Lifer

I employed an MBA grad on arrival in 2000 at a good salary and after a month things were fine until I asked her to set up a chart of accounts! The response was 'What's that?"

I do not think any MBA graduate would understand the request. Do you mean a spread sheet listing? What info did you want in the chart? Providing clear and comprehensible instructions to personnel is a key part of getting things done.

You got to be kidding, or haven't had much business related college education. Every 1st year accounting student is taught what a chart of account is. I agree that a 4 year college degree at most colleges here is only worth about a what high school or Jr. College degree is worth from a state accredited institution.

Obtaining a 5 Year Licence

Documents needed:

1. Your old, expired Thai driving licence. (On the date you apply, your licence must have already expired.)

2. Photocopies of the following pages of your passport:

- the page with your photograph and name

- the non-immigrant visa

- the departure card ("TM... card" - stapled in your passport)

- the last arrival stamp ("Admitted Until" stamp)

- the last "Application Of Stay" extension stamp.

All pages must be signed by you.

3. 2 Photographs for each licence: 1 inch square (2.5 cm square) excluding the white border, which will be cut off.

It must show your complete face, neck and top of shoulders.

4. A photocopy of and the original document, which is a letter or form (bottom of TM47 form) from Immigration confirming your address in Thailand. They will keep the photocopy and give you back the original document.

The photocopy must be signed by you.

5. 505 baht for car licence / 255 baht for motorbike - valid 5 years minimum, up to your next birthday after 5 full years.

Note: no medical certificate is required.

The above was the case at Phuket Provincial Land Transport Office, 25/7/2005, http://www.phuketdir.com/pkttransport . (There is an error on this page: it says the photo must be 2.5 inches. It should be 2.5 cm).

New requirement in the online Bangkok Post tonight:

New requirement for driver's licence

* Published: 5/10/2010 at 03:37 PM

* Online news: Breakingnews

People applying for a new driver's license or for an extension of a license will be required to have a doctor's certificate to show they are not suffering from an illness which could affect their driving.

The requirement is stated in a draft ministerial regulation of the Transport Ministry approved in principle by the cabinet on Tuesday, deputy government spokesman Supachai Jaisamut said.

The Transport Ministry proposed this new regulation because people can now apply for an extension of their driver's license without having to show a doctor's certificate showing they are not suffering from illnesses listed under Article 46 of the Automobile Act of 1979.

The new regulation, when in effect, will apply to driver's licenses for all kinds of vehicles.

Truck Drivers and Bus Drivers operate their vehicles like absolute idiots. They constantly cut off vehicles and motorbikes. They figure they are bigger, so they are first, regardless of the circumstances.

It is amazing though, when they hit or Kill someone. They are always quick to run and hide. It is just a matter of time before they catch him. I hope they throw away the key when they do, but we know that won't happen. If he has some cash. He will get a slap on the wrist, maybe?

My condolences to the Dead and injured people and their families.

Please don't forget to include the idiot red and gray vans speeding around carrying the school kids. They drive extremely fast without regard to traffic conditions or traffic congestion. Flash flash get out of my way, I'm more important than everyone else on the road. They pass on curves, up hills, and through changing lights. In the early morning to save electricitiy they drive with their lights off so you can't see them coming in the fast lane. They then whip in front of you practically before they are a car length ahead. Is it no wonder so many die.

So sad. Unfortunately all too common here. It does seem to be true what the Thai's say: The higher the driver sits, the more self-important and aggressive the driver.

How true.

Now I know why they all drive those trucks and the seat is so high or is it because they are pint size and can not look over the steering wheel.

So they headed out of town toward Chiang Mai... GOOD! Maybe the can go cause trouble up there instead of in Bangkok again.

What a stupid comment to make. Why would you wish that on anybody living anywhere?

can any one tell me what i need to get. to recive any aussie tv stations.and where to go to buy the gear for this.living in don muang rangsit thanks.

I tried for the first time transferring money inside SCB using my debit card. My USA credit union has a daily $3000 limit to do that, but that was not a problem. Went in the bank, explained what I wanted to do, showed her my passport and gave her the card and SCB book. She ran the card through the machine for $3000, took the slip it printed out, updated my bank book, and 15 minutes later I had $3000 at the current Thai B ht rate in my account.

When you use this method you do not pay the 150 Baht fee. Give it a try and avoid all the trouble and fees of wiring money over here and paying fees. The only fee I paid was the 1% that my credit union charges when you use your ATM card.

Hope this helps others to give it a try. Bangkok bank also said they will do this direct ATM transfer to your bank account.

Last year in Pattaya they were asking for proof to support the Embassy document however when I renewed my visa last week no such proof was requested. They were happy just with the Embassy document. Very painless procedure, my various documents were stamped, 1,900 baht paid and all over in five minutes. Returned the next day to collect my passport.

Hi, Same thing happened to me in CM a year ago. First time in 12 years they ask for proof along with the affidavit from US Consulate. Fortunately I had docs with me. My wife and I just renewed again last month. I was prepared with two copies of three pension docs. She didn't ask so I ask her if she needed the proof, and she said, "No, the Consulate document was enough."

The other thing she told my wife is that every time they get a new boss, that boss wants them to require something different.

I went to CM Ram today, and they said estimated cost was about 15.000 baht (could not give the exact price). That is about 3.000 baht more than at rajavej, but is probably worth it for the colour photos (for future reference)

Does anyone know the price for colonoscopy at Sripat?

Your giving out erroneous info on Rajavej. Asd a result of reading this forum, I contacted them by email using references in this forum because I'm in the market for one. Here is there written reply:

Dr. Kannika is available for clinical consultations on Wednesdays at 9:30 am. Dr. Jeerasak, also a gastroenterologist, is available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:am till 12:noon. A colonoscopy with anesthesia is about 15,000 - 17,000 baht as an out patient. This would include the doctor's fee and biopsy.

If you have any more questions or would like to make an appointment, please feel free to call me or write an email.

I hope you have a nice day!

Kind regards,

Saskia.

0857104074

Sirpat has a real reasonable price for both colon and stomach tests. There is a Dr. in the clinic there that speaks perfect English and does the work on Saturdays. My wife had both scoping done and polyps removed for around 17,000 Bht.

I would like to suggest you go to KL for your new visa. The Thai Embassy there is really service oriented and most people have good luck when using them. I used them once in 11 years when I changed jobs and needed a new type O.

"how does one get some document (and what would it be) to declare their Thai earnings? I am a Thai government employee and all of my paycheck earnings are ldeposited in an account from which I have to withdraw the money monthly..."

Regardless how you are paid, and the pay period length, you should receive a document indicating your gross and net salary.

As posted earlier, as a US citizen you can exclude (some) foreign income. You are required to pay taxes on the foreign income: either in the country in which you earn the income, or the US.

Your really making it harder than it is. Don't worry about the Thai form indicating your income in Thai. For one thing the total Baht recieved will always be listed in numbers.For 8 out of 11 years I've received a statement of earnings from a company in Thai. Just indicate the company name and address. Use the exchange rate from the internet on the last day of the year and use that rate to turn your Thai baht into estimated $. Indicate your name on the document, make a copy for your records and send in a copy with your US Tax return.

Your not a resident of Thailand unless you have gone through the long process to become one. If you have been over here for the whole tax year, you can claim the whole amount of exemption for foreign earned income. If not, use the calculation table to calculate how much you exemption you can claim.

Your better off getting the 1040 and the 2555EZ forms and just work through it instead of listening to all the mixed advise from members, mine included.

Very simply, if you earn any income outside the US you must report the income in a US tax return. If you meet the requirements of being overseas for a portion or all of the year, than all your foreign earned income up to the limit of $70,000 or higher (it increases every year) is tax free; however, you must report the income earned abroad.

Use the 2555 EZ form in most cases. Its simple and easy to fill out once you've done it the first time. On the 1040 you report the income as income (wages) earned and then down farther on the page you subtract it back out. If you do not report any other income, then you end up with a zero amount to pay taxes on US taxes.

Now the questions becomes, if I don't report my foreign earned income will the US Internal Revenue office find out. The answer is they could. Its the chance you take; however, the law is you report it.

Hope this helps.

It is pitiful to see a Government and good hardworking people in this country taken hostage by a bunch of thugs and lowlifes. When is the country going to say enough is enough. There is no way the forces can control this kind of lawlessness with out using force and weapons. GOD help the common folk and expats in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I think you need... http://www.httrack.com/

Its opensource and has unix versions.

It will download a lot of stuff by the way.

And it will be 100% accurate as at the time the site is downloaded.

I have used it on and off for various offline browsing for years under windows.

Of course some site dont like you doing this.

Yes, this is a good suggestion. I have used this program for a number of years and it does the job. Just tell it what to download and it starts copying all the files and links into a file you can read offline.

The visit is standard and usually done within a day or two of your first extension based on marriage. Ours first and only was almost 12 years ago. Man and women came in, the women went into the bedroom and opened the clothes wardrobe for a few minutes. Got the affidavit from a neighbor and went on their way. Everything was cordial and polite. NOT A BIG DEAL!

Last week our neighbor down the street came and ask if my wife would sign the affidavit for them, They had been together for a number of years, but first extension based on marriage.

The biggest problem with immigration is all of you that seem to fight against every rule and regulation immigration has to impose in their country. Just roll with the punches, have all your documents in order, and don't lie to them. You'll find that if they need something, they will ask for it. You get it for them, and move on. Never Never a bad experience at Chiang Mai Immigration.

In fact, over the years they have gotten even better each year. We can be thankful we aren't in other parts of Thailand.

Be cool and relax.

UPDATE

1 bombing suspect sketched

BANGKOK: -- (NNT) – The police have sketched one of bombing suspect in the Bangkok Bank’s grenade attacks, according to Metropolitan Police Chief, Police Lieutenant General Santhan Chayanont.

Police Lieutenant General Santhan said the investigation of the recent blasts was progressing well due to evidence from CCTVs and other sources. The suspect who threw a grenade at the Bangkok Bank’s Silom branch was male, the official said.

In addition, the metropolitan police chief said he believed that the sketched bombing suspect would be the same person who hurled an explosive object into Bangkok Bank's Prapradaeng branch in Samut Prakan province, since he wore the same clothes.

Police Lieutenant General Santhan viewed the bomb incidents in five spots last Saturday night might be politically motivated.

The bombs were hurled into four branches of the Bangkok Bank as well as one branch of Thanachart Bank. Two of them failed to explode and another bomb found at Thanachart Bank was a fake one. There has been no report of deaths and injuries.

-- NNT 2010-03-01

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

One look at the picture says it all!!!

I have to laugh a little when I read all the complaints. I would like to note the following:

1. After reading TV for many years, I feel like the experience in Chiang Mai for those of us living here is a much better experience than others get outside of Chiang Mai.

2. I dislike going to immigration, 11 years now on both marriage extensions and work extensions , like everyone else. Its a little nerving to try and anticipate if you have everything, or if they are going to ask for anything you don't have. We all go through that. Having said that, I have determined over the years to just keep informed and have everything you think they might ask for.

3. Other members have mentioned before to just not say anything. Let them tell you what they want, not volunteering anything, and talk only when they need information. Have your information organized in a folder and documents all signed. Seems like many just show up without having signed the docs or having enough copies, which caused delays when they are trying to process everything.

4. Think about it. Would you want their job. No way in hel_l. It is a thankless job, non-stop all day, with little pay as a Gov employee, and a lot of complaining people to deal with. I think any of us would be in a less than ideal mood if we had to deal with that day in and day out. I feel like Chiang Mai immigration does a pretty good job considering. If it takes a few hours once a year to get a 1 year extension in a country they like living in, its worth it. If not, everyone is free to leave at any time.

5. Lastly, I tend to feel that when your applying for your first few marriage extensions, they look a little closer, but the longer you are married, in our experience, they aren't so demanding and the extension seems to get handled quicker. That's our experience, not necessarily others.

Hope something I''ve said helps others look at the immigration process in a different light.

Be careful, Immigration can ask for the documents from your country that gives you the income, even though you have the letter from your Consulate. This happened to me. Fortunately I had anticipated they might ask, so I had them. They wanted copies. For those that try report the money by Consulate affidavit, beware. Good luck. Happy Holidays to all.

Yes we had some fund and all document complete as your boths advised also i will be going to KL with him , anyhow thank you sooooooo much for your helping

Hi,

Unless they changed the schedule recently, you will go to the Thai Consulate in the morning the first day, and return the next afternoon to pick it up. Its best to be there before they open to get an early cue if you don't want to spend half a day. Once through the gate, you wait in front of the building that does the processing (there is a waiting area outside the building around to the right of the gatehouse. When you go into the building, be sure to get the number they give you. It will be a dual set of numbers. Keep one of them and bring back the next afternoon to pick up your passports.

They are really friendly there and pleasant at the window. Have a good trip. This time a year everything is lite up for Christmas and New Years. Be sure to go to the Petrona twin towers mall because there are 4 floors of lights and decorations.

Have a great time. Be sure to check Thai and Malaysian holiday schedule. Consulate closed on both holidays.

I can't help but wonder how one just happens to overstay their visa. Everyone is responsible for knowing when their visa or 90 day reporting is due. Maybe the overstay penalty is too low.

Hi

I have had another struggle getting my residence certificate to renew my drivers license.

They wanted 500 Baht again! The is no fee for this service and it has always been free in other offices.

I lived in Chiang Rai and Tak before.

I told them; where does it say: fee 500 baht....no reply.

No receipt either...corruption. Pls. I want to speak to the officer in charge. no reply.

I took my passport and the document and left. No reply.

I hope other farangs hav the courage too....no fee, free!!

You are in Chiang Mai not Chiang Rai or Tak a certificate of residence has not been free for about 3 years. You need to educate your self before you go off and make an arse of yourself and give farangs more bad PR.

I agree. It hasn't been free, when immigration has been doing them, for at least 6 years. Used to be 300baht. Beats going to consulate and paying $30. Pay up or go without your drivers license, its that simple. Furthermore, where do you get the idea that government offices here in Thailand have to provide you things for free. They pay Government employees a wage, just like every other country.

Gotlost - Guess you won't be coming then. A lot happens in the world around us, to be kept at home too much withers our soul. Get out dear man and be not afraid, the water is not that cold.

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Pattaya Parent - Thanks so much for the tidbit of info. Greatly appreciated. The station end is close enough. hel_l I may need an evening in Pattaya to cleanse my soul before the trip starts. Thank you.

Good for you, GO FOR IT. There's a lot of negativity and people that think they know everything on TV. You ask for some legitimate info and get somebodies negativity. The problem is not between tourists and the world, its with the Thais. Life is too short to hide and never go for your dreams.

Good luck and hope you have a happy rewarding trip.

I agree, the posters here have provided a lot of common sense answers to your questions. Above all, do not expect to find a good girl in the bars. Married my wife 11 years ago. She is a Thai Government employee. I was 52, she was 30. I think the most important thing is you will be viewed by how you treat her, and most of all, how you treat her family. Family will always be first in her life followed by any kids, then YOU.

If you have a girl your interested in and all she does is ask for money and things, you got the wrong one. Move here, take your time to learn about the culture, and keep up on the experience of others who have tried and failed. You will soon find out which girl is right for you, if you don't get hooked on the wrong one first.

No matter who you marry, you will have to deal with the multicultural problems and language problems that come up. Not much different than any other relationship. Good Luck.

Are they counting people leaving? The picture seems to show the tourists leaving Thailand

Geez its a bit quite on here..for me this is good news that not many on TV like to hear..

Not having a go at you BB,but im just wondering how you came to the conclusion that the pic was of people leaving?

In any case dont worry,that little wooden puppet guy will turn up any minute with multiple reasons why this isnt true,why the thais are lying, and how LOS is still going down the tubes...

BTW..i wonder how many of the long stayers here,(the ones who talk down LOS constantly) are actually seeking (or considering) citizenship??

They've certainly been here long enough,since they seem to know everything Thai,and like to bag out anyone who's only been here a year or so.

I for one would not be comfortable to invite a non aussie person to become a new aussie citizen if that person spent a good deal of his/her time running down his host country and perpetuating their negative opinions on others who may not have the experience to seperate reality from all the BS

I agree with you 100%. No matter what is posted in good faith for the readers the negative "stinkin thinkin" people come out of the woodwork to ridicule and put down everybody and everything about Thailand. Its gotten so, even though they have lots of TV readers, TV has gotten a reputation because of these posters.

I have to wonder how many of these people actually live here, and how many are posting from outside Thailand. Its actually too bad because there are a lot of readers that post good information etc.

There have been several reports of more than 30 days recently (all the Immigration office movements probably a major factor) so would not be concerned. Might be a good idea to wear a shirt on next visit however.

Lopburi,

I my wife and I have used the marriage extension a number of times before and after my extensions based on work. They have always indicated to us that since it goes to Bangkok, it can take up to 60 days. The magic word is "CAN." They indicated that it usually takes 60 days for the first or second one, and 30 days for extensions after.

Going back to my married extension just a couple 2.5 months ago, they put a 60 day stanp in the passport to begin with.

Its good for TV inquirers to expect 60 days and be happy with 30 days. Our paperwork is sent to BKK from Chiang Mai.

I went back to a married extension after 7 years on a visa based on work. I had read about the map and pictures and all. Chiang Mai immigration processed my extension. Never ask for map or pictures. The one thing they have never ask for in the past was proof of income even though I had the US Consulate income letter. They did take copies of my bank book with 400,000 baht in it, but extension was based on military retirement and two SS payments per month.

Be prepared with proof of income in case they ask. It may save you some time.