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Andrew Dwyer

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    bank requirements for visa extension

    in Thai Visas, Residency, and Work Permits

    Posted

    It appears that possibly this "return date" portion of the document is not part of the actual immigration order but rather an added after thought by policeman joe there... for whatever self serving reasons are under consideration.
     
    Nowhere in the doc does it state any requirements to return to immigration for a bank-book/balance update, only at the end of the doc, outside the rule box, its official nature as part of the amended immigration rule(s) thus is questionable.

    Well, Jomtien is a well populated immigration so I’m sure someone can verify if this is actually happening or an elaborate hoax .
    • Like 1

    Im thinking Ayyuthaya

    in General Topics

    Posted

     

    There's already a Robinson, The Sky (formerly Ampomall), and the (admittedly dire) Amporn.  Not sure that Central will add that much.

    The Sky is struggling also and with a Central I can see it fading into obscurity !!

    Amporn is definitely dated but far enough away from City Park, Sky, Big C etc that it will probably survive.

     

    There is a Rabbit water park opened close to Big C which does look quite impressive, from the outside. The lead weights I had in tow were too small to take advantage so we didn’t go inside but it was the price that mainly put me off , > 700 baht for me !!

     

     

    Expats in Thailand considering moving to Latin America prompted by Thai visa changes

    in ASEAN NOW Community Pub

    Posted

    Sao Paolo is kind of notorious for crime. 
    Again, the Brazil financial level visa requirements are not likely to be attractive to the majority of expats living in Thailand feeling pressured by the visa changes here. 
     
    Also to say, such travel tragedies can happen anywhere. Such as Amsterdam. 

    Yup, although all countries can have occasional daylight mugging Brazil has more than its fair share.
    I lived in Minas Gerais ( the farming state of Brazil, think Wisconsin ! ) right in the coffee growing belt yet my wife had her car stolen at gun point in broad daylight.

    South America has some countries, Brazil, Columbia, Mexico, where you really have to research areas as violence and daylight assaults are more prevalent.

    Having said that, I come from a small town in Yorkshire now more famous for the Yorkshire Ripper and Crossbow Cannibal than its previous history of beautiful scenery and tranquil lifestyle.

    Im thinking Ayyuthaya

    in General Topics

    Posted

    See I found a few condos with Pools, most outside the old City (where I would prefer to be) but no matter how I shake it, Im gonna have to ride. Uggg.

     

    Lack of nightlife doesnt bother me. Generally Im in bed after the night market, I m not a night guy, and when I feel a stirring in my loins Bangkok is 10 baht away. Plus I just dig baking and watching ruins. I love ruins. I wish I could go to Egypt.

     

    I think Thai people get a bit nervous around the ruins at night

    There are a few karaokes/bars with some young females who are willing ( happy ) to accompany lonely foreigners around the Grand Market area.

     

    Also, Soi Farang is the guesthouse area with a few bars/restaurants, pretty sure there’s some unaccompanied Thai ladies hanging around looking for love !! [emoji51]

     

    Im thinking Ayyuthaya

    in General Topics

    Posted

    How is the bicycle or mc riding? safe? Outside the old city I mean?

    Plenty of low populated areas outside the city to ride.
    I have a nice route that I use taking in some rice fields , some nice countryside around.
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    Im thinking Ayyuthaya

    in General Topics

    Posted

    Wife's sister lives there. Bores the hell out of me. Went with the kids one year on a road trip and they were charging to get into the 'floating market'. We refused and, walking round the outside, walked through a gap between stalls and got in for free.
     
    Some nice restaurants along the river but nightlife zero, mind you the in-laws are Muslim and not interested in nightlife.

    I live there and yes have to agree once you’ve looked at the ancient city and the ruins it’s kinda lacking in things to do.

    But, it depends what you are looking for, there’s a small red light area downtown with some Japanese karaoke bars that are farang friendly ( allegedly [emoji51]) some farang/local bars with live music and plenty of local markets/ night markets .
    Plenty of cultural stuff going on in the historical city area.

    Close enough to Bangkok but also far enough away !!
    Traffic okay, but bad on a Sunday !

    Many day trippers and a lively area ( soi farang ) with plenty of guests houses and small bar/restaurants.

    A couple of malls but small, plenty of the bigger DIY stores.

    Floating market is okay, with usually a cultural show going on , but foreigners have to , as grollies says, sneak in to avoid the 200 baht fee.

    I don’t drink so nightlife is pretty much the night markets for me.

    Difficult to write a Pros/Cons list as depends what you are looking for, but :

    Pros:
    Historical city and temples etc.
    Cultural shows etc
    Air quality
    Proximity to BKK
    Less traffic
    Some nightlife
    Small number of expat residents.

    Cons:
    Few malls
    Traffic can be bad at w/end particularly Sunday.
    Small amount of nightlife
    Small number of expat residents.
    Tourists prices due to many day trippers.

    I’ve made it my home, but as a non drinker non mongering bicycle riding gardening retiree it suits me fine.
    • Like 3
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    Expats in Thailand considering moving to Latin America prompted by Thai visa changes

    in ASEAN NOW Community Pub

    Posted

    Well, in Rio I got mugged in daylight on a very non-touristy street downtown that I accidentally walked into. I stayed in Copa and didn't have a problem even late at night. Go figure. 

    Downtown Rio is bad even during daylight, as you know, plenty of street kids coming down from the favelas to rob tourists/locals, police are well aware but outnumbered.

     

    Many YouTube videos showing this blatant and opportunist type of assault.

     

    • Like 2
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    Expats in Thailand considering moving to Latin America prompted by Thai visa changes

    in ASEAN NOW Community Pub

    Posted

    Would be interested in hearing from anyone venturing an opinion about the ease of making friends with locals (Thailand vs Latin America).

    I lived in Brazil for 20 years and found making friends there to be extremely easy, the population ( with the exception of Rio cariocas) are very interested in making friends with , and helping, foreigners without any financial gain.
    Also worked in Chile, Argentina and Mexico and found them to be friendly and receptive to foreigners, maybe Argentinians a little snobby but still okay.
    • Like 6
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    Immigration/expat Meeting

    in Chiang Mai

    Posted

     
    But you do need the money in the  bank (after you arrive in Thailand) for the extension because they need to see the 800 k for 5 months and 400 k for 7 months.
     
    Foreign bank statements can be forged as Thai immigration cannot verify the authenticity of the statements. That's why they say Thai  banks only.
     
    It was more lenient back in your time. That's why some people took advantage of the loopholes which immigration is trying to close one by one.

    I think Nancy was referring to the O-A visa , the financial requirements can be kept in your home country, your O-A is good for 2 years and can be repeated therefore no money required to be “ held at ransom “ in a Thai bank.

    Obviously requires a return visit to your home country but a good option for some, like myself, who do return occasionally and prefer to keep funds accessible.
    • Like 1

    Quality Sala Pattaya

    in Pattaya

    Posted

    Thanks Andrew,
     
    I'll run past the Mrs see what she says, but knowing her she want her way.
     
    I like it, great work.
     
    what was the cost if you don't mind me asking..?
     
    Regards
     
    Changbeer4me

    Thanks.

    As for the cost, I did it steadily over a few months so don’t remember exactly and am not in LOS right now so don’t have access to the receipts,but:

    Concrete - 1.5 cube - 2600 baht
    Floor Tiles - 13 m3 @ 154 - 2000 baht
    Sand/cement, tile adhesive, grout etc - 800 baht
    Aluminium edging 8 x 2m - 1500 baht
    Roof tiles - 4000 baht
    Steel probably around - 5000/6000 baht
    Sundries, conwood fascia, screws and steel for roof tiles, labour for welding and roof fitting, paint and primer. - 4000 baht

    All these figures are rough, so probably 20/25k.

    It was something I wanted to do myself, irrespective of the cost, and I was disappointed when my welding prowess was lacking and had to call someone in but it was needed. His experience of the steel structure needed to support the roof was invaluable also.

    Originally I was going to fit a brown corrugated steel sheet roof ( with silver insulation ) but later decided to go with the same roof tiles as the house and am pleased with the results.

    I have another 80 m3 of the same floor tiles to fit round the house but am going to pay someone !
    The sala was easy enough as I made it 7 x 7 tiles and half a tile round the outside but I’m not up to the job of the garage area and walkways around the house..... no way !!
    • Like 2

    Quality Sala Pattaya

    in Pattaya

    Posted

    I’ve just built my own ( except for the welding and the roof tiles ).
    Just need to fit a ceiling fan, paint the cement on roof and fit some shade arrangement for the backside.

    IMG_0789.JPG

    A very self satisfying project if you feel up to it, you can design it to fit your needs.

    • Like 2

    2 years today smoke free

    in Stop Smoking Forum

    Posted

    Well done GT !! You are passed the worst for sure.
    I’m probably 20 years stopped now and detest the things !!

    When you are out with your mates having a few bevvy’s is the time to be on your guard. Anyone smoking in the group can influence you into “ having one for old times sake “ .
    I started again after being stopped for 10 years !! , but soon realised I had made a foolish mistake and stopped again a month later.

    Well done to achieve this milestone, aim for the next one, and the next one, and the next........

    Your health will thank you [emoji4]

    • Thanks 1
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