Scout666

I received a Line message yesterday from a friend who asked me if I knew this man. Apparently he was involved in a road traffic accident in either Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai and is now in hospital. A picture of his driving licence was sent to me and although I no longer have that message, I am fairly certain that he is the one and same chap. I shall get back to my friend and ask for more details - should there be any.

NOT the same chap apparently. Let's hope that this story has a happier ending.

" I would explain that I have been advised to NOT exit Thailand with a "re-entry permit" or "re-entry stamp" so that Thai immigration are compelled to issue a tourist visa upon my return due to me having made my retirement visa null and void because of the lack of a "re-entry permit" or "re-entry stamp"."

Bad advice. Thai Immigration do not issue tourist visas.

They would give you a visa exempt entry, which was mentioned several times above.

Another example of incorrect terminology.

OK. Thai immigration at the Border Crossing. All concerned realised the point I was making and took in it their stride. You however, .........

Not to be picky, but you did NOT have a "retirement visa".

What you almost certainly had is an extension to your visa by reason of retirement in Thailand.

This is not just word play....If you had a VISA obtained outside of Thailand, it would have an expiration date and remain valid until that expiration date.

Visas are issued outside of Thailand in a Thai consulate or embassy, extensions are issued at immigration in Thailand, often a one year extension (as in a one year retirement extension).

Visas remain valid even when you exit Thailand and return as long as they have not reached the expiration date.

Extensions are canceled when you exit Thailand without a exit re-entry permit.

That is the purpose of the exit re-entry permit....to keep your extension alive when you return to Thailand from a short trip outside of Thailand and return.

But you are right about the fact that without an exit re-entry permit your retirement extension would be automatically cancelled when you left Thailand.

That would leave you free to get a new visa or visa exempt entry for your return to Thailand as your previous retirement extension was automatically canceled when you exited Thailand

That extension would be automatically canceled when you departed Thailand without an exit reentry permit to keep it alive.

This sounds complicated, but if you think about the situation you first have to get rid of the old extension, before you can get a new visa. for your re-entry.

Rather like getting remarried....the old wife has to go first before the new one is allowed in.

Yes you were! Being "picky". ;-)

You are absolutely correct; indeed I do have an "extension" - to my retirement visa - that is.Once again, I was using the incorrect terminology and yes, I fully understand and agree with your comprehensive explanation which I, and doubtless many others, who look at your reply, will greatly appreciate also.

Loved your analogy; you are assuming that I am not a polygamist then? Tut Tut. ;-)

Thank you very much for your time and effort for replying and clarifying the issue.

Scout.

A re-entry permit is put in your passport by doing a stamp for it so in a way it is a re-entry stamp.

I you don't have a re-entry permit now you certainly don't want to get one.

Flying out and back via KL would get you a 30 day visa exempt entry. It would be a quicker and easier trip than going to the Cambodia border. At a border crossing you will only get a 15 day entry unless you are from a G7 country. You could also do a crossing for a visa exempt entry at Ranong.

The problem you have with doing anything at immigration is the lack of a work permit permit application approval letter or at least a receipt for one. Immigration might allow you to change the reason for your extension based upon retirement to working if you had it. The problem is that most work permit offices will not accept a application for one if you are on an extension based upon retirement.

All agreed with and I shall not be asking for a re-entry permit, I can assure you. I am more or less of a mind at the moment to do the KL route given that, allegedly, when I arrive at KUL, I can can do a virtual turn-around and be ready for the next flight out. Leave BKK at 06.00 and arrive back at 13.25. (I am the eternal optimist - at times.)

I concur also with your work permit application approval letter issue as, despite already having ALL documentation, both mine and the company that I shall work for pre-approved by Immigration, the Labour Department is not in the least bit interested until such time as I am in possession of a Non-Imm B.

Now it's time to approach the owner of the Company and ask her to cough up the expenses thus enabling me to do it the 'KL' way.

Thanks Ubonjoe; thank you very much.

Scout.

Once again; thanks for your reply.

Perhaps I am not using the correct terminology when I write "re-entry stamp" and in fact, I should use the words "re-entry permit" as you have done. If, those two terms mean the same thing i.e. if one wants to exit Thailand with the clear intention of returning using the same visa they exited with, then one ensures that they have a "re-entry permit" or "re-entry stamp" before exiting then I would explain that I have been advised to NOT exit Thailand with a "re-entry permit" or "re-entry stamp" so that Thai immigration are compelled to issue a tourist visa upon my return due to me having made my retirement visa null and void because of the lack of a "re-entry permit" or "re-entry stamp".

I am currently in Hua Hin and I have phoned the "1111" number that you provided me with and the lady who answered could not verify that Ban Phu Nam Ron was open or closed however, she asked me why I was asking. I was seriously impressed with that and explained my situation, to which she replied that I should go to Hua Hin Immigration office on Monday morning where, she assured me, that I did not need to go through all this exiting-malarkey because Hua Hin Immigration could convert a Retirement Visa to a Non-Imm B. Previously, (2-weeks ago) the same immigration office had said that I could NOT do. Same office - same desk - different officer. ;-)

The agent is now advising me to go to Cambodia where I am 'guaranteed' success without having to spend a night in Cambodia. That's a dickens of a way to travel though - time wise especially. Alternatively, she suggests, as you have done, that I visit KL where everything can be handled without leaving the airport building. Sooooo many ups and downs; it is like living on a roller coaster and just as sickening. Ha Ha Ha.

Many thanks Ubonjoe for your patience.

Scout.

Edited to reintroduce paragraphing.

Oh dear. Your reply appears to be 'not-in-line' with the information that I have been given. I have to admit that being advised to purposefully omit a re-entry stamp upon leaving so as to be forced into receiving a tourist visa for 30-days upon returning, seemed overly simplistic (if not foolhardy) however, I have been told by 2 separate sources that this procedure was the simplest and most economic way in which to achieve my goal - namely a Non-Imm B.

I agree with you that a visit to an embassy or consulate in a neighbouring country to secure a tourist visa might prove to be more thorough (and enthuse credibility with Immigration) however, personal finances (budgeting required) is a major contributing factor also. Quite frankly, I am now at a total loss as to what to do for the best. Having lived and worked here for 18-years, this is the first time that I shall be faced with having to do a 'border run' and the very thought of doing so makes me nervous beyond belief.

Regardless, your interest and consideration in taking the time to reply is of comfort to me and I thank you sincerely for that.

Scout.

Thank you very much for your reply Ubonjoe.

I am coming off a Retirement Visa and wish to obtain a Non-Imm B Visa to return to work here. Apparently, to do that, I must first 'revoke' my Retirement Visa by exiting the country without a Re-Entry Stamp thereby being issued a Tourist Visa which I can then apply for the Non-Imm B visa. It sounds long-winded however, Immigration Department have confirmed (2 separate sources) that the procedure described is indeed the best way to accomplish securing the Non-Imm B. All relevant documentation required for Non-Imm B has been perused and confirmed as satisfactory and that upon my return with a Tourist Visa, I should be have my Non=Imm B in a matter of a couple of days.

So, in answer to your question; yes I do have a visa for re-entry however, the re-entry stamp will purposefully not be stamped in the passport.

Is there any way that I can check myself as to the current status of that border post? Thank you ever so much for your consideration.

Scout

Good Evening.

I just received word from an agent that Ban Phu Nam Ron is closed. She states that someone in the Immigration Department had informed her only moments ago. I am (was) due to go there this coming Tuesday.

Is anyone else able to verify this closure - or otherwise please?

Many thanks in anticipation of any assistance.

Looks like Chalerm might need a few drinks this morning. Good riddance if his CAPO gang has gone.

"They're coming to take me away ha ha ha..."

I hate to think about what will happen to Thailand when they are no longer with us

Long live the king.

I concur however, PLEASE 'King' with a capital "K" Sir.

No "back seat" - recipe for disaster.

The "+1" Brigade.

Phaethon: "Next Year's Headline: Thai Submarine Crashes in Burmese Jungle." I read a lot more than I post (shame on me - I know) however, I could NOT stop myself chuckling at the "headline" and just had to acknowledge such. Brilliant!

''Never fly with the Boss'' ha ha ha if sanity is to prevail. Knowledgeable post. Thank you.

I am a retired helicopter pilot with 15000 hours on various civil and military helicopters over 40 years flying.

I have some comments [thoughts] from my experience of similar accidents.

1. First incident bad weather, maybe lost [over Burma], probably unqualified to fly on instruments alone, no radar.

Flight should not have been authorised by commanding officer, probably struck trees.

2. Second incident, General on board, opportunity for the Senior Pilot who spends most of his time driving a desk, to fly to get credit for promotion, [old saying in professional circles ''Never fly with the Boss'', too much pressure to get to the scene, aircraft may have been overloaded [press on board, max fuel etc,] similar problems with basic flying skills in poor weather, poor supervision and authorisation.

3. Third crash may well have been tail rotor failure in which case the pilot would shut down the engines to minimise torque reaction and attempt autorotation, probably too low or downwind.

Crash sites became a photo opportunity for irresponsible press and public, forensics therefore more difficult.

Little chance of a dispassionate enquiry, but I would be looking at the Command, control and training of senior officers. The Bell and Sikorsky Helicopters are time proven and have excellent safety records with basic maintenance.

I remember it was mentioned from the only survivor of the helicopter crash 3.

I think it was either BP or NMM that reported the interviewr.

In this text: one mechanic survived to recount the malfunction of the tail rotor.

That is really problem in bad weather conditions and poor area to land safely. I have encountered it once and I was in luck near by airfield.

Not easy to land with tailrotor problems, but there can be many different malfuntions in tailrotors also.(Jammed, loss of power, rotating speed and so on...)

I read another thing where he said ..."then suddenly the two engines stopped"

I wouldn't even know of two engines in a heli.

Interesting theory. Not beyond the bounds of realism.

I have a strange suspicion that Thaksin's involvement was a deliberate ploy - to have PTP de-registered without actually changing the outcome of the election. This allows him to spread further disinformation in Isaan of how unfair this was (working on TVF!) further radicalising his supporters and sowing even more distrust in the court system.

Other actions, such as including red leaders in the PTP party list where they were assured of election are further evidence that he is not seeking reconciliation but widening the gap, increasing the NE sense of grievance. Any attempt to prevent PTP granting him amnesty could then spark wholesale violence.

And if you want to change from constitutional monarchy to dictatorship, you need a revolution.

The other newspaper has a newsflash that Ms. Yingluck said neither her older brother Thaksin nor any of the 111 banned TRT executives had been involved in her party. She said Pheu Thai had working teams to sort out policies to settle pressing problems.

The flash didn't mention whether Ms. Yingluck was smiling or not, grave omission IMHO

I saw mention of it here: www.ethailand.com/news/yingluck-denies-thaksin-s-involvement-176394.html

Everything is OK then, seeing that no banned politician was involved in the PTP. There should be a law against so many people impersonating banned politicians. I am sure a lot of voters got fooled and thought they were genuine.

Just finished reading/catching up on this thread and I have to say that this comment made it all worthwhile. Thanks Puccini

"There were ten digit numbers writtendown on the map of Thailand which were only understand among the three, an apparent code."

I would prefer (read: hope) to believe that the authorities would recognise a telephone number or, at least have it checked. The "code"however could really be something as simple as a grid reference which, should not come as too much of a surprise given that the "code" was written on a map. A 10 figure grid reference would be accurate enough to pin down a bunker entrance or more easily a gun emplacement for example.

Just a thought.

Edit due to 'joined up writing' being just that.

Osama bin Laden was killed in a mansion. Now we have to determine who did it, in which room and with what object.

Of all posts, this has to be the killer line. Classic.I just wish that I knew how to insert emoticons to show just how much I am still laughing at the comment. 555 will do I suppose.

I do have, but I doubt you would care or understand. Hence, my subjective opinion is no point in sharing on a public site [want me to name names?], just that any categorical denial that anyone might be worth killing yourself over isn't shared by a lot of people.

No, I don't want you to name names, but it would be nice if you could provide some general examples. If I'm wrong, I'm wrong, and I'm fine with that. But I haven't yet been able to come up with any examples myself. I genuinely want to know what type of people you have in mind, rather than just being told that you disagree with me.

I think that if you want a [for you] tangible example then you have positioned yourself in a state where you will never understand the point.

Just accept that not everyone agrees.

... or just accept, that you are unable to to provide a "general example"?

Fair enough however, your words; "you have positioned yourself in a state where you will never understand the point." are a tad condescending though, don't you think? I too was hoping that I would be enlightened. Seriously my fellow poster.

Alas, you are missing the point and thus preaching to the choir because my reply was ommitted from your quotes. Please see post number 39. (I've bitten also! 'Worth dying for' is one thing - however, worth killing yourself over?) If you read the post in full, I am sure that you will agree that we agree. Hopefully.

Sorry if my reply to you was hastily written and poorly worded. I knew what you meant, and I was trying to further argue your point.

Acknowledged. I don't believe that the omittance of my posted reply was of your making. So, no problem.

Worth dying for:

Stopping a bullet for a Head of State as a paid loyal bodyguard.

Throwing one's self in front of an oncoming truck to push a child to safety.

Providing covering fire for retreating comrades when you are mortally wounded.

These are acts of 'good deeds' and/or loyalty to save others.

TAWP's refuting that no-one is worth killing yourself over... is beyond me but that does mean that I am wrong or insensitive - it could just be that I have never felt that emotion. Indeed, I hope that I never do because it it must be incredibly traumatic to all concerned.

Condolances to all that suffer as a result of this tragedy.

Those may be noble acts, but I was referring to taking your own life through committing suicide. You listed situations/people "worth dying for." That is very different than "worth killing yourself over," or "worth committing suicide over." To me, those things you listed wouldn't be considered suicide.....you don't know for sure that you're going to die in all of those situations, and you probably don't choose/plan to do those things because of great despair in your own life. Are there people worth dying for? Sure, of course, and there are people in my life I would like to think that I would die for. But so far, I still can't think of anyone worth intentionally killing yourself over (via suicide).

Alas, you are missing the point and thus preaching to the choir because my reply was ommitted from your quotes. Please see post number 39. (I've bitten also! 'Worth dying for' is one thing - however, worth killing yourself over?) If you read the post in full, I am sure that you will agree that we agree. Hopefully.

Thank you Djlest for a wonderful post. (47).

It is sad, but I would refute that no-one is worth killing yourself over...

Ok, I'll bite......then who would you say IS worth committing suicide over?

That is a very subjective evaluation but I am sure, given enough time, you could find someone and a situation that you too reach this position in...

And by the way, I didn't say that I can't imagine a situation in which I might find feeling that I need to go to this extreme, nor did I state that there haven't been (or won't be) people in my life who make me feel like I need to take my own life. I said that no one is worth killing yourself over.

Worth dying for:

Stopping a bullet for a Head of State as a paid loyal bodyguard.

Throwing one's self in front of an oncoming truck to push a child to safety.

Providing covering fire for retreating comrades when you are mortally wounded.

These are acts of 'good deeds' and/or loyalty to save others.

TAWP's refuting that no-one is worth killing yourself over... is beyond me but that does mean that I am wrong or insensitive - it could just be that I have never felt that emotion. Indeed, I hope that I never do because it it must be incredibly traumatic to all concerned.

Condolances to all that suffer as a result of this tragedy.

So sad. No man is worth killing yourself over. (Or no woman, for that matter)

It is sad, but I would refute that no-one is worth killing yourself over...

Ok, I'll bite......then who would you say IS worth committing suicide over?

I've bitten also! 'Worth dying for' is one thing - however, worth killing yourself over?

Poor girl, that's just awful. Someone really needs to try to educate Thai women to take it down a notch... i realize it's a generalization, but they're some of the most fiery-hearted, vengeful people I've met and the culture seems to aggrandize the 'crazy girl' mentality. It's not romantic, or charmingly tragic, period. Of course who knows what motivated this girl to do what she did, and of course it happens all over the world, but I can't help but blame society a little bit.

I completley agree.

Have you ever watched the crap on channel 7 and the likes. My Mrs. watches it all the time. Its a continuous stream of bitch-slapping...... with " fiery-hearted, vengeful" themes through out..... all I can hear is "sum nam na" ever 2 minutes..... and Thai society thinks its great, and morally rewards the whole carry on......

Unfortuntely it manifests in this type of thing.

It is very sad that a young woman would kill herself in such a way...... period.

It is also sad that the bloke involved will now in some way be expected to carry guilt for this....... now unless he was a total bastard too her, but in general people get into relationships and break up every day for an infinite number of reasons...... generally if some girl takes it a bit too seriously and kills herself over it, then the tragedy is that she valued er life so low.......

Society, the media, and television has alot to answer for in thailand....... proof is in the pudding

Quote: "It is also sad that the bloke involved...."

Bloke singular? Thai news, I am informed, clearly associates an additional "bloke" not of this Nation in this terrible tragedy. And a tragedy it is indeed for a young person (regardless of gender) to end their life in such a way.