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Everything posted by VBF
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Agree with your comments @DrJack54inasmuch as it's just "safer" to have either a visa or ongoing ticket. I wonder what you and other people think about this possible scenario: Under new rules: Flying London to BKK on Emirates. Have a return ticket with the return booked 80 - 85 days from arrival. My intention being to use the (new) 60 day visa exempt, then get a 30 day extension at Jomtien. The question being, would that return ticket which is over the 60 days still satisfy Emirates at the London check-in? Or would they want to see a return ticket within 60 days? It would avoid the expensive hassle of changing my return ticket.
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Nice comments. I stopped flying Thai some 20 years ago when (IMO) they really went downhill both in service and VFM internationally. I used to fly Thai from UK, then onto Phuket using my Thai air miles which eventually ran out. I transferred my business to Ethiad, then Emirates. Haven't done much domestic flying recently, but in 2020 at the the start of Covid I HAD to buy a Thai ticket to London because Emirates weren't flying. So in my PERSONAL experience from 2020, a DIRECT comparison on an A380, Business Class gives Emirates 10/10 and Thai 6/10 for: Ground service Aircraft configuration Inflight service Food quality / choice. i shall continue using Emirates / Ethiad; but if I fly domestically in Thailand, I've had good experiences on Air Asia and Nok Air...but a long time ago.
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Mae Hong Son cracks down on inappropriate tourist behaviour
VBF replied to snoop1130's topic in Isaan News
Invites comparisons with Phuket in 1988 and now โน๏ธ -
How many hours from Phuket to Bangkok by train?
VBF replied to Conan The Barbarian's topic in General Topics
I remember that experience - sort of disconcerting to be squatting over the toilet, look down and see the track rushing past beneath you! ๐ฒ Another note to self: "If travelling on a train, don't eat much the day before and keep tissue handy" Having said that, I've done long-ish journeys by bus in Thailand and always follow those 2 rules. -
Thailand Suspends 1M+ SIM Cards in Major Anti-Fraud Crackdown
VBF replied to snoop1130's topic in Thailand News
I've seen these kits - i was under the impression that you can only "clone" the card - I didn't think you could change the number on the newly created card. If that's the case, they're of limited use to scammers, IMO -
How many hours from Phuket to Bangkok by train?
VBF replied to Conan The Barbarian's topic in General Topics
Slightly but some years ago I took a train from BKK to Pichai (Uttaradit) to see an old friend. Going, I took the "VIP" train from Hua Lamphong which, apart from the ice-cold carriages (note to self: take long trousers and long sleeve shirt next time!) was very pleasant. This train stopped many times at lovely stations, manned by people with a pride in keeping them that way. I forget the fare but it was (I think) about 300 Baht; for that I was fed twice en-route and the seat, was "sort of" cushioned. My return journey, the only ticket available was 3rd class, open-sided carriage with folding plastic "windows" for use if it rained. That was interesting: hot and sticky, far less comfortable, and I was glad i had a towel to use as a seat cushion! A nice Thai lady shared her food with me, on most stations there were vendors on the platform selling cooked food to the passengers at "street food" prices, so I reciprocated after the next station stop - we ended up as firm travel friends, despite her speaking no English and my Thai being extremely limited. The whole journey was a real experience which i wouldn't have missed for the world. Whether I want to do it again, 30 years older is another question! -
Double Homicide Shocks Pattaya: Restaurant Owners Found Dead
VBF replied to snoop1130's topic in Pattaya News
"We"??? Maybe I haven't been paying attention, but I don't recall Thailand and Iran being at war against each other. -
Apparently, it is now official from 15 July 2024 On 15 July 2024, Thailand announced new visa measures to enhance Thailandโs tourism and economy, which took effect on 15 July 2024. https://www.mfa.go.th/en/content/thailandnewvisa-en?page=5d5bd3da15e39c306002aaf9&menu=5d5bd3cb15e39c306002a9b0 Click on the various images in the link to see the details.
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Come on - is that really current news? ๐คช
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Sure it wasn't a pipe dream? ๐
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At least he used his loaf ๐คช
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One would think that as the visa is not stamped in the passport any more, that would work. Possible (hypothetical) timeline for a UK traveller: Apply for eVisa 1st Jan. Receive visa (valid for 3 months) 5th Jan Travel to Thailand 10th Jan - stamped in for 30 days - leave Thailand, say 25th Jan Travel to Thailand 10th Feb - present eVisa - stamped in for 60 days - all good. On one's second arrival, one would have to show a boarding card from a country where one could have connected from a UK flight so not sure if it's practical but should be possible. What do you think @DrJack54 ?
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Sounds more like the opening line to a joke! ๐คช
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I worked in the US for a year - there was loads of friendly piss-taking in the workshop so i was ready for it on the morning of July 4th. Sure enough, i walked in to be greeted with "Hey, it's kick-a-Brit day" My reply was "We call it cure - a-hemorrhoid day"
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Right mental age, though ๐
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not in Thailand Sadly, many so-called "extreme activities" are more risky in Thailand than in places where the rules are observed. I used to SCUBA dive, but was lucky enough to have friends in the diving industry on Phuket who ran dive shops and did do things properly. Knowing how many unnecessary incidents occur due to lack of care or financial impropriety I was/am very careful to choose my supplier carefully. Same could be said of parasailing (not my bag) jet skiing (especially, if the tales are to be believed) or even regular vehicle hire.๐
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Many a true word as thet say
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Thailand Considers Lifting Alcohol Ban to Boost Restaurant Business
VBF replied to webfact's topic in Thailand News
Not in 2024, but I can certainly remember when pubs in England used to close at 3pm and reopen at 5pm, then close strictly at 11pm. Maybe Thailand is just catching up? ๐ -
Pattaya crackdown: Mayor checks on โsoi soreโ after eviction deadline
VBF replied to snoop1130's topic in Pattaya News
From what i've read, it is, or used to be similar in UK with some people asserting "squatter's rights" -
Tourist Rescued from Tree Following Parasailing Accident on Phuket Beach
VBF replied to webfact's topic in Phuket News
You forgot "Hiring a jetski without a lawyer in attendance" ๐ค But seriously, the operators of this parasailing outfit SHOULD know not to go near trees such as this just in case the wind change - but TIT! Quite frankly it terrifies me but i get dizzy if I stand on a beermat ๐ฎ -
Why are so many foreigners residing in Thailand problematic types?
VBF replied to 123Stodg's topic in ASEAN NOW Community Pub
It is called Generative Artificial Intelligence and the best way to answer your question is for you to search (Google, or Bing or whatever) that exact phrase. You will almost certainly be one or more of the following: Fascinated Amazed Horrified Scared Overwhelmed Then look at my post immediately above where I say "AI is a great tool.....etc" -
Why are so many foreigners residing in Thailand problematic types?
VBF replied to 123Stodg's topic in ASEAN NOW Community Pub
Or, in the words of Wilbur Smith "Avoid the company of losers, for their despair is contagious"