thanchart

I do not think this is Racist at all. It is about whether u are a Thai or not. Dual pricing for citizens vs non-citizen exists in many places, including where I came from- Singapore. If u are Caucasian but has Thai citizenship, I am sure u also pay Thai prices. How can this be Racists?

It's not race. It's about being a citizen vs non-citizen. I see this as a benefit for citizens. Its their country. 8 wish I don't hv to pay more but I gladly accept it. Even when I was facing harder times on the past. No one forced me to visit the parks.

Why do do many faring think they are targeted? Dont ALL foreigners pay more?

Is it a Thai company.. ???

Or invested in by foreigners, but due to the crazy laws, some Thai secretary is the owner?

This is a pure Thai-listed company and a Global Top 50 too, with an International Managerment team. Sad that the company had lost almost everything during the 2011 flods, amazingly recovered very fast and well and is even poised for strong growth. Now she has to come back again, and she will. The company is resilient and will bounce back.

There is not likely to be repercussions and it is a general policy and often listed as such at immigration points. But to me staying legal would be a small price to pay to avoid any possibility of some future knee-jerk action.

Agree. it's not worth saving a bit now and potentially cause problems for them when they grow up

As said it is policy not to fine children - but it is overstay and normally will be marked in passport as such (without any repercussions). But the only cost is the visa/extension/re-entry and not using would still require a visa for return travel suspect it may be worthwhile, even with three, to keep everyone legal if not a major financial consideration. Suspect being legal could be important for some activities but no knowledge (although believe some school require valid status for enrollment).

Yes, this is my main concern. If the kids grow up and decided this is also the place they want to call home. what would be the reprcussions of having overstayed for long periods and have these documented in their passports?

I had recently extended my children's visa to match my 2nd 1 year extension. My whole family has visas, including 3 kids in school. Seems my wife had been told by some of the parents of my kids' schoolmates that children below 15 years old are not requred to have a visa rextension? Even the foreign teachers witth kids in the schoiol id daying and praticising the ssame. But would these kids not be saying in Thailand illegally while their parents are OK?

Or is it a case of when the visa expired, it is not a problem if the kids do not follow their parents to extend their visa? Seems there have been cases where the parents and kids could return to their home country for a holiday and then return. The kids had not problem to leave the country and then come back. Any reasons for this? If this is allowed, then why am I extending visas for my young kids and pay all the exetnsion fees?

Can anyone englighten me? Thanks

About 2+ years ago,I visited a large semi-conductor company in USA with a small group and they showed a prototype "Up-scaling" box (powered by their new state-of-the-art processor - to show off the chip's capability), and what that box does was to convert a DVD input to true 1080p output with color compensation. The demo showed 2 sets of equipment playing the same movie at the same time.

• One DVD player connected to this box which in turn output to a 36" (I think) LCD TV and
  
• One Blu-Ray Disc player connected to a similar LCD TV
  

We are asked to guess which TV is playing the "low-res" DVD disc and which is playing the "high-res" Blu-ray disc. Amazingly, all of us got it wrong. The DVD-Upscale box-TV setup was up-scaling the DVD output and compensating for better colors "on the fly" and doing it so well that the output was sharper than the Blu-ray output and colors more natural - as if blue is bluer than blue, green is greener than green and red is redder than red! Even all the noise due to scratches on the DVD disc were gone. Amazing!

Question I have - is such a device now commercially available? And has it morph into converting 720p or lower programs into 1080p on the fly? If anyone has seen it, please let us know. It might almost mean the end of having to live with 720p or lower shows.

so if I get a usb tuner attachment (i seen one in Pantip in BKK today DTECH Brand ) and connect it with the aerial lead the computer should have no problems getting tv? I think I need another connection for audio, Have you tried this before?

Yes, if you get the USB attachments and connect it to the aerial leads, then your computer should be able to receive and descramble signals. You may not even need to attach to the aerial leads...the usb may be able to pick up signals on its own, but it probably would be stronger through aerial.

There are different types (prices) of tv tuners. Some are internal cards, some are simple USB dongles that just pick up signals like an antenna, some (the more expensive ones) allow you to connect to the aerial or cable coaxial cables.

And no, you don't need separate audio for it. The tuner will pick up the audio as well.

Have I tried this before? I was trying it. I got an internal mini pci-e card for my netbook (see my other post on it) but it turns out that the pci-e port on my computer doesn't work for anything other than a manufacturer approved 3g card. I wanted it internal without any attachments, but I may have to go USB.

I can help a bit on this as I have actually helped designed a 1080p Digital TV USB Dongle (commonly called USB DTV dongle) meant for US market. In my previous home in Philippines, the Dongle and my PC was my 2nd TV in the bedroom, and I used my remote control to do all the control, even shutdown the PC after the show. The dongle connects to the TV cable and u can use it to watch off the air free TV or cable TV (if yr cable TV is delivered through the TV aerial cable). There are 2 sizes of connectors available - Standard size that connects to regular cable and a mini version that often comes with portable antenna (OK for open space) and will need an adapter to fit regular aerial cable

Thailand uses NTSC for analog TV (or Standard Definition TV) and DVB-T2 for Digital HDTV (as compared to ATSC in USA). So if you want maximum flexibility, get a USB DTV dongle that can support both. Then u can view both SD and HD programs). Even better (for lazy ones like me), get one with remote control. The one I help designed can also be used as a Digital TV recorder (though some programs like Discovery Channel blocks recording), and FM Radio - pretty versatile at the time it was designed (one of the most advanced at that time), It can also "pause" the TV program (even if "Live" while while u run off to the rest-room for a short time and resume after u get back, and then catch up during a commercial break. These features are software dependent.

Oh yes, make sure it supports USB2.0 at least, or better be USB-IF certified (for lower power consmption - non USB-IF dongles usually means it consumes a higher current thatn USB2.0 allows: 500mA). But its probably OK if yr PC/notebook is plugged to the mains and no running on batteries).

Use it in a unobstructed area (or have a small fan) as it may get hot, depending on the main processor used.

This really depends on the context in which "Chan" is used. For a more formal usage, a man would use "pom" while a lady uses "chan" or "di-chan". However in a casual situation - and also in songs (male/female can use the sane lyrics), "chan" can be used for "I/me" while "ter" is used for "you?

The entire documentary is well over two hours in length, and well worth a watch in its entirety. (My, how times have changed.)

Would you know where we can get hold of the full video?

I came last October on a 90-day Non-O (Business) Visa and my wife and 1.5 yr old son were granted Dependents Visa (provided for under Thai Immigration Laws - classified under spouse and children). When I had my 1 year extension done before the 90-day Visa expired, their Visa were similarly extended to match my expiry date.

Recently in March, I brought my 2 step-children (aged 12 and 10) here on 90-day dependents Visa (allowed under Thai Police order 777-2551 extension of stay rules - EN version). We had no problems getting the 90-day visa Dependents Visa in Philippines but when we wanted to extend their visa to match expiry date as mine, the Immigration officer at the Immigration Office Branch we went to initially firmly did not want to grant the extension as I had not officially adopted them. I showed her the above Police Order and she showed me hers (same document, 555) and pointed to me the clause that she claimed said I had to adopt my kids. I re-read that same clause to her and explained politely that she had made a mistake and misunderstood that Clause, and helped her to understand it. She then consulted with 2 other lady officers in tat office, and finally all agreed I was correct. So the extension was granted without any more problems and she became much softer/nicer after this; even made small talk with me (in Thai). Obviously their poor command of English can possibly cause problems for foreigners (even if it was not intentional), unless we know what we are entitled to. Be patient to explain and never lose one's cool.

NOTE: Immigration Visa, as I understand cannot be applied for within Thailand. If your family is already here, you may have to exit the country to apply for the 90-day Non-B Visas outside and then get the 1-year extension before the visas expire. If yr current Non-O Visa is not for Business, I am not sure if yr wife can start work - she may need to get a Non-B (as commonly called). Maybe other TV members can advise better on this.

I assume she will be applying for Work Permit under the school? Work Permit Holders can get 1-year Visa extension and apply for renewal yearly. Dependents ride on this.

Police order 777-2551 extension of stay rules EN - T&G (short).pdf

How can teachers take a watch on 60-70 students per class day in day out, as well as parents have to work 10-15 hours plus overtime each day, while spending at least 6Plus on hte road due to traffic jam...

Yes it is all easy to say, that you can blame teacher and parents for the "misshape of many pranks and crimes", but has anyone in the political branches ever thought about the social issues mentioned above???

It is not he job of teachers to educate the basic profile of a children. The job of a teacher is to teach Thai, mathematic, history, geography etc... perhaps also a couple of words of English when they are "competent".

Basic education of a children is The parents AT HOME, but it seems they prefer to sleep and let their babies do what they want or force them to work sometime hard, which is the basic profile in Thailand.

Education is the key nothing else.

A GOOD teacher is more tha n that - he/she is also a role model for her stuidents. Don;t meana parents don't have responsibilities - they do have the bigger share

Will she soon be called the worlds very best teacher?Or Thailand the worlds hub of concerned teachers.

What? Evem a good action by a wise teacher, you have to be negative enough to turn it around? Sad, really. Kind of reflects on yrself.

That is PRECISELY why I don't call them apartments. What they are is a room for rent that may or may not have a balcony. If you want to eat you are expected to have a meal served at one of the Thai street cafes. If you want to cook something you need to have a balcony and your own little table top stove. Of course, because the apartment also doesn't have any closets you have to store your excess stuff on the balcony. And, in most of these hotel rooms the toilet and shower are in the same small room, meaning that if you want to use the toilet in the evening your feet and butt get wet, so you almost have to strip naked before using what can very loosely be called a "bathroom".

Have you ever seen the bathrooms in many Japanese Hotels? Then you would think those here are a luzxury!

So are these to be used "in class" or for after school?

If it for in-class use then I think that this really takes away the "personal" effect of teacher to student and will just turn into a teacher's nightmere.

Can you imagine 1 teacher in a classroom of 54 P-1 students trying to walk around and control what they are all doing and making sure they are all on the "same page?"

Normally class lessons are only 55 minutes anyways. It will take at least half of that just to get them all on the same lesson no?

I personally feel that these tablets will have an anti-productive effect on teaching and will give the teachers a clear path to just sit back, not teach like they are supposed to and let the kids play with their tablets. The same as the lazy teacher who puts on a video, turns the lights off and rests for 55 minutes.

I don't know why they would resort to this way of teaching to be honest. When I was teaching I always thought it was good when I had made a "Power point" presentation for the class that they could all watch on the same screen which was more interesting to them then just books and get into 1 lesson as a class. That way I could tell who wasn't paying attention and who was. Withe these tablets........omg......kaos

Well the experience from the pilot projects done in Philippines run contrary to what you said, The devices were not only used only in the classroom (cannot bring home), the kids loved this period so much they actually put on their best behaviours to avoid the teacher cancelling the eLearning class and going back to paper-based for that period.

So what u think is not what it is. From what u said, I don't think u understand how kids respond to eLearning. You are seeing it from yr adult perspective

If things turn serious, is the any logical reason why she couldn't follow your faith?

If a mutually respectful relationship is expected to develop then compromise should exist from both sides.

In a world free of hypocrisy neither partner should be expected to compromise their beleifs.

I have only ever seen this forced change in faith be expected in one direction, why not the other way round. Why couldn't a muslim woman switch to Christianity? But, why would she have to? You and your family would be fair to her right?

This is not a One-way street, practice a fair life with equality of freedoms, and also expect that of the treatment you receive.

Slightly different: when My wife and I married I was asked if I will become Buddhust, I replied no, I not Buddhist, I'm not Thai, while I respect the belief and culture of others, I also expect that same respect to apply to mine.

When asked about future children, I replied that there are great aspects but also failings in the religion and attitudes of both our countries and cultures, I expect to give our future children the benefits of both....

For the Islam religion, if a Muslim converts to another religion (eg Christrianity), it willbe a big issue for their entire community. She will get Ostracized from her family and even her family may be ostracized from their community! It is a big shame in their point of view. It is going to take a lot of courage from her and her faith in her new religion hs to be really strong.

I've seen such incidents in Singapore where the new Christian ex-Mulslim really needs very solid and constant support from the Church and the man she loves. She has been cut off from her community and wirse, by her own family 1st and foremost. Yes, the cost is high.Most but the strongest minded would give up after a while and give up her new found God and man to go back to the family.

As for the 2 keeping their own religions, it would be hard, as both would be what we call "unequally" Yoked.

The other visa-run option is always Poipet / Cambodia via Bangkok. More kilometers for sure, but probably not more time-consuming than the Myanmar option outlined above. (especially if you go with a visa-shop out of Bangkok.)

BTW: If we are talking the same Banpong / Suan Phung we are practically neighbours. I live near Chat Pa Way.

Cheers.

Hi my Filipino wife's mum has been staying with us on a 60-day tourist visa, extended for 30 more days and she now has to leave by 8 April. We would like to have her stay for another 30-60 days, as my 2 kids just arrived on Dependents Visa and I want her to spend some time with them. So we probably should make a visa run to get another 60-day Toursist visa. We live in BKK, near the main Immigration Office. I would appreciate any advice on what is the best way to do it at the lowest reasobnable cost. can any one recommend a visa run agent we can use (please PM/message me)? what is the cost like and how many days would it take (staying outside of Thailand)?

Also would the agent be able to take care of my mum-in-law to the point I need not accompnay her and she can go alone (as I have to go to work and would be good if not have to take leave)?

If we jsut do a border run and she comes back on a 15-day visa exempt pass (overland trip), can we go and extend by 15days or so at the BKK main immigratiion office?

Appreciate any help provided

Thats plenty, go for it.

But what are actually going to do here?

start by clearing my head out.......getting negativity out of my life

Do it. This is a good place. Sounds like you can avoid those bar girls places. The is more to life here than the bars, I tell you. if you are looking for long term happy relationship, would even suggest you avoid going for young girls in their early 20s, who are often out for money and shallow fun. Find someone in her 30+, preferably financially stable with a reasonable job, and looking for someone to spend her life with (and usually rather not have a Thai man, due to bad experience) . Even speaks reasonble English - more than enough for good communication. They are there, waiting,... I see them in my office.

"Thank you for help me to translate."

Kentucky State University ( Masters )

And your masters is from?

And your fluency in Thai is?

The PM's command of the English language is still better than other important foreign leaders such as Putin of Russia, and Merkel of Germany. And the President of the USA speaks how many foreign languages?

BTW, how many expat managing directors ent over to manage the local company units actually speak Thai? One would think that such people living and working in Thailand would be fluent.

Criticism of the PM's English language skills is petty and usually made by insecure people.

And why would anybody want to speak Thai.. English is the language of the financial world, the language of international business, and also the main on-line language, go across the border to poor repressed Burma, and anyone with even a formal education speaks pretty damned good English.. go curl up with your red shirt wife and dog and give us all a break... Speak Thai ...haha... might as well speak Martian... khrup..

I wonder how many languages/dialects do you know? You are in a country whose native language is not English and you expect them to speak as if they had been raised with this language? English may be my 1st language but I want to be part of the community I now live in and therefore I am learning to speak/read/write in Thai, over and above my English, like I had done with Tagalog when I lived in the Phiippines. At home I speak a mixture of English, Tagalog and even a few words of Thai to teach my kids who just arrived. I WANT them to learn Thai and be able to read and write too, so that they too can be part of the commnity.

If you want to live here and expect the Thais to speak yr lanaguage as well as you do, sorry you will be disappointed. How many countries in Europe have you been to? Not all of them speak good English, despite being exposed since they were born.

Question is rather than just complaining and throwing brickbats, what can you do to help their learning process? You too have a responsibilty to the comunity in which you live, or you think u are a class above them?

For me, I make the effort to encourage Thais to speak English, but without putting them down or making them feel shy their spoken English is bad. I try to get them to realize is the ability to communicate that matters, not being able to speak perfectly. And I've done that with the counterfirls at the Supermarket, the lady who owns the palor my wife visits, the taxi-drivers I met, and many I met on the streets. It has been a rewarding experience to see some letting go of their shyness and try.

Yes, we can all do our part to contribute, not just sit back and bitch about nhy things are not the way we expect them to be. Doing so (the bitching part) makes you part of the problem. Would you rather not be part of the solution?

BTW, I speak English (my 1st language - and No, I am not a Caucasian), Mandarin/ Chinese (my 2nd language), Tagalog/Filipino, Thai, Malay/Indonesian, and the Chinese dialects - Fujian.Hokkien, Cantonese/HongKong, Teochew, some Hainanese. But forgotten all my Japanese. Still learning because being able to converse with locals where I go, in their language/dialect is a joy.

Would miss my Condo (which I really like in Pathum Thani which unfortunately is still not livable as water and electricity to the condo itself has not been restored. That is the excuse I have now to not move back, as my kids are coming and they cannot live without elect/water.

Don't blame you mate, the management are still pontificating about exactly how they are going to restore power and water having previously promised that it would all be sorted by mid-April (after mid-January and mid-February).

My two grand-daughters are over for a couple of weeks, the amount of water we use keeping them reasonably clean is amazing, we're re-filling our 5000 litre tanks every 3 days.

The industrial park have also build the workers accommodation and are constructing the concrete batching plant for the new flood wall right outside your window

Looks like I have to move out from there; my 2 older kids will be here next week and our intention is to find them an English-based school but the typical international schools are way too costly for us at this point. Fortunately I found what seems to be good school in Lad Prao , run by a PhD from Malaysia and he has a Filipina wife, and many of the teachers are Filipinos. The school offers s special price for Filipino kids (Pinay wife being the reason), wihich made it affordable. Lessons are 100% in English (Thai is not taught) and they use a lot of textbooks from Singapoire. More imporatntly I like the Headmaster's attitude to educating kids (my style). Seems good to me. Only problem is the school hardly has facilities for ECA so that has to be supplemented by us parents - fine by me as I soend a lot of time having fun with the kids. Guess Daddy has to be the one to ravel further to work but its a worthwhile sacrifice. We intend to move to that area.

The little 2 year old is so excitied,. asking to Sjype video with his 2 elder siblings everyday. Hehe my family will be complete once more....

Stil owe u one mate, and will do the necesary very soon, Working hard on that

The Japanese are probably behind this in a major way. Good news for sure though. Go Thailand! The dykes are necessary, even if they isolate the industrial estates. One poster here, at least, seems to forget that the double-whammy for Honda and others was that operations not only shut down, but tons of expensive equipment and inventory had to be completely replaced. The dykes protect against a repeat of the latter, even if they do create little islands no one can get to (temporarily).

Yep Yep Yep, Exactly the feeling of someone who might be inside those islands. To get to work if there is still electricity? well when there is a will, thre will be a way

Building islands which cannot be reached by workers or suppliers. What is the next great move by this impotent government.

Think Deeper. The amount of money & recovery time it would save by not having to replace flooded machines with new ones and production facilities destroyed again would already lead to a faster and less scostly recovery, unlike last year, Of course if electricity isis still avaiable to operate the factories, I am sure we will find a way to get to work. That is the sasy part compated to rescusign whateer stuff we can salbvae during lat year;s floods - by boats and hands.And I am speaking as one who was affected in the Pathum Thani factories.

Are u anywhere in there too?

Body builder using knife, what happened to the good ol' fist fight, copping it sweet and going to have beer,not sink into self pity and anger,go back and stab some one, silly bastards....read some where roid rage...to funny.

Hey are u kidding? This ain't no bodybuilder!