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Everything posted by richard_smith237
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Thailand airports boost biometrics for faster service times
richard_smith237 replied to snoop1130's topic in Thailand News
I thought that had been dropped already as the machines weren't up to scratch, or is it back on again? https://www.able2travel.com/news/new-airport-scanners-fail-100ml-liquid-limit-returns-across-eu/ I last exited the UK in the summer... I'm not sure about the 100ml-liquid rule (we didnt have liquids anyway), but we didn't have to take out laptops etc... the whole 'passing through security' was exponentially faster than it ever has been before. It's for a different system, not immigration. You would be able to get through the rest of the departures process including boarding without showing boarding pass or passport again as it would be done with facial recognition. It was due to be implemented in November and December but I've never heard of it actually being switched on yet. I noticed the hardware in place in October. https://www.tatnews.org/2024/11/aot-rolls-out-biometric-system-to-enhance-passenger-experience-across-six-airports/ Ah... I've misunderstood - I thought the article was regarding Auto-Immigration-Gates on departure. I'm not sure why all this is necessary for domestic flights - there is never any hold up with those anyway - its usually just a person glancing at your boarding pass and ID as you pass through before security.... Or, perhaps I've never travelled at peak-periods for domestic travel so I've never noticed it. -
Essential Driving Rules and Etiquette in Thailand
richard_smith237 replied to CharlieH's topic in Thailand Motor Discussion
Ah, a lecture dressed as a history lesson, dripping with pretension and sprinkled with stereotypes. Delightful. Let’s unpack this symphony of self-importance masquerading as an insight, shall we? Thailand’s love for pickups and motorcycles. Fascinating stuff. What's next, a deep dive into why fish enjoy water? And comparing Thailand’s motor industry to the UK - because obviously, nothing says global context like measuring everything against the former Empire. Brilliant... Then, the "Sakdina cast system" diatribe - interesting, if wildly speculative. Unequal societies and road safety are somehow tied together by an archaic hierarchy that, by your own admission, is mostly historical? That’s like blaming my coffee spilling on the alignment of Jupiter. A stretch, but sure, let’s roll with it. And your point about "stopping stupid ones from being stupid" - pure poetry. So other societies are better at keeping their stupidity contained, while Thailand lets it roam free? Perhaps, but judging by this treatise, we can confirm stupidity knows no borders. The cherry on top: "Foreigners don’t understand Thai driving culture." Oh, please. Adjusting to driving in Thailand isn't a mystical rite of passage; it's an exercise in not getting obliterated by a truck with no headlights going the wrong way. If survival instincts aren’t culture, I don’t know what is. In conclusion, your ramble is less a critique and more a masterpiece of verbose nonsense, peppered with stereotypes and wrapped in a thin veneer of faux intellectualism. Well done for managing to sound both condescending and clueless in equal measure... Brilliant stuff... Thanks once again Kwildo for the entertainment... ..... "I'm a boat, I'm a boat" !!! -
Thailand airports boost biometrics for faster service times
richard_smith237 replied to snoop1130's topic in Thailand News
I'm in and out regularly - it was only this last time (just before Christmas) that I was directed to the Auto-Immigration-Gate. The previous time, a month before hand, the exit procedure was 'human'.... -
Thailand airports boost biometrics for faster service times
richard_smith237 replied to snoop1130's topic in Thailand News
I'm not even sure how you register... After checking in (as normal), then going through security, an immigration officer directed me away from the manned Immigration booths to use the Auto-Immigration Gates. I expected it not to work, however, the process was seamless and very quick. Thus: I'm not sure what the registration comments are about. -
Thailand airports boost biometrics for faster service times
richard_smith237 replied to snoop1130's topic in Thailand News
When departing Thailand a few weeks back, I was directed to one of the Auto-gates. I've never registered. I simply placed my passport face down on the screen. Then the system took my photo. Done - in about 15 seconds - very quick. I now have no exit stamp, but don't imagine thats an issue. If it works this well for everyone - then this will speed up departures no end. Now they just need to improve the speed of security screening (as they have in the EU, with better scanning machines so no need to remove items from the bag (if not carrying liquids) - then drop the silly fixation with power banks. ... and also improve arrival processing times... All a step in the right direction as by far one of the worst part of flying is the headache of getting through the airports. -
Is it ???.... it it were 'obvious' this would be reported as a murder. But its not, becasuse there is only circumstantial information that shows there may have been a conflict. Based on the information in the Op, I too suspect foul play as I'm sure many would given the same information - but as Nick Carter pointed out, there are other possibilities regardless of their plausibility.
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Essential Driving Rules and Etiquette in Thailand
richard_smith237 replied to CharlieH's topic in Thailand Motor Discussion
This is comedy gold !!!.... "I'm in a boat, I'm in a boat"... A pathetic masterpiece of pseudo-intellectual drivel, equating Thai driving chaos to some mystical boat ballet.... I had no idea that cutting people off without a glance, running red lights and driving the wrong way were sacred nods to ancient water culture. The 'I’m in a boat' mantra? brilliant.... Perhaps next we’ll call traffic jams "glorious regattas" and potholes "spiritual whirlpools." Swinging into oncoming traffic isn’t a nod to nautical heritage; it’s stupidity dressed up as culture. And Mae Ya Nang? Sure, let’s add mystical excuses for why half the drivers can’t grasp the concept of a turn signal. This drivel doesn’t just miss the point - it runs it over, backs up, and drives off cluelessly, like the 'boat' you're idolising. Pure amusement in a single post - thank you !!! -
Man Dies in Warming Fire Incident in Surin
richard_smith237 replied to Georgealbert's topic in Isaan News
Don't stop there... what was the blanket made of ?? -
Essential Driving Rules and Etiquette in Thailand
richard_smith237 replied to CharlieH's topic in Thailand Motor Discussion
15-18 years old - restricted to less than 110cc - which is also never followed. But... when 4 kids are riding to school on a single bike, without helmets past policemen etc... a complete farce is made of any rules... ... until someone pulls a wheelie on a main road and posts it on social media !! -
Excellent Info... After the UK Embassy stopped providing an Affirmation of Residence for those not on 'long term visas' (i.e. they would not provide the affirmation for those on Visa Exempt entries or Tourist Visas) that was a 'brick wall' for some... as Immigration previously required a 90 day report. So, with CW issuing the CoR without the requirement for a 90 day report that brick wall has been knocked down. -------- That was nearly a 'brick wall for me a while ago'.... I hold an Elite Visa and travel a lot so am very rarely here for more than 90 days at a time... So I'd not carried out 90 day reports. I had to 'negotiate' with the Embassy and explain that the Elite Visa is a 'long term Visa' (they were claiming I needed an Non-Immigrant Visa), I received the Affirmation of Residence at the time - but it was this that triggered me to get the Yellow House Book in the end.
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The best option is to get your home license posted out here - or just go ahead and do the full test. Driving License Requirements: Do I need to bring my original EU driving license together with my International Driving Permit (IDP), or will just the IDP be sufficient? Unfortunately, I only have my International Driving Permit with me, as I didn’t bring my original EU driving license. Will that cause any issues? You need only the Original license Health Check: Does the health check need to be done at a government hospital, or can it be done at a regular clinic? Any clinic will do, tell them its for a driving license, most carry the basic form. Visa Requirements: Is there a specific visa required for applying for a Thai driving license, or can it be done with any type of visa? Any visa is ok - the important part is getting the Letter of Residence (which is often dependant on visa) Other Documents: Besides my passport, what else do I need to prepare? Are there any additional documents I should bring to avoid delays? You will need either: a) Affirmation of Residence from your Embassy (if they do it) b) Certificate of Address from Immigration (if you have done a 90 day report - but this depends where you are, some immigration offices issue it anyway, others require a 90 day report).
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Essential Driving Rules and Etiquette in Thailand
richard_smith237 replied to CharlieH's topic in Thailand Motor Discussion
Absolute rubbish.... In the UK people over 70 do not need to have a GP certified medial checkup when renewing their driving license every 3 years... they are only required to self certify medical fitness which is why there was proposed change to policy (as indicated by Vinny41)... https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/uk-drivers-over-70-could-30661495 -
Same here... BS cold calls... all my junk e-mails get filtered into Junk anyway. The amusing part about the point of not wanting to give Decathalon an e-mail address is that I have never had an e-mail from them other than an online receipt and delivery notification for an online purchase.
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This is why I would like to see an option whereby long term residents (i.e. those on Non-Imm Retirement / Marriage Visas can 'pay into' the National Healthcare system to ensure continued treatment. IMO - at the moment this is a huge gap in any retirement plan.
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Who can access that if you are incapacitated or in a coma ??? The most common answer to this is a flippant response of 'just let me die' - which side steps the intricacies of carrying ID and Insurance cover. This raises the question of 'proof' - i.e. if a person is covered (or not) and the 'hospital' is somewhat mercenary in its approach to treatment, how does an incapacitated person prove they have cover ? This highlights the importance of carrying an Insurance card, or having close friends (and / or family) who can advice the hospitals of payment information.
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Mahout charged for elephant goring Spanish woman in Thailand
richard_smith237 replied to webfact's topic in Thailand News
Both male and female elephants have tusks, although they are smaller in Asians African Elephants: In both African savanna elephants and African forest elephants females typically have tusks which are usually smaller and thinner than those of males. Asian Elephants: Female Asian elephants usually do not have prominent tusks. Instead, they may have small tusk-like structures called "tushes" that are not visible unless the mouth is open. 'Gored her' implies tusks were used (gored implies sharp object), without getting too graphical - its possible the article used the term 'gored' rather loosely when mauled might be a more correct term. -
Mahout charged for elephant goring Spanish woman in Thailand
richard_smith237 replied to webfact's topic in Thailand News
Well said.... -
Could have been... could have been a deeply interesting discussion, in a very animated fashion that appears as though they were having an argument... Either way - the 'other guy' remains the most important person to get hold of and find out what happened, and if they can't find him - he's fled and likely fled for a reason. As I mentioned - I'm surprised CCTV photo has not yet been circulated 'as a person of interest'.
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So, what are they going to do ???... Force me to buy a Pilates leggings 'cos my Wife has some ? There's so much delusional paranoia about...
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Or this: He also suggested that the dog might have been stressed, as it had been chained for an extended period. I can't see much Pitbull in there either, if any. Not that that will help it now. A Poodle would not have been strong enough to chew its owner to death.... The Pit-bull part definitely explains it... Not that I have any sympathy for the owner at all, I'm just glad this wasn't an innocent visitor or child who was mauled to death.
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There are 3 forum members who I'm sure are going to pee a little bit with excitement when they read this this thread... Silly fool - carrying drugs in Thailand is ridiculously stupid.
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Fight breaks out after Thai woman leaves 2 husbands for foreigner
richard_smith237 replied to snoop1130's topic in Isaan News
Classy woman... The foreigner lucked out there !!! ... If ever the saying.... 'Run Forest, Run' was applicable - that was the time...- 37 replies
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