rinteln

"Have you ever spoken to someone in English about what Russia is really like to live in ??!!! Not nice I can tell you. Its a little bit different to when they are here on holiday. The country hasn't even abolished racism yet on a national scale, along with many other basic human issues. Believe Brits are not losing any sleep !!!"

How long did you live in Russia, and where?

I didn't say I lived there. I said has he ever spoken to someone in English who lives there. My question would imply that I have and that was the basis on which I was passing my opinion on it not being so nice. In fact spoken to quite a few Russians as I used to work in Bangkok with a few of them. Plus one of my best friends who is German has a Russian girlfriend.

Even if you think I am wrong (which I am willing to concede I could be) I think I have had enough information to justify at least an opinion on the subject.

Spoken by a Brit who loves England so much he chooses to live in Thailand.

Sure, there are Russians who don't enjoy life in Russia, but aren't there also plenty of Brits who don't really appreciate life in Great Britain?

I know you mentioned before this is all a bit of fun and good job it is I suppose as if it was a real debate i'm not sure I could take you too seriously. You seem to have a habit for raising comments that are either totally irrelevant or don't really have a point against me whatsoever and then not really expanding on them. What has my love or lack of love with Britain got to do with the quality of life in Russia or whether the Russians I have spoken to are correct. So if I don't love the UK and I'm here in Thailand then that discredits my comments ????!!! Or is it because I live here that means I cant comment on another country because Im not living in my own. Strange politics. Even if I hate Britain does that also change my earlier comments on English....no!! In fact your comments above change absolutly nothing about what was previously discussed or my point about Russians living there. More or less a waste of typing really.

Its an obvious point but I agree with your comment regarding Brits. Of course many Brits don't like living in the UK, me also and yes I do prefer to live here but its totally irrelevant to the discussion and cant see why anyone would see it as a point in your favour.

"Have you ever spoken to someone in English about what Russia is really like to live in ??!!! Not nice I can tell you. Its a little bit different to when they are here on holiday. The country hasn't even abolished racism yet on a national scale, along with many other basic human issues. Believe Brits are not losing any sleep !!!"

How long did you live in Russia, and where?

I didn't say I lived there. I said has he ever spoken to someone in English who lives there. My question would imply that I have and that was the basis on which I was passing my opinion on it not being so nice. In fact spoken to quite a few Russians as I used to work in Bangkok with a few of them. Plus one of my best friends who is German has a Russian girlfriend.

Even if you think I am wrong (which I am willing to concede I could be) I think I have had enough information to justify at least an opinion on the subject.

In regards to Central, yes I suppose they are there for that reason and thank goodness for Central they are as not sure anyone else shops there...lol, sorry perhaps when the American sailors come to Laem Chabang they pop in as their bored in the daytime. Again though my reference to Central was to try an illustrate it as being a "concentrated area" where you will find Russians and not to use it as a benchmark for the whole of Pattaya. The cheap joke about sushi was perhaps not needed. Sorry if I inlsulted anyone with shares in Central...lol

Sorry, I can't comment on the English language stuff as it's been deemed a bit off topic, but regarding Central...

I shop at Central often. In the electronic stores, the supermarket, department store, speciality stores - dine in the restaurants and food court... go to the cinemas. I prefer it there compared to any other options currently available in Pattaya. We buy a lot of higher quality clothing and shoes for my wife - not to show off but because it's better quality and we can find stuff not available anywhere else in Pattaya.

Now just to balance it out, we also shop at markets for other stuff, but Central is the best thing that has happened to Pattaya in recent years.

As I said, the Russians are there for good reason - they must have good taste. The Russians there don't bother me in the slightest, even right now in the high season. I really don't understand the problem some people have with them being here in such large numbers. I think it takes the hard edge (sex-tourism image) off Pattaya.

I've never had any threatening gestures from a Russian, but certainly have from drunk and aggressive young sex-tourists. Mostly the tattooed ones from Great Britain.

Of course, every popular tourist destination will go through changes over the years. Some people won't not mind the changes and stay - others who can't handle the changes move on - such is life.

Shame, would of been interested to see exactly where you were going with the English stuff.

As for the Central argument, I'm sure it is a lovely place to shop for expensive goods on a regular basis but Ill have to take your word for it though.

I haven't got a problem with Russians in Pattaya and I hope that isn't the way it has come across. For Pattaya they seem to be a positive, I mean this place is about how to get the most amount of money in the easiest fashion and that's what Russians do for them, for me personally no thanks. They are rude, never speak to anyone, very antisocial and only grunt in recognition towards a gesture like if you hold a door open for them or let them through a crowd. Almost as if years of communism has cemented their faces.

So as I say, great for Pattaya and for that reason I have no problem. I always want Pattaya to be better. This is not my country, if it was I would have a problem but for me personally, no thanks. I have 4 walls to speak to if I want to socialise Russian style.

As for the Brits vs Russians beef as you imply. I think you may be over crediting the Russians a bit. Have you ever spoken to someone in English about what Russia is really like to live in ??!!! Not nice I can tell you. Its a little bit different to when they are here on holiday. The country hasn't even abolished racism yet on a national scale, along with many other basic human issues. Believe Brits are not losing any sleep !!!

. Our language is still the most desirable after Thai. Also don't forget we are only talking about a small (so called) City in Thailand that's what..........15KM - 20KM in radius.....thats nothing. My shitty home town back in Kent is bigger than Pattaya. Anywhere else in Thailand and English is dominant after Thai.

Obviously you're very proud of your language but bare in mind that some of your dialects are virtually unintelligeable to non-native English speakers and even some native English speakers.

You're very hard on Central. The Russians are there for a good reason - it's the best shopping mall in Pattaya by far.

Yes I am proud of the language. I would say justified and for good reason too. Are you not ? Are you not proud of that fact that you can go to many countries in the world and not only get by but also live and conduct business with this language. With the world getting more connected everyday would not agree at least one international language is needed.

Whether your correct on the dialects or not I don't know. We all know there are many types of English. In fact English even varies within England let alone worldwide. You are right but I'm not sure how your point is either relevant to the generic discussion of English speakers vs Russians or even a point against what I said. I personally havent met a single fellow English speaker from anywhere in the world that I could not understand or they understand me. Are you suggesting that because there are different dialects of English that this somehow doesn't count or something ? Are you saying its actually only "the Queen's English speaking people" vs the Russians ? Are we to now speak about British English or Indian English or T'english or Sin'glish as seperate entities ? Its all English, just changed a bit to suit certain cultures. Sorry if I got the wrong end of the stick but I'm confused about your real point on this.

In regards to Central, yes I suppose they are there for that reason and thank goodness for Central they are as not sure anyone else shops there...lol, sorry perhaps when the American sailors come to Laem Chabang they pop in as their bored in the daytime. Again though my reference to Central was to try an illustrate it as being a "concentrated area" where you will find Russians and not to use it as a benchmark for the whole of Pattaya. The cheap joke about sushi was perhaps not needed. Sorry if I inlsulted anyone with shares in Central...lol

Looks like the thread has gone off course slightly but to have my opinion on the original comment.

I could not disagree more, for 4 reasons.

1. Apart from the obvious Brits, most people from Europe who come here will be speaking English and perhaps some German. Plus all the Amercians, Canadians, Aussies will obviously be speaking English.

2. Are we forgetting all the areas of Pattaya. What about Naklua, Darkside. I live near 3rd Road, loads of Brits, Aussies etc.

3. I think maybe people are judging their opinion on concentrated areas. Yes if you go to Central shopping centre then it does feel like Moscow. Yes Jomtien is overrun, yes Royal Garden Plaza might aswell change Mcdonalds to a Russian menu but I think over the whole of Pattaya they don't run us over.

4. Are we forgetting the Thais and other Asians. They dont/wont aspire to speak Russian, they want English as their 2nd language.

Lastly, English is the most widely used language over the world. Pretty much everyone apart from Russians, Chinese or North Koreans will either speak some of it and/or will want to learn it.

I don't really have a conclusive opinion on Russians but I have 2 quite general observations that I have seen enough times to make me think its their culture. The blokes seem to speak to their women like dog poo (unless ofcourse shouting with anger is a nice thing in Russia) and I never see Russians smile.

I think the OPs point is clear: how many native-Russian speakers vs native English speakers (not Russians, Thais, Chinese, etc. who speak English). I would say 9 native-Russian speakers to 1 native English speaker. The place has turned into a Russian town, IMHO. I have nothing to say about whether it is good or bad. I will say the people pollution has gotten way out of hand.........way, way too much development and going in the wrong direction.

Far enough but thought I would comment on what is also a larger picture in Pattaya. Maybe i caught the conversation in its deep stage. If we are talking about Russians vs only Britons then I would say maybe yes the Russians do out way Brits. Although again we shouldnt just concentrate on certain areas. There are many surrounding areas with many Brits. Many Brits like to stay in their own areas, bars, locals, use local shops, never go to Central, Royal Garden etc. For example I havent been to walking street for months...hate the place. Havent been to Central hardly ever and never will do unless I fancy walking around pretending I can afford to spend stupid money for clothes and 5000 baht on bloody sushi,,,lol Which I dont !!!

For sure there are fewer Brits coming here, no doubt about that but still many living here.

Although I would say my first reply is relevant if the OP, or anyone is worried about the general overrun of the Russians. They no where near out way all English speakers and/or other nationals that speak English. Our language is still the most desirable after Thai. Also don't forget we are only talking about a small (so called) City in Thailand that's what..........15KM - 20KM in radius.....thats nothing. My shitty home town back in Kent is bigger than Pattaya. Anywhere else in Thailand and English is dominant after Thai.

Anyway either way Im gonna hold out until I see a Russian smile...lol So ill be here for a while.

4. Are we forgetting the Thais and other Asians. They dont/wont aspire to speak Russian, they want English as their 2nd language.

I disagree. Right now many Thais are aspiring to speak Russian. They'll aspire to speak any language if there's a profit in it. Russian speaking real estate agents are now making a killing.

Yes ok I think you are correct on that one.

Looks like the thread has gone off course slightly but to have my opinion on the original comment.

I could not disagree more, for 4 reasons.

1. Apart from the obvious Brits, most people from Europe who come here will be speaking English and perhaps some German. Plus all the Amercians, Canadians, Aussies will obviously be speaking English.

2. Are we forgetting all the areas of Pattaya. What about Naklua, Darkside. I live near 3rd Road, loads of Brits, Aussies etc.

3. I think maybe people are judging their opinion on concentrated areas. Yes if you go to Central shopping centre then it does feel like Moscow. Yes Jomtien is overrun, yes Royal Garden Plaza might aswell change Mcdonalds to a Russian menu but I think over the whole of Pattaya they don't run us over.

4. Are we forgetting the Thais and other Asians. They dont/wont aspire to speak Russian, they want English as their 2nd language.

Lastly, English is the most widely used language over the world. Pretty much everyone apart from Russians, Chinese or North Koreans will either speak some of it and/or will want to learn it.

I don't really have a conclusive opinion on Russians but I have 2 quite general observations that I have seen enough times to make me think its their culture. The blokes seem to speak to their women like dog poo (unless ofcourse shouting with anger is a nice thing in Russia) and I never see Russians smile.

For the local economy its all good but for me personally I don't like it. Good for tourists I suppose.

In Thailand, a child born from a couple that are not legally married is considered the rightful child of the mother and the father has no legal rights over the child. This pertains even if the father's name is on the birth certificate.

This means, that there can be no legal relationship between the child and the father. Reversing this process is almost impossible in Thailand.

An unmarried mother can legally nominate any man she wishes as the acting father of her child and approve the complete legitimization process with any man of her choice.

There are a couple of ways of legitimisation a child in Thailand:

If the parents of a child are not married but then later marry, any child born to the couple before they were married will be considered the legitimate child of the husband. The parents must inform a district official during the time of marital registration and provide all details.

Secondly, acquiring legitimisation of a child by the father can be done by registering the father as the legitimate parent at the district office. If the child is under 7 years of age, the district office will require a court order. Foreigners are required to obtain a court order whatever the age of the child.

Thanks, very useful information.

What you say above is the immediate impression I get from reading the link that nocturn gave me. It doesn't look good but I would rather he know now then try I suppose.

So really looks like there is no natural claim he can have over the child, even to visit. He can only go to court and I don't get the impression Thailand is a country where judges would consider the ability of a given parent to care for the child and thus decide from there. If it were then he would win hands down seeing as the mother has shipped the baby off within days and quite clearly cannot care for the child. I suppose the judgement wouldn't be about that anyway as that's hard work and requires thinking.

Looks like he may have to work on buttering her up and bite the bullet.

Thanks again for the info

Thanks so much for that information.

I know he wasn't married but yes he did register himself as the father straight after the birth at the local amphur office. I'm not sure if it is relevant but he also told me that he has a Turkish id card for the baby. Sorry I know I said he was German earlier but that's only because I always refer to him as German as he lived there all his life but he is actually Turkish.

So I think apart from being married he has done all he can.

I will read the info you have sent me and see what happens. Thanks again very much.

is he registered on the birth certificate? are they are not married, did he register the birth himself at the amphur immediately after the child was born. It all comes down to how actively he established his rights as a parent.

http://www.thailawon...d-thailand.html

the following italicised section from the above page is particularly relevant. So if he has lest anything to chance he is likely in for a world of hurt.

PARENTAL POWERS UNDER THAI LAW

Here are some of the relevant clauses regarding 'parental powers' under Thai law:

Section 1538

"In a case where the man or the woman has made a marriage against section 1452, a child born during such a marriage shall be presumed to be the legitimate child of the Husband who has his last marriage entered into the Marriage Register"

Section 1546

"A child born of a woman who is not married to a man is deemed to be the legitimate child of said woman."

Section 1547

"A child born of the parents who are not married to each other is legitimated by the subsequent marriage of the parents, or by registration made on application by the Father, or by a judgment of the Court."

Section 1560

"The child born during marriage is deemed to be legitimate, even though the marriage has been subsequently cancelled."

General is a tough forum. Let's try this over in the Family and Children forum.

Topic Moved.

Thanks

Hi all,

First of all sorry if this is not the correct section but seemed the best bet.

I am seeking some advice or direction on behalf of my friend who is German and his English is not good enough for this forum so I am helping him out.

He has recently split up with his girlfriend who together have a baby son. Now as you can imagine she is being very difficult regarding access to the baby. In fact its even worse than that and she has done what so many seem to do and shipped the baby off up country never to be seen again by the father and hardly by the mother either. (how these Thais manage to turn off any emotion always amazes me) As you can imagine the guy is devastated and we are trying to see if there is anything that can be done.

Does anyone know of any legal process whatsoever with this type of situation ? As the guy got any chance at all of getting access or is there no legal system for this. I don't want to sound naive about this as I know the chances are slim but if there is any chance then its worth it. The baby has an id card and both parents are registered if that makes any difference.

If anyone has any helpful info, or experiences then it would be very very helpful.

Please no low blow comments, this guy is in a state, as any of us would be.

Thanks

Agree with Michael.

Book a hotel for the first 3 or 4 nights, get settled in, rent a motorbike, pen & paper and tour Pattaya. Any decent place will have someone who can speak some English anyway so no need to worry about the language barrier.

There will always be something. Ok its slightly busier with all the Thais from Bangkok but there will still be options.

There is no use looking online. I wouldn't even do forums, too much negativity and just like above people over analysing your question. Just look yourself, its a bit of fun anyway. You will save money and have so many more options.

Happy hunting

Isn't it refreshing when you can cut out all the rubbish, opinions and embassy copy & pastes from websites on this forum when you just insist on direct experience regarding visas. Only one reply but he messaged me what I needed to know. Refreshing.

Anyway just got the tourist visa from the KL embassy so I hope this info can be put on the latest visa reports list and be useful for people.

I wont bore you with what seems to be the usual stories like which hotel I stayed in, what I ate for breakfast, my favourite colour and any other irrelevant detail that you quite simply wont care about. If you cant research for yourself how to get there, how to book a hotel then maybe there are issues you need to address.

Bottom line facts you need to know :

Visa Type : Tourist 3 month

Fee : 110 RM (about 1000 baht)

Documents needed : 1 photo, app form, passport photo page copy of and money

Any questions asked : No

I also spoke to another guy from the UK who was in there getting a double entry tourist. The only thing he needed on top of the above info was they asked him for a plane ticket to show he was leaving within those 6 months.

So looks like KL are easy on the single entry but a bit more fussy on the double.

Hope this info helps someone.

Hi,

Thanks for replying.

The only additional thing I brought with me was a photocopy of my passport.

Hi,

You say you got a single, what documents did you need with you ? Anything extra other than the normal form, photo and money ?

Thanks

I am now in KL-fly back on the red bird tomorrow to BKK and stay in a hostel with various people wanting Thai visa.

You did NOT give the most essential piece of info for a answer: how many times before in Thaild-and more or less continuous or just look like normal tourist (f.e. many more asian countries stamped in?). They do prey on visarunners and those who seem to flout the rules to permanently stay in LOS. Not much on normal holidaymakers travelling around. Maybe now think of yourself about your situation.

HI,

Thanks but the info I needed to know was what documents did they ask you for ?

Thanks

Hi everyone,

I will be leaving for my KL run on Monday and I just wondered if anyone has any recent experience with getting a tourist visa there ? Like within the last month.

Are they asking for extra documents as suggested in some posts a couple of months ago or is it just the normal form, money and photos ?

Please, I am only looking for recent experiences. I know what the rules on the websites and embassies say so please no copy and pastes from Embassies. Also I know there is the Latest Reports Of Getting A Visa In The Region but the last update for KL was back in Sept. I cant believe that was the last time anyone went.

Any direct, personal, recent experience will be very appreciated.

Many Thanks

Thanks for the answers so far.

It looks like the fuel injection is nowhere to be seen at the moment. Even had a chat with a guy down at a local shop here in Pattaya and he said if it was out he would have it.

Maybe next year.

Hi everyone,

I have heard a rumour about a new fuel injection Nouvo coming out this year.

Has anyone heard anything about this and even better does anyone know of a supplier either in Pattaya or Bangkok that are currently stocking them.

Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks

We are in Pattaya but will be going into Bangkok today. Actually Udom Suk is perfect as thats where I get off from the bus and I normally use that BTS so I will check these shops out.

Thanks

Where is (will) your friend (be) based?

Bangkok's a big place and there are many bicycle shops. The one I use in particular is on the evens side of Sukhumvit a hundred or so metres east from the junction with Udom Suk (Sukhumvit 102) There are two shops there, I use the smaller one further from Udom Suk. Even they have folding bikes which are becoming more popular here by the look of things. On Udom Suk itself, somewhere around Soi 41 (odds side, easy to spot) there is a Giant Bicycles store. I have passed but not entered a big bicycle store on the corner of Th. Patthanakan Soi 58 in Suan Luang which looks inviting. If time isn't an issue I'll report back, meaning to go and have a look there sometime soon.

Thanks for all your answers. I am going into Bangkok today so will check out a few.

Thanks again

Hi everyone,

Bit of a weird one but I have a friend or is looking for a fold up bicycle. I have attached a photo of the kind of thing he is looking for. Not this exactly but similar.

Does anyone know of any suppliers and/or shops in Bangkok or anywhere for that matter ?

Any advice and help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance