The Fugitive

In the same situation myself. Need to return to UK in around 3-4 weeks time. Now easy to enter UK and hoping that it won't be too long before Thailand relax their requirements too.

Most helpful, many thanks. Just had a quick look. I want to phone United Kingdom from Thailand. With FreeVoipDeal do you have to phone from one of the listed Countries considered to be 'EU' in order to get the free calling?

Agree, most economical. I don't cut my own hair (what's remaining) or shave either. Barber is also a family friend so continued to enjoy 'clandestine' service even when it wasn't allowed. For 150 baht (including tip) it's a bargain and helps the economy. I have to go elsewhere for manicure and pedicure but those too are absolutely affordable.

Everybody has their own set of 'standards'. Not only foreigner's either. My Thai Mrs thinks it's acceptable to attach tip money to paperwork, march to the head of the queue and hand it over the glass screens. Disrespectful to everyone else who is awaiting their turn. That makes me squirm with embarrassment.

Great news and good to be so positive too! 15,000 is what you would expect to pay for a 12 months extension. But maybe that's not the agent profiteering?

Maybe try another agent? Is there any possibility of obtaining a longer term extension than the 60 day Covid?

Very helpful, thank you.

Agree! Was referring to Pattaya and pre-Covid times. Information came 'from the horses mouth' i.e. Visa Agent. Majority of customers for retirement visas and extensions were Brits living (or rather surviving) on UK State Pensions.

Quite normal for Bangkok Bank. They insisted I purchased 'one-off' 12 months accident insurance from them. Cost 3,000 baht. It did include cover for moto accidents up to age 65. Didn't make any claim during the 12 months period though. No requirement to renew.

Tips make the World go 'round.

Very helpful information in this thread thanks to all!

Absolutely true! As often mentioned, many Brits receiving State Pension only. Also, it is these retirees who almost certainly cannot afford health cover and believe it'll never happen to them.

Gave up driving 10 years ago. Live out in the sticks. Wife runs a shop. A pick-up is extremely useful for buying stock and making deliveries. Also comes in useful for home use. Mrs owns a few small moto's used for running errands and by the young family members. Prefer not to travel myself unless absolutely necessary. Always aware (even worrying) about family riding without helmets or any other protection. Three family members have been hospitalised due to moto accidents, one, at 15, having part of one foot amputated following colliding with a lamp post on her moto.

Excellent! Advance rail fares plus a Senior Railcard really reduces the cost. I think of the rail journey as part of my holidays, something to look forward to. Additionally, using public transport, if subject to delay and you missed your flight your travel insurance will pay out. Travelling to airports under your own steam is at your own risk.

Thanks for the information. However, there are three alternatives at Ringway. Railway station, MetroLink and local/National bus/coach interchange. I'm sure many people could, if they tried, reduce the volume of their luggage to managable proportions?

Must admit I'm struggling to find APP's that will install upon my iPhone 4S these days!

Saw someone using one the folding types for the first time yesterday. Looked impressive to me!

Haven't yet tried myself. 'Ignis' (see previous posts) reports great success!

That's what it says on the sign for mine. That's where I went for Yellow House Book, Pink Foreigner's ID Card and Marriage Registration.

Very helpful thank you. Never thought of asking the local district office for proof of residency!

Everything is negotiable. How you go about it is the issue.

Definitely agree! That’s why I suggested asking a reliable Thai person to 'sound out' the IO by asking hypothetical questions. My Thai wife can immediately tell if an official/policeman is 'allright' i.e. open to doing a deal. An IO once said to her on the phone; "that's something I can't answer without knowing more details so if you come down to the office tomorrow at 11am and ask for me............... At this appointment the IO offered to undercut any agent’s price. We now deal exclusively with the same officer. Absolutely agree with your caution. If it’s a foreigner who’s asking going the agent route is safest.

The lady Visa Agent I deal with tells me the majority of her client’s come from U.K. Many, as you rightly say, receive State Pension only, having no available savings. She has English people bringing her correspondence they have received from U.K. and ask her to read and explain it to them because they have literacy problems. She can assist in obtaining Visa’s in other Countries plus the usual translation, legal advice, house purchase, travel agency and taxi booking services. Very useful person to know!

It depends how much your friend wants to stay in Thailand and how much cash she has. Contacting a Visa Agent would be the safest step to trying to remain but also the most expensive. Going directly to immigration would be taking a risk but if the officer was receptive to a bundle of cash could work out the less expensive method. Getting a Thai friend of some standing to telephone in advance asking 'hypothetical' questions and obtaining the IO's name would help. Going to the airport and asking immigration 'how much above 20,000 to avoid a ban?' could work but may be too stressful?

Interesting point. If you employ an agent then are they not simply acting as your agent and you retain ultimate reponsibility. If your passport was stolen from your agent is it the same as being stolen from yourself?