StevieAus

12 hours ago, fabruer said:

That would indeed be a massive upgrade though!

Also would cut down on potential talkative encounters, garlic smells, loud music from the radio and telephone calls including long conversations. I know, all can be dealt with but does it really have to happen in the first place?

Where available, I find Grab to be a rather great upgrade already. Now, if they went into the pilotless flying business - I would support that.

I have encountered what you complain about in your second paragraph in both Australia and the UK, perhaps it is a world wide phenomenon with taxi drivers.

17 hours ago, Andrew65 said:

I think that in the UK there are strict rules on flying below 500 meters (?) over built-up areas?

Also, I believe that the private ownership of helicopters is banned in Thailand, so there's still a long way to go on this!????

I thought I read recently that Bangkok Hospital had acquired a helicopter for use as an air ambulance.

14 hours ago, donmuang37 said:

If I have anything sent by DHL or FEDEX, it's very secure and convenient. But very expensive and I get charged high taxes.

 

I've had good luck with regular mail, and reasonable duty... but a time consuming hassle to pick up at the post office. So, I request that an invoice be attached in a plastic bag to the outside.  Then our postman delivers and collects the tax.  Hope that helps. Cheers, Don

I have had items sent here by regular registered or the equivalent of EMS from Australia, not watches and they seem to avoid the scrutiny of Customs.

On 9/24/2021 at 7:44 AM, simon43 said:

I agree that many on this forum (and others) do not understand sarcasm.  It seems that unless you're a Brit, people think you are being serious.

 

To avoid this, I am forced to use [sarcasm]  [/sarcasm] tags.......

Come on we in Aus understand sarcasm, no good trying it on our Thai friends though you get a blank stare.

On 9/24/2021 at 8:50 AM, ikke1959 said:

Happy to hear that music is allowed in restaurants only early evening.. Yeah late in the evening will not be possible if the curfew is still from 21.00. Besides I never knew it was forbidden. Karaoke yeah...but is no music. That is screaming through a microphone by people who think they can sing. That should be forbidden for ever.

So sitting together in a restaurant with so loud music you can't talk with eachother and no alcoholic drinks... THere must be fun

Even pre Covid I wouldn’t visit a restaurant if they were playing music, as you say you go to eat and chat not to have your ear drums blasted and Karaoke never!
Fortunate.y plenty of good restaurants that have neither.

6 hours ago, Bangkok Barry said:

I wrote until 6am, not from. But then, I've often had to be at railway stations or airports at 6am in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and there'd always be the odd few standing with a beer at that time. A bit like Pattaya in pre-Covid days, I suppose ????

To be fair I do recall what was known as “ early openers” pubs in Sydney years ago to cater I think for those finishing night shift.

Each to their own

14 minutes ago, Bangkok Barry said:

And then we read of police raids on private homes where friends have gathered for a drink and a neighbour has called in to say they are a health hazard.

But a message to the OP - it isn't just this government that is conducting a war against alcohol. It was during Thaksins's reign that the daytime ban of sales except between 11 and 2 was introduced, by a minister who wanted to close bars at 10pm and nightclubs at midnight. Meanwhile, the tourists they are trying to attract from Europe can drink in bars open until 6am if they want, with quality beer cheaper than they would have to pay in Thailand.

I cannot imagine why anyone would want to drink beer from 6am however cheap or good quality.

However if I was forced to live in Europe particularly during the winter months I might find it’s the only thing to get you through the day !!!!!

Apart from the restrictions on the times you can purchase where is it banned?

Last week four of us had wine with dinner at a restaurant in the center of Chiang Mai

Yesterday I paid for Thai whisky for some locals at a local “bar” who did some work for me and I bought a dozen bottles of wine from Makro

Maybe your looking in the wrong place ?

13 hours ago, scorecard said:

"...after several years the Australian government notified him that his residents visa was being cancelled and his pension was being stopped because he is not an Australian citizen and has left Australia."

 

He may be able to return to live in Australia for 2 years to gain/achieve 'residence qualifications' which would mean he is qualified to receive the full OAP (old age pension). In this situation (if he accepted to gain 'residencecy' he would receive the OAP immediately in Australia. If he can gain 'residence' then after 2 years in Australia he would also be entitled to 'portability' which means he could get his full pension paid into a bank account abroad for the rest of his life and not need to personally ever return to Australia.

While what has happened to your friend sounds sad one would have to ask the question why he didn’t become an Australian Citizen.

I have met people over the years mainly from Europe who for reasons best known to themselves would not take it out when all that was required was completing a form.

If in that situation like your friend if you let your visa lapse you have to start again.

I ensured that my Thai wife obtained hers on the earliest possible date, now although we live here it’s never lost.

7 hours ago, Scouse123 said:

Just like in many other countries that resurrect campaigns to encourage reductions in crime such as knife and gun crime, they repeat amnesties. So, why can't they do it again?

 

With overstays falling into the most ' least serious crimes ' category and no doubt this lady contributing to the economy over many years, even if its only her weekly shopping, a lady who has just lost her husband, why can't they look at the amnesty situation again as a sign of goodwill to foreigners?

 

She isn't tapping in to free social care or healthcare or the welfare system like Thais are able to do in the UK after their marriages fail and they have their shiny new UK passports.

 

You mention :- . If there are people that still are hiding out somewhere and refuses to adhere to the rules of law, then it´s not time to blame Thailand and immigration.

 

Rule of law?  The same rule of law used by immigration that nearly crucifies foreigners for bringing in SLIGHTLY over their amount of cigarettes or alcohol at Suvarnabhumi airport but the cops themselves are flying in their tax evading booze and ciggies in police airplanes emblazoned with RTP insignia!!!

 

The government speaks to us in its announcements almost as though it's our ' duty ' to come and spend money in Thailand despite the flip flopping, ASQ hotels and quarantine, rule changes and xenophobia despite the fact that there is <deleted> all open when you get here, when it suits them, and they do it without shame.

I think you will find that the people who are crucifying foreigners for exceeding their duty free allowance are not Immigration but Customs and I don’t believe that they are part of the RTP.

Probably just as bad but try exceeding you’re entitlement entering Australia and you will experience problems.

6 hours ago, ChaiyaTH said:

Yeah while for a bit of drugs they remain jailed decades. I notice a lot of murderers get out early in TH to only do it again.

Not only here either there are many cases in Australia and the UK where murderers, rapists  child molesters etc are released and re offend.

Unfortunately life no longer means life and there are all sorts of reductions for pleading guilty, good behavior etc etc.

It seems to be only the US where life means life.

39 minutes ago, thaibook said:

Did you ever work on Ariana Afghan?  I flew them to Kabul in the mid 70s - interesting flight.

No they never flew into Australia as far as I know.

11 hours ago, IvorBiggun2 said:

When it comes to my nationality then yes I am.

Sorry to disappoint you but as my father was born in the UK I also hold British citizenship and passport but always use my Australian passport.

On the subject of the correct definition if you look at HM Passport office website they refer to UK passports.

Perhaps you should raise the issue and post their response.

11 hours ago, IvorBiggun2 said:

I was referring to the fact that the first passport of any nationality is the hardest to obtain. Whereas a renewal is relatively easy to get of any nationality. I have 3 Luk Rung children aged 14 and 12 (twins). All with Thai & British passport.

By the way when asked what nationality one is one declares British. Not UK

I am aware you did and I referred to that in my opening paragraph.

I am also aware that the correct terminology is British but for the purpose of this thread I am sure readers understand.

Must be feeling pedantic ?

8 minutes ago, Artisi said:

The white Australia policy was shelved many many years ago, and people who want to apply for citizenship are offered extensive language learning if they require it. 

I am out of touch with the residency requirements but wasn’t English Language proficiency something that gave you “higher points” ?

Its good to know they are offering extensive language training,I know kids got it at school but when my Thai wife got her residency about 15 years ago it was very limited and low quality.

I paid for her to attend  college full time.

1 minute ago, Artisi said:

The comment started out as foreigners costing the the government money, not about Aust, UK etc. In theory farangs have to pay, meaning no expense to the government, of course many don't pay, but that's a different subject to what the original poster was inferring. 

Of course those a/ holes not paying is the very reason the government is now ramping up the need for forengiers to have their own health cover. 

From memory the post I responded to originally had a comment about no cheap medical or hospital costs for foreigners.

So to decide if it’s cheap you have to compare with elsewhere.

Anyway my view is that if you travel or move to a country knowing that you are not going to receive free treatment and you are unable to pay or you are uninsured it’s very foolish.

I am finished now thanks for your input.

4 hours ago, IvorBiggun2 said:

The hardest part is to obtain ones first passport. Thereafter it's just a case of a renewal. A far easier prosses. So get a Thai passport ASAP.

Having obtained Australian, UK and Thai passports for our daughter when she was born and then renewing them five years later, I can confirm that the Thai passport was by far the easiest and cheapest too obtain.

It might be too far away for you but I got a call today from Chiang Mai Ram offering the Pfizer vaccine for foreigners.

I have already had two shots of AZ. So not needed.

6 hours ago, RJRS1301 said:

and hang your head in shame as well??????????

And that is after receiving six of the best on each hand !!!!

9 minutes ago, Thunglom said:

Thai airlines used to be run by the Airforce who didn't want the job. A Qantas pilot once told me that it was a miracle that Thai airplanes weren't falling out the sky every day.

Thy are just about broke now so won't be around muck longer anyway.

Before I studied Law I was an aircraft engineer with Qantas from 1974-1980 and regularly did the turn around checks on Thai.

There were never any issues I can recall with Thai and their MELs were always good.

The airlines we were concerned about included Pan Am and “ We will fix in Bombay” Air India just  to mention a couple.

5 hours ago, Artisi said:

You just confirmed my comment, it's not free nor cheap by Thai standards when a local can get treated for B35. 

 

Your not local or Thai that’s why you cannot get the 35 baht treatment.

If you live in the UK or Australia and use the Government system it’s free apart from maybe medication.

You cannot expect what happens in one country to apply in another if you do, with respect your living in a fools paradise !

On this site there appears to be a group who think that posting a balanced or alternative view is not allowed.

If it’s related to Thailand, it’s People, Culture, Legislation etc etc you are automatically branded a “ Thai Apologist” and sent to stand in the naughty boy’s corner.

33 minutes ago, Artisi said:

Why does it cost Thailand money, there is no free or cheap treatment for foreigners. 

I don’t know what your definition of cheap is or whether you have obtained treatment from a government hospital where compared with what you would pay as a private patient in Western countries it is very cheap.

I can also see a specialist doctor seven days a week at a top Chiang Mai Hospital for 500 baht about $AUS 22.00

The cost in Sydney these days depending on the speciality is $AUS 300- 400

That is after visiting a GP for a referral and waiting for an appointment no visits on a weekend.