Guemlum

Hi ash, first of all, you don't really need to take that many clothes with you as you can buy absolutely everything whilst you are out there. That said, you may find that XL in Thailand is not quite the same as XL in the UK or Europe.

Back home in blighty, I'm a medium, but on a recent trip to Thailand I ended up having to buy all of my polo and t-Shirts in XL. I've noticed that alot of the tourist resorts don't really cater for larger size farrang, and you would have thought by now that they would have learnt a thing or to.

I have a friend on the island of Koh Chang that runs his own clothes shop. I told him to consider buying alot more or the larger size in both clothing and footwear, and to my recent knowledge he's selling a hel_l off alot more than the other shops nearby.

Pricewise, you shouldnt really be paying more than 2-250 baht for a polo shirt and certainly no more than 150 baht for a t-shirt. It really depend of the grade of the copy...A,B,C etc.

If you want to buy from some of the department stores located in Bangkok, then you'll probably pay more and they will likely be able to cater for the larger guy.

Hope this helps

Yes, but even more alarming according to dario in the general topics forum is that 60-70% of America's bee population has vanished without any explanation .

How can you all be worrying about who's flying out of Don Muang when we have news like this

Here are a few pics from around Nongkhai and Phon Phisai where I used to live. Decided to post BW pics as they give a timeless quality.

I heard exactly the same yesterday from my GF who also lives in Nongkhai. 3 children were kidnapped from Nongkhai on Friday afternoon and the news was told to her buy her brother-in-law who happens to be a police officer. I posted a message to inform people in this area that it was happening in both Udon and in Nongkhai and the thread was closed.

Whats that all about!!

Came across this delboy...it might help. I'm gonna look into it myself.

New Biometric trials to make travel simpler and safer

06 December 2006

A new trial, called ‘miSense’, was launched at Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 3 today. MiSense uses the latest biometric technologies to simplify a passenger’s journey through the airport while further strengthening levels of security.

The project was officially opened by the Minister for Immigration, Liam Byrne MP, and Heathrow CEO, Tony Douglas.

Having enrolled in miSense himself, Liam Byrne MP said: "Biometric ID systems are fundamental to securing our borders in a more mobile age. They are crucial to our plans for counting everyone in and out of the country. This proof of concept shows just how well the technology can work.”

The Trial, which will run until the end of January 2007, in conjunction with the airport authorities and immigration services of the U.K, Dubai and Hong Kong, the airlines Emirates and Cathay Pacific, and leading companies engaged in the Immigration and Border Security Industry.

Passengers travelling on selected Cathay Pacific and Emirates flights are being invited to participate in the first part of the miSense trial at check-in by scanning their passport and right index fingerprint into a specially designed miSense self-service kiosk. This information then becomes a passenger’s secure ‘virtual key’ which will allow them swift access to security control and aircraft boarding using their fingerprint.

The second part of the trial, miSenseplus, also uses biometric information, to trial an international registered traveller programme and fast path on departures and arrival immigration in the UK.

Anyone flying out of T3 can enrol in miSenseplus as long as they are a European Economic Area National, hold a passport valid for at least six months, be aged 18 or over and satisfy UK Government background checks. Passengers will have 13 biometrics captures (10 fingerprints, 2 irises and 1 facial image).

Participating in the trial is easy, free of charge and only takes a few minutes to enrol. Once enrolled, participants will receive a miSenseplus membership card which will allow them to enjoy fast track immigration clearance when arriving and departing.

The third part of the trial, miSenseallclear, involves the testing of interactive Advance Passenger Information (iAPI) for the UK authorities. iAPI is the capability of automatically providing border control agencies with intelligence prior to passengers boarding a plane. As each passenger checks-in, this system enables real-time interaction between airline and government systems. iAPI is already well established in countries such as Australia, Bahrain, Kuwait and New Zealand, where it is used to issue the “authority to carry” at the point of check-in. This trial will provide insight into how iAPI could be implemented in the UK.

miSense is part of IATA’s Simplifying Passenger Travel Programme, and involves a number of key airport, airline, government and technology partners, including Accenture, BAA, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, the Home Office, IER, Raytheon Systems Limited, Sagem Défense Sécurité and SITA.

Extensive research into passenger acceptability and technical performance will be conducted during the trial and used to inform the future design and operation of both airport and border control facilities and services.

For detailed information visit www.miSense.org

Good call Mark.

Firstly, alot of us are new to the visa application process and therefore rely upon the goodwilled persons on this site who have been there and got the t-shirt. I have had no end of support from like minded people so far.

Secondly, I'm sure that embassy staff do visit this website, but we are none the wiser as to who they are or even if they offer advice or not.

And thirdly, GU22 gave me some very simple advice for which I am greatful. It verified one simple query. To a newbie, he could very well be an employee and so could anyone else who gives very clear and "helpful" information.

I know we have a jokes forum, but we got to get a comedy forum on here....h90, classic one, the simple ones are always the best ones....pmsl

Well it always makes you wonder when someone so knowledgable posts very sepcific details on the subject. I'm very greatfull that GU22 has contributed and to you also Mark for the moral support you've given so far. Lets hope all go's well next week.

Ok, this might be old news but I still find it neccessary to inform all of you that live in this particular area.

My girlfriend has just called me from Nongkhai to inform me that the recent kidnappings of young children in the Roi-Et region are now occurring in the Udon Thani and Nongkhai region.

3 children yesterday between the ages of 9-11 yrs old were kidnapped from Nongkhai.

It is understood amoungst locals that they are being kidnapped for body organs....eyes, heart, and livers.

3 children were recently let go and returned to their familys in Udon minus their eyes.

The people doing this are reportedly using a minivan to kidnapp their victims.

To all of you that have young children, inform your children and educate them. Tell them to keep away form internet cafes where groups of kids gather. If a minivan pulls up along side them, tell them to run, and if not run, fly.

I hope these sick bastards are caught and served the appropriate punishment.

Thanks GU22, I'll make sure she points out the issue about her son not travelling with her despite being asked to add him to the form.

Do you work for the UK Embassy by any chance

Come to think of it Mark, and I've been over the downloaded application form one more time, but we were told by the woman at the desk when we handed over the info whether my gf had any children. She told us that we had to write this down in the section about adults accompanying children, but I explained to the woman that her son would not be visiting the UK, so therefore it was irrelevant. She told us we still had to write this down, but upon reading the question one more time, I dont see why we had to. The question only asked you to write down the names of any children travelling. Maybe Scouser has an answer or opinion on this one?

Congratulations Discopants. Glad to hear your application was accepted, and I'm sure she'll like Kent. I will find out myself next week if my long term gf has been successful or not in obtaining her tourist visa. She only wants to come over for 4 weeks holiday as well, so we've got our toes and fingers crossed right now. Well done again to both of you.

You should see my toenails Mark...like talons.

Thanks for the reply. She's got a copy of the form, or should I say a duplicate, as we made a spelling mistake on the original. I thought it best to print out 2 copies in the event of this happening. And we have no need to lie. We know each other inside out, so I cant think what else they will ask her other than the obvious "reasons for returning to Thailand" questions. Fingers crossed.

Hi guys, I was just wondering if any of you have any last minute advice for me so that I can pass on to my GF before she has her "tourist visa" application interview next week. I think we have most things covered, but its always nice to hear from the regulars or those that have been successful before. Thanks.

The Pizza man returns. The man in question is French and is reportedly a professional chef in his homeland. I saw him a few weeks back outside the train station, but he also operates outside his premises opposite the Pantawee hotel. But he wont be around for much longer. Rumour has it he's making a big loss. Or so the locals tell me.

Hi wimbledon, I was there 2 weeks ago with my gf. There are some parking spaces out the front but they may be for staff..not 100% sure, and it looked like there was some parking at the rear. I'd take a tuk tuk or taxi personally. As for timescales, we were there when the doors opened at 8.30am and was out buy 8.55am. I suppose it all depends on how busy it is on the day but I wouldnt leave it too late. And I would definately be present with your gf if I was you. Hope this helps.

Thanks to all you guys that have replied. Mark, thanks for the tip. We did look at the "tracking your application" option but wasnt aware we could print this out or download. I will have a look once I've posted this message.

We certainly havent been scammed either. We were aware of all the scammers who hang around outside and inside prior to going, and to be honest, it was so early in the morning the lazy thai buggers were probably still in bed :-p.

I dont think that we paid the 425 baht service charge but definately paid the 3750 baht application fee. And we definately had a call from the embassy as we have called the number back since. Thanks again all guys who have replied. I'll make sure the missus has plenty of money when she goes for the interview. Thanks again.

Hi all, need a bit of help quite quickly. I hope some of the regular posters on here can help.

I've recently got back from Bangkok to Nongkhai after visiting the visa application centre at Regent House where we have just applied for a tourist visa for my long term girlfriend. First of all, congratulations to the UK embassy and application centre for making the process so far very smooth. We were first into the centre and was dealt with within 25 minutes. Is this a record? The staff were very helpfull and believe it or not very organised.

Since returning, we have had a phone call asking my girlfriend to attend an interview at the embassy in a couple of weeks time, which I understand can be the norm. However, they told my girlfriend that she has to download some sort of ticket in order to attend the embassy. They asked us to visit www.ukvac-th.com where we can find this file to download, but I've spent hours trying to find this downloadable file. All I can find is application forms, which we have already filled in and given to the visa application centre.

Does anyone know what this file or ticket is that they are talking about?. We have tried calling the centre and embassy which is constantly engaged. They also mentioned that she has to pay more money. I thought that after paying the 3750 baht for the visa there was nothing else to be paid for?

Hi Dog, see the thread a few lines above this one about "Nongkhai Immigration".

The Nongkhai visa run is so easy. I used to live in Nongkhai, and for several months I did the run across the friendship bridge. It can take anywhere form 20 minutes to 2 hours max depending on how many people are there.

Once you arrive in Nongkhai, follow the signs for the friendship bridge. You cant miss them. Walk over to the booths where you will get stamped out of Thailand, then walk over to a small desk where you can buy a ticket for the bus that runs you over the bridge. Think it was about 20 baht last time I was there. Once you arrive on the other side of the bridge,head towards the two blacked out windows. Hand in the necessary details and wait for your passport to be handed back. Then walk around the side where to another booth where you will get your passport stamped for entering Laos. Simply walk around the other side and walk to another booth where you will get your passport stamped for departing Laos. Ohh, and dont forget to visit duty free first. Once you've got your departure stamp head towards the little desk where you will buy another ticket for the bus. Jump on the bus and back to Thailand. Once in Thailand, get your passport stamped at another booth and hey presto. I could do this trip so quick it was unbelievable.

Scooterboy. I once spent some time in Namsom teaching at various schools. If you want some more info, visit www.travel-to-teach.org. I'm not giving you the link in the hope that you will end up teaching with them, just that their website will have some information on the town. It wasnt for me, and was a very quiet town, although I made some great life long friends there.

Well Mr Discopants. I'm embarking down the same route as you right now. However, I have been with my girlfriend for 19 months now. I have only just finished gathering all of the necessary info together for her application. Months and months of phone bills, bank statements, my own business information, other hotel invoices, photos etc...think you get my drift.

I visit my gf every 3 months in Thailand and will be going back on 24th Feb to hand in all the info to the application centre. She only plans to come over for 4 weeks as she runs her own business and also has a son, so we are hoping that considering those are her reasons for returning, we will have a smooth application process. But things never turn out the way they should. Good luck mate and let me know what happens.

Can anyone tell me if we have to make an appointment for a tourist visa application at "The UK Visa Application Centre Bangkok", for my partner who is coming to the UK, or do we simply turn up and wait our turn in line. We have filled in all of the necessary forms already.

Thanks to all you guys that have replied. I'm in no rush to get my dog back to the UK so if it has to spend 6 months in quarantine, then so be it. My main concern is getting it back to the UK and the issues that could possibly arrise at the airport, but I've got enough info now in order to proceed. I was actually quite surprised at how cheap it is to send my dog back!!