ranma500

My parents flew into Phuket with Test and Go.

They passed their airport PCR test.
They were meant to report five days later for their second test.
However, they flew to Bangkok before this test date.

I rang the swab centre in Phuket.
They said this was not a problem. (Since they were 'test and go' not sandbox, they were free to leave) The second test could be done anywhere, but if not in Phuket it might have to be paid for privately (not covered by the government)

So, on the 5th day, they went to Medconsult (a government approved test facility) and got the test which they passed.

The swab centre in Phuket and Medconsult both said that this result should be informed to the government.

However, nobody knows where or how to do this.

Does anyone know?

'P' is unfortunately not available in shops.

You could order a Blu-Ray here.

http://www.films.in.th/backup old site in entirety/

Hi.

Thanks to those who remember the film 'P'. 

'The Forest' is a very different film. 

Because much of the story of 'P' took place in a Bangkok go-go bar, and it was completed just as Senator Purachai was launching a 'morality' drive, it did not make me very popular in Thailand. In fact, one international festival received a call from the local Thai consulate asking them not to show it.

And 'The Forest' is not a horror film. 

One of the things that has always irritated me here is that television and even films are so often about look-kreung middle-class, beautiful young Bangkokians stressing about their petty issues of which flawlessly pretty girl is trying to steal which coiffured and perfumed gentleman. 

There's so much talent here. And so much potential. And yet the masses are just kept on a diet of mindlessly crappy television.

The only time you ever see a dark-skinned up-country actress is usually when they play the part of the maid.

And yet anyone who has been here for any time at all can tell you dozens of great stories of heartbreak, deception, personal crisis and real moral dilemmas. 

I find Thailand to be just bursting at the seams with drama. Yet this is very rarely reflected in popular entertainment.

Everything I did in 'The Forest' was really to try to do something different.

It's set in Isaan.

It's not about rich people.

The actors sweat.

Nobody lives in a condo.

The best entertainment for guys in an evening is to get drunk.

We've all heard stories about ghosts. We've all seen the depth of the belief that Thai people have in a spirit world.

But it seems that for the most part, ghosts in movies (not just from Thailand) exist simply to jump out, crawl out, or appear behind you for the purposes of terrifying you to death. I couldn't help feeling that in a culture that is so closely connected to spirituality, the spirits must have some greater depths.

Anyway... we made the film.

And of course because it's not about rich, beautiful, young Bangkokians, Thai people will probably stay away in their droves...

A quick correction - 'The Forest' is actually screening at SF World Cinema, Central World - not Terminal 21.

The first three nights are sponsored by Peroni.

If you book at:

http://theforestthefilm.com/premieretickets.html

you can join the after-parties at the Friese-Greene Club, and there's free beer.

Paul Spurrier

Director 'The Forest'

Vile nonce, filthy rockspider, pedo scum!

You can tell from one look at his picture he's a pedo!

People who look guilty like that shouldn't even get to waste taxpayers money going to court.

It would be better if the Thai police just killed him themselves.

Of course I hate the Thai police and all my other posts are about how bad they are, but when it comes to unconvicted pedo scum, I can forget all that.

And of course, you have to blame the useless Thai for not contacting the Embassy, Interpol and FBI every time they employ an English teacher in Udon. Because the British Embassy is really helpful at responding to that kind of stuff!

I'm sorry if I get a bit angry about this kind of thing. But these guys make my skin crawl. It's one thing to go to a Walking Street Bar and take a girl to a short-time hotel, and, let's all face it, they don't always have ID cards. I bet some of them aren't eighteen. Some might only be about sixteen.

But that's totally different from molesting fourteen year olds.

I don't want anything to do with filth who do that, and nor would my dear Grandmother, bless her soul!

I'm so glad that Thaivisa exists, so I have somewhere to let off steam. Since they blocked the Daily Mail site, this is the only place I have to read about the shit going on in the world.

That's why I came to Thailand. England's gone to shit now.

It used to make me so angry.

I came to Thailand to escape all that.

Then we have to deal with pedo scum... blah blah blah

It would probably be a good idea to say that on the website contact page, and even on the recorded message. I'm sure it would save them a lot of time answering enquiries, and it would save people money.

Can anyone tell me of any occasion where they have been looking at a picture on their mobile phone, and that picture suddenly appeared on their television?

I suspect not.

Maybe because it's absolutely impossible.

You would have to use your mobile phone as a video transmitter to beam a picture to your television.

Not only that, your phone would have to somehow convert a mobile phone picture at one resolution to the exact PAL or HD resolution required by a television set, something that would normally require conversion and rendering.

Not only that, since the television picture is being fed by a cable rather than through an aerial, you would have to somehow enable the picture to hop into the cable and interrupt the signal stream.

Let's get this straight.

Looking at a picture on your mobile phone can NEVER EVER cause it to appear on a closed circuit television screen.

Anyone who thinks that this is possible must be a moron of unbelievable stupidity...

Or a Pheua Thai politician.

Vice TV?

Is there really such a channel in Thailand?

Or do they mean Voice TV, which certainly exists?

If it is Vice TV, please tell me how I can receive it?

If it is in fact Voice TV, is this just a strangely appropriate typo, or a sub-editor's private joke?

Ya its not very safe working in Thailand on sets, especially as a stuntman but even as an actor they expect you to do things that make you think "<deleted> are they crazy? Well this must be safe otherwise they wouldn't ask me to do it right? RIGHT?!" and it's totally not safe. But on the Hangover 2 it wasn't a case of a director rushing things or something like that, they were all very professional and safety conscious, but things do tend to go wrong more in Thailand than anywhere else. To a hollywood crew though its very shocking.

Accidents were happening every day on the Scorpion King shoot..... not a safe place to be at all.

Nothing untoward on the Impossible though! Knock on wood.

'Scorpion King 3' changed production services companies halfway through pre-production. One of the last remarks of the outgoing line producer was 'I hope no-one gets hurt'.

The budget cuts, lack of clear decision-making, cavalier attitude, and ruthlessness of the Producer had made it clear that this was not going to be a pleasant experience.

New picture just in of the group of crack Thai police commandos planning this morning's raid!

May I answer my own question, as this may be of use to others.

One lesson to be learned is that sometimes lawyers give you totally incorrect information.

The first lawyer told me that there must be a father named on the birth certificate.

This is absolutely not true.

Here is what I learned in the end:

1. A hospital itself does not issue a birth certificate. It is a births and deaths registrar who must do that. Some hospitals may have a registrar based within the hospital premises. Others will simply collect the information from you and have the certificate issued elsewhere.

2. If your hospital is not being efficient at this procedure, you do NOT have to use the hospital to register. You can do it yourself direct with the Registrar. All you need from the hospital is their records of the birth date and time. The hospital can tell you where to find the Registrar that is local to the hospital.

3. Some hospitals may not accept a birth registration without a father's name. This is only the hospital policy. It is not the policy of the registrar, nor is it law.

4. When the mother attends the registrar's office, they ask her who the father is. If she says that she does not wish to name the father, they will ask why. All she has to say is that she has private reasons, and she does not wish to discuss it. Then they simply tick that box on their sheet. The certificate is then issued without further ado.

I am extremely glad that I did not believe the first lawyer.

A birth certificate has now been issued, and I didn't have to rush into anything.

If I later find either that I am the father, or that I wish to become a parental guardian, those options are still open.

When I didn't believe the first lawyer, I contacted Tilleke and Gibbins, one of the oldest international law firms in town.

They are not cheap, but the most important thing is that I got proper, fast and accurate information that guided me through the correct procedure.

This experience showed me that on important matters, it really is best to pay the money and get the best legal advice.

Best wishes,

ranma

It's a long and complicated story, but...

My girlfriend just gave birth to a baby boy.

It is extremely unlikely that I am the father.

Until we do a DNA test, I do not want to be named or declared officially as the father.

However, the hospital has told us that for a baby to get a birth certificate, there MUST be a named father.

And without a birth certificate, entering school, getting an ID card, and many other things will be almost impossible for the child in the future.

I didn't quite believe this. I've heard many times about guys getting girls pregnant and running off. I would have thought this situation would be very common.

However, I consulted a lawyer.

He told me that it is indeed true that a father must be named on the birth certificate.

He said that for me to use my passport for the birth certificate would not either make me responsible or actually give me any rights either.

He claimed that in order for parental rights/responsibilities to be established, I must either:

marry the girl

go to the amphur with the girl

or for her or I to petition the court.

He basically said that the birth certificate does not establish parentage.

Can anyone confirm that this is indeed the case?

Is there really no risk at all to my passport being used to register the child's birth?

Thanks.

ranma

Looking for a wireless splitting system.

Any advice on who to contact?

Thanks.

Hi,

May I put in a plug here for the Bangkok International Film Festival.

There are over sixty films in the festival from all over the world.

You can check out the details at:

www.bangkokfilm.org

The schedule will be released early next week.

Some of the films will sell out, so make sure you buy tickets early.

There are also some great seminar events.

I include details below.

Thanks.

ranma

Schedule of Seminars and special events

Bangkok International Film Festival 2008

We are pleased to be able to announce an exciting line-up of special events, seminars, and panel discussions, led by some leading figures in the international film industry.

These events are sure to be extremely popular, and places are extremely limited. All events are strictly by invitation only. To request an invitation, please send an email to Special Program Department at [email protected]

1. SONY CINEALTA WORKSHOP

This workshop gives attendees a rare chance to get hands on experience with the latest Sony Digital cameras including the SONY F23, F35, and F900 in a real studio environment. The recorded footage will then be taken through a full post-production workflow, to demonstrate the total end-to-end Sony solution. There will also be an opportunity to tour the post-production facilities of Kantana Laboratory, an introduction to current and future technology by a senior representative of Sony, and a private farewell party.

MAIN HOST SONY / KANTANA

ATTENDANT 30 Thai and foreign students.

PERIOD 23rd – 29th September 2008

VENUE Kantana (Meng Jai), Pullman Hotel

2. DIGITAL CINEMA

There can be little doubt that digital technology will increasingly replace film as a distribution means. In this seminar, Dolby Laboratory will demonstrate the latest stunning digital quality of both audio and video. Hubert Henle, Director of Production Services at Dolby will guide us through this fascinating in-depth look at the biggest change in cinema technology since the advent of sound.

MAIN HOST Goldenduck Co., Ltd.

ATTENDANT Film Directors / Film Producers / Film critics / Students and all those interested in digital contents – limited to 60 persons

PERIOD 1.00 – 3.00 pm. on September 27th, 2008

VENUE Room ALFA @ Pullman Hotel

3. THE ROLE OF EAST ASIAN MOVIES IN WORLD MARKET

Peter Chan will share his experiences in the production of ‘The Warlords’, a production that achieved the rare success of both critical acclaim, commercial success in its home territory, and a worldwide release.

“The Warlords” was also a fine example of a successful use of the co-production method of finance. Finally, it is remarkable that this film was both produced and directed by one man - Peter Chan. In this valuable seminar, he will explain how he managed to avoid the common pitfalls of such endeavors and reach a world market. For anyone who wants to know how to turn a domestically produced, local film into an international hit, this seminar is a must.

MAIN HOST Federation of National Film Associations of Thailand

ATTENDANT Film Directors / Film Producers / Film critics / Students and all who are interested. Limited to 60 persons

PERIOD 9.00 – 12.00 am. on September 27th, 2008

VENUE Room ALFA @ Pullman Hotel

4. TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL FILM PRODUCTIONS

Bill Bowling has for many years been one of Hollywood’s top location managers working on films such as “Starship Troopers”, “Saving Private Ryan’ and “Speed Racer”. He is now the Worldwide Location Executive for Warner Brothers. In his career, he has travelled to many countries, and has frequently consulted to countries wishing to build their production service industry and develop a film support program.

In this seminar, he will explore the requirements of a modern film production infrastructure, including aspects of technology, training and economic support, the challenges and opportunities of digital technology, and the role of Hollywood in the international production industry.

Many of Bill Bowling’s proposals and lessons are of value in any country, but he will also focus on the particular issues facing Thailand.

MAIN HOST Federation of National Film Associations of Thailand /

Department of Export Promotion

ATTENDANT Film Directors / Film Producers / Film critics / Students and all who are interested. Limited to 60 persons

PERIOD 9.00 – 12.00 am. on September 27th, 2008

VENUE Room BETA1 - 2 @ Pullman Hotel

5. THE PRODUCERS

Since the 1950s, when the ‘auteur theory’ became popular, it is usually the director of a film who is seen as the creative force behind a film. Many people can name famous directors, but few even know what a producer actually does.

The whole definition is further confused by the fact that sometimes there are a number of producers credited on a film, and sometimes Co-producers, Executive Producers, Associate Producers, and Line Producers.

In this event, we will learn what the creative role of a producer is, how he works with a director, where the money for a film comes from, and how the producer controls the budget. We will discuss the state of the film industry, the effects of digital technology, and the future of cinema. To guide us in this exploration we have two truly great producers.

Roger Corman has produced over 300 films. (He has also directed over fifty). At his peak of productivity in the sixties, he was producing seven films a year. Many successful film directors got their first break working for Roger Corman, including James Cameron (Terminator, Titanic) He ‘discovered’ a number of actors including Jack Nicholson, Peter Fonda, Bruce Dern, Dennis Hopper, Talia Shire, and Robert De Niro.

His autobiography, How I Made a Hundred Movies in Hollywood and Never Lost a Dime, is a ‘bible’ for many filmmakers.

Ian Smith OBE is certainly one of the most experienced and respected film producers in the UK. In a career spanning over thirty years, he has worked on an extraordinary number of great films, including "Chariots of Fire”, "Local Hero", "The Killing Fields", "The Mission”, "1492 - Conquest of Paradise", "Mary Reilly", "The Fifth Element", "Seven Years in Tibet" and "Entrapment".

Most recently, he produced “Alexander”, “Children of Men”, and “Wanted”.

Iain Smith he has frequently travelled to faraway places, sometimes filming in very challenging locations (“The Mission”). He has enjoyed filming in Thailand on a number of occasions.

MAIN HOST Federation of National Film Associations of Thailand

ATTENDANT Film Producers / Directors / Executives / Students and all who are interested – Limited to 60 persons

PERIOD 1.00 – 3.00 pm. on September 25th, 2008

VENUE Pullman Hotel

6. THAILAND : A FILM FRIENDLY COUNTRY

In this event, we discover the many different features that make Thailand such an attractive place to shoot films.

The natural landscape, the historic sites, the diverse range of architectural styles, and the wide range of cultural influences make Thailand not only a beautiful filming location, but also one that can be adapted to many different filming requirements.

Thailand can also offer a comprehensive production infrastructure, with state-of-the-art equipment and world-class post-production facilities.

Equally important are the skills of the local workforce, which manages to combine efficiency, speed, and creativity with a friendly, helpful attitude that makes work a pleasure.

The government is increasingly recognizing the value of the film industry and providing support.

All these factors justify the title of the seminar – that Thailand is indeed a film-friendly country.

This event will be presented by Mrs. Thanitta Maneechote, Director–General to the Office of Tourism Development, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and Miss Sasisupha Sangwaribut, Chairman of Thai Film Production Services Association, and Mr. Surachet Atsawaruanganan from Kantana Group Co., Ltd.

MAIN HOST Office of Tourism Development,

Ministry of Tourism and Sports

ATTENDANT Filmmakers, foreign guests, representatives of the Thai Film Production Services Association / students and other interested parties. Limited to 60 persons

PERIOD 1.30 – 3.00 pm. on September 28th, 2008

VENUE Room ALFA @ Pullman Hotel

7. MPA: TRENDS IN INTERNET PIRACY

Film and video piracy is responsible for industry losses of over 6 billion dollars a year, according to latest figures. This is an international problem, and Asia has in the past been seen as an area where piracy was widespread.

However, new laws, initiatives, and industry support has begun to turn the tide.

In 2007, the MPA's operations in the Asia-Pacific region investigated more than 36,200 cases of piracy and assisted law enforcement officials in conducting nearly 13,000 raids. These activities resulted in the seizure of more than 31 million illegal optical discs, 40 factory optical disc production lines and 6,400 optical disc burners, as well as the initiation of more than 10,000 legal actions.

In this event, we welcome Mr. Michael C. Ellis, President and Marketing Director, Asia – Pacific – Motion Picture Association of America. He will expose the methods used by the pirates, explore ways that we can combat the problem, and reveal the disturbing connection between film piracy and organized crime.

MAIN HOST Federation of National Film Associations of Thailand

ATTENDANT Film Directors / Film Producesr / Film critics / Student and all interested parties – Limited to 60 persons

PERIOD 1.00 – 1.30 pm. on September 29th, 2008

VENUE Room ALFA @ Pullman Hotel

8. PITCHING IN 3 MINUTE BY DR. NARUMON SRIYANON

This event should fascinate anyone who has ever had an idea for a feature film but does not know how to approach studios or investors. It features three established industry figures who will teach us the valuable skill of the attractive pitch. The event will include audience participation.

Dr. Narumol Sriyanond is the founder of Women in Focus Productions, Inc, and produced and directed " Thai Women: Challenging AIDS." In 2006, she was selected as a mentor for the Project: Involve Program, organized by Film Independent, Los Angeles. As a documentary filmmaker, Dr. Sriyanond was the winner of 2006 WIF/GM Alliance Acceleration Grant for Emerging Filmmakers: Women in Film GM. At Present, she is the President of In Focus Pictures, Inc, and produces the feature documentary film, " Building for Life." She earned her Ph.D. from the Department of Performance Studies at NYU'sTisch School of the Arts. She also earned an M.F.A. from NYU'sTisch School of the Arts Institute of Film and Television. www.challengingaids.com

Tim G. Zajaros Jr. presently works as a writer and producer for IN FOCUS PICTURES, INC. (INF); co-founded, with Dr. Narumol Sriyanond, the motion picture production company Auroras Pictures International (API); and co-created, with Dr. Narumol Sriyanond and IBM Executive Hugh Taylor, the non-profit organization "Building for Life" (BFL). INF has one feature film in development ( "The Untitled Siriporn Thaweesuk Story"). Both INF and BFL's projects will continue to expand as they build their presence both Nationally and Internationally. Tim studied at Western Michigan University, where he received a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration, emphasized on Finance and Marketing, and Spanish. He graduated magna Cum laude, at the top of his class. He also established himself within the entertainment industry as he was working in the Business Affairs department.

Hugh Taylor presently works for Social Software Evangelist, Lotus Software, IBM Software Group, at IBM, Los Angeles. He is an author, speaker, trainer and executive whose core areas of expertise include the role of information technology in business, business process management and compliance, public relations, and film development. Hugh Taylor was Vice President of Development of a leading independent production company. He also teaches at the University of California, Berkeley's School of Information. Hugh Taylor is the creator of the Building for Life project. He received his Bachelor of Arts and Masters in Business Administration from Harvard

MAIN HOST Federation of National Film Associations of Thailand

ATTENDANT Film Directors / Film Producers / Film critics / Students and all interested parties – Limited to 60 persons

PERIOD 1.30 – 3.00 pm. on September 29th, 2008

VENUE Room ALFA @ Pullman Hotel

N.B. All seminars are strictly by invitation only.

To request an invitation, please respond a.s.a.p. to:

[email protected]

Priority will be given to film industry representatives, students, writers, and those who are most likely to benefit from the events. Please include information about yourself in your email.

Can anyone tell me whether Modafinil (AKA Provigil, Modalert, Alertec, and other names) or any generic equivalent is available in Thailand? I have yet to find a pharmacy that carries it, but I haven't been to a big hospital or a doctor to check. Anyone using this medication? I have found it very helpful in the past for helping with daytime narcolepsy.

Also interested in any recommendations for online pharmacies that people have found reputable. Anyone had problems using online pharmacies from Thailand - rejection of orders, or failure to receive what was ordered? Are there any operating in Thailand?

Modafinil is a wonderful drug for those that suffer from lethargy caused by sleep depravation. I imagine its a god send for people afflicted with Narcolepsy. Absolutely no sides and no dependency what so ever. Can't help you on the Thai clasification of this drug, but I have been using (url of online drug order site deleted per forum rules, PM poster if you want these details). for the past 3 years and never had a problem with an order.....

May I ask, have you ordered to an address here in Thailand?

Is this a restricted drug in Thailand, or can one order online and have it delivered to Thailand?

Thanks.

Nonresidents granted to work in Thailand will be regarded as resuming residents in Thailand provided they have a one-year non-immigrant visa issued by the Immigration Department. In case where the non-immigrant visa has not yet been granted, either of the following documents may be accepted:

(2.1) The letter from the Immigration Department certifying that the nonresidents shall be granted an annual temporary stay in Thailand; or

(2.2) The work permit from the Department of Labor to work in Thailand for at least one year.

Thanks.

I'm not sure about 2.2.

I thought that one's work permit is always set to expire the same date as your visa, it would be impossible to have a one-year work permit, but not a one-year visa.

And re. 2.1

Is such a letter available? Surely if the visa extension is under consideration, it would be impossible for the Immigration Department to give such a letter?

I applied and received about two months ago, my work permit.

Upon expiry, I went and renewed it. I applied for a one-year extension and was given a month's extension while the one-year extension is under consideration.

On Friday, this month is up, and I must go back again to renew.

I am hoping that they give me the year's extension, but apparently it is entirely possible that I will get another month.

Of course each time I do this, I have to go to both the immigration office and the work permit office, to keep the two in sync.

My problem is that I am going back to the U.K. on Saturday (so of course I must also get a re-entry permit), the main objective being to pack up my household belongings, put them in a container and ship them to Bangkok.

If I have a valid one year work permit, I can import free of duty.

This trip has been booked for a long time, and I really need to clear my belongings.

But my question is:

If I only get a one month extension on Friday of both visa and work permit, is that acceptable for the purpose of bringing in personal possessions free of import duty?

Or do I have to wait yet another month, and postpone my trip?

Thanks.

Paul

I'm confused!!!

On 5th April 2005, I was in the U.K. I applied to the Hull Thai Consulate and received a one-year multiple entry non-immigrant B visa, expiring on 5th April 2006.

I have been in and out of Thailand a few times. The last date of entry was 11th Jan, with an expiry of 10th April.

I have recently found employment, and applied for a work permit.

I collected the work permit today - work period: 1 year.

All is fine.

Except:

My Visa is due to expire in about ten days time.

And...

In the work permit book, it has a red stamp saying:

"Must extend before 3/4/06"

Reading other posts and the main site, it would seem that I must now apply for a visa

extension, and then go and update the work permit.

But will I get a one-year extension?

What do I need to take to Suan Phlu, apart from my passport and my work permit book?

My situation is complicated a little by the fact that on around 20th April I will go on business to the U.K. for one month connected to my new job.

If I only get a 30-day extension, this won't work.

Any advice?

Thanks.

Dear Khun Jim,

Thanks for the post. All publicity is good publicity.

I am a frequent reader of the thaivisa posts, and I thought I should respond.

The ghost film is one of the oldest and still most popular genres in Thailand.

Yes, I've heard stories about girls not wanting to eat fish because it might come from Phuket and the fish might have been eating dead bodies.

And I've heard Thai people saying they would be scared to go to Phuket because of all the ghosts.

The strange thing is that while the fear of ghosts is genuine, Thais do derive a lot of pleasure from being scared by ghosts. There are numerous comic books and cheap novels about ghosts, television programmes about ghost experiences, soap operas and of course films.

I don't see any sign that this has been diminished by the tragedy of the tsunami.

One could perhaps even rather goulishly say that the opposite is true, and that it has added more fuel to the fire.

We are indeed having trouble getting distribution for the film. Certainly it is true that we have received feedback saying that this is a risky subject for a distributor to handle, and that it could produce more controversy than a distributor would want to have to handle.

But I think the fact that it has achieved so much overseas, won awards and critical praise will help us. I hope it is becoming clear that this isn't just another exploitative expose of Thai prostitution - that it is a film I made with sincerity and at least deserves to be taken seriously.

I hope that it will get some form of release very soon.

Best wishes,

Paul Spurrier

Director

'P'

[email protected]