falangUK

Tested Yolla as a quick replacement. Works fine — not perfect, but decent. Pros: * Clear call quality * 0330 numbers: 5p/min * UK landlines (e.g. 01254): 9p/min ** I was able to add my UK mobile number in the Yolla settings, so it shows up as the caller ID when I make calls. That’s really useful for things like contacting banks or services that recognise your number. * Easy to top up and use * Top up $4 and get $3 extra with a referral link Cons: * More expensive than Skype overall * 0845 numbers: 28p/min — much higher than what Skype charged I didn’t use the referral myself, but happy to share mine if anyone wants it I’m guessing we’re not allowed to post referral links here, but happy to DM it if anyone wants.

Thanks a lot—just to confirm, this is for a safe entry into Bangkok (BKK/DMK), right? Are they the same as tvc_co_th online? Appreciate it again.

Hello everyone, I’m looking for a tall cooking pot that works on an induction cooker—something suitable for making big batches of soup, rice, etc., for 13 dogs. Nothing too fancy, just a decent, reasonably priced one as this is more of a test run. Idea is to start cooking some healthy, balanced meals for the pups at home (carbs, protein, fat, bit of fibre). Any suggestions on where I might buy one online or around Chiang Mai? Cheers in advance!

Rob’s completely right. Even with 20K THB, onward flight, and hotel booking, people still get denied—I saw it myself at Sadao. The process was dodgy but easy to "fix." There was this guy—not an immigration officer—just casually walking in and out of the Thai-Malay border post, offering to “help” people who got rejected. Looked like he was familiar with the officers too—they were joking around with him.

My old ex-chancellor Lord Ashcroft used to spend loads of time there—so you're saying it's actually cheaper than Thailand? Is that really the case? Sorry for hijacking the thread! Could you maybe go into more detail on the safety issues? Always fancied spending some time in that part of the world.

Thanks a lot, just double-checking—this is what I figured from your earlier replies across a few threads. So nothing gets logged into their fancy biometric system tying me to the onward flight? It’s a legit ticket, still got it, just looking to enjoy a few extra weeks here instead.

so she's definitely the other "brother" then?

Sorry if this is unrelated... If they stamp you in with a 60-day visa exemption, can they still require you to leave on the date of your onward flight, say in 3 weeks? There's nothing written in the passport except the standard 60-day visa exemption stamp, but they verbally told you to leave on that day. Also, they kept the form I filled out for the interview with the immigration officer, which had my departure date and flight details.

Thank you very much. So, I can apply for a SETV while in Thailand, or do I have to leave the country? I’m guessing the latter, but it’s good news since I won’t have to go back to the UK.

Thank you very much. So, I can apply for a SETV while in Thailand, or do I have to leave the country? I’m guessing the latter, but it’s good news since I won’t have to go back to the UK.

Most of the hotels are sitting empty and the flights are nearly half full.

Today, the British pound isn’t even worth 44.75 baht — quite something, really, given all the issues the country’s facing. Amazing how the baht’s managed to stay so strong through it all.

Oh, absolutely—because nothing says “welcome” like being charged double for the same mango sticky rice, or being enveloped in a cloud of cannabis while navigating an outdated bureaucracy. If you're keen to delve deeper into the myriad reasons why Thailand's tourism charm is waning, here's a rather enlightening read

That's because it is 🤣

Many millions are not coming, for various reasons. Even the Chinese are avoiding the place. Do you realise that even during the so-called high season, very few actually turned up — and even fewer stayed?

This is exactly the beef I have with it — it’s business, plain and simple. These people turn customers away as if they can afford to. I haven’t earned a single penny in Thailand, but I've spent several million over the years. Imagine that: you’re there to spend your money, to support their bloody business, and yet they treat you like a nuisance. No benefits, no support, no handouts — just spending and contributing — and they still have the nerve to act like they’re doing you a favour. Total madness.

not keen to come back to Thailand at all, except for the pups and a bit for TGF

one should definitely worry about the 2nd entry if there’s no significant break between the previous visa exemption + extension and the new entry with visa exemption, especially since this happened at an easy entry point like Chiang Mai

always assumed you had to be in your home country to apply for a Thai visa online

more immigration officers than aliens trying to enter CNX

Was away from Thailand for about 15 months. Good question, might be useful for others... Were you dressed strangely, wearing elephant pants and dreadlocks or anything like that? — Jeans, short haircut, shoes, shaven, Bleu de Chanel parfum. Could something have annoyed them? Something must have set that woman off in your case. — Most probably not using an agent/safe entry. Just bad luck maybe, you could have had a totally different experience with another officer. — 100%, old Chinese man/woman no like no agent/safe entry.

Do you need to be back in your home country to apply for an e-visa for thailand?

Not sure what else to include for this to be the "whole truth." If you have specific questions, just ask. Always be prepared — it’s silly things like entering via BKK/DMK that you should avoid. Always expect problems when entering, even at "easy" points. Keep a minimum of 20,000 baht, onward flight, and hotel booking if and when required — the basics are simple. The "story" I was trying to tell was that this situation was very unusual for CNX.

My experience is mixed too. I've had long chats with young immigration officers before — very friendly, educated, well-spoken, polite, good English. The one who stamped me last time was young but not friendly. This time it was an older second-generation Chinese female, rude and barely spoke any English, though English isn't really an issue since I speak passable Thai. So far, the young male immigration officers have been respectful and quick.

Immigration officers think it’s funny until things go wrong in Thailand. There’s a huge debt crisis, at least in the middle class, but I think it’s more widespread. Maybe they realize it, but they still have to push for immigration agents and the "safe entry" route.