Nichada Nick

I have lived, worked, married, and recently retired in Thailand, after arriving in Hua Hin in 1990, and since then have listened to many whispered warnings from insiders within various influential groups claiming that eventually Pattaya would be "cleaned up", with all undesirables exported and deported back to their own countries so that the city could be converted into a clean, sanitized and safe weekend playground for Thais only. I never really paid much attention to these "Chinese whispers" and yet here we are are witnessing the self destruction of a city that once employed tens of thousands of decent, hardworking Thais, whose families are now becoming destitute and desperate. What a pity, what a shame, they deserve better.       

1 minute ago, CanuckThai said:

 

Nichada Nick, what is you gut feeling, that Air Asia might have greased the wheels, for an efficient passenger experience, at a time when Thai Air, is dropping the ball?  Do you believe this is a TAT improvement, or Air Asia capitalizing using both barrels?  I've flown all domestic carriers here, and Air Asia is the most reliable/fair IMO...

Yes CT, that may be so, but despite the huge price discrepancy, AIR ASIA is still definitely flying well above Thai Airways locally and regionally due to a strong management philosophy and culture, which is sadly missing from TA. I still fly TA for long haul, but have noticed a marked decrease in service over the past three decades.    

1 minute ago, kkerry said:

 

 

While there are currently some lovely flight attendants on Air Asia, I see problems ahead if you can't manage to control your urges better.

 

Yet another Donald Trumpesque comment, so sad, and yet another good example why so many decent and perfectly happy expats choose not to join this forum.

Thanks for sharing CanuckThai. As mentioned, it is very apparent that significant improvements are being made to airport services, which is good news for all of us who have endured anxiety and frustration over the past years while many successive governments forgot about the importance of providing an efficient and friendly welcome and exit to the Kingdom. And NO, I am not a government or TAT plant, Thai Visa knows who I am, just an appreciative senior "expat" who loves this country and its people.      

23 minutes ago, fanjita said:

I'm glad you were impressed with the service, Nichada Nick.  I regularly have AirAsia flight attendants sit with me and soothe my flight anxieties.  Had a back rub once which stopped me freaking out due to turbulence.  

Now that's what I call service. Thanks for sharing Fanjita. 

17 minutes ago, samsensam said:

 

i use DM a lot and have never had any particular problem. the air asia check in machines are great, immigration has never been a hassle, plenty of seats at the departure gates... dont see how this is news?!

Not news Sam, just a positive comment, for a change, about how this government or "regime", are doing their best to make positive changes for our benefit, as opposed to the turbulence and poor services of the past years.   

36 minutes ago, Cadbury said:

Newbie going In and out for 30 years with wonderful service and now only gets around to sharing it with us. Good one newbie!

I suspect you work for TAT? 

<remved>. Just because I have never had the inclination or time to join this forum since it was established does not mean I am a "newbie", or "an employee of TAT". i merely wish to congratulate all concerned on the great service I encountered today at DM. FYI, I have lived and worked in the Kingdom since 1984, have a Thai wife, (Doctor), married in 1988, <removed> as I truly love living in this blessed country. 

From my taxi to the AIR ASIA check in counter took me around 3 minutes today, with another 3 or 4 minutes to check in my bag and collect my boarding pass. No queues at immigration or security checkpoint, so that took another 2 or 3 minutes, with a big friendly smile from the immigration officer. Then into the Coral Executive Lounge (highly recommended ) for lunch and a relaxing massage before my flight to HCMC. I have been using DM for more than 30 years, and must say this was the best check in experience ever. Well done to AIR ASIA and to the airport authorities for this AMAZING improvement.  

Thanks again overherebc, much appreciated, will follow your excellent advice. 

Dear overherebc I am in the same situation, one year non o expires on December 2nd 2018 so planning an overnight return trip to HMC in order to obtain a 90 days "extension". This visa has multiple entry for the 12 month period, so please do confirm whether or not I must obtain a re-entry permit for the non o 90 days "extension" prior to departure, and if so where it might be obtained, i.e. airport or immigration office. Thanks.

Thanks Ubonjoe for the quick reply. Much appreciated. I have been married to my Thai wife for 25 years but worked overseas on single status for much of that time to build up our retirement portfolio. Been back home in Bangkok/Nonthaburi for the last 11 months on a non o visa and may renew it for another year as I still work periodically in Asia. As mentioned above that o visa will now expire while I am undergoing medical treatment in Bangkok, (already commenced) which is why I wanted to extend my current O visa by 60 days. Alternatively I may try for the retirement extension as my Thai bank accounts well exceed the required baht 800,000. Will call the Nonthaburi immigration office for more info and advice but thanks again for your kind assistance. 

My current non 0 visa (Thai wife And children) expires 5th December. When can I apply for a 60 days extension, and what documentation is required.  I need to extend due to urgent medical treatment which will not allow me to travel out of Thailand for the next 4-8 weeks. Thanks to all for your kind assistance with my query.

Dear TVF members, now that I have retired in Thailand, (I have lived here periodically for 20 years) I will soon be applying for an extension of stay based upon my marriage of 20 years to a Thai national. I have prepared all the required documentation, however, I must now have my 20 year old UK marriage certificate "legalized" by the appropriate authority in the UK in order to prove that we are still married. The validated document is then to be sent to the Royal Thai Embassy in London for additional processing before being returned back to me.  I am all clear on the UK validation process in terms of address and payment, but I am in the dark about the London Thai embassy fee for processing, and the procedure for returning the validated certificate back to me. I have sent several emails to them but no answers as yet. So I am wondering if any TVF members have gone through the same process, and if so, can you let me know how long it took, start to finish, and the payment/mailing process for the Thai embassy transaction. Thanks to any respondent for your kind assistance.