Korat Kiwi

Is that to stop your underpants from sticking on a humid day? I just use talcum powder if required... but corn meal may be more economical!

What about humble pie? The stuff I eat after one of my spelling mistakes is highlighted!

After the initial report I thought this wouldn't end well for the Swiss national. I see it's playing out that way. Self entitled idiot is gonna get his just desserts.

Should be easy to find when they sink it... Won't need US Navy help this time. Or maybe itll become a non submersible submarine... then we'll just call it a friggit.

Well it not exactly a 600% increase like tourist visas for kiwis now is it! 5 to 10 baht.... FFS

You have to have a laugh at some of the things people do or try... As they say you can't teach stupid

Sick man that deserves the full weight of the law. (Or a bullet)

"These enhancements will incorporate state-of-the-art technology that can scrutinise power banks without requiring passengers to take off their shoes." I didn't know that we were supposed to transport power banks in our shoes.... That's a new one!

This is a recreational activity that carries risk. Like mountain biking. Most companies would/should have a risk document detailing indemnity which would be signed by the customer. Unsure if its applicable here. Things do go wrong on occasion, that's life. Is Thailand like the USA, in that if there is a smidgen of blame then you sue for all you can get? If at first you don't succeed then parachuting is not for you.

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"