new2here

Remember that at Passport Offices - not just an acceptance faculty, but an official US DoS Passport Office, it is possible to get a SAME DAY passport as well..

But they are conditions an applicant must meet and the expedite fee still applies. I’ve done this twice - once in Seattle and the last time in San Francisco... both times, I met the conditions, had all the correct paperwork and photos and fee (be sure to check not only the amount payable, but also form of payment accepted. I recall sometimes cash is accepted but only exact amounts only, etc)

The Passport Office won’t accept your renewal unless you can present all the required paperwork at the time of application. You can’t bring anything missing in the afternoon when your passport is ready. You’ve got to have it all at the time you apply.

The timeline process was the same in Seattle and well as San Francisco.. apply in the morning before lunch break and get it back same day, in the later afternoon before closing time.


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There are a few definite pluses...  in no specific order...

 

incliment weather — occasionally bags we wet when there is rain at the origin, destination or even transit points .  This tends to be more problematic when you fly smaller aircraft like the 737 where bags are “loose” loaded and not containerized.   So wrapping can help prevent or minimize weather damage 

 

bursting..: this tends to be more of an issue with boxes and other pieces that just don’t have the same “bursting” tension that a more traditional hard side or even soft sided bag might.  So you’d probably get some benefit to wrapping a box.

 

Theft ... IMHO, no bag is ever going to be 100% theft proof ... so, for me, the name of the game is “minimization” and to that end, I think wrapping helps make your bag less desirable than perhaps another not-wrapped bag might be.. again,  not guarantees, but I think it can help.

 

17 hours ago, Kohsamida said:

In fact, You're right! They called me back and said the entire consignment is being destroyed!  Yeah, right; Some Customs official is having Christmas early. That s*cks!  If you get something confiscated in the airport, they don't take your luggage!  Oh well. live and learn, I guess.

That’s usually how Customs sees things - as a single consigned shipment for purposes of entry, declaration and clearance processing - so if any part of it is “prohibited” then the shipment itself is classed as “prohibited”...

 

I’m not aware that Thai law explicitly allows or disallows for the shipment to be effectively ‘divivded’ per se - so that the prohibited items can be sized by Customs and the balance continues onward.  But given that shipments are manifested, move and clear as one single unit and not on a per-item basis, their reply is not surprising.

 

2 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

Basically if only have a entry stamp or a 30 day extension of a tourist visa or exempt entry it can be done at the airport.

If you have a long term extension of stay it has to be done at immigration.

Agreed... I also noticed (having personally accompanied a colleague) that you have to go to the immigration office that issued the stamps in the first place.

 

my colleague lives in Bangkok.. so he uses CW for his 90-day reports and re-entry permits... but.. because he works just across the provincial border in Nonthaburi, he has to go to the Nonthaburi immigration office to get his yearly extension of stay done.. 

 

So when he got his new passport, we mistakenly went to CW (not really a wasted trip as he also needed a re-entry so we did that at that time) to do it all... and were told that they (CW) didn’t have the “Nonthaburi” office stamp and that he’d have to go out to Nonthaburi to do the stamp switch.. which Nonthaburi did; exactly the same as CW would have done and with the same documents require and also no-fee.

 

CW didn’t have or show us anything in writing that said they can’t/won’t transfer stamps from other immigration offices (nor did we ask to see such), but we did ask two more independent officials on the way out and were told the same thing.

I used one of my credit card statements from KBank - which is printed in English and comes to my Bangkok residence. PayPal accepted that - but it had to be (as i recall now) under 60 days old and had to show that it moved by Thai post and no hand delivered or private/express couriered to my address (ie they wanted to see some kind of postal mark on the postage due area)


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+1 for Superrich (orange color theme) .... I myself have done a USD->THB exchange in excess of $61,000 ... and a THB->USD transaction in excess of THB2.23MM

Each time they've made room and time for me to check each note (more so on the USD buy-side transaction, but also for the THB buy-side too) for authenticity, and happily substituted any notes that I felt uncomfortable with.

I recall that each time they also checked if the then-current AMLO rules required a formal notification - but (each time) I was under the then-applicable reporting threshold.

I chose to go this route over using BBL or KBank as the rate quoted by both was ever so slightly lower.

I recall that had I been exchanging more than USD $100,000, *then* both BBL and Kbank would have been ever so slightly better as the bank would have applied a wholesale rate and not retail rate - again, as I recall at the time.


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No, you can't use normal post.   Immigration ask reports to be sent by registered post, which is trackable, normal post isn't.  EMS is another level above registered.

My bad.. but again, larger point im trying to make (and cede you are correct in the cost differential) that while there may be cheaper options than EMS.. IMHO will always (as I see it) be the between balance between cost and time efficient ... over going in person.

PS: I always thought that normal post wasn't explicitly disallowed/prohibited by Immigration in these matters, thus making it an option (albeit IMHO foolish for the lack of transparency) but I do agree that registered is marginally cheaper than EMS.


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It doesn't even have to be EMS, cheaper registered letter is ok.

True... I just chose/choose EMS for the visibility and independent "verification" of it... but yes... you could drive the cost down markedly by going with just "normal" post... true.


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There is no office you can report to at Soi Suan Plu (closed in 2009).
You only choice is Chaeng Wattana. 
You can take the BTS or MRT to Mo Chit and take a taxi. van or bus to there.
You can also do your reports by mail. See: https://www.immigration.go.th/content/sv_90day

Id overwhelmingly vote for "by mail"...

For me, it's always been spot on, and cheap -- I think I paid B37 x2 (letter to Immigration and return envelope) so less than B100 and with only a trip to my local PO to drop off the letter and get it scanned (because it's EMS)

So long as you haven't missed the mail-in option window of eligibility, IMHO, other than the internet option, I can't see going in person as being any better or beneficial .


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i think the airlines should get a clue, if the bag fits in the overhead and is reasonable. let it on.  if they start getting militant with carry on.. pax will just go to other airlines...i know that thai and Vietnam airlines dont seem to care much about this issue which keeps pax coming back.  the key as i see it . is everyone needs to be respectful of issue. too many abuses and the checks start coming

I agree with some of that... I don't think taking an absolute hard-line position will be financially good for the airline, nor do I think it is operationally feasible on a large scale... but... I DO think they should and have to have some limits - objective limits and whatever they are, stick to them.

I think the keys are to set that limit at a reasonable level that doesn't negatively impact operations (like on-time departures and not delays due to excess cabin bags), is competitive with other airlines and leaves the passengers with a choice of taking carry on only or checking baggage.

Concurrent with the above, I also do think that consistent airline enforcement is a key. I think what makes people even more angry than the rule itself is the perception (real or not) that it isn't being equitably enforced across all.




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I just did my 90 day report via mail to CW. My entry date was 25 Oct, so my 90 day would have been in about one weeks time - on 23 Jan 18.

 

I did the report by mail (copy of passport data page, entry stamp, TM6 and current extension of stay)....

 

I mailed it to CW early last week - well in advance of the 2 weeks early window, but making sure I was no where near the actual 23Jan 18 deadline...

 

CW received it and processed it on 11 Jan and sent me (via my SASE) the receipt that same day...

 

Question... I recall/thought that the NEXT 90 day report date would be in another 90 days from the current 90-day deadline of 23 Jan 18... that should be 23 April 18

 

But CW shows the next report due date as 11 April 18..., apparently driven off the 11 Jan 18 date that they (Immigration ) processed my current 90 data report late last week.

 

Did i misunderstand how dates are calculated or did CW error?

 

 

 

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& what happens if you get a bunch of people who book at the last minute 

In many counties, API may be sent several times. Commonly that's Day of Departure (usually around 24hrs before) and again once formal check-in has closed.

Most carriers close check in around :60 to :45 before departure, so this still gives the origin country time to sent the revised batch file and for the receiving country time to re-scrub the finalized list- which really tends to be a very close mirror to the first/earlier transmission.

Since scrubbing is done on an automated basis, it can be done quickly and still not create an OTD delay scenario. Only possible inadmissible pax would be flagged by the system and usually a human double checks the flag to insure its correctly applied.



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I got my Tax ID at the office on Sathorn (Thai CC building) and it couldn't have been any easier.
Required:
1) Passport (original)
2) Current Work Permit
3) Copy of employment contract

The Rev Dept clerk barely glanced at the contract, but made copies of the work permit. My address listed on my Tax ID card also shows my employers address (that was driven off the work permit)
I was never asked about any kind of residence certificate or similar.

In and out in about :10 or so. No fees of any type.


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When I started at my university, this was a requirement.

To get this I had to...
1) get an official copy of my transcript and diploma..

2) have the university registrars office issue them under Notary Public capacity
(A few folks in the Registrars office are state notaries - and therefore can notarized the signature of the Registrar herself - in my university's state, a Notary Public can't self-notarize. So a senior clerk level employee holds the notary capacity for the Registrar)

3) sent the notarized copies the Secretary of State -- state level.. some states may use different wording, but all states have a department that will verify a Notary Publics credentials/stamp/signature.
This office will verify that the Notary Public is legit and the name/stamp and credentials are valid.

4) send all of this to the US Department of State, Authentication office (in Wash D.C.) where they will verify the stamp/signature of the Secretary of State in #3

4) send this to the Thai Embassy or Consulate General- they will verify the US DoS' stamp.

Now you've got a certified, true and verified copy.

Be careful how you handle the documents because if any pages are torn out, you render the whole document set invalid.

The US DoS will secure all the documents together using a tamper-proof metal/copper grommet in the corner so you can't add/remove pages once it's sealed.

Each step has its own costs. From beginning to end it took me about 10 weeks total.. the longest time was getting the docs to and back from the US DoS.. getting the copy and having it notarized at/by the university, as was getting the State-level Secretary of State to verify the signature/stamp..

The docs are all date stamped, but none of them have a "valid until" date.. so depending on who is accepting or using them, you may be able to use them over again.

To get a US police clearance- while in the US, I did that via my State level law enforcement agency who (for a very small fee) took my finger prints on a valid 258 card. I then send this card, plus the application and check to the FBI's office.. report (or lack thereof) came back in about 3 weeks.

I recognize that this is all state side and that may not be possible from overseas.. but you may be able to get some or most of it done via mail.


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Problem I have encountered many times is the price at the till does not match the shelf display price.Especially on promoted items.

I've had this happen to me. I tend to notice it happens on the first day of the current sales cycle - so I might guess that a data entry was missed or keyed in error. But in all cases, when I've brought it to the cashiers attention (gourmet market) the price was checked and the error fixed to the then-correct price.

I have also had a sale price still register even after the sale period had ended..


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I enter at BKK with 3 boxes (I fly premium cabin this am allowed 3pcs) and usually 2 are almost all "food" or edible items... bottles of sauces, grated Parmesan, things like that. As I pack, I make a short inventory list of what's in each box..

My boxes are usually x-rayed in the green channel (the total value is less than 20,000, not for re-sale and in personal use amounts) ...
sometimes they'll ask something they see - and when that happens, I pull out my 3 pages of inventory and tell them.. that usually ends the questions .

Usually they just ask "how much cigarette?" And "how much alcohol?" To which I say zero and zero.

I show them my work permit and reentry stamps that show that I make 3 trips back home each year - so each trip is a semi resupply trip.

I have had one open box inspection and that lasted maybe 2 minutes -- just a cursory check of the top few "layers" of stuff.. all clearly food... no questions asked and they packed and re-sealed the box for me.

My experiences at BKK customs (note that the Excise department is a different entity, but I've not dealt with them at BKK) is that they're pretty straight forward and don't go looking for issues unless your items or story just don't match up.


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Why would it reduce the number of accidents?
You still have the same drivers driving different vehicles with the same attitude.
Imagine those same drivers with pick-ups crammed with people in the back. Less protection in an accident.

I have to agree. I think there can be some safety improvements in that some vehicles have more modern passenger safety equipment as newer models commonly do..

... but.... I think the biggest factor is going to be operator (driver) issues, followed closely by driving/road conditions..

... and until those two issues are materially improved, I don't see changing vehicles will really make a sustainable improvement.


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Yes you can.. but... commonly YOU as the consignee don't have the authority to give RTS (return to sender) or abandon instructions.. that usually comes from the shipper.

Also, some counties may impose customs services fees to release an item for re-export without the duty being paid.

The package usually is deemed as "in-bond" once its landed and while it's either in the physical custody of customs or in a customs-approved storage arrangement of UPS/DHL etc..

UPS, etc essentially fronts up an acceptable cash surety bond and under that coverage, customs will physically release most packages to the agent for delivery... and that's part of their brokerage and customs broker fee.

Upon and after delivery, the agent then remits back to customs the duty owed and that package is then released from bond coverage.

If a package is not returned to customs or the corresponding duty paid, then the value may be assessed from the bond plus fines/fees (usually a less formal "bill" is sent to the shopping agent, versus the formal process of making a claim against the bond itself.

If you (the consignee) don't accept the package, depending on the customs rules, the shipper may request it be RTSed back (there is usually a new transportation fee to do so) or authorize "abandon".

Usually items that are abandoned are physically returned to customs with only some minor dutiable document shipments (documents are usually imported under a no-duty status, but some counties classify things like a CD or USB drive with business papers/information on it as a non-dutiable item but it is not a document itself) allowed to be destroyed by the shipping agent - with the appropriate destruction paperwork signed and returned to customs.

Lots of shipments go undeliverable; be that bad assessing or simple refusal.





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I tend to find at the local store level, they are acutely aware of what's out of stock ... and they POS system also confirms this against the incoming shipment manifest (less of course for things like shrinkage, etc).

However, what I tend to find is that there is a disconnect between the local inventory and the DCs (distribution center) pick/pack...

So, Id take a guess that the local store level POS systems and the DCs are just not that tuned to trigger a replenishment order based on real-time inventory control at the store level.




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The rules have to be easy to apply by any immigration officer.

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I agree -- I'm just spitballing in that given Thailands position as regional transport hub, I think there's a case to be made for those who may be going "in-out" but to/from different countries and within the original 30-day exempt timeframe that most nationals get.

But yes- it's got to be simple.. but also written as to not really impede legitimate tourist movement.


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In my mind, I think the imposition of a limit to the number of land-entry exempt (tourism-only) entries makes sense.

I would have perhaps taken a larger view of it - because Thailand is the logistical/transportation "hub" for travel to/from and around the immediate region.

I might have done something like a 3-entry limit per year- but I would have added some carve-out exceptions...

Such as (example) if you enter on an exemption from say Cambodia, but then exit and go to Lao- when you come back to Thailand, I wouldn't count that new exempt entry as #2.... but I might add something like a re-entry type permit that allows you to exit Thailand but only to a neighbor country.. when you come back, clock starts running again on your previous exempt entry.

This way, someone can enter on 1 exempt entry, stay here a while, then go to Lao come back, then go to Myanmar -- this to me would be one entry (as example only)

I would also greatly step up checks and better define what constitutes legitimate grounds for an extension of tourist stays (be that formal visas or otherwise)


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Coming back to the central question of what does it take to meet the 'I live overseas' question goes. I'd refer back to your national tax authority and see what they say.

I'm quite sure you're not the first person to be in this kind of a scenario, so I'm sure that on some level, they (the tax authority) have set some rules or even guidelines as to what constitutes proof.


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I need to check the rules again about land entrances, but I DO know that you can't use the transit visa-free program if you are flying A to B (let's say Guangzhou) and back to A.. That won't qualify.. You'd need to have the origin OR destination country be different..


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I too usually play - albeit with less.... enthusiasm... as my Thai colleagues.. I play largely so that we can all participate in draw day.

Have I won? Small stuff- yes.. And all was paid without issue or any kind of off-book payment/process required.

I do agree that the Acts stated 60% prize pool is, IMHO, low, therefore for me makes playing with anything more than doing so purely for short-term recreational intent, a bad odds matter


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