degodasilva

Yes, it looks like it started in 2006. Wow, time flies.

20 years, are you sure about that?

And this is exactly what I have a problem with. Come on, we're all sensible adults here: why have an added charge for service? It's a restaurant, of course I expect to be served - it's all part of the same dining experience and should be all inclusive, so why not incorporate this supposed charge (and VAT) into the price of the food on the menu? I also don't appreciate the arrogance of being told I've received a certain level of service. Surely I'll be the judge of that, and if I feel the service has been good then I'll tip accordingly, and if I don't then I won't, and perhaps then the standards of service might improve. Regarding not paying the service charge, I believe that in the UK you can dispute it and aren't legally obliged to pay, although I imagine this doesn't go down too well, unless of course there was a very obvious problem.

Can somebody tell me whether immigration in Jomtien, Pattaya will except a screenshot on my phone or laptop of my TM30, or will I have to print out a hardcopy? Many thanks.

Maybe this place: A Vegan in Government Complex Line ID: a_jfood Phone: 092-5381918 Found on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DdacoVeWDWbM2MAcA

Looking at this logically, I'm pretty sure it would've been June when the OP entered and not July. There's a big difference in knowing you've been in the country for 30 days vs 60 days.

Sorry, very late response, but it was within five working days, including their request for extra information. Bear in mind it was the low season, if that makes any difference.

Gotcha. Thanks for the summary.

I'm interested in having the Wise card. So what are the advantages of using one here over other 'foreign' cards? Also, as ATMs here will still charge you for using a non Thai card, is it not better to just use Wise to transfer money from outside of Thailand into your Thai bank account (assuming you have one)?

Yep, that makes sense, but I actually meant where do the British expats tend to live, not hangout. Sorry, wasn't very clear.

The reason I'm asking is because I'm not all that familiar with anywhere outside of central Pattaya. For example, I've never been to the Darkside, only visit Jomtien very occasionally, etc Interesting about the comment above regarding Naklua being German orientated because I got the impression it was more Russian than anything else, but maybe not.

There's a high number of British expats all over Pattaya of course, but I'm interested in whether or not there's any one particular area where Brits are more prevalent. Anyone have any idea about this?

I applied for a METV at the end of last month, and for the 'Document indicating current residency' requirement I uploaded the biodata page from my passport as this was accepted for my visa application the previous year. I received an emailed saying "With regards to your e-Visa application, the Royal Thai Embassy/ The Royal Thai Consulate-General would like to request for additional documents as follows: Document indicating current location: - Utility bills eg. Electricity bills/ Gas / Mobile phone / Rental agreements/ Bank Statement or UK/Ireland Driving licence.”" Unfortunately I wasn't able to provide any of the above so instead uploaded a recent tax statement from HMRC showing my name and address, and this was accepted. I can only comment on the METV not SETV but as stated above, the application process is so much easier these days. Good luck.

I successfully applied for and was granted a METV in the U.K. last week through the eVisa website. I can confirm that I only provided proof of travel into Thailand, so no onward ticket. The process has indeed been made much simpler than my previous application back in 2023. Hope this helps.