Nam

I will certainly make an effort to get to Thongsala pier - I presume by "main pier" it's the Seatran/Lomprayah one with the new playground area? and not the Raja one which used to be "the main pier". I don't live on a beach but in the groves and it will give me a chance to get out of the house, as long as littl'un lets me and is happy to be in the sling at that hot time of day!

The Green Cross Party group was disbanded as far as I know and Mr Cow's son - the mayor - took over where they left off and cleans Haad Rin beach after every Full Moon. They also sell luminous wristbands to raise some cash for it.

The diving community arrange a once a year dive to scavenge for rubbish in the sea but I'm not sure where they do it or when it happens but I saw a poster so it must still be happening, somewhere.

I agree with sbk, there are times of the year when you just don't want to take a walk on the unkempt west side, there is too much sea pooh. Here's hoping this new Earth Day thing can be extended to include different beaches around the island.

Incidentally, Ella, I have never heard of the Phangan Film Festival - what's all that about, do you have any links or info please?

A list of Do’s n Don’ts Thai style for a mum-to-be - as handed down by superstition;

Don’ts

Mangoes - make baby bald

Chocolate - make baby black

Coconut - make baby come out

Bananas - make baby hairy

Fish - make baby small and stupid with strong aroma

Coca cola - make baby black and stupid and future drug addict

Gossip – your baby will pourd mak (talk too much)

Be gossiped about - your baby will pourd mak (talk too much)

Drive a motorbike - baby will come out

Do’s

Lao Khao (Thai moonshine) - highly recommended

Raw beef - highly recommended

Milk - highly recommended as long as it is low fat otherwise baby gets fat!

Mad!

Gambling - banned

Web sites - restricted

Beer gardens - closed

Massage parlours - shut

Late drinking - stopped

Bit of harmless fun on Valentine's Day - stopped

Full moon parties - stopped

All these (and more) are either in force in Thailand or have been called for by various ministers of Thailand's current government.

If they could stop the sun shining, they probably would <snip>

Full Moon parties have not been stopped, wherever did you get that information from?

A Tabien Baan is what is commonly known in the English translation as a Family Book, however Tabien is "a register/roll" and Baan is "home". Anyone living under one roof should have their name in this book, not sure of when a newborn needs to be registered.

If they move out, they need to register on a new Tabien Baan for that building or gain a new Tabien Baan for a new building. No Thai person can be on two Tabien Baans at one time. The address on a Thai ID card is the same as that on their Tabien Baan. Most children are registered on their parents' Tabien Baan.

Nam is 53% gay on one test where I told the truth as much as I could - there weren't my answers listed half the time.

When I took the test undercover as a man, there were different questions (as you'd expect) Nam is now 26% gay, too straight - tells me to loosen up!

Just shows to go ya that I was born into the correct body!

Was working as a Corporate Financier in London for 5 years. Decided to travel for 2 years (a woman travelling alone learns alot) and ended uphaving my appendix out whilst visiting a friend who was on a 2 week holiday in Phuket. Had already visited Koh Phangan and loved it so decided to convalesce there - ended up staying for 4 months and meet an indigenous Thai man - been with him ever since - nearly 8 years. So the easy answer is love.

Full moon party ban opposed

... The full moon party doesn't just benefit certain people; it brings revenue to the province and the whole country,'' ...

--Bangkok Post 2005-08-24

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Don't know about the whole country, mainly brings money into the portal Samui, and IMHO probably is the singular appreciable revenue stream for Phangan,

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I know when I was working on Koh Tao as a divemaster our busiest period of the month was just after a full moon party.

Without the party many travellers will spend less time in Thailand and more in the other se asian countries.

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Agree, the Full Moon Party benefits the province and the whole country, the Party attracts visitors, not only from around the world but around Thailand too.

Most tourists and travellers will experience a Full Moon Party at least once when visiting Thailand. There is ambiguity as to whether Samui or Suratthani brings the largest volume of visitors - I think it's swings and roundabouts but to generalise, travellers come via Suratthani, whereas two week tourists come via Samui - usually because they have flown in. Haad Rin is extremely busy a few days before and after the Party, the visitors will then travel around the island to experience other pristine beaches and terrain.

Eco-tourism??? Give me a break.  How can you have a proper eco-tour when the coral is dead, trash lines the beaches and the jungle is all but gone.

"Locals are more environmentally minded than some ministers."

They certainly can't be talking about Thais here.  They are some of the least environmentally minded people anywhere. 

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There is a rejuvination programme with government input which will educate those who haven't a clue about how to treat coral. Those best in the know will be able to comment on this particular project's progression.

"Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has allocated 1255 million baht to the Suratthani Province, with funds for Koh Phangan to be spent on outsourcing foreign technology in order to rejuvenate dead coral and improve energy and water sources, making them more reliable with the emphasis on an eco-friendly approach."

Trash lines the beach? If you are talking about Haad Rin Sunrise beach during and after the party, yes it does, however, there is now a clean up team organised by the Green Cross Conservation group - this is besides those Thai's who take it upon themselves to earn some pocket money by picking up the bottles and plastic in order to recycle them.

It seems your view of Thai's has been tarnished and seeing as you are based in Phuket I don't see how you can judge "local" Thai's. It is a learning curve for them, OK, so you are already learned but negativity is not going to educate them.

It might have a positive affect.

The accomodation is overpriced for what it is,because the Full Moon clientele are so wasted they dont mind.

Maybe it would force the operators to clean there act up.

How can the Full Moon clientele already be wasted when they check into accommodation before the party?

There are resorts which put their prices up around Full Moon, but if you don't get there early you are bound to get the lower standard accommodation - booking is available now but wasn't up to a year ago. The standards are being improved all the time but this takes time - jai yen yen na ja.

Ladyboys/she-men, whatever - surely there are enough people at the Full Moon Party for you to be able to avoid them?

I am glad for the proprietors of Koh Phangan to get this chance to fight their corner (not literally) and prove that once and for all the Full Moon Party is not a bad thing. It seems that many others are jealous that they didn't have the idea in the first place.

yeh looks like somebody somewhere has misunderstood the process for Wps and visas.

to add to lops advice below. i will try and clarify it for you.

1 someone outside thailand wants to work here.

2 they apply for a non imm b ( i will assume single entries in this case ) with supporting docs from the company that will be employing them.

3 they enter thailand and use the single entry b

4 the company and the person then applies for a wp

5 the wp is approved and you got to immigration to extend the visa stamp for a year.

I know that is a very simplified version but should be valid for most people.

If you have people with wps and you are sending them on 3monthly visa runs, it sounds like you missed out on step 5. i am not sure if you an still go to immigration and get the visa entension or need to go back to step 4. Others may have the answer to that.

Not always mate. I'd put money on the fact that they either haven't got the capital, or are not paying the minimum wage (or some other requirement they're missing) and thus Immigration won't extend the Visa for them (similar to what Louis was doing a while ago mate).

Is it a dive shop you're referring to Nam and are your foreign staff earning the minimum wage (60K for Americans, 50K for Brits etc.)???

Thank you for your replies, sorry to take so long - I have been on a visa run and have had computer problems with JI Net!

Yes, we do have the capital, yes, we are paying more than the minimum wage but no, we haven't completed step 5 of bluebear's wp and visa saga above! So, how much did you want to put on this kenkannif? A crossed cheque will do nicely thanks mate.

Lopburi3, I have looked at the http://www.imm.police.go.th/nov2004/base.php website but haven't come up with any specific details, not in English anyway. So, if there is any more advice, I will be happy to listen.

Thanks

P.S. How comes I am still a newbie when I have been a member for nearly a year, just because I don't post, or is that all that it is guaged on? Is there any way I can change my Member detail i.e. I want to be shown as an Island Member?!

I had same in Penang my first B visa was issued for only  3 months, not sure how you are supposed to get a year work permit on a single 3 months B anyone have more info?

I thought the permit and visa were tied together, does this mean you now have to do a visa run every 3 months taking time off work losing money plus spending large amounts of cash in the process? Any further info on this really appreciated thanks.

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You can not obtain a one year work permit on a multi entry one year visa in any case. What your work permit period will be is the amount of time you are allowed to remain in Thailand.

What you do is obtain a work permit for your first 90 day period of stay and the you go to immigration to extend your stay for one year on the basis of your job. Once you do that you can then obtain a work permit for the full time.

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Could you please clarify how I go about obtaining a year Non Immigrant B visa, whereby that visa is valid for one year with no visa runs every 90 days? I have heard it is called a Non Immigrant B-A?

We have 7 people in our company who are all on multiple entry Non Immigrant B visas with work permits running alongside and the cost is B26,800 per year per person for the visa run expenses and the 90 day updating of work permits. If we could get a visa for one year and not leave the country, it would be a godsend to our cashflow!

What are the criteria for this yearly visa? How much does it cost? We are based on Koh Phangan, therefore our local Immigration Office is Koh Samui. Could we obtain the year visa from Penang or could our current Non Immigrant B multiple entry be converted in Koh Samui Immigration?

Thanks in advance.

Terribly sorry to bother you but where and how do I register if I am a farang? It only mentions Thai people in this post.

Many thanks

Parvez Book Store at 419 Chulia Street (opposite Swiss Hotel - not advisable to stay there) anyone there can help you as long as you already have the paperwork but it is owned by Muhammed and Haji. Tel: +(0)4 2622314 or +(0)4 2619178. [email protected]. They are open until 10pm so you can leave your application for early the next day.

If you want a quick service you pay an express fee of about 200B, they can change money and arrange for your return minibus/travel. Ensure you get to 419 Chulia Street as the place next door looked at the business card I was holding and said "Yes, yes" when I asked them if they were Parvez Book Store. Business is tough!

We use 419 all the time and have about 8 people going through them on a monthly rotation basis. They are also helpful on the telephone, we often ask about the Malaysian holidays (they have plenty and it's no fun being stuck in Penang for a week if you are not prepared to be) and they can tell you what paperwork you need for Non O.

Good luck

Nam

Dear All

Having been sick with tonsilitus, putting down the cigarettes was made easier. Unfortunately, I am unable to be very proactive on this thread as I simply don't have the time between work, fun and remembering that I am a non-smoker - apologies but there seem to be enuf people out there giving it their all so my ha'penny don't need too much shoving.

My first day back into work and I removed all reminders that I was a smoker, including the lighter I ALWAYS keep for other people's emergencies! The place smells like a dump and I didn't even know that before. I haven't dwelt on smoking but have had to say to myself "it's a 3 minute craving Nam".

So inadvertently, this thread has helped me to stop; as even though I was sick I think I probably would have carried on if it weren't for Malcolm in the Middle starting all this - so a big thank you to you

I will still try to be involved in this and I am constantly picking up tips on keeping away from those cancer sticks, might try the ciggi counter if I need it or those horrific pictures again. The boyf wants to stop too so there won't be any in the house......

I don't .......

............... celebrate with a cigarette, instead I use a smile

............... ponder with a cigarette, instead I focus my brain

............... stress relieve through a cigarette, I now just deal with it

............... smell bad!

Good luck to all those hoping to stop; aren't the pictures on the packs of Marlboro Lights in Thailand enough already?

Laters.......

"Stop Smoking Project" - Thaivisa.com online self assist programme

JOIN UP NOW - just reply to this topic and stop smoke!

This thread has been established to run a step by step programme over the next few weeks with the objective of trying to help as many smokers as possible become non smokers.

I am not a doctor or hypnotist and do not guarantee success, however I am a reformed smoker who hopes that his experiences will help some one else quit the smoking habit.

The first step is registration; if you would like to join this online programme please submit a post giving your age, sex and brief details of your smoking habit.

Registration will be open only for a limited time, once registration is closed, only registered members will be allowed to make posts within the thread. This is necessary to maintain the continuity of the programme which will follow a pre-determined step by step process and thread rules which the registered members will be asked to follow.

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Dear Malcolm

If it is not too late, I would like to register

I often find that, despite trying to give up, it only happens when I want to i.e. when I have consciously and subconsciously decided and make myself aware of my actions.

I am a 34 year old female and currently smoke less than a pack of Marlboro Lights a day. I have given up on a few occassions, mostly when I am changing my daily routine; such as going on a visa run, flying to another country, or completely changing my whole timetable (including not seeing friends for social drinks - I have gone that far before!). I read The Easy Way to give up Smoking by Allan Carr and stopped for 3 months, but didn't take his advice of keeping the book with me at all times - I leant it to my sister so she could give up too!

I am hoping this thread will give me the inner power to quit these cancer sticks. Thank you for helping me with this chance as I know my willpower won't pull me through alone.

Nam

But infortunately the British Embassy doesn't do this AT ALL, for free or even if you wanted to pay!

You'll definitely need a new passport methinks!

Thank you for that. I have just EMS'd my passport to get a new one which takes 5 working days, then off to Samui or Surat to get the visa transferred into my new passport.

Our legal cosultants say that it takes 2 weeks to get a working permit application receipt and then I can prove I am applying for a work permit, therefore I should get a Non Immigrant B multiple for a year and then be able to get my work permit dates in line with my new visa.

I have another question regarding employment of a UK Company (sole trader) doing work for the company I work for which is a Co. Limited here in Thailand. We have been advised that all he needs is a Non Immigrant B visa with a letter from our company, but I was under the impression that anybody working in Thailand needs a work permit. Can you clarify this please?

Thank you

I am new to this and have no idea where to post this question and others. I have had no joy in emailing the "contact us" link to Thai Visa but I could be doing it wrong.

My situation today is:

I am English and have just had to apply for a new passport as I don't have sufficient pages to get my next visa (Non Immigrant B Multiple Entry valid for one year) or apply for a work permit. My last Non Immigrant B visa (single entry) states on it that I should apply for a work permit as I have had enough single entries. I want and need to apply for a work permit but I seem to be in this sticky situation whereby;

1. The work permit will be valid until the date of expiry of my current visa (now November 10th) but I don't have enough pages to apply for my work permit in my currrent passport with its current visa.

2. In order to get a Non Immigrant B multiple entry visa valid for one year from Penang I would need a receipt from the Labour Office stating my work permit was in the process. Without this I believe I will not even be granted another single entry Non Immigrant B visa because of the note stating I should apply for a work permit. It seems I don't have enough time to complete all these red tape actions!

Please could you advise me on what to do. Do I get my new passport, transfer the visa and apply for a work permit for the 10th Nov? Basically I don't want to go to Penang more times than I really have to - it takes me 2 days to psyche myself up to go there, especially now that we have to carry 20,000B for a crossing.

Thank you for your help. I have lots of other questions too but will not post them all at the one time.