game4shame

39 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

None of the neighboring countries are open at this time.

Singapore might be possible. You would need to check what their current requirements are for entry.

Click Singapore on this map and perhaps other countries within the region to find their entry requirements.

https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/international-travel-document-news/1580226297.htm

Looks like only Singaporeans and long term visa / passes permitted, as expected.  Thanks anyway.

31 minutes ago, BritTim said:

Have you spoken to a good agent to see if they can facilitate a work permit and extension for you without leaving Thailand? If your salary will be at least 50,000 baht per month, and your employer will provide the necessary paperwork, there are few conditions under which leaving Thailand for a Non B visa is absolutely necessary.

I've spoken to one.  They say I need to leave and return.....as if it's that simple. 555.

Neighbouring countries are closed.  A run to UK is completely impractial given distance and cost.  Quarantine alone on UK side is 2285GBP.  Plus flight and tests Thai side Id be looking at 3000GBP one way.  The return leg may cost less but still approx 2000GBP all inc.  So total 5000GBP.  Ridiculous.

Basically this issue comes down to mixed info from immigration. 

I was on a B visa for a previous employer.  That was cancelled 2 weeks ago.  I however made it clear to immigration my intention to find new employment in-country. 

On this basis the immigration office (I wont mention the location) provided an extension based on covid to allow me to find a new job.  They assured me I could convert to a new B visa once I secured new employment.

However when I found new employment in another province the local immigration office there did not agree that I could switch in-country and said I need to leave country and return to get a new B visa.

Now, we all know making a complaint about the immigration office that gave the mixed info is a total waste of time.  So if I cant find an immigration contact or agent with a crumb of common sense I may need to 'visa run'.  Not a welcome thought.

Long story short - and after taking all my willpower not to commit murder at immigration - I may need to do a 'visa run' to get a new B visa.

In any other time this would involve a leisurely trip to KL which I would welcome.  Obviously it is not that easy anymore.

So - before I fork out the 1/4M THB it'd cost to 'visa run' to the UK - does anyone know if it's possible to do in any neighbouring countries yet?  And if so, the process involved?  I dont mind quarantine periods.  

For info Im not vaccinated.

Are boats still running to Ko Samet?  If so, what is the current status on the island with regards to covid closures / restrictions, hotel availability etc?  

Also are there checkpoints at Rayong town?

Muang Rayong is reported as a red zone but travel seems to be unrestricted. ????  

I assumed Ko Samet would be locked down too but heard a few people planning to visit there this weekend.

My mates wife (Thai National) is currently in Thailand but wishes to return to the UK ASAP. 

He has been looking at the availability of flights and it appears there are a number of flights fly on a daily basis from Bangkok to the Middle East, then there are many flights flying between the Middle East and the UK.

Are these flights between Bangkok and the Middle East carrying regular fare paying passengers? They seem to be open  for booking online with no problem.

The reason he asks is because of a Bangkok Post article today where a TAT spokesman was quoted as saying both inward and outward flights are banned.

What are we missing here? If she books the flight is she going to be refused check in at the airport in Bangkok?

Many thanks for any help.

Thanks for info.

That's sorted then - night in on Friday and a midnight start on Saturday.  

Problem solved.

Cheers

game

Any confirmation on bar closures this weekend?

Searching google suggests Friday 27th confirmed as closed.  Saturday 28th is unclear.

Also suggests the restrictions run midnight-midnight - any confirmation?  

Cheers

game

For the past few months I've been downloading Youtube videos via WIFI to watch offline on the BTS etc.  Consequently saving data useage and avoiding connectivity issues.  The offline downloads were all free of charge and without restriction via Youtube app on my android phone.

From the 1st of this month Ive noticed Im unable to play any of the downloaded videos and greeted with a message that I must pay to watch offline.  My understanding is that Youtube Red is unavailable in Thailand for the moment and Im unsure if that is the service required to watch offline now.  I've heard of Youtube Go app but cant see any definitive answers on the availability of that either.

Anyone had any similar issues trying to watch Youtube offline?  Is it a global restriction or Thailand only?

Cheers

game

Any definitive answers on bar closures this weekend?  

This site says Saturday 8th and either Sunday 9th or Tuesday 11th:

http://www.boomboomme.com/resources/holidays/thailand/

Bangkok and Pattaya bars Im looking for answers on.  Trying to plan the weekend ahead. 

Cheers 

2 minutes ago, IMA_FARANG said:

I don't mean to be critical, but every year hundreds if not thousands of people seem to be able how to get retirement visa/ or extensions  or Non o work visas and work permits.

Why is it then you seem to think you need an agent to do the paperwork?

O.K. so we are all different, with different skills and talents, but if others manage to thread their way through the maze to success, then why can't you.

I will tell you a true story.

In 1982 I got a job offer through a friend of a possible job for me in Turkey.

So I traces down the company's address in Turkey, flew there, took a bus halfway  across the length of Turkey, had a job interview, and was hired.

I was working in Saudi Arabia at that time.

I am an American citizen., just so you know.

 

If you had read my initial post you would see we have already tried to process the visa (without an agent) approx 15 times.  Each time turned away for a different reason with regards to the documentation.  Some documents they accept on one occasion then reject the next time - ridiculous.  

If you think asking for professional guidance on one of the most corrupt, bureaucratic and farcical immigration systems in the world means I cant 'thread my way to success' then you are welcome to your opinion.

Your nationality and 'true story' is of no relevance whatsoever.

4 minutes ago, Mattd said:

Certainly isn't in my experience, though it may well depend on the type of job and criteria of the employer.

For example, when I applied for the first work permit of this current job, it was issued for 12 months despite of only having a 3 month employment contract at that time.

for my previous job the first permit was also 12 months duration and for the last 6 years the extensions were 2 yearly by virtue of being issued under IEAT.

 

If the extension is not forthcoming, then really, the only option would be to try and get one more SE Non B visa, this should then give you enough time to get the work permit extended and all the ducks in a row for the extension of stay.

I see - did you do all your applications yourself?

Ideally I want to talk to an agent with some industry knowledge.  Ive heard various views from colleagues, friends etc so Id prefer to get some professional guidance.

As original post states - agent recommendations welcome. 

Just now, Mattd said:

May I ask why only 6 months? 

 

My colleagues implied this was the norm - then a 1 year extension could be made after the 6 months.  But Im certainly no expert.

I put my faith in the company to sort this out, unfortunately that hasnt worked.

3 minutes ago, Mattd said:

I might be wrong here, however, the first year extension of stay based on work would require the work permit to be valid for longer than 7 weeks.

I do remember last year, when I changed jobs, the work permit application had to be made and work permit issued prior to the extension of stay application, whereas this year for both of the renewals it was reversed, the explanation the agent gave me for that was that for extension one Immigration needed to see the work permit prior to issuing the extension and the reverse this year, i.e. the labour department needed to see the extension of stay prior to renewing the work permit.

 

If I was you I'd be definitely looking at going out and getting one more SE Non B visa, technically you should not be working on visa exempt entries, if, for whatever reason, this was discovered it could well cause you issues going forward.

Yes - Im well aware this could cause me problems and thats why Im looking for a solution.  Unfortunately the potential problems this could cause me doesnt seem to register with my colleagues or sr management - actually it probably does register but they dont give a s**t.  Fair enough.  

Either way - I need to get some closure on this.

We applied for initial 3 month non-imm B at the tail end of last year to allow the work permit to be applied for.  

My work permit was issued at the end of December - valid for 6 months.  The 1 year non-B extension should have been processed by mid-Jan but - despite me reminding colleagues almost daily - it wasnt done on time.  

30 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

How did you get the work permit without a non-b visa.

You apparently are trying to apply for a change to a non-b visa if you have been using visa exempt entries. It takes extra paperwork for that verses applying for an extension of stay based upon working.

Perhaps easier to go out for another non-b visa if you have a valid work permit. 

You could get a multiple entry non-b visa in Penang if you have at least 8 months remaining on your work permit. That would allow unlimited 90 entries for a year from the date of issue.

I had a 3 month Non-B to apply for the work permit.  Once the work permit was obtained we were due to return to get a 1 year non-B extension.  

However due to various delays, complications, Thainess, the company didnt complete the non-B visa extension by the deadline.  So Ive been on tourist visas since.

Current work permit expires in 7 weeks so your Penang idea is not possible.  Thanks anyway.

The majority of the paperwork is done - I just need someone with a bit of knowledge to finalise the process.  

Reliable agent recommendations and approx costs welcome.

Im looking for some recommendations for agents in Bangkok to process a Non-imm B Visa.

Ive had a work permit since new year however there have been various delays, complications etc in finalising the Non-imm B Visa.  I work overseas often so have been coming in on tourist stamps which Ive never thought was ideal and now immigration have started questioning it.

The company Im working for has opted to use in-house staff to try to process the visa which has been a total disaster - Ive been to Immigration Div 1 approx 15 times with colleagues to try to process this but each time turned away for a various reasons - ''documehn no right mista'' etc etc.  To me this is completely ridiculous but my colleagues just remain tight-lipped and accept it.  

Also due to the bizarre 'face' saving that runs through the culture nobody in my office is prepared to just admit they cant do it and to call on a professional.  In view of this Im looking at sourcing an agent myself.

Immigration have been extremely unhelpful and rude the majority of the times we have tried to process the visa - our office have tried to avoid using bribes but personally I think this is part of the problem.  When in Rome etc.... 

Anyway, I need this situation resolved asap - if anyone has any recommendations for a reliable agent it is appreciated, preferably fluent in English.  

Also, please advise on approx costs.  The majority of the documentation for the visa is complete - only need someone to get it over the finishing line (and Id assume advise on the bribe required to do so).

Game

Im returning to BKK today - is there anywhere still doing water fights etc?  Suk 22?  Silom?  Cowboy?

I realise official dates are over and noted KSR has been restricted to 2 days this year.  Just checking before I don the Songkran outfit.

http://www.localphone.com/

Simply the best. No fannying about with access numbers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLJllk-0o6c&feature=youtu.be

https://youtu.be/SLJllk-0o6c

Thanks for posting the entire Orchestral version. The movie is 10x as disturbing.

Ive downloaded the movie but yet to watch it. Been warned that its f**ked up.....I will see.

Hua Hin? I like it. A welcome respite and very different world than much of Thailand. Free of the touts, hookers and thieving tuk tuks that plague places like Phuket and even Krabi.

Hua Hin attracts a better quality of foreigner, more mature in mind and body and they tend to be more civil, although aloof.

Hua Hin free of hookers??? First time I went to Hua Hin about 6 years ago I would have agreed. However after my recent visit Id say the bar area near Hilton Hotel is becoming Pattaya-fied. Loads of hookers and the odd Katoey-on-a-motorbike lurking in the dark alleys.

And re the 'quality of foreigner'? Well I would have agreed but I was accosted by an unbelievably drunk retired expat one night. He was mumbling a load of sh*te, falling about the place and being abusive and aggressive towards all the staff. Made my excuses and left.

https://youtu.be/SLJllk-0o6c

Chang wife-beater Vest x 5 (various colours)

Singha wife-beater Vest x 5 (various colours)

Leo wife-beater Vest x 5 (various colours)

Same Same But Different T-shirt x 5

Kemagra

Viagra

Butt Plugs x 8 (clean one each day and a spare for emergencies)

Blow-up Doll

Fake Tattoo Sleeves x 7

Croaking Frog Toy x 20

Huge Lighter x 10

All for personal use.

Masturbating.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJyQpAiMXkg&hl=en-GB&gl=SG

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHuebHTD-lY

Do what every other middle aged sexpat does........drink beer, have fights, bum ladyboys. In no particular order.