Madgee

I always have a chuckle reading the 'doom and gloom' reply posts from the unhappy campers here in LoS.

OP, it is a superstition and probably, like many people in Asia I have had the pleasure to know, she takes this nonsense very seriously.

There is no monetary gains intended from you just a superstition that needs accepting and the amount you give her is of no consequence, 20 baht will do as a note is more lucky than a coin.

This trait is practised in many countries, I came across it many times in my years spent in China.

A superstition, nothing more, nothing less!

OP, I might be stating the obvious here but a student visitor visa is only available to 18+ applicants.

Is your step-son above this age?

This is worth a try before you go to any immigration office.

Go to your local police station, ask for a proof of residence letter and tell them what it is for.

Take the documents as required by immigration.

They have a template for this and just require you and the blue book owner to sign once they have filled in the details.

No cost unless you want to 'donate' something to the tea chest.

This saved me a 250km round trip to my nearest immigration office last year.

Starre, on 03 Apr 2014 - 05:07, said:

I'd be a little careful with the grass is greener in China approach. I've spent the last 25 years working and living with the Chinese. Whilst the change in culture is interesting for about 5 minutes, you will find them similarly racist to the Thais or worse. Lying is second nature to them. Most of them don't know what the word truth means. Business ethics are non existent. It's every man for himself and greed is their God. Forget any support from authorities or the law. It will only favour Chinese or themselves. Corruption is still rampant. They have totally destroyed their environment in favour of industry which is why those that can are abandoning the country and buying up real estate in other countries at a rate of knots. Pollution in cities like Shanghai & Guangzhou is so bad you will not see the sun for weeks at a time. There is a real estate bubble in China that when it bursts has potential to cause another much more acute GFC. I could go on but you get the picture. For all Thailand's faults, China is far worse IMHO

Totally agree.

OP, you seem to be a party animal and why not? Enjoy the clubs and nightlife but I'm afraid you are not going to find what you are looking for in China, especially in a smaller city. Unless you do some serious 'guanxi' and make some influential friends you will be resigned to being on the outside, looking in at the China elite who have the cash to splash in the better clubs. You think being a farang laowai will get you more respect in China? Dream on.

Go and enjoy China, there are plenty of opportunities for employment and some good money to be had in the right situation, a good understanding of the language will definitely help.

As for the women? A voyage of discovery awaits you! Anybody who has lived in China and has truly mixed within the Chinese community could tell you many untold stories using the word 'agenda'.

Best of luck on whatever you decide to do.

There is a car rental office on the road heading towards the Big C supermarket complex.

It is on the left-hand side in a row of small units just before the wholesale market with signs above it and on the door advertising 'Car Rental', it is named something like, 'A & J Rental'. Next time I'm out that way I will make an enquiry for future reference.

I am in the process of compiling documents to submit for a marriage extension of stay, previously being on a retirement extension. Having spoken to the immigration office a few weeks ago, who gave me a checklist and even translated it into English for me, the only problem I can foresee is the necessity of taking the head person of the moo baan with us for an interview with the immigration officer.

What questions does immigration ask him?

We live on the outskirts of RoiEt where my wife has lived for several years and she had no idea who this person is. Eventually, after many inquiries to the neighbours and a trip to the local Gov. Building, she discovered that this person doesn’t even live locally so will have no knowledge of us whatsoever. I’m pretty sure this guy if we can find him, will oblige us in taking a two hour trip to immigration for a small gratuity …. I hope!

According to the immigration officer, he is required to ‘guarantee’ us living together as a married couple at the address where we live by signing a document in front of the officer; is that all?

Seems a rather pointless exercise but needs must and all that jazz.

Having obtained my 1 year temporary licences last year (21st June), I've just been to the local DLC this morning to enquire about 5 year licences.

A very helpful lady on the information desk informed me that I can return on the 21st April for my renewal of said licences.

1: medical certificate

2: proof of residence

3: copy of passport

4: copy of visa + extension

5: old licences

6: fee

That's it. No re-test or sitting in on a 'skills' video.

Of course, every DLC centre has its own way of renewal so it's wise to check first.

I have just received my new British passport from the UK after applying for it from Thailand.

Sent by EMS from RoiEt post office on 31^st Jan 2014.

Delivered on 24^th Feb 2014 to my home in the countryside.

Cost:

32 page passport: £147.86 Incl. of return Courier fee. (Paid using UK Visa Debit Card)

EMS fee 950 Baht.

“You must pay in pounds sterling by credit card or debit card using the payment instruction form. The cards we accept are Mastercard, Visa, Electron, Diners Club and JCB.”

As per instructions:

https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports

Her Majesty's Passport Office
OVS-L
101 Old Hall Street
Liverpool
L3 9BP
United Kingdom

Application form is very straightforward:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/277737/OS_Form_009.pdf

Guidance notes:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/overseas-passports-guidance

Supporting documents:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/266171/OS_Guidance_Gp2_11.13.PDF

Table A

All applicants must provide one document showing photo identity and one document as evidence of name and address dated within the last year.

Photo Evidence

Please provide one of the following:

• your British passport (if you are renewing)

I supplied a full colour copy, as per instructions. Do not send your passport.

• non-British uncancelled passport

• national identity card or equivalent (or colour photocopy)

• driving licence

I supplied a colour copy of my Thai driving licence, highlighting my name, birth date and I.D. / passport number.

• any government or local government produced document which includes a photograph as part of the document.

Name and address evidence

Please provide one of the following:

• visa or resident permit (or colour photocopy)

• tax record eg a letter from a tax authority

• educational record eg school report

• employment record eg official letter from your employer

• letter sent to you from a central, regional or local government department

• baptismal or naming certificate

• medical/health card

• voter’s card

• parents’ death certificates if applicable

• immigration documents.

I supplied a copy of my TM47 and also a UK bank letter sent to my Thailand address.

Knowing that I needed address evidence in English, I informed my bank of a change of address several weeks ago and used their letter of reply. Easy to change it back again if required.

I probably sent more than necessary regarding Table A requirements but better to be safe than sorry and I did not use a counter-signatory for the photos as I considered my appearance has not drastically changed from 10 years ago.

This saves a lot of hassle and easier than the old system which did require a counter-signatory known to you from a listed profession.

TBH, not as painful as I thought it might be after reading some of the problems others have had. Forms and instructions are very clear and precise.

Many thanks to all for your words of wisdom!

Extract:
Reason you did not get an acceptance or rejection letter is due to the fact that they are basically not-knowledgeable to the correct procedures of an interview process. In our countries it is mandatory that you recognize the applicant however, we are not in our countries we are in Thailand. I once received an email that I was a top candidate for an international school to become the administrator and would call within several days. I began to find that rather amusing since they are clueless to the correct procedures on how one should deliver the message. Their message was sent through a translation agency. Please do not become offended but rather try to be more understanding towards the Thai way, they mean no disrespect, they just don't understand the procedures.


The number one way to receive a position is not what you know but who you know!

Thanks,
Ph. D

Maybe I worded my 'rant' slightly wrong concerning acknowledgement of my application.

The acceptance or rejection letter that I thought I might get should have come from the person to who I applied? These people were native English speakers acting on behalf of their institution and I am pretty certain they get paid extra for doing this, so surely an acknowledgement wouldn't be so hard. Oh well.

Again, many thanks to all.

This post might rattle a few cages but it’s not done intentionally or with animosity.

Why is the teaching fraternity in LOS so dedicated to the ‘I’ve got a degree in rocket science’ so I’m a good teacher?

So many guys knock the ability of an older native speaker who has worldly experience; someone who can adequately convey the English language across to students without the need for theoretic or grammatically correct phrases which are seldom used in any language when speaking.

I can fully understand the HR dept. of any school or institution requiring a foreign teacher to submit information but the stipulation of most is the applicant must have a BA degree and fully disregard anyone who can prove they have experience of teaching / advising students who wish to learn the English language.

Ok, I’m having a little rant here but after applying for a couple of vacant positions in my vicinity, all advertised by foreign ‘head teachers’, I’m really surprised I haven’t had even a thanks but no thanks. Before anyone jumps down my throat about they cannot reply to every applicant because they receive so many, I checked up and the most they had were six. Even if I was deemed unsuitable, a reply is surely the respectable or polite thing to do and the reason why?

Only today I read a post on TV advising a guy to get some ‘starting’ experience teaching in China, I would second that because it will pay better, give him better benefits and probably he will find the experience very satisfying, Chinese students actually want to learn. Only downspin is the Chinese way of life and culture ……. But that is just my opinion after five years living and working there. The teachers I’ve talked to in LOS seem to think teaching in China is the ‘lowest of the low’; all I will say is try it first and then way up the pros and cons.

Rant over.

I had a similar problem with my PAYG, out of credit in 3 days without making a call or using the internet!

Simply turn off data app.

I like to think I'm quite a sociable guy, I will always say morning to my neighbours if I see them or at least acknowledge their presence. If I'm walking around the town, I'll certainly acknowledge any foreigner I encounter with a morning or a slight nod of the head if eye contact is made. I'm not going to cross the street and introduce myself but does it do any harm to release a slight smile, nod of the head or even a 'hi' ..... is it really that hard?

If the place was swarming with foreigners then it's a different story but here, although there are quite a few expats and very few tourists, I honestly thought that a little civility would not go amiss amongst fellow expats. The amount of times I've been given the cold stare of, 'how dare he look at me and think he has got the right to even say hi'.

Maybe it's me, I don't know and I don't really care......................I will always be the same.

As the saying goes, 'with friends like that, who needs enemies?'

It's always at times when the chips are down that you find out who your friends really are!

I certainly believe in karma and on several occasions have found out that so-called friends are really leeches and still profess to being a friend when it comes down to the nitty gritty. I will always remember my late mother saying to me; "always look on the bright side of life". It has helped me through the ups and downs of life. She was a great Monty Python fan ... Bless her.

All the very best for the future.

In times of hardship or just being down on my luck I 'just give a whistle' and I watch this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHPOzQzk9Qo

Just noticed you have deleted your last post?

Regardless of the destination, booking a holiday in the UK is always expensive during the period of June - September, also around Eastertime and Christmas because of the school holidays.

Lots of deals to be had for 'off-peak' travel outside of these periods.

Just done a very quick search using the 'supermarket comparison':

Feb 2014 to Phuket £601 7 days in 4* hotel pp

Jul 2014 to Phuket £925 7 days in 3* hotel pp

Always been the same.

My stepchildren who are in their mid-teens call me by my first name, as do all my Thai relatives and friends, except the young children who call me uncle.

I'm happy with that, plain and simple.

Many thanks for that Joe.

As said before a first time passport application can only be done at the embassy.

I'd really like to see a link for this info please.

According to the Gov UK passport website it is done as an application to HK.

www.gov.uk/overseas-passports

Just my own experience.

I was there a few weeks ago with a large suitcase, travel bag and laptop. After a struggle getting through the turnstile with my luggage they gave me a tag for my belongings and locked them up in a secure side room. I had to sign in with time and date, searched and my phone / keys were put in a side pocket of my travel bag. No big deal and friendly.

BTW, I'm 99.99% sure they cannot issue passports for any reason, only emergency travel documents. All passport applications made in Thailand are processed in Hong Kong and issued from the UK.

I've been an avid user of Yahoo mail until recently, suffering some of the problems as other posters.

Basically, through trial and error, I've found a way (for me anyway) to recover lost emails and stabilise Yahoo mail.

All I done was add Yahoo to my compatibility view settings list.

All of my seemingly lost mail was present in my inbox after doing this and the new functions actually worked.

Due to the recent updates on Yahoo Mail, windows o/s etc. I believe they just don't sync with each other as yet. No doubt it will sorted over the coming days-weeks by Yahoo.

This might sound a little silly but check your mattress!

A few years ago I had similar symptoms and on the advice of a family friend practitioner I changed my mattress to a good quality orthopaedic one. Within a few days my aches and pains were gone and I woke up feeling refreshed.

Just a thought.

a replacement battery just requires undoing a plug, just like opening a gas cap, or sticking your helmet or cargo under the seat - if someone designs it right.

Maybe; but they don't design them that way so there must be a reason why not?

Batteries must be protected and clamped down, similar to a car, if they were easily accessible they become targets for theft. Most of the older style of e-scooters used to have removable batteries in the form of a large cartridge that could be lifted out of the bike in seconds, many owners experienced this design fault the hard way. Also, the weight factor of lugging these cartridges about to re-charge if living in an apartment with no external power points undercover, has to be factored in.

Experience owning one of these e-scooters first, then weigh up the pros and cons.

A good friend bought an expensive one in Aussie, thinking it would save him money on commuter costs and also be able to do his bit for the environment; after the initial thrill, he began to regret every hard earned dollar he spent on it! He gave the same reasons that I tried to tell him. Still, everyone's different.

Ya pays ya money - Ya takes ya choice! Enough said from me.

Well, wantan, the clue is in the original question "Hi, I am considering buying electric scooter" and my advice is "don't". Get it?

And just how much are you going to pay for this quality Peugeot scooter, funny I don't recall the French being renown for quality, so when it does go wrong who is going to fix it and where are the parts going to come from? Can you get tyres for it?

But, Mr Wantan says he is pretty sure they don't break down, so that's okay.... You don't often get personal guarantees on these forums.

OK, my last post to you in this thread as you are obviously neither interested in e-bikes nor you have any clue about them or the technology. I can at least say i am very interested and i always want to know more about such things.

For all people who are interested:

Peugeot has a long tradition in producing quality 2-wheeled vehicles of many types.

Here are the current models: http://www.peugeot.com/en/products-services/scooters

They also have a long tradition in building quality bicycles. Here the current electric bicycle models:

http://www.peugeot.com/en/products-services/cycles

Here some information about the Peugeot e-scooter:

http://www.e-vivacity.com/en

you say that you have an interest in these things so, no doubt, you have read the info on the 'Vivacity' e-scooter.

List Price: around 200,000 baht

Top Speed: 50kmh

Range: 60km

Battery Guarantee: 4 years

The OP asked about e-scooters so I'm dismissing e-bikes which are totally different.

Chinese crap of similar stats:

List Price: around 20,000 baht

Top Speed: 50kmh

Range: 60km

Battery Guarantee: 1 year

Absolutely no resale value anywhere.

I'd be the first to admit the build quality of most machines of Chinese origin would be inferior to those from Europe and the 'green' issues are open to debate.

The main issues with e-scooters are the range and charging issues.

Dealers recommend customers to only re-charge when the batteries are nearly exhausted to maintain the battery life, this is a constant frustration when you might need a full charge.

The simple fact of remembering to plug it in to re-charge is a pain.

A poster mentioned about keeping a spare battery?

They are not like an everyready battery to replace. On most e-scooters the batteries are located under the seat requiring the total removal of the seat and some wires unbolted.

JMHO, I would not recommend an e-scooter to the OP, too much hassle.

This is the info link for BC jobs in Thailand.

http://www.britishcouncil.or.th/en/teach/recruitment

Remuneration depends on what qualifications you have.

from my limited experience with the BC, good to work for but the pay is not brilliant. I believe the job offer in CM

is on an hourly rate.

Hope this helps.

from my own personal experience, having owned several e-scooters in China, they are awful things!

Initially they seem inexpensive to run and maintain but the build quality of most are terrible, even the so-called upmarket bikes that are more powerful soon succumb to the rigors of general use.

Replacement batteries are expensive and needed every 10,000km.

Electrics are subject to frequent breakdowns and replacement.

Dangerous! Because they run silently, people tend to jump out in front of you!

Do not like the rain.

Do not like inclines, saps the power very quickly.

Charging takes hours, preferably overnight. Chargers often overheat.

To get anywhere near the predicted mileage you must close the throttle on any declines and try not use the brakes, instead use the existing motion to gradually decelerate. Two people on an e-scooter halves the predicted mileage.

They are very frustrating machines to ride, just when you think you have enough power left to get home they suddenly begin to 'die', especially on aged batteries.

As you have probably gathered, I hate the bloody things!

Add Roi-Et hospital to the list of participating hospitals accepting westerners.

As I was going there today for the first time, I enquired whether they knew about it and was given an impromptu tour of the hospital and shown the reception area where they do the administration. In fact, there was a westerner who was just finishing his application process; he had been there approx. 7 hrs !

Luckily, I'm fully covered by the Thai Gov. officials policy.