Keeps

Probably not of use to yourself but for those travelling across London by public transit (I use train and tube from Essex) there is a Travelodge at Hounslow Central. It is 2 minutes walk from the station and about 10 minutes on the Piccadilly tube line from Heathrow Terminals. Admittedly, it is not great but I have used it on occasion when I have arrived at Heathrow late on a Sunday night and travel options home have been limited. Eva Air are the same now - 2 items of baggage not exceeding 23kg per bag. I much preferred the old system when I managed to get around 30-32kg in one suitcase which was heavy but manageable. As I travel to the airport by public transport 2 suitcases plus hand luggage is just not practical unfortunately. I think due to Gold card status with Eva/Star Alliance I am actually entitled to something like 70kg which may be useful in the future.

I believe that you could obtain a DTV on the basis of medical which is one of the options on the application website I posted the link to in one of my previous posts. You would need to provide appointment evidence from a medical establishment as part of the application process. I have not looked in to the detail of the DTV in depth as it is not an option suitable for myself at the moment. However, I have read on another thread on this forum that it is possible to apply for the DTV whilst in Thailand. There is a search function at the top of the page which should assist in finding the alternative thread(s). I understand that there are agents who can assist in this regard (for a fee of course). You could arrive in Thailand visa exempt and then start the process whilst there. If this information is incorrect I'm sure someone will be along to correct my error. You could have a play around on the website link I provided just to establish if you are eligible and what is needed by way of documentation without actually submitting an application. As an aside, I have an appointment at Sriphat in a couple of weeks time for a surgical procedure and my partner recently had 2 wisdom teeth removed in the Sriphat dental centre. A fine establishment and very happy with the services they offer and their pricing. Best of luck in your endeavours

You do seem to make sweeping generalisations (I'll use the UK spelling although you seem to switch between this and the US version) without much to back them up. I discuss football whilst having a beer with friends in a pub or bar yet I was a main board director of two global insurance brokers specialising in Property and Business Interruption insurance and Facultative Reinsurance and managed to retire at the age of 49 with no need to ever work again. I doubt I would have managed this off the back of an 'O level' in woodwork. I also played Rugby Union to quite a high standard, even playing in the front row against Jason Leonard in his fledgling days before he became an England stalwart. Hope this meets with your approval old boy. You come across as quite an insecure individual needing to 'impress' (and I use the term very, very loosely) with your real or imagined educational achievements.

One more thing - currently, visa exempt stamp on arrival is 60 days, not 30. How long this will last, nobody knows. However, if you were planning a 2 month (60 days to be precise) trip there would currently be no need to visit CM immigration office for a 30 day extension.

This is not insulting - this is fact. You are a prat.

I'm not sure if you are aware but any type of Visa obtained in the UK is online only now. There are no visits to the London Thai embassy. All Visas (including the DTV) are applied for via the following:- http://thaievisa.go.th/

I hope that you do not suffer from an inferiority complex when you are drinking with your educated chums. Do you ever get the sense that they pity you in any way but still try and include you within the group?

Sounds like more of an issue with the company you keep. All the couples I mentioned all enjoy socialising with each other. Sounds like you would rather go out without your partner and just catch up with your 'boring' mates. I do bow down to you though as you seem to know what the majority of Thai women want to do, where they want to go etc. That level of insight is invaluable. Why? I assume that no visit to the pub would involve watching a game? Or can you watch a game but are just not allowed to discuss it?

Myself and my partner are friendly with 5 couples, all being European males with Thai partners. We meet up once or twice a week socially, normally only 1 or two couples absent for whatever reason. The ladies tend to group together, eat some hard to identify nibbles and slag off all the fellas. They will also discuss the latest lotions and potions and how much they cost and the (perceived) benefit to their skin condition and tone. They no doubt discuss all the fellas sexual prowess (or more likely, lack of it). They discuss family matters and how their 'sister' (most likely a lady that one of their friends neighbours once saw on a bus going in a different direction to the one she was on) is. Us blokes sit together, have a beer and discuss football. That aside, my partner is more than happy for me to have some alone time. We don't need to be in each other's pockets 24/7. I go out for a 2 hour walk alone most days and once or twice a week I'll pop out on my own for a couple of beers and to watch a game whilst she stays at home and undertakes her beauty regime. I think it is healthy for a relationship to spend some time apart.

Thanks for all your updates. They have been most useful.

This would make it a Tik Tok cock in a frock.

2 years ago I had three bottles of whisky (2 expensive as gifts, 1 not so expensive) in my checked luggage. When I was going through customs at Suvarnabhumi I was directed to put my suitcase through the x-ray machine. They then opened it and located my stash. I was told I could only bring one bottle through. I proffered the cheapest bottle to the customs chap and he let me on my way with with the other two bottles. Luck of the draw really whether you get pulled aside for a check or suitcase x-ray. In my last 50+ arrivals I have been pulled over twice.

Yes, children are bad enough but dogs......

This 'adorable baby pygmy hippo' and it's 'affectionate behavior towards her caretakers' will probably end up with it brutally tearing a limb from it's caretaker(s) in a couple of years time.

Did he/she have Jaundice? Probably Hepatitis.....

That was going to be our first port of call after dropping the bags off and before a medical appointment at Sripat Hospital. As Riverside Hotel sits as low as or slightly lower than Khualek that does not bode well for my intended stay. Thanks for the update.

Thanks for the update. If you are aware of any developments, can you post an update here? I am due in CM next week and due to spend the first week in Riverside Hotel opposite the Iron Bridge. May need to think about an alternative hotel?

EVA Air. Last night's flight from LHR to BKK arrived BKK today only 2 minutes late. Today's flight from BKK to LHR departed BKK 2 minutes early and is due to land at LHR in about 40 minutes, which will be 30 minutes ahead of schedule. I am keeping an eye on things as I will be flying LHR to BKK in 3 weeks time.

I can understand the confusion - especially when there are several airlines code sharing a particular flight. It's similar on the evening flights from London Heathrow to Bangkok. EVA Air departs 21.35, Thai Airways 21.25. Whilst waiting at the EVA gate you always, without fail, see the realisation dawn on some people that they are at the wrong gate and they go scrambling off to get to the Thai Airways gate.

Thanks for the update. Sounds like a bit of a nightmare to be honest. I suppose it makes a change from a breakneck speed driver. I am considering getting a taxi in the not too distant future from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi to Nakhon Ratchasima and not sure of the best option. I appreciate it is a shorter distance but could still be quite a journey based on your experience.

Let's not forget this poster's past identity. He is a bogan who pretends to be a Brit. His Mrs. ran off with a Brit so he is inclined to slag off both Brits and Thai women.

Let's not forget this poster's past identity. He is a bogan who pretends to be a Brit. His Mrs. ran off with a Brit so he is inclined to slag off both Brits and Thai women.

I think it is quite clear from the majority of your posts that you have chosen to remain stupid.

That really is saying something as a large number of them are loud and obnoxious even before they have had a drink.

I am astounded by this. How sickening. A photo opportunity and smiles all round in front of distressed, bewildered children. They should be ashamed of themselves.