slipperylobster

Definetely no more "rumour".

As I wrote before, the report of the German was of Nov 2 incl. scan of his stamp.

If it helps, I link the picture here:

Seeing is believing. I am in Udon and will be doing a run on Nov 23. Looks legit.

if this is true TOT will have to reassess their tourist figures in a downwards manner

each border crossing into Thailand counts as one tourist entering

when this 15 day only law was introduced , 30 day border runners were adding x1 extra tourist every month because they had to do x2 runs instead of x1

now these runners are back to doing only x1 run instead of x2 tourist numbers will tumble

heads will roll.....

Conversely, half as many tourists leave the country in a 30 day period.

I just called the visa place inside Witherspoons. She called me back and she said she called immigration at border and they were not aware of the change. She also said a customer just came back this week and only got 15 days. So while I love the idea of the 30, I don't think it is happening everywhere yet.

I think this would have been headline news in ThaiVisa. com. Terrible people feed in false information. Makes us jump through hoops to find out if it was true.

I was pleasantly surprised when I quit smoking. After I told myself: yeah you are doing good, man. You no longer invest in your own death. That's something.

That was not the point. There are other threads on 'Non-Smoking'.

That was my point.

2 baht a pack, you could really get serious counseling to help out with your unhealthy addiction.

I have a secret to share with everyone. After living in asia for 30 years (most of it consecutive), I have long ago forgotten how to use toilet paper. Not that there is any particular skill or cunning involved in that. Very seldom have I manage to clean all traces of glooey off my delicate butt when utilized tissure. I always felt that the smell still clung to me, and I would carry that thought with me all day long. So now, if I cannot find a spray gun, I usually end up sitting in the hand sink and utilizing the faucet flow to get a nice shiny butt. Handsoap and towel are nearby. I was caught only once, sitting in the sink. So, restaurant/bar owners....please install a spray gun next to the toilet....for crikeys sake!

How do you dry off?

Just pull on wet underwear, wipe with the bath towel?

Usually, there is an hot air hand dried I smoosh my butt up against, and then finish off with the towel. Its a contest on how quickly you can jump up on the sink rinse, kneel down and reach behine your back to press the dryer button. Then its just a pat dry with the towel. I got it down to 45 seconds. Sometimes I can't lock the door and then its kind of embarassing...but the looks are so shocking, and I usually get an "excuse me....ummm...sorry.... Walking back into the bar with dignity is a bit tougher.

..does it serve a purpose..2 i believe to keep these churches etc super rich .and the week feeble minded believers something to make them feel that theres more when they die.ofcourse there isnt there just very scared thats all.

Plenty of elderly people, many of which would agree with you, are now praying for something. Perhaps, some day, you will also feel the fear that they feel now. Perhaps, as you draw your last breath, somebody will whisper in your ear, do not be afraid....believe. Is there anything else to it? Is it something you are afraid of that you will lose? Seems to me that you can only win.

But seriously one more thing you guys need to take note of. I am sure for those of you married or in some relationship with some thai girl you aren't actually religious at all. Cos your farang catholic/christian religion doesn't like that you're marrying or dating someone totally from a different faith.

I thought twice to comment your "beliefs", better said your opinion. I've never read the "Bible" as it's complete rubbish to me. So the one guy killed his brother, but there's only one woman. The word :"incest" obviously didn't exist at his time and try to argue with a religious person about it.....

I was born as a Roman Catholic, had to go to church with my brothers, but never believed in a guy who could walk over water.I do sympathize with Buddhism, in this case the Theravada.

Look at the problems Christianity had created and still does. Then the "war" in the UK, where Catholics kill Protestants, vice verse...

A Roman Catholic Priest isn't allowed to marry a woman, but many of them produce kids. The "holly" church pays for two kids. ..others are gay, some rape little boys, which is a proofed fact, not just my opinion.

How can such a guy preach to many families and talk about their problems, if he's in a completely different situation? How can he tell people how to deal with daily life situations, problems families are having??? Etc.

When I accidentally see an American TV preacher via satellite, and there're lots of them I'd like to puke constantly. George W. Bush said god was with America when they'd made war? Can't believe that there must be so many guys listening to such an idiot.

Then the Protestants, who're allowed to get married. But that's not freaking all. Then you've got the Super Mormons, the superficial 7th day Adventists, the Jehovah's Witness and Buddha knows what else.

I do go to temples with my wife and please tell me why a Christian couldn't marry a Buddhist? Did your TV preacher man tell you that?

I go to temples with my wife and guess what. A well known monk near my wife's village said things to me I couldn't believe. I was speechless. I do make merits for my car and I have deepest respect to those who're Buddhist monks, doing good things for others.

Back in my country of origin, I went to a seminar where a guy was talking about Buddhism. When I was asking him if he'd ever been in a Buddhist country, he denied.

Most people do have to believe in a god. If I'd have to chose, I'd be Buddhist. Have you ever heard that Buddhist monks started a holy war, or a war having Jesus Christ on their side?

Too many people got killed, because of other religions than Buddhism. Sorry for the long post,-

Your post is without merit. When it comes right down to it, religion forces nobody to fight a war. It is men (perhaps utilizing religion in the wrong way) that start war. Whether America started the idea that God and Religion are a good basis for war, is ridiculous. That was started long before .....Talk to the Holy Roman Emperors during the dark ages about all that muck. Europeans and the British were horrendously involved in that crapola. Christ never once said war was the only way to go. So now you guys, all of a sudden, say America is using God as a reason to kill people....... Thats pretty childish..

Religion is a personal matter...no one has the inside scoop as to which one is number one...the Holy Grail of Religions...although the Christian, Muslim, and Mormons would argue this point...all thinking they are favored by God...more than the others...

If religion works for you...good...if it does not...try not to judge the ones who receive some inner peace in praying to and worshipping another entity...it is quite popular for those professing no religious affiliation...to worship oneself these days...

It appears to me that the Thais use mantra meditation...praying to different size images of Buddha...animal figures...trees...and so on...are asking for blessing for their families and themselves...for future prosperity...a good life...good health...and happiness...I believe they are sincere...

"judge not...that ye be not judged"..."pray without ceasing"...

I just had a thought for the OP...

You brought up religion.... so what is your next topic.......Politics? Ho Hum.

Does religion serve a purpose?

Yes, it does. It tries to answer fundamental questions about Life, the Universe and Everything (the answer is 42 btw...) and as such, Religion has a fine role to play as the source of endless debating and profound thinking. It's good exercise for the brain. That's about it. I'm not belittling religion, I find the exercise very valuable...

I really think the bigger question is: Do churches serve a purpose? And my answer to that is: This thread ain't big enough for the answer...

Yes. let us not, as I presumed you mean a church is a building. Which would be incorrect.

Christ to Peter...."Upon this Rock (Peter) I will build my church".

The buildings where just an interpretation of the idea.... If Christ would have seen a Church building, he might of been dismayed...as he was quite the humble person, smashing up temples, living out in the desert, and kind of walking endlessly down dusty roads talking to most anyone. Kind of a basic, stand up, in your face guy.

Christianity has stood the test of time but will be over run by the Muslim fornicators churning out offspring like one shells peas.

Your vernacular is a bit offensive, but I do agree. Perhaps, in hindsight, the last caucasian man/woman in the world might be put to task to produce enough offspring to prevent the inevitable. It comes to no surprise, to me, that the last words of the Catholic Priest, especially in the Philippines, is "Go forth, be fruitful and multiply". One Irish priest in Olongapo actually said it in English......"Go make babies !" Not a bad idea when faced by overwelming births in Islamic Nations. In that light, I hope the girls in PI do their best....and win the day. I know I will support them in any way I possibly can. Ok, they are not Caucasians, but at least they are Christians..eh?

Please....this is a light hearted, parody of a possible outcome.

It's not racist to tell facts, soon no more catholic anywhere in Europe...

Yeah...but look what you are left with... lol.

SPYING, both political and cooperate, guy's it's been going on for millennia and more and will continue, But I do believe that governments spying on people for NO just cause is an invasion of privacy and is wrong this should never be allowed to happen again, also employers demanding passwords to facebook accounts should not be allowed as I feel it falls under a privacy issue not and employment condition.

Right. The real idea of spying is not to get caught. But America is caught all the time. Must mean we are not spying. Huh?

Its just too obvious....alcohol and domestic abuse.

It serves the same purpose as Catholicism. You sin when you want and how you want it, then ask for forgiveness. Leave the house of worship (input name of religion and their house here) and go do it again.

A dull and unstudied observation on your part....as if you can sum up the Catholic Religion in just those terms. silly.

Does Catholicism offer confession and forgiveness whilst alive which defines it from other forms of Christianity?

Let me answer like this. There are thousands of issues you could bring up about any religion to demonstrate how it does not live up to your logic. Forgiveness is just one. Do not be foollish and try to argue with those who do have faith. Mine is failing me, but there are several others who I admire.....in many religions. Arguing faith is like going fishing without bait....you are not equipped.

It serves the same purpose as Catholicism. You sin when you want and how you want it, then ask for forgiveness. Leave the house of worship (input name of religion and their house here) and go do it again.

A dull and unstudied observation on your part....as if you can sum up the Catholic Religion in just those terms. silly.

Your cavalier attitude alone in how you approach such a sensitive and personal subject, such as religion and the role it has in a culture and family shows a great amount of ignorance. Nobody is beating you over the head here, and nobody is going to burn you as a heretic, but for crikey's sake.....do not bring this up among believers. You just might end up finding out which religion/God is actually true !

Happens more often in the Philippines (many more islands). I had always thought about bringing two liters of water in plastic bottles. If no life jacket (these things sink in minutes) grab your water, drink as much as you can stomach, put the cap on and at least you have a bit of boyancy, if you don't flounder around. just put one each under your armpit. It works in a jam. Another tip....take off your pants (long jeans i hope) and tie the cuffs in a knot. Zipper it up and trap air in them. Twist the waist and voila.......a life preserver.

Yes it happens in the Phils often, but the water and Ferries are a way of life for Filipinos who are outside of Luzon. It is the same as those country folk heading back home to Lopburi, Udon, or Ubon at the end of the working week to be with their families. Safety standards are generally regulated in the Phils and there are substantial penalties for accidents from what I have seen. Although corrupt and morally warped by the demands of extremist Christianity from the Catholic Church of the Philippines, the country does care and does what it can to keep its' people safe at sea.

Not true. They are ranked very low in safety. I don't see religion has a bit to do with this or that....but here is a link that should enlighten...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-23729996

I have a secret to share with everyone. After living in asia for 30 years (most of it consecutive), I have long ago forgotten how to use toilet paper. Not that there is any particular skill or cunning involved in that. Very seldom have I manage to clean all traces of glooey off my delicate butt when utilized tissure. I always felt that the smell still clung to me, and I would carry that thought with me all day long. So now, if I cannot find a spray gun, I usually end up sitting in the hand sink and utilizing the faucet flow to get a nice shiny butt. Handsoap and towel are nearby. I was caught only once, sitting in the sink. So, restaurant/bar owners....please install a spray gun next to the toilet....for crikeys sake!

Over 200 people on board? What a tragedy. The first thing I do is grab a life jacket when on one of these ferries.

RIP

Happens more often in the Philippines (many more islands). I had always thought about bringing two liters of water in plastic bottles. If no life jacket (these things sink in minutes) grab your water, drink as much as you can stomach, put the cap on and at least you have a bit of boyancy, if you don't flounder around. just put one each under your armpit. It works in a jam. Another tip....take off your pants (long jeans i hope) and tie the cuffs in a knot. Zipper it up and trap air in them. Twist the waist and voila.......a life preserver.

You put the story here. Good enough. Just the other day, I heard from a 15 year veteran of Pattaya claim that he has never witnessed underaged sex trafficking. Your story is pretty accurate. I had a mom try to sell her girl scout kid to me in a bar on Ko Chang. The Mom owned the Bar...and from the looks of several other Patrons (who bought drinks for the kid), they were in the loop. I left the island the next day...and did not say a thing. But now I have. Its true...it does exist.

A bidet with a nice blow dryer would be nice... and effective. Perhaps a button on the side for a a parfume spray. Hands off the scat is my policy.

Buses, minivans, trains, cars and now boats!

How are you supposed to travel in this country??

Seems like the only way to survive is, stay home.

Hope those who died didn't suffer.

Shoe Leather Express is still the safest choice of transportation here...

If on an extension you only do 90 day reports if you are in Thailand for 90 consecutive days.

Providing you have a valid re-entry permit you can return at any time before your 'permitted to stay' date without affecting the validity of your extension.

The day you return is day 1 of a new 90 day reporting cycle.

How much do the re-entry permits cost? I leave four times a year.

A good definition of a "non-issue" is this. It hurts, I know....

Is there a way if can be fixed? I would like to hear it.

Tell the passenger to do web check-in and only hand luggage and they can just go straight through without any questions asked.

This works for us. I have been using a debit card for Air Asia so my girl could fly down to Bangkok for the past two years. She goes almost every two months. Probably she gets through because we do the web check in and she travels smart and light. Dozen or so trips.