jayenram

All work in Thailand requires work permit, no exceptions.

George,

Does this also apply to voluntary work? I have a couple of friends who teach local kids English on a voluntary basis.

I've had one accident where my insurance company was involved. The assessor was a little hesitant about accepting my UK licence but his head office gave the "all clear". Admittedly, the damage cost was only Bht 5,000.00.

I agree that having a thai driving licence is prudent and I intend to apply for one (when I can get my arse into gear!).

"However, we couldn't help but notice the lack of females in the 18 - 35 age group.  Throughout Buriram, Surin and Si Saket, the girls who fell into that age group didn't tend to be too attractive."

Although I cannot comment much on Buriram and Si Saket, I live in Surin. If, as you say, you noticed a lack of pretty females in the 18 - 35 age group, you were frequenting the wrong areas/nightspots. Did you spend any time in the two main department stores/supermarkets? What about the disco on Cola? What about the sing-a-song bars along the Klong? Try also driving past the many colleges at finishing time. And then there are the beer promotion girls - the guy who interviews/employs them is doing a sterling (and enviable) job!

I've not flown long haul for some time but listening to friend's comments, Emirates appears to be high on the list of reasonably priced good service airlines. Unfortunately there could be a lengthy stop-over in Dubai but there are much worse airports to spend a few hours.

Singapore Airlines is also very good when it comes to service and price.

To add to the list of "what not to fly", perhaps any airline that has "China" in it's name should be avoided.

I understand that the "flying menopause" (B.A.) and Quantas are the highest priced of the lot for an Asia - Europe flight. And the service leaves much to be desired.

Three years ago I built a small house in a village suburb about 3 km from the center of Surin, Isarn. The village is generally quiet (except during weddings and funerals) and the facilities in Surin are acceptable. Around 100 farrangs of various nationalities live either in Surin or the surrounding area and regularly meet up in the town’s ex-pat bar for a few (or more) Beer Changs.

The nightlife for such a small town is vibrant particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings. The are numerous bars and restaurants, massage parlours (straight and not so straight) kareoke bars (although these are not my cup of tea) and sing-a-songs a plenty.

House rental in the area ranges from 2,500 to 4,500 Bht depending upon your requirements.

The Khmer border at Chong Chom is now open so visa runs are not a major problem (approximately 70 kms south of Surin).

Overall, the farrangs here appear to be content with their lot.

I the bar opposite my house in Surin, they sell Chang at Bht 40.00 for 640 ml bottle (drink in). Some time ago, they had a draft Chang promotion selling 1 litre jug for 99.00 Bht. I couldn't get it through to the Chang Promotion Girl that the draft was more expensive than the bottled. Anyway, the promotion did not last long and the draft was taken out.

BTW, Chang Beer up here currently sells at Bht 335.00 for 12 x 640 ml bottles and we get Bht 10.00 in return for the empties. Is that a normal price all over the country?

In October 2001, I obtained a Non-O multiple entry one year visa in Singapore. I showed my original Thai marriage certificate and left them with a copy. The visa was ready the next day for a fee of S$ 92.00.

This type of visa still requires you to leave the country every 90 days.

A letter from your local Puyai Bhan is an acceptable substitute as conformation of residency.

BTW george, I like the one about ".....how to drive safely in Thailand"  

Before I was married, I took my girlfriend to the UK. However, this was some 5 years ago and I am told that the visa application process is becoming more stringent.

You will need enough time before the intended trip date for her to attend the interview. The current "waiting time" is displayed in the visa application office at the British Embassy. Could be up to 12 weeks! Before she attends the interview, ensure that she is aware of the details of the trip, e.g. why she is going; when she is going; when she is returning; where she is staying and with whom; etc.

You will need a written declaration made by you that you will support her during her stay and that the purpose of the visit is holiday only. You must also declare the intended length of the stay. (As far as I am aware, the British Embassy only issue 6 month visas, no more, no less, but I would suggest that you only ask for the actual time you intend to stay). You will also need evidence that you and she have sufficient funds to support her (and you I guess) for the length of her stay.

The full list of requirements is on:

http://www.britishemb.or.th/visa/for_visitor.htm

I would suggest that you do not use the application form on the website. Get an original from the Embassy.

Good luck

Just a couple of points about bank accounts:

1. You do not need to provide transmittal receipts for pensions arriving from overseas. A letter from your Thai bank (around Bht 200.00) confirming that you have a regular income and how much it amounts to, will suffice.

2. I consider it advisable not to just deposit a lump sum in the bank the day before you apply for your visa with a view to retrieving it the day after. You may need to provide copies of your bank statement or passbook and the transactions will show in future applications (you will need the same documentation every year).

3. If you provide copies of your bank statement for the second application, they may be suspicious if there are no withdrawals from the account particularly if you do not have evidence of money being transferred from abroad. (A friend of mine was under investigation for working in Thailand without a work permit because there was no withdrawals from his bank during the previous 12 months).