new2here

At the end of the day, “visas” really act as an administrative advance documentation check if you will.. think of it as a “pre” approval..

but… it is in in most all countries, the mere fact that a foreigner holds a legitimately obtained visa, does not then somehow automatically mean you’ll be admitted nor does it prohibit the local on-site immigration officials from verifying your eligibility for entry *at the time of your actual arrival* in the country..

It is what it is… and to be fair to Thailand, IMHO, not unique to Thailand nor a practice that’s not equally used around the world either 

8 hours ago, Elkski said:

What Thailand needs are a few 100 million USD successful lawsuits on a few cases like this.   

Rip young guy just got his wings. 

That is, in some small part, why there’s no real rush to fix things… IF/WHEN something happens, there’s commonly little “blow back” and the costs of whatever DOES happen, is comparatively small - to that of the costs to actually fix the issue 

I don’t think massive lawsuits is the solution mind you, but having a situation where there a very very low risk of real financial liability due to successful liability cases, is one contributing reason why a business may low prioritize these matters 

While no one welcomes a fare hike, I’d reasonably expect that the the BTS operators expenses have also go up - largely like everyone else’s… it’s kind of a vicious cycle between rising businesses expenses/costs and rising employee wages …

i also think that because the base fare, when expressed as an absolute number is - relatively speaking small- any increase, even 1 baht, then translates into a rather large percentage….  unfortunately because i’ll bet it’s simply not feasible to use a unit of currency lower than 1 baht ( ie 25 or 50 sarangi coins) this also limits how fine any increase can be applied. 

True.. one can argue about the real-world impact the arrest (and what i’ll guess will be the ultimate deportation) in this case and the value in using X limited police assets to apprehend and process her…  … but…. it’s also fair to note that (based only on what’s written here) there was in fact a violation of law.. and as such, the RTP would be wholly within the rights to take action… again, is there bigger “fish” to go after in terms of crime?  of course.. but IMHO, that alone doesn’t then say that lower crimes - regardless of what they are - then somehow get a pass until such time as higher crimes are addressed.. 

23 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Not sure how the homeowner can be responsible for the 'thief' not seeking medical attention.  That's just stupid, and leans more toward suicide than manslaughter.

I agree.. I can’t see the deceaseds choice to refuse medical treatment as somehow the fault of the property owner..

that said, what I would think is that the law would allow property owners to be able to protect their lawful property … but … that whatever means used may only be “reasonable and prudent” and only to the extent to stop the illegal taking.

That to me would seem to be fair.

10 hours ago, Metapod said:

cost of living continues to rise.

I agree.. but i also think that you’re just not going to find situations where wages - across the board - rise .. and do so without there being some form of a rise in consumer prices rising as well.

16 hours ago, Puccini said:

Within 30 minutes from what point in time? From touch down of the plane, or from opening of the plane doors for disembarkation, or from the first passenger's arrival at the conveyor belt, or what?

i believe they use “block” time.. or the time the aircraft brakes are set at the gate, as recorded by ACARS or their onboard Flight Management System  

On 10/27/2022 at 9:40 AM, scorecard said:

Have you actually been to the labour complaints office of the Labour ministry at Din Daeng?

 

It's on the ground floor. If you appraoch the building the signs about 'COMPLAINTS OFFICE' or perhaps it's called 'DISPUTES OFFICE' or similar are very big. You can't miss it.

 

The staff are actually good listeners, friendly and welcoming and many speak excelllent English.

 

They have helped many people. They don't discriminate against foreigners.

 

 

I have been a witness in a case before .. I can attest that SO LONG AS your case falls within the law, then they will act.. Thai or not.. they don’t care ..

To me the key is what are the facts…

I was rather impressed …. they listened, took copious notes, copies of relevant documents.. it wasn’t an overnight process, but if i recall within about a month, after calling in both parties and their respective witnesses, a department case manager had ruled and their written decision - which is effectively a government order -  was sent to both parties with an order that it had to be completed within 30 days i recall. 

There can be a *few* situations where excess baggage is limited - I know this can occur with some central/south American destinations during peak holiday periods (which is usually flown with narrow-body fleets, thus making a bulk-out situation or weight restriction possible) but as the OP is assessing Trans-Pacific which is almost always flown by wide body fleet, there’s rarely ever a “weight” restriction nor “embargo” on passenger baggage.

That said, it might be wise to proactively reach out to the carrier and double check 

I also agree with double checking with the carriers *cargo* arm to see if that might be an alternative.. do know the security rules etc for shipping air *cargo* are usually different than that associated with normal “accompanied” passenger baggage situation. 

On 11/8/2022 at 3:11 PM, Liverpool Lou said:

No, I'm not incorrect.  When banks require sight of the passport they take a copy and also check the visa status; try to get any kind of bank transaction done if you present a PP with an expired visa/extension even if it's just a couple of days and see what the reaction is...I know from personal experience.

This is my experience too.  They have almost consistently taken a copy of my then-valid extension and/or last entry stamp in addition to the photo/data page 

Correct.. There is NO way for YOU to remain airside AND also have one or more of your CHECKED baggage exit the airport and be given to a 3rd party while you continue onward as a transit passenger.

You would have to formally enter Thailand (that is clear Immigration) and reclaim said baggage and clear it thru thai customs.

Only CARGO can be cleared for entry without an associated passenger as cargo moves independently of an actual ticketed/traveling passenger and is processed inbound by customs quite differently than passenger baggage would be.

On 8/1/2022 at 9:14 PM, internationalism said:

I don't have experience, but max bottles are 100ml and up to 500ml total.

Once you exit customs your right to carry large bottle through security is gone. 

Any bottle, packaging and bill can be faked outside airside. 

The most you can do is to fill empty 100ml bottles with your alcohol and drink the rest on the spot. Or post it through the post office - it's on departure level far right (level with gate 10). Post box you can get there, but rather not bubble wrap

this is the correct interpretation for STEBS bag usage.. for countries that subscribe to the STEBS bag program (most do, but not all and it’s not mandatory that any one country participate) they carry the “seal” so long as the bag - and the associated passenger - remain AIRside or in “sterile” status… once you exit that status and go “landslide” and thus are no longer “sterile” in terms of airport security, the STEBS bag no longer carriers any validity.  

Now, can any country waive this provision?  sure, but according the STEBS rules - which for the most part are printed on the bag itself - this is what it is supposed to be.

6 hours ago, Liverpool Lou said:

Are you sure about that?   When you try to get an additional card you'll have to produce your passport and they will immediately know that you've already got a card.  Issuing a new card will defeat the object of the exercise.

yes.  I have bought 12 cards - at once - the be used as xmas party gifts.. at the time of purchase they didn’t ask why, nor did i volunteer the reason. My passport was used for each card as the means to active it.   later, after giving, each recipient changed the passport in person with me present.   

The problem here is one of transparency .. it’s hard.. impossible.. for the entity that is essentially being implicated, to then turn around and try to self-investigate…

that’s where having the ability to send in a truly independent, outside agency with enough implicit and explicit statutory power, to conduct the investigation is essential.. but that too can be problematic… in that one must accept that what this entity may find might be bad… 

As i have read the rules, there is nothing that explicitly states who or what type of person/entity can do your medical certificate or who or what kind of entity is authorized by statue to do it.    it really only states that it must be done by someone who has a current Thai medical license to do so and will of course, “sign off” on it. 

Ive always used MedConsult (6 years) - a private clinic which isn’t a formal hospital - and never had an issue but the certificate is hand signed by the Doctor who does have a current valid Thai medical license….  that said, as this is Thailand, what one office says and another says, can be worlds apart.

On 10/20/2022 at 10:46 PM, dj230 said:

ok thanks a lot

 

so say your flight gets cancelled, you have to book a few days later, you would have to deal with it in the area past security and wouldn't be able to go back to stay in Thailand until your next flight? you'd have to stay in the airport?

There IS a process whereby you can be effectively “readmitted” back into the Kingdom IF (as your example is) your flight is delayed and there is no other option to get you of Thailand out the same day or within a reasonable time period while you remain airside.

It does require the airlines assistance and coordination with airport immigration (and customs) - but it can be done.  It is quite rare, but i know it’s been done.

Another example i can recall, is someone who - while at the gate - became too ill/sick to the point that they’re not eligible or safe to board/fly.  Like the above, the medical center/doctors will coordinate with airport immigration (and customs BTW) to get your exit stamp cancelled and get you readmitted until you can fly again… again.. very rare, but it happens.    

I agree with the others, I’ve done numerous bank-bank transfers (that is directly from my US-bank to my Thai-based bank) and never had issues.. Several transfers were for sums above $100k… and one in excess of $200k

Normally, all i get is a call from the bank branch to let me know that it’s arrived and if I want anything special done with it… granted, the bank branch I use does have a copy of my latest extension and work permit on file. 

I agree that so long as the account names etc all match, there should be no issues.  

I do agree that the Thai governments look out for money laundering and other currency-based crimes has ramped up in last few years,  but for fairly routine transfers there really should be no issues.  

i suspect that IF you were making repeated transfers of large amounts or the like over a short period of time, THEN i could see questions being asked, but aside from that, no… I highly doubt anyone would bat an eye.

On 10/7/2022 at 9:28 AM, DrJack54 said:

The OP had not been in Thailand for TWO years.

No questions were required.

Certainly not the ones outlined by the OP.

Her job was to stamp the pp indicating 45 day permit.

Not rocket science. 

 

BTW .. current thread running OP with similar history to OP in this thread.

Just arrived same airport and posted this ....

 

"In Thailand! You guys were right.. immigration was a breeze ????".

 

Immigration officers and consistency do not go hand in hand. 

I agree with “… Immigration officers and consistency do not go hand in hand.”. But that is because really each person, each case is is somewhat unique.

True, immigration law is rather explicitly defined as to what situations are legal for entry and which ones are not.. and further, under each type/class of entry, what are the specific conditions for said type/class.

Where *I* think sometimes things go a bit off track is rooted in the fact that while an individual officer can’t essentially create their own law as to you’re admissible or not, they DO have the right to question and request any documentation they deem reasonable to ascertain that you meet the requirements in full.. Essentially the burden of proof falls to you to prove you’re eligible … Immigration really does not have the burden to DISprove your eligibility. 

Of course, to be extensively questioned is never a positive nor enjoyable event - but in the end, it’s just a part of the process ... and a part that does allow for officer discretion in terms of scope, depth, breadth and such as far as questioning goes. 

These names don’t surprise me…. Google could be seen as a forward/future looking type of employer, and one that will also be seen by others as a respectable name as well.  Plus google might also carry some measure of “safety” in terms of hiring onto an established firm and with less risk of job loss due to company insolvency when at the beginning of one’s work career ladder.

PTT is in the same vein… Another firm that might be seen as reputable, known and seen as “safe” and reliable. 

Id be very surprised if there was much demand for truly entrepreneurial positions - as I’d guess many new graduates are also somewhat beholden to the financial liability of their families..  so going for a pure entrepreneurial play as first-job i’d guess is simply too much risk for many at that entry level.  

I also think that in a country like Thailand, where a “name” carries a lot of weight/value/clout, there’s not a lot of “wow” that will be attached in going the entrepreneurial way over a firm that known kingdom-wide. 

9 hours ago, TheFishman1 said:

I think their attitude is not my problem until they lose a loved one due to gun violence illegal guns corruption all the things that Taylan is so used to nothing will change TIT

i agree.. I also think this line of thinking applies to many other issues/problems… it’s not a “real” problem until it hits at my “home” so to speak… 

Hi,

Its my own experience that, on the whole, the ideas of refunds/exchanges - here in thailand isn’t as common nor practiced as perhaps in other countries..

that said, most of the larger stores.. as noted Big C among them but also Paragon,  Central, Robinsons etc will also do so- but you’ll have to meet their criteria..

ie within X days of purchase, with original receipt and item in new/unused condition l, being the 3 most common requirements.

15 hours ago, it is what it is said:

haha, money laundering using rabbit cards... yea, right. in the uk no one bats an eyelid for amounts under 10K GDP

I think that’s more reflective of the “scale” of the economy than anything else..  Similar to the differences in terms of how the currency is denominated.. Thailand’s maximum bank note for general use being B1000 while the UK is GBP 50… which at current forex rates is a touch more than double that if the B1000 note… and the US’ $100 representing more than 3.5x that of the B1000

so i think when you say no one bars and eye, is quite true, but is rooted in the difference of economy of scale.