bizman

I would like to add a word of caution about visa requirements. A couple of weeks ago I attempted to post information I had received from attorney visa specialists about the new Thai regulations. My posting was deleted by Lop and I was told it was full of misinformation, including "there is no such thing as a multiple entry visa". That's very interesting since I have one!! Several people agreed that I was incorrect in what I stated. Reading today's blurb, Time up for some 30 day visa runners...

Farangs living in Thailand with a 30 day stamp on arrival, and renewing it by continuous monthly visa runs to the Cambodian border, face big problems from next month. New regulations introduced on October 1 2006 mean that these farangs will currently be on their third 30 days visa run (October, November and December) with the limit of 90 days in a 6 months’ block about to bite.

Since October, immigration officers at Thai airports and border posts have been underlining 30 days stamps in visitors’ passports with a yellow marker pen.

Once three such stamps have been issued in a 6 months’ period, entrants are likely to be refused another in the short term. They are likely to be given a temporary 7 days’ stamp and told to quit Thailand for at least three months. These changes had been introduced by the immigration bureau nationally as it was felt the discretion of the 30 days stamp on arrival was being abused by foreigners trying to turn it into an unofficial residency permit.

Bureau chief police lieutenant general Suwat Tumrongsrikul had indicated that he had evidence that some such “residents” were running bars illegally or abusing Thai hospitality in other ways. If the perpetual 30 days on arrival farangs wish to continue to live in Thailand they have to break the cycle by leaving the country and requesting a prior visa (60 or 90 days) at a Thai consulate or embassy abroad. The most popular destinations in Asia are Penang and Vientiane, but most applicants are currently being restricted there to a single entry tourist visa (60 days plus an extension of 30 days).

The British embassy Pattaya based officer, Barry Kenyon, said all of the options needed financial resources. “Foreigners over 50 can apply for a one year retirement option,” he said, “but they need to have at least 800,000 baht made up of a Thai bank book deposit and probably proof of income or pension in their first country.” He added that men under 50 wanting a one year visa were mostly restricted to the “married man’s extension” or a valid work permit issued by the Labour office. Another option for foreigners with funds is to return to their own countries to obtain a multiple entry tourist or non-immigrant visa.

It is increasingly the pattern that multiple entries are being given only in the applicant’s home country. The Thai government recently introduced a new three year business visa, again awarded only in the first country, but this requires the support of the Thai commerce ministry or board of investment as well as proof of liaison with business partners in Thailand. A Pattaya based visa and travel agent said that he thought that some impecunious farangs might go into overstay as they could not afford to leave the country, thus risking jail and deportation procedures. But he wondered whether the new rules might be softened later in the year. “The whole thing was introduced without much notice, “he said, “and it might not be long term as it stands. Nobody knows.” The immigration bureau stresses that the new rules about 30 days do not apply to holiday tourists or holders of prior visas issued in countries outside Thailand.

A spokesman said tourists were very welcome and there were procedures in place to permit long stays. “We are concerned only with the abuse of the 30 days stamp by foreigners who are renewing it month after month after month at border posts. It is not a residency permit,” he explained.

it appears I was not as wrong as Lop said. I surely don't claim to be an expert on the subject but, it is apparent the person heading this forum is not either. Therefore, my advice is spend the money and hire someone that is instead of trying to sort out this hodgepodge of mumbo jumbo!

If you haven't used Emerites....don't vote! I've used all the major ones and this one stands out from the rest.

The going "asking" rate is about 800 baht. Bargain with them! Have never worried about any rides, taxis or private cars.

The Thais are budhhists. As such they believe they earn "merits" during each life. They progress through these lives by earning these merits with each life getting them nearer to the ultimate "buddha" status. There believe is that there is reincarnation. This is why you will see thiefs, prostitutes, or any others stopping to pray at every shrine regardless of the size.

Hello. I live in bkk for 6 months of every year. Here is my advice to your ?'s.

1. May is about the hottest month of the year here. Unless you've had experience vacationing on the sun....be prepared. The heat can be quite oppressive.

2. I would stay in one place for a first visit. My advice would be lower Sukhumvit as it offers many options, i.e. cheap/expensive restaurants, hotels, etc. In addition, almost everyone in this can speak some English. Transportation to the rest of bkk via the bts/mta is near.

3. You will find all ranges of prices in bkk. It just depends on your wants and live styles. Some friends of mine live in apartments for less than 1,000 baht per month. Where I live is nearer to 70,000 baht per month. There are cheaper and much more expensive ones within meters of these.

4. The nearest beaches are an hour or more away. They are NOT the best of beaches in Thailand. Nothing spectacular, such as the sand or water. You will need to travel further south for better ones.

Hey guys! I'm (hopefully, it isn't booked yet) going to bangkok in the new year and I have *ALOT* of questions, so I guessed this is the best place to go. So I shall fire away and please, if you have any helpful answers, reply, as I really know very little!

1. I am looking to go at the end of May time, is this a wise time to go? I don't really mind how hot it is, just want to make sure there is no chance of rain etc.

2. Bangkok is obviously a very big place, I'm going for 10 days, should I stay in the same hotel for all of this time, or move around the city, or even some of the surrounding areas? If so, any reccomendations?

3. Money. I've heard that Thailand is meant to be very cheap, however I've been on some sites that have told me they're spending a minimum of £70 (not-including accomadation) (GBP) a day, and that's more than I usually spend! Is this true, or..? For the time I'm going (10 days) how much should I be looking to take, in order to cover accomadation, food, trips etc?

4. At the risk of sounding stupid, are there beaches in the area? I know it is on the coast, but I wasn't sure if it was purely a port, or whether there were beach areas as well? Are they nice?

Ok I seem to have forgotten alot of my questions, but basically any information you can give me would be great! Thank youuuu!!!!