Mick 1

I have family visiting in Bangkok and intend to ride with a couple riding in the back, Iv heard this to be illegal and a THB2,000 fine if stopped, is this correct? Also can anyone say as to the likelihood of being pulled over in and around outer Bangkok. Cheers Mick

Hi, Just finalizing my plans to visit Angkor What from Bangkok with a party of 6 people. From my brief research it is possible to get a train to the border and bus the rest of the way to Siam Rep. This sounds like the best option to me as it allows for scenic travel through Thailand via train, has anyone done this route who can confirm this is a good option. I have looked at on line booking for train tickets and find the web page very difficult to use as it usually states “no trains available” so I will get tickets on the day at the station or perhaps via a booking agency at Kho San Rd., Anyone else find this with the online booking or is it just me? Myself and my wife will get re-entry visas before setting out and our 4 guests will have visas on arrival, so I assume not worries for anyone getting back into Thailand, am I assuming right? Thanks for any tips or pointers. Mick

Thanks for your replies, this is a great help, if I get re-entry prior to leaving Bangkok can I get this weeks in advance or only days?

I’ve been told that you ca purchase insurance at the boarder but would like to confirm this before setting off; So far, I understand I would require; A) Additional insurance for car “Ford Ranger” B) Re-entry permit, and can get both of these at the border crossing, is this correct and would I need to consider anything else. I am not concerned about the length of the drive as I intend to stay there for a few days to make a holiday of it. Cheers Mick

I’m planning a road trip to Angkor Wat in Cambodia later this year and seeking advice on visa requirements at boarder considering re-entry pass etc. and also driving a privately owned car over the border and what this may detail, has anyone here had experience on such a trip ? Cheers Mick

I guess I will just need to keep watching the news until April then decide on plan of action

Water barrel in back of pickup for Thai NY I have a couple of mates coming to Thailand for Songkran and might get a water barrel for the back of the pickup to drive them around for a while, can anyone tell me where to get a barrel, best area/streets to go etc. and any other advice apart from the obvious drink driving stuff. Cheers

Thanks for all the advice, I will pass this on to my mate

I have a friend looking to come to Bangkok for dental work and seeking advice on where to go for the best treatment. I understand that some of the leading hospital’s cater to the medical/dental tourist trade including 4-star hotel services, but he is looking for good quality treatment at most reasonable price and not so much concern on the 4-star hotel aspect as he will sort out his own accommodation while here. I know of some leading hospital’s such as BNH, Bumrungrad & Bangkok Hospital but are there any others available who local expats have good experience with and which of these names offer better treatment/price. Any advice would be appreciated. Cheers Mick

thanks again for the help

Thanks for your advice, a great help. one other issue, the TM8 askes for date near when I might return. As I am leaving on a one way ticket is there much flexability on the date I will give here, i.e. i expect to be away for 2 months but may extend to 3 months, might this be an issue upon my return.

im leaving from Suvarnabhumi Airport

Hi, Can anyone tell me where to obtain a copy of the form I need to fill in to obtain a re-entry permit for a non-O retirement visa. I will leave Bangkok later this week and understand I need to complete this and hand it in at the airport. Thanks M

Oh, ok I will try that, I only use it for E Bay so should work fine

Has anyone any information on the closure of PayPal accounts to foreigners in Thailand requiring a 13-digit Thai national ID card to remain open. Can a foreigner use a driving license or national insurance number or is it strictly only Thai nationals. Cheers M

Can anyone recommend a good outfit for interior detailing, shampooing/wet vac. for upholstery, door panels, roof liner and carpets etc. in Bangkok area. Cheers Mick

Thanks for all the feedback, got it all sorted out, just a bit of a learning phase required. Thanks to everyone who posted comments

Sorry for confusion, I first intended to use an agent but as advice here says it is easy to do your self have now looked into this, yes it appears easy to do yourself for an independent visa but not so clear on how to extend my wifes visa as hers is dependent on mine. I am still looking into both options as I am not fully up to speed an all the ins and outs of the system. Thanks for all the advice as things are becoming clearer

I'm confused now he has current ''permit'' then says he has never done it before ??? So can we be clear on what the OP has now. no offence intended to anyone. I used an agent last year to convert work visa to retirement visa, this year am looking at doing it myself as it is more straight forward. However, my wifes visa is dependent on mine and it is not clear to me if extending this is as simnple as an independent visa would be.

This is to renew annual O visa not 90 day reporting, would my wives dependent visa complicate the matter? As I have not don this before are all the forms in Thai or English?

Yes just organizing documents etc. and assisting with the process, my existing visa was obtained at Chaeng Wattana so I assume this would be same location.

I am looking for assistance for renewing my retirement visa and my wife’s dependent visa in September. Our case is very straight forward and I have the correct funds in the bank etc. but would prefer to do this with the assistance of a local Thai/English speaking person who understands the system. Can anyone here recommend anyone who is offering this service. Cheers Michael