Wanderer555

Good day,

I am planning to obtain a Non-O Visa 'for the purposes of retirement' from Vientiane, and would like to know, does the consulate require an embassy certification letter or will they accept other financial documentation for the Visa?

I am 54 years old, a United States Citizen and can provide proof of retirement income that exceeds the Thailand requirement of 65,000 Baht per month.

Thanks!

Been a topic that's kicked about more than a few times.

My view is there's good and bad drivers what ever country you go to.

You would only use public transport where I live if you wanted to be bored.

And like in any country , women are worse drivers ....especially the parking ones.

Maybe she is an exception, but my wife is actually quite a good driver, can parallel park, enjoys accelerating out of a curve, and can back a car or truck into a parking space quite efficiently...

Like others have said, it depends on the driver, their training and experience.

Cheers!

What a load of .....

Solution: Reduce speed, post an extra lookout or two and proceed with caution!

The boats crashed into each other due to poor seamanship, and likely excessive speed for the current conditions. We just arrived back from Krabi and while out on a private boat, I saw a few of these speedboats at a popular island beach stop with all three being overloaded, and more than likely insufficient safety gear.

It is very sad that these tourists got sucked into taking a trip on these 'Cattle Boats' and ended up being slaughtered...

"Those are the life jackets from the boat that rescued them from the water.

Have you seen the boats that were involved in this accident?"

Actually that is a really good observation, and no I have not seen any 'Lifejackets' that clearly belong to the vessels that were involved in the collision. It would seem strange to me that the rescue vessel would need to provide PFD's to the collision victims if the crew of the vessels involved had already provided their passengers with the proper safety equipment.

Perhaps you have evidence of these 'Lifejackets' being provided by the vessel crew? If so, I would appreciate seeing this as it would help calm my feelings that the vessels were overloaded and under-equipped for the trip.

Cheers!

Wow, that is a really impossible request.

But boats here can not depart without having sufficient life jackets on board, and in many departure points it is checked that everybody wears them.

I do see some other life jackets on the photos as well, so yes, life jackets were provided by the vessel crew.

@ stevenl,

In reading both of your following statements, I find myself somewhat confused.

"Those are the life jackets from the boat that rescued them from the water.

But boats here can not depart without having sufficient life jackets on board, and in many departure points it is checked that

everybody wears them.

My question is, "If the passengers were wearing the Personal Flotation Devices or 'lifejackets' as required, then why would the rescue crews need to provide them to the collision victims?"

While I cannot say with certainty the conditions aboard both vessels were at the time of the collision, I will admit to making a few assumptions based on seeing similar boats at the destination islands with the vessels being both overloaded and poorly equipped.

Could you also inform me as to what classification of PFD, (Lifejacket) they typically provide their passengers?

Additionally, has anyone reported what the deceased victims died of, such as blunt force trauma, drowning or ???

Cheers!

What a load of .....

Solution: Reduce speed, post an extra lookout or two and proceed with caution!

The boats crashed into each other due to poor seamanship, and likely excessive speed for the current conditions. We just arrived back from Krabi and while out on a private boat, I saw a few of these speedboats at a popular island beach stop with all three being overloaded, and more than likely insufficient safety gear.

It is very sad that these tourists got sucked into taking a trip on these 'Cattle Boats' and ended up being slaughtered...

"Those are the life jackets from the boat that rescued them from the water.

Have you seen the boats that were involved in this accident?"

Actually that is a really good observation, and no I have not seen any 'Lifejackets' that clearly belong to the vessels that were involved in the collision. It would seem strange to me that the rescue vessel would need to provide PFD's to the collision victims if the crew of the vessels involved had already provided their passengers with the proper safety equipment.

Perhaps you have evidence of these 'Lifejackets' being provided by the vessel crew? If so, I would appreciate seeing this as it would help calm my feelings that the vessels were overloaded and under-equipped for the trip.

Cheers!

“It was raining heavily,” Col. Lt. Prasert Srikhunrat said by telephone. “The sky was dark, so the two boats crashed into each other.”"

What a load of .....

Solution: Reduce speed, post an extra lookout or two and proceed with caution!

The boats crashed into each other due to poor seamanship, and likely excessive speed for the current conditions. We just arrived back from Krabi and while out on a private boat, I saw a few of these speedboats at a popular island beach stop with all three being overloaded, and more than likely insufficient safety gear.

It is very sad that these tourists got sucked into taking a trip on these 'Cattle Boats' and ended up being slaughtered...

As a former USCG Licensed Master and Marine Safety & Security Instructor, (USCG & MCA of the UK), I know that these types of accidents are largely preventable and almost always the result of operator error.

Hopefully this event will get the international attention it deserves, and some of the necessary changes will be made.

Unlikely there was not enough safety equipment and/or the boats were overloaded. All are checked very regularly, in certain places even daily.

I'm sorry, but what fantasy wonderland are you living in ??. I have been here 35 years and have internationally recognised certification for both Fast rescue Craft and small powered vessels, I can safely say that there is little to no inspection on any marine vessels that I have seen

I see it every day. No overloading possible and life jackets for everybody compulsory.

Seems like you don't know the daily ins and outs of these boats.

Not disputing your report of inspections, and as one who has under gone multiple commercial vessels inspections around the globe, I can say that the quality of the inspection and the standards being applied are vital to the overall success of the safety inspections.

In looking at some of the pictures of incident, many of the passengers being treated appear to be wearing light blue or grey 'Flotation Aids' or what the United States Coast Guard (USCG) classifies as a Type III Personal Flotation Device (PFD). These vests are primarily designed to aid the wearer to stay afloat while engaged in a sport activity such as snorkeling or water skiing. Designed for comfort, these vests are only intended for use in calm waters where fast rescue is possible, and most importantly they are not designed to self-right (turn-over) an unconscious victim to the face-up position.

Given the trip to Phi Phi is across open water, it would seem reasonable that vessel operators would be required to carry at minimum TYPE II PFD's, (Near Shore Buoyant Vests) for each passenger and others safety devices such as AIS, (Type , in addition to the standard running lights, Lifebuoy with light, signal flares and similar. I also question the stability of these speedboats when carrying over thirty (30) passengers, crew, fuel and provisions. This is a very large number for the type of vessel (10m?) and the intended area of operation, and cannot imagine how such a heavily loaded vessel safely operates in a heavy sea. In my past experience a vessel of this type would have at maximum maybe 16 passengers for protected waters, but more than likely be certified to carry a maximum of 12 for a day excursion, or less if carrying divers & their equipment when on a similar route.

Cheers

Congratulations to Jon on his project, and adapting to a very different environment than his native Thailand.

As others have noted, this looks to be in South Park, (made famous by the South Park cartoon), and yes the valley floor is above 10,000 ft, with the mountains to the West & North reaching over 14,000 ft.

I used to live close there, deeper in the mountains to the west maybe 30-40 miles and can attest long cold winters such as ice climbing 10 minutes by snowshoes from my house in early June. Though the temperatures can drop to -30F or less and be subzero F for weeks on end, the skies are generally sunny so it makes things bearable. Also, while it can snow almost any day of the year, South Park does not get a lot of snowfall, and the low moisture content makes it very easy to deal with.

The Earthships are a really good concept, and I have stayed in a couple around the Taos New Mexico area, but have concerns with the use of the rubber tires and long term effects from the rubber outgassing.

Cheers!

“It was raining heavily,” Col. Lt. Prasert Srikhunrat said by telephone. “The sky was dark, so the two boats crashed into each other.”"

What a load of .....

Solution: Reduce speed, post an extra lookout or two and proceed with caution!

The boats crashed into each other due to poor seamanship, and likely excessive speed for the current conditions. We just arrived back from Krabi and while out on a private boat, I saw a few of these speedboats at a popular island beach stop with all three being overloaded, and more than likely insufficient safety gear.

It is very sad that these tourists got sucked into taking a trip on these 'Cattle Boats' and ended up being slaughtered...

As a former USCG Licensed Master and Marine Safety & Security Instructor, (USCG & MCA of the UK), I know that these types of accidents are largely preventable and almost always the result of operator error.

Hopefully this event will get the international attention it deserves, and some of the necessary changes will be made.

@ CGW,

As I am sure you are aware, experiences can vary as dependent on the time one visits a hotel...

"If budget is not an issue Centara is a better hotel, which is obviously reflected in price and "stars" and a better pool area."

The Pannarai and Centara UT have very similar pricing, and as with most hotels, key factors in the price being the time of booking and percentage of occupancy. We have stayed at both in Udon Thani, and the Pannarai was a bit more expensive than the Centara when we booked.

"the pool is ok, though the area is smaller than it looks on photographs."
Most if not all pictures of hotel properties are taken with wide angle lenses that inherently increase the perceived size of the given subject, and yes the pool area is smaller than the professional pictures of the same.

"If you enjoy a typical 3 star Thai breakfast consisting off processed foods and cold eggs breakfast will be ok for you"

Our breakfast at the Pannarai included freshly prepared offerings and we felt it was generally good for the type of venue. Timing is often key here, and I typically have low expectations for a Western style breakfast as it is not really part of the Thai culture. That being said, on occasion, I have had a few exceptional hotel breakfasts.

It does seem that the smaller venues often have a much better breakfast than the larger corporate type hotels. For me, I often have a mixture of both Western and Thai foods for breakfast (omelet, boiled rice, bread, stir-fried vegetables/seafood, etc...), with my Thai wife also enjoying the same.

No 'slating' you here, just relating our experience, and let the OP decide.

The wife and I stayed at the Pannarai a few weeks back while on a two day shopping trip to Udon Thani and both feel it is one of the better hotels in town. As mentioned, it is very clean, and the staff is both polite and professional. We did not have time for the pool, but it did look clean and comfortable. Excellent location next to Central Plaza, very good breakfast buffet and close to many good restaurants.

Cheers!

We will be married on the 28th of May, and have a budget of 150,000 Bhat for a simple but very nice wedding celebration for 100 people in Kalasin Province. This amount covers for most all of the expenses , including custom clothes for both of us, an organizer, musician, photographer, catered food and ample libations.

Food: 20,000 - Liquor/Beer/Wine: 17,000 - Organizer with staff & materials: 27,000 (includes the hand-made decorations used in the ceremony) and many misc expenses...

Hope this helps, and congratulations!

Outside of the Central African Republic, I wonder how many persons could correctly guess half of the continents those other countries are located in.

Five of them are not located on any continent and would best be described as island nations...

Typically on a 'Roof tile to Headwall' install, you would have a run of sheetmetal flashing that lays on top of the tiles and extends up the wall. This should be sealed on the top of the sheetmetal where it meet the wall with roof cement or another small piece of sheetmetal to protect against water pushing into the joint. The lower side over the roofing tiles is typically left open to allow any water that may get under the flashing to have an easy path to drain out.

I would recommend doing a search for 'roof flashing' and the checkout the images on the various methods used to do what you want to accomplish.

Cheers!

Hello Chrisiom,

Your desire to help them learn English is admirable, though in the Kalasin area, this may prove to be very difficult. The number of competent English speakers in Kalasin province is very low, with some having a basic understanding of the spoken word but not having the ability to reply in English. What I find is that many know some of the words, but they lack the confidence to actually speak in English.

My Fiancé, who is from Somdet, (43 km from Kalasin) has the best English skills I have yet encountered in the area, and better than most others even in Bangkok. She has advanced skills that comes from extensive self-study after she completed the regular course of studies in school and while attending a private university in Bangkok.

Her son, who attends a private school here in Somdet and has taken one year of private English lessons, is improving but the level of education being provided is marginal at best, and we have recently discontinued the private lessons due to the low quality of the education being provided.

My Thai is very poor, (I am learning...), so we mostly speak English with the Fiancé translating as required, and this has significantly improved his skills in a very short period of time.

As others have said, it might be up to you to help improve the English skills of your family. When the school semester starts, I will be working with her son to improve both my Thai and his English by using his English studies as a common platform. Additionally, her brother, who is a local Mayor with a Masters degree has also asked me to help him...

While writing this reply, I remembered that once while we were having lunch at Cafe Frozen, (by the lake), the owner's daughter served us and had good English skills. My Fiancé later told me she attended an International school, hence the quality of her English. You might check to see if she or another student might be available to tutor -- Just a thought!

Good luck,

Troy

Try Global House.
I purchased one there a few months ago (not sure of the price), a bit wider and with shorter bristles. Made in China, sturdy and works great. At the Kalasin Global House, it was in the brooms/ mops section on the upper shelf. I had to get it myself...

Cheers!

I cannot find the reference right now, but have read as others have stated that,

1. If both countries are signatories to the 1949 Geneva Convention, and the home country license is in English, then not International Drivers Permit is
required. I think the key factor here is that the 'Home' license be in English.

2. Certificates of Residence are available on a tourist permit, I have received two certificates in the past few months while on TR visa.

3. The Thai Drivers license (2 year) is available to those on a tourist visa, though maybe not worth it if just visiting for less than 3 months at a time.

Cheers!

Art of any kind! The great thing about art is that you do not have to be an expert to do it, just enjoy and explore!

Painting, drawing, sculpture etc can all be accomplished with a low budget and just a tad of creativity...

I have been a working artist (as a job), doing sculpture, mixed-media, photography for over two decades, and have seen many take up art

as a hobby later in life and excel in their efforts. There are now many sources of instruction on the internet, (youTube etc) with practice being

a large factor in your success.

If this interests you, you may even find some others in your local area that also like to do some type of art and it can make for a great social outlet.

Cheers!

Troy

Hello,

Later this week I will make my first Nong Khai border run, and would like to get a Laos visa at the consulate in Khon Kaen.
I am familiar with the location of the bridge in NK, and will be driving there with my Thai GF, who will cross with me. She has a passport, speaks Thai, English and Lao. We plan to park the car at the bridge (North side?), then exit and return mid Monday morning (0900).

I am assuming I will need the following documents:

1. Passport w/ six months validity & a valid Thai visa to return (3rd entry on a TR Visa - enter by Feb. 3, 2016 )

2. Passport Photo(s)

3. Visa Fee ($1600.00 Bhat)

4. Application form (at consulate)

Do I need one or two passport photos?

I also plan to complete my Laos departure & entry card prior to arriving Nong Khai.

I understand the consulate is now on Hwy. 12, north of the center of Khon Kaen. Can someone please provide a good physical location for me, as other descriptions were not clear to me as I am not very familiar with Khon Kaen.

As this the first NK border run, I would appreciate any other words of advice you may have.

Thanks, Troy

While we can all agree that reducing the number of plastic bags used can have a positive impact on the environment, both for wildlife and a reduction in the use of petroleum products, for many developing nations such as Thailand, the real benefit will come from the increased awareness of the environment, climate change and the ability to impact it through personal actions.

Truly addressing Climate Change will take cultural in thinking and how we lead our daily lives. In the US, we once had horrible problems with litter being strewn everywhere, and now some 40+ years later after the 'Keep our Highways Clean' campaign and similar the situation is greatly improved.

I support any effort to increase awareness of the environment and how it relates to our personal quality of life, and would hope that others may see the value in also supporting these efforts.

Cheers!

Troy

The agricultural situation in Thailand, with low value crops, small family holdings and a traditional workforce, is in someways similar to the the Hawaiian islands dilemma when Big Sugar exited some 25 years ago and left the local workforce without a viable source of agricultural based income. A partial solution there was to break the larger tracks of sugar cane land into smaller holdings that were then farmed by small groups with a focus on intensive farming and higher value crops such as organic greens, and other vegetables.

With the growing awareness & demand among the Thai's for healthy pesticide free vegetables, and the advances in technology that can help make small holdings profitable, I can envision that in time there is a solution to the problem. This would be in the form of intensively farmed small holdings that are organic and use techniques such as vertical farming and shade structures to help increase yields and produce consistently high-quality crops without the energy, water and other overhead costs associated with traditional farming thus improving the net profit for the local farmer.

This effort would benefit from governmental assistance, but at the end of the day it will only come from a re-education of the farming community to see the value of these types of farms. This transition is similar to what the Western World has gone through in the past 50 plus years as we transitioned away from agriculture to technology.

Easy, no, possible I say yes....

Cheers!

Troy

Hello Andrew,

To determine what is required to obtain a 'Thai Drivers License' will be based on what license(s) your friend currently holds and where the friend will go to apply for the license. For a foreigner there are some basic requirements that must be met such a residency certificate, copies of passport, original license and similar.

These topics are well covered on the internet, and as some requirements and the process will change based on geographic location,

I would suggest a basic search with a focus on what area the license will be applied for in.

Having just completed the process myself last week, I will share my experience with the Kalasin Provincial Land Transportation Office.

I hold a US State of Colorado Drivers license for a car only with an International Drivers Permit , additionally I am a US Passport holder in Thailand on a Tourist Visa. My goal was to receive the Thailand Car Drivers license and the Thailand Motorcycle License.

The Thai system for licenses is a bit different than the US, as each license is considered a separate document and must be applied for separately, with two cards being issued - one for each license.

To apply, I brought the following:

1. Original Drivers License & International Drivers Permit

2. Residency Certificate (Proof of Address) : Obtained at the local police station-
3 days to complete, document was hand-delivered to my home at no charge!

3. Passport w/visa and departure card

4. Medical Certificate: obtained at the local clinic: 30 minutes to prepare, and cost 50 Bhat.

5. Copies of some of the above documents such as passport photo page, visa, etc

6. *** Translator in the form of my Thai GF: If she was not there it would of been near to
impossible to complete the process.***

Application Process:

1. Drivers License: Because I hold a valid Foreign license, Thailand will issue you a Temporary License (2 yr) with no test. This required the following:

a. Submit the application, and required documents

b. Take eye exam and depth perception test
c. Pay fee 205 Bhat

d. Take picture for license

e. Wait for license to be printed

We arrived at 1030AM on a Monday morning and were able to complete the above within 90 mins.

2. Motorcycle License: No US motorcycle license so the process is different, and includes training with both a written and driving test.

a. Submit the application and required documents (Day 1 - Monday)

b. Classroom Training - 5 hours of video based training (English Subtitles) (Day 2 - Tuesday)

c. Written Test: Computer based in English, 50 questions (Day 3 - Wed AM)

d. Driving Test: Basic driving skills test, 10 mins (Day 3 - Wed PM)
e. Pay fee - 105 Bhat

f. Take Picture

g. Wait for license to be printed

We arrived at 9am for written test and I was done in about 1 hour, returning in the afternoon for driving test and photo- completed in about 1.5 hours

Notes:

a. The Thai staff we very serious about ALL applicants taking the training, and passing both tests.

b. The training and tests are given on separate days, which meant a two day minimum to apply, train and test.

c. The training video was helpful, but would not allow one to pass the test without outside preparation.

d. The test was in English and easy with prior preparation, ( I scored 50/50 on my first attempt, and even got a thumbs up from the proctor!)

e. To prepare for the test see this interactive online test (http://thaidriving.info/) - It made passing the test very easy.

f. The driving test was basic, and given my scooter was 45km away, I was able to rent a scooter on-site for 50 Bhat.

Overall the process was ok, though as mentioned, without my Thai girlfriend who speaks good English and is a very organized and proper mid-level government worker, it would of been quite difficult at this location.

The staff as the location were generally good, though one wanted me to have my International Drivers Permit translated as another private location - which after further discussion with my GF he changed his mind. Another staff member suggested we go to the Kalasin University for the training and test (only 400 BHAT!), we declined and proceeded to do the regular process.

*** I understand there are new laws coming into effect next year, and that the training and testing will both be expanded. While a good development for all of Thailand, it may make the process more difficult for those without a foreign license.

I hope this helps, Cheers!

Troy

I recently opened a savings account at Bangkok Bank in Kalasin with no hassles while on a tourist visa. They did ask my GF for someone from the community to vouch for me. They suggested that her brother,( a local mayor), or other person or standing in the community be asked. Her brother could not get there in time, so she had a girlfriend that is high ranking come down and the account was opened with no issues.

In other transactions, they have been very helpful and professional in all their efforts to assist me.

As others have remarked each branch is different, with main branches not shopping mall branches appearing to be the best option.

Cheers!

Savannakhet makes it very difficult to get a single entry non-o for being 50 or over. They want a letter confirming you are are retired from the embassy plus financial proof.

Vientiane will do one without a problem but you will need the income affidavit from the embassy. You could get the affidavit and attach a copy of it to the visa application and show them the original. You could then use the original to apply for the extension.

Thanks for the info.

Savannakhet is much closer to where I live, so I am hoping to use them where possible. (150km vs 250km).

I will have to give them a call, but do you think that my official 'Benefit Letter' from my retirement association (government pension office), copies of monthly bank deposits along with monthly retirement check statements would suffice as 'Financial Proof'? I have a rock solid retirement for many years now (Retired Professional Firefighter from California), so providing the paperwork will be quite easy.

Thanks again

You cannot get a multiple entry non-o visa for being 50 or over in Savannakhet. They do not do them.

Good day,

Does Savannakhet issue single non-O's for being over 50?

If so, is financial proof required for the visa?

If required, do I need to get an income affidavit from the U.S embassy or will other docs suffice for the visa? Going to the US Embassy in BKK is more of a hassle to me than traveling to Laos, and I am hoping to keep things as 'efficient' as possible... I do understand I will need the income affidavit when I do the 'extension of stay for retirement'

I have a permanent income of over 65,000 Bhat per month, (with evidence via letter from retirement association and monthly retirement check statements). Will this work?

If Savannakhet does not issue the single Non-O for over 50, I will then go to Vientiane. What will be the proof of income requirements there?

Thanks for the information!

Troy

Thank you for the heads-up on getting a DL while on a Tourist Visa. It is pretty much what I have been reading.

Question: Can I get a Residency Certificate from the local police station, or do I need to go to Immigration?
Travelling to Bangkok from here is a two day affair at best, and I would prefer to handle as local as possible.

Thanks!

Good day,

In the next few weeks, I will be looking to obtain a Thai drivers license and have a few questions that someone may be able to assist me with. I am a U.S citizen currently on a tourist visa, (Non-O early next year) and live in Somdet. I will be going to the Kalasin DLT for the license using my currently U.S. DL.

1. Can I get a Thai DL with a Tourist Visa?

2. Residence Certificate: There seems to be some variance on where to go to get the Res Cert. Do I go to Sakon Nakhon Immigration (85km) or can I get a letter from the local police station? If not, do I go to the US embassy?

3. If the Res Cert is obtained from Immigration, is there still an unofficial 500 bhat fee? If so, do I get the Cert in one day?

Overall, not to worried about the actual process once I get to the DTL, just trying to figure out where to start and minimize the travel time and expense to get this done.

Thanks for the assistance,

Troy