blanes2007

Reflexology, or the study of pressure points, exists only in Chinese medicine. Traditional Thai medicine and massage don't use acupoints; they work along energy lines. There is one style of Thai massage called Royal Massage, which arose under the influence of Chinese court doctors. They use Chinese, not Thai, "body maps." This practice was partly incorporated into the more universal "Southern style of Thai massage" (=Wat Pho style). You need to look for either a Chinese medicine clinic (there are definitely some in Chiang Mai), or Royal Massage practitioners (they may be found in expensive private hospitals whose clients are Thai Chinese), or those who for sure work in Wat Pho style. Among the latter, I can recommend Kunlarat Massage (Google). But it all depends on the therapist – some work with acupressure, and some don't.

Eventually, it was decided to make Thailand a TOURIST HUB! ☝️

By the way, if you can see the behavior of many (not all) Isaan women as "honest prostitution" - they get that in exchange for material stuff they need to keep me happy, then in Siem Reap I found out that local women just don't get it at all. Actually, the Khmers in general don't connect work with getting paid. They somehow think that barangs should just hand over money to them for nothing - like, what's the big deal? They've got tons of cash, millions and billions each, right?

But Isaan women are the most money-focused among Thai women (it's almost always "you give me how much" :), especially compared to northern women (financial assistance is welcome, but only if possible), which significantly increases the cost of living for a single person. This statement is based on many years of personal observation history.

Housing in Chiang Rai is a bit cheaper than in Chiang Mai, many locals speak English, and the Immigration Office is know as hustle-free

Now in Chiang Mai I go to an ultra-modern, Western-style gym with air conditioning and brand-name equipment, one visit costs 100 baht ($3). In Siem Reap near my house there was a gym for $1 - a shed fenced with netting and homemade barbells. It was located on the bank of a sewage ditch, and in the dry season I stopped going there - the gym started to smell strongly of urine and <deleted>. However, if I wanted to, I could visit an "elite" gym in the center - either $8 or $10 per visit. I don't know what was there - I found out the price at reception and tapped my finger to my temple. And it's like this with everything!

I lived for a year in Phnom Penh (2015) and a year in Siem Reap (2019), and now I live in Chiang Mai, and I have to say that Thailand is much cheaper than Cambodia. And incomparably more comfortable mentally. Comparable quality local food in Cambodia is 1.5-2 times more expensive (foreign food costs about the same - expensive). In local eateries there are two menus - in Khmer with prices written out in words so it's incomprehensible, and in English or Chinese - with numbers. If you find street food in Cambodia for $1.50 per plate, it will look like some dried-up vomit that will make you lose your appetite for a long time just from the sight and smell of it. Cooking at home? The same pork and beef at Makro Siem Reap costs 1.3 times more than at Makro Chiang Mai - I don't remember the exact prices, I compared receipts together with my Thai girlfriend. Maybe meat prices are lower at Cambodian markets, but they definitely won't sell it to you at the "Khmer" price. Unlike Thai vendors who no longer practice "farang price" - Khmers at the market openly believe that barangs are obligated to pay more, and sometimes quote completely absurd prices (what if they get lucky?). Having to bargain for literally everything is very exhausting. As for accommodation, cheap apartments with old furniture and windows facing slums that cost $200-300 per month in Siem Reap can be found for $100-150 in Chiang Mai. Normal, clean, spacious housing in apartment blocks with pools and gyms, costing now around 10-15,000 baht ($300-400) per month, was hard to find in Siem Reap in 2019, while in Phnom Penh it started at $1,000.

I stayed in Patpong a few weeks ago. Lots of massage parlors. During the day, the barkers still whisper conspiratorially "Pussy show, Pussy show" and show pictures of body parts, just like many years ago.

In April, they sent me an email that they are ready to make the 800 000 extension for 17 000 bht (last year was 25 000 because "the rules was tightened")

- entered Thailand on a visa exemption 3 months ago, - after 1 month, changed a visa-free stamp to a Non-O visa (retirement) - now, after 2 months, will apply for a 1-year extension 1+2= It's been 3 months since entering the country. Should I do 90-days report before applying for a 1-year extension?

(threateningly ) Hey you! You tuk-tuk? You! Tuk-tuk you! You! Tuk-tuk! You! Hey!

Exactly! I love it, too https://lanna.kunlarat.com/doi-khun-tan/

Look at the text on the picture attached. Other agencies providing visa runs from CMai=>Chiang Kong => Friendship Bridge also mention that visa-runners must have outbound flight tickets

is an "Outbound flight to country of origin by paying the ticket already" really needed?

is an "Outbound flight to country of origin by paying the ticket already" really needed?

Upnotover I join the question. Is there a new rule?

Returning to what was written at the beginning of the topic: I am over 50 and 800,000 have been in my account in a Thai bank for 4 months. The question was about the entry point to Non-O (stamp or e-visa? - samaat chi satamp dii...)

I printed out the text and went back with it. I took form TM87 from the counter, went to the desk inside the building, and showed them both documents. They read them, looking completely astonished. Them: "Okay, you can change a tourist visa to a retirement visa." Me: "Not a tourist visa, the visa exemption stamp!" Them: "It's the same!" Me: "No, it’s not the same..." And so it went on. They don’t even know the basics! Eventually, they reluctantly (lost face) agreed that one could get a Non-O visa with just a stamp on the passport 😤

I just came back from Chiang Mai immigration office. They told me it was the first time they heard that one could change a visa-exempt stamp to a Non-O visa. According to them, the only thing you can get on a visa exemption is a 7-day extension. I insisted that user DrJack54 from AN forum said otherwise, but they looked at me like I was an idiot. They called other officers over, and they said the same thing.

How much has changed in recent years! both the Thai visa system and the overall atmosphere of the forum...

AI Overview To switch from a visa-exempt entry to a Non-O visa in Thailand, you need to apply for the Non-O visa at the Thai Immigration Bureau, ensuring you meet the requirements and have the necessary documents, and that you haven't overstayed your visa-exempt entry. Here's a more detailed breakdown: 1. Eligibility and Requirements: Visa-Exempt Entry: You must have entered Thailand using a visa-exempt stamp, not a visa on arrival. Non-O Visa Requirements: You must meet the specific requirements for the Non-O visa, which can include age, financial status, and other factors depending on the specific Non-O visa category (e.g., retirement, other purposes). No Overstay: You cannot have overstayed your visa-exempt entry, even by a single day, to be eligible to apply for a Non-O visa within Thailand. 15 Days Validity: You must have at least 15 days remaining on your current visa-exempt entry to apply for the change. 2. Application Process: Gather Required Documents: Prepare all necessary documents, which may include a valid passport, application form (TM.86 or TM.87), passport photos, financial documentation, and proof of residence. Submit Application: Submit your application and documents to the nearest Thai Immigration Department. Wait for Approval: The process can take up to 3-4 weeks, so apply as soon as possible. If in Bangkok: If you are in Bangkok and need assistance, you can contact Thai Visa Experts for a fast-track application, but you must be present at the Immigration office. 3. Important Notes: Visa-Exempt Entry vs. Visa on Arrival: Entering Thailand with a visa-exempt stamp is different from entering with a visa on arrival. Only those with a visa-exempt stamp can apply for a Non-O visa inside Thailand. Non-O-X Visa: Foreigners who enter Thailand with other types of visas/visa exemptions may apply for a Non-O-X visa (long-stay 10 years). Retirement Visa: If applying for a retirement visa (Non-O), ensure you meet the age and financial requirements. Consult Immigration Office: It's always best to consult the local immigration office for the most up-to-date information and specific requirements.

Thats interesting! Could you give me more details please (and links to the official website if possible, please, kob khun maak in advance 🙂 ) Many moons ago it wasn't possible. One with 1 month stamp should go out of Thailand for a visa (no changing)

Really? Is it possible (visa exempt > Non O)? I'm in Chiang Mai

Actually I've got many options including a marriage-based 3 month extension in my local immigration, or to contact the agency again but I want to get a new Non-O sticker

I hate Embassy it Phnom Pehn as well as Cambodia at all Vietnam 😍