RAZZELL

It's a last minute trip if you bothered to read my opening post.

I've been out of Thailand for 30 days. 4 months in the last calendar year.

Well 4 months out of the country in the last year. 2022-2024 was probably 6 months.

Hi Tod Do you please have a working link? Many thanks

I will have been out of the country for about 30 days when I fly back. As mentioned, previously I had marriage and retirement Visas and I'm concerned that because it is Songkran I won't get the E -Visa back in time. I'm probably about to apply today and fly next weekend.

Thank you. I have just added the days and trips up. 6 flights since March last year. 239 days in country. See any problem?

Thanks.

Hi Tod As you're the Immigration Guru - are Visit E Visas administered from Thailand or are they dealt with in the application country? Or are they processed at MFA? Hence next week will be a right off? My Question.

Please bear with me. I moved full-time to Thailand with my Thai wife in 2018. Stayed before, during and after covid on marriage and then retirement extensions. In I think 2023 my Mother was seriously ill and I had to go back to my home country for 4 months and "lost/couldn't renew" my retirement visa. Since then I have been visiting Thailand for 1, 2 or 3 months at a time but then returning to my home country because of Family commitments. For example, my second to last trip to Thailand I stayed I think 5 weeks, then I left to my home country for 6 weeks, then last trip back for 10 days then currently back in my home country for 4 weeks. Last entry the Immigration Officer gave me a right grilling about "not having a visa" - "I said but I don't live here full time"...after some moaning he let me in. Since November my wife is now in the UK with me since as she has a new job. But I have to return (again) after Songkran because she is getting some work on her house. I am now a bit paranoid about getting stopped/refused entry arriving/relying on an Exemption on Arrival. So, I am about to apply for a holiday visa - but NOT visiting friends and family (because I am not and she won't be there!) Although she has written me an "invite letter". My question is: will Songkran effect my application as I intend to fly next weekend ? Or is it only effected by the holiday situation in my home country? Or am I being paranoid for nothing? Worst comes to the worst - can anyone recommend one of these "fast track" companies that facilitate a smooth entry? EDIT - And what happens if I fly before I receive my E-VISA??? EDIT 2 - Never had one day overstay in 20+ years of visiting. Many thanks.

I've been having a fair few questions asked at Immigration lately - due to family commitments I no longer have a long term visa in Thailand. I returned to the UK for 6 weeks and got a right grilling at Immigration on my return. Maybe he was in a bad mood.

Can buy them at https://diamondpharmacy-th.com/ Rybelsus 8.5k for 30 tablets. A bit of a mission to get to - BUT if you do visit go early when they first open as the traffic can be bad and they get busy. If not - you can order online. RAZZ

Yes, I know a "farang" who won a lot. There was a girl called "Mod" who used to work in Bar 4, Sukhumvit Soi 4, Bangkok who won 12m with her (now ex) American bf. 6m each. She spent her half in about 2 years. Don't know what he did with his but last time I saw him just pre or post covid he was wearing some rather large Thai gold chains! (He was a jeweller in Chicago).

Simon, over the years I've always enjoyed your posts and your not always enjoyable personal stories!. Another interesting read. RAZZ

Not that it matters but my gf. To come and talk to any woman whilst she is sitting next to a guy and is plainly "with them" is not on. Downright disrespectful to both. RAZZ

Sorry, "getting your round in" is deeply ingrained in British culture.

I've lived in Jomtien for the last year after 5 years in Bangkok. What grinds my gears: 1) Any nationality (although they tend to be Russian) who walk two abreast along the pavement and expect you to walk in the road. 2) Any nationality (although they tend to be Russian) who goes in a 7-11 with no shirt on. 3) Any nationality (although they tend to be Brits, Aussies and particularly Yanks) who don't get their round in! 4) Any nationality (although they tend to be Chinese, Russians and Thais) who don't say "Thank You" when you hold a door open for them. MY NUMBER ONE PET HATE! Any nationality - disrespectful c***s who ignore the fact that you are with a girl and come up and start talking to her and trying it on whilst you are sitting there!!! This has led to one argument and one punch up...which didn't end well for the wannabee lothario 555 RAZZ

Any recommendations for a Thai Language School or tutor in Jomtien/Pattaya ? Small classes or 1-2-1 would be great. Reading, writing and speaking. Many thanks

https://www.hachanna.co.th/en/categories/tojiro-japanese-knife.html Thai - supposed to be very good. https://www.cutboyknife.com/ https://www.central.co.th/en/search/kitchen knives https://www.central.co.th/en/home-lifestyle/cooking-dining/cookware/kitchen-knives So try Villa Market, Central and other stores who have Henckels, Wusthof, Zwilling etc but I have definitley seen Global somewhere ? Maybe Siam Takashimaya or Emporium? Maybe ask a Chef in a Japanese restaurant of a hotel where they buy their knives from? I'm actually visiting Japan in August/Sept so reading up as I want to buy some for a present: https://www.curated.com/journal/1884000/the-best-japanese-knife-brands

Well...maybe it was a pre-cursor to today's nonsense? Thai Airways working again on Brave and Chrome. Cathay isn't on Brave.

Will do. I am "guessing" the problem was caused by using a free VPN add on - SetUp VPN on Chrome. (I'll check the one I used on Brave.) Because I changed my location to "Sweden" and this IP came up as "blacklisted" "malicious" or words to that effect when I googled it. I'll have another look/play around later today. RAZZ

Yes. I think that's what got me blacklisted.

Let me guess - "Buzzin Pattaya" and that clown "Visa Agent". Clueless the pair of them.

I use private browser to try and get cheaper prices - still blocked. I'll keep playing around with it.

I have been looking at flights and sometimes use a VPN to "try" and not get inflated prices. It seems my IP address on my laptop has now been blocked by ThaiAirways which is a bit of a pain as I use them a lot (ROP Gold). I have used other browser add ons, VPN's etc to no avail. Any suggestions? EDIT - Looks like Cathay have as well?

So I guess some Russian Tourist Police brown noser acted as the "undercover" officer.