Letseng

23 hours ago, JackGats said:

I wonder if such influencers didn't "get into trouble" in order to draw attention to themselves and gain more followers. Germany is not going to put her in jail for long because of cannabis.

 

Anyways, if I'm ready to go to jail too if I can share the same prison cell as she.

What makes you think that Germany won't put her in jail for long? She may have been better off going through Berlin than through Munich. 

7 hours ago, Packer said:

 

Oh right. 

 

He ballooned up to 150kg by breathing? 

May be this was the reason why he balloned?

"Born with congenital obesity and autism, young Phakphum has faced immense health and social challenges from a very early age. "

6 hours ago, harryviking said:

Nonsense! We get all kind of warnings all the time! At least in my country!

Why are there so many obese people in western countries? Seems warnings get ignored. 😉

8 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

Why ?..    is there anyone out there who doesn't know this is MBK ?

If I want a Dior bag I don't go to a little shop in this mall. If I go there then I know I buy a fake because I can't afford a genuine one. 

21 minutes ago, harryviking said:

I have noticed for years how parents think that children should have sweets all the time! As in so many other cases of "unhealthy behavior" in Thailand, I am really wondering if the Government actually cares about its population health at all! Information campaigns are needed all over the place!! The only thing I have seen as I recall, is "Dont eat to much SALT"!!! But I guess the "elected individuals" are more conserned with how to get more power and money in the Bank. I also suspect the owners of certain big companies do NOT want to inform the people of anything, as that would make them lose money!! Big Food...Big Pharma...Yeah, we all know them by now I guess...😫

Same as anywhere in the West. 😉

1 hour ago, kingstonkid said:

 

The problelm is that when you are poor you lack the funds to buy the healthy food and are stuck with a high white rice and bad food.  Also a 66 year old grandfather is not gong to be able to really look after him and get him exercising or eating properly.

The artivle said that he was born with a rare congenital disease. Exercising & "eating properly" won't do much to slim him down. 

On 5/24/2025 at 7:00 AM, proton said:

 

Chinese neighbour had the same problem in Bkk. After considering an agent she opted for putting 1000 baht in the passport at immigration. Nothing was said and she got her extension

I have my doubts this will be enough.

6 hours ago, TheFishman1 said:

So the flight left Bangkok and nobody no alarm bells went off that luggage had weed in it interesting TIT

6 hours ago, TheFishman1 said:

So the flight left Bangkok and nobody no alarm bells went off that luggage had weed in it interesting TIT

Why should departure airport worry?😉

On 5/13/2025 at 7:39 AM, phetphet said:

Tops occasionally sells fresh Australian spinach leaves, and also Waitrose frozen spinach balls. Also seen spinach leaves in Makro.

 

I didn't look at any scientific names as Zaphod Priest has mentioned, but the Waitrose frozen was definitely spinach.

 

 

On 5/13/2025 at 7:39 AM, phetphet said:

Tops occasionally sells fresh Australian spinach leaves, and also Waitrose frozen spinach balls. Also seen spinach leaves in Makro.

 

I didn't look at any scientific names as Zaphod Priest has mentioned, but the Waitrose frozen was definitely spinach.

 

 

Tops def. sells Waitrose spinach. UK grows spinach.

I have the other day seen fresh real spinach at Emporium. I know what spinach in Europe looks like. Same looks & same taste. 

9 hours ago, jacko45k said:

But it is near impossible for foreign trained doctors, non-Thai, to get licence to work in Thailand. I might expect nursing is also a reserved occupation. Most certainly it would need a licence. I expect it would be a far better job in private hospitals than public too. 

The lady is Thai & foreign trained. Not a foreigner & foreign trained.

There is a difference.

19 hours ago, oslooskar said:

I don't know what doctors you've been seeing here, but I have found Thai doctors, private hospitals, and Thai medical professionals to be among the best in the world.

Like everywhere there are good & not so good ones.

1 hour ago, buffallobill said:

I flew from Thailand on Tuesday, the plane had to land at Dubai due to not having enough fuel, so missed my connection in Istanbul, eventually arrived in Manchester 8 hours late.....🙄

I will be on this TG flight transitting in Istanbul in a few days time. Our layover is 6 hrs. Would this be enough if the flight has to reroute via DBX?

On 5/6/2025 at 2:28 PM, TerraplaneGuy said:

Good idea.  Did it take a long time for them to transfer?  Was it the person at the immigration queue or did you have to go to a special office?

I stood in immigration queue. The officer called a collegue who took me to the re-entry counter right behind immi counter. I filled in a form & he transferred the stamp. I did have the "new p.port letter" from my embassy with me. Took a few mins.

22 hours ago, TerraplaneGuy said:

I got my retirement extension and re-entry permit stamps at Surat Thani-Koh Samui office this year but I'm now living in BKK.  I'm getting a new passport and need to get the stamps transferred into it.  Two questions:  Any problem doing this at CW although the stamps were done in ST?  Second, if it's ok at CW, is there a way to make an appointment online?  I know the site (below) but I don't see any relevant menu item for making this kind of appointment (although they do have Cert of Residence, 90 day report, etc. etc.).

 

https://gov.immigration1.queueonline.net/appointment/appointment.html

No need to transfer the stamp. Just carry old & new p.port. They eventually transferred the stampit for me at Suvarnabhumi when I flew out.

On 5/5/2025 at 5:30 AM, SAFETY FIRST said:

Plenty of hotels in town. 

 

Instructions...

1. remove credit card from wallet, check into hotel 

 

2. go to ATM, withdraw cash, check into hotel 

 

3. scan QR code at hotel reception 

 

If you get booted out with just your clothes on your back you may not have your wallet with you. 

Or wife has cleared the account?

Think about it.

23 hours ago, tomazbodner said:

No idea about Park Origin but our condo has a banner outside with green marking that building is considered structurally safe after government inspection.

 

Maybe those renting properties out are dealing with repairs to their units, or maybe don't want to rent until the common areas and outside is fixed...

I assume it is the crackdown & juristics are keeping more an eye on it.

22 hours ago, cormanr7 said:

IO said no problem about missing year statement, just bring it next year (she checked the balance going back one year from the bank book).

I got the bank letter the day prior. I updated at Big C Chaeng Wattana this morning (pink line station right in front) , banks were closed but you can get into the building from 08.30 (possibly earlier) when the Big C opens. SCB has a bank book update machine outside the bank office. I made a 100 Baht withdrawal before updating. 

I have never provided a TM.30 or a lease in five extensions and people should not volunteer these, it might lead to an ever growing list of requirements. If they need something they will ask for it.     

I've been asked for lease every year. 

On 4/28/2025 at 6:43 PM, falangUK said:

Just posting my recent experience coming back into Thailand in case it helps others.

I flew into Chiang Mai Airport after a two-night trip out of the country.  
Before that, I had stayed in Thailand for three months, under a 60-day Visa Exemption + extension.

 

I had everything ready  
- A booked onward flight leaving in 3 weeks time  
- 20,000 baht cash  
- Full hotel bookings

 

— but it didn’t matter. As soon as I handed over my passport and boarding pass, the problems started.

 

The immigration officer was extremely rude. She flipped through my passport like she was looking for trouble.  
The moment she saw I had only been out for two nights after staying three months, she flagged me immediately — no smile, no explanation.  
She passed me off to a younger officer who was a lot more polite. I got sent to secondary inspection.

 

At secondary:  
- They made me fill out a form with my flight details and hotel booking info.  
- They asked to show cash — and the officer literally counted each note one by one, like they were trying to find something wrong.

 

Luckily I had everything organised.  
The younger officer checked with the older ones sitting around, and after some discussion they stamped me in.

While I was waiting, I saw loads of people being pulled aside, filling out forms, and getting interviewed.  
It was clear some were going to be sent back. You could see the panic on their faces.

 

 

Meanwhile, the flight itself was half-empty.  
Hardly any foreigners are coming into the country anymore, and hotels are struggling like mad — but immigration officers still act like they’re managing an invasion.

There’s zero friendliness at the border anymore.  
It’s pure suspicion.  

 

Feels almost identical to just before COVID, when they were trying to push as many foreigners out as possible.  
Even back then they were rude when you were leaving.  
COVID destroyed the tourism industry — it’s like they haven’t learned a thing.

 

 

Warning if you're planning to come back in
- Book an onward flight  
- Carry 20,000 baht cash minimum   
- Keep hotel bookings offline too.  
- Mentally prepare for being treated like a criminal, even if your paperwork is perfect.

Final Thought
Thailand may still want your money — but it clearly doesn’t want you.  
If you still plan to come back, you better come back with your eyes wide open.

Why I'm Posting:
I’m sharing this because this forum (ASEANNOW / old Thaivisa) has been a huge help to me over the years.  
Guys like the late Ubonjoe helped me and so many others with their advice.  
So I just wanted to give back a bit — this isn’t drama or fear-mongering.  
It’s exactly what happened.

On 4/28/2025 at 6:43 PM, falangUK said:

Just posting my recent experience coming back into Thailand in case it helps others.

I flew into Chiang Mai Airport after a two-night trip out of the country.  
Before that, I had stayed in Thailand for three months, under a 60-day Visa Exemption + extension.

 

I had everything ready  
- A booked onward flight leaving in 3 weeks time  
- 20,000 baht cash  
- Full hotel bookings

 

— but it didn’t matter. As soon as I handed over my passport and boarding pass, the problems started.

 

The immigration officer was extremely rude. She flipped through my passport like she was looking for trouble.  
The moment she saw I had only been out for two nights after staying three months, she flagged me immediately — no smile, no explanation.  
She passed me off to a younger officer who was a lot more polite. I got sent to secondary inspection.

 

At secondary:  
- They made me fill out a form with my flight details and hotel booking info.  
- They asked to show cash — and the officer literally counted each note one by one, like they were trying to find something wrong.

 

Luckily I had everything organised.  
The younger officer checked with the older ones sitting around, and after some discussion they stamped me in.

While I was waiting, I saw loads of people being pulled aside, filling out forms, and getting interviewed.  
It was clear some were going to be sent back. You could see the panic on their faces.

 

 

Meanwhile, the flight itself was half-empty.  
Hardly any foreigners are coming into the country anymore, and hotels are struggling like mad — but immigration officers still act like they’re managing an invasion.

There’s zero friendliness at the border anymore.  
It’s pure suspicion.  

 

Feels almost identical to just before COVID, when they were trying to push as many foreigners out as possible.  
Even back then they were rude when you were leaving.  
COVID destroyed the tourism industry — it’s like they haven’t learned a thing.

 

 

Warning if you're planning to come back in
- Book an onward flight  
- Carry 20,000 baht cash minimum   
- Keep hotel bookings offline too.  
- Mentally prepare for being treated like a criminal, even if your paperwork is perfect.

Final Thought
Thailand may still want your money — but it clearly doesn’t want you.  
If you still plan to come back, you better come back with your eyes wide open.

Why I'm Posting:
I’m sharing this because this forum (ASEANNOW / old Thaivisa) has been a huge help to me over the years.  
Guys like the late Ubonjoe helped me and so many others with their advice.  
So I just wanted to give back a bit — this isn’t drama or fear-mongering.  
It’s exactly what happened.

Have you ever met friendly immigration officers anywhere in the world? Ask yourself why immigration treats people like offenders? Because too many abuse the system.  It is no different in other countries. Btw, tourist nos. are low due to low season.

12 hours ago, Caldera said:

I stopped using my Bangkok Bank card for online payments many years ago, ever since they changed to TPN it has been unreliable at best.

 

No problems whatsoever with my Kasikorn Bank cards, on the other hand. So that would be my recommendation if you're looking for a reliable alternative. 

I paid y'day with my Bangkok Bank debit card for train tickets I booked in Austria. No problem at all. Seller made it clear that safekey or similar OTP system is required. 

6 hours ago, FolkGuitar said:

15 years in Japan

25 years in Thailand.

I sure as hell won't be going back to the U.S. anytime soon. I haven't even visited in almost 15 years.

Who knows what's next?

Left home 60 yrs ago. Spread my time over 10 countries. Best time was in African countries & Cambodia. Yet the longest time I have been in Thailand.

On 4/4/2025 at 7:34 PM, ronnie50 said:

There is a bewildering array of websites claiming to be 'official' tourist visa sites for Vietnam. Many URL's ending with 'V.......gov.vn' (how they manage to get that domain extension, who knows). But trying to do the visa yourself is equally confusing. Unlike most ASEAN countries, the Vietnam Embassy here in Bangkok (and I guess everywhere) still wants an 'invitation' letter from a Vietnamese source.

 

Anyone successfully done this themselves with the embassy here in Bangkok (without an agency) and what was your experience? How long, where did you get the invitation, etc.?

 

Cheers.

American friend  visits yearly. He doesn't have an invitation letter. Last yr he used an agent bc he needed it within 24 hrs. Embassy told him which agent to use.

4 hours ago, Wiggy said:

I doubt you’ll see one due to the defamation laws here. If somebody published a name they could be sued. Ridiculous, but true.

There is an officially published list. Saw it on X. Not much use if you can't read Thai.