Nuff Said

#1 the OP is a she not a he & a very polite one at that

#2 She never gave the impression she was taking offense on behalf of Thai's. She merely asked an opinion of others.

1. The gender of the OP makes no difference. However, on this subject, her profile states 'not telling', so no apologies on that one.

2. In post 8 of this thread, the OP contradicts the above as she said 'I wasnt in the pool area, just looked over my balcony...and whether i did the right thing or not, decided to call reception and let them know.'

The last few words say it all. Reporting the matter to reception implies taking offence on behalf of others, as the OP seems to have made it clear that she wasn't personally offended, but thought others may be.

I consider the OP to be totally out of order, its not his business. No one asked him to take offence on behalf of the Thais, and there are quite enough of the politically correct brigade who relish in taking offence on behalf of others, without him joining their ranks.

If the Thai's consider that the lady concerned was out of order then they should take it up with the condo management. However, they may be reluctant to do that if they are not condo residents because they would have no right to be there in the first place. Believe me, this happens a lot.

The OP can always raise the issue at the next Annual General Meeting of the condo's owners, assuming that he is one of course.

I have a pretty good idea which condo he is referring to. Either that, or it's also happening here, and has been for some time.

Thanks for the reply. You're right. I won't be in Thailand for about a month. I guess that's why the agents can't be bothered with me. It also explains why properties sit on the market forever. I have been to CM several times, though and have done quite a bit of internet research.

When you say never buy property in Thailand for obvious reasons, do you mean noise, pollution, problems getting things fixed, stagnant market, etc or something else? I plan to buy a property and live in it most of the time. Some of it looks really good, and I have just sold a property in Vancouver that is worth about six or eight times what a similar property in CM would be. Plus it's stinking cold here. I've bought and sold lots of property before and will use a lawyer. He doesn't answer my emails either.

I'M FROM BRITISH COLUMBIA AS WELL. I HAVE LIVED IN CHIANG MAI FOR 5 YEARS AND LOVE IT. BEWARE, THERE ARE LAWS WHICH LIMIT THE NUMBER OF FOREIGNERS THAT CAN OWN CONDOS IN A BUILDING. I KNOW OF ONE BUILDING IN CHIANG MAI WHERE A FORMER MANAGER SOLD THE PARKING LOT AND THE LAND THAT WAS PUT ASIDE FOR THE SWIMMING POOL. THE RESIDENTS HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET THIS LAND BACK FOR SEVERAL YEARS WITH LITTLE SUCCESS BUT LOTS OF PROMISES THAT IT CAN BE DONE IF ONE IS WILLING TO PAY THE PROPER OFFICIAL. I WOULD RENT UNTIL YOU KNOW THAT THE BUILDING THAT YOU ARE CONSIDERING IS A GOOD PLACE TO BUY.

Post removed.

My response to that was to remove BBC website from my favourites list, so they now get 150 less clicks on it each month.

That'll teach 'em !!

totster

It sure made them quake in their boots! Seriously, outfits such as BBC are very sensitive to the number of hits on their sites, especially when sponsorship is invloved.

Not even the airline itself will be certain regarding exactly which aircraft will be used on a particular rotation well in advance. Factors such as late running, switches due to traffic/operational requirements and also routine maintanence have to be taken into account.

So far as the Qatar widebody fleet is concerned, the 772's, 773's and 346's are all common configuration within the class. But there are umpteen different 332 and 333 configurations, as some also have first class in addition to business and economy. Even that's no guarantee that an aircraft of the exact configuration will be used, as I have flown in a three class Qatar 332 on a two class route.

OK thank you guys,

I found what I was looking for on airliners.net

Thanks again

Yermanee

You could also go to http://www.planespotters.net/Airline/Qatar-Airways. Its a very detailed site, regularly updated with current and historical fleet details, aircraft ages, delivery dates, configurations, previous registration if any, who its leased from if not owned by the airline, and lots of pictures.

The home page has an index for just about any major airline anywhere.

That planespotters site is superb... thank you for that find!!!

Thanks. Glad you like it. I check out the Qatar page regularly as I awlays fly with them.

Sorry that should have read is BBC Five Live doing it's usual commentary?

Even if it is, if the last Ashes series is anything to go by, BBC will block your connection with a recorded message saying words to the effect that you can't recieve the commentary because of broadcasting rights in your location.

My response to that was to remove BBC website from my favourites list, so they now get 150 less clicks on it each month.

Bangkokcitylimits; thanks for posting the list of sites. I think I used the Webcric one for the last Ashes. Not perfect as my internet connection isn't always as fast as I would wish, but certainly watchable.

I've no doubt that ESPN will be trying like hell to prevent on-line streaming of the tournament.

OK thank you guys,

I found what I was looking for on airliners.net

Thanks again

Yermanee

You could also go to http://www.planespotters.net/Airline/Qatar-Airways. Its a very detailed site, regularly updated with current and historical fleet details, aircraft ages, delivery dates, configurations, previous registration if any, who its leased from if not owned by the airline, and lots of pictures.

The home page has an index for just about any major airline anywhere.

The normal reason for issue would be that you are planning on checking into retirment in Thailand - a non immigrant entry is required to extend your stay for retirement inside Thailand. They might only issue a single entry however.

Just over 3 months ago Hull granted me a multiple entry Non-Immigrant 'O' on the grounds of intent to convert to O-A retirement status once here. Just the one page standard visa application form and a signed declaration regarding having enough funds to support myself were required.

You cannot convert to a "O-A" visa inside Thailand. What you can get is a 1 year extension of stay based on retirement, if you qualify.

Yes, I know what a 'retirement visa', O-A (the A is for annual, as in the term of extension) or whatever you care to call it is. I had one for 5 consectutive years, left Thailand for a time, so needed a fresh Non-Imm 'O' so I could apply again. The point I was makiing was relative to how little paperwork was required by Hull. Simple as that!

The normal reason for issue would be that you are planning on checking into retirment in Thailand - a non immigrant entry is required to extend your stay for retirement inside Thailand. They might only issue a single entry however.

Just over 3 months ago Hull granted me a multiple entry Non-Immigrant 'O' on the grounds of intent to convert to O-A retirement status once here. Just the one page standard visa application form and a signed declaration regarding having enough funds to support myself were required.

About 6 months ago my computer started to get slower and slower, not only at responding to normal commands, but also took what seemed like an eternity to start up and shut down. It eventually packed up altogether. The problem wasn't the programmes; the motherboard was 12 years old and life expired. I had it replaced. Now my computer is lightning fast, and starts and shuts down in about a minute every time. But I will try the Soluto Free link just out of interest.

Tourists taking holiday snaps, regardless of the quality of the camera, have nothing to fear in my opinion, unless snapping away in prohibited locations.

But a professional photographer, who enters Thailand masquerading as a tourist but with the sole intention of taking photo's for publication, and without the appropriate visa and paperwork, is, in my opinion, working, and should have the relevent visa and documents, presumably the same as those issued to journalists.

It all comes down to what is considered to be simply going about your normal personal daily affairs. Taking holiday snaps, not working, but doing a photo shoot in pursuance your profession, yes.

Coinsidering that many tourists have very sophisticated cameras, it would be well nigh impossible for immigration to weed out professional photographers who simply mingle in with the crowds.

Kuhn Naam -- It becomes interesting for us bean-counters on this Forum when you are presented with these type conundrums:

I do not qualify for any long-term visa or extension of visa to remain in Thailand; how can I stay long-term in Thailand?

I cannot legally work in Thailand without a work permit and I cannot -- short of starting / registering my own Thai company or being employed by an existing Thai company -- obtain a work permit; how can I legally work in Thailand?

If what Namm said was true, few visitors to Thailand would even get as far as customs at the airport, as those with checked in luggage would be arrested by immigration police for not emplying a porter, and lifting their own bags off the carousel. Enough of the daftness. There's a huge difference between working and simply carrying out your normal daily personal activities.

Jazzbo. You answered your own question in the last paragraph of your post. You eliminated both possibilities, then said 'what can I do?' But if you live in or visit Europe, you could tap up the Thai Consulate in Hull regarding the possibility of a Multiple Entry Non Immigratnt 'O' visa. They deal with postal applications from throughout the EU.

Thailand's labour laws are designed to prevent foreigners from taking Thai's jobs, by listing occupations, most of which are unskilled, in which they cannot engage in under any curcumstances, and ensuring those in permitted occupations such as teaching have the appropriate paperwork. But they are not intended to persucute the vacationing salesman who's boss insists he checks and answers his work E-Mail and take business phone calls when on holiday, something that would be well nigh impossible to enforce.

But there's one thing that we should never overlook, and that is those who are entrusted with enforcing the labour laws so often betray those they are intended to protect.

Can someone help me with an answer on this.

I want to chance some of my furnitures in my house. So to sale the old furnitures i rent a stand for one day on a marked. Would this be working ?

It would raise a few eyebrows, but, in my opinion, it isn't working so long as the items for sale are your personal possessions only.

Yes they are all my old furnitures. To get room for new furnitures i need to sale the old ones.

I got 2 answers one is yes it is working and the other one is NO it is not working !!

There is a third answer, and that's 'maybe'.

From a logical point of view, I cannot possibly see how selling a few surplus personal possessions, regardless of the method chosen, can be regarded as work. But 'This is Thailand', and unfortnately logic is in very short supply at times.

Why not take a Thai with you to do the actual selling, and just stand close by? Unless you speak the language, it may be difficult to negotiate sales. The Thai can explain that the items are yours, and that he/she is just helping you.

Can someone help me with an answer on this.

I want to chance some of my furnitures in my house. So to sale the old furnitures i rent a stand for one day on a marked. Would this be working ?

It would raise a few eyebrows, but, in my opinion, it isn't working so long as the items for sale are your personal possessions only.

My apologies if this matter has been raised earlier, but does moderating this forum constitute working?

For that matter, does posting in this forum constitute working?

Everybody was sure to submit their work permit when registering for TV, right?

Even if it was, how would immigration prove that the poster was in Thailand at the time of the posting? This forum is a version of bar talk, but with one big difference - you don't have to be here to have your two penneth.

Most of the discussion on this topic has centred around the issue of working on-line or behind closed doors, where the chances of being discovered are small, unless you can't keep your mouth shut! But some folk seen to be asking for trouble. The following account is 100% genuine and I would take a lie detector test on it if neccessary. I was in a well known foreign owned Chiang Mai bar-restaurant one afternoon about a month ago. I will not name the establishment, so don't ask. Nor do I know the owner. While there, the owner and his lady returned from the cash and carry, loaded with supplies. The owner then proceeded to carry out, in full view of those present, some bar cashiering work. I was gobsmacked and couldn't believe what I was seeing. If immigration had spotted what he was doing they would have thrown the book at him, assuming that he didn't have a work permit for such activities, and I don't think that foreigners are allowed to legally work as cashier.

Of course he may have Thai Citizenship (I know a few people that have been here over 30 years when it was not too difficult to get it - one could even be adopted by a Thai and get it - as an adult!). Then, of course, he could do what he likes in s far as any other thai can.

Possible, but in my opinion unlikely. I've been here umpteen years and have yet to meet a foreigner who has Thai Citizenship, or has even applied for it. As you rightly point out, its not easy to get. But there's a first time for everything. Anyway, not to worry, what this particular person did was his business. I just posted what I saw.

Its a pity that universities have nothing better to do with their funds.

And a free lecture on the subject? Can't wait! Count me in!

#181 If immigration had spotted what he was doing they would have thrown the book at him ... Of course that would presume the authorities were previously unaware of what he was doing if without a work permit... On the other hand they may stop in regularly for drinks or other perquisites on-the-house.

I don't go there regularly enough to know. But its possible. On the other hand, how would the owner know if one of the beer delivery guys was an under cover immigration officer?

^ indeed, but raising my question again, so he can own the restaurant and take profits, but cannot be seen to be doing any work?

Yes. Owning a bar or restaurant is one thing, but carrying out duties which are on the prohibited list for foreigners is another. Those with work permits are only allowed to do the work specified on the document. Over the years I have known several bar owners who did not have work permits. They had one thing in common. They were all parnoind about never doing anything that could be construed as 'work'.

My apologies if this matter has been raised earlier, but does moderating this forum constitute working?

For that matter, does posting in this forum constitute working?

Everybody was sure to submit their work permit when registering for TV, right?

Even if it was, how would immigration prove that the poster was in Thailand at the time of the posting? This forum is a version of bar talk, but with one big difference - you don't have to be here to have your two penneth.

Most of the discussion on this topic has centred around the issue of working on-line or behind closed doors, where the chances of being discovered are small, unless you can't keep your mouth shut! But some folk seen to be asking for trouble. The following account is 100% genuine and I would take a lie detector test on it if neccessary. I was in a well known foreign owned Chiang Mai bar-restaurant one afternoon about a month ago. I will not name the establishment, so don't ask. Nor do I know the owner. While there, the owner and his lady returned from the cash and carry, loaded with supplies. The owner then proceeded to carry out, in full view of those present, some bar cashiering work. I was gobsmacked and couldn't believe what I was seeing. If immigration had spotted what he was doing they would have thrown the book at him, assuming that he didn't have a work permit for such activities, and I don't think that foreigners are allowed to legally work as cashier.

There needs to be an element of common sense, something often in short supply here, when deciding what constitues working. The regulations were drafted way before the age of cyber working, and that has resulted in a huge grey area in this field. What about someone who is a professional on-line gambler? Assuming the neccessary websites were accessable, what is to stop someone making a living here doing that? But getting a work permit may pose a problem or two!

The opportunities to earn a living on-line are numerous. Some may be a little dubious, and promise the earth, but that's not the issue here. Working on-line behind closed doors could be very difficult to prove, especially if not using a Thai based internet service provider. But I hope to never see the day when a genuine tourist is carted away by the immigration police for simply checking and responding to work E-Mails, something that an increasing number of people, 50% in a recent UK survey, are now expected to do in their leisure time.

On the on-line gambling...the answer is easy....Gambling is illegal in Thailand away from any work permit issues...

Dont know if I agree with you saying the whole on-line thing is a grey area, if you work to the letter of the law as it stands...you need a WP, whether you will get caught is a separate debate..

I'm not a gambler, but am well aware that it is illegal here, and my reference to obtaining a work permit for such activities was light hearted to say the least. Having said that, about 8 years ago I did actually meet a professional gambler in Pattaya, though I don't know if he lived there full time. It was a Sunday evening, and I vividly recall him looking at his watch and saying that it was time to place a bet on an Italian Seria A game that was due to kick off soon.

With reference to on-line working being a grey area, I think it always will be, though the chances of being detected are small. But if a genuine foreign tourist was arrested for simply checking and replying to his work E-Mail, it would have to go in the 'You Couldn't Make It Up' category. I don't think it will ever happen, and hope it never does, but 'This Is Thailand'.

If in doubt about the need for a work permit, you can always ask. But if they say no, make sure you get it in writing.

OK, here's a hypothetical example of what could constitute working.

Bill and Ben are mates. Bill is a retired TV servicing engineer, and Ben is a dab hand with computers.

Bills computer got a viris. He called Ben and asked him to check it out. A couple of hours later Ben had done the heccessary and Bills computer was fine again.

Next day Ben's television developed a fault. He called Bill and asked him to take a look. A couple of hours later Bill had done the neccessary and Ben's TV was fine again.

Does this constitute working, or simply a case of 'foreigners helping foreigners?'

Yes. Particularly in both situations because, theoretically, it can be argued that you are divesting a Thai from an opportunity to ply his trade.

I agree, strictly speaking they should have called Thai's in to do the work, and I specifically used this type of example as the work would have been carried out behind closed doors. But it would have been a different matter if Bills TV had gone wrong and Bens computer had picked up a virus, as repairing your own possesions cannot possibly be construed as working.

There needs to be an element of common sense, something often in short supply here, when deciding what constitues working. The regulations were drafted way before the age of cyber working, and that has resulted in a huge grey area in this field. What about someone who is a professional on-line gambler? Assuming the neccessary websites were accessable, what is to stop someone making a living here doing that? But getting a work permit may pose a problem or two!

The opportunities to earn a living on-line are numerous. Some may be a little dubious, and promise the earth, but that's not the issue here. Working on-line behind closed doors could be very difficult to prove, especially if not using a Thai based internet service provider. But I hope to never see the day when a genuine tourist is carted away by the immigration police for simply checking and responding to work E-Mails, something that an increasing number of people, 50% in a recent UK survey, are now expected to do in their leisure time.

OK, here's a hypothetical example of what could constitute working.

Bill and Ben are mates. Bill is a retired TV servicing engineer, and Ben is a dab hand with computers.

Bills computer got a viris. He called Ben and asked him to check it out. A couple of hours later Ben had done the heccessary and Bills computer was fine again.

Next day Ben's television developed a fault. He called Bill and asked him to take a look. A couple of hours later Bill had done the neccessary and Ben's TV was fine again.

Does this constitute working, or simply a case of 'foreigners helping foreigners?'

Another reason not to go near to Facebook, not that I really needed one.

Thai Immigration is far more concerned about the influx of construction workers from Lao, Cambodia and Burma, as they are directly taking work from Thai's, than the Westerner who earns a living from trading stocks on-line, or writes the odd book or magazine article from behind closed doors.

Having said that, regardless of what you do to make a living here, if its either working illegally, by that I mean carrying out work that foreigners are not allowed to do under any curcumstances, or engaging in something that is permitted, such as real estate brokering, but without a work permit, the chances of being grassed by a jealous fellow foreigner is a real one, especially if you can't keep you mouth shut and boast about what you do and earn to a retiree who plays by the rules but is struggling to get by on his pension.

Mind what you say, and to who!

Perhaps the best hope for justice in this case is the fact that it has been taken up by Andrew Drummond, who, unlike most Thai 'reporters', is a genuine investigative journalist, and unlikely to be fobbed off easily.

Just my opinion.