Mrjlh

You have a "monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia).  Marking pattern of a broken broad black band on front of throat indicates that,  but the markings behind the head on the hood would be a much better indicator.  They are known to "spit".  Spectacled Cobras have two distinct black spots on the throat and a King has none. Picture of the back of the head would be more positive in identifying it. I studied them in Bangkok and caught a few before leaving Khao Yai.

Also they are often called an 'Indochinese Spitting Cobra"  but  some experts believe the actually two are separate species.  DNA will confirm that because Thailand can have them all.

Interesting link that might answer some questions raised.

http://www.ethaigold.com/gold-baht-jewelry-education.html

Also 23K Gold (96.5%) is also known as 965 Gold  and is often stamped as "965".

Maybe Bed Bugs? Then you have a problem that's hard to get rid of.

Yes...its happened already, forget exactly when but around about 8 years ago. Big prize can only be  collected at Bangkok main office.

Well with only a week or so to go and uncertain Internet connections, it’s time to say Sawadee. I must say it’s been a very interesting 11 years but other life issues pull me away from the LOS.  Retirement has been fun and rewarding to the point I was able to complete a mini-bucket list here. I have lived and traveled all over Thailand and got the chance to experience many wonderful things. I have made many great friends here, some I have personally met, some I have not. I wish you all well.

Too keep yourselves from getting bored get involved with the Thais. If they want to learn they will, if not so what, their loss. Bring your experience to the table if they take it, you win.  Complaining gets you nowhere but offering solutions do. And you don’t always need a work permit if handled correctly and silently. Along the way, I’ve been a short time silent partner on a business venture and did well before leaving it behind in just a short couple of months. Didn’t do well in two other prospects but so what, I learned something. Help immigration staff several times in separate cities but never “Officially”. I did a thing or two with the Royal Thai Police involving human trafficking. (No details here). Found the surveying wife and family of a P-51 Fighter that crashed outside of Bangkok during WWII. Isn’t the Internet great? And I made many new connections along the way.

My most satisfying project (I don’t want applause) I leave behind was getting involved with the National Park Service. Having years of Search & Rescue training myself, I was able to pass along my experience not only to the Park Rangers but also to local Rescue Teams. My suggestions to the Park Service for improvements go all the way to the top. I was outed last week by the Minister of Parks when he stuck me in front of the news cameras telling Thais to get involved just as this Foreigner did. I have witnessed major improvements in the Parks Service with more to come. My only regret I was unable to convince the Minister to change to fee schedule to allow Foreigners who live here and pay taxes a lower rate. I tried hard but I failed. Who knows he may have a change of heart. Majority of his subs agreed with me by that way so don’t be too critical of them.

My final thing is I married my long time Thai girl friend who is joining me in my next adventure in my homeland, the USA.

That my friends are some of the things you can do as an Expat in a foreign country if you only put your energy into it. I bid you farewell and may your lives be fruitful, plenty and long lasting.  Peace to all of you. Sawadee!

JT....Proof "is" having "cash" in hand. What other proof did you think I meant? Reading between the lines again? :)

I think if you just have proof if asked is all you need. If they ask then show it, if not don't worry about it. It is for those on tourist entries anyway. Don't make a big deal about it jut be prepared. Complaining isn't going to help. Relax.

Remember it's only a conversation. Never use the word "teach".

Now that's interesting.  I've got over 75% of the posts as spam. Time to re-engage the spam blocker.

SORRY!  it's KOREAN not Chinese....Can some one fix this?

First, I apologize I screwed up by some how putting this in the wrong post wrong topic. And now can't remove it or delete it.  Anyway...

OK, I'll let you  in on a big secret and it won't be a secret after this!  Too many blabber mouths here.  After 11 years here I have learned a few things and seeing I'm leaving in 6 more weeks I really don't care too much anymore (as if I was worried).

First lesson, Thais are literal. So if you use the word "Volunteer" that equates to "work" which equates to "Work permit".  And that can spell trouble.

Second lesson: If you have provable "Expert" credentials in any field, there is a provision that allows you to get a WP provided an agency sponsors you. So keep that in mind. It's also a little more complicated than that.  So use that in you Hobby... the next lesson.

Third lesson: so you spend your time with your "Hobby".  Some peoples hobby is golf, some are camping, some are running...you get the idea.  Some are helping children with the English Language. Notice I avoided using the word Teaching? Some people have "advised" certain groups how to perform better. Notice I avoided the word "Consult". The words I avoided equate to "Work" and I don't do Work... I have a Hobby.

My hobbies have included doing things for Immigration when it first started using volunteers in the Phuket Office. Left that quickly when it became apparent a few were in it for the power trip and I just didn't care for their attitude.  My hobby's have included the Tourist Police in Korat with English flyers. Royal Thai Police in Bangkok  (cannot divulge but fun). The Air Force Museum in Bangkok.  And finally with the major government agency for which I will be parting with soon, knowing I have made a major impact on how that agency now conducts business for tourists. I actually lobbied and received acceptance for a policy change all the way up to the Inspector Generals Office but lost the bid at a higher office that would have helped all Expats living here. When I actually leave I might say who it was with and what it was for.

In all my hobby's I never took one baht for my time spent.  Therefore, I never worked and I never took any salary nor did I replace any Thai citizen's job.  In fact, I manged to get several Thais hired in my travels through my contacts. I would not say I was well connected as much as having made friends in the right places. So you see, you can have a Hobby here and do something constructive in your life if you work the system and not talk about it. You don't flaunt it. Try to keep a low profile.  It's funny that I say that, because my picture is plastered all over this country in all of my last government offices.  It's all about how you play the game.  So go out and find a Hobby!  So as not to rock the boat now, when I leave I'll suggest one idea for you.

Just get it online from the Cambodia Embassy.  Quick and easy.  https://www.evisa.gov.kh/

I suggest you pin this: 

If you and your child is Thai (that's what I presume) you are in for a very difficult road in getting a Visa to the USA from the US Embassy.  One thing you will need is a USA sponsor. Need proof he will return. It's s long list.  Best you consult a Visa Specialist. I cannot recommend one.  But there is a list on the US Embassy website.  Do not buy any tickets until "after" you have visa in hand.

17 minutes ago, wgdanson said:

If you are British, you get the Income Letter by post.

 

I just knew you Brits were spoiled...LOL.

It is a very easy process in doing it yourself. It requires a few documents that's it.  If anything the hardest part is getting a "Income Letter" from your Embassy if you go the monthly route. It means you have to spend some time in Bangkok. I could think of worse ways to spend a day. Using a an agent can become your worse nightmare if they screw it up because it's still on you not them. You would be wise jut to do it your self.  They have their rules and actually are very helpful in getting it completed.  Too many here bitch about every little thing. Just take it in stride and do it yourself.

On 8/19/2017 at 5:41 PM, Boycie said:

Be careful!! I had a couple of winning tickets a few draws back and when going to http://www.glo.or.th and selecting English language and entering the ticket numbers into the prize checker it came back as no prize rewarded. In Thai language the tickets were winners. Error with their system or i think they just not want farang to win?

I doubt it since it is a Thai language site to start with. Don't select the English version then if you are so skeptical.  Pull up the pdf file and recheck your numbers.

www.glo.or.th

Enter your numbers you'll get a result.  Open the pdf file and you'll see all the winning numbers.

The  Korat District 4 Immigration Office has moved and opened Aug 1st, 2017.  Their Facebook Page shows it on the main road according to the map but it isn't. It is down a road about 300 meters from main road Hwy 224.  Here's the GPS map co-ordinates: 14°54'27.1"N 102°08'58.9"E or 14.907538, 102.149691

Hard to tell from the photo. Are those legs I see?  If so maybe from the salamander group.  Any better pictures?

I take it you are wanting to go to Vietnam from Thailand. Am I correct?  if so you don't got the US Embassy you go to the Vietnam Embassy in Bangkok just down the road from the US Embassy.  Procedure is simple and all on the Vietnan Embassy website. Or you can fly to Vietnam and get an "on arrival" visa.  I believe yo pay more for  the "on arrival" but can't remember.  If you got the Vietnam Embassy you turn in paperwork morning get it back afternoon.

http://www.vietnameseembassy.org/vietnam+visa.html

I have use Lazada for over 8 years here and have never had any problem except one time and it was the seller not Lazada. Once I got a product that did not even match the item displayed. Lazada had me keep the item I received and even gave me a credit for twice than the purchase price. Reordered from a different vendor through them and all was well.  I have also used most of their pay options with no issues ever.

Lazada posts prices given to them from different sellers and they only advertise what is given. You need to shop around just like you do in a store. If your have an issue with the seller complain to Lazada and they will take care of it. Better service than most others. If you don't know how to shop on online you shouldn't be shopping on the internet anyway in my opinion. There are risks no matter where you buy. You stand to have more issues dealing with street vendors or walking into a store than you will with Lazada.

On 6/26/2017 at 1:20 PM, buick said:

 

not sure if you are suggesting that you can use an ATM to get funds before you hit immigration.  there have been a few threads on this topic.  as far as i can recall, no one has been able to confirm that an ATM exists before immigration.  so you need to have the cash on you when you arrive.  i use suvarnabhumi alot (used to be 10 times a year but down to 6-7 the last couple years).  i've never seen one.  they have currency exchange booths but no ATM.

Nope...just pointing out where they are per the Bumi map.