grtaylor

I do not know whether they have smartened up the procedures about dealing with PR applications, but I had an extremely bad experience over it! I applied for PR around late 2004, having worked in BKK for 14 years, and, to begin with everything went well. My employer helped with all the necessary paperwork, I submitted everything as required, went to Immigration for all my various appointments, did the multiple-choice Thai test and got 100% pass, and made the short video. To sum up, I jumped through all the hoops they required.

Then, the final decision, which was supposed to take the immigration department around 18 months, ended up taking three and a half years!! They offered me PR in October 2009, and only then because I knew someone who's father was high up in Immigration. Nobody else from my "batch" had heard anything by that stage. Unfortunately, by then, my job in BKK had finished, I was no longer in Thailand, and was not able to take leave from my new job in order to get back to BKK for long enough to complete the process. I had to give up on it.

I sincerely hope things have improved - I have VERY bitter feelings towards Immigration over it. . . . . . .

Sorry, but had to get that off my chest!

Boon Tong Kiat

Daily 10:00-22:00

Soi Thonglor bPicture Boon Tong Kiatetween Soi 14 & 16, 10 min from Thonglor BTS

Thanks for that. Is this a shop or a restaurant (or both!)? I'm looking to buy the paste so I can cook the dish myself.

Thanks.

The title says it all - where in Bangkok (or Pattaya) can I buy the paste for Singapore or Malaysian Laksa?

Thanks,

G

Worked in Thailand for 19 years, and then, as there was no job in my field, ended up working in Cebu, Philippines. Its been an interesting change, and I don't regret it at all. The countries are actually more similar than I expected them to be.

With a few exceptions, prices are cheaper than Bangkok, and the supermarkets are good, but with not quite the same range of food products as Thailand.

I've heard this "security" thing mentioned a number of times about Cebu, but so far have had no problem at all myself. Yes, there are areas of the city I wouldn't go to after dark, but there are in Bangkok as well!

One major difference is the the fact that most Filipinos speak fairly good (if idiosyncratic!) English. At first I fell into the trap of thinking that, because they spoke English well, they would think more like Westerners. I soon realised I was quite wrong!

Bureaucracy is worse than Thailand, except that some visas are rather easier to obtain.

I'm coming back to Thailand for two weeks over Christmas and New Year. I'm now working in the Philippines, and I have a USB Internet Dongle (from SmartBuddy) which I just use in the PI in emergencies, if my ISP is down.

Can I use a Thai SIM card in it while I am in Thailand, or do I need to buy a Thai dongle there as well? In other words, are dongles customised for the country they are sold in?

Thanks,

G

I received the letter offering PR three weeks ago (2006 applicant - still not sure why I got it before anyone else). However, I am out of the country and it will not be possible for me to return until mid-December.

When told of my plight, the staff at Immigration suggested I write to the Director of Immigration, asking for a deferment of the date until then. This I did, and got a response just today through the office of my former employer in Thailand. To sum it up "if you cannot report in person to Immigration by Friday, the offer will be withdrawn".

I wait almost three years for their decision, and then they won't allow me six extra weeks to deal with it! In all honesty though, I can't say I'm surprised.

Best wishes to all, and I hope you have better luck than I did . . . . . .

Graham

Hi Graham,

With all the political turmoil that has been going on during these years may one would suggest you writing a letter to our, Prime Minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva and explain your plight.

Worked before with the little lad going to Japan , so why not try as this will be you last stand.

Yours truly,

Kan Win

I had actually considered that, as I know someone who is a friend of his personal secretary, and I'm fairly sure I could get a letter directly into his hands - maybe I will.

Thanks.

Well, this will be my last contribution to this thread. I received the letter offering PR three weeks ago (2006 applicant - still not sure why I got it before anyone else). However, I am out of the country and it will not be possible for me to return until mid-December.

When told of my plight, the staff at Immigration suggested I write to the Director of Immigration, asking for a deferment of the date until then. This I did, and got a response just today through the office of my former employer in Thailand. To sum it up "if you cannot report in person to Immigration by Friday, the offer will be withdrawn".

To say I am pissed off would be an understatement. I wait almost three years for their decision, and then they won't allow me six extra weeks to deal with it! In all honesty though, I can't say I'm surprised.

All I can console myself with is the fact that the 194,000 baht is still in my pocket and not theirs!!!

Best wishes to all, and I hope you have better luck than I did . . . . . .

Graham

grtaylor, I am happy to hear that you received your approval letter (and congratulations!) despite the fact that it isn't the best timing for you. However, it begs the question whether other 2006 applicants have received their approval letters? Surely you can't be the only one? When I phoned the PR section they categorically said that no 2006/2007 applications have been signed by the Minister of Interior.

If anybody else has received their approval letter please speak up.

The plot seems to thicken......

I have not received notification either for 2006 but my wife who works for The Government checked and was told that they were still waiting to be signed off by The Minister of Interior. Thjey have however sent out the letters to the applicants that failed so not sure what GR Taylor has received as he is in Philippines

.

Suppose in our case then NO news is GOOD news butwho really knows.

The letter I have is signed by the Director General of Immigration. It was sent to my office address as registered at the time I applied. It is not a letter of rejection. . . . . .

This is an amazing thread...

I am down here in Phuket and feel I finally meet all the requirements to get PR status, but find the delay in processing the applications quite off-putting...

I don't have time to read through 26 pages of posts and would be appreciative if a fellow American could answer the following regarding the certification that I am 'not a criminal'...

After applying at the US Embassy for the fingerprint card, how long does it take to get the certification letter back from the FBI?

I would like to know if I can get it done in time to apply in December...

Many thanks for any help

I'd get your application in as soon as possible, if I were you.

When I did mine in 2006 there was no time pressure for everything to be 100% perfect by the end of December. If thats all you are waiting for, I'd get the application in anyway.

True - I was still correcting documentation up until about May 2007, its the initial application you need to get in on time.

G

Just had an email from my former place of employment in BKK saying that a letter has arrived saying my PR has been approved (2006), and that I have to deal with it in 30 days . . . . .

This is SO FRUSTRATING, as I'm out of the country, not working there, and won't be back until mid-December.

I really can't see any way out of this . . . . . I'm stuffed, and all that work in applying is wasted! Does anyone know a good lawyer, who might be able to negotiate on my behalf?

G

Well, you have the choice of coming to Thailand (calling in sick at work, applying for a well-needed vacation, use your phantasy) or forfeiting your application. If you don't live in Thailand, you are not a "permanent resident" anyway, so please do not complain about the Thai government if they don't recognize you as such. How would you defend being a permanent resident in Thailand while being permanently in another country and cannot even come to Thailand to receive your *permanent* residency? I don't get your point, kindly explain.

For the rest of us (who really are permanent residents), thank you for the good news that 2006 applications are being approved eventually.

For your information I will explain.

I lived and worked in Thailand for nineteen years, legally, with a work permit, and decided almost three years to apply for PR. I had decided that Thailand was the place to be, for good. I was told at the time it would take around 18 months for a decision.

Unfortunately, since then two things over which I had no control, happened:

• political problems (presumably) changed the length of time it takes to process applications
  
• my job here finished, and, as I found no other suitable job in my field in Thailand, had to search overseas
  

I do not consider myself "permanently in another country", I consider myself temporarily absent whilst looking for a suitable job to return to.

My frustration is purely that I did what I thought was the right thing, but, circumstances (and I say again) over which I had no control, have ruined my chances.

As a teacher I can't "apply for a vacation" in the middle of a term, nor is it my work ethic to call in sick when I am not.

I think I am entitled to feel very disappointed at the way it has turned out . . . . . .

As Samran says, it is worth making some effort to finalized your PR, if you are sure you want to come and live in Thailand again in the future. I don't think they ask to see your WP or scrutinize your passport to check that you are still resident here but things may have changed. So beware of that point, even if you can come here. It is bad luck how things have worked out but bear in mind that you are no longer technically qualified for PR by virtue of having taken up full time employment in another country.

On another note, it is good news that they are now approving the 2006 batch. Most are probably already qualified to apply for citizenship by now.

Well, I now have the letter of approval, sent to me and dated 6th October. A Thai friend went to Immigration to explain my rather unusual circumstances of being "temporarily absent" from the kingdom and asked them if there was anything that could be done, and they suggested I write to the Director of the Immigration Department and politely ask for a deferment of the due date (and pointing out that I should come in on a proper visa and not a 30 day stamp when I come back). Its a long shot, and even if they grant it, I could still fail at the end. However, as long as I fail before I pay the big money I've come to terms with the situation, and will just eventually get a retirement visa instead.

More news if/when I receive a reply to my letter.

Just had an email from my former place of employment in BKK saying that a letter has arrived saying my PR has been approved (2006), and that I have to deal with it in 30 days . . . . .

This is SO FRUSTRATING, as I'm out of the country, not working there, and won't be back until mid-December.

I really can't see any way out of this . . . . . I'm stuffed, and all that work in applying is wasted! Does anyone know a good lawyer, who might be able to negotiate on my behalf?

G

Well, you have the choice of coming to Thailand (calling in sick at work, applying for a well-needed vacation, use your phantasy) or forfeiting your application. If you don't live in Thailand, you are not a "permanent resident" anyway, so please do not complain about the Thai government if they don't recognize you as such. How would you defend being a permanent resident in Thailand while being permanently in another country and cannot even come to Thailand to receive your *permanent* residency? I don't get your point, kindly explain.

For the rest of us (who really are permanent residents), thank you for the good news that 2006 applications are being approved eventually.

For your information I will explain.

I lived and worked in Thailand for nineteen years, legally, with a work permit, and decided almost three years to apply for PR. I had decided that Thailand was the place to be, for good. I was told at the time it would take around 18 months for a decision.

Unfortunately, since then two things over which I had no control, happened:

• political problems (presumably) changed the length of time it takes to process applications
  
• my job here finished, and, as I found no other suitable job in my field in Thailand, had to search overseas
  

I do not consider myself "permanently in another country", I consider myself temporarily absent whilst looking for a suitable job to return to.

My frustration is purely that I did what I thought was the right thing, but, circumstances (and I say again) over which I had no control, have ruined my chances.

As a teacher I can't "apply for a vacation" in the middle of a term, nor is it my work ethic to call in sick when I am not.

I think I am entitled to feel very disappointed at the way it has turned out . . . . . .

Just had an email from my former place of employment in BKK saying that a letter has arrived saying my PR has been approved (2006), and that I have to deal with it in 30 days . . . . .

This is SO FRUSTRATING, as I'm out of the country, not working there, and won't be back until mid-December.

I really can't see any way out of this . . . . . I'm stuffed, and all that work in applying is wasted! Does anyone know a good lawyer, who might be able to negotiate on my behalf?

G

I'm guessing that any progress that might have happened has been stalled by the Immigration move from Suan Plu.

In a best case scenario (my own fantasy world?) the letters are all ready to be sent out as soon as they are all settled in at the new office in CW.

So, here's an interesting question. I applied in the 2006 intake. I'm no longer in Thailand (although I do intend to retire there), as I have a job overseas (Cebu, Philippines) for at least the next two years.

When I come back in December for Christmas/New Year, I will presumably be on a 30-day entry permit. If the letters come out, and my time in Thailand is within the 30 days in which it has to be dealt with, will I still be able to take up the offer of Residency?

Would it be different if I applied for a Visa at the Thai Embassy in Manila?

Any advice appreciated - or indeed a contact who could ask the question for me at Immigration.

Thanks,

Graham

I have just received word from my lawyer that the Minister has already signed the applications submitted to him.

This should include the 2006 batch. I'm not sure about the 2007 batch, though.

Thank you Working Joe for updating us on the progress of the PR applications. It is very useful to receive this type of feedback as we are all waiting patiently for some news and avenues for realtime information is somewhat limited. An earlier poster mentioned that the 2007 applications would also be sent to the Ministry of Interior this week so I hope this might bring some finalization for both the 2006 and 2007 applicants. Did your lawyer mention whether the approval letters will be sent out soon as I understand that all the PR recipients needs to finalize the PR docs within 1 month of the Minister's signature?

Many thanks again!

My lawyer conservatively stated that I should get my PR permit 'before the end of this year', but his information about the Minister signing the applications came straight from the top people at Room 301, so I believe the approval letters should come very soon.

Anybody have any thoughts on how the move to Chaeng Wattana will affect this?

dam_n - dam_n - dam_n - I knew this would happen. Here I am, out of Thailand, working overseas for at least two years, and my application gets signed (2006 applicant). What can I do??? When I come back at Christmas (cannot get back earlier) it will probably be too bloody late, and I'll be on a 30-day entry stamp anyway. This makes me SO pissed off . . . . .

hi, i'm the newest member here. does anyone know where to go for thai language studies in preparation for the thai medical council exams? the tmc requires foreign drs to take the licensure exams in thai. is there a special course designed for medical lingo on top of the basic written/spoken thai?

i like thailand, and as much as i hate thinking of the brain drain in my country (Philippines) i still want to work here.

i'm even willing to work as a ophthalmologist's assistant until i pass the exams. any suggestions? thanks, everyone.

You might try contacting Dr Olivier Meyer in Pattaya for advice. He's a Swiss doctor who has done it and is licensed here. I don't know his phone number sorry, but a Google search will probably give it for you.

In all the time I have been in Thailand there have been so many mates from back home asking me if I have started "batting for the other side". They generalize that blokes coming to Thailand like men and ladyboys.

How true is this generalization?

Does Thailand have a higher percentage of bisexual expat men than other countrys like Hong Kong, Spain, Norway?

I have been here a lot of years and now think that some acts performed by those half women half men would be accpetable for a red-blooded Aussie bloke like me. 10 years ago it would have shocked me.

Does living in Thailand a bloke?

Are you for real? Or is this just a troll? I can't believe anyone could be so naive.

The short answer is no. You are either bi, gay, transexual or heterosexual. End of story. You choose. Most Thais are fairly tolerant of people's sexuality and that is why it is so obvious in the bar areas.

Sorry, I disagree - you do NOT choose - whatever you are you are born that way!

Just came back from another extension from room 301 yesterday. Good news and bad news.

With reference to the above post, the info I'm getting via the usual contacts (as always, third-hand) is that both batches of documents (2006 and 2007) have already been sent to the interior ministry for processing.

"But" these documents need to go through a dozen of endorsement steps at the ministry alone, so it migth take a while indeed.

/.

I'm sorry, but I think the information you've been given is wrong, at least for 2006 applicants. I believe the 2006 papers went to the Ministry in late 2007. My sources tell me they have waiting all this time for the "endorsement steps" AT the ministry.

But here is the Key: Once the minister signs the approvals, you only have 30 days after the letters are sent to pay your money and complete the process.

If you do not do this within the 30 days then your application is no longer valid. No excuses.

And there, in a nutshell, is my problem.

I leave to work overseas on 21st July, and won't (actually can't!) get back until Christmas. . . . . . . dam_n.

Thanks for your encouraging words, however, the problem is that according to Camerata's guide there is still a lot to do even when you receive the letter, visits to Immigration, the Police, the Amphur etc. etc., which altogether could take up to a week.

The thing is, you have to pay the final fee to Immigration before you go to the police and amphur. In my case I think I had to wait a week for someone at Immigration to give the final signature (I assume they were on leave) before I could go to the police. The police were no problem but I had to make an appointment to see the head guy at the amphur and that took another week.

That's what I feared - really not enough time left . . . . . and I'm not prepared to pay the fee, and then risk running out of time before its completed!

Ah well, I guess its a retirement visa for me instead. I feel very bitter about this, given the amount of time I've invested in working in this country and in getting my PR application ready. I know I'm a "guest" in this country, but, when they have an established procedure for people who want to stay and become permanent residents (and are willing to pay a large amount of money to do so!), they really should treat them with more consideration. I wonder how many of the 2006 applicants have already given up waiting?

I've just seen an elephant, well, 30 minutes ago, in Soi Nana Tai . . . . . .

My wife (Thai) renewed her 5 year license last week and also had to sit some simple tests and watch a video or something for an hour. Obviously being Thai the 1 year or 5 year question never arose but seems there are new (simple) tests to be carried out before they pass you.

Spoke with another foreigner that said he was made to look at a highway code book for an hour (all in Thai) before they passed him... No questions on what he read just told to look at the book!!! Got his 5 year extension without issue. On a Non O visa though....

I just got my five-year licence renewed for another five years in BKK. Had to watch the video and take the colour blindness, peripheral vision and reaction-time test.

No problem.

grtaylor, if it is any comfort, I heard that 2006 applicants had passed through both immigration committees and only need the Minister of Interior signature.

The best of luck to you all!!

Thanks for your encouraging words, however, the problem is that according to Camerata's guide there is still a lot to do even when you receive the letter, visits to Immigration, the Police, the Amphur etc. etc., which altogether could take up to a week. That time is very quickly running out. I have a total of approx. 30 days left in Thailand, including Saturdays and Sundays. I just don't see it happening in time . . . . . . .

I suppose the only thing to take comfort in is that I haven't paid the big money yet.

Yes it is a surreal and exacerbating situation. I still would not pull the plug on your application as to be honest nobody knows when the applications will be signed, sealed and delivered. It might just turn out that the letter arrives (and is forwarded to you) at a point when you can take leave from your future employment. It would be a crying shame to let it all go now after so much effort!

Agreed, however nothing is ever as easy as it might seem. My latest six-month extension expires on October 10th, and, as a school teacher, I can't just take leave whenever I want. I leave here on July 21st, and won't be back until December/January . . . . .

grtaylor, if it is any comfort, I heard that 2006 applicants had passed through both immigration committees and only need the Minister of Interior signature.

The best of luck to you all!!

Thanks for your encouraging words, however, the problem is that according to Camerata's guide there is still a lot to do even when you receive the letter, visits to Immigration, the Police, the Amphur etc. etc., which altogether could take up to a week. That time is very quickly running out. I have a total of approx. 30 days left in Thailand, including Saturdays and Sundays. I just don't see it happening in time . . . . . . .

I suppose the only thing to take comfort in is that I haven't paid the big money yet.

I visted Room 301 this week and they confirmed that the meetings had now been held to clear the back logs of 2006/7 applications but not sure when the letters will be sent out to confirm if the applicants are successful

Aarrgghh! This is SO frustrating - time is just running out for me. My job here finishes on 11th June, I leave for three weeks holiday in the UK on 19th June, come back for one week in late July, and then go to my new job (in another country) in late July. I'm stuffed!! I really wanted to get this sorted, so that when I come back here to retire it will all be done and dusted. Two and a half years of waiting and it all fails at the last hurdle . . . . .

Neither my Ethernet or Wi-fi would work with Ubuntu on my Acer Aspire One.

I fixed it by installing the kernel from this site: http://www.aspireonekernel.com/

Since then - no problem.