Sweet Dreams

what is a renewal of a visa exempt entry?

Can anyone help with the following example;

If a tourist from the UK arrives next week by air using the 3o day visa exempt facility. He has a return flight in 2 weeks to the UK.

A week later he goes by hired motorcycle from thailand to cambodia (the motorcycle is hired here in thailand).

After 3 days in cambodia he rides back. Will he be let back in?

thanks to anyone who can give good advice.

You cannot take a motorcycle, hired in Thailand, over the Border!

They are after people who continually go in and out to extend the stay.

If you have an outward bound flight from Thailand, and no back to back Visa Exempt entries, you should be ok.

We were there yesterday too, okay to get something to eat and watch some thai dances etc.

Not surprised only to see a few foreigners there since all the Lanna Expo posters and signs are only in thai as far as I have seen ... Too bad they dont have a shuttle going from around Night Market to Convention Center - I bet lots of tourists would come see it

They do have free shuttles running to and from - Lotus Hagdong, Lotus Kamthieng, and Wororot Market, and they don't have to wait until the vehicle is full so there is no waiting around!

The sign on the side of the Songhtau is in Thai though, of course.

I took a Shuttle from the Expo and was dropped off at the address of my choice. A very good service.

The Expo was very worthwhile and quite uncrowded on a week day. There was 20% Sale on alot of goods.

The person on the back of this bike looks to be wearing long pants and white shoes. ?

I thought the same - yet no one else commented?

<post removed>

What a ridiculous statement to make. There are thousands of expat children living in Bangkok, of all ages. It is an exciting and safe city to live in.

Perhaps Thai Visa is not the best place to pose such innocent questions, as there are some very jaded posters on here.

I suggest contacting the American Women's Club, or reading The Bangkok Guide published by the Australian, New Zealand Women's Group, or Bkk Kids on Face Book.

Come to Bangkok, bring the kids, and expect to live a happy life!

Yesterday came through Phuket on 14/7 Rotation (in reality 6 days in Thailand). Thorough examination of my many stamps and then through!

Always have return ticket.

Called into Immigration Office today to make sure that all will be well going forward, and was advised that I will only be allowed ''4 VISA EXEMPT ENTRIES PER YEAR, as new rules on 29th August''.

First time I have heard that one, but seems they make it up as they go along. Comments please from someone who does know!

So, anyone?

This topic can't be so hard!

Would it be best to move to another Forum - anyone?

Where to start?

As a long time resident of Thailand, I now find that I need the assistance of a Thai Family Lawyer in Chiang Mai - to nut out the legalities of marriage, guardianship, parental responsibilities, rights and legalities.

I need an English speaking, competent, and friendly empathic person to discuss the minutia of family life in Thailand.

There are complexities that I never even knew existed, and the cultural bluff and parry is frustrating and off putting! Help appreciated!

VERY worthy cause is Melissa Cosgrove Foundation:

see www.mccf.uk.com

Based in Pattaya, but easily contactable via web page or Face Book, and doing fabulous work in Bangkok and Pattaya with the most worhy kids.

Please give them your tickets, you won't be sorry!

''Get in touch with The Real Estate Agency.''

Could you enlighten us which one, please?

The 5 star hotels have specials for Thais and Expat Residents, if you fit that category.

EG: Peninsula 3000bt++ bed and breakfast with extra benefits until July 31.

Ring Mr Tom on 0811994743, I have been using him, and his drivers, for over 7 years.

Clean vehicles, intelligent, polite drivers. Mostly speak some English and always know the route well. Mr Tom speaks perfect English and can be contacted immediately if you need any form of assistance.

Most importantly, the drivers are used to driving foreigners and have regard to road safety and speed safety.

By the way, where are ALL those Hmong now, including the ones never mentioned?

Thailand says Hmong repatriation imminent

3:18am EST

By Vithoon Amorn

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand's repatriation of thousands of ethnic Hmong asylum-seekers to Laos was imminent despite international objections that they could face persecution back home, a senior army officer said on Sunday.

About 5,000 soldiers, policemen and civil servants were being assigned to carry out the repatriation of the Hmong at a refugee camp in Huay Nam Khao in Phetchabun province, 300 km (186 miles) north of Bangkok, Colonel Thana Charuvat said.

"We will start the operation as soon as we get the final instruction and when everything is ready. That includes mobilizing enough manpower to carry it out, otherwise it may encourage resistance," Thana told Reuters.

"A show of sufficient force on our part is essential to deter resistance, but we have no intention to use force. Our men are armed with shields and batons. They carry no guns or tear gas out of concern for the safety of women and children," he said.

Most of the 4,400 Hmong facing repatriation have settled at Huay Nam Khao since 2004 to seek political asylum, saying they would be persecuted by Laos's communist government if they return.

Over 1,000 of them are men over 15 who could put up resistance to the forced repatriation, according to Colonel Thana, a senior officer charged with running the camp.

"We need to meet the obligation we have made with Laos, and hope that we don't have to postpone it again. Laos has given repeated public guarantees of full safety for the returnees," he said.

FORGOTTEN ALLIES

Known as America's "forgotten allies," Hmong were recruited by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency to fight alongside U.S. forces during the Vietnam War.

When the communists took power in 1975, the Hmong exodus began. Tens of thousands have since been resettled in the U.S.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Friday sought to allay fears about their forced repatriation, saying his government would ensure it took place in a transparent way "without chaos and in accordance with human rights principles."

Thailand regards the ethnic minority group at Huay Nam Khao as illegal economic migrants and has come under fire for denying the U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) access to the camp.

Colonel Thana said the media was denied access to the Hmong prior to the repatriation out of official concern they might resort to stunts to draw public attention to their status.

"This is to discourage the Hmong from resorting to possible self-inflicted physical abuses to attract public attention," he said.

Officials at the camp said about 100 buses and trucks would be needed to move the Hmong from Huay Nam Khao to the Thai-Lao border at Nong Khai opposite Lao capital Vientiane.

UNHCR, diplomats and rights groups believe some of the Hmong could qualify for refugee status if a screening process were allowed to take place.

Thailand fears that by facilitating their resettlement in a third country, it could create a "pull factor" that encourages more illegal migrants.

Colonel Thana questioned the sincerity expressed by third countries about accepting the refugees.

"If other countries really want to accept these refugees, they would have been resettled a long time ago," he said.

The U.S. State Department expressed concern on Thursday about reports of forced repatriation, noting that in the past, the Thai government had said many Hmong were in need of protection.

"Forced returns of persons entitled to protection is inconsistent with international practice and Thailand's long history of protection of refugees," acting spokesman Mark Toner said in a statement.

UNHCR said Thailand had "the responsibility and international obligation" to ensure those in need of protection in their native countries were returned "only on a voluntary basis."

Asia Pacific News

Thailand to begin Hmong deportation Monday

Posted: 26 December 2009 1736 hrs

Photos 1 of 1

Hmong refugees at a Thai detention centre in Nongkhai province, northeastern Thailand near the Thai-Laos border (file pic)

BANGKOK: Thailand will begin repatriating more than 4,000 ethnic Hmong refugees to Laos on Monday despite strong international opposition to the move, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Saturday.

The New York-based international rights group said that armed forces had been mobilised for the deportation from a camp in northern Phetchabun province where the Hmong are being held.

"The first wave of action to clear the camp will happen on December 27 night, and the deportation can start on December 28 morning," according to an email sent to AFP by HRW Thailand analyst Sunai Phasuk.

"During that (period), mobile phone (signals) will be jammed to prevent the Hmong from contacting outsiders. More than 100 buses and trucks are put on standby," he said, adding that the army would be in charge of the operation.

A spokesman for the Thai government could not immediately be reached for comment.

The 4,000 Hmong are seeking asylum based on claims that they face persecution from the Laotian regime for fighting alongside US forces during the Vietnam War.

Thailand has promised Laos, which insists the group will be safe after their return, that they would be sent back by the end of the year.

Thailand said the Hmong are economic migrants and refused to grant the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) access to them to assess whether any are, in fact, political refugees.

The United States said it was "deeply concerned about reports of the imminent and involuntary deportation" and Antonio Guterres, the head of the UN refugee agency, on Thursday urged Thailand to call off the deportation.

- AFP/sc

I don't know details but am sure the IDC is still at Suan Phlu. There are readers who do know but it seems they have not read this thread.

Re Visiting IDC:

Take your Passport and a photo copy of both visa page and photo page.

Register before 10am - location behind and to the left hand side of old Immigration Office at Suan Phlu.

Have a coffee over the road while you wait for visiting time, which is later in the morning.

You can take a bagful of any food - no glass, no tins, and also few clothes, towel and toiletries (Totalling a grocery bag size is best).

Your friend will be most grateful, as it is a scary and over crowded place at best.

There are many food stalls in Soi Suan Phlu and a 7/11 over the road.

Good luck!

Some of the Hmong ARE screened, but Thailand will not grant exit Visas.

Some of the Hmong are screened and have Resettlement Visas to Third Countries, but Thailand will not grant exit Visas

UNHCR is not officially recognised in Thailand.

This whole issue is not being handled well and is not as straightforward as saying things like ''Get the UNHCR involved'' or ''let other Governments come in and take care of the situation''!

Contact Jason at www.grasshopperadventures.com he will be able to advise you.

Grasshopper are a proffessional bike tour specialist, and they have a bike shop and technicians near Khao San Road, Bangkok. They would be very interested to hear about your proposed trip too.

Cheers and Good Luck

A friend and I are planning a road trip around the North Thailand and the Loas/Burmese borders starting mid November

we were wondering if we could make our trip useful.

The that end does anyone know of any orgaisations there that could do with any help at all maybe with transportation or delivery of goods - e.g. medical/educational supplies, books toys etc.

We have only a 4-dr pick up but are willing to avail our services of there is a need.

Where are you starting from?

November is the start of the cold season up there in the high country along the Borders - many organisations require warm clothing and bedding and goods are sent from Central areas such as Bangkok., where it doesn't get to such low temps.

Have been recommended The Conrad for Xmas day buffet. Seems reasonable at 1300bht - anyone been?

Where did you get the 1300 baht quote from ?

I think a Christmas Day Buffet will cost more than that at the Conrad!

Afternoon tea at one of the riverside 5* hotels, where they can sit by the picture windows (aircon comfort), and watch the river traffic - fascinating.

In fact tea/coffee/toilet stop at any 5* hotel, is a good way of passing time, it can take a while to wander the public areas checking out the locale.

How old is old?

Any shopping mall is a cool place to be - especially up scale ones like Paragon, Emporium, Gaysorn.

An excellent tour, is a night time drive down Ratchadamnoern Rd past the Royal Palace, UN Building, Parliament Building, lots of illuminated buildings, finishing off with a drive through the Flower Market. The density of traffic there will allow time to appreciate the colours and busy workers as you drive along.

Don't underestimate the fact that they will want lots of down time!

Yes, Brahmburgers, there are such safe havens for women in Thailand, and Bangkok, no less. Look at the information on the We Train website. There are several Thai agencies and NGO's who know how to handle issues such as the one highlighted in the OP.

The tone of several of the posters is such that it is obvious that safe havens will be needed for a long time to come.

my unofficial "Bangkok Office" used to be Larry's Dive at Suk Soi 22. Quiet, friendly staff, good food and free WiFi - until a couple of weeks ago. Since, it is extremely slow or standing still altogether. I know the Managers personally and they are aware of the problem but apparently it is not put on high priority with their agenda. Tuesday I had it with the place, left my name card and Larry's Management can give me a call once the problem is resolved, I am happy to come back.

In the meantime: Can anyone direct me to an alternative place with similar good coffee, open for breakfast and lunch AND a working internet connection? Somewhere downtown with parking.

thanks a lot.

Landmark Hotel. Coffee Shop.

You may have to fight for a table though!

Never mind the history - get those kids out of Nong Khai Immigration Detention Centre - they are locked up like animals for 22 hours a day!

Why there are not more, socially minded, humane adults from the rest of the world shouting from the roof tops about this, I will never understand.

I thought they were also supposed to be targetting motorists who fail to stop for pedestrians on a Marked Crossing - what happened to that one?

Hello

I am looking for a animal and or environmental organization for my 14yr old to volunteer with. We live in Pakkret. Any suggestions would be great.

Thanks Peregrine8

Have a look at SCAD, an organisation for dogs and cats in Bangkok.

Also take a look in "The Bangkok Guide'' (Asia Books, Konikynu etc.) a good reference guide to everything expat and Thailand, written by the Australian Womens Group.