Seagull Sam

Thanks, I know Thai Visa Express are often recommended but when we visited last we were in Pattaya I found their service dreadful TBH. I guess we will use Siam Legal in BKK again, they weren't much good but did eventually get the job done.

I'm looking for an visa agency in BKK which is efficient and easy to deal with to arrange a UK visa for my Thai gf please. All necessary paperwork can be supplied in order and in a reasonable time frame. A previous visit was arranged May 2024. We used Siam Legal but it was a bit like pulling teeth. Different information from different people and the usual SE Asian problem whereby all questions are answered by 'well received' and nobody will tell you your questions could ever be met with the word 'no' or 'it will take longer than you are anticipating'. (I'm in my 60s and I'm used to simple answers to simple questions but too frequently there can be a cultural gap between te west and the east). And yes I'm well aware it can be done without an agent but as I'm in UK and she's in Thailand that simply isn't isn't practical. Thanks very much in advance.

Obviously. Only a light hearted comment to shed light on dependency of other nations on US economic might. Why Nutjob Trump wants to kick everyone in the balls does nobody any good.

Dear Mr Trump, We have bought a lot of very expensive unnecessy military equipment even though our educational standards suggest we will have problems operating them. Please can we have our import duties reduced now? Love, Thailand PS also included stick of our world famous Thai weed for your mental health and well being

So there we have the nub of the issue - colonialism. The French draw an arbitrary border in 1907 and the nations are fighting still. The British drew an arbitrary line through Punjab in 1948 and we have two nuclear armed nations snarling at each other. The Balfour Declaration of 1918 didn't actually draw any lines and now we have mass starvation and bombing of already long oppressed people. All stand for your relevant national anthems please.

It's always the same. The arms industry produces bombs and guns. They need to get the battled tested rosette. Thailand has more and newer ones so will want to show them off to the world. Toys for the boys.

Appreciated and understood. I'm not in a big hurry to return so to have both passports before departure would make make me feel more comfortable. Otherwise new passport from UK would likely be fine. The Thai government are constantly moving the goalposts and there's always the possibilty of a jobsworth on my return to LOS. hotandsticky's Plans A&B suggests both approaches might work.

Thanks to all and in and in answer to Dr Jack, there's nothing to be lost by seeing what they say at VFS. If it can be done reasonably quickly they will remember me and gf at immigration. Phetchabun BTW, relatively new office and very few farangs in this part of the world.

Briefly - I left UK mid-March with 90 day visa. Subsequently extended to one year multi-entry but my UK passport expires 1st June 2026. I need to return 'home' in the not too distant and think it unlikely I will be able to return this year. 6 months unexpired passport is required to enter LOS. For what it's worth I booked an appointment with VFS in BKK to explore the possibility of getting a new passport, then local immigtation office (small town and reasonably chilled) to move visa to new passport. Smart, stupid, other suggestions?

Keep away from Pattaya and you might just avoid this kind of stereotyping

The 227 rules of the pātimokkha monks are allowed alms bowls and robes only. Money an eating are midday are clear no-nos. Each temple's clergy should recite these on full moon and half moon days I understand. Fancy ordaining anyone? Stick with the Cathlolics or Anglicans and you will get moved to another parish if you stick your hand up the altar boys cassocks.

None were outlined. A nationwide crackdown on thousands upon thousands of establishments? Will the local Plod inspect every premises? Is each shop producing it's own gummies or are there manufacturers? Citizens should remain vigilant

It was and still is still a terrible, if endearing, old school dump of a ground. Tiny pitch with the players and fans within touching distance

Thailand needs therapy. It suggests prostitution is illegal and yet the country is a magnet for sex tourists. Now it's suggesting it is going back on the relatively harmless, if slightly stinky, recreational and peaceful ganja. If alcohol and cigarettes were invented tomorrow they would be banned. Another shot in the foot.

Convenient that all 10 bombs were found and defused. Were the not-yet-criminal perpetrators all apprehended? Either an exceptionally inept operation on behalf of the insurgents or an attempt on behalf of the military to create the fear of the enemy within. All useful ammunition for the next coup. (Pun intended).