sandyf

Every question that needs an answer requires that an upload is made, if that is not done you cannot proceed to the next section. There is nothing to stop blank uploads being made but the poster was wrong to imply it was a standard practice. If a question cannot be answered then uploading a note as to why would be a better option.

Why are people blaming Thailand. Why not blame the greatest advocates of Electronic Travel Authorisation like the US, EU and UK? Thailand is an emerging economy, would be strange if it didn't follow the lead.

One has to assume that you are applying that statement to all countries that have, or intend to have, a similar scheme implemented. Or maybe you are just a bigot.

You could always get a visa, Sorry, forgot, that is what you want to avoid.

So why quote it in a post? If your sole concern is the Thai ETA, why not wait for the facts rather than posting unsubstantiated garbage. If you can't wait, the best indicator will lie in how other countries have implemented a similar scheme. Maybe you should research ESTA.

Quite the opposite. ESTA, ETIAS, ETA etc etc are all schemes for those who do not need a visa, i.e. travelling on visa waiver, visa exempt etc.

Your comment referred to an existing arrangement, ESTA, so you were obviously aware of how that is currently operating when making the post. Weren't you? Also you appear to be misinformed regarding denial of entry. If you read the conditions of carriage you will find that the airline has the right to reclaim ALL expenses regarding repatriation from the passenger.

Some years ago a fairly senior doctor told me opioid based painkillers couldn't be prescribed to outpatients. Following your post I looked it up and see that Tramadol can be obtained from a pharmacist and quite happy to stand corrected on that point. I never said there was any restriction on Pregbalin, just suggested that it may not be easy to obtain based on my experience with similar medication over 25 years. You are out of order linking the same comment to both medications. I also said that not all medicines, meaning what the OP would see as normal, are not available in Thailand. Something you have chosen to ignore. The Nurofen Plus incident was a very long time ago and merely a highlight on how some Thai pharmacies view narcotic based medication compared to the UK.

I would have thought you would have received a P60 from the pension provider, but maybe not if paid gross. If you did get a P60 then your code will be on there. I was under the impression that all pension providers, other than the government , are required to provide P60s. They not only indicate tax paid but also addressed Lifetime Allowance which was replaced this year by Lump Sum and Death Benefit Allowances. Hope your address is current with provider, a couple of years ago I got caught out when they sent out a proof of life certificate.

There is always somewhere where the rules will be flouted and the OP may very well welcome that information. Some years ago I saw a pharmacy sellin Nurofen so I asked for a packet of Nurofen Plus, pharmacist just held his hands out in a handcuffs gesture.

Are you claiming that all airlines aroud the world that fly in to the US have stopped self check in for those not requiring a visa. i must have missed that one.

The US system ESTA has been in operation some time. Airlines say you can be refused boarding if not in possession of an ESTA. US immigration say you can be refused entry if not in possession. The Thais say "up to you".

There was never any visa to be replaced. One can only assume English is not your first language.

Indeed. There is a certain amount of international sharing, as opposed to domestic, but I do do not see anything in what you have posted that specifically states the international sharing of earned income. The overseas section of your link only lists your obligations.

Not surprising, I believe tramadol is an opioid and you shouldn't be able to get that anywhere as an out patient. Not sure if pregabalin is restricted or not but anxiety medication has become more difficult to get in recent years. Not all medications are available in Thailand and you may well have to accept an alternative till you get back. Very unlikely you will get a different response from a clinic or pharmacy unless an under the counter option.

If you consider the EU justification. According to the European Commission, it is planned to be implemented "for the identification of security, irregular migration or high epidemic risks posed by visa-exempt visitors." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Travel_Information_and_Authorisation_System It would appear that Thailand has the right approach. Single entry - FOC.

You are wrong to say "all". I have seen it somewhere but not going looking again. The sharing of personal financial information is confined to unearned income. There is no international sharing of information on earned income.

They could. Years ago it used to be like the OP picture in Meaung Chonburi on a regular basis. About 10 years or so ago they put in a network of 2 metre square drains, hasn't been any flooding since. The downside was the project created massive disruption for a couple of years. Pattaya is caught between a rock and a hard place. The disruption there over a similar period would probably cost more than the project itself in lost tourist revenue. As we have seen over the years all they do is try and fix a major injury with sticking plaster. Really is a case of "No pain, No gain".

Really! In 25 years I have seen quite a bit of what happens in Thailand. Unfortunately many never leave their back yard and think what they see is what happens everywhere.

"Once approved, ETA holders will be able to use automated passport gates at immigration checkpoints." I would hope that once that comes about, visa and re-entry permit holders will also be able to use the passport gates.

I think what the poster meant was come in and do conversion from exemp to Non O and then the extension. I have heard of some offices doing it in one go, which has led some to talking about a 15 month extension. With the 30 day visa exempt it would have been a bit tight for time, 60 days may be feasible. All about when the wife will be away.

Indeed. He got rid of the government of the day and a similar situation has never arisen since. A bit the same in the US, they squashed the confederates and there has been relative unity since. Thailand is a different scenario, the UK and US are effectively 2 party states, whereas Thailand has too many cooks in the kitchen. Political differences come about very easily and they end up with the army knocking their heads together.

Indeed, I got rid of LINE, anyone I want to talk to I can do so on the PC with Messenger, either as a video call or a phone call. As you are probably aware, anyone on FB is by default on Messenger which can be used from within FB or as a standalone app.

Take it you are from the post SKYPE era. The OP nevere said anything about getting rid of a phone, just looking for alternatives to some smartphone facilities. I wouldn't disagree with the sentiment I also hate touch screen technology. Unfortunately the digital age is pushing some of us in directions we don't want to go. I have nothing against progress, I was an IT consultant, but we are being held hostage to decisions based on the perception of others.

It all depends on your circumstances but if you are looking for somewhere quiet but fairly close to the built up area then LK Emerald Beach is not a bad option. Certainly no noise there. https://www.lkpattaya.com/emeraldbeach/