Chalky

Congratulations.

I completely concur with MeMock, puchooay and rfukata - she will be your MIL regardless of her nationality, treat her with respect and (try to) prove her wrong.

Whether you do that with your betrothed or a Thai male/female as your interpreter, how you (try to) win over your MIL is your preference.

Can I add, perhaps one day you will be a future FIL - what will you be thinking about suitors?!

Bob,

First of all, congratulations to you and your betrothed.

Many have said before, and I concur because I have done the same, that one should ensure up front that the money will be returned to you after the ceremony for you and your wife's use.

I presume that you have taken for a given that you are paying for the ceremony (ceremonies?) and reception(s) as a separate entity or entities?

This doesn't include the flying in of your family of course!

Another "tradition"is for the bride's family to match what you are putting in, this is the part that may or may not be physically presented to you (a nice touch that keeps the Baht amount down to a realistic level).

I like BkkJames and LatinDancer's responses, these are what I did as diplomatically as I could but, as my partner is the youngest daughter of a large family, "Pop" just replied that he was happy that she was happy (and now we have several rai of rubber trees!).

So I will close by saying that I offered (the smaller of) "all the nines" which has been accepted under the guidelines of the above - 1 Baht less than you recommended LatinDancer! Now we just have to fix a date for my UK family and friends to have enough time to save enough to come over!

Have a great day (or days) Bob.

We are a non-smoking family looking for a (very) long term unfurnished/partial furnished 2 bedroom/2 bathroom apartment/condo/townhouse within walking distance to the (Eastern) BTS (Thonglor/Ekamai/Phrakanong) from early April for a maximum of 20,000 THB per month. Note: walking distance is for my partner with our daughter, not me yomping!

If all is mutually satisfactory, we are interested in a 2 year contract with options to extend contract/upgrade the property if agreeable (with owners permission) or possibly purchase same.

Former Bangkok (Ratchada and Sukhumvit Soi 77), Phuket and now Koh Samui residents, we are looking to move from our current 3 bedroom/3 bathroom townhouse in order that we can get our daughter started initially at kindergarten and then Srivikorn school from November.

I am a former UK Serviceman with a permanent pension. Testaments/references from our former/current Thai landlords/landladies are available upon request (we have personally spent in excess of 150,000 THB upgrading our last 2 rental properties with the permission and approval of the owners) and, as I currently work overseas, time is not on our side to be travelling up and down sub sois with a small child looking for our next home when I return in April.

Any suitable properties from our requested start date please and any other information you deem relevant. Further contact details available upon successful contact with you/the owners.

Please don't offer Waterford, On Nut or any other parts of the capital's compass and higher rentals - sorry to offend.

Try Jonathan of Easy Rider Samui.

Happy trails!

What about children's T-shirts that read something along the lines of: "Don't Touch Me, Farang dad with bad temper in tow" or "Your good luck in touching me will be outweighed by my farang dad's bad temper" - or something more direct!?

Many thanks to all who kept this on topic.

I arrived at the RTC at 0850 sharp on 30 December.

Third through the door, I had dressed smartly, was clean shaven and freshly showered and was met by one staff on duty.

I presented two copies each of: daughters' birth certificate, partners' ID card, daughter's and partners' passports, partners' familys' blue book, Service discharge papers, proof of pension, professional organisation membership certificates, my bank book, partners' bank book - and (police) cousin's business card.

One set of each aforementioned handed back to me, handed over current passport plus copy and old passport, paid fee and was hailing a taxi by 0905!

Collected new visa and both passports promptly at 1030 next day which, the same as my last visa from KL, has been manually amended to read "married" although we are not, and was waied generously by four staff present that day.

Used up my sparse Thai oral skills showing the staff photos of my partner and daughter and left via the taxi they called for me as the one I arrived in would not wait.

Thank you to all the staff there, they are a credit to their department and country - thoroughly recommended, despite not answering my 'phone calls or e-mails!

That's it for another year, or more!

Best wishes.

And a very nice chap he is too!

Seconded! (Y)

Many thanks Thaiphoon, Isan Farang and tutsiwarrior.

I'll PM for more info as I only have one day to apply for two visas (don't ask!) so have to be in Dubai.

bigt116, sorry to hear of your experience. FYI, the last time I was at KL (Sep 08) I presented all required docs which were virtually all rejected as unnecessary and promptly received a non-imm O which they stamped to say that I WAS married. When I pointed it out they said not to worry and it has never been queried on my trips in and out of LOS. As Thaiphoon says, it depends on the day and the person processing.

Best wishes to all

British with Thai partner (we're not married) and dual nationality child (aged 2), lived constantly in Thailand for a little over 4 years.

Need to get a multi entry Non Imm O end of December (current one expires 10 Dec) as I am transiting home through Dubai (I work overseas) but cannot raise them on the 'phone, I do not have access to fax and they do not respond to e-mails.

I'm sure that I need some original docs to support my application and I do have scanned copies of our daughter's birth certificates, my partner's ID card and blue book plus a list of places we have lived in around the kingdom.

Can anyone please advise, preferably those who have gone through the Dubai experience, on correct documents or indeed any useful contacts there.

Thanks in anticipation.

If you have a multi entry (re-entry permit) you most likely do not have a valid visa. You have extended your stay for one year at the one stop center (probably for work) and then obtained the re-entry permit to match it. Both of these items can be transferred into the new passport but will probably only be done with access to your records (which Samui may not yet have if you have not asked for them to be transferred). If you are in Bangkok I would take the old/new and try the One Stop Center first.

Thanks Lopburi, for both your answer and tone! :-)

I've just managed to get a letter from one of the cousins (by post) which means I can do it all at the airport on my way out - questions 1-3 answered.

A slightly earlier trip to Bkk, day before my flt out, was on the cards but now shelved.

Question 5 is moot apparently, as the new passport has the correct spelling supported by my birth certificate which I will carry (copy).

Questions 6 will just have to wait until I come back on my next trip!

Thanks anyway.

It appears that you have an extension of stay not a visa. And a re-entry permit,

You can go to immigration and they will transfer your extension and entry stamps over. And your re-entry permit.

The embassy should give you a letter asking them to do this or that they issued you a new passport. Immigration may ask for it. You may also need some documentaion from them also to explain the name change.

You don't apply for a visa at immigration that is done at a consulate or embassy. Immigration only does extensions.

On what basis are you getting the new extension/ Marriage or Retirement.

You can change the reason for your extension of stay on the date that the letter from your employer states is your last day of work. If you don't do it on that date you can be charged overstay for any time after that date.

Thanks for trying to answer Joe.

Yes, it is a multi entry stamp from the One Stop Center in addition to my visa valid to Nov 09.

Will post what letter/docs the Embassy includes with new passport.

So I have to carry both passports as the visa won't be transferred?

Next visa reason will be supporting Thai family, as twice before.

Extension/new reason not required, in date until Nov 09

Any more offerings from other sage and experienced crew here please?

I am aged 47, my new UK passport arrives shortly with my first name now going to be spelled correctly (long story, not relevant here).

The old passport (full but in date by 2.5 years) contains my non-imm (multi) re-entry visa valid until November 2009, issued at the One Stop Centre in Bkk with Work Permit, and my notifications of stay/address, next one due July 2009.

I am shortly going to start work abroad, returning quarterly to my family on Samui, and intend to apply for a new non-Imm O (multi) when necessary.

My questions for your expert answers please:

1. Transfer of Visa to new passport at Samui Immigration, on departure or where or not possible/done?

2. Transfer of notification fo stay to new passport at Samui Immigration, on departure or where?

3. Carry both passports (until new visa appended to new passport)?

4. Carry birth certificate (until new visa appended to new passport)?

5. Request letter of name spelling change from Embassy?

6. When should I apply for the new one year non-imm O (multi) visa?

FYI, I have asked Samui Immigration, the One Stop Centre and Suan Pluu and received different responses!

Many thanks in anticipation, hope you like this brainteaser!

I am about to move out to Thailand and purchase a house but have become unnerved and confused by the recent thread on land ownership via Thai nominees. My (English) wife and I have paid a deposit on a newly built house which, following our Thai lawyers advice, we are purchasing via a limited company with Thai directors. We were informed that the standard procedure is for the Thai directors to resign once the purchase has gone through. The house comes with a Chanote title. My questions are:-

1. Is what we are doing legal?

2. As the law currently stands are we running the risk of losing our house at some point in the future?

3. If farangs can never own land what exactly does a Chanote title offer?

Any informed help with the above would be greatly appreciated.

All (well, nearly all!) sage advice and I would like to add that you could do no worse than to seek the services of Ms. Liz Luxen here.

An official translator, oral and written, for both British and German embassies, she also attends court cases with/for expats and tourists so she is an indispensable font of local knowledge.

Do please PM for her contact details as I'm not sure that I'm allowed to advertise for her by the Mods.

Best of luck whatever you do, I love it here - everywhere has its' foibles!

looking to stay in bangkok for 2 months later in the year, not tied to any particular area so if anyone has any recommendations / links to apartments they have stayed would be appreciated, looking to pay 15,000 thb max, ideally with a pool.

many thanks!

Have stayed at BU Place myself after recommendations from others. Pool, fitness, studio up to 2 bedrooms, full or no service (up to you), 24 hr security + keycard, guest friendly without compromising security, in-house restaurant and/or self catering, wi-fi/cable TV, prices negotiable - staff excellent.

Near MRT Phra Ram 9/Fortune Center, taxi & motorbike ranks outside, renovated 2007/8 - http://www.buplace.com/

Enjoy your stay

A relative of my wife phoned her yesterday saying her next door neighbour has died of a mystery illness.

He came home from swimming vomiting, complaining of feeling cold and feverish.

In the night he had the runs and had blood coming out of his mouth and nose.

His wife took him to hospital immediately and he died there.

Could this be swine fever related I asked myself and remarked to her when being told.

If it was then locals need to be made aware of it.

Apologies if this is covered elsewhere as I haven,t found anything on the forum, nor in the news media.

The relative is scared to death and hasn,t slept in the night as she is really worried about it.

May you RIP whoever you are.

Respectfully

marshbags

RIP and condolences to the family.

Any more info please such as what the actual diagnosis was and where he is thought to have contracted same (if relevant)?

We go swimming with our daughter so want to rule that and any potential sites out (acute Leptospirosis or maybe Weil's disease?).

Hi

Strange request, but I really need the help... I am looking for a toddler's playpen. Anyone know where to buy one at a reasonable price? Mothercare units are extortion for what they are so perhaps looking for something made locally... Thanks in advance for any assistance you can provide...

John@KSR

John, just went through this exercise. Central World (Zen) has a good selection from 3000 up to 15000. I got a Chicco one (top of the line) at 30% off. 10k but thing is brilliant, easy to collapse and move, clean. kid loves it.

I agree with BkkJames, remember the dept well!

You could also try "lerado-toys.com", they've got some good quality plastic products which, I believe, a lot of the hospitals also buy for their paediatric depts - tables, enclosed cars, play houses etc.

Happy hunting!

Yamaha sells the Tmax from about the last motorshow last year when my wife came home with one. Other then that one of my good friends bought a Suzuki Burgman 400 and is a happy traveler. And, I need to say that sometimes I secret look into that direction.

Guess what, it seems that Honda thinks the same... as I can confirm that Honda has imported 2 DN-01's and plans to setup direct sales by selected dealers....

Hmm, nice!

http://www.webbikeworld.com/Motorcycle-news/honda-dn-01.htm

I need a recommendation for pest control for my house near Bangkok area. I want to make sure one which is reliable. These days I have many problems with contractors promising many things and not delivering

thanks

I recommend PCS as they will tailor to what you want and it includes an ongoing maintenance contract plus you get the guarantee of an international company.

This worked for us both at home (Suanluang) and work (Sathorn) when we were in Bangkok.

After spending 2 separate 1 month visits in Thailand, I have noted the Security Industry seems virtually non existent !

Compared with the average corner shop in the UK having 6 cameras,alarm, and steel shutters.

Is the crime rate so low that security isn't a consideration for most Businesses and Home owners ?

Sorry to also disagree with you but the industry is well represented here with internationals, local (high-end) specialists and of course low tech/cost alternatives. There are also outfits/consultants who will research, and in some cases oversee to project completion, an individual's/company's needs based on adequate, premium and platinum fits leaving the choice to the client to customise.

Those who have been here long enough, and/or those who are savvy enough to do their homework and get a firm recommendation of someone trustworthy, wouldn't be investing their liveliehoods here otherwise would they?

I am a former senior manager for two of the international companies and have also consulted for friends who have expressed concerns on where they lived and/or worked.

Some very good and salient points have been made by others here concerning what works best specifically here in Thailand on each individual basis and this is always dependent on many factors which again have been touched upon previously.

I am not a proponent of "siege mentality" however most expats here know whom/where to ask and there is certainly no lack of equipment or the ability of fitment of same but, like most things in life, if you pay peanuts you'll get monkeys!

Crime rates may or may not be a factor for most expats however obtaining accurate figures for them, rather than rumour mongering or guesstimates from the BIB, are quite another thing!

If you intend to start a security business here (I presume that's why you're posting here?) then may I respectfully suggest that you do a little more "digging" and you'll probably be very surprised at how much the industry is represented already - inlcuding by some TV members!

"Gis-a-job!"

Ok all, June is fast approaching so time for another get together.

Unlike past events, this time let's get some opinions from a few members on places to have it - bearing in mind the demographics of our members - young to old, good looking and not, dumb and smart. I qualify for 3 of those, up to you to decide which best describes you.

With this information in hand, fire away with your suggestions. For ease of the majority, I recommend the venue be in the CBD area of Bangkok - close to public transport. Timing of event to be say 7:30 pm onwards.

For a date, how about June 19?

Unfortunately I cannot attend as I live in Samui however may I respectfully suggest the Black Swan on Sukhumvit, underneath Asoke BTS exit (opposite side to MRT).

Has both an upstairs area and the main bar downstairs, good size, great food and run by a very genial Yorskshire owner (Dave) and his lovely Thai wife!

Try this for contact details: http://www.blackswanbkk.com/contact_us.html

And this for map/directions: http://maps.google.co.th/maps?hl=en&um...772077032731679

Say hello from me!

I'm John from the SEE TEFL teacher training programme located in Chiang Mai along Kaewnawarat Road. My company sponsors the Teaching Forum of this website. We are licensed by the Thai Ministry of Education and are institutional members of the International Association of TEFL based in the UK.

I have often read threads concerning volunteering, visas and work permits. To legally work as a volunteer in Thailand the volunteer must have the appropriate visa and a volunteer work permit. Our company runs a foundation: the DSS Foundation (registry number 0032/2548) is registered with The National Culture Office of Thailand as a non-political foundation to promote foreign language instruction to underprivileged Thai adults and children. More information here:

www dot SiamEducationalExperience.org/dssfoundation_th.htm (change the 'dot' to a '.')

Participants of our TEFL certification programme who wish to volunteer as English teachers in Chiang Mai will be sponsored to obtain a renewable 1-year non-immigrant O visa plus a renewable 1-year volunteer work permit. Initially, the volunteer will obtain a 3-month single-entry non-immigrant O visa from a Thai consulate or embassy with our sponsoring documents. On returning to Chiang Mai, we will start the work permit application process. Then, the visa is extended to match the validity period of the work permit (1 year). Visa extensions are at the discretion of Immigration officers and new applications may only initially receive 1-month extensions until the officers are satisfied the applicant is working as a volunteer (we prepare a report from the school with photographs). The only additional cost to the volunteer is the actual cost of the visa and work permit (around 5,000 baht). We do not charge extra for our administration costs. We have already obtained 6 1-year volunteer work permits for graduates of our TEFL training programme.

DSS Foundation volunteers can teach in a Chiang Mai government school, temple school or orphanage. The minimum commitment is only 16 teaching hours per calendar month or on average just under 4 hours per week. The foundation matches the volunteer's availability to the teaching location. For example, a volunteer may only wish to teach one hour per morning Monday to Thursday or four hours every Wednesday afternoon. There is no maximum limit so volunteers can teach as many hours as they wish.

This opportunity is suitable for a retiree, expatriate or gap-year student. A volunteer must be a native speaker of English or have strong English language skills. A degree is not required. A police background check is necessary before the volunteer can be placed. This can be obtained from the volunteer's home country or the Thai 'FBI' (details are available on request). It's possible to apply before training starts and the clearance will be through within four weeks.

Our next training programme begins June 22^nd.

You can contact me by email:

john at siameducationalexperience.org (change the 'at' to an '@')

or visit our website:

www dot SiamEducationalExperience.org (change the 'dot' to a '.')

or post your questions below

John,

This is exactly what I will be looking to do in a few years time in the Chiang Rai area when both my Service pension and family situation allows so this information will be carefully filed away for future reference.

I have already investigated and made tenuous plans to complete TEFL and possibly the Business and/or Young Learners qualifications so all will be tackled appropriately (and with all available guidance/support).

An excellent opportunity for us "farangs" to give back to this country and have a chance to make a positive difference to those that matter - the future citizens.

I applaud you and the organisation and hope that I can reach my goal of free teaching as early as possible.

Good luck

Hi all,

don't know if there are any people here who like dollshouses , but I'll give it a try: I'd like to buy a new dollshouse but when I order at dollshouse.com I have to pay 300 USD (!) for the shipping.

Anyone knows a shop or website or anything in Thailand? I'm living in Chiangmai, but Bangkok or so is also fine.

Thnx.

Yes, seen a few of varying sizes and designs (wooden, plastic kits and moulded plastic) in the toy stores at Emporium, Toys R us and a few of the Central stores toy departments.

Don't live in Bkk anymore so can't be more specific, good hunting though.

Buying glasses in Bangkok - Best place for lenses?

I have a pair that I wear everyday for nearsightedness and astigmatism that I love. I bought them in America at Lenscrafters and they had them ready in an hour. Very high quality and light weight and very resistant to breaking. 

I have 2 small kids and they have been knocked to the ground without a problem more than once.

Is there anyplace in Bangkok that has top quality lenses?

Or do I need to have them made in America and mailed here? If so is there duty?

Excellent place called Modern Optical in Asoke, next door to Black Swan pub under Asoke BTS. I've been going there for years, same problem with kids vs glasses (or leaving my specs in bars), and I know a lot of my friends in Bkk give him their repeat custom.

He/they won't try to oversell, all very good quality lenses and service, speaks English, (often get free running repairs!) they will SMS you if required and even deliver to your work/apartment if within CBD.

Khun Phrom (Yoshmeta) is the owner, you can get him on 02 229 4538 or via [email protected].

Best of luck

Yamaha is a fully legal option.. Bet its highly expensive one tho..

Anything else will be the usual run around of bent books and grey import bikes.

Sorry- while Yamaha does display a Tmax in their booth at most bike weeks, they're not actually importing and selling it in Thailand at this time... Best bet for a legal import would probably be Red Baron.

Happy Trails!

Tony

Many thanks, have e-mailed them.

"Chalky"

Did you see my post? Yamaha have them for sale @ 555,000 baht. There's 1 left in the showroom, with another shipment coming in later.

Yes and thanks Zzinged, I did see your post and I'd love an X-Max 500 but have had to change my plans from maxi to midi so I can make the most of the new sub 250cc registration rules.

No answers to any of my e-mails to all the "big 3" in Thailand, or Japan for that matter, and the Thai dealerships all hung up on the 'phone!

I want to spend about 5k (Sterling) on a 250 scoot on my next jaunt home from Afghanistan but my Thai mrs and family can't seem to get answers in person either, even when they go and ask!

Models in the frame are Honda's Forza/Helix/Reflex, Suzuki's Gemma or the 2008 Yamaha X-Max 250, hope you like the hyperlinks!

http://www.thescooterreview.com/component/...-review?start=3

http://www.scootercommunity.com.au/forums/t/6883.aspx

http://www.phmotorcycles.co.uk/bikes/yamaha-x-max-250.html

I suppose I'll have to wait until I'm back in Bangers again, go to showrooms flashing some cash and have brochures in hand.

Happy Trails!

I am looking to start learning Thai with my partner twice per week (evenings) at home. Beginners thai, writing, speaking and reading. Has anyone recently had a good tutor that they could recommend?

I would prefer it to be from a professional source possibly a school so its properly structured and not just 'off the cuff teaching'.

I have been quoted 12,000 baht each for 30 hours of lessons? Is this steep or the going rate?

Much appreciated

Hi Sarah,

Yes, that's about the correct rate but you can always haggle - it is the Thai way after all.

When in Bangkok I learned through Jentana & associates who I was referred to also. Learn at their offices or a teacher will be appointed to visit you, I had my lessons at my office in Soi 18.

Google them or PM me for their details.

"Chok dii khrap"