Gimino

I have long held that a man must recognize his limitations.

The world of Thai Immigration is what it is. Therefore, one

would do well to rely on those best able to deal with the

matters presented here. It is well worth the cost to place 

the oft times gruesome dealings in the hands of experts. For

example, Assist Thai Visa in Chiang Mai has been looking

after me for years and it is rare that I have even had to actually

attend the local immigration office. That goes for 11 years of

90-day reports as well as retirement and marriage visas. Better

to part with a few baht and immunize oneself from what often

appears to be a petty, but purposefully inflicted run-round. 

While the number and size of such 'busts' is commendable, the true measure

of success is the cost of the drugs on the street. That cost rises and falls given

the availability of the particular drug. Big busts = limited supply = higher cost on

the street. Ample supply = lower costs on the street.

I once needed a residency certificate to purchase a motor scooter. The appropriate office was then located at Promenada. I was told that it would take two weeks to get the certificate. However, I was also told that if I went downstairs to a certain room, I could get it sooner. Off I went and sure enough, for 500 baht I had the letter in hand the next day.  

Just one of millions of reasons why the police nationwide bear the distrust and disdain of

the Thai public, not to mention foreign residents who have fallen victim to police misconduct. 

I recall witnessing one incident when a police officer was told he would be reported for taking

money rather than writing a ticket for a fictional driving infraction. He merely laughed as he walked

away stating nothing would come of it. He found the threat humorous.

We appreciate the sentiment of that officer. Now let it spread to other rip-offs like the over-charging of foreigners at various parks and other attractions where foreigners entry fees are higher than those for Thais. And while we are at it, stop the police from pocketing monies for infringements real or imagined.

Just think of it as Bin Laden's legacy.....

This and any/all questions concerning immigration/visa issues are easily resolved for

all of us here in Chiang Mai. One need simply put themselves in the hands of the Assist

Thai Visa folks located in Chiang Mai Land. I've lived here 9 worry-free years while in their

capable hands. Very reasonable fees to enjoy the comfort and convenience of their

services. 

Had a terrible experience with Lazada. They sent an item other than that ordered. Took three

months to resolve the issue with them bobbing and weaving, straight arming me every step of

the way. Acknowledging my determination, they finally gave in. I vowed never to do business with

them again. I know of others who have had similar experiences with them.

The most singular act to welcome the foreign tourist while showing them respect rather than discrimination would be to eliminate the unfair and insulting dual charges levied at various parks, museums and other public attractions. For example the Thai entry fee of one-third or less than that charged the 'farang'. It seems that the Thai government recognizes how much 'farang' tourists and long-time foreign residents contribute to the Thai economy. Then why the insulting treatment of those benefactors? Yes, we are free not pay the

exorbitant higher fee and many of us do so decline. It is noted that many of the posted entry fees display the Thai fee in Thai and the foreigners fee in English so most would not know he or she is being ripped off.  

Phitsanulok??? Fuhgedahbowdit.

It might serve a useful purpose to know the reasons for any dissatisfaction. For example, living at the same address for years, yet

required to do a 90 day report to show you have not moved. In other words, you must lodge a report when you have nothing to report.

The government could easily fix that. Require reporting only when you move. Another irritant is paying to enter parks and various places

of interest as a farang when the Thai pays but little or nothing at all. Such discrimination is insulting. Those are but two irritants

that could and should be remedied straight away. The expat has chosen to live here. He is, with rare exception law abiding and even if

not a business owner, makes a contribution to the community. Imagine if all the expats suddenly left. That would surely put a dent in

the Thai economy. 

Hey!! Waddsa madda yousa guys. Hisa justa hadda a tough lifa.

It would not have mattered. Here, she was not safe even in a pedestrian crossing. Ignorant motorists/motorcyclists abound

and crossing the street on foot is a life-threatening challenge at the best of times.

The point is well made that appropriate authorities might be embarrassed by Mr. Peter's

actions. To that we say "Good!" Perhaps they might then be driven to do the right thing.

While they are at it, those 'appropriate authorities' in Chiang Mai might take a look at all

the graffiti that defaces the city. They can easily remove graffiti on public spaces and can

require owners of private property so vandalised to do the same. Apprehending the graffiti

'artists' would also serve as a good deterrent. Gaol, fine and/or either/both. Too easy!

How ironic - The little weasel can commit numerous acts of espionage then whine about an

invasion of his/her privacy... Incredible!.

Welcome to the Lazada Dissatisfied Customers Club. I am still in the throes of a nightmare after having placed an order

with them.

Wrong product was sent by Lazada. After numerous telephone calls/emails having reported their error, I received instructions

on how/where to return the incorrect item. Complied. Wrong item sent to Lazada warehouse as instructed and included short

computer printed note explaining reason for return and copy of email from Lazada dealing with the matter. Warehouse personnel

was thus informed of reason for return and provided with their Customer Service information to verify. Approximately one week

later, the wrong item was returned to me! Explanation: Past warranty! Note the wrong item was returned by me unused and in

original packaging.

Reported return of wrong item to me and related that it was not a warranty issue but rather a return of the wrong item, i.e., not the

item I ordered. Apparently Lazada warehouse personnel were as inattentive as those who sent the wrong item in the first place.

Latest response from Lazada: They will give me a store credit voucher for 1,000 baht. The correct item ordered and paid for cost

2,290 baht plus return postage = 2,,342 baht. Never mind the time expended with numerous telephone calls and emails to sort out

their mistakes.

So, Lazada screws up not once but twice. Then offers to make amends by crediting me with less than half of what I paid. Needless

to say, I will never deal with them again. Happy to take my business elsewhere.

Well, Jingthing, my "benefit" was recently reduced by $42.00 per month. SocSec reported that the reduction was based on my IRS tax

return reflecting the amount of my total income (retirement/pensions). I've yet to sort that out with them. As you know, the bureaucratic

wheels turn slowly. When queried, the response was essentially that they would respond in 90 days. So, it's "take a number and be seated."

"Means tested"/"Income tested", the terms are synonymous to me. Gee, I wonder if I am wealthy and don't know it.

Annual increases or not, wait for it to be "means tested" or "income tested". Any other income/pensions will reduce your SocSec "benefit".

Not only no increase, but a reduction. Wait for it!

Why would anyone endure online reporting failures, posted report disasters and the grind of attending the immigration office? It is so easy (and

inexpensive) to leave it to the experts. Assist Thai Visa will do your 90 day reports 4 x per year for a lousy 1,000 baht. They will even send you

an email prior to the due date to ensure you do not forget. Simply give them your passport and they do the rest. Upon completion, you simply

collect your passport from them. Too easy. They also renew my retirement and multiple entry/exit visa. Only recently immigration requires that

you front up for a photo. Other than that, I haven't been to the immigration office in years! They keep up with all changes in immigration/visa rules

so we do not have to worry about it. Great, affordable, worry-free service. How can you beat 250 baht to have your 90 day report done promptly

and correctly every time? They have looked after me for years and I highly recommend them with pleasure: Assist Thai Visa Service Co. Ltd.,

410/4-5 Chiang Mai Land (off Chang Klan Rd) <phone numbers removed as per forum rules>