sandyf

The system was rolled out at the start of 2019, initially in China, and worked reasonably well. It was then rolled out in the UK and run into problems. I suspect that although the No of visas processed in China was large it may have been on a batch basis rather than individual. The system freezing problems in the UK gave it a bad name but they were resolved fairly quickly. I think France was next and most issues had been dealt with by then. My Non O applications since 2021 have been very straightforward, last year got the visa in about 50 hours.

People should remember that the counries already providing e-visas do so on the basis the applicant has the legal right to long term residence in the country concerned, short term eg tourist visas are not acceptable residence. Some countries are a bit unclear but this is how the HK site puts it Confirmation of legal residence, in the context of the Hong Kong SAR, generally refers to (a) Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card (“A” HKID); (b) Hong Kong Identity Card indicating right to land (“R” HKID) or unconditional stay permit (“U” HKID); or (c) valid stay permit issued by Hong Kong Immigration (for “C” HKID holders). Confirmation of legal residence, in the context of the Macao SAR, generally refers to (a) Macao Permanent Resident ID Card (flip-side to be submitted along with front-side); or (b) valid stay permit issued by Macao Immigration. https://hongkong.thaiembassy.org/en/page/visa-info

Of course you ignore the fact that the 4 previous inititiatives involving QR code payments did come to pass and following teething problems were quite successful. Another is now under way so past experience does indicate that digital money initiatives do come to pass, but feel free to carry on doubting.

The only point in question is that you and others see discrimination as quite acceptable, until it affects you of course. In a equal society all pensions where NI was a factor, which would include the majority of workplace and private pensions, should be frozen.

When I went to China in 2013, no cash in the markets, traders wouldn't accept it. Elsewhere was all QR code and they didn't like it if you tried to pay cash, just wasn't worth the wait for change. We had to cross a river to the town on a small ferry, fare about 3 baht and everyone including the aged were paying by phone. I had to pay a yuan as I never had anything that small. Driver always smiled, 3 passengers in one. Why do people think the Thais are incapable of getting in the same position. But then the US was about 20 years behind Europe on chip and pin, obviously a reluctance to progress. Why do people

But you prefer to jump to conclusions. Your words "Like most initiatives in Thailand, unlikely to happen."

The Embassy and Consulates have never said that, it has always been a double scenario situation, the move to E-visa didn't change that. When they changed from the paper application to E-visa they failed to attach some text on the website in the context it should have been, probably the result of it being done centrally rather than locally. Unfortunately there are always those that want to take things literally.

Indeed. And when you do go to immigration for the 12 month extension it is taken as a 90 report. If you do the exempt/conversion option then you have to manage the 90 day yourself and possibly more time at immigration.

What you are looking at is a bit of a leftover from the old days. Second link refers to Hull and that shut down years ago. The criteria was over 50 and met the financial requirement OR a UK state pension of any amount. The visa title sould be read as such "pensioner aged 50( or above with state pension) who wishes to stay in Thailand for no longer than 90 days" Just follow the requirements on the E-visa application and there shouldn't be a problem. Funds for a visa can be anywhere so you can use your Thai account if you choose.

So in your opinion discrimination is not newsworthy. You only have to mention "trans" and the government is rushing to change the law, but they are quite prepared to deny military veterans a full state pension. The sad part is people like you support them.

After two and a half years doubt if the OP is still interested.

Like most on this forum you think the Thais are incapable of learning. The Chinese went cashless because they couldn't trust cash, every chance the same outcome in Thailand.

That is not the issue. Why should some get index linked pensions and others don't. The first recipricol agreement created 2 classes of overseas pensioners, those that can and those that can't. Every MP however will stand up and claim discriination is unacceptable. Brexit brought the agreement with the EU to an end but the goverment changed the law to prevent the backlash from those in the EU. In 2019 the labour party gave there backing to the APPG recommendations and it was included in their 2019 manifesto, Page 76 for reference. As soon as they got a sniff of power there was a sudden U turn.

Indeed. In 1961 the government introduced the second state pension which was then revamped under the 1975 reforms. Those on a workplace pension scheme were contracted out of the state second pension and had their workplace pension enhanced from NI contributions. Very easy for those receiving the second state pension as part of a generous workplace or private pension, index linked wherever you live, to be critical of those that were never in a position to contract out. They also benefit from their second state pension being covered by the DTA. The whole arrangement was blatent discrimination but unlike the WASPI issue the government feels quite safe from adverse public opinion and media attention.

I would have done the same but for me it was 13K between Thai and Emirates.

Of course a higher fare class will provide greater flexibility but the average passenger is much more restricted. If you can put a backpack in a cabin size suitcase what would be the point in having the suitcase.

I prefer direct, up to a point.

I was looking for a ticket a couple of days ago and saw Thai Airways at 31K in the morning. When I went to book it a bit later it had gone up to 41K. Booked with Emirates instead.

You probably mean epoxy putty, there are several available and some better than others. With that I would think you need to bridge the break. I would suggest you try pipe glue. The pipes are PVC and every chance the chair is as well. Test the glue on an unseen part of the chair first, the plastic should go sticky.

Many places now you have to scan yourself into departures from the boarding card and that can be done by phone, desk boarding card or one you have printed out. QR codes are just more sophisticated bar codes and scanning will become the norm in due course.

Indeed, I have also done it many times online after re-entry. A few weeks ago I tried again after returning in June but this time got a message from immigration saying first report after re-entry must be done in person. However when I did go there was no issue with my TM30 from 2015. Bit of a pain, about 2 hours driving for a couple of minutes in front of the IO.

There may be a levelling off. I have just booked another flight with Emirates back to the UK as I did last Sep. Bit surprised it was about £60 cheaper this year for the same class of fare.

Indeed, and not just the domestic. A lot got caught out when BA introduced a cabin baggage only fare.

My understanding is the ETA QR code would allow you to use the e-gates, which would then scan your passport. There has been no mention of where the QR code would be scanned. People should wait for the detail rather than speculating. There have been people posting about already using the e-gates, but on exit , not entry.

Forum is full of those that think Thailand can do no right, have to wonder why they are here. You were wrong also to interpret that the ETA was not postponed. The ETA system, designed to streamline immigration procedures for visitors, was originally scheduled to launch in December 2024. However, the ministry said a launch date had yet to be determined as coordination with relevant agencies is still ongoing. https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40041755