misterme

I live and work here. I’ve been here the better part of 15 years.

My salary here now, with the declining foreign currency is equivalent to a 30% wage increase. $1500 at old rates is now $2000 at current rates.

Why would I leave?

Anyone selling a condo here and transferring it to home currency could make a killing... until they needed to convert it to Baht again :- o

As an update, I'll let you all know that I was successful in my visa extension. Thanks to all. The advice here set me on track.

Following advice here, I went to the labor office and Immigration a few times, in advance. I found out that this was technically possible, but immigration wouldn't make any promises. They would be happy to post date my visa. But, I found out that the labor office wouldn't post date the cancellation of my work permit. That could only be done on the last day of my employment. So, I started to get things ready.

Ubonjoe, who always has solid advice, posted requirements for private universities. By copying and pasting into google the conditions he posted, I was able to read the next clause of the immigration law that applied to me. Since I am attending a government university, the letter was almost all I needed.

I arranged, with great difficulty, my last day of work to be paid leave. First thing I went to the labor office who processed the cancellation of my work permit, which they kept, and I took the letter of cancellation to immigration where my visa was cancelled. I screamed to the airport and flew to Bangkok and then took a taxi from Don Meuang to Immigration. 

It was pretty well as expected. There were about 4 forms for me to fill out (personal data, acknowledge the overstay penalties, and a few more). I got my number once I filled them out and had all my copies.. Then it was all just waiting in line.

I applied for a 1 year extension. I got 8 months, which is just past the next term. 

So, I did it. Went from extension from work permit to extension based on studying at a university. But, I had to do it all in the same day. Thanks to those here... not just for your help in this thread. But, in all of them, for all of us. Because of Thai visa and the informed peopel who contribute, we are better able to understand and live within these immigration rules and conditions.

peace out!

Didn't mean to be cryptic. Since it now seems technically possible, I'll lay all the rest out.

Current extension based on work permit. I live in the south.

I am also a full time university student. I attend classes every weekend, in Bangkok. It is one of the higher rated universities in Thailand. My GPA is fine. I've missed 1 class in the last 18 months. Director signed the request for extension letter the day I asked for it.

My plan is to cancel the visa, fly to BKK, and apply for my extension same day.

Advice, complications, caveats welcome.

I am currently working. All documents in order. The actual visa expired long ago and I'm on my second annual extension (extended through next year).

I have quit my job. My last day will be later this month.  My employer has agreed to produce a letter to cancel my visa/wp.

I have another method to stay in the country, which is completely legitimate. I have the letter signed requesting a one year extension (it's not work).

Am I correct in assuming that I can cancel my visa on my last day of employment and then apply for a new 1 year extension? Do I need to get a 1 week extension or is it possible without it?

(I have a couple more variables. But, if this much is impossible, then I'll let the thread die as it is.)

TY in advance :-) 

The MSG in street food like Som Tam is the reason I avoid it.

"There also seems to be a common misconception that all farang will be ripped off by their wives and end up losing everything. To be honest, in the 5 years I have been here, I am yet to meet a farang who has fallen this way. I know many have, but more the type who come here on holiday, hook up with a bar girl and is lured up to Isaan and milked. But considering the staggering amount of expats in Thailand, this is very very rare. Most people are not so stupid to get sucked in that far.... So again extremely isolated cases."

I agree. Someone has rose colored glasses on.

The INDUSTRY of deceiving foreigners is one of the truest, sadest aspects of this country.

I'd hardly call it rare!

I'd be more likely to call it prevalent. So much so, that many Thais consider it an ethical way to generate wealth.

I just downgraded from Platinum to "Super Family"

At 899 I think it's a good value. Still lots of HD channels, some movies, sports and documentaries.

1000 complaints per month.... and they are doing NOTHING ABOUT IT!

???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Indeed. And I'm sure accidents as some try to run the red light... and the car/bike in front stops. :-o

As I've witnessed over the years... PATONG seems to work better WITHOUT traffic lights than with them.

This week they have tried turning them on at various intersections along Pang Meuang Sai Gor Rd. (3rd road, behind Jungcelon).

It seems to have helped at the Prabaramee intersection (by the gas pump). But, it's causing an awful between Sai Nam Yen and T. Nam Sia, especially behind Jungceylon.

The problem seems to be that they need to stop all 3 other directions of traffic, so the backlogs are terrible.

If Thai's could just learn to follow common sense, they could just alternate and have both directions green at the same time.

I wonder how long before they turn the systems off again???? What do you all think?

"The minimum, taxable monthly salary for most nationalities is 50,000 baht." What about changing these silly draconian laws, and actually adapt the tax to the real salary, and not on one based on race or nationality.

Time to wake up and step in to the 21st century. Give residency and work permit to those married to a Thai national, ease up burocracy for work permits....wishful thinking probably.

Thai laws are made on another planet far from reality, no wonder so many break the law.

So if 50,000 THB monthly is required salary for a work permit, then how do those from the Philippines get work permits when they are paid

half what a native speaker would be earning. I thought for some reason it was 60,000 THB per month but that may have changed.

Because, as usual, the article/post if full of misinformation.

50,000 THB is not required for a work permit. For most occupations, for citizens of most countries, 50K IS required for a 1 year extension after the visa/entry stamp is about to expire.

For teachers, there is no minimum salary for a 1 year visa extension. They are free to hire teachers from the Philippines, or anywhere else for that matter. The school only has to pay the tax on the actual salary.

Are you using your 90 days and then a quick in and out? If so, you may look like you're working illegally.

OR

Are you leaving Thailand regularly for a period of a few weeks?

You don't need a work permit if you're not working. A non B will do fine.

But how does your story appear to the immigration agent. If it looks like you're only in Thailand...

well, you get my point.

Either way, tell us how it goes. First hand info is better then the barrage of rumors and misleading headlines.

Don't forget a map of your residence, the pictures of you and your wife. IIRC, there may be a few others, tabien baan, photocopies of EVERY page of your passport (even the blank ones), photos of yourself, etc.

Here in Phuket, a marriage extension gets you a one month temporary extension. After one month you go back and get the remaining 11 months.

I just don't want you to be disappointed by not having all the stuff

Why does this forum attract ignorance and stupidity? You are complaining about criminals when you were illegally running a business for a year! It was leave the next day or get deported. Again you broke the law by not keeping 400,000 Baht in your account prior to renewing your visa. I will let the forum rip you to bits Mr. Perfect

There is NO LAW that requires anyone to have 400K in the bank. There's a requirement IF you apply for an extension by marriage, which this poster didn't.

What law was broken? 55555 Color me confused.

What happened to the 60 day stamp without a visa for 7 countries (UK, USA, Australia, etc).

I don't believe that they are enforcing existing laws (policy maybe, but not law) How can they change the rules without an act of government?

I see this as very bad. Just like the Ranong policy flip.

(FWIW, I have a 1 yr Non, and am at home in my country now) I think it's bad policy, unfair, and short sighted.

The passengers demanded that the baggage be removed from the aircraft and checked.

Says it all really doesn't it.

Why were the aircrew not automatically responding with a full security breach procedure?

Why were the airport not automatically responding with a full security breach procedure?

Why has the individual been released before a full enquiry into the incident has been completed?

Thailand air security - Mai Bpen Rai.

If he had no ticket, he didn't even go to the check-in counter. How would there be any checked luggage.

Perhaps you have noticed, when you board a plane they usually check your boarding pass as you enter the plane. In many countries they also announce "This flight is going to XXX. If you are booked to another city, you have boarded the wrong flight". Do you think this is an isolated event. These procedures come from and abundance of similar events.

lomatopo and Guitar God have both posted incidents of it on this thread too.

The security should have picked this up.

I haven't flown out of Hat Yai for a while but you usually have to show your boarding pass and passport just after the hand luggage scanner in order to gain access to the departure area.

I boarded a TG flight from Yangon a few weeks ago and a middle eastern man was pushing to get off as he had got on the wrong flight!!!

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Seems to me that this only became an issue when the passenger who's seat was taken complained.. In many cases, he would probably have just taken another empty seat (assuming the aircraft was not full), and no one would have been any the wiser.

Begs the question, how many times has a similar security lapse occurred....

Nok air should loose it's licence over this without a shadow of a doubt.

I would guess this happens regularly enough, in Thailand and around the world.

I'm amazed only 20 passengers chose to take issue with the airline, and to demand a change of plane. ALL the passengers should have been doing so, and vociferously.

I see no reason for changing planes. What would be the logic behind that?

Perhaps deplaning, and sending all pax through the metal detectors and xrays for carry ons. That's about it.

Checking ID is a revenue management tool, it provides no real security whatsoever.

Agree 100% with Guitar God

I'd fly Nok again. In fact, I will go further. In Thailand, if one airline takes a shortcut they all do. I wouldn't be so sure that these problems are limited to Nok.

I found some in a food court in Pantip Plaza some time ago. Pretty darn authentic too, I might add.

Let me pose this hypothetical question:

Supposing you were the owner of a nice motorbike and you wanted to sell it. Let's say the bike was a 2 year old Kawasaki ER6-n and you valued it at 200,000THB. You advertise it on our beloved Thai Visa classifieds and the phone rings within 10 minutes. You arrange to meet a fellow farang who is keen on the bike. Guy shows up, likes the bike and wants a test ride. What do you say? "sure, here's the keys, go for it"? Err, what about collateral? What do you have to stop him clearing off with your 200,000THB bike?

Anyone with two brain cells to rub together is going to want some form of security before letting a substantial asset out of their sight to a guy they have never met before. OK so what do you ask for? His first born son? Nah, he's back in Farangland. His wife? Nah, you don't want her sitting around. I know, a full value cash deposit. The guy says, "bloody hell, I don't have it on me". OK then, what about your passport - after all, if you clear off or stuff my bike up, you can't leave the country without it.

Think about it. What would you do and what are the alternatives to ensure your asset is covered?

And yes, I am a farang bike rental operator.

Cheers,

Pikey.

This scenario is flawed, firstly it is highly unlikely that someone on holiday is going to want to buy your bike !

Anyone interested in buying it, is going to be resident, probably arrive in another vehicle and you have other seperate and normal actions to take for that.

This OP and most of this thread is aimed at rental, people here for a short period etc, if that is your business then you shoukd have adequate insurance against ALL possibilies or you shoukdnt be in business or moan about it when it goes wrong because you were too cheap or chose to take a gamble.

The passport "angle" is just a form of ransom, many fall for and others exploit .

Ask for a reasonable deposit against damage by all means, if they dont have it, they dont rent it, simple!

If theft or total loss is your concern then we are back to the insurance you SHOULD have.

Retaining a passport is cowardice and unprofessional, car hire firms dont do it, why should bikes be any different.

Why is this an issue?

I have no problem renting a bike and leaving my passport. What is the risk?

When i return the bike, I get the passport back.

I have also rented bikes and taken passports for the deposit. No one declined to leave their passport. I never extorted money from them.

I think this thread is a paranoia campaign. I repeat. Why is this even an issue?

Every underpass and elevated road that bypasses the congested intersections has alleviated traffic at the intersections. In fact, once the traffic flows better, land values increase.

Asok is a difficult one because it has the busy ring road intersection, plus a skytrain and a subway. An elevated roadway seems to be the only solution. Rama IV and Rama IX intersections are also congested and included in this plan.

They are solving all 3 intersections with this 1 project. I think they should start yesterday.

The document is free "officially"

But I have paid 500THB for it before, a few times. Last time I was not charged (although everyone else was). Note, you will NOT get a receipt for this FEE.

In Phuket You need an adress certificate, the drivers licence office do not accept the yellow book for a drivers licence new or renewal.

YMMV, in Phuket this is my experience.

To renew my DL the yellow book was enough.

To register a motorcycle, I needed an Immigration letter, yellow book was not enough.

To register my car, yellow book was fine (assuming the dealer has the leverage)

Hong Kong is now stamp free for tourist visas.

Why not just go to HK early?

Is 'causing a Thai national to lose face' a criminal charge now?

Causing Thai nationals to lose face is a criminal charge. It's called "damaging the image of Thailand." just as the police stated in the article.

No, it's not a criminal offense, where did you get that idea from?

I would love to see the meeting of ambassadors discuss the police chief's ridiculous stance on this - negating assault with a deadly weapon (even if it was a fake as the victim didn't know this)

Yes, it is an offense taken very seriously by Thais and the legal system here. It relates to the Kingdom and anything causing the ruler to lose face.

This is one law you don't want to challenge.

A few points.

The police is worried about HIS JOB. The minute this blows up, he's transferred to a outer province (byebye tea money).

Just as in most instances when 'crackdown's are announced, they are in response to heat from Bangkok coming down.

I say definitely a real gun, replaced after the fact (if this man is involved with the police, and has a licensed weapon, I'll bet it matches)

Thai people use the same word/meaning for wife and girlfriend. Doesn't mean they were legally married. I doubt they were legally married.

This video is important because it shows a side rarely captured. Those of us who live here know the dangers. Death is all around us here... I call it "ASSISTED SUICIDE". They would call it murder in my country.

As for Thailand's reputation. The only way to recover it at this point is to jail the assailant. We all know that won't happen.

I don't believe this story. Some things don't add up.

ALL MOB BEATINGS that I have witnessed in Thailand are Thais, who join in punching, kicking, and stomping after the fact, with no sense of hesitation.

The fact that XXX Disco is brought up makes me wonder if they were in, and kicked out.

I would not be surprised if the two were drunk and argumentative. That wouldn't be enough to warrant a beating that leads to a broken leg.

Don't expect them to even hint at the truth until they are back in Oz. Until then I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt. The Bangla area is prone to mob beatings because of the high number of Thai men in the area, bouncers, tuk tuk, motorcycles, etc.