neilrob

They do not start until 8.30 ,25 mins it cannot take a couple of minutes if their is a pile of forms in the tray .1 in 5 might of got done in a couple of minutes .this system is a lot better when your number comes up you are seen to .If you have to wait go for a coffee does it really matter.

A year ago you walked up to the window, they took your form and stamped it then and there and handed back the receipt. And yes, every one did only take two minutes---a 90 day report was a walk in and walk out affair.

90 day report done today for my wife and myself .Arrived at 8.15 got a ticket 4 in front of me .They started at 8 30 i was on my way out at 8.55 It was a a lot more effeciant than the previous system.As long as you go with all your forms completed and have everything you need your waiting time will be reduced considerably.

A year ago this futile, pointless (see McGriffith's comments above) 90 day report used to take no more than a couple of minutes, as a number of posters have noted. Forty (!) minutes is a real backward step.

I wonder if attitude has anything to do with it.

MSPain

Attitude was not a factor based on my observations in my recent visits to immigration, and the associated waits. One thing about the ticket queueing system is that they don't know who number 4XX is and whether or not their attitude is good until they are called. Furthermore, of all the people I saw being dealt with at the office, none showed signs of a poor attitude that I could see---no raised voices and everyone (on both sides of the counter) seemed quite polite. My attitude is about as good as it gets---I dress smartly, smile and wai all officials I dealt with. The problem is the long wait before you are called because of such issues as the small number of officers working on visa extensions and the increased requirements for the 90 day report etc.

My experience today was similar to that which McGriffith reports. My last two retirement extensions (2007 & 2008) took only between an hour and 90 minutes each, including getting a re-entry permit at the same time---I wrote a post on this forum praising their performance. Today I arrived early and it took three hours just for the retirement extension. A re-entry permit comes in a different category on the ticket numbering system, so I was told I had to start from the beginning with a new number for that. By then the ticket machine was closed, so I decided to come back some other day. So my experience was by far the worst I've ever had. Since some people want a multiple re-entry permit at the same time as a new extension (as the old permit dies when you get the extension), separating them out like this is a real step backwards.

I see a post above praising immigration that the 90 day report took only (!) 20 minutes. A year or more ago this was an in and out process never taking more than a few minutes. So again a step backwards.

I don't like griping about Thailand---there are many good things to be said about the country. However in this one area I do think the government is helping to shoot the economy in the foot by making expats feel unwelcome with the 90 day reports, which surely are of no use to anyone---I've never known anyone to check that I'm actually at the address I give.

Is it me. I have not seen any reporting of the mayoral election in Chiang Mai in any of the english Thai news media.

Go to "Chiang Mai Mail" (http://www.chiangmai-mail.com/current/news.shtml#hd4), click on News

And it's on the front page of the print edition.

I found it quite curious that after a number of negative posts about the Chiang Mai Mail were posted that the thread was quickly shut down. No chance for those that find this news vehicle worthy of a retort. I checked the last 6 issues and scanned them for a change of focus and saw no change. The OP of that thread has an agenda to discredit the CMM, is my read. IMHO.

I agree---there are a lot of positive things to say about the CM Mail. Some of the criticism is very ill-informed and apparently comes from people who have not read the paper in years.

I used to be taught by Ting from http://www.easystudythai.com/

Great guy and reasonable prices! He can teach in your home or wherever.

Chok dee!

Thanks---I'll follow up on this.

Thanks for the various suggestions which have given me some good ideas to try. The leg is long since healed (except for the nerve damage which I believe is unlikely to get better now), so a cast would not be appropriate. I have tried various splints and unfortunately they just cause her to drag her whole leg, instead of just the tip of her paw. I'm currently trying the soft leather shoe suggested by bina. She doesn't much like it and tries to get it off, but I think I'm winning! Thanks again.

I know this topic has been covered before, but my searches of the forum do not help. I'm looking for a tutor to come to my house (near Carrefour) one or two afternoons during the week to teach me advanced-intermediate level Thai. Since I want to study during office hours, this probably rules out a teacher who works at eg. AUA or Payap, since they would be busy. I'd be grateful for any recommendations.

Thanks for the suggestions---I'll try them.

One of my cats cut her rear leg badly. She is now recovered except that she has lost control of her paw and often drags it, upper side down. To prevent wounds to her foot I put on a sock. I make socks from the fingers of cotton work gloves, taped in place with bandage tape. This works, except they don't last long. I've racked my brains for a better substitute, but can't think of one. I'd appreciate any ideas, preferably using something available in Chiang Mai. Thanks.

Our current housekeeper has to go back to her home province. So we are looking for someone who is reliable and honest to live in and do mainly cooking. English speaking not necessary. Just wondering if someone knows of such (maybe because they are relocating and have a good housekeeper who is looking for a new job?). Our house is near Carrefour. Would be grateful for any leads.

There is a regular Monday evening game in CM. PM me for information.

Neilrob, a lot has been written on the thai justice system. Think in a thai way not an american way

What on earth is that supposed to mean? It certainly shows a very patronising attitude---you are saying how much more you know about Thailand because you know how to think in a "Thai" way while I am stuck with an "American" way---are you really Thai?. The question is whether the rumours referred to by Paagai have any foundation. How does a "Thai" way of thinking versus an "American" way of thinking, whatever those are, affect the truth or falseness of a rumour? It is either true or false (this one is false). What makes you think I'm American? Maybe you think I am a Thai who thinks like an American---I would think the way I spell "rumours" would make you wonder, if you stopped to think before posting (either in a Thai way or an American way. or whatever nationality you are way).

My understanding is that they originally arrested two of them. The third fled to Burma. The police deliberately downplayed his role with the hope he would try and return to Thailand, believing that he was not being actively sought. He fell for it and tried to cross the border, was arrested at the border post and is in custody. Don't believe rumours!

In the case of David Crisp's murder, my understanding is that the people who did it have been arrested. There is plenty of evidence against them and they have confessed. I have not heard that they have been tried yet---has anyone else heard about a trial? In view of the evidence and confessions I would expect the trial to be brief. Neil

Heard some disturbing rumours recently that all may not be as it seems alledgedly the justice system is operating true to form

What sort of rumours? Please be more specific. There are plenty of rumours going around about almost anything, most of them with no basis in fact (witness all the unfounded speculation that was written on this topic on Thai Visa after the murder). Do the rumours you are talking about come from a source who might actually know something? My understanding is that this is an open and shut case and the accused are not people with any sort of influence who might be able to affect the justice system. What have you heard that is contrary to this and that is credible?

Went there last night---thought the food and friendly atmosphere were very good and the prices remarkable. Neil

In the case of David Crisp's murder, my understanding is that the people who did it have been arrested. There is plenty of evidence against them and they have confessed. I have not heard that they have been tried yet---has anyone else heard about a trial? In view of the evidence and confessions I would expect the trial to be brief. Neil

I've had both and much prefer the salt water pool. In respect of chemicals, it just looks after itself (any need to add more salt is very infrequent). Neil

Another vote for Rimping. Although some items are higher than elsewhere, I have found many which are better priced. I don't think anyone has mentioned that their wine selection and prices are surprisingly good. I have never had the problem mentioned by the original poster (although I am sure that was the fault of the supplier rather than Rimping).

Can anyone tell me where I can find a litter box for a cat, and some litter to put in it? I've seen plenty of cat food around, but no litter supplies, and our kitty needs an indoor bathroom.

Also Carrefour, on the Superhighway, has both.

I have eaten at La Favola, the Italian restaurant in Le Meridien, several times. It was the best Italian food I've had in CM, but not cheap. I have not yet eaten at their buffet, but I'm sure they must be better than the Holiday Inn, since the Holiday Inn food is not even in the same league as La Favola.

Strange---you'd have to PAY me more than 800B to attend this sort of event, sure to be full of boring speeches (I've been to things like this before). I've certainly seen it widely promoted and I know that many farangs have bought tickets. It may even be sold out so there must be many who like such---the world is indeed a strange place.

interesting!

barclays recently sent me a new connect card to thailand no problem (from the offshore IOM section). what is the difference?

Maybe Barclays finally realised how much they were alienating good customers with their unreasonable attitude. I would not take my business back to them if they paid me---HSBC is so much better.

Hi Mac,

Glad to hear that construction is in progress. Whereabouts is the school in CM?

Neil