scorecard

Service at Thai / Thai Smile service counter at CM airport way way less than satisfactory.

Got a phone call asking me to get to an important meeting BKK as fast as possible.

Threw a few clothes and some documents in a small bag and quickly headed to CM Airport (no booking), ran around the various low cost counters trying to learn the next departure time. AirAsia, Nok, etc., not departing CM for at least a few hours.

Then to TG / Thai Smile counter. Asked the officer 'what's the departure time of your next flight (TG or Smile) to Bkk'.

Got ignored.

Asked again, lady officer responded 'you are talking to the manager, have to wait until he's finished talking to his friend'.

Then another staff member said 'go and look it up on the internet' and walked away. 

Then I asked 'what's the fare'. Again 'look it up on the internet.'

Way less than satisfactory service. 

1 hour ago, Will27 said:

https://thailand.embassy.gov.au/bkok/Mailed_in_passport_applications.html

 

https://thailand.embassy.gov.au/bkok/Australian_Passports_Page.html

Thank you.

I bit the bullet and made a booking to visit the Outreach team at Marriot hotel in CM on 19 June.

Photos all organized: need to give outreach officer at Marriot 3 photos. Not expensive - as required by the Oz Gov't passport rules. Photo shop can do the required photo format very close to Marriot hotel.

No need to get 'endorsed by lawyer, teacher, bank manager, old friend etc. ( guess this is because the applicant hands the new photos direct to the Oz Embassy officer.

Have to take a completed application form (from this website:  auth.passports.gov.au).

Aiming for 5 year passport (I'm over 80 years old) all up cost 8,300Baht (includes the charge for overseas customers), must be paid to the outreach team 19 June by debit or credit card or scan of bank app (e.g. K+), cannot accept cash.

No need to hand in expiring passport - keep it forever. New passport by mail, about 6 weeks after my 19 June visit to the outreach team. But I've read that new / renewal passports have arrived much faster e.g. 2 weeks -  wait and see.

3 hours ago, Will27 said:

My understanding is they try to visit CM quarterly but as you've been told, it's not set in stone.

I take it you want to see if they come again later this yearto give you more time.

 

Wouldn't it just be easier to apply online at a time when it suits you?

Yes you are correct, I was hoping there would be another CM outreach every 3 months, i.e. in September and December.

You mention 'apply online', to be honest I've been searching for such a facility without success.

Would you please share the website address. Much appreciated, thanks.

On 6/11/2025 at 8:59 AM, FlorC said:

uh , what ?

I'm not following here.

His meaning is quite obvious...

I need to renew my passport. Expiry date of current passport is 21 Feb 2026.

I've found a lot of info on line and from calling the Embassy in Bkk.

Next planned outreach to CM (Marriot Hotel) is 19 June and I will make an appointment tomorrow.

I asked the consular man at the embassy in Bkk if the outreach in CM is 3 every months. His response:

- The next outreach date is not yet planned.

- There is no policy of every 3 months.

Same officer mentioned 'after attending the outreach appointment and at same time paying the fee the wait time if 6 weeks to receive the replacement passport. 

Also mentioned 'don't allow your current passport to expire before you receive the renewal passport'.

any comments, especially re whether the outreach is 'every 3 months' much appreciated.

Thanks.

2 hours ago, hotchilli said:

General ?????

In Thailand (and some other countries) Police and Military keep their rank after departing the service as a respect for their previous service. 

1 minute ago, scorecard said:

 

Interesting subject, globally.

 

Years ago in Australia I was asked to join a counselling group for gay people. I didn't have much knowledge about the subject and I assumed the callers would all be young gay men / gay teenagers who need to talk to someone.

 

I mentioned to the counselling team leader 'I would like to join and contribute if i can but I have no real knowledge about this. And I repeated 'I'm assuming the callers would all be young gay men / gay teenagers who need to talk to someone'.

 

The team leader responded 'the vast majority of the callers are men from about 35 years old and up. Generally males who have tried all of the lives to brush aside their sexual desire for other men, and have reached a point where they are having difficulty to continue to present a totally  'straight' persona or to present themselves as a straight husband (present themselves to: wife, children, other family, friends, work colleagues etc.), and they need to talk to another man (maybe several phone or in person sessions sessions) who can help them to rationalize their situation. The leader continued; the objective of any counselling sessions is NOT to help them become straight. 

 

The team leader continued 'in every country there's large numbers of men who are trying to brush aside their homosexual desires, most reach a point where they need to talk to someone who can share a balanced discussion.

 

3 hours ago, save the frogs said:

 

A lot of men do. Or maybe not a lot. But some. 

 

To save face in polite society, they have normal relationships and then get gay action on the side.

 

I feel sorry for women who end up with these guys. 

 

Interesting subject, globally.

Years ago in Australia I was asked to join a counselling group for gay people. I didn't have much knowledge about the subject and I assumed the callers would all be young gay men / gay teenagers who need to talk to someone.

I mentioned to the counselling team leader 'I would like to join and contribute if i can but I have no real knowledge about this. And I repeated 'I'm assuming the callers would all be young gay men / gay teenagers who need to talk to someone'.

The team leader responded 'the vast majority of the callers are from about 35 years old and up. Generally males who have tried all of the lives to brush aside their sexual desire for other men, and have reached a point where they are having difficulty to continue to present a totally  'straight' persona / often present themselves as a straight husband (present themselves to: wife, children, other family, friends, work colleagues etc., and they need to talk, to a man (maybe several phone or in person sessions sessions) who can help them to rationalize their situation. The leader continued; the objective of any counselling sessions is NOT to help them become straight. 

The team leader continued 'in every country there's large numbers of men who are trying to brush aside their homosexual desires, most reach a point where they need to talk to someone who can share a balanced discussion.

4 hours ago, IsaanGuy said:

I’ll never be achieved in Thailand because of the level of corruption within its political system and the control the army has over everything.

Also meaning that the army believes it is entitled to take whatever action to ensure the outcomes protect the military and their position. 

10 hours ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

  Ignoring Hamas atrocities and just attacking Israel instead .

Remove Hamas  from the sentence and just replace it with Israel 🙂

Summary:

- Yes Hamas have committed atrocities and there should be punishment. And The Palestinians need to do a lot more to promote a Palestinian state without Hamas.

- Yes Israel has committed atrocities including the deliberate starving of innocent children and the destruction of hospitals and health care facilities and supplies and there should be severe punishment. Israel needs to remove the main instigator Netanyahu who has created a very bad image for Israel, flying in the face of the very awful events of many decades back. 

3 hours ago, sherlockh said:

 Hamas does not care about nationality.They decide who and when releases will be made. The Thai authorities have no say in the matter. Sadly this Thai worker was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. My thoughts go out to his family.

OK,  but seems to me that the Israelis also have no respect for other nationalities.

7 hours ago, scorecard said:

 

Condolences to his family by not one of my favorite people. 

True. In his case he declared himself to be the PM. No election. Not democracy.

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Suchinda Kraprayoon. File photo courtesy of Thai Rath

 

Thailand is mourning the loss of its 19th Prime Minister, Gen. Suchinda Kraprayoon, affectionately known as Big Su, who passed away peacefully at 91.

 

The former leader died from old age in Phramongkutklao Hospital in the early hours of June 10. Born on August 6, 1933, Suchinda's life was marked by significant contributions in both military and political spheres.

 

Gen. Suchinda had a distinguished career, holding influential roles including Minister of Defence, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, and Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Armed Forces.

 

He played a pivotal part in the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), staging a coup in 1991. He was unexpectedly appointed Prime Minister on April 7, 1992, after initially stating he would not take up the position.

 

During his term, Suchinda appointed his brother-in-law, Gen. Issarapong Noonpakdee, as interior minister, inciting opposition from political activists.

 

The move was criticised as an extension of the NCPO's authoritarian rule and led to massive protests in Bangkok. Security forces and police clashed with demonstrators between May 17-20, 1992, and Suchinda eventually resigned on May 24, 1992, following the unrest.

 

Suchinda's legacy extends to his personal life, where he was a devoted family man. His wife, Khunying Wanee Kraprayoon, passed away on September 21, 2021. The couple shared many years and significant moments. As Thailand reflects on Gen. Suchinda's eventful life, the country awaits details of his funeral arrangements.

 

This development leaves a complex legacy of leadership marked by both his military achievements and controversial political tenure. The implications of his passing add to Thailand's rich historical narrative, reflecting on a period marked by political turbulence and change.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-06-10

 

 

Condolences to his family by not one of my favorite people. 

22 hours ago, xylophone said:

Me too, especially as I have a small iPhone SE which has about a 4.7 inch screen and even without the banking app on it I'm constantly pressing the wrong keys with my fat fingers!

 

I do all of my banking here and in New Zealand using my computer with its lovely 24 inch screen and I really don't want that to change. As I'm not likely to buy a new iPhone because I only use my phone for phone calls and SMS messages, it looks like I might have to try that Bluestack Android Emulator that someone mentioned if Bangkok Bank decides to do away with its Internet banking (hopefully not).

A question:

Is it possible to have a bank app (any app) on your smartphone but use the app on your note book screen? 

Hopefully that's possible which would mean that if a bank cancels it's 'internet banking' and the customer has the bank app then the transaction could  be done on the customers notebook screen (or any monitor).

OK, but the Thai authorities sure are slow. 

But do you mean calls using the paid telco link, or using the free LINE link?

1 minute ago, Michael Hare said:

My BIG printing  mistake I meant December 2001, May 2002 and August 2004. Thank you for pointing that out. In all my years in Thailand I have never met another "farang" that has PR. 

I've met only 2 others:

- Retired lawyer from respected international law firm, applied for PR I guess 12 months before retirement. 

- The farang guy who worked with me for many years, he applied, got approved, six months later died of a massive heart attack.

On 6/7/2025 at 7:05 PM, KannikaP said:

I first read VASOLINE. 555

OIC, you need anal lube. KY better.

2 hours ago, Michael Hare said:

 

I thought the most common way to get PR was being married to a Thai and having a dependent child. I live in Ubon Ratchathani. In December 2021 I flew down to Bangkok for the first interview at Suan Plu. In May 2022 my wife and I were interviewed again. My final interview was a few months later. I then waited until August 2024 to get PR. Two years and eight months from start to finish. At the time I thought this was very slow as I was comparing with my wife getting PR in my home country of NZ many years ago. 

We all have some differences in the process to share. 28 years agao after my interview was completed the agent politely asked if he could ask a question.

Officer said (all in English) 'yes of course'. Agent asked 'does it help to gain PR if you have a Thai wife'.

Officer responded 'no it doesn't help, because the application for PR is totally / only about you and your personal contributions to the development of Thailand and the development of Thai people.

Officer continued, 'please note that 'marital status / name and Thai ID number of Thai wife or children' is not mentioned anywhere in the application documents. 

19 hours ago, JohnnyBD said:

I don't know anything about Krungsri, but my apps for UOB & Kasikorn are separate from their internet banking. I'm sure that's what the OP meant. Also, SCB does not have internet banking anymore, but they still have the app for banking transactions. 

19 hours ago, JohnnyBD said:

I don't know anything about Krungsri, but my apps for UOB & Kasikorn are separate from their internet banking. I'm sure that's what the OP meant. Also, SCB does not have internet banking anymore, but they still have the app for banking transactions. 

Bottom line, all banks (also in other countries) are trying to consolidate all banking to one platform - an app. 

Why?   If the bank has internet banking and an app they need to maintain two computer systems which is not cheap. So they consolidate onto just an app. 

On 6/3/2025 at 9:36 AM, DrJack54 said:

You have not outlined any skill set or qualifications. 

Seems at 25 you plan to do "simple legal work" 

Not possible IMO. 

On 6/3/2025 at 9:36 AM, DrJack54 said:

 

Hi Yidie,

Are you aware that the Thai law includes a long list of occupations / jobs which are reserves for Thai citizens only.

Also to work legally in Thailand you must have a Thai Work Permit. 

Search under Thai Work Permit, I think you'll find all the details, including the fact you must be employed with a legal letter of employment by a Thai company to apply for a work permit.

The letter of employment must state the type of work. If it's work which is reserved for Thai's only you have no chance of gaining a work permit.  

'Simple legal work' can easily be carried out by a Thai person so you would not get a work permit.

Working for free isn't accepted for a work permit. 

On 6/6/2025 at 1:07 PM, Cornish Pasty said:

I've just arrived in Pattaya for the first time in 17 years and I am totally flabbergasted. This place has changed beyond all recognition. It's constant hassle, full of Indians and very expensive.

Where have all the pretty ladies gone? All I see around me is old women and plumpers. So, so so sad. I'm leaving tomorrow.

 

Mark.

Not so fast, please make a big batch of cornish pasties (20 please) before you go. Thanks.

On 6/6/2025 at 6:28 AM, blaze master said:

Did anyone think of chasing after him or...

 

Nahhhh it'll be fine.

But be fair, it was lunch break time.

1 hour ago, onthemoon said:

 

 

Oh, this is more complicated than during my time (applied in 2005 or so). 

 

1. Have a work permit and the tax payments proof. Yes, that was the same. Also needed documentation from the company.

2. Two master's degrees? That certainly limits the number of eligible applicants. I had one master's at the time, but I think that a bachelor's or even a vocational degree would have been sufficient at the time.

3. Investment required? This was definitely not the case then.

4. Work is contributing to Thai development: Isn't it one of the criteria for work permits anyway?

4..... Point taken, but from my personal experience it's more than that. Otherwise why did the senior officer (during my personal interview call and speak at length in English* to 3 of my Thai staff, asking them and repeating his point, that he wanted to know specific details of deeper knowledge and insight they were gaining from working with me. He also requested each of the 3 staff member he spoke to share share that I had given them work assignments which needed deeper knowledge / insight, and they were able to fulfill those requirements to my advanced requirements. ) 

(* English... the officer spoke perfect English, he wanted, if possible, to speak to my 3 staff embers in English so that I could listen to the whole conversation. He did ask me to not interrupt the conversations. Before these conversations he mentioned he wanted t talk to 3 of my staff in English and he asked if I could give him the names etc., of 3 of my team who could speak good English. I confirmed yes (in fact all 3 had studies / worked previously in an English speaking country). 

What's also on my mind is that the approval rate to gain PR is very low. In fact in the year I applied a total of just 5 applicants from my original country were approved.

At the start of the interview with the officer he did politely mention that the overall approval rate is very low. 

That's all 28 years ago. Has anything changed? I don't know.

Further the agent who helped me to apply for PR was helping another foreigner at the same time. In fact I guy I worked with (but he was working in another dept., of the company - it was a new petroleum / chemical manufacturing company which had just started up with a combination of new computer based operational management - from my understanding the first in the world). He was also interviewed very quickly after he lodged his application. He was interviewed in English but not the same officer who interviewed me.

We shared the details of our interviews and factors like 'strong contribution to the development of Thailand and Thai staff, also advanced education and long-term investments' was consistent across both of us. His interviewer also mentioned low approval rate. Ultimately he was also approved. 

I have noted that in many of the postings on this subject to 'Thai Visa / Asean Now' the low approval / very low approval rate has been mentioned many times. 

13 hours ago, Fabio1980 said:

Not far from where I live, I know a guy who overstaying his visa. I don't know how long, I don't know why and I see that he doesn't interact much with people when he leaves the house. I've always wondered how you can live peacefully, knowing that you live illegally. And if you have to be hospitalized, you have to show your passport. With the new banking rules, there is a risk that an account will be blocked and being overstayed, how could he do it...and much much more. I think one tries to avoid being seen around as much as possible. However, I will never understand why one would end up living like this.

From above: "...With the new banking rules, there is a risk that an account will be blocked ..."

What does that mean? Does it mean that foreigners here with Permanent Residence (PR) will have their bank accounts blocked? And how will any bank know that account holder is / isn't holding Thai PR?

And what if it a joint savings account (the foreigner and his Thai wife or with his adult Thai children?