Burma Bill

With respect, surely these visas are genuine and not fake? If they were fake, then wouldn't they be detected at Immigration desks when entering/leaving Thailand? I used agents, including a friendly local IO, for my annual retirement extensions over several years and I was never stopped during my numerous visits to neighboring countries and the UK. The rubber stamp visa in my passport was no different from any other - agent or no agent!

Too late now. I "got it together" and left Thailand just before borders closed due to Covid-19. Sincere thanks to local Thai Immigration "agents" for my retirement visa extensions. Ironically here in Cambodia, one has to use an official agent (usually a travel shop) because you do not deal with Immigration itself. Very simple, hassle free and no corruption. If you do not have 300$US you do not get your annual visa extension (multiple re-entries included).

With the greatest respect, the early Thai railways were eventually built by the Germans. Reference Google and Wikipedia: In November 1888 the railway engineer de:Karl Bethge (from Krupp) came to Siam and were given these plans by the Siamese government for his assessment. It was agreed to build a route from Bangkok to Saraburi to Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima). For the full history:- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_transport_in_Thailand Yes, the British were involved in many early discussions but nothing was built, except the start of the Bangkok - Korat Line. However, the Brits were "sacked" for not keeping to contractual agreements and the Germans took over. Another line from Bangkok to Samut Prakan was constructed by Denmark and in 1925 this became only the second electrified railway in South East Asia. (now defunct). The British built the early railways in India, Ceylon, Burma and Malaya (as known in those days) whilst the French did likewise in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. During the Second World War the Japanese also built railways in Thailand (including the infamous Death Railway).

Great idea! There is a current water shortage for our farmers here in Khmer Land' "Paddy farmers are on a race against time to finish farming as they fear water shortage to irrigate their fields during the dry season" https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501216811/paddy-farmers-racing-against-time/

Thanks, and not just Pattaya. I know many ex-pats up north in Isaan who used Pattaya agents for their visa extensions. In fact we had local agents working in co-operation with Pattaya agents. At that time, Pattaya Immigration must have been one of the most corrupt in Thailand. Several years ago, I once used an agent in Chiang Mai who got my visa extension issued by Ayutthaya Immigration!! (The start of the 800,000 BS lark but not in a bank account for 6 months).

One of these in the grounds of the French Consulate??

I appreciate your experience. Here in Cambodia, just one page and no boxes!

Tell that to all the tourists who like to take shower!

When there is an easterly wind then maybe so. When a westerly wind blows, here in Cambodia we get smoke pollution from Thailand! Laos and Burma also contribute to air pollution throughout the region. For reference (Wikipedia):- Myanmar (Burma):Myanmar is the most polluted country in Southeast Asia. The average resident here would gain 2.7 years of life expectancy on average if particulate pollution were reduced to the WHO guideline.

From my experience - "no". I used to go to the local Traffic Police Office and present the ticket with the cash - 100 baht I seem to remember. Very simple and no hassle. I used to attend a monthly diabetic clinic at the local Government Hospital where official parking was severely restricted and one had to use surrounding streets, many of which were "no parking" areas. The Traffic Police had a field day!

Yes - very interesting. Having driven many times from Phitsanulok to Chiang Mai via Sukhothai and Tak, also via Uttaradit and Den Chai, I think the answer could be geography. The route via Sukhothai is relatively flat whereas the existing route via Den Chai is mountainous beyond Uttaradit.

Great to see the Japanese being involved and not the Chinese with their belts and roads!!

Yes indeed, the bar stool detectives already on the case!

Excuse my ignorance, being a former country bumpkin from "up north", but why use an airhorn in a bar??? I presume it would be one of these:- My only thought would be to drown the noise from dreadful, screeching and inebriated Thai floozies!!

A sick joke????

Thanks, as were our local Immigration Police and Tourist Police where I lived in country bumpkin land!

Both separate - Highway Police nationwide within CIB. Traffic Police part of local Provincial Police. Where I used to live in Chumphae (Khon Kaen Province), there was a small Traffic Police office alongside the main police station where I went to pay parking tickets.

Yet again, political muck-raking to eliminate serious opposition! I wonder how long an attempt is made to dissolve the Move Forward Party?

88% of Thailand bank accounts have less than 50,000 THB So most of the remaining 12% have in excess of either 400,000 or 800,000 THB???

For reference (Wikipedia): Metropolitan Police Bureau (Bangkok) Provincial Police division (the largest throughout Thailand) Immigration Bureau Tourist Police Bureau Border Patrol Police Central Investigation Bureau (including the railroad, marine, highway, technology police, economic police and forestry police, The Crime Suppression Division (CSD), Special Service Division (SSD)- Monarchy Protection, The Criminal Records Office, The Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory) Narcotics Suppression Bureau Special Branch Bureau Office of Logistics (including Thai Police Aviation division) Police Education Bureau (Training) Office of the Surgeon General (Responsible for medical and healthcare-related services for the police, including forensic science and autopsies). Operates hospitals in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Yala.

Well I never!

I bet a fat lot of good came out of it!

Yes indeed and for reference:- a pair of tiger eyes can sell for $170. A paw is worth $1000. Tiger bone may be sold in powdered form for anywhere between $64-$168/lb or steeped in liquor to make ?tiger wine,? which has been known to sell for over $30,000 a case! A prized pelt could fetch as much as $20,000. https://crownridgetigers.com/the-illegal-trade-in-tiger-parts

Well done Mitr Phol!!!!!

To be constructed by Sino-Thai???