arithai12

Srettha's name was not in the ballots, so I don't think he really cares about voters support. Interestingly, Pita also openly opposed recreational use of marijuana (a u-turn from his position years before), but no one told him he would lose voters and that he is not smart. Go figure.

You know very well that similar examples could be found for western "tourists", eg the German guy tortured and cut to pieces for his assets by compatriots, the Hell's Angels gangs, the Spaniard who cut up another for crypto and threw the parts in the river, a Norwegian who killed a Brit and escaped Thailand and is now on trial in his country, a Brit who again cut up his thai gf in pieces and the list goes on. No doubt that with making travel easier, there will be more risk of "bad guys in", but it's not just the Chinese. I think I read that before flying out they are supposed to get some check by the chinese police? I don't know the details. I am not a fan of chinese tour groups for sure, but individuals seem often ok, and anyway I doubt numbers will jump up much given the current economy there.

So let's see, you are the PM and you want to improve universal healthcare services for those with lower income. Good. Now, how would you go about it ? Single-handed, dictator like? You sure you have the time and expertise? Or would you need some experts? But of course if you like to bash the new government before it even acts, then go ahead you don't really need an excuse.

ok about proper trial before punishment, but I don't follow you when you seem to believe that the girl invented her story about being raped? If a girl menstruates very early, possible, why would she invent such a story? And how could a mother confuse menstruation with bleeding from wounds, for more than a few minutes? Also, while the rape of a woman is in general a horrible crime, raping such a young child will leave her with a psychological trauma for all her life, with consequences which we men can barely imagine. When confirmed, as I think it will be, the perpetrator should meet the harshest possible punishment compatible with the laws of the country.

I thought they were developing an entirley new airport in SanKamphaeng or there about? Why invest in doubling flights in the old airport? Sounds like construction companies are smelling lucrative contracts with the new gov't. Besides, the idea of operating 24h the old airport is completely dumb, already when Pita voiced it during his half-day of selfies in town, and now again with Srettha. The airport is located in the middle of town, flights stop at night for the sanity of citizens. No domestic travelers want to fly at 2am, the rest are mainly chinese and koreans who are just 2 time zones away they also don't need that.

I think the mods should do something about a thread which is a link to another thread.

Why submit and pay so long in advance? (you mention going "after the smoke season")

It is a common thing among Thai men to "become a monk", usually for 2 weeks. This is the expression that I have heard several times. So what should OP have said instead, according to you?

For a short time visitor, CM is mildy boring compared to places like Bangkok, Phuket, and I suppose Pattaya where I have never been. Seen 1 or 2 of the 100 temples, taken a couple of guided tours of the surroundings, done your shopping, sipped your drink in a quiet garden place, you can leave without missing it much. But to live in CM as a resident and not a tourist, then it's another story. No other place in Thailand where I'd rather be, day in day out.

There are no trees and plants in the Atacama. Unless when you say America you mean USA?

Agree. And whatever happened to a good slap in the face right there right then.

No political protests... I think that doesn't sound as good as you meant. Higher interest rates than in Thailand because the Riel depreciates faster than the Baht. Almost 8% in one year. If you want to collect your money and convert to EUR or USD, there is no significant advantage. Condo: unless you want to keep it for life, the oversupply will work against you when you try to sell. Top medical care: I see a specialist or another every month, unfortunately, should I fly to India that often? Back to beer... do people really choose a place to live because of beer price? That is sad. Anyway, Thai beer sucks anyway and I drink (rarely) only imports and not in bars.

no comment

Correct. They must have an office if they operate flights, however the office hours might be limited.

Last March I transferred several Millions THB (from a condo sale) from Thailand to Singapore. I used Bangkok Bank, they converted to USD using the official interbank rate of the day (35.30) and applied a total of 1150 THB fees, delivered same day. That's a ridiculously low commission. I would be more worried about the bank accepting the transfer. For small amounts there might be no question, but for significant amounts there certainly will be. If you have proof that you are transferring back money imported from abroad, that's good.

OP, I don't quite understand. You have the 400k, why not just go the legal way? You say you want to save yourself the hassle of "going redoing the visa again", but then with the agent you need to travel to some unspecified northern province - presumably with your wife. And the 90d reports, what if online doesn't work for you on one particular occasion, travel again? And extensions, travel again with your wife? But first and foremost, what the agent is offering is illegal, even if he is well connected there is always a chance that they find out. I remember a case of numerous foreigners with such creative visas/extensions being busted in Phuket not a long time ago. Peace of mind is priceless.

best maybe. cheapest ?

True, let's make it clear however that it's not a buffet. Why Not used to have a real "all you can eat" some years back in the evening, but stopped.

THAI has a large office at the airport, ground floor between domestic and international counters. SIN I don't know, but many international airlines have small offices in the corridor leading to security/immigration on the 2nd floor - with limited hours.

What a tragedy, the guy lost his life, the lady as well as the baby will have their lives ruined, all for a guy who should have lit up all kind of red warning signs and be interned. Ah, and yes some of the comments are so despicable that I cannot lower myself to answer them.

DrJack I hope you don't mind if I tell you something for your own good. Feel free to ignore me or insult me even. You have a great knowledge of things related to Imm, but unfortunately from a very narrow perspective which is your own IO. Thailand is a bit bigger than Bangkok. When you post curt and authoritative statements like the above, you may mislead more junior readers. Sorry, but TM30 is often required, recently, to process a 90 day report aka TM47, e.g. in Chiang Mai. Yes yes I know CM is a rogue IO that you despise, yet a lot of us live here and have experiences different from yours.

I have been myself at a few places, but it was several years ago so I won't mention. I am sure you will find what suits you. A word of caution however: if you stay near rice fields, waterfalls, jungle, there will likely be mosquitoes. Take your precautions, because at the moment there is a big wave of dengue infections in the CM area.

Correct, but it doesn't stop at Thaksin. It seems that a lot of people on this forum spend a lot of their time at the keyboard bashing and criticizing every aspect of the country they have chosen to live in.

I came here to read @OneMoreFarang... I hope he is ok.

"Passionately kissing bargirls" It depends... do they play football? Then definitely no .