metice

I'm trying to find somewhere that sells yeast (for bread making). Is there anywhere in Phuket? Also, it would be good to find alternatives to Villa for wholemeal flour. Thanks

Thanks for the Chusak recommendation. I popped in this morning and it took him about 2 mins to issue a certificate! He knew exactly what was required.

Apparently, the labor department does not ask to see blood test paperwork. You only give them the paper that says you are free of all stated diseases with doc's signature. Is this something that Dr Chusak might be able to provide?

Can anyone recommend a hospital or clinic that knows exactly what is required for a work permit renewal medical? I believe the certificate needs to show that you are free from certain diseases. Not really interested in the Bangkok hospital or any others that view it as an opportunity to relieve you of more money than necessary!

Thanks

Asked why patrons were still inside the nightclub at 4am, Mr Thamrongsak replied, “Heavy rain started to fall at about 1am, the time we usually close. That’s why people did not want to leave the club.

“It was still packed when the fire broke out [at 4am],” he said.

Source: http://www.phuketgaz...taff-16688.html

-- Phuket Gazette 2012-08-17

How generous of them to stay open an extra 3 hours so that people didn't have to get wet.

It's the beach vendors and their goods that need rescuing today Nasty conditions

The problem is that most people simply don't understand the dangers. They go in the water thinking that it's safe to paddle waist deep, then get taken along the beach by the volume of water continuously moving, end up in a deeper area where the rip current swiftly takes from the shore. To be fair, most people who end up being rescued don't intend to go 'swimming', they are just oblivious to the strength of the water even when it's shallow.

These people don't want to be educated about the dangers; they're here on holiday to have a good time. The only way to protect them is surely to stop them entering the water. When I lived in Cornwall, the lifeguards had the authority (backed up by the police) to close the beach. I only remember it happening on one occasion and they were able to enforce it.

It might be more difficult here, especially having seen the reaction of tourists to the lifeguards when they are told not to swim. You also have to consider the safety of the lifeguards. I heard that one drowned last year at Nai Harn?

At least the surfers were having a good time

This afternoon, I witnessed four people being rescued by lifeguards in the space of 15 minutes at Kata. None of them took any notice of the clear red flags and signs stating dangerous rip currents. Two of them were extremely lucky as it took the lifeguard a while to paddle out through the big waves. A kite surfer assisted in rescuing one of them.

From the recent reports that I have seen, there have been at least 5 drownings in the past 2 weeks. It begs the question, should the lifeguards be allowed to stop people entering the water when the conditions are dangerous? I know that the law allows this in some countries and it is rigorously enforced when the rip currents are strong. I don't think they are allowed to do it here.

I heard that there is a version of the Thai building control act that has been translated into English. I was wondering if anyone knew where to find this?

I'm trying to find out more about 'non-permanent structures'. A survey by the Thailand Hotels Association reported that small accommodations such as bungalows and huts made from natural materials are not subject to the act. It would be useful to have the specifics before I start any work!

Hoping someone might be able to clarify my situation;

- I have a non immigrant O visa (multi entry)

- I took a trip to Hong Kong and flew back to Thailand on 8th March

- Applied at immigration office to renew my visa on 23rd March (received 30 days 'under consideration')

- Collected my new visa from immigration on 20th April

I'm trying to work out when my 90 days will be calculated from. I'm assuming it won't be the last date (20th April) as I wasn't technically reporting my address. I'm not sure which of the other dates it might be. Any help most appreciated.

Lifeguards in Phuket are poorly trained and can't be compared to other countries (by their own admission, 10 drowned in the Kata/Karon area last season). Even so, they receive a good salary so it seems odd that no-one wants to bid for the contract. The authorities should have a better grasp of the situation because it's scary to think that the beaches will be un-patrolled next week.

As the Director of 'Living with the Tiger', I'm very happy to be invited by LIST for a screening of the film and Q & A session on Tuesday 10th. This will be our only public event in Chiang Mai so I hope it's of interest to members of ThaiVisa.

Please don't be put off by the subject matter. It's not what you think. In fact, it's about issues that affect all of us - family, belonging and acceptance. The children that feature in the film will likely surprise many people. We receive lots of comments saying how inspiring they are.

You can also be entertained by something that rarely happens in the Thai countryside - an opera!

Look forward to seeing you there.

Mike Thomas

Director/Producer 'Living with the Tiger'

Didn't realise that they couldn't pick you up and take you to the airport. I'd rather walk than give a tuk tuk driver any money. I had some phone numbers as well but have lost them

Anyone have a phone number of a reliable meter taxi to go from Kata to the airport. I think I paid 600 baht the last few times. (or is there a central office?)

I'm looking to purchase approximately 2,000 quality t-shirts printed with our own design. I know there are many places around Pratunam but I was wondering if anyone could recommend a reliable place that they have already used? Thank you

I see the jet ski mobs ventured out late morning. I guess it's an opportunity for them; accident = more money

I read a few weeks ago that the lifeguard service had been suspended on all beaches because the contract had not been renewed. Is this still the case? The un-seasonal stormy weather and large waves over the next few days will surely lead to incidents in the water. Let's hope the authorities have resolved this otherwise people will be pointing the finger after the first drowning...

Thanks for the replies. It's actually a visa that allows me to work officially as a volunteer (with work permit). I guess it's the same however, and I can take my passport with me after submitting the forms.

I have a quick question about renewing my visa; a non-immigrant O type. I've renewed annually for the last 2 years and am due to do it again next week. I seem to remember that they extend it for 30 days while it is 'under consideration' and then it's usually approved after that. I can't remember if it's necessary to leave the passport at immigration when I submit the application. It has become an issue for me because I also need my passport for something else next week. If anyone could confirm one way or the other that would be great. Thank you.

Thanks for the advice Mario

I was wondering if it's possible to extend my non-immigrant visa while I am waiting for official paperwork. My employer has to obtain something from one of the government departments but I don't think it will be ready before the visa expires. Someone mentioned that they thought I could get an extra 7 days. If so, do I apply using the standard TM7 form (photo, 2000 baht etc..) at immigration?

Thanks in advance for your advice

I currently work as a volunteer for a foundation. I have a valid work permit and non-immigrant visa which is due to expire later this month. I have had 2 x 1 year extensions to this visa already, which were issued by Bangkok immigration office. I'm assuming that I can extend it for another year but I need to know if it's possible for someone from my foundation to make the application with all of the necessary paperwork? (I will be out of town). Are there any extra forms that I would need to sign?

Thanks

I've used a couple of local bike shops and happy to say that I have experienced the same. Couldn't believe how low the bills have been - I would have paid considerably more if demanded

Thanks for the heads up. I was thinking of taking a look but won't bother. Why bother when there are so many good beaches on Phuket that are free?

I went to the big sports shop in Jung Ceylon to buy a tennis racket. I checked a few and they all had small grips. When I asked the shop assistant he said they were all the same size (for Asian people). It sounds like the store buyer hasn't got much of a clue because there must be quite a few farang buying rackets. Anyway, I'm looking for somewhere that stocks a range of grip sizes if anyone has some suggestions. thanks