bangarang

Im guessing the "missing" $41m is probably Tea Money for USA protection.

Hua Hin is pretty nice and plenty of things to do. The market is pretty awesome. My wife wanted us to move there so we took a little trip. The only thing I didnt like was the chocolate colored ocean, but then again im coming from Phuket so you cant really make a fair comparison when it comes to beaches when your used to phuket.

There is a new amusement park nearby that recently opened up in Cha-Am.

This sounds like a great opportunity for the kids of the island. Im sure it comes with a hefty pricetag being associated with PIA, but will be on the look out in 4 years when my little one is old enough to attend.

Sounds like a possible payoff?

Wouldn't the underpass be near completion by the time the 150days is over to open up the detour? I already take the shortcut road that goes behind Index, Hospital, Big C on my way to Central to avoid sitting in traffic. This seems like something they should have started or thought about before beginning the construction in the first place.

Either way its always good to have more roads and shortcuts to cut through the island though.

Taken from the US Travel Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1077.html#entry_requirements

On June 1, 2012, the Government of Burma announced a visas-on-arrival program in order to facilitate investment in the country. More information about the program can be found on the Embassy of Burma to the United States’ website:http://www.mewashingtondc.com/visa_form_7_en.php. Please be aware that the rules regarding this relatively new program are complex and not fully codified. While certain classes of business travelers have reportedly been able to obtain visas on arrival under this program, Burmese Immigration Officials have refused entry to some travelers who believed they were eligible to enter the country without a visa. Until the Government of Burma further defines the program’s qualifications, travelers are advised not to consider the visas-on-arrival program a viable alternative to a visa.

Please also note that the visa-on-arrival program is not intended for tourists seeking tourist visas. Some local tour agencies prepare visa applications for tourists for a fee before the tourists arrive at Yangon International Airport. Tourists with pre-arranged visa applications must obtain authorization from the Burmese Ministry of Immigration in order to get a visa upon arrival.

Nice! Good to see Air Asia expanding its cheap services to more areas. Another place I can check out on a budget.

I dont know why these people insist on swimming. If you want to go in, just go in to about a little past your knees and the waves will hit your chest. Get splashed by some water and get out, don't try to be a michael phelps and swim in the strongest conditions imaginable.

I actually use Skype and pay for a USA number. Its pretty cheap if you pay for 1 year at a time because you get big discount. When I call home my family sees a local number plus when they call that number its a free local call for them and their call goes directly through to my computer.

Good job BiB.

Rates will change every day so if you take out 20,000thb its going to be a different amount every time. I regularly use my US debit card at the ATM and the fee is 150thb usually no matter what ATM I use but again the exchange rate changes every day so just go to http://www.xe.com and see what the rate is that day.

I will be traveling to Thailand soon. I will go to Udorn.If I want to go to Vientiene, will I need to get a visa first or can I just cross over for a few days?

Yes, you can get visa crossing the border. Just make sure you have 1 passport picture and $35 USD or you can giver them 1550thb. try to carry US cash when crossing the border as it works out cheaper in the end.

I hope that helps everyone. I will provide a list of everything I gave for the Non-O Multi 1yr:

Application

Marriage Document

The fancy marriage certificate thats all colorful

what is the 'Marriage Document' how is the different to the certificate?

One document was the official marriage document with all the details on it and the certificate is the one that looks like you would frame it like a diploma. Its in all color with a decorative border.

What is the INCOME proof they need just bank book and how much needs to be in it 400K or 100K for the O Visa I know its 400K for the extension

Also any NL Hold em Poker at that Casino

thx

400K for visa based on Marriage, but in Savannakhet it is ok to get visa without having to show it at the moment.

Some who cannot qualify for the extension of stay go for a new visa. We'll have to wait for his response on his particular case though.

I dont have 400K in my account, so I cannot get the extension. I really dont mind the visa runs though. From Phuket-Ranong is a day trip and costs only 1500thb. Its a nice little break away from staying at home.

Thanks for the detained information. From the description you applied for a Non-O based on marriage and was easily approved and you had an enjoyable trip.

I'm fairly new at this whole immigration visa extension/renewal mindset but why did you elect to go for a new Non-O visa versus extending the Non-O you were currently on?

I'm currently on a 1-year extension of my original Non-O and will apply to extend again this August. My 90-day checks are at Chiang Mai Immigration versus making a border runs like required during my initial Non-O period.

Am I missing something along the way or what?

I had an expired Non-B visa that I had setup through a local accounting company that put me on the books to get a visa. I got married in December before my child was born so I made my second 1yr Multi Visa a Non-O now that I was eligible. Also I would like to travel a few times in the year to neighboring countries so I really dont mind doing the whole visa run thing every 90 days but also because I dont have 400K, I am not eligible for extension where I dont have to leave.

Hi Bangarang

Great to hear. I did the three nights package on 07 June although I changed my Non imm o visa to an ED visa (your never to old to learn).

Hassle free from all the way thru.

Yeah it was great. I was surprised how hassle-free it was. The ED was my backup option if I didnt get approved. Your never to old to learn, but I just had a new baby a few months ago and its definitely eating into the bank now, so I needed the cheapest option possible.

Thanks for the info, will have to do it myself in a couple of months. ! question, did the Casino have internet? if so how was the speed of it?

Thanks

Internet was good. It is a wired cable connection using CAT5 cable.

Unless it was included in the hotel package, how 'bout the cost of the Lao Visa. You do stay in Lao (DPR), no?

Lao Visa is either $35 USD or 1550thb... cheaper to give USD.

sorry what is your nationality. I heard some nationality can't get multiple non O in Savannaketh

I am from USA

Hi everyone, sorry to hijack the thread a little, but I have a question about Non immigration O (Marriage) visas

I'm married to a Thai lady and we have a 3 month old daughter. Currently, I'm working in China, which is a cesspool of villainy and scum.

So, naturally, I want to return to Thailand and live relatively long-term, work permitting.

We did some reading last night about the non immigration o visa (marriage) but we get stuck at the part which requests proof of 400k in a thai bank account. We have about half that thanks to some big medical bills a few years ago back in Oz.

Reading through this thread, I saw somebody mention that the financial proof isn't necessary. Is that true?

We have everything else. Loads of photos, a daughter, car loan etc etc..

Any advice greatly appreciated - and mods, please delete this post if it's in the wrong place. I just thought I would jump in here because it's an active topic and is related to my question.

You dont need financial proof at Savannakhet Laos embassy. Thats the only one I know of that doesnt need financial proof. I just got my first Non-O a couple days ago.

Walen Language or Patong Langue school are good schools to follow classes and they are up to speed with the required documents for an ED extension.

Luckily my Non-O just went through but this was my backup option. Walen and Patong would be a pain in the ass to get to living up in Thalang. I really didn't want commute so far. For future reference I would also love to know of any schools if any in Phuket town or anywhere else in the north like Bang Tao, Surin, Cherng Talay, Thalang Area.

Oh shoot, I thought I forgot something. Yeah I also had to produce a photo for the Lao border and also gave them $35USD. You can give the 1500thb BUT with the exchange rate its better to do it with USD because $35USD=1090thb so you save yourself some money giving them the good ol' american greenback.

Regarding the paperwork, I think that was a mistake on my part I thought I read it on other threads about 2 copies, but anyways everything was given to the embassy to my knowledge and if the casino wanted to keep a copy, well they could easily do it anyways without me knowing about it after leaving the documents with them. But essentially they take all the paperwork for you so you dont have to go to the embassy... you literally dont lift a finger.

I also asked them about the originals and they said they would give it back, so I trusted them and they pulled through and gave back everything. These guys really know what they are doing. Even crossing the Lao border there was a special booth that said "Vegas", so I assume they have some special relationship with the consulate. Either way I would definitely do it again next year assuming of course Savannakhet continues to not require financials.

Your welcome guys, happy to share.

A- don't go to changi club as my friends have had nasty experiences there and B- don't eat a kebab from soi sansibi unless you like sitting on a toilet for a day.

What nasty experiences did your friends have?

I've never had a problem with a kebab from Soi Sansabai.

Yeah ditto, no problems here from kebab from sansabai either. Although I only go to the one that is connected to the newer nicer looking chang pub thats across the street from ACCA hotel, not the one at the end of the street. That place has some amazing kebab spicy sauce.

Although that older musty one I never had a problem there either. Im guessing your friends were a bit rowdy and caused problems with someone there? But anyways the Chang pub across the soi from ACCA hotel is the better choice. Im there nearly every weekend and never had a problem. Even one time they accidentally got the bill wrong and they fixed it right away with no problems. Very friendly staff.

Great night out. Thanks again for the update on the flooding info. It was a perfect night out.

Thanks @NamKangMan Yeah that place is definitely nicer. I think my buddy and I hit up that place almost every weekend to take a break from work. I haven't met the owner yet but the staff definitely remember us every time. I have no doubt he probably owns half of patong. I always wonder whats up with the stage and the massage mats on the stage... Any idea what this place used to be? lol... But anyways, the Apple & Minto shisha combo is delicious! Try it out if you get a chance.

I find that the kebab place right outside of it is the best (so far, although only tried 4 down the strip). A guy from syria is the cook, delicious kebabs!

Didnt know the moldy chiang pool place was a spot for freelancers though, but heading down with the wife anyways so don't need to take advantage of that.

Cheers!

Just came across this in the Phuket news:
http://www.thephuketnews.com/foreigner-dives-to-rescue-motorbike-in-phuket-street-40160.php

Looks like its the area I want to be but I will make sure I avoid that swimming pool in the middle of the road.