mijan246

Visited the Australian Embassy today (Consul Area) to renew my passport. There are several young Thai ladies working there and i must say the service I have received on previous visits has been good.

The young lady who served me and several other Australians today needs a lesson in diplomacy and to be made aware she is employed to provide a service.

Reason for the brickbats:

1. Self: applying for passport renewal all going well amount paid and then young lady advised she would keep my passport and naturally I asked what did she intend to give me so if asked by police/immigration for my "passport?visa? I could show them proof it was at the Embassy. A look of disbelief and I explained I certainly needed something, off she went and photocopies my passport details returned and pulled out the magic stamp and endorsed same. I requested she photocopy the page with my M/Immg Visa and the stamp saying I am legal until 25 August If looks could kill and responded with I may as well give you the passport?? muttering to her work mate "he didnt pay a satang for this photocopy"

Another disappointed Australian customer.

The other Australians I mentioned one down from Chaing Mai with wife and two children - wanted to change his wifes surname in her Australian passport was advised to obtain passport photos for his wife and have them endorsed by a guarantor that they were of his wife. he patiently explained he had called from Chaing Mai and asked about this and was advised not a requirement as wife was on Australian passport - young Thai lady was quite adament he needed to have someone who knew his wife for x period endorse photos - he explaine he would have to return to Chaing Mai - she advised thats the rules??

2nd Chap up from Phuket wanted to lodge application for an Australian passport for his daughter - Question where is your daughter she needs to be here Answer she is in Australia for medical reasons - well we need your wife to verify this, but she is in Phuket look she has signed the application - retort from young Thai lady- that form is no good its from Australia wrong bar codeAustralian from Phuket but it has all the same questions as the form you just gave me- Young Thai lady Look the best thing you can do is apply for your daughters passport in Australia then they will ring us we will ring your wife and verify most simple way.

I have summarised for brevity it actually took much longer than I have portrayed and not a heated word was passed from the Australians The young Thai lady did not need to get heated she had the "power" and the loud speaker so much for confidentially. Was this just a difficult day?? as I was of the understanding things had changed it was not evident today.

Anyone else care to comment on experiences good or bad??

Bought my new car on Saturday, a Vigo 4x4, which is due for delivery on 15th Aug.  Luvverly end of the month quota discount with loads of freebies included. 20" wheels ordered with low profile tyres, roll bar and electric top-up combined for the rear. Thai brother in law is green, even though he's got the serious offroad older model Tiger. He's been taking the pi## too long. Payback time!

To register the vehicle in due course, I started the ball rolling by visiting the Bangkok Immigration today to get the Statement of Residence.

I have a Non-Imm O Visa, issued on the 22nd July in Penang (purpose was for retirement). Without even looking at all my other documents (Rental Agreement -House Papers- Landlord's ID etc.), the Immigration Officer inspected my Passport and stated that they were unable to issue the Statement of Residence until I have given them a 90day Report!! "That's the Law" she said firmly! "Go your Embassy!"

Ok, no big deal about getting the Statement of Residence from UK Embassy- and I have to go there anyway to get my UK Driving Licence verified before getting my Thai Licence- but.. from this experience it seems the Statement of Residence is NOT available as of right to holders of Non-Imm O Visas.

I thought that 90day Reports were for people with Work Permits or Retirement Visas. The Non-Imm O Visa requires 90day Visa runs, not 90day Reporting.

Am I wrong?

According to my most recent passport Stamp I must exit the Kingdom before 19th October.

According to the Immigration Officer I must provide a 90day Report Form to Bangkok Immigration 7 days either side of this date- ie between 12th and 26th Oct and only after having done this will Immigration issue a Statement of Residence.

Anyone else had this problem recently in Bangkok?

Earlier this year I got a Statement of Residence just for the asking at Samui, but I now need a new one to register the new motor in Bangkok.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The immigration is correct and also logical how can they verify where you live until after you have lodged your extension application which is as stated after your first 90 days (yes lodge at 80 days mark) they Thai immigration dont have verification until police visit and clarify thats where you are residing. The Embassy just take you at your word.

bino Yes it could be air but most clutch systems are self bleeding also there are only a few with the slave cylinder mounted inside the bell housing.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Self bleeding? I've never heard of this. How does it work?

Also- I've never seen a slave cylinder inside the bell housing. (I said that the leaked fluid may be finding its way there) The slave cylinder usually acts on a lever arm, which activates the pressure plate. The pivot point of the lever arm is usually incorporated into the bellhousing where the lever enters it.

How would it work if the slave cylinder was inside?

.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Self bleeding systems are quite common they are even incorporated in many diesel fuel systems.

Diesel

1.Self bleeding systems - Some systems are said to be self bleeding, that is if air gets into them (like when you run out of fuel) the system will get rid of the air without your help.

In these systems you do not need to open any bleed screws as the aerated fuel is sent back through the return line to the tank

THESE SYSTEMS OFTEN PUT GREAT DEMANDS UPON THE STARTING BATTERY.

Bosch ROTARY PUMP is a "self bleeding" version. The marine design ideally has a link to the leak off pipe from the injector pump.

2.The Name You Can Trust

The presence of Westerbeke in over 65 countries around the world provides customers with easy access to parts, service and technical support worldwide. Established in 1937, Westerbeke is committed to providing its customers with quality products and unequaled after sales support.

Standard Equipment

Engine pre-wired to plug-in connector

Self-bleeding fuel system

Fresh water cooled engine

Transmission oil cooler

A hydraulic clutch "linkage" system is like a simple brake system. It has a master cylinder to provide hydraulic pressure, tubing and a flexible hose to carry the hydraulic fluid, and a slave cylinder which operates the release fork and release bearing.

There are a variety of vehicles and equipment around with the slave cylinder mounting moulded as part of the bell housing and the clutch fork is inside the actual bell housing - the slave cylinder bleeding niple is external some are completely enclosed and access is thru the inspection plate on the bottom.

Also there is the concentric slave cylinder may be more difficult to diagnose. Some systems, particularly Ford and GM trucks and others with an internal slave cylinder, can be particularly difficult to bleed

The external hydraulic line from the C/Mcyld fits into the exxternal part of the slave cylinder and foot pedal pressure on the clutch activates the clutch master cylinder and the subsequently the pressurised hydraulic fluid operates the piston in the S/Cyld which then causes the clutch fork lever to activate on its fulcrum which moves the throughout bearing againt the clutch diphram fingers and disengages the drive between the engine and the transmission. This allows the synchro rings to match speeds and mate hence smooth no crunch gear changing is achieved.

The hydraulic clutch used on the Peugeot 504 and 505 is a very clever design but there is a problem that the rules usually applied to hydraulic brake systems do not apply and this causes unwanted challenges for many DIY enthusiasts. Brake systems are designed to collect any air in the system at the slave cylinders where it has to be 'bled' off by opening a bleed nipple that is located at the highest point of each cylinder. The fundamental feature of the clutch hydraulic system is that there is an unobstructed 'up hill' path for air from the slave cylinder through to the reservoir. A bubble sneaking past a worn slave cylinder seal will rise to the top of the slave cylinder, into the pipe and up to the bottom of the master cylinder, into the master cylinder and upwards to the pressure equalisation hole just ahead of the front seal, and finally up to the reservoir. By the way, it is common for old slave cylinder seals to admit a little air into the clutch hydraulics and the self bleeding action usually gets rid of it. Some of us have developed a soft clutch after extended periods of highway driving, which seems to cure itself. This is an example of the air leaking in faster that the self-bleeding can get rid of it.

This is quick but hope it helps.

amateur mech around here !

sounds like the clutch master cylinder or possibly slave cylinder is leeking .

The rubber seals wear out after a few years ,so you replace them and bleed the hydraulic system after.

If the car is old the master cyclinder may need replacing ,which can be expesnive.

its easy to do if you have a few tools and hydraulic oil and new seals.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

This is the correct diagnosis - If its the M/cyld you may find some fluid on your shoe other wise certainly the slave cylinder cost to repair thailand 1000baht tops.

Check the reservoir if still full just mean cups are collapsing(the lips soften) thats why when you pump the pedal it will give clutch for a short time until cups are abolutelty shot.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Without opening a can of worms Yes the clutch master cylinder is mounted on the bulkhead inside the engine bay the clutch pedal then via a push rod normaly mounted to the clutch pedal with a clevis pin this push rod goes through the firewall (bulkhead into the recess in the rear of the master cylinder pistion and if it is the rear cup collapsing it is quite normal to get brake fluid on your shoe or on the cabin floor.

(yes brake fluid - the same fluid is used for brake & clutch)

bino Yes it could be air but most clutch systems are self bleeding also there are only a few with the slave cylinder mounted inside the bell housing.

Relatedly, what is the logic of having to pay this seperately? Wouldn't it be more practical for passengers and Thailand alike if it was just added to the price of each ticket like everything else is? I mean where does this end, maybe they make everyone go through 3 more payment stations on the way to their plane to pay for every little thing like plane landing fees, etc.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

err, your logic in this matter depends on your point of view really.

the way I see it - is it THAT inconvenient to pay for the 500 baht after you check-in for your flight? It is about the easiest tax I have ever had to pay - check in bag, get boarding pass, and walk towards immigration. Ah! there is the machine right next to the immigration entrance (or a lass in a booth). Handover THB500, get small slip, on your way again.

Adding it to the ticket price means it has to be collected somehow from airlines or travel agents across the world. And that means (I would imagine) beaurecracy, administration, and (again guessing) the final figure receive by the Thai Govt is far less than collected from the pax.

For me - no dramas to pay it at the airport. It is a 1-stop payment, it is convenient - why do some folks make this out to be such a drama?!!?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Agree this way it is visable 500 baht - eg. what is the airport tax out of Sydney ?? HCMinh $12 American pay as you leave.

A request from a mate in Australia all suggestions welcome (i realise that could be a dangerous statement i will rely on your discretion).

My brother - a British citizen - got married in Thailand last march. He arrived in Bangkok and officially got married at the British Embassy there. The whole family then went to Koh Chang (Island east of Bkk) and we organised a short blessing in a Buddhist temple followed my a family ceremony on the beach. Cost - couple of hundred quid..

I imagine you would have no problem doing the same via the Aussie Embassy.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have no idea how he did that as the UK has no more authority to perform a marriage in Thailand than the US Embassy; and that is none. The only legal marriage in Thailand is registration at a District Office. See below for full information from UK Embassy:

LINK

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Lopburi3 your posts and links seem to relate to an expat marrying a Thai citizen these are two middle aged Australians who to want to do it a little differently and they probably see it as being romantic.

My brother - a British citizen - got married in Thailand last march. He arrived in Bangkok and officially got married at the British Embassy there. The whole family then went to Koh Chang (Island east of Bkk) and we organised a short blessing in a Buddhist temple followed my a family ceremony on the beach. Cost - couple of hundred quid.

I imagine you would have no problem doing the same via the Aussie Embassy.

Yes isn't an Embassy classed as the soil of that (aust or UK or whatever) particular country?

Thanks for the tips have passed them back to "Apple Tree Creek" hope they have electricity there ATC I am talking about not the tips.

Being the OP I believe we have had some good input on WP & Visa's, it has been informative to me any way and now before it turns into another "teacher bashing" it would be nice to close off with a thanks for the input lets close it out.

How you request that I am not sure so hopefully someone with more knowledge about the ins & outs of the forum could arrange this.

In Honor of Stupid People .

. . .

In case you needed further proof that the human race is doomed through stupidity, here are some actual label instructions on consumer goods.

1.On a Sears hairdryer -- Do not use while sleeping.

(That's the only time I have to work on my hair.)

2.On a bag of Fritos -- You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside.

(the shoplifter special?)

3.On a bar of Dial soap -- "Directions: Use like regular soap."

(and that would be???....)

4.On some Swanson frozen dinners -- "Serving suggestion: Defrost."

(but, it's just a suggestion.)

5.On Tesco's Tiramisu dessert (printed on bottom) -- "Do not turn upside down."

(well...duh, a bit late, huh!)

6.On Marks &Spencer Bread Pudding -- "Product will be hot after heating."

(...and you thought????...)

7.On packaging for a Rowenta iron -- "Do not iron clothes on body."

(but wouldn't this save me time?)

8.On Boot's Children Cough Medicine -- "Do not drive a car or operate machinery after taking this medication."

(We could do a lot to reduce the rate of construction accidents if we could just get those 5 year-olds with head-colds off those bulldozers.)

9.On Nytol Sleep Aid -- "Warning: May cause drowsiness."

(...I'm taking this because???....)

10.On most brands of Christmas lights -- "For indoor or outdoor use only."

(as opposed to what?)

11.On a Japanese food processor -- "Not to be used for the other use."

(now, somebody out there, help me on this. I'm a bit curious.)

12On Sainsbury's peanuts -- "Warning: contains nuts."

(talk about a news flash)

13.On an American Airlines packet of nuts -- "Instructions: Open packet, eat nuts."

(Step 3: say what?)

14.On a child's Superman costume -- "Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly."

(I don't blame the company. I blame the parents for this one.)

15.On a Swedish chainsaw -- "Do not attempt to stop chain with your hands or genitals."

(Oh my ..was there a lot of this happening somewhere?)

Now that you've smiled at least once, it's your turn to spread the stupidity and send this to someone you want to bring a smile to (maybe even chuckle).

A request from a mate in Australia all suggestions welcome (i realise that could be a dangerous statement i will rely on your discretion).

A middle aged couple who work here (Apple Tree Creek Qld) with me are wanting to go to Thailand

To a beach or island resort to get married not in a Buddhist ceremony but just

the Australian way JP or marriage celebrant but they are not getting much help

from travel agents in Bundaberg. Do you have any information on this.(Cheers

looking forward to having a beer in Khon Kaen at Chrissy).

Teachers' licenses are not needed to work at a government school and therefore you won't get one through them. If you do get a work permit, the immigration dept will simply put a stamp in your passport stating that you are a teacher. I had one of these stamps for my first job at a government high school. With regards to these schools stating that they don't provide work permits I would have to give them credit for being straight forward. Many will advertise that they provide work permits, visas, the whole nine yards but in reality it's often not the case. If the school does get you one, they may or may not make you pay for it. If you have to pay, the fee for a one year permit is 3,000 baht. If they ask for more then you have to be suspicious. A six month work permit is 1,500 baht. Government schools can more or less hire whomever they please so people who don't have degrees, TEFL training or teaching experience will find it much easier than trying to land a job at a private school or a university. The contracts between teachers and schools don't carry the same weight they would in the West so if a teacher breaks a contract, the chances of anything serious happening to him/her are minimal. When you hear these horror stories of foreigners getting in deep trouble over things like work permits, college degrees and contracts it's often because they managed to upset the wrong people. Teachers come and go so frequently here that if a teacher takes off without notice the school will usually replace him/her within a week or so.

Some folks really enjoy working in government schools. Teaching high school kids was a big challenge for me since I had little experience at the time and their attitudes really tested my patience. It was a real shock going in there the first day but after a week or so it was easier. Most importantly, I learned some valuable teaching lessons from that place. Here is some advice: the contract will most likely be in Thai. Get a  Thai family member or trusted friend to translate for you. You may find some interesting points in there. Take it easy and don't let them jerk you around. Good luck!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thaiboxer thank you for the input it adds weight to the earlier post from kenkannif and yes the particular school in question were being very upfront and I mean that in the very nicest of ways.

Yes, you need a work permit to work there legally. But many teachers don't have one.

I've heard though you don't get a teachers licence at Gov schools? Not sure if it's all of them though.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

kenkannif did you mean you don't get or you don't need. Reason behind the question I have seen Government schools advertise and then state no WP or Visa provided (by them)

Dear applicants,

.

6. We are sorry to say that we don’t have any experience about visa or work permit .We cannot provide those for you if you ask for.

I have edited the correspondece to safeguard the school as I believe their intent is good but?? this flys in the face of - you must have WP & V to be legal or are they skirting the issue by saying they cannot meaning you must do it if you want it?

Simple question "Do you need a work permit to teach at a Government School"?