Paul & Maneerat

This is the kind of news and spirit of cooperation we have been waiting for for years. I'm amazed still to be reading negative responses from farangs. Somebody should give the Immigration Department a big thank you, for listening to our immigration issues and giving us an excellent solution.

Perhaps this forum would be prepared to set up a disaster fund so that ex-pats can show that they not only use this medium to throw rocks at the Thai system but to offer real help when the need arises?

Ex-pats seem to go to Khousan Road to get the cheapest deals. One look at the ticket vendors should tell you that the trip is potentially disaster prone. Whilst not totally reliable a bus out of a recognized terminal with a brace of drivers is the better choice. The extra cost is minimimal compared with the risks.

We support the new rules, not because we are killjoys or don't drink alcohol. But Thailand needs severe measures on a number of issues including unlawful cigarette availability, alcohol consumption hours, driving habits etc. Perhaps after Thailand has conformed to these laws, things can be relaxed a little. But for now it's necessary. Thailand aspires to First World status. It's not the economy and poverty alone which will decide this issue.

Now let's see some severe enforcement of the highway code, punitive punishments for motorcycles driving on pavements, driving the wrong way down one way streets, speeding etc., with the police to set the right example.

The pills necessary to put this country right are hard to swallow, but they are making a start. For one beauracrats are doping a good job. Keep it up.

... er, will that mean the same price hike for foreigners as well as Thais?

I well remember a quote about a year ago from Khun Thaksin in the Bangkok Post, giving his word that the opening date would be met. Another target date missed just like the targets for ridding the land of corruption and drugs. How can he expect to be taken seriously when he makes such sweeping and clearly unattainable statements?

Shall we say Spring 2007?

The frightening thing is that it's almost inevitable that the terror in the south will erupt in Bangkok. I think other provinces are relatively safe because hitting an up country city would not have the impact that an attack in Bangkok would have.

I don't have any answers for the trouble in the south, but in the meantime my wife and I avoid tourist spots in Bangkok now. Governments of the world will soon be issuing advisories against travelling to Bangkok, and since this is the hub for most arrivals it will cripple Thailand. The knock on effect this will have for this beautiful country will be economically catastrophic, I just hope the TRT regime can handle it when it happens.

My only suggestion to Mr. T.S. is to sit down and talk with the terrorists if possible. OK, we don't negotiate with terrorists, but taking Northern Ireland as an example, the IRA delivered terrible atrocities in Ireland and the mainland for many many years. Eventually both sides sat down at the negotiation table. A ceasefire was agreed and this has largely been in place for some years now.

If these terrorists believe they have a just cause and are not just killing for the sake of killing, why can't the two sides sit down to talk under a mutually agreed cease-fire. It will give the beleagured citizens of the south some relief and perhaps lead to a solution. Without it, the south will destroy Thailand and both sides will bear the blame for that. Sorry, no emoticons, I cannot find a shred of levity in this matter.

A very good idea. This will help ex-pats in Thailand to have a greater degree of dignity in the country. I believe there should be some parameters for membership that ensure true ex-pats are members rather than just any farang who drops by.

I would like to suggest some extra benefits from the Immigration department for holders of this card. Fast track through immigration would be an advantage, as would a discounted immigration fee for extensions. I would like this card to be seen as a 'guarantee of respectability' - it's members have agreed to live by certain ethics which benefit both themselves and the Thai populace. I believe cards should be recinded in the event of a criminal prosecution being proved against the holder, deportation or immigration violation.

We would all like to see improved relations with the immigration department. we don't want to break their laws, we're grateful to be guests in their beautiful country, but on the other hand we'd like to see some easing of harsh restrictions such as large bank deposits or 30 day visa runs which for cardholders could be accomplished by presenting the card with relevant documentation at Immigration departments.

I look forward to hearing more.