A partial answer: I have a non-o with single entry stamp renewed recently for one year. Just got my approval from Thailand Pass. Despite what they say you do NOT have to buy insurance for the full year. Bought my AXA for 30 days and was approved with zero hassle. Give it a try. Good luck.

While I plan to do the process myself could any of you recommend an agent to use if I run into problems?

Thanks!

2 hours ago, Chivas said:

Cant really see 300 Baht (so around £7) being added to the ticket price becoming a barrier to visitors

 

Obviously absorbed within the ticket price, added to the 700 Baht departure tax that the vast majority didnt actually realise was there anyway as time as gone by these last years...

 

Pretty much a non event I'd dare to suggest

Correct!

Unless something has changed in the past few days it has been open for several months now.

2 hours ago, Xonax said:

If the government do have a wish to kill Walking-street and other red-light venues in Pattaya, there will never in a million years come a better moment than right now.

They do have that wish; have you not heard the mayor say he expects Pattaya to become the next Dubai or Singapore...seriously, he said that!!

3 hours ago, ukrules said:

Well they're lying to you, it's as simple as that. You're dealing with a moron at that branch.

 

I was once asked for a work permit when I went to order an internet connection, I told her that was nonsense, work permits are for working - and to go and get the manager. The manager came and suddenly a work permit wasn't required.

The trick is to get past the first line of idiots and hope whoever else they send is a little smarter.

They love to use the work permit nonsense. Even had an AIS rep use it on me for a simple transaction. "No can do, need work permit to change number."--I'm retired so how can I get work permit...met with blank stare by the rep so I just walked out went to another branch and no problem.

3 minutes ago, Broken Record said:

That's great, looks like a few of us were lucky today, good luck to you.

Same to you! Let's hope our luck holds. 

21 minutes ago, Broken Record said:

Back on the 7th September for Jab 2? 

 

Yes, very well organised. ????

From BPH this morning I received Pfizer to my surprise. When I first registered several weeks ago it was to be AZ. Now had a choice. so went with Pfizer. A very professional and efficient process--I was impressed. 

28 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

Looks like it's been paused already due to complaints by influencial people...

Hope that's true but they seem intent on sterilizing the beach and making it enjoyable for no one. 

On 8/7/2021 at 5:18 PM, Mickeymaus said:

This is not like this. For instance the Philippines have endless beautiful islands and beaches. And in my opinion great doctors. In my experience much better than here in Thailand. But you also have Jollibee. I could tell you a lot about this. Or about Langkawi. Or the great experience in Hanoi. Or... Thailand doesn't love me but it allows me to stay here if I follow certain restrictions. And it provides a Farang ghetto for me. And this because it is organised to handle foreigners much better than other countries. It is used to tourists. 

 

 

Yep, , lovely islands, don't know about doctors though the ones here in Patts do not impress me, Jollibee is an abomination as is most food there, and yes, it is not too painful to be a long term resident here. Hanoi on the list if we ever get out of COVID. 

On 8/4/2021 at 8:22 PM, law ling said:

One of my "must haves" when looking for a room or condo to rent is insect screens on all windows (and balcony doors, if any) - and they're not easy to find, in my limited experience.

Amazing to me that screens are not standard here in condos given the numbers of mosquitos. Looked at many over the years and can remember only one that was adequately screened. 

3 minutes ago, tonray said:

Lived there prior to coming to Thailand.  Enjoy it very much and it's a great change of pace from Thailand. My twice yearly visits kept me sane. Need to start that again 

Thanks. Glad it works for you...

On 8/2/2021 at 7:24 AM, tonray said:

I just look forward to post Covid times ...going to book an extended stay in Malaysia for about 2 or 3 months. Spend my time planning that trip now

why Malaysia?

5 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

Why does Thailand have such a hard time with relatively simple web design and function? We see this over and over again. 

 

Do they ever do beta testing, of any sort? 

It's amazing! Yet I managed to register at Med Park Hospital using their flawless site in only a couple minutes. The government attempts at web site construction are truly pathetic. Who do they hire???? Competent web design is easily available here so I can only guess it is nepotism run amuck or....?????

22 hours ago, KhaoYai said:

Naa, its plain and simple - human behavior - its something that the majority of us (I hope) wouldn't even think about doing but the minority that do is significant.

 

It happens all over the world - I've often seen rubbish thrown from cars for example - I've never understood what's so difficult about taking it home and disposing of it properly.  Another example - I was in a McDonalds car park, somewhere where bins are plentiful and never more than a few metres away, when I saw 2 girls open their car door and put their food packaging on the ground.  I just don't get it, how lazy can people be? 

 

Unfortunately its a fact of life, one that needs to change but it won't until rules are enforced, attitudes change and packaging is given a re-think.  Its a blatant example of why we need a nanny state - some people just don't behave responsibly.

 

Relating this to attitudes in Thailand - I find it amusing that the 'Cigarette Police' in Bangkok - fine foreigners for throwing down their cigarette butts when there are piles of rotting rubbish all around.  Is that about cleaning the place up or making money? Do they actually care about the rubbish?

BKK cigarette police is a scam pure and simple and quite effective. Along Suk provide zero trash receptacles and fines/scams very easy to come by. Unlike Singapore which seems to provide trash cans every 50 meters or so along the heavily traveled business streets.

On 9/8/2020 at 2:54 PM, cardinalblue said:

Heaven Above go go motivates me to come....

closed permanently????

3 hours ago, Mavideol said:

check post #20 and additionally below

 

Reuters ---- https://www.yahoo.com/news/chinas-wuhan-kicks-off-mass-112806266.html

China's Wuhan kicks off mass testing campaign for new coronavirus

Yawen Chen and Ryan Woo

ReutersMay 13, 2020, 6:28 PM GMT+7

Thanks for the link. 

3 hours ago, papa al said:

A side-walk/foot-path  is a public area, right?

Walking is an activity right?

Therefore walking on a sidewalk can land you in jail.

There are literally hundreds of pedestrians along Jomtien beach road walkways every morning. Never seen one stopped, admonished or arrested by the many cops on bikes that see them. I wouldn't worry too much about taking a walk. Same in Pattaya, the soi 9 cop shop doesn't even bat an eye at the passing joggers/walkers.

3 hours ago, White Christmas13 said:

Excellent cooks don't need to go to the market to buy meals they cook at home

Lame response and patently not true.

Last week we were told swimming at the beach OK just no groups. This morning along Jomtien beach quite a few singles and couples walking and some swimming with no problem from police who were constantly patrolling the area on bikes and on foot. Large signs saying no beach "activities" allowed yet police not bothered. Did not see any groups at all.

Did notice many beach chair vendors packing up chairs and umbrellas into trucks apparently told to clear off. The chairs have not been in use for at least the past 10 days so wondering what's up? Maybe major beach cleaning?