padfoot

Thanks, will give a try.

I do not post a lot, but I notice my number of posts is stuck on 19. I am I doing something wrong? I have posted many more than that. How do I get the the count to start increasing. Maybe some day I might reach 1,000. Thanks.

I am no expert. I have taken some classes here in the states. It is basic stuff, no reading and writing. The trouble i have when in Thailand is translating what I have heard. My brain doesn't work fast enough, unless the conversation is slow. Hopefully, with more time spent in Thailand, it will get better. I also believe, for me, learning to read and write will be a big help.

I don't think it is just a Thai thing. Most women, no matter where, do not want to marry a dead beat. They want a man who can hold down a job and will not piddle away all the money. At the same time, there are those who only look for the money.

South Park had a show about the internet being gone. It was hilarious. The only internet available was in Silicon Valley, so there was a giant migration there. The internet was rationed by the army and there was no private internet for the adults.

My first trip was in '68 for R&R. I spent four days with a fabulous girl who showed me many places that most guys did not go to. She turned me on to Thai food and as much of the culture as possible in such a short time. When plane left I remember thinking "I have to come back here". It took 38 years, but I've been back three times. I've been to Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Udon Thani and Khon Kaen, and I've enjoyed every place I've been. The next trip is in September for six months. It can seem like such a long time to wait.

I believe it will slow down, but it is not going to stop. There are many people going to Thailand. It is still a popular destination for people in my little corner of the world, from young couples to grandmas, to the single guy.

Sure, I could live without the 'net, but I don't want to. All my bills are paid on the 'net, I buy my music on the 'net, along with many other items that are difficult to find, like cell phone batteries and hard to find books. When I'm in Thailand it is how I stay in contact with family and friends. But if it was gone, I would get by.

If you google 'thai consulate portland' you will find their web site. They have directions and contact information.

Cluezo, I hope you are well now and that you have no permanent injuries. Back here in the states if you flip some one off you run the very real chance of being shot. It didn't use to be that way, but now there are a lot of angry people on the road. Again, I hope you are well and recover fully.

Every able bodied man? He says nothing about age. There are a lot of older guys, who are in good shape, who can't do all that.

4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, March '68 to November '69. This was, also, my route to Thailand. My first R&R was Bangkok. I thought "Shit I just survived four months in Nam and now I'm gonna die in a cab wreck". But I had a blast. I hope to be moving to Thailand next year.

"Let's hunt some Orc" Aragon at the end of Fellowship of the Ring

I have been a tourist three times in the last year and a half. I plan on being there this fall and winter for a six month stay; a kind of practice run to see if I want to retire there. I have met several expats and have found their advice very helpful. I have also met some tourists that I wanted nothing to do with, thinking that I hope the didn't act that way at home. I hope that I am the kind of person that treats everyone with respect, though I know that's impossible. I like the think everyone was a tourist at some time and if I do move there I can be helpful to anyone having questions. I do appreciate all the members of this board for providing such a good source of information.

I have been reading this site for a while now and figure it is time to introduce myself. I am from Seattle, USA. I have been to Thailand three times in the last year and a half. I am considering moving to Thailand. My next trip is planned for early September for a six month stay. If I still like as I do now then the move will happen. I also want to say thanks to everybody for their posts; you have been very helpfull.

I live in Seattle and there are many Thai restaurants. Most of them are Thai owned. My favorite is Thai One On; I get a chance to practice my limited Thai language skills with their staff.

and the rumor, that an application for retirement can only be submitted in my 'home country' is definitely wrong?

If the rumor meant 'application for retirement visa,' then it's correct, as the so-called 'retirement visa' -- the Non Immigrant O-A -- can only be obtained outside Thailand, and is issued by the MFA at their embassies and consulates.

In the last few years, Thai Immigration has been able to issue Non Imm O visas within Thailand to those who otherwise qualify for retirement, with the next step being the issuance of a one-year permitted to stay stamp. But, this is NOT the same as a Non Imm O-A visa (tho' the results are the same, allowing a one-year permission of stay).

MFA, however, thinks Immigration issues Non Imm O-A visas to retirement-eligible applicants -- not the actual Non Imm O visas with extension of stay stamps. Why this misinformation? Hubris, probably, since MFA is the visa-issuing guru -- and Immigration surely wouldn't differ from the guru.........

Anyway, the confusion is understandable when visas are confused with permitted to stay stamps -- and the confusion is furthered by erroneous info on MFA websites.

As far as Non Imm O-A visas only being issued in one's 'home country' .......... This may or may not be the case all the time. But, as one example, the LA Consulate will only issue O-A visas to US citizens or permanent residents. This may be the case elsewhere too. (But I don't know for a fact.)

I have a couple of questions here, what is the advantage of getting a Non Imm O-A in ones home country? In the long run does it make any difference? It seems that getting a Non Imm O visa in Thailand is the easier route with fewer hoops to jump through.

Lawrence of Arabia is my favorite of all time. I saw it last week here in Seattle at the Cinerama theatre. They bring it in about every other year and I always go.

Cocaine Blues by Johnny Cash

Comedian Rush Limbaugh is my source for the unvarnished truth.

I have been sober for almost 14 years and my life is much better. I go to AA. It is what works for me. If I was still drinking, I would never be making trips to Thailand and be considering retiring there. One thing about AA, you need to go to several meetings before making a judgment about if it's for you or not. For all those trying to stop drinking, I wish you the best. It was the the best thing I have ever done in my life.