sunspun

(double post)

I have spent much time in this area...and it's not so exciting Its a quiet little town with a pretty boardwalk that has a nice market, and some nice beachside restaurants with great seafood. It's quite cheap to live here. You would be very close to Satun city in one direction, which offers some nightlife, Tesco Lotus, and a little bit of tourism if you are craving some english conversation. In the other direction is Pak Bara, which is the main pier to get to the islands of Ko Lipe, Ko Tarutao, Ko Bulon, etc (15-45 minute boat ride).

There are a couple other teachers living in this area, too.

Hello!!! I haven't posted very much at all in this forum...so here goes.

sunspun-I'd be interested to know where you live in Pabon? You say you live just outside, yes? In what area. I have been living just outside of Pabon for 10 months now (in Nongthong...which is a mostly Muslim village...) but I actually live in a Buddhist village, just across from a temple. I haven't seen any farang women around here (well except for one...but no idea where she was living or where she was from...for all I know if could have been one of the woman on this forum haha!) It would be nice to be able to talk with other farang women....

I teach English in Phatthalung to a lovely bunch of kids at a great school. It can be hard living in the Thai country side, but I have grown to enjoy it. I can always travel to other places if I want to. Plus, it forces me to improve my Thai, which is helpful...

My BF and I currently live in the grandparents house...which has it's ups and downs. We want to make our own place eventually. Sometimes it can be boring...I'll admit that, but I am so busy with teaching that I don't have much time to be bored. Plus, the waterfalls are a great place to go on a hot day.

Cheers!

Teacher17 Check your PM

phuturatica - it could very well be the same place we are 50 km from Phattalung city!

There are a bunch of (cheap) minibus tour shops that go to Penang outside the train station in Hat Yai. If you leave Ao Nang very early in the morning, you should be able to get to Hat Yai (make sure to tell them you want to be dropped off at the train station so as to save you time and a taxi ride) and on to Penang in time to give your passport to an agent, who will be able to have it back for you the next afternoon. You will be cutting it very close, but it is possible. To be honest, you won't be saving a lot of money doing it on your own, and the few hundred baht saved -in my eyes- is well worth the comfort of knowing you'll find your way on time without getting lost! Unless, of course, you like the adventure

I thought 60 day visas were about 2000 baht? Unless prices have changed? It's been a while, I could be wrong

Depositing money into his account wouldn't be beneficial. It must be in his account for 90 days (i think it's 90) before the application, and it's very likely they would ask where the money came from. (A family member of mine applied for this visa and he had a deposit of 19000 baht in his account from an art piece he sold - coincidentally to someone else in canada - and he had to get a signed statement from that person that this was the actual case). He can say that she is sponsoring the whole trip and she can show her bank statement for proof.

Proof of correspondance isn't necessary, but I do think (in my experience) making the application more personal helps. In the invitation letter, perhaps she can say that they have been together for x number of years and she has emails, phone bills, etc if they want to see it (they probably won't). They should clearly explain that this is only for a visit, and he has many many reasons to come back to Thailand (list what they are) and that if he should wish to immigrate, she would be willing to sponsor him, or something to that effect. I think the biggest reason these applications get turned down is that the "ties to home country are not strong enough". But if they know he does have the option of legally immigrating to Canada *should he want to* they may be easier convinced.

Hope this helps and I wish them luck!!

Oh, I want to add also - tell them to make sure all documents, etc are legit. If the letter from his employer is not actually his employer - be sure their stories coincide, because they will check. They may also ask for things like pay stubs, etc.

When I first moved to the village I HATED it! HATED HATED HATED!!! I'd find myself several times a day running into our 'room' to cry out my frustrations. And hubby of course had no idea why. The lack of cleanliness, english, friends, as well as that it's a muslim village, so it's 40 degrees, and I have to wear long pants and a long shirt and a scarf! But now, after several years, it actually feels like home.

I learned Thai pretty quickly, and that's the best thing you can do. Once everyone can talk to you, they don't see you as such a novelty anymore you start to feel more welcome, and get a better understanding of how village life works. I hated sitting around like an oaf not knowing what to do or how to ask for what i needed. I am lucky to have wonderful inlaws, who make me feel every bit a part of the family as anyone else, and also stand up for me when people come over to gawk, or talk about me like i can't hear them. My MIL loves to brag about what a 'good cook her daughter is'! I help out around the house, and in the farm - planting or harvesting fruit, and every morning I harvest the rubber. I also leaned how to make roti and have been selling it on the beach for a few years, so often the sisters will set up a shop in front of the house selling drinks and snacks and whatnot, and the pancake stand is my responsibility.

I'm really close with my neices and nephews, and we have a ton of cats and kittens, which keeps me amused for hours, lol. After years of having to drive 3 towns over for internet, I got a mobile stick and that was a definate lifesaver! I'm also really lucky in that there are about 4 or 5 farang girls married to boys in the village now. It's not often we are there at the same time, but 2 of them live there somewhat regularly, so it's great when we can see each other!

It certainly didn't start off great, but after time, I've grown to like it. I've also just found out we have a wee one coming - I'm about 8 weeks and sick as a dog, so I definately feel for you!!!! I'm in my country right now, and I still can't find anything to eat that I can keep down! Have the old ladies been offering you sour fruits and the like? Perhaps they know some foods/herbal remedies to help? If you find something that works, let me know!!!

ps. Phuturatica- where in Phattalung is your bf from? We live just outside of Pabon!

My husband and I are looking to fly through the US to Europe from Canada - he's got a Thai passport and Canadian PR status. I assume he needs a transit visa (though i can't find any clear info on that). Does anyone know where i can find more info - like how to apply, $$, etc?

thanks

if you like second hand, you can often find "normal" sized clothes in these markets as most of the clothes come from overseas. chatuchak, or the thieve's market near khao san, or some nights (i don't remember which) near the democracy monument.

excellant. thank you!

can someone tell me what this means in english? 'ka' and 'poh' are said sharply - i can't type in thai from this keyboard. i think it means stomach ulcer, but i'm not certain?

certainly sounds like ringworm, and it's common to get it from kittens in thailand. especially during the rainy season when everything is moist. last year everyone in our family got it (and i mean EVERYONE) though for some reason i had more spots and it lasted longer on me that anyone else :/ i used several different kinds of creams and none seemed to really work, with the exeption of a little green ointment called key peung. it's very hard to get out of the house though, so make sure everything is washed washed washed! i had a friend come visit 2 months later and ended up getting it from somewhere in the house she was not impressed!

Footnote,also,many sponsor their relatives,show all necessary requirements then after a few month's of their arrival they say they cannot afford sponsorship any longer.So,the system has to take care of them at tax payers expense.

When you sign the sponsorship agreement, you agree to pay back any money the sponsoree has aquired through social assistance, so it's not costing the tax payers anything. Except I suppose the time it's taken the paperwork to be done - in which case I'd also bill Tim Hortons for a greater portion of time wasted on the tax payers $ (this being said from an ex-government employee )

I've had to marry my Thai partner for any chance to get him to Canada, and now have to wait 22 months for Singapore to decide our fate.

I agree marriage is an easy and quick route, but why 22 months? Did they tell you that?

In applying through Singapore (as opposed to inside Canada) We had to wait only 4 months (from my initial application for sponsorship until his approval for permanent residence).

The only times I've been treated poorly in Thailand are in major tourist places (Patong beach, Ao Nang, Khao San Rd, etc) Understandably, I guess, considering the rude foreigners they deal with daily, though I still don't think that makes it right.

I am not treated poorly by my in-laws, though I am treated different by the ones that don't know me very well. It does bother me when they make special exeptions for me, or single me out. I know they are doing it with good intentions, but I wish they wouldn't. My mother-in-law knows that it bothers me, so she makes sure to let everyone know when she sees it happening, lol!

The main thing immigration is looking for, as you know, is that she will return to Thailand. The letter from her employer is definately helpful, but won't guarantee it. Does she have property/house/car, etc in her name? The fact that she has travelled and returned in the past is also helpful - especially to the United States. I've helped friend's with successful visa applications to Canada in the past with far less backing than she seems to have, so I believe her outlook is good! But again, a land deed or house title will help a lot.

Good Luck!

Just thank buddha that the jihadists have decided not to take matters further up north. After all, I believe it is consistent with their extremist jihadist beilefs to bomb westerners and better still if they are in red-light areas say in Pattaya, Phuket or Silom. Their counterparts in Indonesia may come along and share their experiences re:Bali and Jakarta Marriot. I wonder how effective the Thai anti-terrorism mechanism or are we all just waiting like sitting ducks for the jihadist to make their move in Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya?????

please learn your history before you make stupid comments (this goes for all of you). the issues in the far south have nothing to do with jihad, or extremists wanting to bomb westerners. in fact it has little to do with religion at all.

and was anyone outside america invited to vote in the poll??

I used to feel the same, but now I do like the others said, and focus on the good at home when I'm here and the good in Thailand when I'm there. Actually, over the years I've started liking Thailand less and less and home more and more! Sure it's colder here, but I usually spend the winter in Thai and come back here in May, and leave again in December! I love that the weather actually changes from day to day and in the summer the sun doesn't set until nearly 10 pm! I love good, healthy fresh food, and the array of cheese and breads. I love a COOL breeze on a hot day, television in English, and being able to read the labels in the grocery store. Walking into a store and knowing the price without being assaulted by sales people, or being stared at by all of Tesco!! I love being familiar with every single thing around me, and knowing how/where/when to do everything! And I love not having to explain myself to everyone about why I am living in Thailand!

Most of all, my family is here. I miss my inlaws terribly when I am here, and I wish my family could get to know them, but it's nothing like how I miss my mom and dad when I'm over there.

Thailand is great, but home is great too, if you want it to be

I don't think there is a magic answer - i think it just depends on how the visa officer is feeling that day :/

Your wife seems to have more than enough proof that she wants to return to Thailand, and I'm very surprised she was turned down twice! Speaking with the embassy is a good idea. A few months back my husband's cousin applied for a visa to visit us in Canada, and the first one was outright denied. Made him go all the way to Bkk for the interview, but instead of interviewing him just told him he didn't get it (ties to Thailand not strong enough, apparently). In his second application we wrote a letter stating that he was turned down in the last app and felt the decision was wrong, and explained his situation in Thailand and why he would return (main reason that he has a 3 year old son with no mom) that seemed to do the trick! (We also made mention of the fact that if his intention was to live in Canada indefinately, we would of course sponsor his immigration, rather than staying illegally).

It is sometimes hard to speak to someone at the embassy, but last time I called (for other reasons) I was so annoyed at the unhelpfulness of the Thai staff, as soon as they answered the telephone I said "I want to speak with a Canadian!" and she put me right through That guy was very helpful, and friendly, and solved my issue then and there!

You may also want to consider the option of applying for permanent residence, depending on how much time your wife is planning on spending in Canada (it must be a minimum of 2 years in a 5 year period). It only took a few months for my husband, and we now have the luxury of coming and going as we please. You can legalize your marriage if you wish, but being your common law wife you don't have to.

Good luck!!

wasn't she on a soap a few months back? The one with all the farang acting in it, and she was speaking Thai quite well (though they still put subtitles..)

Thanks! I've been learning by just picking it up too, but I get confused sometimes about what is pasa klang and what is pasa tai I'm a much better learner when I can see it in front of me, and though I can have conversations, I'd like to be fluent

I haven't read the rest of the reply's and don't know if this was mentioned but...

you could always start some sort of small business. it keeps you busy, and is a great way to get to know the local villagers and show the family you aren't lazy! growing and selling fruit, coffee, food, or some craft you are good at...

Contrary to popular Farang belief, the family (and whole village) is usually excited to have you stay with them, and if you are open and welcoming, they will be too! It is hard and awkward in the beginning, and I hated - HATED - when I first moved to the village with my husband. But, it's been quite a few years now off and on and his family treats me no different than any of the other in-laws, and I get along great with everyone in the village. Learning to speak with them is definately important. It will keep you from going stir crazy, and the novelty of you as a farang will wear off once they can speak to you and learn you are no different than they are!

And a word to the wise...the family WILL control your life there. It's just how it's done. What mom says goes. But that's not always a bad thing. Know when to put your foot down, but also set aside your pride and learn to deal with the Thai way. We don't always agree with it, but it makes your life a hell of a lot easiern not to fight it. And hey, if it makes your wife happy, and doesn't put you out, why not? She will appreciate your effort with her family..because it is the most important thing in her life.

does anyone know a website that will let me type thai words with english letters, and translate them into thai letters? i can't type thai on my keyboard, and the online translators sometimes give me weird translations. or any suggestions for another way to type thai? i did search but couldn't find what i was looking for. thanks for the help!