Tassie Norm

nzthai - an oversight, definately nothing intended by the capitals. Come on you Aussie/Kiwi blokes, settle. The ANZAC's (capital's deliberate) have been mates in the face of adversity for a long long time - a reminder - centennial of ANZAC Day next year. I know, different subject. Kanchanaburi for me.

To NZTHAI, 'I' before 'E' except after 'C' - think about it - similar latitude, different longitude

Hi SOPHON, and other Aussies who may be interested. I have been dealing through OZFOREX for some 2 years (Macquarie bank). They far exceed the exchange rates offered at any time offered by the other Oz banks. Set up requires verbal (telephone) contact, no doubt relating to money laundering, and other T related matters. I thoroughly recommend them, efficient and easy process. Google aforementioned if you are interested. Along with their quote they list the other bank exchange rates - always better than a Baht better (eg transfer 5 grand then 5,000B better off. Also a flat charge of $15 - s..ts on other bank transfer fees.

Clearly, if SAMRAN is an Aussie, he is not relying upon a pension or superannuation originating from Oz. In any case, why so pleased? I hope not bitterness. And KONYING, 25B/A$? Nah, not even the rip-off big-4 banks got that low.........happy yuletide all.

I've yet to visit the CM region yet and will, in time. However I was speaking with a Brit mate just a day ago who has spent decades in and out of Thailand. He'd decided to relocate from Nong Khai to CM earlier this year but was put off by the huge influx of Chinese tourists and the resultant difficulty of obtaining long term accommodation, eg on a monthly basis. Other than that problem, he enjoyed his time but missed the quieter atmosphere of our north-eastern Nong Khai province. Well worth a visit for those disenchanted with the likes of Pattaya and Phuket. Enjoy the festive season all........

TerryLh g'day mate. With respect, my description of the process and requirements I outlined are actual insofar as they applied to me: That is, factual. I note that you fail to nominate the inaccuracies which doesn't particularly help anyone who may be interested. Cheers

Pretty easy actually from my experience. An 'O' (read marriage) can initially only be applied for, quote "outside the Kingdom". It really is dependent upon your location, in my case Nong Khai and close to Vientiane (Laos). Gather your missus, appropriate paperwork - marriage cert, bedroom/house photos etc and lodge at an outside country Thai Embassy/Consulate. In my case an overnight stay for collection of your 90 day visa. Yes, 1900B. Nearing the end of the 90 day period you attend your local Immigration office and can then apply for your 12 month 'O' visa.

Important! Being married does not mean you are restricted to an 'O' visa. I attended Immigration Nong Khai following my initial 90 day period and the lady I dealt with suggested that as I had previously had an 'OA' - read 'retirement' visa, "then why not stick with that - it's easier". I did just that, and two married mates have changed from an 'O' to an 'OA' (retirement) visa purely for the simplicity. Money, of course, is a consideration. The financial requirement is less with the 'O' visa.

Hope this assists.

Thanks Bastco. Yes, I had heard from a reliable source (an American mate who attended during November) that what you describe has/will kick-in next year, viz evidence of income. I guess I'll find out late this month when I attend with my stat dec. Fortunately I do have my pension paid directly into a Thai bank account and thus will go armed with my bank book that shows the deposits. I would like to think that is as satisfactory as they could wish for. However....we will wait and see

Fellow Aussie here mate. Based on my experience - attend an Aussie Embassy, for those up north it may be more convenient to attend in Vientiane. Does not have to be Bangkok. Anyway, for around 500B they will provide and witness your stat dec. I simply state that what I receive monthly - note that no evidence is required. Although married I prefer to stay with a so-called retirement visa (O-A) thus income should be equal to or exceed 65,000B per month. My declaration is in A$ and I simply attach a note converting it to Baht at an average exchange rate. Strictly speaking, and I mean strictly, the document should be endorsed by Thai Foreign Affairs - I don't bother and have never had a problem during the past 3 years up here at Nong Khai immigration. Have tried here to stick to the subject matter - hope it helps cobber, cheers

Okay, you always have access to any monies you deposit at any time you wish. If you have received your new 1 year visa (not extension - new) then go and withdraw whatever funds you need. The fundamentals are that you have enough money to convince the authorities that you have enough income to subsist/live in Amazing Thailand.

Menchen, just what money are your referring to. Happy to advise, if I know the details.

My, repeat my, understanding is that your business responsibility is solely to advise the respective immigration authority of a foreign guest in your establishment. As another forum member asked, "are you an immigration officer". Not your role, I believe, to inspect/assess visa requirements or eligibility. Rest easy, simply comply with basic Immigration requirements, viz name , passport number etc. in a timely manner.

US$35 for Lao entry (Australians US$30 - they paid for bridge construction) plus passport size photo. Alternatively 1500 Baht - more expensive this way. In my view your 1.5 days to fill in would be better used in Nong Khai.

Long term Aussie mate of mine bought (in his name) a brand new Honda m/v on a tourist visa up here in Nong Khai last year. He's back in Oz now (sold the m/v back to the dealer one year later as he has returned to Oz with his Lao lady). I'll contact him and ask how he was succesful with such a purchase.

For "90 extension based on retirement" I think our colleague simply means "90 day report"

I, personally, have had no problem having my Stat Dec accepted in the past here in Nong Khai. The document I have witnessed at the Oz Embassy, Bangkok (suits me as I have relatives there and my wife and I have a brief holiday). In response to a question, Immigration have advised me that the same document issued from the Oz Embassy in Vientiane would be acceptable. Technically (via a government pamphlet) that Stat Dec should be stamped by Thai Foreign Affairs to establish veracity: I've never bothered. I am due next month for my annual renewal so it will be interesting to see if there have been changes. As a back-up I shall take my SCB passbook with me that shows the monthly deposits from my DVA pension. As an aside, a few mates here lately have had friendly visits to their residence from Immigration.

Greasyfingers you are correct. As a retired Australian Customs Officer it is a simple document related to money laundering viz crime. Nothing to hide - no probs. And I note you mentioned FOREX. I have no financial interest in OZFOREX (except I use there facilicity for transfer of funds). Beats all the banks by miles -my personal experience. Hope this may help others - maybe I'll receive a Christmas Card from OZFOREX for my recommendation.

Stay in Sweden - better for all of us mate

I returned to Vietnam in April this year, principally for ANZAC Day. It was 44 years between 'trips'. My mate from those early days was with me. It was a moving experience on many levels. For a start we were kids, so to speak, and returning to Vung Tau and now in our sixties one sees things differently. Anyway bugger the nostalgia, we found the people remarkably friendly and helpful. Not just in Vungers but Saigon where we stayed the first and last nights of our pilgrimage. We found prices compared favourably against Thailand with the exception (I'm told!) of Ladies of the Night. One of the standout features, where we were anyway, was the cleanliness of the streets, well kept public gardens, absence of mongrel dogs (we know why don't we) and just a general feel of cleanliness. I might add no animosity, probably because of the young population who simply don't know/care about the war days. Recommended for those out there who may have been thinking of visiting. Oh, bit of a pain, no visa on arrival. Do on line and then queue on arrival.

Hi guys and girls - I am (obviously) only new to this forum however my early observation is that an initial question, despite being addressed, goes off on a tangent. Nothing is wrong with that as the site is a 'forum'. I guess it is up to the individual who asked the initial question to filter the responses - hopefully he sorts the s*** from the clay and achieves his objective viz, a Visa. Lagon

G'day Brianp0803. Yes, there are bank term deposits available in Thailand

I have an American friend who does this and receives a (slightly) higher interest rate than 'on call'. I personally, at this time, don't use the money-in-the-bank approach as I receive a much higher interest rate in Oz (and am fortunate to receive in excess of 65,000B per month).

Hi mate. Only a very newbie (on your site) but believe I can make a useful contribution to assist. Please note it is based on my experience as an Aussie so it ought to be the same for you. Please bear in mind that (immigration) locations may vary according to their knowledge/application of the 'rules'. So, a Stat Dec from an Oz Embassy is simply that. The first time I provided back-up evidence the individual (Oz) I dealt with dismissed me summarily: "You're signing the declaration". So, the form is at the Embassy, simply state the annual amount of income you expect to receive. One would expect that to exceed 65,000/month otherwise why attend. Cost at Embassy is indexed, maybe 500 odd Baht to witness your signature. Technically this should then be stamped by Thai Foreign Affairs (verification of legitimacy) but I have never bothered and for 3 years always accepted at Nong Khai Immigration. Hope this helps cobber. (I'm due to do my annual bizo in December so it will be interesting to see if the above advice

is intact)

Greetings all. An absolutely delightful Sunday morn up here in Nong Khai. Clear skies, light breeze, dulcet sounds of neighbourhood activity. Great to be alive.