MRToMRT

Don't forget that they were expanding further into the park, claiming more and more area to grow crops by clear felling hillsides of the park. The case was primarily about whether they could expand rather than remain in existing areas. They lost the right they were claiming which was access to all "ancestral lands" in the previous case. 

They have not been thrown out of the existing village (which is huge) or farming area - their ability to expand (encroach) is what was stopped. 

Just have a look at Google earth to see their current "village".

I do somewhat sympathize with their situation but its a national park that is home to tigers, tapir, krating and some Thailand's rarest animals. Based on my trips to the north of Thailand if Thailand wants to keep these animals then this no expansion ruling (from the previous case) is a very good thing

UNWTO ? Never heard of it before.

Opinion

I think its going to get a little worse as we go along - the hoops on the new "big" visas are so strict and demanding that the screws must tighten on the "easier" visas (except the visa on arrival). Theres simply so much attention now to the foreign criminal element and visa condition breakers on easy visas that it must get harder IMHO. I wouldn't be surprise if we see in country changing of visa types cancelled as well at some point. Just my opinion on the bigger issue - sad but I believe inevitable.

I feel sorry for the guy this happened to - I have had my own experiences in needing docs at a Thai consulate that I did not think I needed before, and it disappoints.

BUT considering this is ultimately to help protect kids from the worst of pervs - its a good thing.

On 5/14/2018 at 2:37 PM, watcharacters said:

 

 

If they are an everyday occurrence I'd have to agree I have not driven on those roads.

 

Would you like to share where such roads are and please don't give a general area such as "in Issan"

 

 

Its quoted in the article "Hua Hin-La Au Road" .... drive from Hua hin to Pa La Au - once you are through the first road block/check point, esp late afternoon and evening.... you were virtually guaranteed to see them in the past. Theres some new barriers up now but they are still an almost daily occurrence.

I don't have any issues with them requiring we (long stayers and tourists) having insurance - BIG question is how will they monitor if adequate insurance cover is provided, logistically??

Their current health insurance requirements for OX visa (which was put forward by the same ministry quoted in the article) limits it to just 4 Thai companies - and the cover is limited to Thailand and its pretty atrocious coverage starting at 40k per year for a 53 year old (me).

What happens if you want better insurance with a more reputable international company or have insurance provided for already? I believe this would be another "scammy" tactic to line pockets of the Thai insurance cronies. Mainly because it would be impossible, logistically for an IO to go through your international insurance coverage policy - be it issued in whatever language (English, German, French, Spanish, Greek, Russian et al)

The real question we should all be asking ourselves is why does the agreement need the US's sanction? Are the rest of the world incapable of doing anything without the US's approval?

OK so the buffoon has played to his voters (some would say base and others would say he played to voters of jewish heritage) and arch hawks that now surround him (by his choice). 

The rest of the world (I am not from the US BTW) should have more pride and belief in ourselves to get on without the the constant need for the US's seal of approval. Why do we even pander to this buffoon? Because our buffoons are incompetent as well - or just children needing the US's pat on the head and kiss of approval?

There are lots of bull sharks in the gulf - has been for eternity. In my diving days they were well know off Samaesan and Koh Tao.

On 4/19/2018 at 12:01 AM, thinkingman said:

In January parking was in a lot near the ticket office and baht bus transportation over the hill to the beach all days. 

Same on Thursday last week

Any insights on access to Hat Sai Kaeo (next to Bang Saray) lately?

Phang-nga province after they suspected that foreigners might use their Thai nominees to encroach

"Foreigners" ????

Edit - I get it now it the company name in the photos

Another champagne socialist with family ties to the "past".

Thanks to all - looks as though the "Garmin 51" does everything I need

Interesting - they have also clarified their requirements for the O-X ..... which on the orig translation said only "within 1 year". ....and I can't remember the "only in Thailand" bit as well.......

"The money in (a) and (b) must be kept in bank account at least 1 year before withdrawing and, within another next year, the money must be left in the account with the amount of not less than 1.5 million Bath and can only be spent in Thailand." 

It also now states ....

"Please submit the originals of required documentation stipulated above,"

But a year ago I was told that origs were not acceptable and only certified copies could be presented.

Does anyone know - if you complete the TM8 and choose "multiple entries" do you have to put anything in the travel details section that follows (its seems to be for a single re-entry) ??? ............

Location - sorry I did not think about that ..... It will be at Chaeng Wattana.

I see so far I will need....

copies of passport (signed) data page and entry/exit stamps, plus non O page )

updated bank book

Letter from bank re seeding funds (going 800k route)

Proof of residence (home deeds were used for non o)

TM 47 completed

TM 7 completed

2 pics

multiple Re-entry permit form

plus fees

If I was not over 50 I would have gone for this visa as well.

I think many people will have to go for it in the future - as the range of visa types extends (and becomes more complex) in Thailand then the "easier" options available before will be very tightly controlled and some opportunities may disappear in effect.

I have my deadline approaching to ask for an extension of stay for 1 year based on retirement - of my non O. I understand I need to do it before my non O runs out (2 -3 weeks before).

I know I need to to prepare my bank book update and get the bank letter (800k) - is there anything else I need?

Thanks!