KimoMax

Many affordable places in just about ever city or region of Thailand.

First the Op should travel around a bit and decide where he wants to be.

The beaches of the areas of Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Samui, Krabi, etc.

Or the central valley or Northern Mountains. Issan area, or Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai is another big city with lots of traffic, but closer to nature than Bangkok.

Chiang Rai is more laid back like the Chiang Mai of 30 years ago.

Bangkok, just anohter big city that could be just about anywhere in the world.

Places out of the main areas will usually rent far cheaper than those in the heart of the touristy areas.

In the far North and Issan, it is not unreasonable to find a nice house for about 5 or 6 thousand a month.

In the bigger cities you will get far less. Similar to a old studio room with limited access to install your own internet or cable/satellite TV would be about 6 thousand a month up in Bangkok.

High speed internet is pretty much available now in most areas of Thailand.

About the max offered average is 6 MB from TOT, BBB, and TRUE.

The whole story sounds Fishy

Most money issues are arbitrated by the Police and involved parties to a settlement.

Hardly likely that the guy was simply arrested, put in a cell overnite alone somewhere, and money from the couples room taken by the BIB.

Now if there was some other reason (say a little whacky tobackey), that might just cost the couple some baht to get out of.

A window and some irritation at a guest house or hotel property would be only a couple thousand baht. Happens all the time and is negotiated by the BIB reguarly.

Of course they will want their share of some tea money for thier trouble, but hardly the 20,000 or more mentioned here.

Has anyone who has ever taken a small dog or cat flying in the cabin to the US (Will be flying to either LAX or San Fran).

How easy was the process getting the pet clearance to enter the States ?

Who does this clearance and cheking the medical documents etc. Is it the Customs and Immigration officials there in the arrival area ?

I am considering taking my small Tsit Tzu in a approved Carry On Kennel Case (that fits under the seat) to the USA.

I understand the basic health and vaccination requirements required to both leave Thailand and enter the USA with a small dog.

I also plan to return with my dog the same way back to Thailand after being in the States for a few months.

Anyone experienced arriving in Thailand with a Pet ?

I would normally leave a pet here in Thailand, but this particular pet is so sensative to being left. She suffers severe seperation anxiety when left with family and friends for even a couple of days.

Don't need non constructive comments about pets. Just comments from persons who have traveled with pets in the cabin before and their thoughts and insights.

The OP already stated he kept the money there to kep for a tip for the Chambermaid at the end of his stay.

Many guests do leave a Tip for the maid in an obvious place for the Maid to find it and know it is a Tip.

Why the OP would assume the money was stolen by the Maid is beyond reasonabel understanding.

A small amount like 100 bhat is a good tip. It is not like leaving thousands of baht laying around (which one should never do), but think most maids would not touch your money if it is a substantial amount. Yes, there are thieves, but staying in any hotel where hotel staff have access to your room, If you leave a small amount out, it is usually assumed by staff to be a nice Tip for the Maid.

Hopefully the OP did not get the maid fired by his complaining to reception for his own mistaken conduct of leaving small pocket money "On the TV"

There are lots of Motorcycle and bike rentals in Chiang Rai. Especially in the area around the Night Bizzare, New Clock Tower and on the north end of Jed Yhod Road.

Also should check with GT Rider......... as mentioned in other referanced links.

GT is the most knowledgable Persons and Motorcycle information group in North Thailand including Chiang Rai.

They and many of the local Chiang Rai shops that do rent bigger bikes and have tours throughout the Golden Triangle and Laos can help refer to the appropriate bike for Touring and exploring in the Chiang Rai area.

Edited for spelling

Amazing Thailand...... It all Amazes me.

Enough Said

Merzik, Congratulations on your Retirement from Teaching.

PM me after you fly here with your cat. I am considering flying with my small dog to the States in the cabin later this year, so any info will be appreciated.

Getting a Long Stay O-A Retirement Visa is relatively easy and the Notary is easy.

Most Notaries know how to do this. It is usually done with a cover letter by the person named on the forms that the police, medical, and income are true original copies.

The Notary across the street from the Thai LA Consulate also does Notary's routinely to submit to the Consulate there.

So to sumerize:

A Single Entry O-A Retirement even with a re-entry permit can not be extended by another year with another arrival.

A Extension then must be obtained at Immigration at the end of that Visa or permission of stay.

A Multiple Entry O-A Retirement Can be extended for another year on a new Arrival.

After the first year expires, a Re-Entry permit must be obtained if leaving the country and returning.

Thank you for clarifying the difference Lopburi3

Think you would have to travel to BKK, Pattaya, or Phuket to find a workable Hoe.............

Sorry,,, I too couldn't resist.

What about a Garden shop or a place where they sell plants and outdoor things ?

Another Nail in the Coffin from the Op saying Money has to be shown transferred in Thailand regrardless of which Money method is used.

Myth Busters score again... No change, No Money shown transferred to Thailand required.

My origninal post states : Retirement O-A Visa issued from the US consulate in Los Angeles USA and was good for One year from date of arrival.

Read and understand before questioning me .........

It is all in the OP.

What is not clear, is how this single entry O-A could be costrued as differant from a Multiple entry O-A and how I did not get an additional year on my arrival by air with a re-entry permit prior to the expiration fo the approrval to stay. Did Immigraion simply make a mistake, or are Mutltiple and Single Entries treated differntly ?

I am not into playing word games of types of Visa's or extensions or stamps. We all know and understand the question without the games of words or terminology.

We all know what I mean whether I say a visa or an extension. The rest is nitpicking on terminology and uncalled for.

Is ther a differnece in arriving with a re-entry permit on a single entry (or extension singe entry) lets not confuse it all by superfulous terminology) versus a mutlitiple entry O-A or an extension of stay.

All that is all I am asking: Is there a difference on arrival terms of how long one can stay on a multiple or a single enty with a re-entry permit.

Pretty simple question. No need to compicate and make anwers and my question difficult.

Edited for spelling and grammar

A OA which is only available in your home country is granted for a period of one year, at the end of one year fly out/cross the border and return this is all you have too do for a one extension based upon retirement Please be carefull after getting the extension you must get another enter/ex. permit or when you return after any further trips you will only be stamped in for visa on arrival. The OA is very easy to get and if you do not know the system in Thailand will give you the chance to settle in and learn the immg. system.

I have been here quite a while, but this is a confusing point, so I ask the question.

My point is that I have previously gotten a re-entry permit, flew out of Thailand, and re-entered prior to the original one year of stay expiring.

I was only stamped in to stay until the same as my original entry one year date. Not an additional year.

Last time I did this was nearly 4 years ago. So things may have changed, but the visa issued was a Single Entry, and I got a re-entry permit.

So is this any different than a Multiple Entry in getting a One year stamp of extension of stay on arrrival ?

It is not clear if the multiple or single with a re-entry permit have the same rules.

Edited spelling.

My Thai Family and I that will be attending are greatful and Happy to have this 4th of July event happening.

It will be a first time for both my family and I to experience an American 4th of July Picnic here in Thailand.

I have been here quite a few years, but have never gone to the evnts in BKK or CM.

Have been away also a number of times on the 4th.

I don't mind buying our own hot dogs, BBQ, Taco's, Beer, Cokes etc.

As long as the organizers create a festive environment (Music and Fireworks) with real 4th of July type food, that is all I expect.

Would be nice to have the extras available (American Beers), but that all takes a bit of planning and coordinating by the organizers.

If it can't be done this year, so what. We always have the Singha and other local Beers etc. Maybe in the future.

Toilets are always a concearn at any big event, so hope the organizers have some type of plan for western style toilets.If not, I can deal with it (but not like it if I actually needed to use one for #2 ).

My family will enjoy it in the spirti it is ment to be.

Happy 4th of July

Great Informative Post !

Thank You......

Have read recently some posts that persons who get a Multiple Entry Retirement O-A Visa can stay up to Two Years by Exiting Thailand and Re-Entering before the Expiration of the Visa.

In essence getting an Additional Year's Stay based on that last Entry before the Visa has expired.

Any time I have ever left and re-entered Thailand (on a singe Entry Retirement O-A with a Re-entry Permit) I have only been stamped valid until the end of my Visa. Not for an additional year.

Why would this be any different for a Multiple Entry Vs a Single Entry.

Confused how this can be true ???

Immigration at the Airport will not let you leave and board a plane without paying the overstay.

I speak from personal experience of having mistakenly overstayed two days instead of one.

I had gone to an ATM in the morning to pay for my hotel bill and have just enough to cover my expences to leave Thailand so I would not have too much extra baht to have to hang on to or exchange at the airport.

I did not realize I had accidently left my ATM card in the machine until I was already at the airport.

I had just enough cash on hand for the taxi and a one day overstay of about 500 baht.

I told the Immigration and the airline reps that I had lost my ATM card in a machine and did not have any more money to pay the overstay without that ATM Credit Card.

They were all very polite and helpful to arrage my flight the next day, but I would still have to pay the overstay before boarding and departing. Which I did the next day to include an additional day of overstay.

The OP needs to take responsability for his own failure to ensure his visa was valid long enough without overstay fines and that there is money enough to leave Thailand.

Sorry to the OP, but best to sell or hock anything of value, and or borrow from friends or relatives.

The Embassy may help, but doubtful the OP will convince them since the OP is traveling to Hawaii to get a job, and not to home.

How is the OP going to survive when arriving in Hawaii ? Things are a lot more expensive there than anywhere in the USA.

Ask around Khao San Rd for any local Pawn Shops, or try to sell the stuff yourself on the streets there.

Sombat Tour route #2 is better, smoother, and much safer. I prefer to drive or ride a bus on that routing if available.

I have driven route #1 many times. Lots of undivided mountain winding highway. Vehicles passing on blind curves etc.

Travel times are about the same, but I personally think route #2 is quicker even if a little bit further milage.

1. Ngao-Pa Yao-Chiang Rai/ vip 581THB, first class 904THB

2. Nakon Sawan-Tak-Lampang-Pa Yao- Chiang Rai/ VIP 610

If you can afford to fly, you should, given the short working trip (should be less than 2,000 each war including taxes especially with Air Asia or 1 2 Go Air. Smetimes also have special fare promo's).

SeeJo,

You may be granted an early extension application. Check with your nearest Immigration office if they will accept based on travel and medical reasons.

Your dates of extension expiration and your planned departure were clearly stated in your original post.

If they will not extend early, then no need to spend the time and money for an income cert.

All the other options of applying for a new visa can be used. Whichever is most convenient for you.

Nice to have options just in case.

OP should file for divorce and or seperation and Child Custody claiming the wife is risk of taking the shild out of the country of OZ.

Be sure to get a Custody order prohibiting her leaving OZ.

If she leaves with the child, immediately call the police to enforce the order before she leaves OZ.

They may, or may not be able to stop her entering Thailand with the child.

This all requires a Court Judge's Order.

Is the alcohol ban finished and off as of Sunday evening at 6 or 7pm ?

Had a decent but rather expensive burger at WCB (World Class Burger) at small shop in front of Wiang Inn Hotel. Spent over 200 baht for a burger (sorry - can't recall which one exactly - but the burger cost around 160 baht) and side order of fries. Shop owner is Barry (same dude as the Old Airport Golf Course). Open 24 Hours.

Burgers start at about 85 baht plus cheese or other toppings, or a set to include fries and cole slaw. The 160 baht ( $5 ) burger is very very big. You could chose a combo with double fries for less than the price of a side of fries.

First of all, the OP said he was going to the states for Surgery. So obviousely he would have insurance there, an address and a Doctor who can issue the med cert which asks for Elephantitis, third stage syphliss, and Polio and other seldom seen medical conditions.

If a person is physically in the USA and has an ID (passport etc) they can get a name check done for a visa at any police desk. Yes there are Transient's without homes in the US, and Police will accomodate homeless and transients.

Many US citizens still have some type of address in the States. Does not mean you have to be physically present at the address. Could be a family member, friend, po box with a street address, etc.

Most Retired Expats from the US also have health insurance. PPO and HMO. Many have to chose a primary doctor.

A person can also shop various Doc in the Box shops for a Doc that will not do all these unnecessary tests. they know these illnesses are extremely rare in the US and will sign the form after doing a brief physical examination for a normal doc visit price.

These are not big issues for most, if it is, then do it the complicated run around way.

Edited to include doctor shopping and people with residence

Getting a Local Police report is easy. any local police or sheriff front desk and they will have police records run a name check on you and issue a letter for about $10.

Most doctors, especially your own personal physician will issue the medical form without any problems.

I personally have found it just much easier to take care of it in one time, instead of getting a tourist visa, or a temp O visa and then having to go ther more hoops again for extensions or conversions here in Thailand.

My opinion from my experiences doing it all the routes suggested by others.

SeeJo,

Just get a new Retirement Visa good for 1 year from the Thai Embassy or Consulte in the States.

Don't mess with the tourist visa or 3 month O visa and then converting etc.

Just get a new police report and medical, submit the income requirement.

There is a Thai (race) Lady that has a office across the street (SSR services suite 100 606 N Larchmont first floor) (one building south-east) from the LA Consulate that does notary and also sells the Money Orders for paying for your Visa. That office can also submit your visa app and get it back for you to pick up next day.

It is a legitimate service recognised by the consulate there.

small fee but not bad. think about $25 more than the Visa fees and includes the Notary fee.

Side note: Maybe that is one reason LA requires Notary........... Not Thailand, but dealing with Thai peoples...........

True... I went to Phuket Immigration on April 28th and used a US Embassy letter for income. They have required a copy of an ATM card, front and back for at least about a year as I had to get a copy at the office last year, so it's not a new requirement. The year before it was not required... This year I copied the ATM card and blacked out my security code on the back of the ATM card copy. As mentioned, they said they want to see that you can get your money here... I have brought Thai bank statements in the past, but they never want to look at them with an Embassy letter. Let us know if this changes, as I recently read a thread George posted about this. Something from one of his legal sponsors saying US, Canadian and Aussie citizens may require more proof as their Embassies don't require proof of income to get an income letter... The head of the Phuket Immigration Office whom I talked to on April 28th said nothing about any new requirements. She asked if I could come back later as it was more than 45 days before my extension expires. I was leaving for 2 months and would be gone on my renewal day. I showed her my airline ticket and she said China Airlines doesn't have any authority. But I explained to her very nicely my situation and she said okay this time... We'll see what they come up with next year. Even an Immigration officer I know there jokes about the requirements changing every year!

Nice little Credit Card Scam.......

Just give them an extra credit card for your account to use as they see fit..........