nomad127

I just got non-O visa in the USA (married to a Thai) and though it was approved, the consulate sent me a letter stating that a new law that supposedly went into effect as of today (Jan 1) requires anyone wanting a non-O visa to physically apply in person at a consulate or embassy. Maybe not a burden for most, but a long trip for others.

It's been 15 days from Mae Sai for quite awhile now for those on a tourist visa.

Having lived and worked in China for almost 5 years, this story does not even surprise me. Yet here is Thailand kissing their backside and trying to lure them here. They are Cheap Charlies as well as nasty and rude.

My Thai wife and I love Siem Reap and have been 3 times. Though we have always flown in, I did not find the price gouging you speak of. Yes, they choose to accept USD, but 1 or 2 USD for a motorbike taxi is not expensive in my books, foot massages are cheap, food was cheap unless you decide to eat at someplace like the Hard Rock Cafe, the hotel we stay at was an excellent price, when you consider what the hotel offers you to include; free mini-bar, turn-down service, swimming pool, fitness center and excellent breakfast included in the price and discount coupons for their restaurant and free transport to/from the airport (which is also nice, albeit small) is well worth the cost. Angkor Wat might be a little expensive, but it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and to be honest, once you see one or two temples, they all start to look the same anyway. The new museum in town is not only interesting, it's a pleasure to walk through and should not be missed. If anything I can say that is bad about the place, it's the fact that more and more people are going there now and it's starting to lose the backpacker charm it once was.

Once again, relying on Chinese tourists. Here's what I see living in Chiang Mai; they fly in on a Chinese aircraft, they walk to their hotel, they usually stay at the cheapest of places here, they walk to local tourist spots, they eat meals from 7-11 and some if any street vendors, they walk to the malls or lord forbid rent a scooter without a license. They walk around Airport mall with their luggage until time to walk back to the airport to catch their return flight on a Chinese aircraft. Now, how much money do these big spenders actually pump into Thailand?

The other day sitting in Black Canyon, I observed a family of 4 order two dishes shared between all of them and 4 cups of hot water, that they poured into their thermos containing their own tea leaves.

Keep on waiting for that Chinese gravy train Thailand.

I have American Mil Spec Paracord for sale. Can be sold by the hank or I can make you a bracelet from it. I also have some survival wire hand saws and a few fire starter buckles, if you are interested.

Another twist? These guys are like the Keystone Cops.

The only thing these guys are good at is shaking people down for "tea" money.

And yet with the recent explosion of malls in CM, another is on the way; Platinum Fashion Mall next to Big C Extra. Far too many malls for this city.

Don't assume that the VIN # will work with an American bank (assuming you are using one), because it will not work.

Chiang Mai, because I like looking at lush green mountains every day. Waterfalls, lots of flora, feels more open, unlike BKK. Prices are cheaper, lots of shopping, convenient airport, lots of hospitals, great food choices and nice, friendly people. Only drawbacks are the months they burn the fields and the amount of traffic on the road compared to 5 years ago.

Agoda has been generally good to me for quite a few years, though I do find that some hotels give us the oldest/worst room in the place, not all the time, but sometimes. I still use them, especially when comparing, but have drifted towards booking.com more now.

Americans a race? LOL, must be some really smart folks up in here.

I have an IDL/IDP it's good for 4 years.

Don't be so quick to pass judgement based on your lack or experience and knowledge of such matters.

 

 

Having lived and worked in Mainland China, I do have the experience and they are Cheap Charlies. They come on either organized tours through a group in China or they come as solo's staying in the cheapest flop house they can find. Yes, they do generate income for Thailand, but it is minimal compared to what Western tourists spend.

Our Pug likes to drop SBD's, then walk away. Otherwise he enjoys barking at Gecko's.

I lived in HH for almost 4 years, left about 8 months ago, so I think my comment will still be accurate. HH is a pretty small place, once you are there for a few months, you will have seen and done just about everything.  Weekends are a pain in the backside in HH, because of all the people from Bangkok that go there. Traffic flow can be brutal! 

Dancing: No idea, I've never seen anyone doing it other than some 14 yo's at random places

Stroll, Jog: The Kings Palace has a nice asphalt like track, just make sure you dress accordingly and take an ID card.  Students from SD Univ use it for their PE activity. Otherwise, along the beach, is quite nice.

Movies/Bowling: Only one of each and as I recall, most movies were dubbed in Thai.

Hangouts: Yes, they have Starbucks, Amazon and Tom and Toms Coffee Shops. Some good Western restaurants in town too, food is pretty good there no matter the cuisine.

Fitness: Gyms are a bit limited and some do not even really qualify as a gym.  Yoga is available as well as Martial Arts at locations in town if you are into those things.

Hobbies; Since you are right on the ocean, look there.  Wind surfing is a big attraction or just sitting on the beach or by a pool. Also, they have an excellent water park there called Black Mountain.

Dinner at Terrace 90, a movie at the mall and ice cream at Swensen's after.

They should look at Thai Airways and AOT next, because it's not about what you know, but who you know.

If you have a Thai bank account like I do, 30-45 days and mine was a bank check. An easier way is to check with your bank back home and see if they have a deposit program where you scan the check into their system online. I can do this and it's processed in a matter of a couple of minutes.

You don't need treatment/medicine, unless your CD4 drops to a certain point,but I would assume many do not even know they have HIV.

I have the same problem where I live. One Thai family who have made their home in some old warehouse owns 6 big black dogs, another guy who is wealthy has a big dog and another one the corner from us owns two huge dogs and of course they all leave their gates open so they can walk their dogs Thai style (aka let it go wherever it wants). I on the other hand own a Pug. It never fails when I try to walk my little dog (always on a lead) to do his business, I am always confronted by some or all of them (a bit frightening to have a pack of dogs all black come within a stones throw of you and look like they are going to attack). Our dog trainer said to make our dog sit and for me to stand my ground and not act frightened. I guess that's great if you are Caesar Milan, but I am not, so now I resorted to buying an air-soft pistol with ceramic bullets and carry a metal stick with me as well. We have tried to talk to the ones that own 6, but to no avail and the rich guy was talked to by our neighbors who got tired of his dog taking a dump in their yard, but he could care less. Next step will be rat poison in some ground beef.

This is another positive step lead by the military and shows just how corrupt the government can be. Now, hopefully they will get rid of the "it's not what you know, but who you know" system of hiring at Thai Airways and AOT.