roskruge

As far as I know after 3.00am (don't know officially). But till 5am traffic is very slow as "song tow" or "Baht Buses" craw down the street looking for passengers to pay top price.

boarbaboon You said the Cambodian tourist visa was $20. I have for the last 4 years being paying 1,000.00 Baht that is about US$32.00. I have found the 100 fee is only if you are returning to Thailand straight away (on a visa run), but for the last year that seems to have stopped. But you can if you wish pay extra at the visa post and they will stamp you in and out of Cambodia in one hit saves the wasting time at the in and out que.

At the public bus station in Aranyapathet (about 8km from border) there is a regular "samlor' a truck of pickup to the border (10 or 15 Baht), it is made up of locals. When I got on I ask if it was going to Cambodia and they all repeated "Cambodia" I did not mean literally but they did.

We all got of the truck on the Cambodia side of the border. I then had the awkward task of getting to the Thai side of the border to go through Thai departures. Ideal if you want to leave Thailand illegally but I did not want to.

I also would not recommend the use of "touts" in Phnom Penh. I would take the trouble to find the Thai Embassy myself.

I walk through the camp late Thursday afternoon. I left the camp by getting on the BTS Sky Train at "Siam" I just climbed the stairs, and their was on just one BTS security guard at the top of the stairs. Although Siam Station was jammed packed no one was entering the station as I did, they must have been interchanging trains. I think minutes later that entrance I used was closed, and has not been open since. I ate some good food in the camp, although I was offered free, I would only eat food or drink water I purchased, I did not want to receive anything from Khun Thaksin.

I am renting a condo 45 M2 on Soi 1 Pattaya Beach. My bill direct from electricity company is 0 Baht yes Nil Baht. As the condo is Thai owned, if the account comes to under 300 Baht then their in no charge. Over 300 Bath then I pay all. This is also an expensive condo with clear beach and sea views. In the 8 months that I have been here I have paid a total of 320 Baht for electricity.

Latest account 84 unit @ 0.9255 77.74 Bath

Plus meter rent fixed charge of 192.49 Baht

Sub Total ==============270.23 Baht

7% sales tax =========== 18.92 Baht

Sub Total ============= 289.15 Baht

Total =================== O Baht

When I was living in BKK for 3 years I was paying about 800 Baht a month in electricity, but now I suspect it was free and the owner was charging me, as I used the same amount on average.

By the way my water is 220 Baht per month now.

Based on how far one can go in Bangkok, in a taxi for a 100 Baht. In Pattaya anywhere in Pattaya/Jomtien to anywhere in Pattaya Jomtien. You should not pay more than 100 Baht. But the whole Pattaya Taxi/Bus situation should be reviewed, because I think it is unacceptable as a public transport service. You are entirely at the whim of the driver, if he decides to change his route one block down the road.

Big first Class hotel in the 1970's but now a little rundown, on a little Soi between Sukhumvit Soi 2 and Soi 4. Rajah Hotel, also one of cheapest hotels in area provides western breakfast.

Coming up on the train from Hat-Jai part of the way I was sitting next to a Police Officer (1 pip on shoulder) (he needed to show me his gun to prove he was a Police Officer.). We started to talk about corruption. He told me his boss spends the equivalent of 1 month salary every night gambling. He told me "I am not corrupt"," but if someone offers me money I will accept it". His interpretation of corruption and mine differ somewhat.

086 340 3049 Apple iStudio near Major Cinema, Phahon Yothin Rd. Give them a call they seem to be more helpful than some Apple shops. They find parts ect., for my old G4. they will need serial No. When they give quote write it down as quote and price can vary a little.

Their is also at Pantip Plaza on Mezanine Floor (rear to the right) a little stall (one man) that repairs Macs, and sells second hand Macs.

Called first time given a number to call that was not relevent, so called a second time, she hung up as I started to ask the question again.

This is not on subject, but yesteday using my Kasikorn (Thai) savings account over the internet, I was able to transfer 40,500 Baht to my stockbroker for a charge of 35 Baht. Just 50 minutes later my online stockbroker account showed the funds were received. very efficient!.

It might be an idea to transfer foreign funds direct to a Thai stockbrocker account, because you can withdraw any amount you have in credit from your stockbrocker, transfered to a Thai bank account, in my case my savings account, at no charge with a few hours notice. I don't need to try that, but it's a thought. Also the stockbrokers pays intrest on funds held.

I crossed about 2 years ago, I can tell you what the rule was then. I was given three options 1 Get passport stamped and leave for Mae Sai before border closes. Option 2. could stay 3 days in Tachilek town only. Option 3 could go up China border visiting 3 or 4 towns en-route. must not deviate from direct route return to Tachilek within 10 days. I took option 2 spending my time looking through the great range of China copy DVD's and free meals at the casino. All three options visa given at border 500B but option 2 & 3 further charge. If you want to go to Rangoon or Mandalay you must fly in and out of the country.

I just heard!

The British Embassy has revoked entry visas of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Pojaman. The cancellation, which was decided while the couple were outside England, has been notified to airlines yesterday. The decision was made by the United Kingdom Border Agency, and the notification email was signed by Bangkok-based Immigration Liaison Manager Andy Gray.

The email read: quote:

"Dear All,

The United Kingdom Border Agency has revoked the UK visas held by the following Thai nations:

Thaksin Shinawatra. Thai Passport Number D215863

Potjaman Shinawatra. Thai Passport Number D206635

The UK visas contained in the passports of the individuals listed above are no longer valid for travel. Airlines are advised not to carry these passengers to the UK"

*** end of quote *****

Classical ! !

Sull'aria. che soave zeffiretto

from Mozart Opera “Marriage of Figaro”

Gundula Janowitz (as Countess) & Edith Mathis (as Susanna)

also from Movie “Shawshank Redemption”

All this sounds a little strange to me, for as far as I know to become a US citizen you have to renounce all other nationalities.

I say this because Mr Rupert Murdoch (the publisher) who was an Australian citizen by birth, had to renounce his Aus citizenship to become a US citizen.

Some countries permit duel nationality like UK, Australia, and I think Canada some do not, I believe Germany does not.

Just because one still has the old passport does not mean you are still a citizen.

But on all of the above I stand to be corrected, because I am not sure of the official position.

Crossing the border to Myanmar/Burma to renew 30 day Thai none visa entry is simple process. I have used Mae Sai and/or Mae Sot Many times to cross to Burma. You will have to pay 500 Baht to Burma immigration for 1 day (same day) Myanmar/Burma visa. Last time I crossed they did not need any paper work of photo, just Thai Baht cash and Passport. Passport was stamped in and out. You can walk around local town if you want, but you must leave Burma before border closes. If you are returning to Thailand same day they will keep Passport at immigration office till you leave, they will give you at ticket to walk around town. I think max 3 Km. I have always found them to be polite and helpful. Across the border from Mae Sai (at Tachileik) their is a Casino where I got a free meal.

Thai consulate in Penang, Malaysia (probably the same in Vientiane. Laos. don't try Phnom Phen. Cambodia) are giving 60 day single entry Tourist visa, but you are allowed 3 x 30 day none visa entries before you need to go their. 60 Day Tourist visa can be extended by 30 days in BKK

phuketrex Keep an eye on my new post "Thai Visa From Rangoon. Burma (Yangon. Myanmar) Has anyone got a visa their?"

No replies yet but who knows.

phuketrex you seem to have my problem, so here is what I have, from the Thai Consulate in Perth I have received many times,

"Non-Immigrant Visa Classification 'O' . Extension to stay Not Permitted, good for Multi journey (s)" No reason for visit was required. Consulate was in a Solicitors office. (Tue & Thu only)

About the second part of your question. Also you can always renew your passport at any time “if you think you have to many Thai visa’s”.

Thai consulate in Penang is now asking for Thai exit air ticket if you have a few Thai visa’s in your passport. before they give a 60 day Tourist visa.

As for “can't come back in for a while” provided you haven't blatantly overstayed, or been in “The Pen”. I don’t think that will happen. It may get more difficult for us, that are on a very long holiday. But you will still get back in. If you decide to go to Perth let me know, and I will keep you company for a quick trip.

What visa can be obtained at Thai Embassy in Yangon/Rangoon.

They have probably moved the Thai Embassy to the New Myanmar/Burma capital.

Rangoon Embassy would then become a consulate.

Has anyone got a visa their ?

From the Thai Consulate in Perth I have received many times,

"Non-Immigrant Visa Classification 'O' Extension to stay not permitted, good for Multi journey (s)"

No reason for visit was required. Consulate was in a Solicitors office.

In Georgetown Penang, H.S Sam Book Store 473 Chulia St. Penang. can get a Thai visa (60 Day Tourist) for you, Some agents are requesting you provide the Consulate with a exit air ticket from Thailand, but H.S. Sam Book Store was able to get visa without air ticket. Pay in Malaysian Ringgit. He will also sell you Mini-Bus ticket back to Hat Yai.

CharlieB I wouldn't trust to passport booth especially in Thailand, Get it done properly remember each country has different requirements for the photo ie the background colour. Take a copy of the requirements with you, and show it to the photographer. Best do it right the first time as a rejection of the photo would be a waste of time.

I also applied for medical extension due to a prostate operation I requested a 30 day extension and was granted it. I think the difference is you cannot go to immigration and request an extension when you are in a situation of days over (visa expired) already. I don’t know if you could get a medical extension before you enter hospital. In my case when I came out of hospital I had a couple of day left on the visa I requested my doctor to give me a letter of unfit to travel for 30 days. Speaking to the immigration doctor he would have been prepared to give me 60 days. Get doctor to write letter in Thai not English, he thought he was being helpful by writing in English.

simon43. Loads of engineering tools around area of Chinatown weekend market, known as Yaowarat. Sorry cannot be more specific. Vernier Gauge is correct name. If you have trouble I have a Thai friend who has a hardware shop in Chumphae near Khon Kaen he could get for you and send. but don't forget to specify Digital, or you will get none digital.

Dogit. Just so I am clear in the Philippines you renewed your visa at the local immigration office without leaving the country. Also this can be done every two months for 2 years. you then leave the Philippines renter the Philippines then start the process over again. Thanks. I am also feed up with the Thai visa situation. I think it will only get worse when PPP take office.