timmyp

Yes, it's beautiful to look at through the fence. I have been jogging around it since the lockdown, noting how gorgeous it is and will be if they ever get the construction finished.

It sure will be shame when they have to open up the pretty parks, cuz all the people in them will just ruin the pleasant scenery. Way easier to maintain it all by keeping everyone at home. 

20 hours ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 

It is on Google Maps... I already posted the link and photos of the location on GM here in the forum, in fact, in a post just on one page earlier in this thread.

Thanks loads for pasting this link, TallGuy, but when I copy and paste the text you quotes, I get nothing. 

I think this is the place, though! 

https://goo.gl/maps/s2Spk3Ufr2ZPbiij8

I'm not sure, though. Read further if you're curious about how complicated this gets.

The link that kind TallGuy pasted is: 

https://www.google.com/maps/place/ศูนย์วัคซีนและตรวจสุขภาพบางรัก+-+Bangrak+Vaccination+and+Health+Center/@1

I get nothing with or without the @1 at the end.

But but but!

Although nothing comes up when I search on the English name, if I search on the Thai name, then I get two locations on Google Maps! This is great progress. But which one is correct? Two separate locations come up for ศูนย์วัคซีนและตรวจสุขภาพบางรัก. Not a big deal, cuz they're nicely close to each other:
ศูนย์วัคซีนและตรวจสุขภาพบางรัก

https://goo.gl/maps/s2Spk3Ufr2ZPbiij8
https://goo.gl/maps/oygCQuF2HJDrVJq19

I'm sure the authorities want to make this a fun puzzle. They want to test how badly we want the vaccine, no? I accept this challenge!

Although the hits the appear in Google Maps show different buildings along Sathon Road, the image presented for this property in Google Maps is the same. If that image is to be trusted, then the true location of the vaccination centre is the first link above. 

Judging by the photo, the building appears to be a newly-built structure on the start of Sathon soi 9, between the Ascott Sathorn Building and the UOB Building. The building doesn't have a name, but judging by what TallGuy posted, the building name is อาคารบางรัก, which I guess would be Bangrak Building (or maybe Akhan Bangrak, dunno, everyone likes to translated and transliterate differently). 

The original address from the press release shows "9 Sathon," but I guess they maybe mean Sathon 9, i.e., Sathon soi 9? Not sure.  Addresses have always been an intriguing puzzle to me here. 

If I search on the name of the building in Thai ,อาคารบางรัก, then I get this image. It shows the name of the building in Thai, but people are standing in front of it, so I can't tell what the English says: 

23 hours ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 

I haven't been there in person... But it's a MoPH run, newly opened facility that's supposedly on the 11th floor of something that I believe is called the Bangrak Medical Institute, but may also be known as the Bangrak Health Center.

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, I found all that information too, and every single article written in Thai about the place, but it's till not clear what building it's in, or where it yes. Yes, I found the address, too. It's not clear to me where "9 South" is (note that I live in Sathon, on soi 1) 

Try searching for Bangrak Vaccination and Health Center or สถาบันการแพทย์บางรัก or ศูนย์ฉีดวัคซีนและสุขภาพบางรัก (the name of the Bangkok Health Center/Centre and the Bangrak Vaccination Health Center in Thai). Not on Google Maps

Just tried calling again, and no answer. Maybe they are so busy with people that they can't answer? 

On 5/31/2021 at 4:01 PM, Purdey said:

Mysteriously, two friends have tried to register and one was told online by Vimut that registrations were full and no more were being accepted. The second person went to see Bangrak Vaccination and Health Centre, Sathorn, and it was all locked up. 

I called Bumrungrad and informed them I have an underlying disease, Diabetes, and am older than 60. I got an appointment for 30 July. No idea which vaccine.

I can't find the the Bangrak Vaccination and Health Centre on Google Maps, and nobody there answers the phone. I tried searching in Thai, and there is hardly  any information there either, just some articles about the opening of the centre. None of the articles state the name of the building that the new centre is located in (only that it's on the 11th floor). The Thai name doesn't show up on Google Maps, either. 

I live on Sathon, and it's not clear to me what building it's even in. The address is 9 Sathon, so I know the area that it would be in, but that doesn't tell me which building. This is totally absurd. 

Clearly, the Thai gov doesn't want anyone to find this place. 

1 hour ago, Curt1591 said:

 

Don't get your knickers in a bunch. It was sarcastic humor. 

Want to know where I stand on "government's" decisions on Covid? I always look at the money. Money given to politicians says more than any science in that area. 

Take the USA for example. Illustrated below is who pays the most for "better government", aka lobbies. It also shows who might benefit the most from lockdowns and mandatory vaccinations.

 

I see that now. Totally sorry for getting my knickers all bunched up. We're on the same page, I think. 

On 4/16/2021 at 10:46 AM, Curt1591 said:

What? Are you some kind of conspiracy theorist !?!
 

Besides uni's are closed now. 

My post was about the use of universities as quarantine centres, instead of some other area. It's not any statement at all about the dangers posed by covid, or criticising the science. Obviously quarantine facilities should be prepared, not even sure why I have to defend myself here... 

I'm guessing you're one of the people who immediately points a finger for ideas that differ with the government line. Give this a moment of thought: Is it really so crazy to think that the government would use covid as an excuse in an attempt to control a hot spot of anti-gov protests? Saying that it's not crazy doesn't mean that you think that covid isn't dangerous, or that quarantine facilities aren't needed. 

23 hours ago, John Drake said:

 

You weren't here during the 2014 coup?  The universities went on strike and students marched to call for the coup.

Yes, I was here, and that's exactly my point, unless you are implying that the universities support the current regime (and I assume you're not saying that)

Great way to get a foothold in and control those universities that would otherwise lead protests critical of the government. I'm sure that's just an unrelated coincidence. 

The message from this article seems to be that we have to protect children because children are more vulnerable to covid (the article states that, "They can develop severe symptoms, while the treatment is more complicated than that for adults"). But all data shows that kids are far less susceptible to the disease than adults. Not only in catching it, but in showing any symptoms at all. Unless the kid is particularly vulnerable due to some other health condition, then covid is not a threat at all.

Does the article really want to say that, "For the rare cases of immuno-compromised children, we have to be extra careful, because they are harder to treat"? I think it's a fair statement that we must protect particularly vulnerable kids, but if the point of the article is "we need to be more careful or else healthy children might get covid," then this article is absurd fear-mongering, and consistent with so much other ridiculous news on this pandemic. 

Not a single mention of China in the article. So why does the photo for the article show the Chinese flag, with the caption "Anti-coup protesters hold a Chinese flag before burning it down during a demonstration against China in Yangon, Myanmar April 5, 2021. REUTERS/Stringer"

Thanks for making your message clear, Reuters. Just like their outstanding journalism on Ukraine and Russia.

https://thegrayzone.com/2021/02/20/reuters-bbc-uk-foreign-office-russian-media/

4 hours ago, luckyscruff said:

Wat a load of rubbish , I was in Udon and hotel only 25-30 percent occupied , still like a ghost town 

I was down in Betong, and it was super crowded with Thai tourists. I've never seen so many tourists there before. 

I have no idea if hotel occupancy was at what the gov claimed, but I had trouble getting a hotel. I also tried to book over the new year, and the large hotel where I usually stay was booked, so I had to go with my second choice.  

Maybe Betong is an exception for the rest of the country, I don't know, but definitely loads of folks were visiting over the weekend. It seems like it will be packed again for the new year holidays as well. 

2 hours ago, ThLT said:

Hi timmy,

 

I'm in the same situation as you (with an ED visa and want to start working). Have you considered a "Non-Immigrant extension of stay based on teaching" (I don't know if this is possible, though)? Or are you and the visa company saying that this is not possible? See my recent thread.

Would be interested to get an update of things on your side, if you are willing to share it.

I have only just heard that this is possible. I plan to extend my ED visa for its original purpose of studying Thai. I am attending classes, and will just stop attending once I'm allowed to start going into the school. That's the plan. 

If the school tells me that I can start going in to teach tomorrow because the MoL already approved the work permit application last March, then perhaps I will attempt to extend the ED visa based on teaching instead of learning Thai. 

2 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

Click 6 or 7 here. https://www.immigration.go.th/en/?p=14714  

It should be possible but they may say that if is not possible to apply for the extension with a non-ed visa entry. The immigration order states only a non immigrant visa is required (number one on the above requirements).

 

2 hours ago, ThLT said:

Okay, thank you.

I called immigration last week, and the agent told me that it is possible to extend the ED visa because you are teaching. She said, though, that the decision is ultimately up to the immigration agent. Of course, paperwork has to be in order, the most important of which is a document showing approval for a work permit from the Ministry of Labour.

When I heard that it would be OK to be working provided that I had obtained the approval for a work permit, I rushed to tell my school. Folks at the school said that they will check on it.... I hope they talk the same immigration agent I spoke with, cuz I've been stuck at home since April, anxious to fly abroad and switch visa, or go into the school, instead of just waiting at home. I got my approval for the work permit back in March, and have been waiting ever since...

Has anyone successfully taken advantage of this yet?

Richard Barrow said in the original announcement that his school would be processing visas and switching to non-B visas from today after the 4-day weekend break.

I contacted my school last week about pushing this through, and am still waiting to hear back from them. 

1 hour ago, CrunchWrapSupreme said:

I have it on good authority that the amount allocated from the government, to each school for a foreign teacher, is closer to 60k baht. As this gets down to the teacher, many hands come out. The school director for the lion's share, then other officials, then the agencies who do the recruiting, who are absolutely useless. They're all driving some nice cars, however. They could easily offer higher salaries and get higher quality teachers, simply by cutting back on the skimming.

raiden8411 was just being a twaat, and didn't deserve a response. Clearly confusing the payment of an unqualified English teacher with certified teachers at international schools, which is what this is about. 

9 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

It is only for those with visa exempt or tourist visas.

It is not possible to change non immigrant visa categories at immigration as I have written before.

The problem you have is changing from an extension based upon attending a school to one for teaching. Perhaps immigration would be a little more cooperative about doing it now.

My school told me exactly what you are saying: "We could get your visa changed if it were a tourist visa, but not an ED visa." So I was surprised when I read the start of this thread, because it sounded like I could get a work permit even with the ED visa. 

I just called immigration at 1178, and after 45 minutes on hold, the officer told me that "yes, it's possible to change from an ED visa to a non-B." I told her that I was told before that it's not possible, and she said, "I don't know why they said that. Just tell the officer next time you go in to extend your visa that you want to switch your visa to a non-B. If you have the paperwork from your school, then it should be fine." I don't believe her, I think she wanted to give me an answer that would end the call. 

Perhaps they will be more lenient about doing it now? Or the work permit?

My school has about 20% of its teachers stuck outside of Thailand, waiting to come in. I'm here, but can't go in cuz of the visa problem. 

I just saw that Richard Barrow made a post saying that the Ministry of Ed managed to get the immigration office to allow teachers to change their visas from tourist to non-B. It sounds like I might be covered in that? It's not clear if it also included converting an ED visa to a non-B. I'll post again. 

2 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

Why dig up this old topic when you posted one yourself asking question about it.

https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1173629-has-anyone-obtained-a-non-b-recently-and-entered-thailand/

Most work permit offices will not accept a application if you are on a non-ed visa or extension for attending school.

Apparently you or the your employer have not asked about doing the application and getting a work application approval letter so that you can change the reason for your extension from attending school to teaching. And then after getting the new extension your work permit could be issued.

As said before you cannot change to a non-b visa while in the country.

 

Ubonjoe, you are super wise on these matters, and I greatly appreciate all of your posts. 

I am not asking about getting a non-B in this thread, I'm asking how to go about getting a work permit while still on my ED visa. I had no idea that this was possible, and am totally thrilled to hear that it is a possibility. 

I'll mention this to the school. I'm just not sure what to tell them to say when contacting the Ministry of Labour. I guess I'll say, "you need to ask 'about doing the application and getting a work application approval letter so that you can change the reason for your extension from attending school to teaching.' " I hope that will spur them into action, or push back when the low-level bureaucrat at the MoL tells them, "Impossible, never heard of it."

I had the work application approval letter and all necessary documentation in March, but gave it back to the school once the life span on my criminal background check expired after the shutdown. Hopefully it's still valid, or the school will redo the paperwork in order to pursue getting me a work permit while I am still on my ED visa. 

8 hours ago, JackThompson said:

You should definitely check with the labor-dept that covers the area where your potential-employer is located, and see if they have any process permitting this, as each can "make up their own rules."  Best to have a Thai handle this, to avoid language barriers and to follow cultural norms.

 

What you need, is a "work permit approval" letter (usually used to go out for a Non-B Visa), which could be used with immigration to get a non-B extension (if immigration will do it sans the usual 20K+ baht bribe), followed by returning to the Labor office with that extension, to get your work-permit. 

 Thanks, JackT. I'll have the school's office handle this. I'm surprised that a work permit on my ED visa wasn't proposed, or that they didn't know about it. They are a huge school with great standing here, but really need to follow the letter of the law because of who they are. 

Do you, or does anyone, have a link to legal info or a historical example of this. Info in just Thai would be totally fine. I'm just afraid that I'll tell my school without specific references, and my school will reply, "What the hell are you talking about? That's ludicrous. Of course you need a non-B for your work permit. You read on a forum that a work visa on an ED visa is possible?? Ridiculous. Please, we are busy," then fail to pursue any of it. Perhaps they'll even call the Ministry of Labour, where a bureaucrat may just present them with the cookie-cutter rules, saying "totally silly, never heard of it," no attempt to look into it.

On 3/25/2018 at 10:46 AM, ubonjoe said:

Once you changed your extension from attending school you would be working on an extension of stay based upon working. Your original entry from a non-ed visa would not mean anything after that.

I'm sorry to resurrect this thread, but it is very relevant to my situation.

I am on an ED visa for studying Thai language. I got hired by a school in Bangkok, but cannot leave to get a non-B (well, I suppose that I could leave, but I probably wouldn't be able to come back to Thailand for a while). 

So, my ED visa cannot be converted to a non-B, but a work permit can be granted to me with this ED visa? How do I pursue applying for this work permit? I would like to tell my school, but I don't know what to point them to. We have been waiting for the borders to open up, but that doesn't seem any closer...

My ED visa is still valid. I have been extending it rather than relying on the visa amnesty. 

5 hours ago, Ticu said:

told in late June that the process for wp3 issuance has been tightened up at present. One gov department and then two separate ministries have to approve and issue the wp3... 

 

Would be interested to know if you have a wp3 in hand 

Thank you for posting, Ticu, and I'm sorry that you're stuck waiting right now. 

I got the WP3 in late February, but I don't know if it's still considered valid. These forms have a limited lifespan. I'll ask at my company. 

Please keep us posted. I hope that you don't have to wait much longer.

Another concern that I have is the criminal background check that is required for my job. It takes one week to get the background check done, and then only has a lifespan of 30 days. I would need to get the criminal background check done only after knowing what the visa processing schedule is. If there are any hold-ups after I get the background check before I am able to apply for my visa at a Thai embassy, then the background check wouldn't be valid anymore.