Tassie Norm

Thanks Joe. I need to do my annual retirement extension next month so we shall see what happens in my case. Last year the officer said that I must bring my wife "next year" and said "yea". Well I have no intention on taking her this year, so again, we shall see what happens.

Wife required for a 'retirement' extension!? Some confusion here.about what initial visa you hold Ken.

If you ask most employees in Thailand. They will say they don't get paid enough, working conditions not great, too many hour etc.

I don't blame the Fruit company. Why did Andy Hall go to 20 other companies supplying food to Finland.

You need to remember, that he was working for a company which wanted to show negative things. If he did not write it that way; they would not need him. Therefore no more pay.

Eh?

Regardless as to whether there has been an alleged breach of Thai Customs legislation (eg undervaluation of goods for the purpose of evading duty) it is interesting in respect of the time frame. Of course we are talking Thailand and Thai legislation but, for example, in Oz, such charges under the Customs Act (1901 As Amended) need to be brought within 5 years. Over that period, no prosecution possible. The progress of this 'case' will be interesting (for some observers).

If it's not deep fried in batter, it's not fish'n'chips.

Gotta be a Pom! Ain't no Kiwi or Aussie. What did I say?The uniformed? Well I did mention good 'batter' eh? Keep trialling the variety Streetbiker. HNY.

I've noted some commentary relating to 'fish an' chips' being unhealthy. Generalisation alas. The source and how it is cooked is my response. For the uniformed, fish, per se,is healthy. Lots of misdescriptions on menus abound, for sure, however on the basis that you are consuming ocean reef or pelagics you can't lose either in taste or health benefits. Lots of folk only imagine fish as deep fried in batter - wrong. (Some batters okay, for sure). One can steam, stir fry, shallow fry, grill (my favourite) - for the right fish. Ah, the oil, be selective, the heat, don't overcook, the flavour - fillets not-to-thick. Shan't go on. I have no business association with Snappers restaurant ) Soi 11 but enjoy a great selection of seafood. You pay for it but I only visit Bangers from the NEast 4 times a year. You know the origin of the seafood (my belief). Pissed off they aren't open for lunch tomorrow.........nothing wrong with spuds either - anywhere. Enjoy.

Give way to starboard (right)

I've never understood why people complain about 'fake' smiles. In other countries, does a smile automatically indicate a commitment to a lifelong friendship or total honesty? Sometimes people just smile out of politeness, or as a bland greeting, or just because their boss told them to. Why do people expect Thailand to be any different?

Concur. I'm watching my Thai nieces and nephews grow up (extended family, great - I'm fortunate). Anyway, 15 month old kid, quote "yim wan" - smile sweet. And he does, most humourous. They are taught at a young age - politeness, courtesy? I don't know. But I have no problem with it, just more of an understanding......not really hard to decipher sincerity.

To close to the bone me thinks..........

Fabulous. Did you guys (girls?) not push the envelope as 'kids'? Climbe bloody tall trees, pole vault fences. Old fogies, jealous? I am.

Normal woman.

Hm, well

I earn 10 times the money a skilled Thai worker does. Cancelling double pricing could mean the Thais pay the same as foreigners, meaning a Thai family could never ever afford a visit to a National Park in their own country.

Maybe the reasons the Malays were that upset ist the fact, that their National Parks are freeof charge (visited one on Penang, just registration, so they can go after you in the case you got lst, but no pay booth at all)

Well, aren't you a fortunate individual. Must be a labouring job 'cause you ain't no teacher with your logic.

I just made what I believed was a relevant contribution to this topic, and our German friend above, posted and - got cut off, In the vernacular, nah, won't lower myself. Bye.

Correct Micmichd! Go to the top of the class! The fact that the Soviet Union does not exist in 'that form' anymore is totally irrelevant. It existed then. Takes two to tango. And armaments to dance with. Off topic eh? As a trained medic I feel for victims of war - at my age now laying blame is futile. You are German, understand?

Shouldn't the U.S. government be funding the treatment?

You would think...but the US government is too busy waging war somewhere else now while the current politicians are too busy with their own personal agendas...as is usually the case anyhow.

Cheers

And who, do you think/believe was subsidising the North Vietnamese? It was not one-sided. A simple question from a bloke who was there as a young bloke. And I'm not American, simply one of around 50,000 Aussies who served in that conflict. With respect, where were you, for example, 45 years ago? What nationality? Were you born? Revert to my my opening question............

Tears in my eyes for a brave young girl, now a woman who has suffered for so long - and like, alas, many others. 1 AFH Vung Tau 1969/70

No CTH for a week, all paid up, no answers to repeated 'phone calls by my Thai wife, posted a message on their facebook saying 'not happy' consider the message a cancellation of service. Yep, all receipts on hand.

Off since Tuesday here in Nong Khai. No one answering 'phone. My wife visited the CTH contractors who install dish yesterday - she was advised "do not work for CTH anymore......."

Simply put - corruption. First hand knowledge of this. (Incidentally I was, in a previous life, a 30 year Customs Officer - 20 years investigation side). Forget the recognised, and adopted, international tariff system that Thailand is a signatory to. This is simply what I opened with - extortion - you want your 'stuff' - cough up......

MY knowledge/experience 30 day visa 'exempt' on arrival by air from o'seas - depart the Kingdom eg Nong Khai - Laos. On return 15 day visa approval. (bear in mind bridge fees etc). Careful, if you decide, for example, to do the above for any number of days prior to the completion of your 30 days then you lose said days. For example 10 days into your Thai visit you decide to go to Laos, you receive 15 days on return. That is you have 'lost' the balance of the initial 30 days and literally have lost, in this example, 5 days. If time is not a concern then leave your exit from Thailand until the near end of your 30 day initial visa as you will receive the extra 15 on your return. Repeat MY experience, not rocket science if you are a cleanskin.

You're marriage is recognized both locally and in the U.S. As is mine (exception being Oz). I'm a touch confused about the need for a 'local' celebration. Presumably you and your wife discussed such matters prior to tying the knot. No probs, if you and the bride want a symbolic ceremony, set a date, put on the tucker, buy some booze, and you'll have heaps of local folks happy to do 'pukan' (string around wrist). Not too expensive (well.....) Also would be of interest to your visiting farang. Hope this assists.

I believe off shore processing is a good idea because it's a deterrent to illegal immigrants ........ that's why less migrants are trying to get onto boats for Australia as they know they will end up in PNG.

I heard that the previous PM was working on a deal to increase / fill up the accommodation in Cambodia.

I know it cost alot but it stopped the boats coming which will have saved millions ........

I agree with the turn-back policy but not on the basis of cost. People smuggling: people paying big money to scumbag opportunists to travel on board unseaworthy/overloaded vessels. Prior to the current policy same scumbag money-makers who have never put a foot in the water paid risk taking skippers to do the dirty work. Telling them they would be rescued by Oz navy, perhaps locked up briefly (comfortably and fed and legal aid) and then repatriated to Indonesia. They cared nothing for the paying 'customers'. For those who disagree please nominate an Asian nation that would provide the same courtesy.

I am not comfortable with the Cambodia 'scheme' but, long term, the word will get around. Don't f*** with the Aussies..........

Turn it around - learn to enjoy it - like heavy rain. Cuddle down with your sheila (partner) and enjoy.........

if the deal is set then the family get cash and probadly a pension for life from the government.so everyone happy except maybe the one who has paid the huge fee to the family.then she has paid the debt and it all will fade away in time

Eh?

Thai Police are a Joke.........as well as the people and European Expats.

Based upon what, you clown - not a humourous one though. Your origin, if correct by your nom de guerre, is a general assault upon your own nation. Generalisation again: Sad man.

OP, how old are you and the GF?

What I've found is that Thai girls find it very easy to lie in English. Thai girls can say in English "I love you" and it won't mean as much as saying it in Thai. I assume the OP has been speaking exclusively in English with his "GF."

Pom rak 'Henry'.