Anagami

16 minutes ago, roath said:

In order to get a monk visa, you need to be sponsored by a temple with a certain standing so it is possible that his temple is too small or not connected enough to sponsor the visa. It is also not uncommon for temples to be reluctant to sponsor foreign monks for a number of reasons, including xenophobia, reluctance to get involved in Thai bureaucracy, lack of knowledge of the system etc. even if the foreign monks are serious and long-standing. I know of one monk who has regular issues, despite living in a large temple in BKK and having been a monk for over a decade. 

Thank you for a thoughtful response.

His temple indeed is small, only 5 monks there, and all farangs now (Thai monks have moved on from there, for whatever reason), with a Thai abbot. Moreover, though he has a farang nationality (Canadian), he is not a farang race (he is an Indian by race, not white). I think that may be a contributing factor.

1 hour ago, EricTh said:

Unfortunately, some non-Thai monks aren't real monks. They are monks because they want to have free food, extra privileges in public places (bus station), carefree life etc.  I have even seen so-called monks eating meat at restaurants. But Thai people treat these monks as 'god'.

 

To be a real monk during Buddha's time, you have to give up worldly pleasures such as money, sex, meat-eating and be compassionate towards all beings (including animals) ...

 

It's not just about meditation.

The monastery where he is staying is quite rustic.

I have been to his hut. Really, just a few wooden planks, a gecko on the wall, and a snake who comes at night he says. No electricity. It does have running water though (what a luxury, I know!).

1 hour ago, Orton Rd said:

So called jungle monastery next to us, they all have phones and never seen any meditating.

Yes, that's usually the case, especially with Thai monks.

I got an answer to my email from my monk friend after 3 months. There is wifi available, but the abbot's rule is that it is for emergency only.

1 hour ago, EricTh said:

If he's really a good monk, then why don't he go to live in Cambodia or Myanmar which are both Buddhist countries. These countries would have less headaches like TM30 , 90 days report etc.

 

Thailand is certainly more materialistic than these two countries but monks aren't supposed to be materialistic.

Because he believes that Thailand still has living arahants (enlightened beings), including the abbot of his monastery, who are able to guide him.

The time for staying in Thailand on ED visas is mostly over.

Your best bet is getting one in your home country, then flying to Laos, and entering Thailand through Nong Khai.

All the best.

I got an email today from a friend who is a monk in Thailand. He said that he is 'having difficulties' renewing his monk visa. I had to laugh when I read that.

He is a straight guy, been a monk in Thailand for 7+ years, meditates full-time. 

Is Thailand now denying visas to real MONKS?

The notorious Ajahn Julian notwithstanding, is this a part of Thailand's 'good guys in, bad guys out'?

Seriously Thailand?

Thai hypocrisy at its finest.

Corrupt Thai officials leeching off farangs? UNTHINKABLE.

Sadly, like many things in life, it all comes down to money. If you have money, you can find ways to buy your stay in Thailand. If you don't, you will get squeezed. That's the reality of trying to live in one of the most corrupt countries in the world.

Money talks, bullshit walks.

In Thailand, unexpected is the expected.

Thought I'd post a quick report that may be useful to others.

My visa history: long term stay with a mix of tourist and education visas, with occasional long-term breaks in-between (ranging from 3 weeks to 9 months).

Have not tried entering visa exempt in the last 5 years.

My ed visa finished, so I went on a 3 week road trip.

I was planning to re-enter by land in Laos, but got tired of travelling, so booked an air ticket from Vientiane to Suvarnabhumi.

To my surprise, the kid at the airline check-in started grilling me with questions:

"what is your purpose of travel to Thailand?"

"how long do you plan to stay?"

... and to my shock... "where will you stay and do you have a proof....?"

I was taken back by that. This was the airline personnel, NOT immigration. Are they responsible for my accommodations??? When did that happen?

Anyway, I kept my smile, even though I was pretty sure that this was total bullshit. They have no right to ask me immigration-related questions. I had a tourist visa, I was not trying to enter with an exemption. In any case, this was not even immigration personnel.

I had no proof of accommodation in Thailand (I did not think I'd need a copy of my condo contract if I have tourist visa)... but I talked the kid into accepting just writing down my address.

At the actual Lao immigration, NO QUESTIONS.

At the Thai immigration at Suvarnabhumi, NO QUESTIONS.

<deleted> Thai Smile? 

This made no sense to me.

Was the airline kid just out of line... or did they have instructions to do this?

In the future, if you fly in from Laos, be ready with a proof of accommodation for your stay.

The Sedona Method by Hale Dwoskin is a helpful modality for that.... and not just for that.

Just did it today.

Headed to LMN Travel and Tours, which is next to the Paddy Rice pub.

$50 USD, 4 days - apply Monday AM, get it back Thursday PM.

They have a $60 option if you want it in three days.

The man and his wife running the place are pleasant and professional.

I brought my bank statement on a USB, they printed it for me. I also brought a photo. They provide the app.

After you finish, head for a cold one next door. :) 

PS I should add that I first went to One World Travel and received an absolutely disgusting treatment. I walked out and will never come back for anything ever again.

1 hour ago, Pilotman said:

This isn't their country 

Ironically, most Thais seem to act like it isn't theirs either.

On 10/3/2017 at 9:23 AM, impulse said:

 

In over 6 years, I've never left my BKK apartment complex without long pants, a collared shirt and socks.  And within the complex, the only time I'm missing one of those items is to swim in the pool.

 

Still, I object to characterizing any human being as "quality" or not, based on what they wear in the tropics on holiday.  While I'm appalled at the appearance of some of the nicest, most generous people I know, it's easy to separate the person from their quirks.

 

They may have different standards of dress than I do, but that doesn't make them less than me, or anyone else walking the planet. 

 

 

Jesus man, live a little.

Thanks guys, appreciate all your thoughts and comments.

I do plan to get an ED VISA sometime during my last two months (third entry) to avoid some of the forementioned problems.

OP, where may I ask did you acquire the triple?

Toronto.

1. You can extend at any office as long as you have proof that you are currently living in their jurisdiction.

2.There is no restriction on how long you can be out of the country. However, all three entries must be made on or before the "must enter by date" on the VISA.

Thanks man. Appreciate your reply.

Hi,

long time lurker, first time poster. I would appreciate some advice, as I have couple of questions that I am not clear on.

I am in Thailand on a triple entry tourist visa.

1. I am nearing the end of my first entry (2 months). Can I extend for another month (for 1900 baht) at offices other than Bangkok? Does anybody know if Pattaya Immigration office will do the extension?

2. Is there a limit on how long I can stay out of Thailand between my entries (given my passport is valid...etc.)? I am thinking of spending a month in Cambodia between my entries....

Thanks,

A.