CMfoodie

One would think the US, Japanese and other consulates represented in Chiang Mai would be going bonkers over this... considering the amount of fake passports and info used for nefarious purposes.

If the US had enough funds to provide the photo taking software for Thai Immigration - why not provide them with truckloads of new paper. ???

Oh... and as for "developed" country the OP infers to.... actually, I believe developing would be more appropriate. The new politically correct term from the 1,2,3rd world countries that used to be used. Just saying.....

We're out of CM right now. Hubby's BB ATM was eaten by a BB ATM machine outside a Tesco Lotus in Kanchanaburi at 11:30 am today. He didn't even have a chance to input his PIN. He just stuck in the ATM card and the machine sucked it down and then the machine posted a notice "Transaction Completed" did not return the card and then a notice "system down" with a red screen.

We went to the main branch in Kanchanaburi and they didn't know anything about a problem with that machine or their ATM network. They confirmed that we had plenty of money in our account (I had our passbook with us), so the manager escorted me to the ATM outside the bank entrance and my ATM card worked just fine and we got our money. That same manager offered to make a new ATM card for Hubby, but we declined. We'll report the loss at our branch in CM when we return.

We just stopped at a PTT station 48 km west of Bangkok and their BB ATM machine is down also, with the same red screen that says "System Down"

For those that wonder how to get cash, BB has these offices called branch banks, sometimes ones in malls that stay open late. Just bring in your passbook and passport and fill out this quaint form called a "withdrawal slip" and the nice people behind the counter will give you cash. It's a throwback to the 20th century. Actually the 19th century.

Wonder how many ATM cards have been eaten today?

When traveling I always use a machine at a bank. That way if the machine eats it I can just go into the bank and get it back.

That's not true. Bank personnel cannot open an ATM machine "at will". They have to wait until the appropriate security personnel are there -- usually once a day when they fill up the ATM machine with money.

What they can do, however, is hold your lost card at the local branch and you can come back the next day to claim it. With a machine at a remote location, lost cards are sent to the corporate HQ of the bank and then, depending upon bank policy, either destroyed or sent back to the branch of the account holder.

Also, ATM machines in front of a branch bank are usually more secure and often have a security gyuard nearby. Also, I wonder if they are "hardwired" into the bank's computer system somehow, vs. maybe a satellite system for remote ATMs as evidenced by the problem Hubby had at a remote ATM in Kanchanaburi but no problems for me at an ATM in front of the bank.

Hi Nancy,

At SCB on Nimman the tellers open and restock the ATM's that face the street. I have watched this many a time while signing 4,000 papers for something or another.

No visible or additional security around... just young ladies in tight purple uniforms changing boxes. Boggles the mind.

Here is Air Asia's reply as to why they do not provide them in-flight.

Thank you for writing to AirAsia.

In response to your email, please be informed that those forms will not be provided to the airline and it is the country’s procedure to request every passenger’s top fill up those forms upon arrival.

Have you ever tried the burger on Air Asia? DON'T

Happened to us on Sunday - delayed getting through by 30 minutes.Chinese flights at same time.... nightmare. Immigration guy took paper and tossed it aside. Did not even glance at it.

All because the alleged bomber came and went through the border at Cambodia but after bribing officials 20,000 baht for every entry. How is this going to resolve anything?

Where do they store all this paper? What a waste of trees.

One of the realities you must face when moving to Chiang Mai is health care, among many other issues.

You want a CHEAP way of life but expect expert internationally trained physicians to be at your beck and call. It isn’t going to happen.

RE: your Duke’s experience with a burger.

Anyone who has lived in Chiang Mai long enough knows that one of the few owner/managers who cares about quality control is David.

Some of you love to bitch but never seem to complain on the spot… David, his managers or wait staff will make it good.

I never have understood the mentally of some of you posters who always try and knock down a good thing of some who cares about serving good food.

Please do..... for some reason Marc Faber is of interest to many on this forum.

A Palatial Complex in Northern Thailand

CHIANG MAI, Thailand — In the late 1970s, Marc and Supatra Faber lived in a 1,700-square-foot Hong Kong apartment. It was large by the crowded city’s standards, he said, but he still felt cramped.

Mr. Faber, an investment adviser from Switzerland and editor of the Gloom, Boom & Doom Report, a financial newsletter, longed for a second home where he could find peace and quiet, he said. He was also looking for a large space to display the Mao Zedong posters and trinkets that he was busy collecting in mainland China.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/21/greathomesanddestinations/a-palatial-complex-in-northern-thailand-with-room-for-mao.html

What is appalling about all this is the US Consul General refuses to apply a tit for tat with Thai authorities.

With over 10,000 US citizens in Chiang Mai he could exercise some influence into alleviating this dreadful situation.

Do the 400,000 Thais living in the US have go through this? NO

Actually its written by someone with a wife named Nancy...could it be THE Nancy?

Have at it TV members... let the deluge begin...

Here in Chiang Mai, we enjoy all the amenities of a large, modern city for small town prices. We pay less than $500 per month for our 1,000-square-foot condo in the city center. Walking five minutes in either direction from our front door will take us to two, large, modern malls. There we can watch all the latest blockbusters in a modern eight-screen cinema for $3…the popcorn is actually more expensive than the movies.

http://internationalliving.com/2015/08/rent-in-thailands-rose-of-the-north-for-500-a-month/

Not surprising.

There are 400,000+ Thais living in the US - according to the latest US Census voluntary report. They don't have to report every 90 days, pay 500 baht for proof of residency or spend the day at a US Immigration office and produce copies of their chest x-rays and photos of their kitchen sink.

If the US State Department wanted to make procedures easier for US citizens living in Thailand they could. Will they? Of course not... that would involve some work.

US citizens are not of any concern to the State Department, only special interests.ie, corporations, large investors, etc.

That's the difference with diplomatic entities such as Japan, Korea. They work for their citizens and then their corporate interests.

How many of you (except Nancy of course, and Nancy, in good fun) got invited to the 4th of July party at the US Consulate? Damn, I didn't make the invite list this year yet again!

Brits and Aussies... well, its all online representation for you guys in Chiang Mai.

Are there any Mexicans living in Chiang Mai? If so, please message me.

Hay Mexicanos en Chiang Mai? Mandame un mensaje.

Dear 5 or 6 trolls,

What makes you so bloated with resentment?

Something interesting about you guys: you love to disparage anything related to The Duke’s, The River Market and Ragu.

You must be foaming at the mouth, anticipating the days coming up to July 4^th, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s to lash out and trash a successful business.

If he charged 100 baht, you still would find something to bitch about.

If it were free, you still would find something to bitch about.

Look in the mirror… one of these or most will qualify you as the bitter ex-pat in Chiang Mai and prolific posters in ThaiVisa.

You are drowning in animosity and resentment

You desire to make someone else suffer

You are full of vindictiveness

You wade in self-pity

You are always looking for a fight

You have sociopathic pride

You are narcissistic

Happy 4^th of July!

Just FYI. There are no Mexican restaurants in Chiang Mai.

We have been here several times and its always a hit and a miss. Sometimes the ribs are good, other times like chewy leather.

Macaroni and cheese - avoid at all costs.

The "free" jalapeno muffins are very good.

Skip the "Mexican" items.... Mexican do not use black olives in any dish.

Very nice clean restrooms!

Is this news or an idiotorial?

Nothing confirmed, just denials and speculations?

Kra Canal to have huge security and social implications

"to have" should read "could have"

My wife's aunty has a cousin who is married to a guy who delivers drinking water bottles to the Immigration office. He told his wife he may have to change his working hours in 2 weeks time because they have to start making special deliveries to Promenada. Hmmmmmmmmm..... I guess its true...they are moving.

Headline suggestion:

Japan Aviation: Thailand not complying with agreements

The only place you can get the multiple entry non-b visa is at the consulate in Penang Malaysia. Your work permit must be valid for at leas 8 months to get it.

I've just returned from Penang and was told by visa agent who does dozens everyday that -9- months is needed on work permit.

What or who is DW?? Why can't you print the full words??

Da wife

Try Why Not restaurant - they have a large wine cellar with great wines - ask for Emilio - co-owner. Go in the evening.

14 Nimmanhemin Rd., Soi 11

It's got this fabulous restaurant - L'Elephant http://elephant-restau.com/ make reservations, usually full.

Baguettes, Beer Lao and some great waterfalls about 30 mins away - called Kouangxi.