nectar

If I could throw in my two-cents worth:

The Retirement Visa extension guidance page at the Immigration Bureau on https://www.immigration.go.th/content/service_22 makes no mention at all of a requirement for a medical insurance certificate.

Of course, if you're over 70 you can't get medical cover anyway!

If you have trouble with missing Captcha, make sure your pop-up blocker is turned off.

It may be because they haven't configured their secure https page correctly!

I think they opened early because someone had ripped one of the huge entrance doors off its hinges! Somebody told me that it was to prevent the people from being locked in overnight. Anyway, I was there this morning and managed to make it through a visa extension in less than 30 minutes! A record, in my book. No traffic problems at all.

Is the Chaeng Wattana area around Government Building any better today (Thursday) traffic-wise?

Anybody?

Looks like the Reds have found a home here. Bring back their cherished Mr. T., no doubt.

IKEA have a factoryy in Cambodia. in Europe their stuff is sourced from factories in Eastern Europe. i find the stuff is slightly cheaper than in UK stores, but then VAT is 20% in UK. Their diy furniture is better quality than Index, imo.

Sorry to sound a precautionary note here, but bear in mind that loose peanuts sold here may not be all that fresh. There is a body of medical opinion that holds that nuts can become a carcinogenic risk if they're allowed to sit around too long.

Sanuk Systems in Rayong are offering it at 9,500 Baht (www.sanuksystems.com).

Ok, i got the embossing seal done for 3200 baht (with the handle and clamp), it's 2700 baht just for the coin seal.

This sounds expensive. I got mine done by an eBay seller in HK for less than 1200 baht (including the hand press and shipping). Seller's name is VELEGANT.

Don't know your locality, but I can heartily recommend LOL in Pattanakan Road, Suan Luang (next door to the MaxValu foodstore). Basic decor, but clean. The English-speaking Thai owner/chef, Joom, was trained in the USA and really knows his Beef. Menu includes a great Beef Wellington (fillet) dish with the trimmings (superb potato served frites or dauphinoise gratin) which comes in at under 400 baht. Wagya steak same price. Menu also includes salmon steak, pork chops & some Thai dishes. I've done the round of steakhouses in central BKK, and this one is as good as, if not better. Not licensed, so BYO wine/beer. The decor does not lend itself to a cosy candle-lit supper for two, but if you want great food at great prices this is the place, albeit a wee bit out of town.

You might want t try Fat Gutz on Thong Lor..

Pricey buy nicey!

FatGutz is definitely the best I've found in Thailand. If this Soi 11 place is good it could be a nice, cheaper and more conveniently located alternative though.

I've just come back from a visit to FatGutz and I can vouch for the quality of the food there. Fish is John Dory and excellent value for money. Draught Guiness as well. Only one snag - the place is small and you sit crammed round a small (low) table. Worth a visit on a non-crowded evening like a Sunday!

I am about to renew my retirement visa, after being in Thailand for a year. Can someone tell me how many copies of TM7/TM8 I need to complete. I read somewhere that I only rerquire one copy (plus one photo) for a renewal extension, but a certain Thai immigration lawyer now tells me that the procedure is no different to a first-time application (i.e. 3 copies needed). I am confused.

I'm also planning to visit the Big Chilli sometime soon. Are the demonstrations confined to the centre of Bangkok, or generally over a wider area? Thanks.