Kellynch

I'm really grateful for the help everyone.

Last year I had the Bank letter and book statement from the day before; They explained that the letter was alright from yesterday but they were covering the possibility that I may have used some of the money after getting the book statement.

I'm especially grateful to 'stgrhe' for the documents and copies needed. I vaguely remember someone telling about a Health Certificate. If so, any ideas about how many days Immigration consider it valid?

I understand that there's no specific procedure for this, I just change the reason to Retirement. I know about the financial requirements, I'd be grateful if someone could confirm what forms and copies they need. Last year they caught me out by not accepting a copy of my bank book from the previous day and I had to nip to Airport Plaza to update it - Is it still happening?

A Thai friend has a Laotian girlfriend and she talks about going to do an In-Out every month. What with all the recent activity and rule changes to stop border runs it got me thinking about what options Laos people have.

Thanks for the tip on 'Torch', I'll check it out.

I really do appreciate the help. I disabled all my extensions and that hasn't solved it. I followed the instructions in the link as far as 'Click Show advanced settings and find the "Reset browser settings section. I got to the advanced settings but I just couldn't find the Reset Browser settings section - do I need my eyes testing?

Hope this helps

chrome.JPG

Many thanks to everyone. To 'sirineou', thanks for the jpg. I wasn't going mad after all, somehow the 'Reset Browser Settings' was missing. I've reinstalled Chrome and went straight to check it. It's there now and crossed fingers the browser hasn't crashed........yet.

I'm grateful for all the advice and if it all goes pear-shaped again I'll be sure to follow the advice you've been kind enough to give.

Happy Now

Ah well, mai bpen rai - ever so grateful even so. I think I will just reinstall Chrome - and then check to see if it appears at the bottom of the advanced settings.

I double checked. I went as you pointed out and this is what I get at the very bottom.

System

Continue running background app when Google Chrome is closed

Use hardware acceleration when available

Hide advanced settings

I really do appreciate the help. I disabled all my extensions and that hasn't solved it. I followed the instructions in the link as far as 'Click Show advanced settings and find the "Reset browser settings section. I got to the advanced settings but I just couldn't find the Reset Browser settings section - do I need my eyes testing?

Ever since yesterday afternoon (Friday) Chrome Web browser just keeps crashing whatever I do eg playing Youtube videos or news articles from various websites. I've virus scanned and restarted my machine as well. Firefox seems to be working fine. For info, I'm using Windows 7.

Yes, I'm with the OP, same thing here. I live about an hour south of Chiang Mai.

Many thanks. I've managed to sort it.

I just started using the Chrome browser. I don't mind the ads that appear on the sides but there's an annoying video ad that will take ages to appear in the bottom left corner in Thai. The sound comes first and then I have to wait for the video so that I can delete it. Sometimes the video doesn't even appear and the sound blasts out, with no way to stop it. I tried the help section but it seems to be aimed at ads on your own posted videos.

I'm looking for subscription website recommendations as well as advice about bandwidth speed. I'm happy to pay but would like to see at least the Classics and Grand Tours; lesser races would be a nice bonus. Though 3BB claim we get 10mbps, it's doubtful we get it. I wonder if this is fast enough to watch live streaming.

Out of all the (thousands?) accounts I've read or heard of regarding renewal, stories of being sent to update a passbook which was updated a day or two before is miniscule and I doubt even these accounts....sorry. There is a lot of scare mongering that goes on here and I really cannot see anyone being told to go and update a book that was updated a day before, especially as immigration knows how early some people without appointments get there. Sorry, I don't think it happens and I wouldn't be scared, just update the book the day before, Bank are open in malls 7 days a week so it's not difficult. I don't like immigration, it's well documented. But having said that, In all the years I've been here I've never had a problem and no-one else will if all paperwork is in order.

1. Fret and stress about getting an update on the day

2. Get it done the day before and don't fret or stress.

Now bring forth all the posters who have been told to update the same day.

Why do you doubt my account of what happened? Is the concept of immigration requiring me to do something that is not exactly as they had you do it beyond your ability to comprehend? And, how can this be construed as scaremongering? There is nothing scary about it, at least to any reasonable person. The lady at immigration didn't yell at me, threaten me, or tell me to come back tomorrow or next week. She politely told me what needed to be done to continue processing my paperwork. I took the 3 to 4 minute walk to Central Plaza, made my small transaction, got my book updated and walked back. Didn't even have to wait in line, just went in and gave the lady my passbook. She even made the new copies for me.

As I stated in my previous post, last year the bank letter and passbook update were both done 5 days prior to my visit to immigration, and it was not an issue. This year they were both done 2 days prior to my visit, but this was not acceptable to immigration this time.

It is through this forum that I have learned a lot about Thailand, its culture and customs, and things that affect expats. I have learned to expect the unexpected, and not to get too worked up when things don't go the way I anticipated, especially when dealing with government offices. I try to add what little I can to this process. You have made significant contributions to this forum, and I respect you for that, but I do resent being called a liar.

An excellent post. As the OP it's exactly how I feel and tried to express, but you have said it much better. I'm very grateful.

Out of all the (thousands?) accounts I've read or heard of regarding renewal, stories of being sent to update a passbook which was updated a day or two before is miniscule and I doubt even these accounts....sorry. There is a lot of scare mongering that goes on here and I really cannot see anyone being told to go and update a book that was updated a day before, especially as immigration knows how early some people without appointments get there. Sorry, I don't think it happens and I wouldn't be scared, just update the book the day before, Bank are open in malls 7 days a week so it's not difficult. I don't like immigration, it's well documented. But having said that, In all the years I've been here I've never had a problem and no-one else will if all paperwork is in order.

Of course you have the right to be sceptical and your own view. I had no beef with Immigration and everything else was in order, so I don't think they had the hump and as I mentioned, they were laughing and joking with my wife that day. Immigration may come to realise that it could cause problems for those that have to travel some distance for early appointments. I just told it as it is and wasn't trying to scare anyone. Again, as I mentioned, it wasn't a problem going to Airport plaza to update my book; it would just have made things a little easier if I had prior knowledge. I had to do this for my marriage visa extension using the 3 month deposit rule in a standard savings account - I can't comment about fixed period accounts or indeed retirement visa extensions. You haven't mentioned what visa you use, but if it is a marriage or retirement and you use the 3 month deposit rule, could you let us know when it's due for renewal; and when you do eventually go, perhaps you would be kind enough to report what happened.

It's actually retirement and I always say what happened, which is usually nothing apart from the officer stamping my passport. I use the 800,000 three month deposit rule and I get everything, letter and updated PB the day before.

I believe marriage is only a two month deposit rule, not sure why you use three months, could something have been amiss if you are unsure of things?

Quote Lite Beer:

(6) In case of marriage with a Thai lady, the husband who is an alien must have an average annual income of not less than 40,000 baht per month or a money deposit in a local Thai bank of not less than 400,000 baht for the past 2 months for expenses within a year.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/663593-convert-retirement-visa-to-marriage-visa/

The rule for Marriage visa is that for your initial application you have to have it for 2 months, but for extensions it's 3 months.

Out of all the (thousands?) accounts I've read or heard of regarding renewal, stories of being sent to update a passbook which was updated a day or two before is miniscule and I doubt even these accounts....sorry. There is a lot of scare mongering that goes on here and I really cannot see anyone being told to go and update a book that was updated a day before, especially as immigration knows how early some people without appointments get there. Sorry, I don't think it happens and I wouldn't be scared, just update the book the day before, Bank are open in malls 7 days a week so it's not difficult. I don't like immigration, it's well documented. But having said that, In all the years I've been here I've never had a problem and no-one else will if all paperwork is in order.

Of course you have the right to be sceptical and your own view. I had no beef with Immigration and everything else was in order, so I don't think they had the hump and as I mentioned, they were laughing and joking with my wife that day. Immigration may come to realise that it could cause problems for those that have to travel some distance for early appointments. I just told it as it is and wasn't trying to scare anyone. Again, as I mentioned, it wasn't a problem going to Airport plaza to update my book; it would just have made things a little easier if I had prior knowledge. I had to do this for my marriage visa extension using the 3 month deposit rule in a standard savings account - I can't comment about fixed period accounts or indeed retirement visa extensions. You haven't mentioned what visa you use, but if it is a marriage or retirement and you use the 3 month deposit rule, could you let us know when it's due for renewal; and when you do eventually go, perhaps you would be kind enough to report what happened.

As the OP I would like to say the following:

1. I didn't want to give the impression that I had some special knowledge, I thought it would be helpful to tell others that this may be of some use. It's the kind of thing I'm glad that others post.

2. I tried my hardest to show that it was a slight change from last year's experience and that I didn't have a problem with it at all. The Immigration staff were very pleasant and were laughing and joking with my wife. Indeed, they told me that there were 2 things that I didn't need, even though I had to give them for my last 2 marriage extensions. I wasn't annoyed, upset or even sarcastic - I was just glad that they won't be needed in future, though I'll still take them next year, just in case. I've been dealing with Immigration enough years to know that I take everything I have with me just in case - stuff happens and I don't let it worry me. I won't mention the 2 things I took but didn't need as it's bound to start a firestorm, someone is bound to tell me that Immigration never told me I needed it.

3. I'm grateful to 'tpthai2', who very kindly said that he also went today and had the same experience I did.

4. I live 1 hour and 45 minutes away from Immigration and used the online booking system. If I need to do the same next year and I get an online appointment, then I'll just go to my bank very early and get the photocopies.

After some of the posted responses, I really wondered why on earth I bothered; you try to help people and some come back with all sorts of downers and conspiracy theories. I just hope it was useful for one or more people.

For my Marriage Visa Extension I had to show at least 400,000 for at least 3 months. They told me that for a Retirement Extension it's still 800,000 for at least 3 months.

Yes, it is as I did at Airport Plaza. They want you to show that as of the day you go to Immigration, to present your paperwork, the bank book shows the most up to date balance. I submitted my paperwork today and they wanted today's date on the bank book. So, on the day you go to Immigration, go to get your bank book updated beforehand and get 2 photocopies.

I went to do my annual extension this morning and it went very smoothly. There was a slight change from last year that I can't recall seeing any posts for.

Last year they accepted the Bank letter and statement dated the day before. Today they told me that it's OK for the letter dated the day before, but the statement should show the same day as your visit to Immigration. This wasn't a problem and I just went along to Airport Plaza and deposited a small amount and updated my bank book, followed by a couple of photocopies.

I just thought this might be helpful.

Yup, I stand corrected, that's what I meant.

Richard - I just want to say 'Wow', just the ticket. Many thanks.

Hi Kellynch

I feel like you're trying to find a shortcut around the tone rules.

If you know the tone rules, you would know when to write and not write a tone mark (at least, if you can remember the pronunciation). There are very few exceptions.

I think you'll be disappointed, but I think for a foreign language learner of Thai, learning the tone rules is by far better/easier than trying to remember how each word is written.

Hi,

I'm grateful for what you say. When you say I'm looking for a shortcut, then perhaps I asked the question in the wrong way. I'm not criticising the language, I know that some words have a marker and what that tone means; and when it doesn't have one then what tone to use. I dare say I will gradually get to know what words have them and those that don't, but I've just been wondering, is there a general rule of thumb of when a word has a marker and when it doesn't. You mention that if I know the tone rules then I would know when to use and not use a tone mark. Up to now, the books etc I'm reading tell me what tone to use when a marker is actually used and when they're not used when reading a word. I haven't come across anything..... yet, that tells me if there's a general rule of thumb of when/why a marker is actually used; some people have mentioned about the adoption of foreign sounding words. If I can use English as an example, the 'ph' has the sound of an 'f' unless it's something like the word 'Phi'. The use or non-use of tone markers is great for input but it's more difficult for say writing. At this stage of my learning, I may know how to say a Thai word and perhaps even the consonant and vowel, but if I want to write it down then should I use a tone marker or not? Is it just a case of experience? The word (send - ส่ง shows the low tone marker for the initial high class consonant). The word ( want - อยาก doesn't show the marker). I understand how the rule works to know that อยาก has a low tone, but I'm curious as to why they didn't put a tone marker in.

Is there a rule or guidance for when tone markers are actually used? Also, I understand the basic rules of what tone to use when there aren't markers ie Consonant class, live/dead syllable and length of vowel. I'm wrestling with it and I'd be interested in how others have tackled it to make it easier and quicker to work it out. Or is it just a case of seeing the word so many times that you know it automatically after a while? As an analogy, when learning the consonant class, I learned the High and Mid classes as there were less of them and everything else is low class.

I do hope that all those people from the National Office of Buddhism or whatever they call themselves, are preparing to go and complain to this restaurant, with as much anger as they vented about the reclining Buddha statues in Germany.