The Fugitive

England (semi-rural where I lived) is a fine place to be in Spring. Summer is usually OK too. After I turned 60 I became more aware of the cold and damp in Winter. Pain in your extremities can make you very miserable.

Nam Phong. https://goo.gl/maps/yvChTzyxo4wVNK26A

Stayed in a 'motel' recently. Spacious, very clean, air conditioned, comfortable bed, large flat panel TV. Towels and even toiletries provided. 200 baht per night, incredible value!

I Went Rockin' - Bobby Norris (1958)

Oh yes, she knows. She took it out because her friend's husband recently passed away from alcoholism at my age leaving no savings. Widow had to find 150,000 baht for his funeral. Pay out upon my death will be 300,000.

Wow! That's tough and ridiculous too. Could depend upon who you speak to as well. One of mine offered setting up a free SECURE email account to send my scanned/photographed docs (no translations or certifications required). This I was happy to comply with but when I initially emailed to request the secure facility the agent replied that email isn't secure hence they couldn't do this. Obviously didn't know what was going on! Have you got an alternative bank you could use instead?

Point taken, reducing carbohydrates is definitely a good idea. Smoking never was and glad I gave it up decades ago. Being a regular blood donor my blood pressure and certain other things get checked but I'm sure that alone won't guarantee my longevity!

Same problem with several of my U.K. financial 'institutions'. So far, I have successfully refused to supply any with the translated and certified documents they requested. Most did nothing and my service continued as normal. The odd one suspended my internet access. I managed without until I returned to U.K. for a visit and advised them I was 'resident' so why was there a problem? They then reinstated my internet access.

Never a truer word........On 03 October she took out Life Insurance on (for) me. No pay out in first 2 years. Refunded in full plus bonus if I survive the 20 year term. I'm now very determined to do just that!

Can't understand my Mrs. Whenever we go to a noodle restaurant she puts at least two spoonfulls of sugar in my bowl. I tell her I neither want nor need it but she persists.

Everything that makes life worth living! Plus tea, coffee, wine and lager maybe.

Totally agree. Absolutely no reason you can think of for her doing this other than impatience.

Many thanks UbonJoe. Need to go one day this month myself.

The consensus of opinion seems to be that the guy has sufficient funds and is not terminally ill. Therefore, a longer term view applies? Expunging his immigration record by the method you outline would then be the best option, allowing him to apply for future extensions in the normal manner. That has to be preferable option.

Another (valid) reason why Roojai offer low prices. Their PAI (Personal Accident Insurance) is only available until 65 years. Their cancer insurance until 60 for new customers, renewable until 65. Not saying that's unusual or wrong but indicates prudent 'cherry picking' in reducing their exposure to claims.

Good idea. Guy I knew had similar pre-arranged plan in U.K. for if/when the television licensing inspector visited.

Most considerate and helpful suggestions. If an IO specifically asked the volunteer to get the guy to attend it could very well indicate willingness to do a deal. That would obviously be the best solution.

That's the problem. Elderly with health concerns. Thai climate is keeping some of us alive.

Very true. My Mrs always slips around 300 baht inside my passport if it's not our regular officer. Don't get any questions from them that way.

For my first retirement extension I paid 800,000 exactly into a separate savings account. I forgot about the annual fee. The immigration officer noticed it but granted my extension, advising me, in future, to maintain a balance to cover it. My Mrs gave him a tip on that and on all future occasions.

Totally sound advice! The guy is obviously concerned and seems to wish to get the matter 'regularised'. Given that, it's strange he's let it go for 3 years? As you point out, continuing keeping his head down is safer than surrendering to the Immigration Office even with a prepared explanation, representation and offering some form of arrangement. It all comes down to his personal financial situation.

Good point about free healthcare. If the guy is both elderly and skint he is likely to need treatment at some stage but will be unable to pay for it in Thailand. As regards homeless shelters would anyone who rocked up in Australia be entitled to accommodation?

That's the nub of the problem. Does he have somewhere to stay when he gets there? Unlikely, if he is very elderly and skint he will have sold up long ago. Australia is especially expensive as are air fares in general at the moment. The more we think about it the more sense there is in him throwing himself upon the mercy of his local Immigration Office especially as they already know of his plight and are 'soft pedalling' so far?

Maybe that is the reason his local Immigration Office are 'sympathetic'. As already suggested by UbonJoe the safest course of action is to exit at airport, pay fine and accept a ban. But depending upon how elderly and how poor the guy's health is would it hurt to consult an agent before doing this? Appreciate that it may cost quite a lot. The other option would be a direct approach to an Immigration Officer in the hope that they would be receptive to making a 'special arrangement'. If the guy could find and take with him a Thai person of repute (such as a school teacher) it may greatly improve his chances of success.

Agree! 'VYKE' is another solution. $16 USD per annum to rent a virtual mobile number. Receive voice calls and SMS free. Outgoing at very reasonable rates. International roaming becomes a thing of the past as does changing your number if/when you switch mobile service providers.