falangUK

3 minutes ago, ronnie50 said:

Unless you're American, best to avoid going through the States given all the nonsense the US border guards are putting people though (and you probably do need to clear immigration and customs before the next international flight). Why tempt fate and potential hassle or worse.

Yeah, that’s one of the reasons I was leaning towards going via Europe instead. Just seems like less drama and fewer chances of getting caught up in some pointless hassle.

19 minutes ago, ronnie50 said:

I know a few colleagues who flew from Bangkok to Rio on ITA airlines (the Italian airline). There was only one stop with a decent 2-3 hour layover at Rome's airport FCO. I'm pretty sure there is a South American airline that crosses the South Pacific but can't recall which carrier and maybe no longer. Qantas might be another option.

Thanks, that’s useful. I’ll check out ITA—hadn’t considered them before. A Rome layover sounds manageable. 

46 minutes ago, Hummin said:

South America is big, where is your destination?

 

From here it looks like a nightmare I checked Brazil since Thai do not need visa for a few years ago

 

 

Yeah, I was first looking at the 7 countries in Central America, then started adding a bunch more in South America—maybe around 12 now, including French Guiana. Probably going to split it into a couple of trips over a few years. Hoping to spend 1–2 months in each place. Might skip countries like Nicaragua though—too many warnings about safety.

I’m planning a trip from Thailand to Latin America (Central and South America). I know it’s a long and expensive journey, and yes—I’ve already checked and compared routes via Europe (London, Barcelona, Lisbon, etc.), which are generally cheaper and quicker.

But I’m specifically looking for advice from people who’ve actually done this route *from Thailand*. Any tips, tricks, or things to watch out for?

– Which airlines or routes worked best for you?
– Did you stop over in the Middle East, US, or Europe?
– How did you prep for the trip? Vaccines, visas, cash/cards?
– Did you learn Spanish or just wing it?
– Any culture shocks or travel hacks you wish you knew before?

Appreciate any insights from people who’ve made this kind of journey.

For 50 Baht? hmmm

Isn't Eng Chee Hon the Chinese then? 😕

17 minutes ago, Tuco Ramirez said:

do male taxi drivers also moonlight as prostitutes then?

Yes! Part time 😂

15 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Only if they're prostitutes

Try hanging out with normal Thai people for a change Bob!

Thought there was no prostitution in Thailand? I am confused AF 😂

Just a heads-up—Kasikorn Bank (K-Bank) has started charging ฿100–฿150 per incoming international transfer. Most transactions have come via BahtNet, not SWIFT, and they’re still charging this fee per transaction.

The amount isn’t massive, but it adds up quickly if you’re receiving small and frequent payments, as many freelancers or remote workers do. Receiving larger lump sums is one option, but not always feasible or ideal.

I’ve looked into alternatives, but many Thai banks—especially smaller ones—don’t have SWIFT codes or simply don’t support international payments at all.

Anyone here using:

* A Thai bank with lower fees for BahtNet or international transfers?
* Fintech platforms like Wise, Revolut, or Payoneer to sidestep this?
* A foreign bank account or digital wallet that converts and forwards money to Thailand with fewer fees?

Would love to hear what’s worked for others dealing with similar payment structures.

Cheers.

7 hours ago, BritManToo said:

Just went out to my local veg store for pineapple, tomatoes and some peppers. 30bht for the lot.

Doesn't feel expensive to me!

 

Very nice  where is that in Chiang Mai? I’ve never found anything that cheap, not even at Kad Muang Mai.

Coconuts you grate yourself have shot up  used to be 30 baht, now 50 or more. A lot of the usual coconut scraper shops don’t even bother selling freshly scraped coconut anymore.
 

TGF mentioned somtam prices going up too. And you’re absolutely right about the peppers  the ones grown in poly tunnels by the hill tribes go off fast. Years ago I used to go hiking with a group and farmers would offer free peppers and veg. I was amazed  people would just descend and clear it all out in minutes.

Can’t say much about the taste or freshness  I didn’t usually take any. I get mine from Rimping or Tops most of the time.

16 minutes ago, JakeC said:

 

If you are looking in shops, then Homepro will have the SKG KG-631 for around 2k. http://www.skgelectrics.com/goods.php?id=727 

Cheaper via Lazada.

or

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/lahome-i3908195830-s17678671922.html with a two year warranty.

 

or

 

https://shopee.co.th/product/274852437/6447465119

 

Cheaper here: https://shopee.co.th/product/445990429/17937240833

 

Some options at differing price points; where you can compare the specification.

Thanks a lot for that — really helpful to see all the options side by side. Appreciate you taking the time to pull those together, especially with the links and price points. Much appreciated

2 hours ago, norfolkandchance said:

My Morries 19 still gong strong, bought second hand 8 years ago.

Are bread machines available in Thailand? I’m specifically looking for something similar to the Panasonic model I use in the UK, but I haven’t had any luck finding one here. Been to a few shops and searched a bit but no dice.

5 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Yep ... simply chose wisely where and which vendor you buy from.  Whether local fresh market, vendors, chain store or online.

 

You can always pay more, but you don't have to.  Just weigh cost against convenience, or cost of going elsewhere.  

 

Chains ... I'm a Makro fan, and 90% of food shopping done there, especially meats.  Some items online, and baking supplies at local baking supply shop, as marginally (flour) to considerably (butter & chocolate) cheaper.

 

Fresh market usually cheaper for fruits & veggies, but a bit of a hassle, so don't go there that often.

 

Online pluses; availability and cheaper, usually.  Imported items, well, they are imported, so expect a premium price.  Although a bit of a scam for many.  Ex: USA brand, but not produce in or shipped from USA, but at silly USA+ prices.

Bit of a side-track from the main thread — sorry for the thread f 😞 — but I don’t suppose anyone here has a reliable cookie recipe using almond flour or some other less-damaging flour? Ideally looking for something low in sugar or at least on the healthier side, but still tastes good enough to actually want to eat.

Would be great if it’s not full of weird ingredients or protein powder etc. Just a solid, simple recipe that works.

On 5/17/2025 at 8:39 PM, cjinchiangrai said:

You can get a 110-220 charger block with a USB-A plug at any night market for 50baht. For 100 baht you can get one at 7-11. Make sure it is dual voltage. The one pictured above is nice but expensive overkill.

Thank you very much 🙂

On 5/17/2025 at 8:35 PM, pgrahmm said:

I've used this with success on devices around the globe.....

It will allow use of 110 & match what you need for your phone & other accessories...

Thank you very much 🙂from THailand?

On 5/17/2025 at 8:24 PM, Equatorial said:

1. Do NOT use an adapter. Adapter allows you to plug in your device to a different type of wall outlet, but it does not change voltage. That's what transformers do, but they are more expensive and heavier than getting a new USB charger. Either way, I would get it in the target country. 

 

2. Airlines limit the powerbanks in many ways. One per person, must be in carry-on, must be under certain capacity. Look up the rules that are set by the airline you'll be flying, as they vary. 

 

But I will point out that if you want to charge a powerbank, you need to solve exactly the same problem as charging a phone. You need a USB charger that plugs into a wall outlet, and a cable to connect the device (phone or powerbank) to the charger. 

Thank you very much 🙂

5 hours ago, BillyBobzTeeth said:

 

No need for contact details for this process.

 

When you get to the building where you stamp out, you’ll see two windows on the side.

 

First, you need to go to the end window and let them know you want to come back the same day.

 

Just hand over your passport and 2,000 baht. They’ll stick a sticker in your passport and ask to see your TDAC details.

 

After that, you’ll need to go around the corner to stamp out. The immigration officer there will give you a ticket number that you’ll show to the Malaysian side so they know to stamp you in and out.

 

Then, head back to stamp in without any fuss (that’s how it’s been for me).

 

Hope this helps 👍

Thank you very much 😉 

20 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

1. You keep your old passport while the new one is being issued.

2. The UK don't care about your visa status in Thailand. But it might take time to get the new passport, anything from 4 to 8 weeks.

3. Any bill with your address, or a Thai DL that shows your address, or a bank statement, or get a residency certificate.  All documents must be in English.

Thank you very much 

17 hours ago, ukrules said:

For proof of residency they also accept a copy of a lease.

 

I sent an agent to do it for me as I couldn't be bothered and they drew up a lease especially for this purpose.

It's nonsense - however you can also get a bank statement with an English address on it - just pop along to the bank and get them to alter your address into English then tell them to print a statement - they will do it for a small fee - then you have a bank document with your address on it - and that's very useful for lots of other things as well.

Ta, very useful. So just to confirm — a lease with the owner's house registration and ID is enough, right?

17 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

When does current pp expire? 

When do you plan to return to UK? 

If prior to expiry why do it now.

Current passport expires in 2029.
I plan to return to the UK next year.
I’m renewing now because I’ve run out of pages — many countries require at least two empty pages for entry stamps and visas, and I’d like to travel a bit more before heading back.
 

Hi all,

A few questions, especially for anyone who’s done this recently:

1. Will they take my old passport during processing, or can I keep it while waiting for the new one?

2. I’m currently on a 60-day visa exemption + 30-day extension (so a 90-day stay overall).
   – Is this visa status enough to apply for a passport renewal?
   – Has anyone done it with just a 60+30 setup?

3. How do I prove residency in Thailand for the passport application?
   – Are the immigration entry and extension stamps enough?
   – Or do I need to get a residency confirmation letter from immigration?

Appreciate any first-hand experiences or recent info. Thanks!

On 5/19/2025 at 10:44 AM, BillyBobzTeeth said:

Update:

 

I was at the Wang Prachan border over the weekend, the only thing that changed was they asked to see my TDAC QR code when I paid my 'Fee' the rest went smoothly as usual.

Do you have contact details for this service? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

4 minutes ago, Equatorial said:

Most chargers these days are 110-240V compatible, but they have to say so explicitly. Otherwise, if you plug it in an outlet with wrong voltage, it may damage the charger, and it may damage the device (phone). 

 

Your phone likely uses a cable that attaches to the phone on one end, and to the charger on the other. The connection to the charger is USB-A or USB-C 99.9% of the time. 

 

I recommend getting a USB charger when you get to Panama, and plugging your existing cable to it. Chargers are cheap, as little as $5 or $10, and your phone will be safe.

Thanks for the detailed reply.

Yes, my charger cable is USB-C, and it connects to a regular adapter (I’ll double-check the voltage range). Makes sense to just get a cheap USB charger in Panama to be safe — especially if it avoids any risk to the phone.

Appreciate the tip!

Thanks. Just to clarify:

1. I’m thinking of buying a travel adapter in Thailand — is that okay, or better to wait till Panama?

2. Planning to carry a chargeable power bank — will there be any issues taking it through Chiang Mai Airport?

Appreciate any tips from anyone who’s done a similar route.