Jaymk

Thanks so much, Julie!

So, I have guests who just came into the city an hour ago, and their stomachs are growling. I, a humble bachelorette, have an empty fridge and nothing to offer. I know the 7-11's are set to open at midnight, but anyone know if any restaurants or fast food chains are currently open, or will also open at midnight? I'm about a 30 min. walk from Nimman, so don't want to drag everyone out there if it'll all be dead, and we'll have to settle for 7-11 hot dogs anyway.

Thanks! Would appreciate the help.

Hi there, just hoping for some advice.

I've done my last 2 visa runs in Vientiane for 60 day Tourist visas. I have to do one final visa run before I leave Thailand, and am wondering if going back to Vientiane for a third time would potentially raise some flags. (full disclosure: In total, I have 5 Tourist visas in my passport, 2 are from Penang, 1 from Toronto, dating back to March, 2016)

Also, in my passport I currently have 3 visa exempts from 2016 - none for 2017. Do you think I could get stopped if I try for a visa exempt? Do the officers check the dates or just count the stamps?

Thanks very much; I appreciate your insight!

In my seemingly never-ending quest to figure out my medical issues, I've now been told to make an appointment with an internist (internal medicine). I see in the recommended doctor's page in this forum, and in past threads, that Dr. Sharin from the Savitri-Sharin clinic is a good choice. Has anyone seen him recently, and can confirm that his clinic hours (Hours Daily 9:00AM – 12:00PM and 5:00PM - 8:00PM) are still up to date? My Thai is very much a work in progress, so not able to find recently updated info online. Also, in terms of consultation fee (sans medication), is he much more expensive than other doctors? I am just wanting to prepare myself.
Many thanks!

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for a support group similar to AA in Chiang Mai. My partner is an alcoholic, and I'd like to get some help for myself, as he is still very much in denial. I went to a few counseling sessions before we moved to Thailand, and found that it helped, so would like to get back to it. I found a group online called AAThailand, but I'm not sure how up to date their website is in terms of meeting times and locations, and which would be the best meeting for me to attend. Has anyone had any experience with this group? Or recommend any other support groups within the city? Your advise would be most appreciated.

Thanks very much.

Can anyone recommend a humidifier/air purifier on a budget - and suggest where I can get one near CMU? First burning season in CM, and I'm feeling it bad.

Thank you! Yes, I went this morning and that's exactly what happened. Looks like it was an initial miscommunication when I first tried to get an appointment. Whew!

So, I went to Sriphat as directed, and tried to make an appointment with Dr. Ampica. I was told that she's not in until 5:00pm, but that I have to show up at 6:30am, and wait in the queue to make sure I'm seen. I'm a bit confused, because I was told all this despite making an appointment. So I have to arrive at 6:30am and wait until 5pm to make sure I don't lose my appointment slot? Very confused. Does anyone know if I can just show up, take a number, and then go back in the afternoon, or do I have to sit it out for 10 hours?

Hi there,

Live in Chiang Mai, but thinking of escaping during burning season. Would love to go to Laos as I have to do a visa run anyway, but not sure if they have their own burning season going on. Can anyone advise? Also what's the internet like in general? I work remotely and need a decent connection, so curious to hear about quality in Vientiene, Van Vieng, and Luang Prabang.

Also, does anyone know if there's a rental outfit that allows you to rent a motorbike in VT and drop off in LP ?

Many thanks!

This is my first burning season in the North - arrived last year at the end. My thai friend told me it was quite bad, and recommended going South. Problem is, I'm waiting on some medical care, and on a tight budget. How long does the burning last? And is it really THAT bad? I'm from Toronto, so I'm not really used to heavy pollution.

3 minutes ago, chiang mai said:

 

Yes, just go the 13th floor of Sriphat and tell the receptionist you want an appointment with Dr Ampica and she will schedule you, probably that same day.

Thank you kindly!

And thank you to the admins and contributors of this board. It's been immensely helpful!

Hi all - hoping to get some advice. Would like to make an appointment with Dr. Ampica for a thyroid issue, but I'm not sure how to go about it. I read that she practises out of Sriphat - do I just show up and do a walk-in appointment? I understand it's a hospital, so not sure how the process works or where to go for Dr. Ampica specifically (forgive my stupid question, this is my first time seeking medical treatment in Thailand). 

Thanks for your help!

No, didn't take any photos because I honestly didn't think it would be an issue - the only noticeable thing was some discoloration on the mattress (on the sides due to sun bleaching), but other damage was the shitty old TV ceasing to work one day out of the blue (not visibly broken or anything, just wouldn't turn on) so not sure how I could have documented that.

Hi all, would appreciate your help.

 My former landlord is claiming I owe them money for repairs, on top of the deposit that they're already withholding (18k in total). The damage did not occur as a result of neglect or irresponsible use, it was just normal wear and tear that happens during occupancy. Also, my rental agreement stated that money would be taken off my deposit to be used towards cleaning, but now they're saying they want 2,500 extra for cleaning, even though we left the apartment clean and in good condition (fridge was even defrosted!) I don't believe this is fair, and on that principle I do not want to pay on top of the deposit they've already decided to keep (they're demanding almost 10k extra). Should I be worried about the legal ramifications of not paying this extra money? Can they report me to immigration or threaten my eligibility to stay in Thailand? I am just here on a Tourist visa, and I don't want to get into any trouble.

Thanks, Steve :)

Hi all, would appreciate your help.

Moving in a few days and have to get internet installed. Was hoping to go with Sinet, but was told by my building that they only support 3BB. I know next to nothing about the technology involved, I just want to know what a good plan would be for someone who has basic internet needs - watching youtube videos, skyping with Europe and North America, and occasionally streaming American football games. I download maybe 2-3 movies per week.

Based on this usage, can anyone recommend a good plan with 3BB? I don't understand their website, and I'd like to have some information before I go talk to their sales people. I have a limited budget, so I don't want to get a plan that has more than I need.

Also, is it really impossible to sign up with Sinet if the server is not set up at our condo? Back home this was never an issue, so it strikes me as odd that we HAVE to go with 3BB just because our building says so.

Appreciate any help you guys can give!

Hi,

I'm considering making the move from Chiang Mai to Krabi next month, but I'd really like some help with finding a house or apartment to rent. I've tried looking online and on various Facebook and classifieds groups, but there's not a lot of action, and many of the listings are old. I'm very flexible in terms of area - I'd be happy in Krabi Town, Ao Nang or Lanta, but my budget is pretty modest. 13,000B/month for a 1 bedroom house or apartment, but must be furnished. Can anyone recommend a good website or agent to get in touch with?Does anyone have a friend of a friend who is looking to let their place?

(I'm also highly flexible on the duration of my stay. I'd like to stay for at least 2-3 months, but could also sign on for a year if the landlord would prefer.)

Thanks very much, would really appreciate any help you guys can offer!

Hi all,

Can anyone recommend an English speaking clinic or doctor where I can have a general check-up + blood work done? I suspect a thyroid problem in particular, but I'd like them to test for all possibilities. I've heard good things about Srihpat Medical Center, but I'm not sure how it works. Do they have a GP/walk-in practice?

Also, can anyone advise on what I can expect to pay for these tests as well as a physical/check-up?

Many thanks for your help!

Hi all,

I'm making my first visit to Penang on Friday to apply for my first SETV (I've been on 30 day exempts+ extensions for the last 4 months). I understand that it's common to use agents, so I am hoping someone can recommend a guest house where I can find a good agent. I've heard that there are lots on Chulia Street, but I've also read about some sketchy experiences. I just want to find a reliable agent who won't try to convince me to pay extra because my visa is likely to be denied unless I bribe the officials -or some other BS.

Also, I am flying into Hat Yai (arriving at 9am) on Friday, and will be taking a minivan into Penang, so should get there before 2pm. If I seek out an agent right away, will I make it in time to get the paperwork done on the Friday, so that I can get my visa on Monday? Or, will I likely have to wait until Tuesday for it to be processed?

Many thanks - appreciate your assistance!

So, I was granted another 30 days, no problem. Just paid the 500 baht fine for overstaying and that was it.

Thanks so much for the help!

Thanks for clarifying - I wasn't sure if there would be any leniency given that it will only be one day. I'll go apply tomorrow and hope for the best.

Cheers!

Due to food poisoning, I wasn't able to make it to immigration yesterday, when my 30 day visa exemption expired. I had planned to extend the exemption for an additional 30 days. My question is, can I go tomorrow and still ask for the extension and pay an over-stay charge for being a day late, or is my visa considered null, and therefore no longer eligible for extension?

I would appreciate if someone could let me know what my options are - if I still have a chance of being granted an extension or if I'm forced to make a last minute visa run.

Many thanks!

(Oh, and I'm in Chiang Mai in case it matters).

Thanks so much for your quick response!

If I'm allowed another visa exempt entry, then I would extend that for 30 days at an immigration office. If I decide to stay in Thailand beyond the 2 months, then I'll definitely get a Tourist Visa. I think I'll book a flight to Penang this time (in case I'm asked for proof of onward travel in KL), so that I can easily apply for the Tourist Visa. I guess I shot myself in the foot by booking a flight to KL without doing any research on visas there

Hi all,

I'd really appreciate your advice. I'm a newbie when it comes to visas, and I'll admit it's a bit overwhelming to know all the rules (especially as a lot of advice online is out of date).

So, I arrived in Thailand on the 30 day visa exemption, flew to Cambodia for 2 weeks, then Vietnam for 2 weeks, then back to Thailand on another 30 day visa exemption. On this second stop-over, I rented an apartment for 2 months and now have to do a visa run as my 30 days are up in 2 days. When I left Vietnam, I purchased a one-way flight to Kuala Lumpur, in case I was asked for proof of onward travel, and I figured I could apply for a proper Tourist Visa at the Thai embassy in KL. Since booking that flight, I've read that KL is one of the worst places to try to get a Thai visa from, and I'm really concerned about getting denied. I understand that there's a good chance they'll ask for financial documentation, and unfortunately I'm waiting on payment for a freelance project, so my current bank balance is a bit sad.

I also heard they ask for a ticket out of Thailand, which I don't want to book yet because I really have no idea what my plans are for the next two months.

So, I guess I have two questions. Can I get away with flying to KL, hanging out for a few days, and then re-entering Thailand on a third 30 day visa exemption? Is there a chance that I may be denied? I know the government is said to be cracking down on back-to-back exemptions, but I don't know if 3 counts as abusing the system.

My second question, is has anyone recently had any experience getting a tourist visa in KL, and was it successful? Did they ask for a ticket out of Thailand and proof of financial stability?I also didn't book a return flight from KL back to Chiang Mai yet, just in case I'll be denied in KL and will have to fly to Penang. I've read that sometimes they ask to see your ticket INTO Thailand as well - has anyone seen this?

I really would be grateful for some help - I have no idea what I am doing when it comes to visas!

Cheers,

J