RikDao

It's likely a laundering operation, and they couldn't care less if they have actual customers. In fact, the fewer, the better for them.

I arrived last year with a non-immigrant O visa, multiple entry. Then when I got a retirement extension, I lost the multiple entry feature, so I had to get a re-entry permit recently for my trip to India.

I'd heard that you can get a re-entry permit at the airport, but there seemed to be some confusion (maybe in my head only?) about doing it that way, so just to be on the safe side, I dropped by the airport here in Chiang Mai and asked about it. They were very nice and told me if I'm flying out of the country directly from CNX, that's the way to do it. However, if I have to fly out from Bangkok, which I will have to do this time around, then I need to get the re-entry permit at BKK. They told me it might be easier to just go to the Immigration Dept in CM and get it, in case Immigration at BKK is too busy when I get there, or my flight is late arriving there, or whatever.

So, I went over to CM Immigration and got the permit, getting there at 8am and out by 9, real simple.

BTW, I took advantage of India's new 30-day visa-on-arrival process. You have to apply online, and they said the reply would come within 72 hours, but I got the approval notice in 5 hours. There's a list of 40 countries in the world that can apply like this, including the States and Thailand, but not England or Canada, for some reason(s).

Lol. I wouldn't be caught dead (which I probably would be) in one of those south - of - the - border countries. You think Thais might have resentment toward farangs? Ain't nothin' compared to how those folks feel about gringos, with plenty of justification, granted.

I was in Panama checking it out a couple of months ago. I couldn't wait to leave. Every home needs a barb wire parameter. It's ridiculously hot (and I live in LOS). The food sucks and I've never seen so many ugly fat women! This place continues to get on these list with marketing (probably paying to be on there). Note that articles praising Panama are usually written by people living there and trying to sell the overbuilt condos.

Mexico? Ye gods. I wouldn't want to visit there let alone live there.

Malaysia continues to swing towards sharia law with the Muslim hardliners demanding and getting more say as time goes on.

Medellin Colombia was a beautiful city and I could definitely live there...if I spoke Spanish. A lot easier to navigate Thailand than Colombia with just English.

Take these best place to retire results with a grain of salt. These articles come out every few weeks.

I've never had a problem with dogs, either, because they're scared of me.

Oh, I guess I should mention, I didn't need an extraction or bone graft or any of that.

Useless information alert! Perhaps...

I got a perfectly good implant, crown n' all, for 30K in Phrae. One year ago.

I betcha if one went to a suburban-style dentist somewhere on the periphery of CM, one could get a similar deal. Don't need a dentist with a website, right?

Not interested to read more than the first few replies to OP, not into all the righteous indignation. Watched the video, though, and think it's beyond hilarious! She seems to be doing fine behind the wheel, Lol. Let her keep driving. Less dangerous for her than riding a scooter. And she seems to know what's happening. My grandma taught me to drive on the farm when I was ten, and I did pretty well, too.

What bothers me to see is an adult on a scooter flying along with a kid in front of him, on his lap or wherever; now THAT'S bloody dangerous!

Can't say, just saw some guys working on various laptops, on the 1st floor at Pantip. Did a good job, charged me 400 baht. I have, perhaps, too many devices, but I really need my laptop to for some occasional printing jobs. Funny, after getting all these tablets and phones, my laptop seems so heavy!

Thanks to everyone who kindly replied. I went to Pantip and found a guy to help me.

Hey, thanks Cuz!

Lovely morning in Chiang Mai! Anybody know of a good laptop repair place, one that's not too expensive? I got this device 3 yrs ago in the States...

So dumb it's smart, right? To you, at least? Thais, would they respond to this? Course not.

I was told once the reason the USA consulate in Chiang Mai is so large is that it

also housed the CIA. Principal reason for their presence was drug suppression

in the golden triangle area.

Drug suppression? Hahahahah! That's the best one I've heard all week! Hahahahah!

I guess they've moved on to Afganistan to do some more "suppressing."

So I was thinking about this the other day will Thailand ever be like countries in the west?

In 30 years will there be real traffic laws that are enforced?

Will there be power lines that aren't a total tangled mess?

Will the potholes be fixed?

Basically will the infrastructure be what it is in America or Europe?

Do you believe that will happened and if so how long?

Yo, check out India. Compared to there, Thai infrastructure is like West Germany. Love India, also Thailand, but neither country can just drop everything and start over. BTW, love Germany, too.

the farlangs in particular Brits and Americans have looted so much from so many places.

Umm, yeah. Duh?

And if they paid India back all the gold they looted and melted...

No offense to anyone, but for me, heat is worse if I complain, nay, even TALK about it. Same same with extreme cold, of course. Therefore, it bothered me a lot more when I was younger and didn't know this. I pretty much only talk about the weather when it's nice, like right now.

Interesting, I'll study up on that. Thanks.

Better educated Buddhists don't believe in reincarnation (or ghosts), but the doubtful hope to be reborn in the west...

Hmm, never heard that before. But that doesn't mean it's not true. Just like disbelief in reincarnation doesn't mean it's not a fact. I happen to believe in reincarnation, but who cares? Only me. Slightly off topic: I was born a "Christian," so they told me, but I'm not one.

As of about a month ago, China is the world's largest economy, 16.48% vs 16.28% for the US. China's also buying a lot of gold. However, none of that means poot because the price of gold is manipulated by the banksters in NY and London.

Source please. Inquiring minds want to know.

Google? World's largest economy, try that. And do you read the National Enquirer, or just quote their ad copy?

As of about a month ago, China is the world's largest economy, 16.48% vs 16.28% for the US. China's also buying a lot of gold. However, none of that means poot because the price of gold is manipulated by the banksters in NY and London.

This is based on method used by the IMF adjusts for purchasing power parity

In terms of GDP the USA is some $7 trillion dollars greater then China's GDP

As to the price of Gold being manipulated by big banks, thats an urban myth with no basis in reality

The Gold market, as with most markets, is too big to be manipulated. The Hunt brothers found this out in the late 70's when they tried to corner the Silver Market.

Countries that try to intervene in the currency market to support their currency just wast millions of dollars for a short term respite.

The original post is very accurate based on Technical considerations. Gold has broken below key support, and if this is not a fake out, will likely reach $1000/oz before real support again.

As to the Dollar it has probable begun a long term upward trend, coming off a double bottom, that will take it back to its old highs of 2002. (see chart)

This probable will have less affect on the Baht/dollar rate since , I think, the Baht is not freely traded but weight against a Basket of currencies.

Urban myth, whatever. Don't much care what you think; what I think is what matters to me. As far as the Hunt brothers, they tried to corner the silver market, but the banksters in New York had other plans. In other words, they manipulated the price down by shorting it, just like they're doing today in gold and silver, causing the Hunts to be wiped out of their long positions. Of course, computer trading has made all of this much, much simpler today. So, ostrich syndrome much? (Catchy little phrase, innit? Kinda like "urban myth," innit?)

As of about a month ago, China is the world's largest economy, 16.48% vs 16.28% for the US. China's also buying a lot of gold. However, none of that means poot because the price of gold is manipulated by the banksters in NY and London.

I'm gonna go waaaay out on a limb here and say:

NO WAAAAY!

Why? Plane might be late. Customs/passport will take longer than you think, esp since everyone knows you gotta be there by noon, prompting them to do a passive/aggressive on your booty. Cab driver will do same same. Plus, other farangs and Asians from wherever will be in front of you in line. Etc etc etc. If I could find a sucker, I'd bet on this one, cause, like sweet old daddy always said: Son, never make a bet unless it's a sure thing. Thanks, Daddy.

:-)