SDM0712

And ?

Did you receive the Re-Entry permit which is , of course" based on the last "permission to stay stamp" ?

No “ And”

I had completed the forms correctly, as per the questions contained within the application form and was annoyed that I had been told that I had not and of treated so poorly by someone supposedly there “ to help”

SDM

I had an interesting experience today that I would like to share and wonder what others take is on this.

Part One

I entered Thailand on a “NON - O” visa granted in the Thai Embassy in London in 2011, and subsequently extended each year here in Phuket.

This is first point I am interested in opinions on. The form I use to apply to remain in the country every year is a TM.7, and entitled “APPLICATION FOR EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY STAY IN THE KINGDOM “. Once this is approved my passport is stamped with ;

“ PHUKET IMMIGRATION

EXTENSION OF STAY PERMITTED UP TO ……………..

………………..”

It is thus my understanding that my VISA is the original “NON-O” placed into my passport in 2011 and each year I merely obtain an “EXTENSION” to this original visa.

Part Two

I am going back to the UK for a short visit and needed to apply for a re-entry permit. I completed form TM.8 entitled “APPLICATION FOR RE-ENTRY PERMIT INTO THE KINGDOM”.

In my professional life I have to review and complete many official forms, which some people find complicated. It is my experience that the complication often occurs because people filling in the forms try too hard to interpret the questions rather than take them at face value, i.e. they interpret them as being more complicated than they are and complete them incorrectly on this assumption. With this in mind when I complete forms I answer exactly what has been asked without making any interpretation of my own.

Herein lies my issue today. To quote form TM.8.

Q. “… previous visa for Thailand is of the category of”

The word “visa “is clearly and specifically used. So does this mean the visa, and only stamp or document actually bearing the word “visa”. Or does it mean my annual extension of stay which does not mention the word “visa “ either in the application form or eventual stamp that goes into the passport ?

The form then goes on to ask where the visa was issued, when it was issued, etc etc.

In my opinion based upon the wording of the documents it seems quite clear that the visa was the non-o granted at the Thai Embassy in London, and each year I merely extent it.

With this in mind I completed the questions on TM.8 relating to my visa based on the only document/stamp which I have which actually mentions that term. Since the passport that the non-o Visa was put in has now expired I brought that passport to Phuket Immigration, with my current one, and a copy of the “ visa and both passports”. I am fortunately also in the practice of copying every other document/stamp that could ever be requested, so had no need to go to the copying office.

Part Three

This is a summary of the conversation that took place between myself and the foreign “Volunteer” Immigration Officer. I won’t name him as I don’t want to liable myself but it annoyed me sufficiently to start this topic. Although I use speech marks, the quotes are not verbatim.

“ I’m here for a re-entry permit, I already have copies of my passports and visa”

“The copy of this visa is not necessary. It is not your visa. Your visa is this stamp “, he said pointing at my extension of stay stamp.

“In fact “I replied, “You are pointing to an extension of stay stamp and not a visa. My visa is a non-o and every year the term of that original visa is extended. This form, (TM.8) specifies the term visa, which is why I have copied this visa stamp”, pointing at the copy of the visa, and original visa in the passport.

“ No, you are wrong. You have made a mistake. Your visa is this stamp”, he said again pointing at the extension stamp and with that crossed out in a red pen the visa details I had completed and wrote the details of the extension stamp.

I asked him if we had a problem, since I really do not wish to be held up in a queue and continue to be lectured in such a loud and disrespectful manner, as if I were a naughty school boy. I was apparently completely wrong, the intimation being that I must be quite stupid not to be able to understand the form and its meaning. It was in my mind to say that as an Englishman, English is my mother tongue and I am well versed in its use and correct interpretation, but thought I would hold onto that less I find myself being ejected. My “telling off” was continued by being informed that this chap did not get paid for this, only did it to help others, and I was lucky he was here to correct my mistake. Also that I should not make the same “mistake” again. The reality is that I have completed these forms in exactly this manner before and never had a problem.

This was the end of the episode and I was sent on my way to an extremely helpful and pleasant Thai Immigration Officer.

Epilogue

In my opinion I had not made any mistake and the matter would have been politely concluded without offence being taken on either side if the volunteer had mere said something along the lines of ;

“ I know it says visa but what it means is that last annual extension stamp”

Also in my opinion the Volunteers are worked very hard for no pay, however it is their choice to work there. I like to think that it is purely to help their fellow “ farangs”. However sitting in Immigration today the main complaint being aired, rather than being directed at the Thai officials was the attitude of the volunteers.

This has stayed with me all day, steam now let off, next time I will say “yes sir, quite right, I’m very wrong sir, sorry sir, thank you sir, have a nice day sir”. Actually that’s probably not going to happen.

SDM

I was in Central in Phuket a few days ago and thought while I'm here let's go to AIS. It was quite comical because no one, including the manager, had a clue what I was talking about and were all completely unaware that subscribers must register SIM cards by the end of July. They did register mine, but said it was completely unnecessary!

Basement in Big C.

You would think so but no. They are only interested in copy software.

Copy software will work and it will prompt the computer to notify you that you're using unlicensed software and it then gives you the option to buy a licence online.

So it will be useful if the OP can't find the original thing.

That is interesting and might be the way to go. I didn't think of that.

SDM

Personally I had no problem with XP

XP and 95/98 Not supported any more

Mainstream support for Win 7 has also ceased which is what the person at Banana IT might have been talking about.

I went back to Banana it last night and spoke to the manager. What the other chap meant was that they had sold out of official copies in that branch and he looked on their database and it seems that all of the other its are also sold out and awaiting new supplies.

SDM

Or 95/98

Personally I had no problem with XP

I have an official Windows version from Banana IT. So yes, may have been a communication problem.

That's what I thought. Which branch?

Regards

Stephen

Homepro Chalong

I guess you mean Banana IT in HomePro village. Last year they offered my official windows 8. To be honest the sales person had no idea what he was talking about and I passed. Best to download from Microsoft web site. But the OP has no browser. mmmm

Since I said 'Banana IT' 'Homepro Chalong', not much of a guess where I bought it

And yes, official CD.

And I know exactly where you mean, I didn't know it was called Homepro Village actually, been there hundreds of times as well.

Thanks again.

SDM

I have an official Windows version from Banana IT. So yes, may have been a communication problem.

That's what I thought. Which branch?

Regards

Stephen

Homepro Chalong

I guess you mean Banana IT in HomePro village. Last year they offered my official windows 8. To be honest the sales person had no idea what he was talking about and I passed. Best to download from Microsoft web site. But the OP has no browser. mmmm

It's not that I have no browser, as I said I need to buy a few machines and they normally sell them here with no OS, so the new machine I buy will not have a browser. Or have I got that wrong?

I have an official Windows version from Banana IT. So yes, may have been a communication problem.

That's what I thought. Which branch?

Regards

Stephen

Homepro Chalong

Thanks, I'll head down there over the weekend.

SDM

Thanks Hans but if the PC doesn't have an operating system, it also won't have a browser and therefore no way to access the Internet, as far as I know

I have an official Windows version from Banana IT. So yes, may have been a communication problem.

That's what I thought. Which branch?

Regards

Stephen

I don't know. But if I get a machine with no OS how would I access the Internet?

Anyone know where I can get an official Windows 8 OK in Phuket. I need to buy a few PC's for a new office but want the official OS that gets the MS updates. Banana it told me Windows is all finished now, I'm not 100% sure he knew what I was after.

If you're in Phuket, I'll give you a copy.

I am, yes please !!

Stephen

From my observation the term "Big Bike" as used by Supermakets and Shopping Malls refers only to the size of the body, so anything physically bigger than a PCX (inclusive). The general Thai accepted term seems to refer to anything that is not a scooter and has the frame of a bike regardless of CC. For the foreigner I think most consider anything more than 250 cc as a big bike.

SDM

If is worrying.

I have a CCTV front and rear system fitted (only 5000 baht) that starts and stops automatically and 90% tints on all apart from the front window. I don't want them to know a Farang is driving and I want everything they do recorded.

SDM

Both of these i want to add when i buy a car next year, also worried about my lack of language skills in the event of a prang or misshap. I do have an army connection, which helps with police. Where did you get your camera set up, if you dont mind me asking?

An accessory shop in Phuket, happy to give the details if you live on the island, but I think most accessory /car radio shops will do this.

My car also has a Songkla plate, not a part of Thailand well known for its friendliness!!!

If is worrying.

I have a CCTV front and rear system fitted (only 5000 baht) that starts and stops automatically and 90% tints on all apart from the front window. I don't want them to know a Farang is driving and I want everything they do recorded.

SDM

It's nice to have some recognition that we are agreed with and not full of

SO it has changed from 4 Thai employees to 2 Thai employees?

You have to be paying Tax for 3 years in Thailand to possibly get PR status? Surely there is a way around that I dont pay tax but I surely spend my pension here, way more than a local Thai would earn so no chance of a PR...?

(I got Thai Kid too!)

The capital requirements is still confirmation that 2MB is available.

I have no idea what the PR requirements are in a retirement visa, assuming that's what you are on. Speak to a lawyer, a chat would be free anyway. Happy to recommend.

SDM

PS Sorry quite right, 1million available capital per permit.

I spoke to my lawyer about this very point. In my situation because I have a company and work permit here I was told that once I had received my third annual work permit then I could apply for PR. I'm afraid I didn't ask what the requements would be if I wasn't working. The other hurdles I would have to jump to be to compete some kind or written exam, all in Thai and also have an interview, all in Thai.

Can I suggest you speak to a lawyer on this point or someone who has actually gone through the process.

SDM

PS I was also given a costing of 90,000 baht for government costs only.

For the first time in years I was late for my 90 day reporting. Went to Patong immigration a week late with my passport and all the usual copies. The chap on the desk said I don't need to bring any photocopies any more as everything is stored on the computer, no "fine', not that I have ever had a" fine' or "admin" cost, and I was in and out in 5 minutes.

Lucky you! But this thread isn't about Patong. In Chiang Mai you still need copies and if you had reported outside the grace period, you would have been expected to pay a fine. Furthermore, it really slows down the process when someone pays a fine -- the Immigration officers act like they've never written a receipt before.

It might be in the Chiang Mai Forum but the title is a general one.

The only reason I posted this is that this Patong office has attracted so many negative posts about requests for so called fines and admin fees so I was quite frankly very surprised not to receive either. It is interesting and perhaps indicative of the way that all the offices are heading. With regard to the lack of a requirement for copied documentary support this must be a recent thing as I needed it last time round. Again perhaps something that will happen at all offices.

SDM

For the first time in years I was late for my 90 day reporting. Went to Patong immigration a week late with my passport and all the usual copies. The chap on the desk said I don't need to bring any photocopies any more as everything is stored on the computer, no "fine', not that I have ever had a" fine' or "admin" cost, and I was in and out in 5 minutes.

That's funny because that <removed> in the glasses behind him has taken more money from me than any of them. He's famous for the 300-500 baht certificate of residency with no receipt of course......

If you are talking about the guy on the right I have to say that I normally head to him to do my 90 day stamp and a couple of times for proof of residency. I always have a little chat with him and have found him to be very pleasant. He's never tried to hit me for money, even when he legitimately could have for reporting late etc. I'm not saying it doesn't happen but personally I think he's one of the good guys.

SDM

Finally something, but as also mention "call me Dave" shoul have stepped in earlier, and they should have used the actual Foreign Minister to deliver the message to The Thai diplomat as opposed to a junior nor, just to give the idiots a further push. Hopefully, oh ugh this might be the beginning of some serious political pressure from The UK

I know from the folks back at home that this is big news, it's not going to go away, the UK 'papers are all over it. I'm pretty sure David Cameron would rather sweep the matter under the carpet but this is impossible now as the story has just gained too much traction. In reality there is little political pressure that the UK can bring against the Thais even if the UK government really wanted to, maybe in the good old days when we had an empire it might have been different, but not anymore.

SDM