soi3eddie

1 hour ago, spidermike007 said:

These days the last place in the world you want to lose your cool, in on a commercial aircraft. In the US he would be locked up for years. Here, who knows? Likely depends on how much spare cash he has. Unless he is charged at the destination. It is likely the Brits do not fool around with idiots like this guy, and will lock him up. Good result.

Yes. He will have been arrested on arrival in the UK and the full force of the law applied to him. He will almost certainly serve jail time for this. Evidence overwhelming. He should also be banned from all airlines for life. As well as never entering Thailand again, if he could find another way to get here. No place or excuse for this behaviour. 

Generally, flying THAI Airways is chilled and relaxed. I've never seen any agression on their flights over the many years travelling this route. Only once, was there a small commotion when one laughing boy, totally <deleted>faced, went stumbling around the cabin. He wasn't a danger really, they cleared 3 seats, and let him sleep it off. He was still fast asleep when everyone disembarked at Bangkok.

5 hours ago, webfact said:

A British fraudster swapped one resort town in England for another in Thailand to escape being charged with issuing fake driving licences in the UK, leaving the authorities puzzled about his whereabouts for over three years.

So technically he is innocent as not charged nor convicted. I read the Thaiger and the AN story but could not see any mention of him being arrested in Thailand or facing extradition. Nor his visa status in Thailand. Did I miss something? Or can he continue to reside in The Land of Smiles?

All of this is terrifying. Here in central Bangkok, it's so bad. No wonder so many are still wearing facemasks.

I've read this with interest as I stayed at one of the old rickety bamboo floating national park owned lodges on Chieow Lan Dam (Khao Sok) 22 years ago back in 2002. I wonder how many commenting here on this thread have actually been there or stayed there? Nowadays there are many fancy resorts on the lake offering accommodation. 

Wasn't it in the last 18 months that an Irish guy drowned there too? IIRC.

Firstly, this a huge body of water and in parts extremely deep. Many/most places are very remote too with no mobile phone signals. At the time I was there, I commented that it was the quietest place I had ever been in Thailand (and still is). Truly stunning scenery, wildlife and tranquility. Well worth a visit. 

I too kayaked across the calm waters, with my father. It was only later, on return to the raft resort, that he told me he could no longer swim well. Of course, neither of us had buoyancy aids or life preservers. Yes, the water was cold and clear and no sight of the bottom. Probably some very large fish in there too.

Hopefully there will be resolution as to what happened in this case however the outcome regarding this young man is already certain. RIP.

4 hours ago, Bangkok Barry said:

 

I recently got new glasses from what I assume is the top company as they are located in every town in the country. And, if anything, they are less effective than my previous pair. The staff smile a lot but don't really seem to have an answer, and of course getting anyone in Thailand to admit they made a mistake is impossible.

 

Does anyone have a suggestion what I could do now? Do I just swallow a 20,000 baht loss and start again somewhere else?

Jeez 20,000 Baht! Ouch. Just got the GF her first pair of eye glasses from a decent store on Centralworld. 6,000 Baht all in and super quality. If OP is not pleased or has a problem then you MUST go back to the source and complain up the management levels until you get your complaint resolved.

@uttradit Thanks. Would your routes listed above be considered suitable for motorcycles?

Just helped a friend in the UK get a Non-O single entry marriage visa. Simply upload a copy of bank statement where they asked for residence. Misleadingly, they ask for bank statement with £10,000 or high monthly amount in the funds section. Just simply uploaded a bank statement there with less than £2,000 balance. His evisa was issued within 3 days no further documents asked for other than passport and marriage certificate. They could clarify the requirements which would avoid any confusion. 

Normally I research and tour by myself. Sometimes it is easier to arrange a private guide (not a big group tour) to avoid tourist traps, scams and ease language barriers. I found that the experience of all below could not be surpassed doing it solo. Got to experience places that would have been unlikely if not using a guide. I would not use a mainstream big name company, rather these were all by recommendation or found online. 

• Food tours in; Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Nice and Yangon. 
• Bicycle tour in Bangkok and Tokyo.
• Walking tour in Tokyo with free guide
• 3 days with a tour guide in Yangon.
• 7 day private escorted tour in Egypt - antiquities, museums, Nile cruise and food tour.

5 minutes ago, up2you2 said:

At the Vachira Phuket Hospital hospital, the head of their International Department said that I would be eligible for a Thai pink ID card for foreigners.
This ID would give me 20% to 25 % discount off the hospital fees and charges.
Never heard of it, and since then I have made some enquiries.

I went to the Amper Muang, but as nobody speaks English I did not get very far.
Then I was introduced to an agent, who told me that the application would have to be made personally at the Amper Muang, and secondly I would have to bring along two Thais who could vouch for me, and act as witnesses.
I would also need to have an international copy of my Passport made -1,000 Baht.

So my question is please, has anyone achieved this holy grail.
And if so were there any forms that I should request, any any other documents that I need to take along apart Land Lease, Passport, Blue book?

I would go with the agent who will guide you through everything that the district office requires (different offices have different requirements). It will save you time, hassle and effort. Likely will be worth whatever the agent charges you. I did mine in Bangkok with help of GF. Still took two months and lot of trips to the office. I would gladly have paid an agent to help make it easier.

3 hours ago, Surasak said:

Try 'Clip Grab'. Downloads video and music so you can store it wherever and listen at leisure.

 +1

I use ClipGrab to download and save films from YouTube. Works very well.

21 hours ago, Social Media said:

The world has experienced its first year-long breach of the key 1.5°C warming limit, marking a significant milestone in the fight against climate change, according to the EU's climate service.

 

Since the landmark Paris agreement in 2015, global leaders have pledged to limit the long-term temperature rise to 1.5°C, recognizing its importance in mitigating the most severe impacts of climate change. However, the recent breach, where global warming surpassed 1.5°C for an entire year, signifies a concerning trend that brings the world closer to surpassing this critical threshold on a long-term basis.

How did they think they were going to change the climate? By taxing everyone more? <deleted> wits!

11 hours ago, DogNo1 said:

My present gripe about YouTube videos is that the presenters of a topic such as "Avoid These Foods for a Healthy Liver" take up the first 12-15 minutes with self promotion.  They go through a spiel about their personal history and accomplishments and then another spiel about their guests back story, accomplishments and books published.   They don't get to the su==+--[

That is nothing to do with YouTube. That is soley due to the channels you wish to view or subscribe to. Choose more wisely...

Hairline cracks or gaping canyons? Settlement to be expected but depends on the degree.

Never tell anyone you are emigrating from the UK. You are simply on a long holiday. Retain a UK address, GP registration, Electoral Roll, UK bank account and tax status and you'll be fine. Keep everything updated in the UK. After all, very few are entitled to permanent residency in Thailand. 

I'm with Lloyds UK. Transfer to Wise take seconds. Never a problem. Done many dozens of times in the last 4 years.

On 2/6/2024 at 9:28 AM, BenStark said:

Maybe for reasons explained by others here, because even if there is a will, it cost money for the probate and the transfer costs of the condo at that time.

This is of concern for me. The GREEDY lawyers, whilst offering a Thai Will at just 5,000 Baht, will charge 100's of thousands to do probate. Better to to arrange transfer of assets while alive rather than leaving hassle to loved ones and profit to lawyer scum. The only problem is the uncertainty of one's demise - sudden or through long term illness. Probably best to have that will in any case.

I've been to more Thai funerals than weddings. So many villagers and relatives in my ex-wife's village. Once we are dead we are dead. Nothing morbid IMO. They get on with the rites and ceremony then life recommences. What else do we expect? Some old and ill people who lived longer than they should have. Some young teenagers in the prime of life but riding motorcycles recklessly. Some (a relative only 45yrs dying of lung cancer having never smoked). Tragic situations. 

I went to the funeral of Graham Briar in Chiang Rai, out of respect for someone I admired. Incredibly moving and poignant for a British gentleman who died in unfortunate circumstances after heart surgery as a smoker who should have known better. Does not detract from the loss felt by his partner Pie and her family and friends. The full funeral video is below for those who have never seen the day of going to the temple for the "burning of the body". 

For the OP @SailingHome. Yes, This IS proof that a TM30 has been filed (Informed - written in green). The number of nights is not mandatory and is irrelevent as is the visa type. This is what I receive when I file my own TM30 for the Bangkok condo I have owned for over 15 years. Print the PDF and use that at immigration when required. It IS proof that a TM30 showing the address has been filed. But PRINT it for sure. Thais just love paperwork and nothing better than physical print in their face. 

1 hour ago, JimTripper said:

I will start asking for this before I pay the deposit on a rental.

Good advice to anyone renting a property in Thailand. INSIST on a copy of the property owner's ID card and the Blue House Book Tabien Baan, with this you can then register on the TM30 website and submit TM30 as required by immigration. IF the landlord/renter will not give this in advance of paying deposit and signing a contract then DECLINE to proceed. After all, the landord/renter WILL INSIST on a copy of your passport. If the owner/landlord won't comply with what you require, then DO NOT RENT the property.

37 minutes ago, jimn said:

Standard economy with EVA Air is 2 x 23kg checked baggage if anyone is interested. No need to be a special member.

Flew Premium Economy with EVA last year as a holder of a Star Alliance Gold card. I had one piece of luggage weighing 29kgs. They wanted an extra £100 for the "excess" weight even though I could have taken 3 bags at a total of 69kgs! Dickheads. In the end they gave me a box and packing tape to redistribute the "excess" 6 kgs. Real palaver and waste of time for nothing. At least THAI allow up to 32kgs max per piece (allowance permitting).

On 2/4/2024 at 6:42 PM, stat said:

My credit card from another bank got suspended because I was using it to much for their taste as they could see I had not returned to my home country for several months where my account was still registered.

Is that what they told you? Due to you being away from home for a long period? Not suspicious transactions?

I use a UK Virgin Atlantic Credit card and had it registered on the Bolt App which I use here in Thailand. After 1 journey they blocked my card as "suspicious transaction" for 100 Baht. I had to call Virgin Money and get the card unblocked. Lo and behold, same thing happened next time. I told them to mark the Bolt transactions as authorised and not suspicious. Apparently their system can't do that. After the 3rd time I had to give up using that card with Bolt. It is only Bolt that this happens with. Dimwits!

The British guy, from the sound of the story, was very lucky that the Canadian doctor was on the scene. Could have been a fatal outcome. 

As for the reason for the altercation, after alcohol, the unwanted attention for the lady, and likely a fair amount of bravado, it's easy to see how situations can escalate into this. One never knows how unhinged another guy can get, especially if his advances (albeit on another guy's girl) are rejected in public.

As an aside; my GF and I stopped overnight in downtown Bristol on a Saturday last summer. We went out for dinner and some drinks at the bars. We were both quite shocked at the large number of marauding gangs of hen/stag partys on the streets. Virtually every pub/bar had heavy security on the doors. That's not something I see in London or here in Bangkok. Somewhat unpleasant unfortunately.

1 hour ago, udontomi said:

they said they could not allow  a farang to have accounts at two different locations.

The lame excuses we hear in Thailand, especially upcountry, are almost unbeleivable. As others have said, just try another branch or different bank.

FWIW: I have two Kbank Accounts, one upcountry where my ex-wife was from and the other account here in Bangkok. With Kbank (at least), it doesn't matter where the account is held as all regular services available from anybranch (such as issuance of statements and new ATM cards in my experience). One branch in Bangkok told me that to change address on the upcountry account I would have to travel 900kms to that branch! I simply called head office and was able to change address by phone and email.

All hail the Chinese travellers. Please, please, please come back to Thailand now and save us from destitution. Please...