Pla Simon

Perhaps the subordinate misunderstood his commanding officer's order to covertly check on privates, during ablutions...

The beaches on Koh Chang are a bit much of a muchness. I was there during covid - placed looked like the aftermath of a nuclear holocaust - completely dilapidated. Dangerous roads - treacherous when wet Got bitten to buggery on many of the beaches there, (aswell as walking along the peripheries), by sand fleas - notably Klong Prao. Enjoy.

Since I flew into Bkk over 5 and a half Years ago, on a METV issued in London, I haven't flown anywhere. I never intended a METV to be a long term solution to anything - indeed, should have been back at work Years ago - ensuing covid nonsense put paid to that. Border bounces - SETV's issued in Savannakhet Laos / extended in Thailand, then covid extensions in Country / amnesty - after which I used up allowances of 45 day border bounces / 30 day extensions - after which I received my current SETV in Vientiane, after my first ever refusal in Savannakhet. Generally I don't pay attention to the naysaying "experts" on these forums, or the hearsay crowd with no direct personal experience of the subject matter. Many here, for whatever reason, seek great supercillious delight, wallowing in misery and scorn - thinking a retirement visa grants them an authoritative voice / opinion on immigration. The only real authority on immigration in Thailand, is immigration itself, and I've always had good dealings with them over the Years. The Thai embassy in Vientiane - right now - are not scutinising visa history in Thailand - if you can provide 3 Months historic evidence of funds greater than 20,000 thb, you're good for a SETV. Good luck to any and everyone who can and wants to stay here, and makes their way by any means possible. Would be interested to hear the OP's outcome.

Multiple reasons - I have never paid an agent, and never will. I could have paid 20 bags of sand to an agent in Buriram, to sort out retirement visa, but decided to use monies to travel, and have a holiday. Here 28 Years - speak a few languages - enough to get by, and do things myself. Not enamoured with Malaysia. Not immediately constrained by time. Been hitting Laos / Cambodia for Years - history / friends - not been anywhere outside of Thailand since covid, so nice to get out of the village. If you keep checking - more days will open up - people / agents cancelling, etc. Dogmatic comments of "ludicrous - achievement" have no bearing on the facts at hand - my prolonged stay as a tourist has all been above board - legitimised by immigration officials / auspice of law. Just making my way forwards - there is always a way here. I will say to anyone running out of visa, with prolonged history in Thailand - Vientiane is more or less a dead cert right now for a SETV.

The long and short of it is I've stayed continuously in Thailand for over 5 and a half Years, until present, as a tourist. Things can change obviously, but right now, Vientiane are not scrutinising visa history in Thailand. I applied with little more than a 3 Month bank statement, evidencing >20,000 thb and collected my approved visa 6 days ago.

METV over 5 and a half Years ago. Tourist visas - covid amnesty - used up all border bounces. Been in Thailand continuously, as a tourist - without issue, until denial at Savannkhet - remedied at Vientiane, recently.

If you book your appointment, and log in to your link everyday, invariably you will find earlier appointment slots opening up - upto a good few days before. Simply rebook and cancel old appointment. You will get your visa at Vientiane - 100% Recently got mine with considerably more history than yourself. Form and 3 Months bank statements, an address to goto and 1,000 thb - all very friendly. This was after refusal at Savannakhet. 2 full working days processing time. If you're handing in on a Friday - collect Tuesday. Personally don't like Vientiane, so I try to avoid staying unless necessary. Vang Vieng, although not what it was, is still worth a chill for a week - 2 hour minibus from Vientiane 150,000 kip. Decent room 150 - 200,000 kip. Baht to kip is 570 atm - traditionally 250.

Oui, Willy Winkie. Although it was only 8 pm, it was already pastis bedtime... At least the locals got a free Eiffel, as a souvenir.

Hi, eggzthaioz. You will need a passport photo, a filled out visa application and thb to pay. There is a nominal fee service provider opposite the consulate, who will make sure your application is in order. Get there early to avoid the heat. Tuesday / Wednesday are optimal days. Safe journey.

I live in hope that the front line creative brigade includes, Boney M, with Putin himself standing in for Bobby Farrell - a mitigating act that would surely lift the morale, hearts and minds of many - so desperately needed at this darkest hour.

Life changing. I'm surprised the local reporters didn't hound the win more, and lacked the foresight to use the dog's sidekick for a photo op, to embellish the headliner - a pointer no less, by all accounts.

What a PT. I hope after his Esso S call, he doesn't end up a Shell of his former self.

1. Tell the woman to pi55 off, that should shutter up. 2. Zoom in and speak to the man of the house - develop a relationship. 3. Give 'em a flash - expose yourself.

Indeed - Elephant village. Or Surin elephant festival, depending on the time of Year. Or the 2283 off the 214 from Surin - a couple of km before Chong Chom border, which is probably where you'll cross for Siem Reap. The 2283, between Khok Sai school and Sangkha usually has 3 donation points for adopted elephants - you can meet and feed on the roadside.

What a turnip. Still, at least that's the next lottery numbers sorted...

Most of the ones I've smashed, but to be fair, their husbands were already paying.

Poor Mr. Jack. No one is infallible. Used to smelling something fishy quite quickly into an amorous liaison, the lightning intuition he usually enjoyed let him down completely on this occasion - commonly known as a Jack off-day.

I bought a group of Thai friends Xmas cake last Year as a treat, and got mixed reactions - from good to very bad. This Year I'll make a point of finding out exactly who has sulphite and nut allergies...

Bangkok bank @ Kap Choeng closed down a while ago. Prasat would be nearest, otherwise Surin city. Immigration polite and good service - have overheard people saying how hassle free and easy, and how much less paperwork they need compared to other offices. Just take what you would normally, or phone in advance to enquire. Goodluck.

I suppose they'll freeze the vegetable seller's assets.

They deserve a good roasting. Did the police ask for tea money ?

Well, I'm going to go against the grain on this one, and side with the much maligned Pattaya/Jomtien-Pattaya officials. If they got it right the first time, then how on Earth are they expected to accrue generational wealth for their cohorts and families ? To hear some of the opinions on here, you would think that once these developemental budget allocations have been tongue punched for, these highly esteemed stalwarts of community spirit would think "sod 'em" - regardless of living in Gomorrah ? Madness.

Your missus can get a passport very easily and quickly - no visa required. If you just want a quick hand over - her i.d. would get her into no mans land and out again - you could meet there. Laos can enter easily with just i.d. card and nominal fee. I've been back here 5 Years - on tourist visas - all throughout covid - still here. I think you were unlucky at that particular border point - I wouldn't have gone back there, after your first attempt failed. Good luck with new ventures - I don't think you'll have a problem getting back in, if you want to.

Sounds like a cop out.

With a show of intelligence like that, I doubt I'd be giving her any pump-action.