isaanistical

Ah, that's interesting - I had naively assumed that in either instance (retirement or marriage) agents 'loan' the needed 400 or 800K or fudge it somehow - that's just how I always read it. If what you say is true, then my mate is barking up the wrong tree. Of course the 60-day thing may, or may well not, materialise before his deadline.....

early 50s. Does age have any relevance (assume so because you ask, but it's not a retirement issue).

would if I could, which is how the topic arose! It's actually 3 months not two, if you're being safe.

I have had annual 'marriage' extensions 11 times without much trouble (all fine if you just give the IO what they require) and would not dream of using an agent as spruiked by many on this forum. However, a mate is soon to try for his second extension and because they are moving to a new house, he's stretched and won't make the '400k for 2 months' criterium this time (as I have said on another thread, he can't sign up to this forum to ask, because apparently he doesn't know the capital of Thailand – the 'security question' on the application. Seems it's not Bangkok, folks) So I'm asking for him about the feasibility, cost and logistics of finding and using an agent this time. It's grey-area illegal, I think, but is it hugely expensive? And how does he find one – outside the main cities (I think his new province is Nakhon Sawan). (We know about the Savannakhet option, but that's not a good choice for him) We are not asking about the rights and wrongs, just the practicalities for this occasion, so anything useful will be passed on, (as would any update on the capital of Thailand…..) Ta in advance.

Friend of mine repeatedly trying to sign up to this forum, asked the "security question" What is the capital of Thailand, and repeatedly the answer Bangkok is refused ("you failed the security check"). So can someone tell me and him what IS the capital? Or does he have to write in in Thai?

Just found out two Thai employees (in their first 'proper' jobs) have not been signed up to SSO by my company's HR. It's about 4-5 months since they started. We'll put it right and (presumably) go to an SSO office Tuesday to do so, but are we in big trouble? I believe there's a fine, but anyone know if it is substantial? Also, does it take ages to sort out? Or can the staff get their cards fairly fast?

Woodstock. Now we're on Memory Lane, I had forgotten it. Great place to play pool and just unwind. It was Nana but not Nana and a gem. Along with some now-forgotten bars in Patpong, Woodstock didn't hassle - all that was downstairs. As for Thermae, it was somewhere to get even more drunk after hours and, as they used to say, "all human life was there" and a bit beside. Probably 25 years since I was last there, though, and I haven't missed it.

Sheryl - there are a few old-age homes (though that's not what they call themselves) in Thailand - I recall one near Chiang Mai - set up for farang. This may not be what you intend for yours, but they may be worth contacting to find out how they deal with importing (pardon the term) elderly relatives on long-ish term deals.

Agree. I no longer read any 'news' pieces here (this fares one was the last and a good example) because now there is no attribution, no facts and no sources. Trash.

"Private" as opposed to public transport doesn't publish fares, so where is the gouging? Not on Grab or Bolt, for sure. Anyone paying more than the proper rate for transport is a tourist, an idiot or both.

"Why are fares more expensive for foreigners in Thailand?" The premise is bolox, to start with. I pay the same on buses as the Thai behind or ahead of me. Tuktuk (illustrated by alleged "OP"): I pay the same 30 baht from the market to my condo as my (Thai) wife or any other Thai. BTS, MRT, SRT: I pay same as Thais. So thru which orifice is "OP" talking?

Why would another user be recorded on my pooter? The 200GB is attributed to my machine (below is a few hours from yesterday). I do use antivirus and similar tools, of course.

I only have a basic Huawei router from the ISPand it doesn't show usage.The Win 10 page shows me using more than 200GB per month on "system" alone, which is madness. Anyone any idea what that might be about? I will soon want a data SIM and obviously they won't give me that kind of total. I don't often watch movies or stream, just a couple of 1GB-ish downloads in a typical month, but those are separately shown under the relevant browsers and together are nothing like 200GB. What "system usage" could explain that kind of amount?

what, in Texas?

How about all the amateur-forensic "sleuths" give it a rest? I for one have lost a friend, and I'm pretty uninterested in pointless speculation about the details of his demise right now.

One of the good guys. Also quite a survivor in a very difficult business. Will be missed.

Interesting topic for me as I'm about to have to specify aircons for a new-build house any day now. Does anyone have any reliable data on how much more economical inverters are (for the same room volume, of course)? Everyone here seems to agree they are better, but where's the point of recouping the extra initial outlay? A year or two? 10 years? Or almost immediate?

Interesting. I have recently shopped a couple of times at 'Tesco' for the first time since the name change and been surprised it's cheaper on numerous items than Big C or Tops, so I may give them a go.

Me too, over nearly 30 years. This is not thai-bashing, but Thais are utterly useless with websites. I'm not an expert here, just a serial victim, but I suspect much of the problem lies with the thai-language versions and their translations. I am told the Thai versions don't all have the same level of incompetence built in.

In my case, still waiting. Eventually I managed to get into the site today, but only by using Chrome which is not my choice of browser. And by entering multiple verification codes. I was happy with Tops for 4 years but now want something less dreadful. Has anyone had success with alternatives to Tops, given the annoyance factor here?

FWIW, some years ago I flew from LHR to Thailand (on Gulf Air) with a relative's ashes in my checked bags with no docmentation or declaration. And no problem on arrival.

The PM is apparently demanding to know the whereabouts of some "11 THOUSAND tonnes" of cadmium waste last seen in Samut Sakhon: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/prompt-inquiry-ordered-into-11000-tonnes-of-vanished-cadmium-waste I'm not a metals expert so I'm asking: far as I know that number is roughly the same as China's total consumption of cadmium or half the world's total annual production. Is it even conceivably true or is this yet another failure of Thais/media to get numbers right?

Agreed. I did manage to place an order yesterday, but whether it gets delivered is another matter.........

I am moving to Saraburi (changwat, not town) and would welcome any useful info on dealing with the IO there. I have extended my marriage visa several times in BKK but 1. any problems 'changing' changwat? Does it mean a complete new application? 2. any input as to an agent who may be able to help? I have never used or needed an agent before but there are some issues this time where one may help, so spare the good idea/bad idea opinions please. But: if anyone has info on an agent in S'buri who is any good, a PM would be very much appreciated. Ta.

Only Fools & Horses, series 5 ep 2. Miracle of Peckham