gmac

I lived on the lightside and the darkside of Pattaya for 15years as well as a few years in Sattahip but am now, regrettably, back in the UK.  I can say without a doubt if my circumstances were different I would be back living in central Pattaya in a heartbeat.   

On 4/6/2022 at 10:21 PM, Lacessit said:

You may be right. Having said that, the online method has a fair bit of photoshopping and misrepresentation going on, by both girls and clients. Therefore, I think there will still be a demand for the bar scene, where a realistic assessment can be made, although perhaps not to the same degree.

The online method has no appeal to me, I like a bit of company and a few drinks for an enjoyable night out, not a dial a girl service.

Been back in UK for 2 years now, roundabouts work so well.  No U-turns, can actually turn right without going 2kms in the wrong direction to make a U-turn etc.  Thailand needs to bite the bullet, build them and force people to use them until they actually understand how they work.  

I know it's a pipe dream but it would cut accidents by 50% or more.

On 11/9/2021 at 3:18 PM, bigyin said:

FLR, ILR and citizenship applications are taking around 6 months so this delay might be seeping into initial settlement visa applications.

So when does an application for FLR have to be made, does it have to be 6 months before expiry?

On 11/2/2021 at 7:53 AM, rott said:

Gits charged me 150 baht for a beer earlier this year. 

Yep, I only went once when it was open, never again.  Too far to pop in from the UK now anyway!

1 hour ago, hotandsticky said:

 

This was actually a friend.

 

He successfully applied for a fiancée visa earlier this year and they married in August. They applied for Leave to Remain almost immediately.

 

It seems that it was pretty much identical to the online fiancee visa application with updated documents uploaded to support it. As far as I am aware his wife did not attend an interview - Leave to Remain granted for 2 years.

 

 

I think it all starts here....................... https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/product/uk-visit-visa

Thanks for that,  sounds slightly different to my wife's situation but I suspect the process will be similar. Back to the Government website I guess!

On 11/3/2021 at 12:31 AM, hotandsticky said:

 

 

It all worked out OK  -  and Leave to Remain has been granted.

Pleased to hear your Leave to Remain worked out. 

My wife needs to apply for hers quite soon, how was the application procedure?  All online?  How long before of old leave did you apply?  Did she have to attend an interview? What supporting documents did you submit?

Sorry for all the questions but I get a headache when I try to plough through the Government website.  I get the impression that you actually have to start the application process to get all the information you need.

Any help from someone who has just just gone through it would be appreciated.

I think it's to do with the Government method of organisation.  Every Government department that you may need to visit always works on a first come first served basis, unless you are a hiso of course, so for every one else it's a case of hurry up to get there and then wait an eternity for your turn to come around.

On 8/30/2021 at 12:38 PM, LongTimeLurker said:

Roundabouts are actually a much, much better solution, but only Brits understand how they work so unfortunately in all other countries they cause accidents and congestion.

I am now regrettably back in UK and the roundabouts here work beautifully.  I think the only thing I don't miss about Pattaya is the traffic lights.

Technically yes but I have been told on 2 previous occasions by Jomtien immigration that those with retirement  visas staying in the same address do not need to submit a new TM30 each time when returning from abroad.  I returned most recently in July, didn't report and have had no subsequent problems with 90 day reports though haven't yet had to do the retirement extension. 

3 hours ago, kralledr said:

buy a new one ^^

I was thinking that, with the low prices now it probably wouldn't cost a lot more to buy a new one than sending the old one by EMS.

On 8/2/2019 at 7:59 AM, Crossy said:

Found it:-

 

and

 

 

Looks like I will have to dig out the card reader.

 

Note - As indicated on the second page any UK bank card reader will generate the required codes.

 

EDIT The phone number field on personal data accepted a Thai number in the format 0066XXXXXXXXX (it did not like +66XXXXXXXXX)of course whether it actually works remains to be seen.

 

 

Interesting, when I put mine in (can't remember if I used the + sign) but it seemed to accept the 66 but when I review the number on record it shows as 6666xxxxxxxxxx.  Phoned up and queried it but the helpdesk could only say, "yes it does that with foreign numbers!!"  He had no idea if it would work or not!

8 minutes ago, Mutt Daeng said:

Your assumptions are correct. I was going to register my wife as the owner (but I was always going to operate the "system") until I saw I could register myself as the housemaster. Much better for me to control what goes into the "system". You wife sounds like mine: she doesn't like dealing with "officials" or any such "red tape".

Thanks I'll give it a go. Spot on regarding the wife as well, doesn't like to make any sort of waves with officialdom but loves to moan about the systems!

7 minutes ago, Mutt Daeng said:

I registered (as a foreigner housemaster) for TM30 online yesterday using the Section38 android app. As part of the registration process via the app, I uploaded pdf copies of my wife's Tabien Bahn, her ID card and my passport photo ID page. I was then sent an email requesting that I verify my email address, which I did. This morning I received my Userid and Password. After logging in to the app you are prompted to change your password, which I did. NB The userid is CASE sensitive. Better to use the app IMHO, then no need to worry about which browser to use etc.

I'm assuming that the house in your wife's name and as her husband you don't have a rental agreement of any sort.  I would have thought it would be your wife registering as the housemaster, if they accept the foreigner in those circumstances that will make things a lot easier.  Can't see my wife setting it up, but if I can do it for myself it sounds like the way to go.

On 6/20/2019 at 7:57 AM, Orton Rd said:

Check your 90 day slip for this warning, I found not reporting on re entry lead to a fine

Yes, the game goes on, the rules say one thing and your local immigration office tells you another.  Sets you up perfectly to get fined!

2 hours ago, khaepmu said:

I have never had to submit a TM 30. They have never asked me. I have been doing work visas both in Jomthien and Sri Ratcha. I dutifully do my 90 day report on time.

Going for a visit to UK next month so while getting my re-entry stamp I made a point of asking about the TM30 requirement (In TM30 dedicated room at Jomtien) on my return.  I was clearly told that as an owner (my wife actually) on a retirement extension there is no need to submit a new TM30 when I get back.  I have no wish to get a fine but getting bored with unnecessary trips to Immigration so I'll put it to the test this time, not do the TM30 on return and see what happens at my next 90 day check in. 

3 minutes ago, Joe Mcseismic said:

Same here regarding Phuket immigration.

If your paperwork is in order, getting your extension is a breeze.

If it isn't, you won't get one until it is.

 

Phuket immigration has improved over the years. Separate room for extensions, drive-thru for 90 day reporting and TM30, ticket number for correct desk given by volunteers after paperwork check, so no one goes to a desk with incorrect/incomplete paperwork which saves everyone's time. Never heard of anyone being referred to an agent.

Great idea about separate rooms for extensions and drive-thru 90 day and TM30's, the biggest headache in Jomtien is getting your ticket from the paperwork checkers as the queue from their front desk is frequently right out into the car park.  You arrive with all the right docs for your extension then have to wait half an hour to get a ticket. 

4 minutes ago, longball53098 said:

Thaiwatsadu has been open for several days now. I was there yesterday. Nice addition to the area. New PTT is being built directly across the street from TW,,,,,,,replacing the aging PTT that was there. Progress on the HomePro on the other end of town too

Two new hardware stores, what about a decent supermarket and some sort of shopping mall?  Tesco doesn't qualify in either category!

Just looked up the Royal Thai Marine course location and I'm sure I've played there before but always with a caddy.  Didn't realise it was possible to play without one.

edit)  Maybe not, looks like it is side by side with the Plutaluang course which is where I would have played.

32 minutes ago, n210mp said:

Yes very happy to pass on any info gmac. Caddies are not required at these three places but of course you can bring your own like many golfers do hahaha!

 

The places where I and my friend play are the;

1 The royal Thai fleet course at Dongan beach Sattahip  9 holes

 https://www.google.co.th/maps/place/The+Royal+Thai+Fleet+9+hole+golf+course+Sattahip/@12.6552407,100.9210086,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x31028b5e0dc688db:0x64a7ed6569c1d532!8m2!3d12.6552355!4d100.9231973?hl=en-GB

 

There is a promotion on  from the 11th of may  250 Baht for 18 holes, 20 baht for a trolley or 400 baht for a buggy (18 holes).

 

2 . The royal Thai Marine course Sattahip 9 holes

https://www.google.co.th/maps/search/royal+Thai+marine+course/@12.6553274,100.8881776,13z/data=!3m1!4b1?hl=en-GB

Bob and I are playing there this week and the price is 270 Baht for 18 hole with I thik if I remember correctly a trolley for 20 bht, buggies are available.

 

3 Not a Navy course, The Kwan 9 hole, a par 3 in a lovely setting and great people who run it  where I go for short iron practice but still worth a visit.

https://www.google.co.th/maps/place/Golf+Kwan+สนามกอล์ฟขวัญ/@12.7287251,100.9851741,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x3102f2ce8e8f9f5b:0xb064482343fc51b2!8m2!3d12.7287199!4d100.9873628?hl=en-GB

Bob and I play 2 times a week with Tee off at 7 0 am you are welcome to join in. ( as long as you can fit in with 2 grumpy old curmudgeons) 

https://birdie.in.th/en/golf-courses/thailand/chonburi/sattahip/royal-thai-fleet-golf-course-a

 

You will have to have a caddy at these place listed hereunder with the exception of the "Fleet" course.

 

https://birdie.in.th/en/golf-courses/thailand/chonburi/sattahip

 

 

Thanks very much, I know the Kwan 9 hole which as you say is very short and about the only place I go these days as it is about 5 minutes from my house!  A longer course without a caddy would most welcome, so thanks for the locations. 

Thanks also for the invite to join you at Kwan golf but a 7 o'clock start would be difficult and I'm not sure my lousy golf could stand up to the scrutiny of 2 grumpy old curmudgeons! 

57 minutes ago, n210mp said:

Bob and I play at the 2 Thai navy courses where you do not need to have a caddy  ( I am sure you are familiar with  them).

I wasn't aware that there were Thai navy courses where foreigners could play without a caddy, would you mind sharing the locations as it is the cost of caddies which has made me virtually give up golf in Thailand altogether.  

8 minutes ago, kinyara said:

 

You make a good point about the timing of visa renewal. I never even considered it when I did my initial retirement visa but I’d recommend anyone doing it now to retire in August or September ????. I got reasonably lucky without thinking by being a May retiree. 

 

Can only imagine how busy the place is Jan-March time.

Although chaotic in high season, I do mine in March, I haven't found it to be too much of a problem as the majority are there for things other than retirement extensions.  The only niggle is having to wait in a queue to get your number.  It was better in the old days when you pressed the button yourself, but that clearly doesn't work when many arrive with wrong or inadequate documents and have to be sent away to get them.