howlee101

Her brother was Thaksin Shinwatra...former PM who was also overthrown by the military while he was out of the country....or something like that.

Thanks. The wife goes with me always....she's my driver, translator, and mediator (especially with immigrations). I know that about the "same day for the bank book" (which makes absolutely zero sense) but thanks for the reminder/advice.

Your welcome. Wish me luck.....in a few days is my first Non-O extension (one year-Thai wife) so hopefully it goes smoothly. I have checked and double checked but I'm sure something will be "missing" or incorrect ????

While I'm not condoning the practice, I have to agree to the premise "it is what it is". I recall back in 1984 when stationed in the Philippines. My first child was born at a military hospital (Clark Air Base) and I had to go downtown to some office to register/apply for a Philippines birth certificate. I walk in with all the paperwork but was told I needed an "official stamp" from city hall (or some government office). Of course I didn't have the "official stamp" but the lady told me to go outside and get the stamps from the kids selling them. So I go outside, find a kid selling the stamps, paid a dollar or two, went back inside and gave them to the lady. She affixed the stamps to the birth certificate and I was on my way. Another quick story....I got married in the Philippines in the early 80's. Philippines law required a "marriage class" before getting married. There was a filipino judge assigned to the main gate at Clark Air Base...I went to him to ask if he could perform the marriage ceremony but he informed me of this required "class" I needed to attend. I asked if he could "help" with that requirement....he stated "blah, blah, blah"....I interrupted him and ask "how much". Without missing a beat, he said "$30". I paid the "fee", the marriage vows were performed and I was on my way. Pay to play for convenience.

This just in from the US:

I once had a coworker who was adamant that he was not gay....he added "good thing my boyfriend is" ????

Wondering if they will be new recruits for the RTP? They have the main job qualification ????????.

Sadly to say, if a "local teacher" actually had language and science training in the west, they would not be teaching for the low salaries given to teachers. The mentality of rote learning and "everybody passes" has to change which will take years to overcome....if at all. Not "shooting the messenger" but your suggestion is not realistic.

And "Does the 55,000 baht include the 5000 baht each way (airport to hotel to airport) for the taxi mafia ????

And I thought Baghdad Bob was hilarious back in 2003 when he was the Iraqi Information Minister. This guy is leaps and bounds better that "Bob".

I flew BKK to CNX back in Jan 2022. Coming in from the US, I had two full checked bags (about 95 lbs total)....ok, most of the weight was stuff I was bringing to the wife ???? I booked a economy flight with Bangkok Airways because, IMO, they offered the best airfare along with the option of adding excess baggage (at a cost). My flight was approx. $35 (one way) and allows 20kgs for checked baggage. During the online booking process, you have the option of purchasing excess baggage which I did - 25kgs (55lbs) for 2250 baht (~$68). As one person commented, it's cheaper to pay in advance because it's much more expensive at the airport if you are overweight. Also, a bonus is Bangkok Airways has a free lounge for economy passengers...they do have free snacks, coffee, juice and free wifi.

Yet no one (wink, wink) in the government has any idea where "Boss" Red Bull is hiding out. ????

Inshallah ????????

Good advice but highly recommend paper copies of everything required from the Thai Pass confirmation and QR code, hotel reservations, Covid insurance (although I was never asked to verify except for the Thai Pass), Visa (if applicable), passport, and everything that was required to submit prior to leaving. One thing to be aware....the airlines at the departure airports were more restrictive on the paper copies. I submitted a post on this back in January but Delta in Atlanta required specific paper documents for Korea (I was transiting via Korea), Korean Airline (in Korea) checked and double checked (bring paper copies) PCR results/times (72 hours prior to original departure), ASQ hotel dates (make sure the check-in date matches your arrival date), visa, and Thai Pass. They were very precise but also very friendly and helpful. Also, as soon as you exit Thai customs (i.e. Nothing to Declare lane) all the hotel reps are bunched together right as you exit. Best advice is to ask anyone "where is the representative for xxx hotel". They will take you to the right person. Good luck and hope all goes well. One more thing....ubonjoe will have the best advice.

100% agree on melatonin. It may not work for everyone but it seems to help me, and hopefully it can help the OP. Lazada even has options for 12mg (which I'm currently taking). Another suggestion from a member suggested diphenhydramine. I used this also but mainly due to my allergies but it is a great sleep inducer.

I have the app "Talkatone". It's strictly a web enabled way to have a US phone number. It doesn't cost anything although there are options to upgrade at a cost. I have used this app for a few years. Another thing, you need to make a call every month or so to keep it active. Good luck.

Sorry the sarcasm flew overhead without notice. Using the premise of the OP, all "groups" listed could carry a pathogen since they would be unvaxed. That being said, fully vaxed people (2 doses plus booster) have gotten Covid...and those who are fully vaxed and previously infected with Covid have again gotten infected (again). So where does it stop?

The world will soon transform into Dr. Seuss's "Star-Belly Sneetches". Not only unvaxed passengers in separate areas, we should even go farther (within those separated areas) by sub-dividing groups based on religion, sexual identity, proof (or not) of childhood vaccines, odor, vegans vs meat eaters, alcoholics vs non-drinkers, political beliefs, annual salary (bring your bank statements and portfolios).....hopefully most will notice my sarcasm....but where does it stop.

The world will soon transform into Dr. Seuss's "Star-Belly Sneetches". Not only unvaxed passengers in separate areas, we should even go farther (within those separated areas) by sub-dividing groups based on religion, sexual identity, proof (or not) of childhood vaccines, odor, vegans vs meat eaters, alcoholics vs non-drinkers, political beliefs, annual salary (bring your bank statements and portfolios).....hopefully most will notice my sarcasm....but where does it stop.

It's very unfortunate this young doctor was killed by an irresponsible person....but does anyone think this would be a story if the person killed was a noodle vendor or vegetable seller... Or if the person on the motorcycle was the son of "do you know who my family/father is?" So sad.

According to your post, you wouldn't have done anything to defend yourself using"self control"????

So if someone poured a drink on you at a restaurant, are you saying you would just sit there and let it be?

The guy, with a frail ego, poured a drink on her head as he tried to leave. She deserves the praise.

Not bashing or piling on but just my point of view. You are asking to exchange a currency that is most likely not needed by anyone on this forum. I agree with a few other poster stating why exchange at a rate you can get (or maybe even a better rate) in Mexico. I wouldn't consider the amount "small" as it over a $1000 USD (googled exchange rates: 21,700 peso equates to $1049 USD....34,500 baht equates to $1046). IMO, you would need to offer a deep discount to make it more attractive instead of mid-market rate. Good luck.

Not sure if the same person but there is a Chris (American) in CM that has a website (tielandtothailand dot com) and a FB group (Tieland To Thailand). A few years ago it was he and his wife but they (I'm guessing) went back to the US during the pandemic. He came back (sans the wife) to CM a few months ago and has had a few posts recently. I meant to answer Freedomnow's post but it didn't work ????