though for people who have come here,

they know it can't be the truth,

as there's nothing to truly enjoy in Bangkok,

other than sheer headaches from the police,

as well as the ever changing traffic routed in various directions,

based on the people controlling the flow.

It is certainly a wonderland,

filled with people wondering how to get from one place to another,

in a reasonable amount of time.

As long as I can still get a 1000 baht long time then the dream is alive and well.

Who would of thought, that after keeping the price the same for over a decade,

the birds would of gotten more mature in age, and plumper in size for the same price

As the old saying goes...you get what you pay for.

It certainly isn't like it used to be;

where you'd go to bed with an 8 and wake up with an 8.

Now you go to bed with what you thought was an 8,

only to dreadfully wake up with an indescribable number.

Result; you have to sneak out the back,

in hopes that no one finds out what your 1,000 got you

Leaving many men to think...it's time to move on,

as Thailand has lost it's appeal.

Fortunately for some, we marry the 8's that crossed our path,

and weren't for hire,

as they're more likely to stay an 8 beyond the time where it matters anymore.

The land that's always evolving into something,

we just can't always figure out what that is.

I guess that's what makes Thailand so appealing for us...

trying to figure it all out?

Let's face it, what tourist attractions does Thailand have except the beaches and islands? Many of them are national parks allready and charge the 10foulded prices.

Do they call the floating markets tourist attractions?

Unfortunately I do believe the floating market is considered one as well...

My misses had to take a day off of work, when we lived in Hua Hin,

to visit the floating market; I of course refused to lose a days work,

and passed on the excitement of it all.

Misses came back with a great picture i.e. gift

Blahblahblah...

That selfish, irrational, hot-tempered, abusive, unhinged, self-entitling shrew is part of the reason why this country will never break free from its feudalistic roots and mature into a democratic nation under the rule of law.

True happiness for me is reading that kind of comment from a guy who thinks he is authorized to issue overall judgment of a whole country from a simple fact relatively insignificant.

Again, again !

I agree with misterwhisper. This country needs growing up considerably. They are making so many embarrassing mistakes that are going viral for all to see around the world.

I love it, keep em coming an lets us all see that this is not a country of land of smiles.

The fact that the locals mistakes are being broadcasted over the internet....going viral, as they say,

is probably why they feel the urgency to create a single tunnel for broadband;

making it easier for the officials to censor what gets out to the world.

As the officials would say...we can't have that, it's hurts tourism.

I may be wrong, but this may be the ex-judge that was once a crazy judge, reported a while back blowing her top with police at another location.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654074-thai-judge-to-face-judicial-discipline-after-going-berserk/

suwan-chidchanok.jpg

<<<<Thai language video removed >>>>

You be the Judge.

Nice research, as it certainly would appear to be the same person.

Well done...

The guy is a skimmer, yes?

And it states he went to one bank and then another in the same day...

Doesn't matter what the names of the banks are.

They know that @ one bank he took out 10,000 bht,

again that doesn't really make much difference in the bigger picture here.

If the guy is a skimmer, then when they filed the report,

why are they only claiming he had just 10,000 bht among other items at his place?

When are they going to point out he was on overstay as well?

For all you do gooders out there as well as the immigration who claim that people who overstay,

make lots of money, as well as make it bad for the law abiders who are following the rules.

This scammer could really drive home, not only some extra cash for the ones that caught him,

but also help everyone understand why the officials must, need to crack down on what we once enjoyed about Thailand.

The casualness of the officials performing their duties.

Apparently a thing of the past,

as we are now headed to a land with westernized laws,

with one small difference...which ones will actually be enforced and when?

And with the soon to be single gateway,

we can also enjoy censorship on a professional level,

while TOT & CAT control which areas get the fastest connections for the right price of course.

Just look to 3G & now 4G auctions, and what difference do we see in speed?

I was always happy with the internet I have,

and satisfied with the speeds I received.

Seems like Water shortage & Electricity issue would be a much higher priority for the country,

but then that would not give the officials more power over the people,

now would it?

Come on Junta lovers, rejoice your self appointed government,

and all the new changes coming down the pipeline,

as I'm sure you're enjoying the travels to your favorite watering hole,

which needs to be 300+ meters from schools & temples...

how's that working out for you?

Tuk Tuk & Taxi drivers have to love the fares to get you all to your happy spots...

Virgin beach, virgin bar girl. Same same.

Which do you think is hotter?

Great reports...

Interesting to know as well.

Happy New Year...was probably all they were trying to express.

Girls just want to have fun,

and since a lot of men walk into banks,

shopping centers, and restaurants without their shirts on,

it should be allowed for the women to do the same, no?

I'm hopeful we can agree it's a better view on the women side

Thailand seems to also be going strong to adopt Christmas as well.

Kids have to bring gifts to school to exchange.

I honestly wish the Thai's would leave foreign holidays alone,

as they have enough holidays of their own,

and they have little to no idea what other foreigners holidays are about anyway,

yet they are happy to stick their hands out seeking gifts.

Hey elgordo38, any chance in you being able to post a picture or some pictures of the house? I personally would love to see it, also may I ask if your friend is Thai? I would assume so since you mentioned that friends were doing her labor for her. I like the idea of recycling materials to do a project like her. If someone had some land that they could use to store materials for a few years while they searched it out prior to doing the building itself could be a big time money saver. Plus personally I prefer aged quality materials more than a lot of the newly manufactured stuff they sell new now. Like you I would pass on the asbestos containing materials but I would be open to using some nice older style roofing or shingles.

My friend is an American the lady is his friend and is a Thai teacher. It impressed the hell out of me but I have learned in life never to take things at face value. Thanks for your "reasonable interested" reply some are really outrageous and well the word stupid comes to mind. The secret I think is to have whoever is building your house to be on the lookout for recycled materials as they are more tuned in to the wrecking/recycle market if there is one here. Its a booming industry in the Western world. Being the workers were family friends this was possible. Her father provided the land.

It looks great...especially considering the cost.

Well done.

Thanks for the photos.

Cheers

Good job, they should have started earlier to clean out the people that can't take the time to get correct visas, everyone that have a clean back ground can get a proper Visa, yes it cost money but it helps keeping unwanted people out. Next I hope they hit the language schools that so many uses to be able to stay and work illegally in the country. It just destroy for us that do the right thing and follow the immigration laws.

Overstaying doesn't destroy anything for others.

This is just a false claim which has no merit at all.

That would be like saying people who commit crimes makes it harder for people who are law abiding.

Every country around the world has those which follow the law to the tie,

and those that don't.

That's just society.

Usually a person on overstay would consider keeping a low profile,

therefore not likely to commit any crimes which might draw attention to them.

Of course there are always exceptions,

as some people are not very bright in the first place,

even with a Visa in hand.

Same goes with the teacher working without work permits,

the fact that they are out there, doesn't effect those who have them.

For all the TV member,

it's certain that you come from a country which also has it's own immigration issues,

and when you're in your home country, you most likely think very little about it...

most likely even willing to hire these low cost laborers,

since they perform work that the local society isn't interested in doing themselves.

There are all sorts of articles in the headlines addressing the issues on how to deal respectfully with the migrants flowing into various countries, and how countries should be more compassionate about these people sneaking across the boarders,

even though they are putting huge strains on the governments to support them.

Here that isn't the case, there is hardly if any strain placed on the government from these types of people who are overstaying their visa.

They simple find a way to support themselves, and make due with whatever they have.

We could only wish this could be the case back in our countries of origin.

So the systems in place could be used for which they were intended...

on the citizens, but in fact they are mostly spent supporting migrants who wish to have a free pass for a improved life,

in a foreign country of their choice.

Some may seek a Visa, only when they are already standing upon the boarder, not before leaving their own country;

but at the end of the day, if they aren't given one, they just look for a way to sneak across the boarders.

Some may state they are migrants!

What's the difference between a migrant and an overstay?

50 Pakis ? Quite a number, all 'family' running tailor shops ?

Selling suits to someone is better than shooting someone.

Depends how bad the suit is!!

Thanks for the mourning humor...

The whole idea is to make the fee so small,

that people will be embarrassed if they complain about it.

From the responses I've read,

it appears they jumped right under the radar of Care on this issue.

Though it's sure to not be the last fee/ surcharge they will access.

As long as we the traveler don't think much about it, the charges will continue.

At the end of the day,

Thailand is all about how much can we get out of their tourism,

before the travelers start to care?

While offering little next to nothing in return.

Security- only possible when they are not sleeping,

and even then the question is what are they willing to do?

Service- only if you're dressed to impress will you receive any reasonable service,

and that's only because they figure you'll be a tipper,

which most of the Thai's are not in any way, at any time, no matter how the service is.

So they see us silly travelers as a walking tip jar,

while they try to tell us what to do,

the entire time we are before them.

Had a lady today @ 7-11 yell out "You come here" meaning the cash register I was standing before me, wasn't the one she wanted to use.

I responded back in Thai, that it wasn't polite to call out to a man as You, instead she might try Sir or Mr. or perhaps put up a cash register sign stating the register was closed.

She looked at me, and rang me up on the register I was standing before, without having to do anything special.

Yet there was the tip jar next to the register.

I was waiting for the cashier to cut me short on the .50 satang in my change, but she didn't.

Another nice trick most cashier try to do.

Which according to my friends girlfriend, it can add up to be between 300 & 500 bht in a ten hour shift.

For some reason the management at the place she works lets her have anything that is over what her till is supposed to have,

based on sales through the register.

The point is, Thailand is looking more & more unlike the place I thought of as paradise back in 2000,

and more about how we can control the foreigner while they're here,

so we can get the most out of each one during their stay.

So no 15 bht won't break anyones pocket, it's not designed to.

Just like when I was a GM at a Resort in Hua Hin,

and we were told to charge 150 bht to save the Elephants.

Guests didn't mind paying it, but they didn't understand why it needed to be mandatory,

and why we couldn't just ask for a donation to save the Elephants?

Reasonable question, yes?

The real question still remains...how much of that money/proceeds really got to any of the Elephants?

Did it save any of them?