Paul Catton

As a tourist After travelling to Thailand that can take up to 12-14 hours, the last thing I want to face is being stuck in an immigration queue followed by an "arrival levy kiosk " queue for hours.

How they will implement this levy for collection could be a mission and half. It can't really be included in the purchase of the ticket as that would set it at odds with laws pertaining to "discrimination" in many overseas countries where the tickets would be purchased. Perhaps if it was included in all tickets, (as is the departure tax} with a discounted refund on arrival for eligible passengers, would be possible. "Queue here for your refund after exiting Immigration". Pay at a kiosk on arrival. Approximately 62% of passenger arrivals to Thailand are processed through Suvarnabhumi Airport (AOT- Report 2019) With 25,000,000 tourists being touted from the crystal ball, Suvarnabhumi equates to 42,465 per day, 1769 an hour, which is a passenger every two seconds. So how many kiosks will be available and manned, also how quick will be the process of collection with all the variables that may come into play? Only having US$, GBP, Peruvian Sol, Zambian Kwacha as the threshold of equivalent currency. Not having QR payment, Paywave etc. Let the fun and games (not) begin.

They also know the name of the "unidentified" woman from the passport. Best reporting is at aec-tv "Theft from a Government Office" Should've just handed them in over the counter like a good Samaritan would've done.

Latest "Their Estimate" I use for my tracking purpose is down to NZ$630,000 from the NZ$840,000 peak, early last year. If my math is correct, that's a 33% shave. Being "Freehold" it will not have any effect for us, unless we find the need to liquidate, and then our war chest wont be quite as full. However, many people will have bought just either side of the peak, and are now facing a large "Negative Equity", compounded by significant Home Loan Interest Rate increases throughout last year and finally are now being battered by "rampant inflation" and the rise of "cost of living" escalating daily. My personal view is things don't bode well, especially when you can't buy an egg in your local Supermarket.

Live snacks, bonus! The prepped rats ready for grilling at a rural market was a little more off-putting. Chiang Mai and Thailand in general, lost significant appeal for me this trip. It's redeeming feature was the side trip to Vietnam which was a lot worse.

It was good to see that all the Health massage parlors located at Wat Worachanyawat are still operating post Covid.. Prices for Thai Massage still cheap at 120THB / Hour. Fantastic location right next to the Chao Phraya, and good local cuisine on Chareon Krung Road to boot. BTS to Saphan Taksin and taking the Orange Ferry is a pleasant way of getting there.

Took the train from Hua lampong to Hua Hin yesterday, (5 schedules were cancelled). Managed to get 2 x 3rd class fan seats. Bought food from near the station for the journey. In hindsight, wish we had got the step-on step-off services from vendors of local delicacies, cheaper, more variety and looked a lot more appetizing. Another memorable journey.

Similarly I have almost always had the baggage checks on the back of my passport, whenever they have been on the boarding pass, i have always retained it securely. The baggage receipt is sufficient for lost luggage.

I have no idea when this requirement was introduced, perhaps with the suspension of the TM6? Or has it always been in place in Thailand yet never in my history been asked for. Signage is at every booth specifies to have your documents ready with now the inclusion of the boarding pass on the list. The lady immediately in front of me didn't have the paper variety and hers was on her phone which she had get out of the bag, log on etc,,,, On many occasions upon reaching a final destination, I have never bothered with retaining this and either left in on the plane or discarded it as rubbish. Fortunately, I had slipped ours back into the travel folder and processing time was speedy. Have no idea what the implications would have been should I have been unable to produce it. (Pulled over to one side and delayed while a quoted Airline manifest has to be checked? )

Didn't need to hear about it on the radio, but have experiencing the devaluation, now at 25.37% on our humble South Auckland abode. ????

Keep safe "Bruvvah" Kindest regards Paul

Dear Johnny, Confused never. Open minded always has to be the starting point.. Sister is never spelled "Sistah" unless one is trying to bastardize the English language, unless trying to be hip-hop etc. Plumage displayed represented perhaps South African or a myriad of African nationalities. Hiding behind being a Rastafarian didn't cross my mind ! "Trying to establish a "Refuge for Men with Families" in NZ who were subject of "domestic violence" I had a response of a threat of arrest by the District Commander as it didn't fit the D.V. narrative. Refuge was established." Is the above example "a conspiracy theory? Or has the pendulum swung too far, and Damocles Sword bares on every neck: Kind regards Paul

Glad that you accept I am not racist, My "credentials being flashed"? I am above board in both in the "real world" and this "virtual world". I am not confused in my opinion, it might not align with you or many others, not my problem, accept it. Kindest regards Paul

I feel for your angst. I am in the reverse position trying to get coverage for both "pet feeding and abode security" for a four week trip to Thailand & Vietnam. Our current arrangements in my opinion are less than ideal. Hope you get a few off-forum messages and savvy dedicated entrepreneurs fills the void.

Thanks @CaptainSplod As we will be staying there, definitely a no brainer. Short elevator ride for the compulsory siesta post feeding.

My impart on this is "Mountain from Molehill,. I expect to flayed. Any organization that cannot spell "Sister" correctly seems to be a bit suspect. Having rainbow colors prominently displayed as preferred attired dress, probably led the "old duck" being extra confused. One cannot expect the said nanny to be confused. and asking the questions she asked to gather the ethnicity origin from Ngozi Fulani. Rather than initially being forthcoming, used opportunity for distraction to further discord and, played the racist card, presumably with financial benefit. Am I racist? Think not, have had many interactions with many nationalities over the course of my scholastic years to present day. Happily married to a Thai national with partial Chinese heritage, can't call me Xenophobic ????

In my opinion rates are far too high from any tangible services that Opal and I are able to utilize. Core "Local Governmental Services" are basically a weekly "general waste" wheelie bin collection and a fortnightly "recyclable" wheelie bin collection. Occasionally, we might venture out to the many "Green Spaces" being the "Botanic Gardens" for inspiration. "Water supply and Sewage" was privatized under Watercare for Auckland and removed from Council auspices and is now subject to interference from the Central Government with 3WaterPolicy trying to push through legislation.

The tourist has no requirement to fill out the TM30. The Thai friend however would be required, (not that they will).

Rates @ NZ$2068 pa, House Insurance premium NZ$809 pa

Please add your "Scornful" comment to the present situation of "Monopoly tm " regarding NZ property. Rents are still increasing! Recent persons of home ownership are now facing significant Negative equity! First home buyers of today, are now faced with a myriad of challenges.

Closing for the month of November. I have had to shave on the XL spreadsheet, another NZ$10,000 of equity in our home in 10 days, using my preferred "median price checker". This equates to approximately THB 219,500 and now represents 19.64 devaluation. Being "freehold" would only have an impact if required to sell Beware. https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/300751714/anz-house-prices-will-drop-32-in-real-terms-from-their-peak And worse. https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/300753093/property-investors-ready-to-have-some-fun-hunting-discounts-banking-strong-yields

I update the "Financial XL Spreadsheet" on a more frequent basis (usually twice a week) as it contains our "Budget" as the leading "Worksheet" being in a calendar type format with projected wages v utility expenditure for 6 months. Our "budget is a target", and never set in stone, and consequentially almost always being missed. When whole rump steak being under NZ$13.00 kg, buy now. Whole fillet steak being under NZ$26.00 kg, also is a buy now. Similarly it applies for specials relating to Chicken, Pork, Lamb and Seafood. Having a significant "Fruit and Vegetable Garden" gets us back on track to aspirations of meeting our budget. I use the Spreadsheet for our known impending bills that are forthcoming, and thus able to organize assistance payments Ex Gratis to my progeny being the "wolves at the door". I digressed. Running the household under a spreadsheet with ten minutes data input per week, benefits me

25 seconds visiting a website and updating a spreadsheet, conversely gives peace of mind.

Gives us an indication of equity held in New Zealand. As we are both nearing retirement age with many options available, liquidation of NZ assets could always be a consideration.

A quick update. I have shaved another NZ$15,000 of equity in our home in just under a month, using my preferred "median price checker" which equates to around THB 330,000.