Keithangel

per post on lp-tt fees have increased roughly 100%

Crazy Prices

The 38 day extension makes up with a free 21 day on arrival from the UK so around £32 for the first two months at the moment a free 60 day tourist visa from Hull has a £14+ admin fee but normaly Its broadly the same

The Thai governement needs to wake up and smell the coffee, there are places such as Vietname to visit that are just as nice and far less expensive same with the Philippines. Thailand is pricing and governing themselves out of the tourism market.

I hope someone from the government is listening.

Having spent six months in the Phils last year instead of Thailand I wouldnt say it was cheaper I was in and around Cebu and accomadation is much higher 1300per day for a half decent hotel compared to 5000 a month in Chiang Rai for example and its clear there are many areas in cebu you could not safely go ive never felt that in Thai

The food is both much better and cheaper in Thailand in fact if you moved all the beautiful women who speak English from the Phils it would be no contest LOL

or in my case to Chiang Rai the train or Chaing Mai and a short bus trip

I am really looking for some advice regarding what seems to be a very difficult situation. Basically my Thai girlfriend is an illegal immigrant in Thailand. She ended up in her current situation through no choice of her own and the problem is really ruining her life! Here is a brief synopsis of her situation: Her father was Thai (now deceased), her mother is Vietnamese. She was born in Vietnam where she lived for 10 years with her parents and siblings. Due to a family crisis back in Thailand, her father sneaked her back into Thailand with the rest of her family. Her father died some two years later. They have been living in Thailand as Thais, although illegal immigrants I guess, with her father's extended family for ten years now. They have pretty much denounced their Vietnamese background e.g. my girlfriend speaks fluent Thai but would now struggle to string a single sentence together in Vietnamese. She suffers from a lack of official papers - let's just say it appears her parents weren't incredibly forward thinking! Her parents met in Vietnam - I'm not sure if there are any official marriage papers at all - if they exist they are Vietnamese. I am not even sure if her birth was officially registered in Vietnam, and if it was, I'm not sure if her mother has a copy of her birth certificate.

I met her on a four-month stay in Thailand and have been seeing her for another 2 years through extended holidays to Thailand. She is incredibly loving and sweet and I would really love to give it a go at settling down with her. Her dream is to have a loving husband, a house and babies - not too different from a lot of girls! I'm certain that she wants this with me but I've been keeping her in limbo for two years now and the situation is becoming critical now. I have British and Australian citizenship. I am not rich but I am a well qualified professional and can easily find well paid work in either of these countries. The simple advice appears for me to go live in Thailand. The problem is that I couldn't really pursue my career to any significant level in Thailand and I feel I am too young to effectively give up my career for a relationship, unless I really have to! I would really love for my girlfriend to stay with me in Australia or England (preferably Oz). We don't know how to go about this and she is becoming incredibly upset and sad. Does anyone know of any potential options that we could pursue? I would happily consider a Thai or Australian marriage if this helped. If I could get her out of the country she would also need the freedom to go back to Thailand to see her family. Any plan would also mean not dropping the rest of her family in the sh*t with the authorities! Her mother trusts me but she is still a little cagey when discussing the situation. Her mother's English is also not fantastic and my Thai extremely basic - which doesn't help, but I believe she wants her daughter to be happy and will try, without risking the rest of her family, to support our plans. I would love to find a 100% legitimate solution to the problem and am willing to jump through hoops and throw money at the problem if necessary. I feel strongly that my girlfriend should have the civil rights to some freedom of travel and should have the right to some form of legitimate citizenship on this earth! However, if this cannot be achieved, I would consider higher risk, less legitimate methods of obtaining papers – I'm not sure such practices can be discussed in detail on this forum. I would appreciate any suggestions on how to proceed or who I could talk to for advice. I would also be extremely grateful to hear from anybody who has managed to overcome this type of problem before.

I think the practical answers can be extracted fairly easily from the combined responses but there is one other possibility, knowing a bit about Thai culture which is that she may be willing to have the partnership family etc with you but only in Thailand and that this is then clearly a face saver when you must have said you want to be with her and pursue your career outside the kingdom, You say you have left her in limbo land for two years but don't say how? It may be that you are being presented with a make or break "situation" because of her and her families unstated conditions

The Brittania hands down

these people

Chloe, what do you mean by "these people" specifically? Are you saying the two perps were part of a specific gang or mafia? Would you care to elaborate because the term these people leaves a bit too much to the imagination.

Yes 'these people' who have been taken in to cutody are part of a global mafia organization with involvement in Drugs, gun running, people trafficking, extortion, kidnapping etc etc.

Chloe.

No offence taken S I just wanted to focus this entire thread on its perhaps innapropriatness given the subject matter,

The OP was to raise awareness of the situation and yes there was a certain low key to it but unlike the rest of this forum he was there at the time and better able to assess the situation

Regardless of social customs here amongst hilltribe folk,a 14 year old is a child, any farang involvment sexualy carries sever penalties both here and in at least Europe.

One of the many dangers in transferring European/Western standards on Asian ie Thai is that what is law or custom there is not necessarily so here. If the parents of the girl agree to the marriage and it is with a boy of the same enthnic group or Thai it is legal in this country for her to marry at age 15 or younger. Also be aware of the different terms used to say Marriage in Thailand. There is social marriage ie within the community everyone knows they are a partner (de facto) and Legal Marriage where the two go to the Amphur and get a marriage certificate. Both will say they are married and within Thai society they are however the latter has more stringent rules.

We should be "careful" of sending the wrong signals to damaged people here,as well as being careful of not starting a whitch hunt that encourages not thoughtful debate but rather a lynch mob mentality where some perhaps innocent person could become vilified with perhaps dire personal consequences to

their reputation.

I don't think the wrong message was sent - no one advocated getting out the tar, feathers and a length of rope. What was done was to raise awareness within the forum of the POTENTIAL situation.

This forum I am sure wishes to be socialy responcable.(cue moderators)

If in the future you see a post that you believe to be offensive or inappropriate to the Thai Visa forum - press the report button and a message will be sent to all on line super moderators to make their assessment and take whatever action they deem appropriate.

regards

Crow Boy

Moderating Team

Thai Visa

I wish to correct some misinterprations and factual innacuracies of what I/You said here could you advise me of the medium to address this to, is it here,by p.m. or report

No offence taken S I just wanted to focus this entire thread on its perhaps innapropriatness given the subject matter,

Regardless of social customs here amongst hilltribe folk,a 14 year old is a child, any farang involvment sexualy carries sever penalties both here and in at least Europe.

We should be "careful" of sending the wrong signals to damaged people here,as well as being careful of not starting a whitch hunt that encourages not thoughtful debate but rather a lynch mob mentality where some perhaps innocent person could become vilified with perhaps dire personal consequences to their reputation.

This forum I am sure wishes to be socialy responcable.(cue moderators)

Hey Guys

_{I find having just read this thread, it to be innapropriate on various counts}

_{1, The title can be taken as humourous on what is a very sensitive subject. (protection of children)}

_{2, This is an unsubstaniated allegation (generic farang male middle age)}

_{3, Decription "smells bad" Very subjective if not insulting to any racial group,}

_{4, Sugestion to notify B.I.B. (dont know what this is) but suspect if its a child protection agency they would be using their resources}

_{more usefully at the go-go bars in town.}

_{5, Supports the Idea middle age single men unacompanied in Thailand are sex tourists.}

_{As the Managing Director of a U.K. Security Company we oftenly arrest people for theft, a high percentage of these are young males}

_{wearing hooded sweatshirts "hoodies" I continualy have to remind my staff that this does not mean all youths in "hoodies" are criminals}

_{its very easy to make that jump without noticing.}

_{The other day I came out of the D.V.D. rental shop, it was dark, and realised the middle aged Thai women,just infront of me,had the sudden fear that I was following her.not so but she crossed the road at the place I would normaly cross to,I remained on my side to alleviate her fearful projection}

_{If this was one of my daughters, I have six, I would have expected her,if at all worried ,in what is a very public place to have reconected with}

_{the group the O.P. says she was with,}

_{Im not against humour and chewing the fat, but lets choose a less charged subject to do that and not one that has such important undertones}

I once got stuck behind a beligerent man who refused to show the Immigration Officer his 10,000baht that was required as proof of funds.

I seldom have 10,000B when I come back to Mae Sai from Burma. Last year they seemed to ask most Farangs to show their money but never counted it. I once followed a gentleman through who, by his clothes, demeanor and body odour, indicated that his main interest in Thailand was the cheap booze. (It takes one to know one).

He flashed a roll that I doubt was much more than a thousand in twenties and hundreds and was waved through with tolerant smiles.

I used to hate having to have that sort of cash on me because 1) every thief in town knew that we were all carrying around that sort of cash and 2) I ended up spending it because I had the money in my pocket.

It has been a while since I had to do the Mai Sai visa run so I am not sure what the current procedure is up there re funds.

CB

Also did the "visa run " a couple of times last year niether I nor other farang where asked to show money,luck of the draw.

On a interperative point C.B. if you have funds that are equal to $10000 baht in travellers cheques if this is ok you wouldnt have to carry losable/spendable cash!

Great Mumbo, and fair ex"change"

As someone who has, many years ago canvassed for companies at retail outlets, Im not convinced that "Begging" can be defined as "not work" for anyone who doubts that I suggest you "shadow" a begger for a couple of hours and then Report back on how it feels.

There are obviously degrees of begging. Some are more industrious than others, they follow the punters loudly proclaiming their huger and poverty. Others choose to recline under a tastefully applied layer of dirt with a strategically placed cup for contributions.

The difference, I suppose, between canvassing and telemarketing.

The reason there are such marketing strategies is because it works, its a numbers game, so to with begging .I also bear in mind the tens of thousands of our fellow human beings who starve to death or die each day due to lack of basic sanitation /clean water/easily treatable disease with so much waste from the "developed economies" it is surprising perhaps not to see more.

The other interesting thing I observe is the very strong feelings this kind of activity brings forth from posters, we were all , at least subconsiously taught to be afraid of "not enough" although of course if we had really experienced that at base level reality we to would be dead, it is our emotional impoverishment we need to become more aware of to not then fail to empathise with those of us living precariously in plain view

I don't know.... sounds troll-ey, especially as a first post, and apparently quite some time after the incident, but I couldn't say it didn't/ doesn't happen. And I'm sure it, or some variant does all the time in all kinds of places around LOS. But as for being an experienced expat here, vs a susceptible first-time tourist, I'd remain totally calm - maybe laugh a little UG - but I'd be calm and show that I'm not having none of it. Like the other guy said, ask for a supervisor, get some tourist police, there's a way out, but not acting boisterous or causing willful loss of face, not while still under their alleged jurisdiction. I'd get out of that situation then seek to find out which higher ups could bring about some discipline. In the case of the OP, I'm betting they were two very wide-eyed newbies that he knew he could hit up. This is sad, but it could happen. My first time here I got worked by the taxi guy on the way to my hotel on Sukh 11. Though I insisted 'meter' he eventually moved something to block it during the trip (some kind of rag and a clipboard), I was tired, in shock to finally be in Asia, and forgot to look, paid a total like 350 B - almost triple the fare - and then realized that I forgot to look to confirm the price b4 I paid. He'd just driven off. Oh well, caught once, first hour in Thld, lesson learned. Only problem is, now and then there's still a new one you don't anticipate and you may get put through the ringer, or at least waste some time trying to extricate yourself from it. Whatcha gonna do? C'est la vie...or um, mai pen lai.

I agree,with the last part, the key part of the O.P. is 20hours this makes it much more difficult to retain ones tranquility(assuming one has any) and therfor vunerable.

I arrived (third visit) at the new airport bkk ,got the tourism to write my hotel destination in Thai, then official taxi rank with the airport bookers, Finaly relised taxi-driver had passed A-One when I saw it from the express way and had to "explain" much gesturing, to tired to be pizzd off just wanted my bed

As someone who has, many years ago canvassed for companies at retail outlets, Im not convinced that "Begging" can be defined as "not work" for anyone who doubts that I suggest you "shadow" a begger for a couple of hours and then Report back on how it feels.

New info went to the Y.M.C.A today to pick up a friend, was quoted 2200$ fan/month 3800$ air con/month with tv (no cable) and a shallow pool .9/1.4mt depth they also have internet I didnot have time to look at the rooms but my friend said they were good will look next time, the down side is the distance from Chiang Rai.

80$ tuk/tuk from ok taxi guy,

Wireless router installed today but not yet correctly I think in the White House as their internet is not working now , ahh well ,reminds me of early years in Portugal

I needed somthing to do

P.S. any beginer bridge/whiste/le tarot/backgamon or chess players out there ?

Update; Wireless now up and running this last week ,I also note that Jitteree G.H. has a wire less sign outside so this I will checkout when the owners are home.

For those among us who like muslim food I can recommend the beef curry and yellow rice 50baht good portion.

Its about 500mt ish north on the big road at mengrai 5ways just past the gas station on the left going towards the river oposite "the our lady of somthing or another" school?

not very ambient by the road but they score on taste/clean/quality/service I felt they were happy to see me

takeaway normal here aswell ,dont know about times but I was there at lunch today

They have a muslim cresent sign with the quality sign included in it, enjoy

What sort of things do they have on the menu?

CB

Def chicken my night security guy at my hotel says that they also have time by time goat(from hill tribes) but beyond my current Thai ability perhaps a linguist will check it out more completly and let us all know.

For those among us who like muslim food I can recommend the beef curry and yellow rice 50baht good portion.

Its about 500mt ish north on the big road at mengrai 5ways just past the gas station on the left going towards the river oposite "the our lady of somthing or another" school?

not very ambient by the road but they score on taste/clean/quality/service I felt they were happy to see me

takeaway normal here aswell ,dont know about times but I was there at lunch today

They have a muslim cresent sign with the quality sign included in it, enjoy

I know this is going to make me sound cheap but I'm looking for some one who can do a bit of shoe repairs.

I've got big feet and only buy footwear in Australia. There's no problem with the shoes, I only wear them when I go out, but my preferred day to day wear are open scuffs that I buy for about $35 a pair. They are name brands like Nike and Adidas but what p!sses me off is that the uppers separate from the sole before the sole wears out. My latest pair have started to go and I thought I'd have a try at getting them repaired, maybe some of that special glue they use may do the trick.

There a nice guy in the main market ,think on the east/gold shop side but easy to find just show your shoes to somone and you will get progressivly pointed in the right direction. I did very cheap 10 baht for some stitching/glueing while i waited 5mins

Sounds almost identical to U.K. Recent legislation with a regulatory authority S.I.A. as a new company in the U.K. it has been a good time to begin as a lot of the old school thugs/criminals have been weeded out by standards being raised, Of course its only as good as the people overseeing compliance and I guess were ever big contracts are available corruption and turf wars will always be a tendancy,

Costs us about $1000 usd to get somone through the training and enhanced C.R.C. but having to display your badge and loosing your right to work if it gets suspended with teeth in the enforcement is begining to give confidence to clients/public in the U.K. so any move in this direction is going the right way

Its taken half a century or more in Europe so I for one would applaud that it is in the public forum here in Thai

There are a couple old ladies who frequent the steps to Bangkok Bank - who seem harmless and desperate enough.

What I really dislike is when they come into a restaurant, such as mu-kataah...

bad enough having the flower-selling kids bother you while eating!

Ive discovered an interesting personal strategy for this whilst eating.

I ask if they are hungry, and if so to sit at another table and eat somthing, so far 3 times, they declined and left me alone much more quickly than if I ignor/am dismissive,

one young boy at mengrai seemed non- plussed that I offered him an icecream (thats what I was doing)and he hasnt bothered me with his flowers since.

I will ,on occasions give to old people I find it hard to project what it would be like to be old ,maybe alone and without resources here.

The White House is NOT 'walking distance to the Night Market'. You are out of your mind (or prolly just not familiar with C.R.). Anything which is north of the Mengrai Monument is not, I repeat, NOT 'walking distance' to the bus station and Night Bazaar. You'll have to flag a tuk tuk to get there.

I recommend the squeaky clean Orchids Guest House. Yes, it's not what you wanted but for 200B/day (fan room) you get a nice, new-looking room where everything works. Comfortable, clean beds. Hot water. Free internet, etc. etc. In short, 'Best Western' quality at a Thai price.

The entrance is a mere 50 ft or so from Jetyod Rd. down a quiet little soi, so you can quite literally step out of your room and be at the bars within a minute or two. As anyone who's been to C.R. knows, Jetyod is a quaint little street with a few bars, eateries and massage places lining it, and it is indeed only a short walk to the bus station and Night Bazaar as well. I stayed there about a month ago and couldn't believe my eyes. A real gem. I'm hesitant to disclose this little place, but what the hel_l. Word's bound to get out about it soon, anyway. It'll be booked solid in no time.

Check out the photos in the gallery section of their website for a thorough look. Highly recommended.

Orchids Guest House

I stand corrected, I should have said "whithin walking distance of the night market (me 52 years 12 mins)unless you have a serious mobility problem"

The above recomendation will also be welcomed by those interested in being based in an area bathed in a cheery red glow.

I will be in Chiang Rai for week in December. I would rather rent a room in a condominium/residence than staying at a guest house.

The problem is that most of the time it's on a monthly basis.

If you happen to know any exceptions, information is welcome

Thanks in advance

The White House

1750$ a week fan/ 2450$ air

you get H.B.O.cable ,Pool,Wireless Internet Access walking distance from Night Market

Location just North of MengRai Statue

A friend of mine is there this week - I hope that the price is 1750 baht not 1750 dollars

CB

Yes it is Baht he will need to ask for this price as walk ins may be charged the rack rate otherwise, mention he saw it on the forum, any probs ring me on 0869 200351

I will be in Chiang Rai for week in December. I would rather rent a room in a condominium/residence than staying at a guest house.

The problem is that most of the time it's on a monthly basis.

If you happen to know any exceptions, information is welcome

Thanks in advance

The White House

1750$ a week fan/ 2450$ air

you get H.B.O.cable ,Pool,Wireless Internet Access walking distance from Night Market

Location just North of MengRai Statue

OOPS should have said this is a Hotel but I am here now and treat it as my apartment, no cooking facilities are provided, I just use a picnic stove to make coffee ect

I will be in Chiang Rai for week in December. I would rather rent a room in a condominium/residence than staying at a guest house.

The problem is that most of the time it's on a monthly basis.

If you happen to know any exceptions, information is welcome

Thanks in advance

The White House

1750$ a week fan/ 2450$ air

you get H.B.O.cable ,Pool,Wireless Internet Access walking distance from Night Market

Location just North of MengRai Statue

New info went to the Y.M.C.A today to pick up a friend, was quoted 2200$ fan/month 3800$ air con/month with tv (no cable) and a shallow pool .9/1.4mt depth they also have internet I didnot have time to look at the rooms but my friend said they were good will look next time, the down side is the distance from Chiang Rai.

80$ tuk/tuk from ok taxi guy,

Wireless router installed today but not yet correctly I think in the White House as their internet is not working now , ahh well ,reminds me of early years in Portugal

I needed somthing to do

P.S. any beginer bridge/whiste/le tarot/backgamon or chess players out there ?