donbury

Hi Roger,

I would tend to try and get it done myself. I lived in BKK 14 months, and made about 10 trips to Poi Pet. I started off taking the busses, then discovered renting a van with a driver was worth the money to me. Either way, we got stopped at least once each trip by the boys in green with the guns, who were looking for somebody else (not me). Close to the border, they were definitely on the hunt for druggies. The trip was never without its perils, but traffic perils mainly.

You know, I think I would take a hard look at flying out and back. I'd say there would be less chance of running into some nut case bureaurocrat who decides this is a good day to make up a new rule....

Yes, maybe flying commercially would be worth the extra money this time.

Good luck.

PS being a dreamer, wouldn't it be nice if this event undid the recent changes in the tourist visa rules?

DB

The last time I shipped to Thailand from the USA, my fiancee had to pay tax to get the item.

Now I want to ship again, and want to avoid the recipient getting hit for tax.

Any suggestions or comments?

Thanks.

Don Bury

Clearly Mr T needs to call for a crackdown on hard landings.

I was delighted to discover Skype after suffering through regularly poor quality at vonage. Try skype. I think you will like it.

I have done 7 poi pet visa runs from BKK and I really dread the next one. I was taking a bus at 5AM, but the last time found I could hire a van for the round trip with a driver, and made the journey getting lots of sleep in the van. Also it dropped the travel time from 10 hours total to about 6, as we skipped the westbound taxi trip to the bus station, and apparently drove a more direct route. I think I paid 3000 bhat for the driver and van, and enjoyed stopping at will, making it much more comfortable.

Dealing with the border BS is very irritating at best. My last run, I counted no less than 6 checkpoints I had to negotiate. The worst being checking out of Thailand, which required waiting in line an hour. After getting back into Thailand, I endured a scary looking military checkpoint with metal detectors and body scanners. After looking through my bag, they waived me through, and I am pretty sure they are looking for drugs.

Avoid peak gambling hours can help alot. I am sure weekend late mornings are the worst crowds. I think a very early weekday morning is likely a lot better, as I did have a fairly smooth in-and-out one monday morning.

To keep it all in perspective, I did the journey several times with an Australian, who was resigned to the process, because he had been doing it every month for EIGHT YEARS!!!!! ARGHHHH!

I dream of ways around this. I was even thinking about flying to Rangoon, but the news from Myanmar and the fighting going on over the border has scared me off. Also, seems vulnerablity to kidnapping over there is very real.

I guess I will look into Panong - flying there.

As a private pilot, this incident is of interest to me.

I read "medical checkup" and think "drug/alcohol test"

I am happy not to fly on the supposedly undamaged singapore aircraft just after such an incident.

It sounds like they were traveling in opposite directions. Perhaps one or both planes was/were off the center line of the taxiway.

I've been sobered by recent articles on Phuket Airlines, and their deferral of safety inspections, and learning they have only 13 planes. hmmmmmmmmm.

From the US, I am accustomed to a fairly heavy hand from the FAA, and Thailand is out of their jurisdiction, and I understand different rules and standards apply to different countries.

In the US, I have seen air traffic control literally melt down and lose track of planes approaching Oakland Airport in California in heavy traffic times. Certainly ground control can contribute to a problem, as can language misunderstandings.

I've certainly felt challenged navigating taxiways in new-to-me airports, but I expect commercial pilots are much better prepared and trained.

An incident like this can be healthy, because it wakes everybody up, and nobody was hurt. I can tell you that the FAA in the US posts incident reports and conclusions for all to read, and attempts to learn from every incident or close call. I wonder if the same is true here in Thailand?

Safe flying, and good luck!

My crippling weakness is that I must have broadband DSL in my room at any hotel I stay in. I've been clinging to Bangkok for a year now, because here I can be sure of my precious access to high speed internet access.

Last week I called half a dozen hotels in Hua Hin, and found only the Hilton willing to tell me they offered broadband in the room. (they forgot to mention there was an additional charge of 500 bhat per day, but I didn't mind that too much, because it did work). I normally wouldn't stay at such a pricey hotel, but it was fun for a few days.

I'd like to know of any other hotels in Hua Hin that might offer in room broadband.

Feeling brave after that, I ventured up to Udon Thani. Ban Chiang Hotel assured me 3 times I could have internet in my room, so I headed there. Upon arrival, I found out I was expected to buy a KSC card at 7-11 and use dial-up through their phone system.

Not quite what I had in mind.

I really need a home away from home in Udon with broadband, so if anybody has any clues for me, would be most appreciated.

From a documentary I watched on DB Cooper, the airplane model he jumped from was modified to eliminate that exit possibility from the plane.

The documentary left the viewer confident he made it.

I fail to see what the Italian guy would have accomplished by jumping so soon after takeoff. He didn't exactly escape Thailand I gather, unless he went out death's door.

Perhaps there is a sequel here for Escape from New York.....!

Is anyone aware of any satellite internet service available in Thailand, to individuals willing to buy the necessary equipment? If not, is it a regulatory contstraint that prevents access to such service?

After a comfortable peaceful 2 hour bus ride back to Bangkok from Kanchanaburi, we climbed into a taxi and suddenly found ourselves in a video game blend of Duke Nukem and Grand Theft Auto. The taxi careened through the hectic Bangkok traffic on a wild 45 minute ride back to the hotel in the rain. The driver was playing hard, trying to kill as many motorcyclists as possible (10 points), as he pushed from lane to lane without signaling, cutting trucks and busses off, and tailgaiting at every opportunity. My GF and I exchanged glances, and I was pleased to see she knew the danger we were in. With another look, I suggested changing cabs, and she revealed her darker side smugly saying, "I want to see! (him wreck his taxi)." "It's no problem" she whispered, "we will just walk away and leave him with the mess." The air conditioner was going full blast, making me feel like I was in a chilly San Francisco drizzle in my shorts and Tshirt, although just on the other side of the window it was a pleasant 85 degrees. The radio incessantly blasted Thai cell phone commercials, where clever advertisers knew the attention grabbing power of the phone ringing, and added sounds of traffic horns honking through the taxi's over amplified speakers. I tried to cling to the serenity of the weekend as the Bangkok frenzy insisted on crowding it out. Incredibly, we made it to the lobby door of our building. I apathetically spared the driver a course in driving safety, mostly because he would not understand a word I said. Handing him the $5 fare and walking away was revenge enough. A much safer elevator ride to the 5th floor, then apartment door opened as it should, and the peace of our lovely apartment brought the stillness back again.

A brutal sounding dog fight suddenly erupted from the darkness below. I was gazing into the night from my 5th floor balcony in Bangkok when the brawl started suddenly, just out of sight on the street below. In a few minutes it was all over. It sounded like at least half a dozen dogs were right on the scene, rooting loudly for their friend on one side or the other. I am sure some flesh was involved. Another scar where hair used to be.

Bangkok has gangs of dogs lurking in their established territories. They know nothing of the luxuries American dogs loaf in. There are no fat dogs, and these survivors of the street are cunning, careful, and leary. They don't get baths, and their hair is grubby from living on the street. The stupid dogs are all dead. These dogs know to stay clear of traffic, and to stay clear of most people. They walk cautiously. They not only have to worry about traffic and food, but what is more dominant in their consciousness I think is the dog community. The live amongst themselves, a sub-culture, pretty much oblivious to the human's world. I catch them looking at me as I walk by them. The look is not the one I am used to in the states, where a dog is more likely to consider you a great asset than a threat. The look is a leary one, as to say, "Why are you looking at me?" They find a quiet spot and wait out the heat of the day, lean belly and chin to the ground. They have little hide-outs in the careless construction in the streets. In some places the water has carved caves under concrete, an ideal setting. The action picks up when the sun goes down. Every day is about surviving. The dogs surviving in the country know damned well it is not ok to mess with the chickens or the water buffalo. The ones who lost sight of that fact are no longer in the gene pool.

There are a few people who are feeding these animals. Where there is a cluster of dogs living, there has to be a Thai feeding them regularly. I think they eat rice and scraps. I bet they are accustomed to spicy food too. Most Thais are too busy surviving themselves, and feeding a dog appears nowhere on their list of things to do. The Thai waistlines are generally narrow, just like the dog's. The dogs are breeding of course. Who has money for spay/neutering stray dogs? I'm sure I've seen one ominous animal control truck, and I don't think I will make an effort to tour the local pound. I expect the stays there are short.

I am tempted to toss an edible treasure to one as I walk by, but that is a bad idea. The riot that would break out would be like what happens when you make the mistake of giving a coin to a hungry kid in Cambodia. No, I just notice the rugged creature and keep my stride. As I peer into the distrusting dog's eyes, I can't help but marvel that he probably understands more Thai than I do.

I jumped on this topic because I feel trapped in Bangkok, because I must have high speed internet connection to function. I would love to live in a rural area, like River Kwai, or outside of Udon Thani. I know there are web shops with ADSL in Kanchanaburi, but have a lot to learn about the limitations of availability.

What I would really like to see is a map of coverage areas where ADSL is available, so I can go exploring for a great place to live with that knowledge.

I am very pleased with KSC as a provider, but I fear if I leave Bangkok, I will end up losing my high speed connection. When asking KSC about their coverage area, they insist on a phone number to look up.

Does anybody know of any resources that could help inform me as to coverage areas?

This is refreshing clarity. As I have been doing 30 day runs to Poi Pet, next time I will make sure I have 10,000 Bhat in my pocket. It sounds like that will assure me of re-entry.

In the unlikely event I should I be robbed in the process, it is a survivable sum to lose, and replaceable at that. Gee, do you think a robber would take my ATM card and passport too? Hmmmm.... There are a lot of police and officials standing around, so I would be surprised at such an altercation in broad daylight.

I do watch my pockets during the rigamarole, as there are a lot of very needy people suffering, particularly on the Cambodian side.

Thanks once again for the terrific information service created by thaivisa. I am sure to tell my friends about this forum at every opportunity.

In the three months I've been here I've ridden taxis quite a lot. Mostly I've felt the drivers were superb in that they succeeded in navigating treacherous Bangkok traffic without a scratch. Last week however, I returned from a great weekend in river Kwai, and wrote the following:

After a comfortable peaceful 2 hour bus ride back to Bangkok, we climbed into a taxi and suddenly found ourselves in a video game blend of Duke Nukem and Grand Theft Auto. The taxi careened through the hectic Bangkok traffic on a wild 45 minute ride back to the hotel in the rain. The driver was playing hard, trying to kill as many motorcyclists as possible (10 points), as he pushed from lane to lane without signaling, cutting trucks and busses off, and tailgaiting at every opportunity. My girlfriend and I exchanged glances, and I was pleased to see she knew the danger we were in. With another look, I suggested changing cabs, and she revealed her darker side smugly saying, "I want to see! (him wreck his taxi)." "It's no problem" she whispered, "we will just walk away and leave him with the mess." The air conditioner was going full blast, making me feel like I was in a chilly San Francisco drizzle in my shorts and Tshirt, although just on the other side of the window it was a pleasant 85 degrees. The radio incessantly blasted Thai cell phone commercials, where clever advertisers knew the attention grabbing power of the phone ringing, and added sounds of traffic horns honking through the taxi's over amplified speakers. I tried to cling to the serenity of the weekend as the Bangkok frenzy insisted on crowding it out. Incredibly, we made it to the lobby door of our building. I apathetically spared the driver a course in driving safety, mostly because he would not understand a word I said. Handing him the $5 fare and walking away was revenge enough. A much safer elevator ride to the 5th floor, then apartment door opened as it should, and the peace of our lovely apartment brought the stillness back again.

I've been looking for chamomile tea, a wonderful way to relax and head off to bed. Always wake up feeling great, much better than the vodka tonic method.

Any suggestions as to where I should look next?

Something tells me it is not OK to have a friend ship me a carton of decent cigarettes. I've been puffing away at the thai marlboros, wishing I had a box of Shermans. Wishing I knew a great tobacco shop in Bangkok that had all sorts of variety.

I guess that is just a pipedream, right?

I wonder if anybody here has used Thailand Elite, or knows someone who has? Shelling out US $25,000 is a big commitment, but if it created the possibilty to own real estate, it might be justifiable. I have to believe there is much to be found in the tiny print, and the web site seems all selling, and provides limited information. They seem to imply some special link with immigration yielding a 5 year visa. Just how does that work, I wonder?

A relative sent me the following email, which sparked my interest.

I was reading the paper and saw this article about a Thailand Elite Card.

You have to pay a lifetime membership fee of $25,000. For that you get the

privilege of the right to purchase a residence, exemption from visa

requirements and the right to stay in the country for 5 years, free medical

care, discounts on hotel and airfare etc. Check out the website at

www.thailandelite.com

Anybody have any experience with a tourist visa for thai girlfriend to South Africa.

She lacks credentials, but I can guarantee the financial end.

I'd like to take her there where my British uncle maintains a residence, and where our family will gather in January.

Thanks for any comments.

Thanks for all the rapid replies. It is very reassuring to know you are out their, and so willing to offer some guidance to the newbie.

I detect valuable wisdom in the numerous responses, and I will proceed with cautious optimism, as I settle down in Bangkok, and get to know my sweetheart better.

There are definitely plenty of challenges in adjusting to the Thai/Farang relationship, many rooted in the language barrier.

You can bet I will be on the forum with plenty more questions, and hope to serve a newbie one day in the same spirit you've exhibited.

Anybody with experience posting cash guaranteeing the return of Thai from US to get US Tourist Visa?

I am feeling stuck in Thailand because I want to be with my 27 year old Thai girlfriend who I am in love with. I am here from USA on a tourist visa, age 48, living on money from past business efforts. I just made my first 30 day visa run, and getting a longer visa to be here will be the topic of another posting from me. We met in April 2004 while I was on vacation. I made it back here in mid June, and moved her in with me in a nice serviced apartment in Bangkok. We've been together a total of about 70 days.

I want to get her a tourist visa to the US, so we can at least spend some time over there, and let her take a look at what life would be like there. I want to introduce her to my mother, and win her approval for a 2005 marriage. I want to show her California, Arizona, Washington state, and Oregon. I want to introduce her to my family and friends. She is unemployed, but has 150,000 Bhat in the bank which I gave her. She has a 4 year old daughter here, a mother, and numerous brothers and sisters. Her daughter is living with the father’s mother, because of economics, and grandma’s loving care. My girlfriend has never been married. She has no college education, and no job.

From reading the US embassy web site, I gathered getting her a tourist visa was most unlikely. Then a local farang professor he knew of one success involving posting cash guaranteeing her return in the amount of 100,000 Bhat. I would be willing to post 400,000 Bhat if it bought us liberty to travel together to the US on tourist visas.

I am in the process of getting divorced, so I understand that precludes me from going the fiancée route until the divorce is final sometime in January 2005.

I welcome opinions, comments, and contact possibilities offering any hope of securing entry into the US with my girlfriend.