Hugh Jarse

On 9/6/2018 at 7:10 PM, NancyL said:

Yes, I think you're right in that in other provinces the only retirees who have to use agents are those who don't, shall we say, fit the criteria.  In my research, Chiang Mai is unique in that retirees who meet all the requirements find that they have to use an agent to eliminate excessive wait times.

 

All you have to do is go to other Thai government offices in Chiang Mai province or other immigration offices in other provinces to realize that the Thai people are perfectly able to organize a government office on par or better than what we would expect in the west. 

 

So ask yourself why does the Chiang Mai Immigration office continue to delivering such bad service? 

Indeed, why is this office so inept? I hope the new chief of staff at CNX Immigration not only reads this thread but acts upon it in a meaningful way.

Any update on the waiting time fiasco from those who have renewed their stay on basis of marriage?

6 minutes ago, Mahseer said:

Done my retirement ext Monday. Submitted docs at 0830 at agents office which took 5 minutes and told to be at Promenada at 1500.

 

1505 photo taken at building 3 then off to building 8. Departed at 1535 with visa and multiple re entry. 

 

To me agent fee was money well spent but of course others will disagree.

How much did you pay the agent?

An ocean of rain fell in Hang Dong 4pm ish along with ferocious gusts and howling winds that wreaked havoc.

On 2/2/2018 at 5:20 AM, Samui Bodoh said:

Good, well-written article that should be given to all who come here for a long stay!

 

However,

 

"The 20-something bar girl with the short skirt and fetching smile probably doesn’t love you."

 

is just plain wrong. They have told me on numerous occasions that they love me and I believe them.

 

 

You must be very hansum man!

On 12/3/2017 at 3:37 PM, evadgib said:

Moves are also afoot to protest during the CHOGM meeting in london next year...

 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/pensions/10251775/Suspend-Britain-from-Commonwealth-over-unfair-expat-pensions.html

 

How many board members have actually joined the consortiums and assisted re lobbying? My gut feeling is not many.

I have ,long ago , only way to campaign.

On 11/30/2017 at 9:31 AM, bert bloggs said:

Pigs will fly before we get our pensions upgraded .

I hope that you are wrong as a lot of people suffer this injustice of frozen pensions. Corbyn has said that he will look very seriously at this issue when they come to power!

Say that you are are experiencing some serious financial difficulties, that you love the property , dont want to leave and appeal to your landlords understanding of current market conditions by making your continued stay dependant on her/his generosity. This has worked for me in the past. Good luck.

On 10/31/2017 at 11:40 AM, Beegrade said:

After an admittedly brief search I haven't seen anything mentioned lately about Extensions based on Marriage. I have to do one for the first time very soon so I just want to check a couple of things.

 

Firstly, my Mrs says she heard (from a source that may or may not be reliable) that Marriage Extensions are now being processed at the Airport office, not at Promenada any more. I'm doubting this as I haven't come across anything mentioned here on TV about that, can anyone confirm if this is true or not?

 

Secondly, has anyone done a Marriage Extension recently? Any notable changes to the process? How early do you need to arrive?

 

Thirdly, I've heard that the application has to be submitted within the last 30 days of the current stay. For example, if I am stamped in until 2 December then I cannot apply for extension until 3 November, correct?

 

Any help much appreciated.

I was there last month to enquire about current proceedures, documentation and best time to arrive in the morning and was informed by a trainee that there are now some changes. Go along to their office and pick up the additional forms ,one includes an affirmation that you must have read and understood the rules regarding overstay before signing. The new info. sheet is in Thai and no English so best to get your wife to visit.

I was told to get to Office No. 3 outside by about 7.30 am.

Please keep us updated re any further useful information.

13 hours ago, Thailand said:

Just a thought.

Perhaps if you had taken the time to go back 2 hours later as the agent asked perhaps it would all be resolved by now? It appears you had already planned to do it yesterday?

Anyway, good luck today.

Do let us know how you get on tomorrow. By the way how much did you pay for this sloppy agent's work?

23 hours ago, trainman34014 said:

There are a few plastic chairs and stools around the area and you will see other people there who have most likely been there for several hours before 5am and they will tell you how many there are before you in the queue, which will consist of some people and some chairs/stools with books/paperwork on them representing someone already in the queue before you.

 

Get your Wife out of bed and take her with you if you can from the start, she will be ok as soon as the food stalls open, which is fairly early.   Best to bring a torch if you have one as it's pretty dark around there until dawn arrives.

An example of CMImm. 's office ineptitude in dealing with basic administration, renewing extensions based on marriage. They have adequate facilities, nice office , generally polite and courteous staff yet management of this division of the Royal Thai Police Force is a disgrace and could benefit from a shake up, put mildly!

You could try the little phone repair shop diaganally oposite the government Post Office in Chang Klan rd. as a last resort. Always found them helpful. If you dont speak Thai take a native along with you.

22 hours ago, trainman34014 said:

Can never understand why people complain about the process for Marriage Extension...unless they are just lazy.     Did mine again last week for the tenth time and it was a breeze, no difficulty whatsoever and i have never used an agent.

How many people in the Queue before you and did you do it a.m or p.m? Trying to plan mine soon.

The newer version includes a windscreen wiper blade, cell phone &interior drinks holder and stereo speakers for the rear panel.

Try some of the English language degree programmes in Holland,( for example University of Gronigen) fees are reasonable and you could apply for a scholarship -sources listed on their website- if your science/maths grades are up to it. A fun place to live and study and laid back people. Good luck.

The Consortium of British Pensioners is a campaign group to "unfreeze" pensions for those Brits. living in countries that do not have reciprocal pension rights including Thailand. Worth signing up to as you receive latest info on what is happening to the campaign and the opportunity to sign the petition. Thailand is one of many countries that do not have reciprocal agreements with the UK. Curiously, The Philippines do so Brits living there get the annual rise.

I still pay UK taxes but cannot obtain any state benefits inc. access to the NHS etc. Makes me angry too that some Brits who are living here still get the annual increases and a few who even take a winter fuel allowance. Its often justified as 'playing the system' , but getting harder to cheat.

8 hours ago, 4evermaat said:

I think having designated areas for street food would be more appropriate. Not rid all of Bangkok of street food vendors.

A good practical suggestion. Bangkok needs its few and run down pavements for pedestrians .

And dont forget that Songkran over the river in Ratburana, will be continuing for much of this week. So if you are doing visa stuff at Immigration bear this in mind and wear your wellies and macintosh!

8 hours ago, clockman said:

I knew they would be No1 at something!

Also No. 1 champions in traffic jams.

Poor maintenance once more.

5 hours ago, CliffH said:

Things for the visitor to do in Pattaya on Wednesdays and Thursdays....

1)  Sit on the beach where there is virtually no shade and get fried

2)  Walk aimlessly around shopping malls

3)  Sit in a bar and get drunk

4)  Sit in the hotel room

 

Is there anything else you can do in Pattaya?

 

Avoid it like the (Black Death) plague.

55 minutes ago, Bluespunk said:

While I understand and agree with the sentiment of your post, I don't think animals would do this.

 

This was an all too human incident carried out by cowards.

...and sadistic bastards! Sickening.

Can any one recommend a firm that does Thai wills?

13 hours ago, tonray said:

The nearest real beach is the Cha-Am/Hua Hin area. Not sure about snorkeling in the Gulf but about 3 hours by car/van from BKK. I love to swim there.

At present , this is not a good strip to snorkel in, owing to an abundance of jelly fish. Try the western seaboard south of Krabi/ Satun.

On 24/11/2016 at 10:16 PM, elliss said:

 Pattaya , is good  for snorkeling . 

Ug!