Korat Kiwi

35... Way too young.

I have some great memories visiting various bars in TST when the Brits were still renting the place. I was a lot younger then and probably got more <deleted> faced than was wise. Still I didn't get into trouble and managed to find my way home. Fun days

I guess he got too see them naked shortly thereafter. Smart guy

Well good luck with that..... I hope it bites them in the butt. Greedy corporates trying to get the last drop of blood out of customers by actually no additional effort. Dick wads

Because the cost of living in NZ is astronomical. Unless you own your own home expect to pay at least half your wage on rent... if you can find a rental. Price of food has skyrocketed due in part to having only 2 main companies controlling the majority of the supermarkets. Those with a job (middle income) are supporting the bludgers who for generations have lived off the governments welfare pay outs. Whereas corporate bosses pay their financial whizz kids to keep their tax liabilities low. (To be expected). It's been that way in NZ for years. The middle man works the hardest to make ends meet. And ends up paying the most in tax with F all relief from any government department. So yeah... I'm over NZ. Lovely place to visit. Just don't try to live there

These stories cease to amaze me. It appears that no two Immigration Offices operate the same. They may all have the same rule books but interpretation is wild and varies from immigration officer to immigration officer. Why so many hurdles? Is it the unofficial push for customers to use agents, so staff can indirectly begin to get a reasonable salary? No wonder people are getting miffed with this bureaucracy.

Australians DO take TukTuks...

I must say that I've only been to Vientiane for visa purposes at the Thai consulate, therefore my view of the place is not large. There is some nice eating places in Vientiane I must admit. I did see quite a few foreigners there too and some big houses etc. One visit we were eating at a well known establishment and enjoying a cold beer Lao and I overheard a conversation at a neighbouring table. Initial thought was that they had to be UN workers. Within 5 minutes my suspicions were confirmed. There was this pretentiousness or maybe arrogance in the way they were talking rather loudly. About a new car or the new residence they had moved into. Was I shocked? Not really. Most UN staff I've met were a bit self entitled. But there are those that really believe in the 'cause' and can be genuine people. For me Vientiane would be out. Cambodia and Vietnam however look to be interesting prospects. Cambodia having a retirement programme is ahead of Vietnam because they don't. But tying it all together as has been mentioned.... You could just spend 3 months in each of: Thailand/Laos/Cambodia /Vietnam Could be the life?

Seized from him was a stolen Louise Vuitton bag, Pinko bag, Versace bag, diamond earrings, 25,000 Baht in cash, and four credit cards. He is facing charges of night theft. Didn't know Louis Vuitton had a sister... And I wonder if the punishment is more severe for night theft vs day theft. Strange framing of charges. A bit like one I remember back in NZ: The alleged assailant "threatened with menaces". English language huh?

Seems like you may have found your kiwis in the bar scene. And I'd be the first to acknowledge that some kiwis are terrible with booze. Those kiwis that don't live by the booze are I would like to think a bit more laid back. I personally like to have a beer or 2, but know my limit. Have a great time and leave if I think it could go pear shaped. Never had a problem in Thailand and had many expat friends when living in Chiang Mai. Maybe these visa increases will keep the riff raff away?

Cheers for the info. Hopefully they will adjust that and get onto the tourist/retirement train soon. I think it could be a good jaunt for us.

Hi Greg, Surprised no replies yet. I'm a kiwi in my early 60s and looking at Vietnam too. I think Thailand is going to hell, not the place I remember only 12 years ago. I'll keep you posted when I find more info. If Vietnam doesn't pan out then maybe Cambodia... Sihanoukville. But I want to go look first. Have heard both good and bad things about that place. Regards Andy

I hear all the talk about the visa fees not being increased for a while, and that they normally have a big jump when they do decide to increase them. OK so what difference have they made to their immigration/tourism etc to warrant such a leap? Is it now 600% easier to get through immigration (airport)? Are the tourist attractions 600%,better? Bang for the buck doesn't really add up. I agree what another post says. Come here for 30 days under visa exempt. Apply for an extension if required. And if you want to stay longer.... Do a border run. I think this may just be the start... Other visas may get hit with a price hike soon. It may no longer be the land of smiles for us retirees. I'm thinking Robbie Williams... Good Morning Vietnam has a nice ring to it.

Cheers for the updates George... You're doing a great job passing on important info.

Captain : "I am certain that I told the rating to ensure the bung was put back in before we sailed" Rating: "But I thought he was talking about my butt plug"

Stole from the wrong people. Retribution can be swift. He won't do it again

I expect those coming for a holiday will likely just use visa exempt at the airport anyways. Most will holiday for 30 days or less.

I saw a bottle of Capt Morgan at 7- 11 a few weeks back. Only 399 but then it looked insipid as heck. Decided to give it a miss. Watered down bitch piss I think. Love to get my hands on some decent dark Rum.

Didn't notice an increase in Sang Som... still 295 at local Lotussss for the 700 size bottle.

Hooters with burqas... Tempting, as long as mine is a cheese and bacon burqa

You got me going there for a moment, I thought you wrote... No Hooters in sight

Well I think the TAT have shot themselves in the foot on this one.

We're also visa exempt so can come in free for 30 days. Then jump across to Vientiane for Tourist visa which gives another 60 days and once that's nearly done apply for a 30 day extension. Why would anyone pay those new prices?

That's just dumb. Fly to Vientiane and get a tourist visa for 1900 baht. That's just NZ$85 I knew things were expensive in NZ (and that's one of the reasons why I left Nov 2023) but I thought Thailand was suppose to be encouraging people to come visit. Crazy crazy crazy

I hear what you're saying. I've done a few places that people may have deemed dodgy, Iraq, Afghanistan, Bougainville to name a few. Actually had a great time in all those places. I'm now looking at Dump truck driving in WA. And I'm in my 60s too.