EnlightenedAtheist

https://www.rt.com/uk/425873-kirkham-novichok-salisbury-poisoning/

https://www.rt.com/news/424047-russian-mod-syria-statement/

There is a lot of research linking all kinds of diseases to air pollution. Please post links to research showing how pollution affects the human body and cause diseases. Discussion needs to be on the research and not opinions, anecdotes, or hearsay.

14 hours ago, Brunolem said:

So it's worse than I thought...but not surprising.

Here in Sisaket, far away from any industrial activities, and little or no crop burning, the air is terrible!

Me and my son are on anti-allergie medicine (running nose) all year long, and eyes infections are frequent in the population around, depending from where the wind is blowing.

 

We have done a fine mess during the past decades, which is maybe why our dear leaders are in such a hurry to go to war, so as to wipe the slate clean...one way or another...

I have been pointing out that the problem is even worse that what people make it to be. The indiscriminate use of pesticide (probably in higher dosages that are required) compounded by the burning of the crops that are spread with those create a very toxic mix in the air. If it is not Thailand farmers and people, it will be from Laos. There is an idiot leader and a herd of corrupt underlinks there too. Go to homepro and buy those masks at once.

Some people told me --dismissively-- a while back back in the smog and smoke thread that there were many possible solutions to solve this matter, but none would amount to anything. Now, I see the conversation continues to be along the line that Thais will never change and since other countries are doing it, there is nothing that can be done about it. Still, there are reports that there are fewer fires than before in Thailand. If they are credible, what happened? 

Btw, since people are choosing to be off-topic, let me indulge a little and broach the topic of change --or the lack of thereof-- that some have spoken about. Change takes time and perseverance because systems and habits are hard to break. I know by experience. Some of us have had to wait for 250 years (ahahaha) to see the English spelling system be cleaned up and very few English-speakers, who usually scream and shout bloody murder when the air needs to be cleaned up as this thread demonstrate or scream when Thais don't seem to reform anything as people do on this forum on all threads all of the time, are suddenly so UNwilling to empathize and reform because it is unpleasant to do so. Maybe there is a lesson or a trait that unites all humans somewhere in here. In any case, the reaction has been swift --and not-- as I bet some even go as far as blocking me from even broaching the topic. While I might be perceived to be off-topic, I am not. A newspaper, a few journalists and a few people (incl. Thais) tried to alert the public and start a demonstration last month. That is one way to affect change. However, did you see how the mayor of Chiang Mai dealt with the problem? There were some Thais who were interested in change, but they couldn't. So, if we are going to talk about impediments to change, we should also add that to the tally: brute dictatorial force of an elite group or another form of that reaction when something unpleasant is being showcased. It seems that people are simply unwilling to change their ways. Btw, from what I hear, China -- the prototypical dictatorship-- is trying to clean up its air (and act) now. I know that it has taken too much time, but it is taking place. There is hope. Change takes time. Let's keep the pressure up. Not sure if the financial impact (loss of tourism) had more to do with the reaction, but the reaction was swift. It looks like they were very sensitive to the bad publicity.

In any case, can those people who said they had lots of means to clean up the air list those? To be frank, I am not interested in personal solutions (use of masks,  filtering systems,... ), but societal solutions (that could benefit the whole population not just YOU). I am not talking about farfetched plans either.

39 minutes ago, StreetCowboy said:

I've cycled into the office three times this month, and there's still a week to go.

 

What have you guys done?

 

 

Sure. This is a personal decision that is beneficial for the environment. Do you think it is beneficial for you to breathe the polluted air? Unless you are using a 3M filter mask, you surely will do a lot of damage to your body and could even die. Don't laugh. I has an acquaintance of mine that kicked the bucket while exercising in Chiang Mai in March. It was defin. the air. Btw, I am using a fan right now, but I would prefer a/c. This is beneficial for the environment, but I am still breathing crappy air. Still, I am not breathing it like if I were biking.

The question is looking for solutions that deals with the source of the issue. The issue is people are breathing crappy air.

Governments could give incentives to buyers to buy electric cars too like this Canadian mayor/coun cil/city decided to do: https://ca.news.yahoo.com/laval-offers-citizens-2k-subsidy-182110662.html Should I phone the mayor of a Thai city that is plagued with bad air myself? I don't think it is my business, but I can Thai citizens to do this. Many want change. I am sure. I am sure if women knew what we know, they would.

21 hours ago, Marvo said:

Re "Rules changed..."
This year we (wife & I) were required to bring a friend to the immigration office to "vouch" for us as still living together as man and wife.

Also the photos in and around the house needed us in the SAME clothes, taken by (and with) the visiting immigration officer. Previously the photos had to be wearing DIFFERENT clothes in each picture.

I just can't keep up with all these changes!

Where is this? Did they give any rationale as to why you need to have the same clothes? Maybe this is to defeat a scam. I will ask an acquaintance here to know if this is a standard here and, if so, if he knows the reason.

25 minutes ago, Swimman said:

It is a personal choice if money is left 'doing nothing' not a requirement of the Thai authorities  Many wise people choose to have their money work by investing it in an interest-bearing account.

I think you took the "left sitting doing nothing" too literally. Granted, it is rather imprecise. Btw, wiser people use that extra money in better investment than that.

Today we are over 200 on https://aqicn.org/city/thailand/chiangmai/city-hall/.

So, I have decided to honour and adhere to the topic and present a solution. I have been told that we they allowed to meander here, which is odd because we couldn't do it on the smog, smoke thread. Hey, change is good!

So, for a solution, here is something recent: Greener and cheaper technique for biofuel production (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/04/180406100547.htm)

Now, you must go beyond the title to find what I am looking for. 

Quote

 

Biofuels produced from unprocessed cellulosic materials such as plant biomass, as well as agriculture, horticultural and organic waste, are expected to meet growing energy demands without increasing greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the burning of fossil fuels. These cellulosic materials are in great abundance, environmentally friendly, and economically sustainable.

 

 

 

[...]

Quote

 

The novel technique developed by the NUS team could potentially be a game-changing technology for cost effective and sustainable biofuel production [and slash-and-burn agriculture*].

 

Spent mushroom compost -- typically composed of wheat straw and saw dust -- is the residual compost waste generated by mushroom farming. The microorganisms in the waste are left to evolve naturally for more than two years to obtain the unique TG57 strain.

 

The fermentation process is simple, and no complicated pre-treatment or genetic modification of the microorganisms is required. When cellulose is added, the bacterium simply digests it to produce butanol as the main product.

 

*Added by me.

So, if this is not obvious, the idea is that farmers could make money collecting the waste they burn. They could also use the fuel I suppose. 

Given the medical costs to treat children and people, in general, that develop respiratory diseases, I would think that this solution would be a win-win-win for all involved. Doctors and big pharma might not like it though. Maybe that is another problem.

Now, are there any Thais on TV that would be so kind and translate this, and give this to the government or university departments? Hey, maybe you can do it or know of someone. Complaining about a problem does not accomplish anything.

Not sure why people don't use black or dark grey grout! It looks just as good and it will remain looking good. There are sealers as well.

3 hours ago, sometimewoodworker said:

If you are a British national, yes you can,  yes they do.

 

also in in some countries you can cash in your pension for a lump some so current statements are required.

Oh! Email would be excellent. I better check (or lay the seed). Maybe I will get a tree in a few years! LOL

2 hours ago, sometimewoodworker said:

It does, linked from that page Issuance of visa

ISSUANCE OF VISA
	1. Transit Visa 2. Tourist Visa 3. Non-Immigrant Visa 4. Diplomatic Visa 5. Official Visa 6. Courtesy Visa

Thanks. Interesting.

I figured it would be there somewhere (LOL), but under "issuance of visa"? Who would have thought it?

It is miscategorized.

The question is "Why is it buried there and not in/under --at least-- one of the 6 categories?" Is it an error or is it deliberately there to obfuscate and --in fact-- prevent people from knowing that there are many other types of visas?

9 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

Pinned topics are often a waste of space since nobody reads them.

For example this pinned topic has links for downloading police orders and etc. 

I appreciate the consistently excellent information you --and others-- provide (some of it not shown on the links you gave as there are some unwritten rules or behaviour), but please do consider replying with the  pinned topic you linked me (and maybe specifying the number that applies, as name like "police orders" means absolutely nothing to explain where the information is).  Great work from whoever did this, btw. That would save you time and quickly get more people using those, I think. Not sure if this would work, but I am thinking that a title like  "ALL rules about ALL of the visas." or  "ALL rules about ALL of the extensions of visas." would be a bit more transparent than police order XY.Z ("Police order # XYZ" should be in bracket, if at all.). I am willing to edit it and advise TV on what it could look like. No obligation, of course. 

So, if people like you referred to it more, it would get used more. This is just a friendly suggestion.

How about a title like: 

"ALL laws and RULES on visas, extensions, immigration matters, and work permits"

instead of ...

"Laws, regulations, Police Orders, etc. related to visas, immigration matters, and work permits"

Compare:

"ALL LAWS and RULES on visas, extensions, immigration matters, and work permits"

or

"Laws, regulations, Police Orders, etc. related to visas, immigration matters, and work permits"

Incidentally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (http://mfa.go.th/main/en/services/4908) does not even list (as far as I can see) all visas (just the retirement visas). 

6 hours ago, sometimewoodworker said:

That is neither idiotic nor tyrannical. You have to provide proof of current income (usually last financial year or most recent pension payments/statements) not what you were getting 2, 3, 4 or 5 years ago.

I could provide an official statement from the pension plan that would stipulate that I will be getting this until x years though (in my case 4 years, at least).

It is true that a pension plan could go belly up, but how likely is it that an official, public, say, teacher plan could? It is also true that the amount could change when one gets to be a certain age (60 or 65) if one gets in trouble with tax authorities, say. I guess I hate filling paper 3000 times, which is often the case with these guys. I guess we have to because there are idiots who cheat.

That letter is exactly the same as it was written before. It is probably activated by one push of a button. Can't I just sent an email to the consulate and then proceed? Can't they not reply with an email and the letter? I pay using cc. Less pollution and less wasted time. 

But, I understand that no one ever will question the efficiency of their procedures, especially as it relates to the customer. They must have the easiest job on the planet since no one can complain.

5 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

That is the latest police order that went into effect August 29th of 2014.

Good to know it is the latest. They could have an effective date on these! 

5 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

For marriage it is clause 2.18

Thanks. I figured that part. LOL

Maybe each part of the whole order should be pinned on TV, creating several pins that could then be discussed and given details to the unwritten rules (that could be pinned once they are ascertained).

2 hours ago, elviajero said:

I think you are asking about getting a new income letter using an old income letter. If so, I doubt any embassy would accept past letters to get a new one.

Yes! I sort of knew that would be the answer. Why would an official letter become useless after 6 months, even as a way to make a new one! Idiocy, tyranny, and bureaucracy rime! I wish I could tell them how stupid and how dysfunctional they are, sometimes. I will try to see the stupid reaction on the face of the bureaucrat or the "Don't tell me what I can accept I make the stupid rules" smirk!

Quote

You can only get an income letter from your countries Embassy. I don't know your nationality, but the documentation (proof) you need to supply varies. Those that want proof/evidence of income usually want to see a document, from the source, showing the amount received .

Thanks. As I have already gotten one, I am aware of the process, including going to the right consulate. 

I wonder if this PDF from the govn't is still valid. I realize it is dated 2014, btw, hence the question.

http://www.pcecnews.com/permNL/Immigration Bureau order 327-2557 (2014) - extension criteria & conditions en.pdf

24 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

There is no combination of income and money in the bank allowed for an extension based upon marriage. That is only for a retirement extension.

Oh! Thanks. But, you can use your wife's income to add to your income. Right?

1 hour ago, elviajero said:

Yes. You need a new letter every year. Letters are usually only valid for a maximum of 6 months.

Very helpful answer. Thank you.

Lastly, I wonder if past (original) letters were acceptable, they should be accepted as evidence to get a new one. Please state which consulate, as it could vary.

13 hours ago, sometimewoodworker said:

If it's in the bank it must be there for 2 months before you apply, it should be the same everywhere (ask your immigration office for a definitive answer). It must be in an account in your name only (no joint accounts)

 

you can do the income option as you need 40,000 per month, you are a little over that, but if your income is in a foreign currency be careful of the exchange rate as you are only about 10% above the threshold. You will have the added joy of getting the income certified.

Thanks a lot for specifying the 2 months' and the non-joint account's stipulations. 

I recalculated my income and it looks like I am actually over 600 K. Btw, my bank account is not a joint account. BTW, the consulate gave a before tax income. I forgot about that.

Just to help others in the same predicament, when is the income exchange rate determined to pass the immigration test. Is it when you verify the income at one's consulate or is it done when the IO gives the okay, or when the extension starts?

Does this verification of income need to take place every year/every time you apply or can you use the "letter" from the consulate year after year? I noticed that when I did this a year ago, the consulate gave both the foreign currency and converted the money in Bahts, but gave a monthly income. Obviously exchange rates change, but a smart IO would be able to connect the dots, wouldn't they?

I hear you can use both income and bank income to qualify for the retirement visa/extension. Is that true for this one too?

Every year, at around this time of the year, farmers (of legal or illegal substances) all over the region burn the waste or residue products of their crop that are laced with pesticides. In some areas of the North, in particular, there are forest fires that are either lit as a result of this burning or are set by thunderstorm, ... which compound the problem. Car/tuk tuk, songthaews' exhausts and other street or even yard  burning/cooking also add to the problem as well. There are also coal fire plants releasing particles in the air too. Pollution is a big issue in SEA and Thailand or it should be.

The health hazard to citizens created by these burnings are high. While it is true that the rich and the powerful can go to coastal regions and avoid most of the pollution and that many can afford air purifiers (car and home), high quality face masks,  and a/c that enable them to reduce their exposure to the toxic chemicals and particles, the vast majority of citizens cannot (although 3M face masks at 100 B. lasting for one month are quite affordable). 

Complaining about the problem does little to alleviate it. In fact, it probably channels the energy away from addressing or fixing the problem. 

What are the solutions that are or could be implemented to incentivize farmers, citizens, industry, and governments to take action and reduce pollution?

While it is likely that some measures were put in place in the past, Rome was not built in one day. Sidney, Chicago, London either!

1 hour ago, sometimewoodworker said:

Unless you went to an Amper/Ket and got the  pretty paper you are not legally married. The formal ceremony is a  buddhist ceremony and not a legal marriage.  

 

Immigration requires both a de jure and de facto marriage if you are legally married and have 400,000 in the bank the 1 year extension of say is easy and much cheaper than visa runs IMNSHO. immigration does not care about the ceremony pictures, just both of you in and around your house.

Thanks for that. Very helpful.

I have the pretty papers. 

Good news if you say that it is not that hard! Now I need to convince the wife and fight off all of the agents that will tell her I (we) are crazy!

I have B. 100 K in the bank here and lots back home ready to transfer (as we are about to build a house). We bought a piece of land. Not sure how soon I need to have it seasoned in Chiang mai.  Considering I will need to transfer the money anyway, it is a smart move to attempt, if I can do it in time.

Can I use my pension income? It is B 550 K (year, of course).

23 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

Both are the same. You are calling your multiple entry non-o visa a spouse visa that is exactly the same as saying it is based upon marriage.

In reality their is no spousal visa. It is one based upon marriage to a Thai.

Thanks, Joe! I understand now.

There is one visa that you must pay $200 and there are several names for it,. I call it a visiting spouse visa. The other name used is a non-o spouse visa.  That is the official name.

So, this visa can be extended for one year, but you need 400 K + seasoned in a bank. If I wanted to make that happen, I would need to have that seasoned in a bank for 2 or 3 months and do all the paperwork and subject myself to visits by officers and hope my wife will be there when they come or else? I am not too sure I want to subject myself to this ordeal. Flying to HCM seems less stressful. The agencies make it appear that this is an ordeal and my wife believes it. 

Can you give me your sense of what the Chiang Mai office is like based on the thousands of postings on this matter? Last time I went to the office, I had zero clue as to whom I had to talk to to get the specifics needed to comply. Before, at the airport office, there was at least one receptionist. I did not see this in the new office (Promenada). I saw all kinds of tables that had officers dealing with people. I did not feel to comfortable disturbing them.

Wouldn't it be easier if TV had one permanent page that one could consult to see what is needed? Maybe it exists. Maybe there is a clear Chiang Mai immigration link/page where all this info. is put in a transparent way. I am sure there is one for the whole of Thailand. 

9 hours ago, BritTim said:

It is more normal in your situation just to apply for a further one year extension. You normally only apply for a fresh visa if you were unable to meet the requirements for the one year extension near the time your current permission to stay ends. You can, in principle, extend the initial 90 days you received entering with your Non O visa year-by-year an unlimited number of times.

My visiting spousal visa can be extended for one year? The visa I have is not a visa based on marriage. I think they are different beasts.

14 hours ago, elviajero said:

A 60 day extension is a usually easy to get and is issued on the spot. It depends on the office you apply at as to how long would take. Your wife needs to go with you. And you’d need to provide your marriage certificate plus copy and copies of your wife’s ID and Tabian Baan. 

Thanks. 

In my case though, I would like to go to my home country in September of next year and so the added 2 months would be unnecessary, but I will keep this in mind in the future. Thanks.

Which office in your experience gives on the spot?