orchidfan

FYI, I think you mean "pitched" onto the front landing gear . Called a porpoising oscillation. Aircraft " ditch" into the sea/water. And I'm sure the pilot (s) were perfectly "fit" at the time, but usually "pilot error " is the cause, assuming no adverse or unexpected wind shear at the point of flare, and that the landing configuration was correct. After removing the Aircraft I assume they inspected the runway for debris and surface repair after the gouging by the broken gear!

By mail? Really?, after a trip outside Thailand? That's one thing pathum thani are strict on. Anytime one travels overseas one must do the next 90days report in person! I'm lucky I guess being only about a 20 minute drive (on a good day) from their office. Also the Thailand Post reliability around here is next to hopeless. CC monthly bill arrives after the "payment due by" date 80% of the time!!! Bank insists it is sent on time.

Agreed. Pathum Thani only giving PP required. But we'll see. I've got to do one in person on (appropriately) April 1st ! But best follow what other members 'in the know' recommend for Rayong.

Well, I'm a Boomer, so there might be an age/ culture difference , but it certainly was not a common practice in my time. As I mentioned, in Oz, staff (service/hospitality industries) are paid fairly well by workplace agreements etc, working hours are stipulated and adhered to, overtime is paid when required and sick leave etc all provided. And, of course, if you offer or give anybody money, they take it with a smile. But exceptional service, "over and beyond" was, and should be rewarded.... even in Oz. I disagree about Aussies being or having a reputation of being "generous!". Ask around! I've been to the US, and witnessed the restaurant dinner bill "tip" split being calculated with the precision of a space vehicle's re-entry angle. Australia has, over the years adopted, through TV, movies and social media, many American "ways", language, dress, food etc. But hopefully not splitting each person's share of the tip after a dinner out! Btw, I recall that I started this thread, and I DON'T live in Pattaya...or nearby. In Pathum Thani actually. No Pattaya style 'bars' near me. A couple of fairly loud "restaurants" where a few ladies are on the menu! I think the largest tip I give is to the lady street sweepers in 38deg heat. I have no idea what they look like under their head to foot protective clothing which a Saudi woman would be proud of (albeit being forced to wear it under an oppressive version of their religion). The Thai ladies just to avoid the sun and brown skin!!!

Sorry, never expecting anything in return. It's just a pleasant bonus to a small gesture. A "people pleaser" ?? Guilty as charged. Just can't resist the smiles on their faces! Please quote me anytime I start "bitching" about any of the random scenarios that I have mentioned. You sound like a really nice kind of fella.....not!!!🤨

Coming from the "Land Downunder" we are not known for our generosity in tipping....If at all. Back in Oz, it's not really expected as staff are generally well paid and looked after. But occasionally for outstanding service or assistance Aussie's will tip. But here, I've given, what I think are a few well placed Tips (just peanuts to us really), and all have paid back handsomely. Tha parking guy at a local private hospital I frequent occasionally I gave B20 to a couple of times...and got to park right outside the main entrance. Subsequent visits he moves orange cones to usher me into a prime parking spot. Good investment. Similarly, the guy manning the crosstalk from outside carpark into shopping mall,I give B20 to as I walk past him holding the traffic. He ALWAYS stops the traffic and takes my shopping trolley across the road when ever he sees me . For $A1??? Each time !! The ladies who sweep the footpaths outside the houses in our Moo Baan, in 37deg heat, I always tip....despite the feint protests. Outside our house is spotless! For the young security guys at the entrance to same moo baan, I often buy cans of chilled coffee or 'energy' drinks. They salute as I drive in, many times walk out into the main road to stop traffic so I can turn right and enter. Plus they will order me a taxi if needed, arriving within minutes and explain to the driver where I want to go. The guy who sells bottles of gasoline nearby gets to keep the change any time I top up the m/c. Again, if I'm headed back home, he walks out into the quite busy 2 lane road and stops traffic in both lanes to let me in. I'd often be waiting ages for a break in similar situations unless I did the crazy Thai m/c rider's style and just pull out & Uturn in front of the maniac car drivers. Just a few examples of (very) small money being returned many fold with a smile.

It might be of interest to some members that I've recently learned that my CSS (CSC) pension can now be paid by the CSS directly to a Thai (foreign) bank account. Previously the rules required that it could ONLY be paid into an Australian bank account in the pensioner's sole name. The Support section emailed copies of a form for filling out the Thai bank account details and a Statutory Declaration. This only came to light when I mentioned to them the dilemma of my Thai wife (non Australian resident) receiving her entitlement (67% ??) of my pension when I "cash in my chips". Way,way easier than trying to set up an Australian bank account for her ....which I once did with Westpac....took weeks including Aust Embassy certifying a copy of her passport....which they eventually closed due to inactivity! Fears of money laundering and scams etc whilst having proven "Proof of Identity " !! But I'm not sure how the process would work...if trf directly from CSS or via intermediary banks in Oz and/or Thailand. Just for what it's worth!

I think that my one was free from a Travel agent (shows how old it is). I did consider it was probably a good place to slip in 'ha pun baht' should the need ever arise...but it never has ....at least not at airports 😜

Years ago i got a strong plastic passport "cover" which has a couple of small "pockets" or "sleeves" in it. I put, as you do, those important blue receipts in these sleeves with the passport. (but not B1900 extension receipts or re-entry etc which I keep but put on my larger zip folder). This cover always gets removed by IO's, so have to watch that things don't fall out. Since my new passport on 2023 I haven't had anything stapled in it. Maybe they're catching on? As DrJack54 says, receipts do not need to be kept in the passport,but funnily, on one extension application the IO suddenly wanted some receipt (TM30 or 90days maybe?). I dumped the whole pile in front of her and she quickly sorted through them until ....." Ah, yes, this one". Still no idea which one it was, but she was happy (well as 'happy ' as they ever get) and off I went. Saved some time having hoarded these numerous blue slips and kept them handy.

Spot on. Had the exact same experience/feeling there circa 2002/2006 on first visit. Had been working hard in Hong Kong then for about 5yrs and Thailand/Pattaya then was another world...almost euphoric. Take the prettiest,sweet young lady back to the hotel, grabbing something to eat on the way. Great night followed by breakfast in the morning and guided tour of local Pattaya and the beaches etc. As you say, no smart phones, social media, limited internet...enough to book a hotel room or go on the taxi driver's suggestion. Can't remember the costs ....but peanuts in comparison to the $HKD3000 bar fine in Honkers which did not (usually) include staying all night or tour! And the Pattaya sweety didn't want your phone number and probably out of respect and privacy wouldn't call you anyway. Just magic. Especially if you hadn't known or experienced this in your home country. (Yes I'm a 'Boomer', and many AN members probably wouldn't be here without us. We made you!) Thanks for reminding me of that great era. Haven't been back there in the last 10 years.

I'm a boomer and not 'bent out of shape' about this. My 5-6year old Samsung J7 phone (android 7??) had done good service .... BUT, it was getting quite hot when recharging, slow to start up, and not only Thai mobile banking apps required to be upgraded, but also Westpac bank in Australia and the Hong Kong Hospital Authority app (essential for my various appointments, changes to same and meds.) So the new Samsung Smart phone I purchased....not near top of the range, but has huge storage memory, larger screen, great battery with "super fast" charging, very fast operationally and many new features. All up with everything possible transferred from old to new phone, protective glass screen added and outside sturdy "boomer proof" cover, warranty etc.... ฿6000 !!! ~$AUD300.... 10 large cans of Toppers. Hardly enough to get 'bent out of shape ' about !!!

Correction to my post. New phone is Android 16.

Somewhat related to this, I had an interesting experience recently with Bangkok Bank and AIS, my mobile phone provider. Because of the issues mentioned in the article, (many apps were not working on my old Samsung phone) I purchased a new Samsung Galaxy using Android 14, downloaded the BBL mobile app AND changed the AIS account from my wife's name to mine at their office. Thereafter receiving all my eBills in my name. I confirmed this with the Bangkok Bank staff with some documents from AIS (luckily almost next-door to 'my' BBL branch) to ensure that the banking App and AIS account name were correctly correlated. All went smoothly since that day, except, just about a week ago I got a notification on the banking App saying their system had been upgraded and that (as a foreigner) I had to go to the bank branch with bank book, Phone and passport to confirm that the AIS account and number and bank account were 'linked' and verify my identity. The notification message gave One Week to do this or the banking App would no longer work!! So , back to the bank armed with recent AIS bills and receipts and the other things. Tried to explain my purpose to the man issuing queue numbers and my ticket showed over 30 numbers ahead of mine. It was a Saturday! Busy. No way! So I approached the end of the teller's row where I'd spied the manager lady talking to a teller. I got her attention (luckily she recognised me) and explained my predicament, showing the app message, and AIS bills & receipts...which also confused her! Fortunately she speaks quite good English, and finally grasped the crazy situation then asked me to relax, take a seat and she'd "fix it" Apart from having to answer a few security questions with someone on her phone, she handled the rest, and in 5 to 10 minutes, had it all sorted out. What an utter nonsense (even she agreed, but explained that somehow the name AIS had forwarded didn't match mine) But again, great personal service, by the manager, in person, in a quite large and busy branch (big shopping centre) with a smile and a wai. I wonder if any other members also got this mobile banking App message ??

This Extension application took place at Pathum Thani Immigration offices and was successful...however, a few comments of note: PT use a (sometimes) useful LINE "app" called 'Visa Status Check' where applicants view their application status using the hand written number placed by the IO above the ' Under consideration stamp ' Note. Any checking before the nominated return date is 'not permitted'!! Useless!! A recent post by them reminded applicants to download the required forms prior to attending to save time !! Note: No link to the new ST10 Affidavit form that was now required this time! I duly did this filling out and signing all the 'normal' forms plus the ST10 (which required a call to them to clarify what the hell it was and how to fill it out) And getting step son in law to sign it with copies of his THAI ID That done, off we went, via the bank for a transaction and passbook update, armed with everything I thought we needed (around 15+ of these extensions done already). (as a precaution, I made a photocopy of the last page of the bank passbook showing the 400k+ in the account for 2 month's prior) Upon arrival, at the 'triage' counter, we were confronted by a rather miffed young lady with an 'attitude ' and bundle of all the same forms, stapled together, and, seeing that I had everything already, issued a rather terse instruction that I would have to do them all again....or she could for me !!! ฿฿฿ (How could she do the ST10 herself??) I took them and muttered "no way" followed shortly by submitting my bundle plus 2 of theirs, in Thai, about penalties etc. About 30 minutes later we fronted a pleasant lady IO with my application including 6 usual photos. All fine except she now asked for another photo, taken at a distance, showing us standing (on the moo baan road) in front of our house a property. She said that when we got home we could send it to the Line app. Luckily we were headed home, so step daughter did the pix from 3 angles and sent all to her. Received a thank you sticker back within minutes!! So, they seem to always add something new each year. Have never had this one before...and why??? At least now no home visit! Another complication. We had to fly to Hong Kong 2 days after this (medical appointment) and so requested a single re-entry to do this within the 'Under consideration ' period. As @DrJack54 had correctly advised me, this was approved giving me 14 days to go and return. At (near) the end of the u/c period, no notification on LINE of the approval, and phone calls got the busy tone. Finally got through by phone on the due date, a Monday, and told nothing had arrived from HQ that day and to call again tomorrow. #had been previously admonished years ago for rolling up without confirmation of Approval. Called again ( now a few days after due date) and told by a cheerful fellow in very good English, that they had the approval and to come in and get the stamp. Last note: As I mentioned in an earlier post, I handed my BBL passbook and photocopy of last page (to miss grumpy)showing funds were still there. "No good enough. Need to copy all pages for last 30 days" I pleaded old age and requested her to do that....which she begrudgingly did. Obviously had to demonstrate that funds hadn't dropped below 400k during the u/c period. So, all done "fairly" easily for another year. ** sorry it's so lengthy but that's the abridged story!

Same here. Doctors in Hong Kong finally diagnosed my unexplained weight loss and mobility/stability problems (fell over for no apparent reason and fractured my shoulder) to LIVER fibrosis, following CT scans and a 'Fibroscan'. Immediately 'ordered' off ALL and any alcohol at any time....if I hoped to see them again in 6 months! Only ever drank beer and red wine, increasingly so in latter years due to various emotional stresses (and being in the stressful end of the aviation industry for over 40 years, am not inclined to succumb to ad hoc or occupational stress). Stresses of the first marriage (31yrs) and various outside of work, business ventures etc. Warning: always consoled myself that just beer and wine were OK...No 'liver killer' spirits. But the fact is, it's still alcohol. And consumed continuously over many years, it's still a liver killer! Giving up alcohol was nearly as easy as quitting smoking. Although, as others have pointed out, it can take some 'spark' out of life (parties, celebrations, reunions etc) and lack of a mental/emotional cushion in times of pain,frustration and upsets. My Thai wife still enjoys an occasional glass of red, and I take a small mouthful, swish it around the mouth for a few minutes, then spit it out....just like a wine tasting. Get all the enjoyment of the flavours without the boot. Have tried zero alcohol beers when I'm in HK, but they mostly taste like crap. Only exception is authentic Irish Guinness Zero. Identical flavour appearance and texture. But imported and NOT cheap! So, there it is. For better or worse.

I guess this is not an Thailand thread/post? As far as I am aware WISE cards are not available in Thailand for Wise account holders living here. It would be a handy addition to the bank ATM cards. Any comments?

My several trips to Vietnam (N & S) both as a tourist with my Thai wife and on business ventures, have really pointed out the stark differences in the Vietnamese 'approach' to visitors compared to Thailand. Most welcoming everywhere. (Including a brief, friendly , briefing on arrival at one hotel,about best taxis to use, where to eat and various other 'do's and don'ts' etc. This even impressed my wife). Great use of English all over. Even uni students etc asking politely to walk alongside with us to improve their English. Good free guides they are too. With a population larger than TH, it is well policed, m/c riders all wearing helmets. Lots of cars tooting in semi chaotic traffic, but it seems to work. Never saw road rage or in fact, a vehicle accident! Small, self employed tour operators took ANY currency. THB, USD, AUD,YUAN,YEN,WON...no problems. Love it...but not really feasible to live long term with a Thai wife.

Of course! The local (quite large) FORD dealership and Service Centre, where i take my old Fiesta for replacement/repairs occasionally, ALSO seems to have NOBODY who can converse /understand simple English. (You would think that Ford would have?) So we MUST default to Google Translate or similar, on our phones.....either spoken into the app or written for Translation. Seems to work OK. Can't imagine anyone being "stuck" here because 'they don't speak English ' !!! BTW , they invariably 'try it on' to suggest replacing many more items than I brought the car in for. ..because "Ford Recommends" . Of course they do!! Well I know how to say "no thanks, I don't want " in Thai !

No. 3 months. This was only the triage helper outside taking my bankbook and passport, not the IO inside. Am pretty sure they wanted to see that the 400K had remained in the bank for the 39 days " under consideration " period.

I'll write a full report later (now that I can sign in again), just for info, Pathum Thani Immigration also now requires evidence of the 400K, not only to be still in the bank, but not used during the 30day under consideration period. The new red stamp added, although in my case, barely legible, says as much. Also my wife, not me, was given a sound, verbal warning of this "new" procedure at the time of lodging and first stamp. In the event, I did a quick ATM transaction, and passbook update on the way to IO.( not very convenient finding a bank branch and doing this on 'the day') On arrival there ,I made a photocopy of this last page (฿3 ! outrageous)handed in PP, and the photocopy. But the rather rude#, "well nourished", darker skinned, triage lady took them then snatched the BBL PB out of my hand and pointed us to waiting area. (# I have found all the other staff and IO'S there to be most polite and helpful , except this one). They obviously now need to check the whole month in th PB, not just the last page. Final stamp came within 25mins.

Thanks to all advice above as there have been no responses to my queries regarding this matter at "contact us" I dredged back through years of old email addresses used (Hotmail etc) about the time I would have first registered with the then, 'Thai Visa'. Luckily an old one and very old password worked, so I'm back in. I, for one, didn't see any prior notice of this upgrade and changes. It doesn't meant there weren't...at 75 this happens more frequently!

I'll follow your advice DrJack, but just for fun, will only hand over pp for stamping, holding onto updated bankbook or in my folder unless specifically requested. (by the way, I wonder if that "update" is only a snapshot of the BBL page on THAT particular day of attendance or the whole 30 days???) See what happens 😜

Good reminder to keep EVERY receipt or signed slip of paper that Imm give you! It's getting to be quite a bundle now but you just never know what or when they'll require one of these!

Well, I don't think it's officially documented or justified, and has never been a "requirement " at PT in the past. Just roll up personally (or nominee?), hand over pp and wait outside for stamped pp to be handed out. I know that you have always advocated this and now it is a "requirement " Not your fault, but bloody hell !!

Thanks. I go next month for the millionth marriage extension. Have always been able to dip into the 400K after application submitted. Now we can't?? This needs challenging! Don't recall any "witnesses to the marriage ". It was done at an Ampur over 20 years ago. So zip to that one! Did they want a home visit??....like Crossy above, for the first time, we DIDN'T get one last year.