indieke

Listen on itself it is not a big deal. In Belgium you need your official ID on you all the time, but that is just a tiny card, that you put in your wallet. They not ask especially for an ID, except when you had an accident and driving too fast.

Problems to carry it in Thailand, it is big, you cant put it in your wallet.  I have an international driving licence all  ruined, by the heavy rain. And indeed loosing it, give more trouble, then you need on holiday. Then not so long ago, it was said that motorbikes-renters, should not ask for passports, to not have fake one's made from it. So carrying it, is putting yourself more on risk. If you not drive a motorbike, chances are small, someone ask for it.  But cops woul not want to enforce the law, but collect tickets.

So on the hole, just let us carry our copy's, the real bad guys will not be caught by this system......  And let open a post for every BM that has been asked for their passport, and under which circumstances, will help more then to cry!  At least we can see, what this mean in every day's life!

Much to do about nothing.  First as said, the hotels do the job and will continue when you travel around.  The brownies when mostly checking on the foreigners with bikes, will have another reason to give you a "contribution". I carry in my bike copy of my passport for ages.  Stronger, I have an international Drivers licence, but every time, I was checked and presented my Belgian Licence (with English on it DRIVERS LICENCE, among other languages), everything was fine!

For someone renting houses while travelling, it would be more difficult. But then, how can they check easy and fast that you  left another rented house more then 48 hours ago?  They are not going to check you on every corner of the street. And for those coming as a tourist to Thailand, as myself, a lot, how much have you been checked on this?  I think if you are, you will have really bad luck.  I never been checked in 24 years, and asked for my passport, or a copy. So maybe now it will happen more often, but nothing to worry about.

So many alarming news, but in fact not that much changes except for expats, that use tourist visas. 

YAY time to try to rewrite things to suit yet again....

If you cant win ... cheat

Or to stop cheaters continually winning by cheating. There should be section in the new constitution in which should be clearly stated whoever is caught bullying political opponents, bribing and cheating their way into politics should be automatically banned for life. I guess that leaves current red side of the political spectrum without a single suitable candidate. If this country is ever to move forward now is the time for complete and exhaustive cleaning.

Except the 2011 was a legitimate democratic election. ANFREL pointed out that there was vote buying on both sides but overall, as an independent agency, with international observers, they concluded that it was a good election and a step

forward for democracy. It was not a perfect election but they were convinced that the Thai people had been able to freely express their political opinion and PTP had won plain and simple.

ANFREL carefully observed all aspects of the election and their report was very detailed. Also the Election Commission did accept the result (after investigating complaints from both all parties about any irregularities)

The one person who did not want international observers was Khun Suthep. One can guess why that was.

I don't have an opinion about this except I am interested in knowing that facts of the matter, or at least coming as close to them as possible by conducting independent research and looking for information that has some basis in reality and which can be verified.

Thank you for pointing this out. Is is the closest to the truth, I read here for a while.Not one election will be good, if the Yellos shirts will not be elected.

All very confusing. "In and out", yes but what time-limit? I give an example, I am planning a 6-7 week holiday in November. There is a good chance I would not stay all the time in the Kingdom. My plan is after 2 weeks, to do a tour in Burma/Myanmar, for 6 days. Then go back less then 30 days to Thailand. Could that already put me in "trouble"?

If I just apply for a tourist-visa and stay in the Kingdom all the time, that would be no problem.

Just explain all that when you apply for your double entry tourist visa in the Thai embassy/consulate in your country.

A Single entry Tourist Visa is appropriate for that itinerary, as you get permission for 30 days on your return.

If he wants to leave Thailand and come back after a week or so -- he needs a double entry

No he wouldnt because he can use one visa exempt entry (allowed) and one single tourist visa..

------------

I take your point, but I believe the Permit-to-Stay given on entry will depend on a travel plan, tickets and funding, which might fall foul of the "plan" to get a visa in an adjoining country - which may or may not be granted..

Well here, you not agree already. I done this, last year, first a week in Thailand, 5 days in Philippines, then back to Thailand, leaving then before next 30 days were over. No problem at all.

So why should it be a problem now? If I remember well, in and outs, keeping the 30 days stay without visa, as long as the total days not exceed a certain amount per year.

EDIT : This confirms my way of thinking :

Furthermore, foreigners who enter the Kingdom under this Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme may re-enter and stay

in Thailand for a cumulative duration of stay of not exceeding 90 days within any 6-month period from the date of

first entry. - See more at: http://www2.thaiembassy.be/consular-services/qa/#sthash.xAQNOzqo.dpuf

All very confusing. "In and out", yes but what time-limit? I give an example, I am planning a 6-7 week holiday in November. There is a good chance I would not stay all the time in the Kingdom. My plan is after 2 weeks, to do a tour in Burma/Myanmar, for 6 days. Then go back less then 30 days to Thailand. Could that already put me in "trouble"?

If I just apply for a tourist-visa and stay in the Kingdom all the time, that would be no problem.

Just explain all that when you apply for your double entry tourist visa in the Thai embassy/consulate in your country.

Why? I am a tourist not staying any time more then 30 days? Why should I for a stay not exceeding 30 days apply for a visa? So I would ask for a double visa for 2 stays that neither one exceed those 30 days? And if the Officer believes I am not there for touristic purposes, I would be blacklisted for the rest of my life? C'mon!

All very confusing. "In and out", yes but what time-limit? I give an example, I am planning a 6-7 week holiday in November. There is a good chance I would not stay all the time in the Kingdom. My plan is after 2 weeks, to do a tour in Burma/Myanmar, for 6 days. Then go back less then 30 days to Thailand. Could that already put me in "trouble"?

If I just apply for a tourist-visa and stay in the Kingdom all the time, that would be no problem.

let me get this straight newbie possible shill; because this government was elected, regardless of how they got "elected", they are in 'power' therefore they have the right to destroy the country and because they were elected it's the duty of the people even if they don't get their wishes fulfilled to let the government do as they wish no matter if the majority objects. Is that about right?

Noop, but the story repeats itself, without any sollution. You claim they "destroy the country". Maybe because they won too much elections? You think only money bought the voters in the first place? Was there no corruption before Taksin in Thailand?

You are taking party for the democrats, that is your right. I think that corruption is everywhere. But by overthrowing time and time again an elected goverment, taking hard actions is for me not the way to fight it. I am not sure there is more or less corruption then before, I claim there has always been. I have no proof that with another goverment things would be so much better.

I have no sympathy for any of both parties, but taking side, when you not really know what is cooking underneath, makes no sense to me. I wish just more stabilty for Thailand and more common sense!

I understand that as everywhere, some of you people are in favour of the reds and other the yellow shirts.

I not say one is better then the other, for me BOTH are corrupt, in one way or another. Maybe all the red votes are been sponsered, but nobody can make me believe, it not happen on the other side.

Thing is, the elections are won by the reds. Thing is also, that instead of finding a better strategy to WIN elections, the country is put in an instable position, time and time over again, by overthrowing in one way or another an elected goverment. How would you feel if opposition would all these things in your country, France, GB, Germany, Australia or whatever! Would you laugh that airports would be blokked, goverment force to stop functioning, the army used to break the power?

Sure Taksin family are no saints, both are playing a game of power, but at least the actual Goverment got itself elected. So for me, please yellow manifestors, find a way to get elected, then to overthrow a goverment, time after time. If you want to maintian a democracy, it is impossible to be the the only party in the country, and that is exactly what they wish for!

Never had any problems at the airport. But to the airport, my oh my! Don't let your hotel take care of the taxi everyt time he refused to put the meter on! Once, I was then with my wife, I urgently asked him to turn it on, he stopped threw our luggage out, and left us on the busy street!

Why raise those taxes again and again? Thailand has become less interesting with the years. Look at the prices of everything imaginable, and you come to the conclusion, it becomes difficult for retired expats as well people escaping the cold of winter. Look at prices of rents, taxi's, and yes for the single person of girls keeping you company.

I am NOT a beer -drinker, far from that. But I like in the evening on the terrace outside, to finish the evening a nice bottle of wine. Indeed for 600 bht (would cost me 300 here), I have far from prime wine. Now this will cost me even more.

I understand that people are turning to other countries. The Philippines get more and more guys from Thailand, for example, so will Vietnam and Cambodia. In the Philippines, wine is reasonable priced and when an effort will be made to get infrastructure a bit better, maybe it will be a better place. Yes safety is an issue, but I not feel as safe in Thailand as 10 years ago either.

And then people on this board, know a bit about the country. Go in a bit tourist places, and see what is charged to the tourist now, who not know sh*t about the prices. I not like to say things are going downhill, but compare everything with 15 years ago makes you cry. Everything is done, not to make life better, but to worship the holy Baht! And I am not talking about alcohol, but nature that is destroyed, bribes being taking to destroy that same nature, corals, houses being build on places, that are not made for this, and provide human disasters.

And then I am not talking about the rude attitude of the Thais, that was not there, when I discovered the country 25 years ago.

This boy, is seriously thinking spending his time somewhere else...

Riding a scooter/motorcycle alone after sunset and before sunrise is something to avoid in most places on the planet. Add in the age factor, a few drinks and you are setting yourself up to fail. Get a decent used car, share with a friend or just ride during daylight hours.

I don't think the alcohol was the reason he go mugged. When in Phuket, I stay in Kata, and have a friend that has a restaurant in Nai Harn. It is known for years that the road that goes by the ocean, is dangerous by night, and expats confirmed it is to be avoided at night, as well as some places in Nai Harn.

Saying Phuket is worse then Pattaya and so on, will not help anything. All over the world, where tourists arrive, the place gets unsafer, because they are an easy target.

These gangs also have been operating between Patong and Karon, but there are too many witnesses there.

Touristic spot or not, this could be avoided, by regular patrols. Tourists bring enough money into the island, to at least make these places safe. And if you not like Phuket, then stay away from it. Yes,, it is not the paradise it was 30 years ago, but it stays a place to pass a good time, every beach its own atmosphere, shopping, and many styles of food to choose from.

More reasons not to visit disgusting Phuket.

And you would say this is any better, then in any "big market" tourist destination? As long as foreigners bring the bucks in, they are welcome, If you start to compete with them, be happy it is only this and not a gun against your head. Would not like to know, how many "competitors" have been erased from the planet.

Phuket, Thailand, is not the place where foreigners are welcomed any more to open new businesses. But it is like this all over the world, where the locals prefer to do their own, except when it gives employment to everybody, like the coca cola company, where they not have to compete against, or a big international hotel, that gives labour to everybody.

This is called tourism INDUSTRY, and when a destination is popular, you have the same experience , in Spain, Morocco, Bali, France, or Madagascar......

In Bangkok your options are limitless. You can find mediaplayers in Pantip, Fortune Town IT Mall easily. Same goes for Laptop, but are you sure to buy a laptop with Thai / Eng keyboard?

No, that is why I think to buy a mediaplayer is the best option.

I don't know any of the places you mentioned are they more interesting to buy then close to Siam square?

I am 2 months in Asia and my netbook broke down. Cannot have it repaired, as the guaranty will not be applicable when I return to France.

Now my gf has a basic netbook, I can use for internet. Buying a laptop is an option, but as I live in France the keyboard is not convenient.

Now I go 2 days to Bkk this week (back in the end of the month), so I can maybe find something there.

I not only need something for internet and so, but I have a seperate HD, with movies on. My gf and I love o watch movies in our bed at night. If computer I need hardware acceleration.

The best thing would be tho hire a computer for a month, but I guess, this is not possible.

Then I am doomed to buy something. I could go also for a not to expensive media player, but then after my trip, it would be useless. If I could find a new Popcornhour A 400, I could use this back home. Would I be able to find this in BKK, and where?

If not, then nothing todo, I have to find me a reasonable priced netbook=laptop. Would there be a way to resell to a shop before leaving? I am staying in Pattaya the last week, so maybe at Tucom?

Thanks for your help!

If you actually are allowed on aircraft immigration in Thailand is not likely to be a problem. But you can not obtain an extension of a visa exempt entry. They will allow 7 days (and only 7 days) upon application but this is not an approved extension and only a grace period to depart the country - no time longer that this is allowed (although many years ago longer times were often permitted). Getting the 7 days could require show of ticket out within that period of time (although recent reporting seems to be it is not often asked anymore).

Yes, that is my problem, overstaying 8 days.......

I have the same problem, but a bit different.

I am in the Philippines right now and due to several circonstances, leave earlier to Thailand, as planned. I am not in Manila, so I can not go for a visa anymore, I leave in a week. I need 38 days in Thailand

If I understood correctly, I have only these options :

- When in Phuket do a visa run to Ranong/Burma, loose a day, pay 2 x 1500 Bht..

- When going back to Bangkok or Pattaya, do a detour by Singapore (cheapest flight option with tiger)

- And at last the one I would prefer, going to Jomtiem immigration and ask an extend stay for 2 X 1900.

But some people say, I can only get an extension for 7 days, but as said I need 8. Some say it depends on the immigration office and it is 10 or 14.

Can somebody confirm the latter? I know that the best would be the detour by Singapore as I would have a return in time, out Thailand, but no airline ever checked my return ticket, never did an officer at the airport of bangkok......

Excellent, the price of alcohol can't be high enough. It's one of the most dangerous drugs in the world, it causes death and mayhem in traffic, spousal abuse and all sorts of aggression. In another thread: "Drunken Swede kills tourist from New Zealand". I am convinced he would not have killed that guy if he were sober!

Yet it is good enough to make the the goverment have more income. Eating bad food is not good for your health either, and community also pay your doctor bills (at least in Europe).

Everything you do, have to be a responsable way, drinking driving, taking care of your children. ABUSE is wrong, but you not need alcohol for that. I loe wine, but will not drive, when I am having my bottle. When I am in Thailand, I go out, not drink much or at all, and have my bottle on the terrace, when i get back.

sewage pumped into the sea at popular Kata and Karon

Is there a video of that somewhere? Would like to see where they pump it in the sea.

About the rest. If you let tourism develop in a savage way, this is what you get. Bribes, not respecting the environment, only cash that counts. It is like this in many countries, you get "tourist-places", that have nothing to do with the original country at all. Myself I have stayed several times in Pattaya, but wouldn't have set foot there, if I not have several months I can spend in Asia. A remoted place, and authentic life, can be great for a couple of days. But if you got more time on your hands and you not want to move too much, well places like Pattaya, Phuket and Samui, stay appealing, for only one thing : You have many things and luxury you have at home. You can go out, got to a super-market, get everything you want. Shopping malls, Mexican food, world food, cheap Thai food, name it. You want to go bowling, do a movie with your gf? No problem. I have my regular gf, but if at 52, I was lonely, I still would be "the most handsome man in the world and buy me company for a "fair price" . But I ahve to admit, I can't stand some places any more! The ugliness, the smell, the attitude of soem people. But that is NOT Thailand, that is what made of it by US.

Then you have to take also the scammers, the thieves, the ugliness, the ugliness of these places, that are now just made to accomadate tourists. And for the Thai's, how can they have any respect for us, like some behave, we are in their eyes nothing better then to pay the bill. And they adapt. Soem were complaining about the "Ausies", but what about "Russians" that come now in mass, have taken over parts of cities, and were everything is now in "Russian" and even "massage girls" are thought to converse in Russian?

Like someone said before here, the good thing is, even in Pattaya, you drive 20 minutes, and you are just among the "normal" people. You take a 10, bht coke on the beach, where no farang is to be seen, and get a big smile.

They don't want people to know about it, for sure. They erase everything that can even suggest what has happnend

Seems like the owner is back already, is posting on his forum.

Well, the same happened in "Hells Club". it then became "devils denn", with the same owners and much more advertising.

As for underage girls. I know this club, been there a few times. Girls are not exceptional pretty, and not always young. Cannot remember one girl, I thought she could be underage. The club is at least a bit classy, no nude dancing, and the atmosphere, not so greezy as other places.