groovyc

My wife a tourist visa to go with me to my country, Canada. To get the visa, the Canadian embassy requires that she provide "proof that your spouse (me) will accompany you to Canada."

Anyone know what document, etc., would constitute "proof"?

And why am I not asking the embassy direct? Because I can't. They have an auto-phone service, whereby you place a message and wait for them to respond, and the proof must be submitted in four days' time.

Note that air tickets don't count.

Any ideas appreciated. Thanks.

I hope you managed to get the visa for your wife. I just had to respond having noticed your comment about the "auto-phone service".

I didn't even get upto where you can place the message, due to the pretty inefficient phone menu which practically kept telling you to go to their website. Due to lack of necessary clarifications, I have been asked to submit "additional documents" after making two trips to the embassy. Not to mention the embassy itself is a whole Thai-only affair with no English/French speaking staff or notices to assist you. As a Canadian citizen, I hope you had voiced your grievances to the authorities concerned. I for one, am still waiting for my visa and doubt I have much of a say here.

The Sri Lankan man, if he works for the Sri Lankan embassy, may not need a work permit. Nationals of a country working for the Embassy of their own country, are covered under different laws. There are bilateral agreements between countries that cover these matters. Most embassy staff (non-diplomatic) are given a non-immigrant visa, but no work permit.

The article does say that he is employed by the Sri Lankan embassy as an interpretter. The SL embassy in Bangkok is a small affair, and I doubt it employs full-time interpreters. Also, if it did employ this guy and was on an embassy sponsored visa etc, he wouldn't be allowed to do any free-lancing (unless, of course, the whole freelancing part was not legit to start with). He probably is trying to hide behind the embassy now that the cat is out. I'd check this guy's status with the embassy if I get a chance.

I found out today that this Rathnayake doesn't have any connection with the SL embassy, let alone being employed by it. As I presumed, he's trying to hide behind the embassy. Also, the embassy hasn't received any official inquiries on the matter.

Bank branches in central are open today

Are they? That's a relief. Thanks a lot!

(I'd assume normal working hours. but I'd go early to be safe)

I need to buy a bank draft or cashier's cheque today, which happens to be a bank holiday!

Do post offices issue these? Is there any place else I can get one?

If impossible, when's the earliest I can get one tomorrow and where? (In bangkok)

Any info would be appreciated.

The Sri Lankan man, if he works for the Sri Lankan embassy, may not need a work permit. Nationals of a country working for the Embassy of their own country, are covered under different laws. There are bilateral agreements between countries that cover these matters. Most embassy staff (non-diplomatic) are given a non-immigrant visa, but no work permit.

The article does say that he is employed by the Sri Lankan embassy as an interpretter. The SL embassy in Bangkok is a small affair, and I doubt it employs full-time interpreters. Also, if it did employ this guy and was on an embassy sponsored visa etc, he wouldn't be allowed to do any free-lancing (unless, of course, the whole freelancing part was not legit to start with). He probably is trying to hide behind the embassy now that the cat is out. I'd check this guy's status with the embassy if I get a chance.

Keep it up Thailand. Well done!

You'll put yourselves right back in the 3rd World before you know it.

mm eh? pardon me, but where else is it right now?

This is not the first time people have been jailed under strange circumstances after visiting King Power Duty Free. This is a company that ignores rules and laws and doubled their retail space simply by taking it over when Suvarnabhumi opened. They wanted to open another restaurant and quietly built a two story building next to the terminal without asking anyone's permission.

The couple may be guilty of theft but my gut says there is a different message here. Do not go near any of the King Power Duty Free shops. If you do you do so at your own risk. We all know the airport is full of criminals of all stripes yet because it is an airport with controlled space we feel a false sense of security. Saving a few Baht on cigarettes or alcohol is worth the risk?

I bet these people would not have the problems they had if they were shopping in Singapore's or Hong Kong's airports.

Absolutely. Staying away from them is the wisest thing to do. It serves two purposes. First, to play it safe. Second, the best way to get the message thru is to get them out of business (there is no way something like this can be done without the blessings of the shopowners). I am going to spread the word around at office, and that's like 20 potential customers per month lost for King Power!

Suzuki Caribean 4WD 1300cc jeep regd in 1996, ideal for rugged terrain. Bought 3yrs ago and spent a lot

on new suspensions, Rancho 9-way adjustable shocks, a lift job (adjustable) and new tyres. Engine sound,

interior fine but could use a brush up. Used daily for 2yrs, less for the last year. Did 5000km or less

since the new suspensions. (office close to home)

Comes with a pair of foglights (off a Pajero mini) and a used CD player that I always intended to install...

Side windows will get a anti-UV film (not seen on photos)

Cons: a/c faulty. no idea whats wrong. didn't care much as I am one of those "farang-driving-with-shutters-down".

Left side mirror came off recently. might get to fix it before selling off.

Paint has a few cracks.

Asking B180,000.

Car is in Nonthaburi, at my office just next to expressway (Ngamwongwan exit).

Can be seen almost anytime.

For details, please PM or call: 0852489123

I was a bit late to spot this thread as someone very interested in the subject.

My emotions went on a pretty bumpy ride as I went through the pages.

Admiration/Pity --> Awe --> Confusion --> Curiosity --> Disgust --> Disappointment

Admiration for the OP's guts to go for it. Pity for his doomed failure.

Awe at his proclaimed success.

Confusion at his explanation below. Curiosity about the "other" payments.

Disgust for the mud slinging at the OP.

Disappointment as it appears to be another failure. (as far as I am concerned.)

First of all, I can't even begin to understand the distrust among many posters. I just don't get it.

Why would someone wantto brag that they could import a car to Thailand so much so that they

have to make up a story, and we're talking about a anonymous web-board. People brag about many

things. Girls - understandable, even cars like in "My Ferrari..." - I get it. But one's skill at importing

cars into a corrupt country? Is it that bragworthy?

After all, everyone's here reading this because they'd like to import one themselves, the common

enemy being corrupt customs officials. So why - oh why - don't we quit these petty bitching

and learn from each other????? after all, as we all know, it's a pretty expensive lesson.

For the OP: IF he is ever going to read this again. ( I have a feeling he would )

By opening this you have aroused the curiosity of many who are dyeing to know how it went.

Some of them - like me - don't give much about your car per se - what was it called now? Sorry!

...and definitely don't need photos with or without todays newspaper on the car.

What we need to know is if/how you managed to get thru the corrupt officials "if in Rome" style.

I believe you have an obligation to satisfy that curiosity at least to some extent.

Your post below does a poor job at that.

Not strange at all - I do not wish to go public with the numbers - that may well prove to be a problem by way of exposure.

My calculation was about 213% or 88,000 Bhat. The customs doc's show 123,000 Bhat as paid - this of course is required to be entered into the log book once the restoration is completed and the car inspected.

The "Other" payment was pre agreed before the car left the UK.

By way of the UK log book - customs new a farang owner was involved although neither myself or wife went near laem Chabang.

A close family freiend acted as "Agent" for all the agreements.

NO OTHER CHARGES were levied - including car transporter from the port to my local garge in Sri Racha.

A lump sump agreed figure was paid - in advance.

That figure was agreeable and within my pre concieved budget.

Was it worth it?

Yep -its my car and has been for gone 20 years - its a passion and worth evry Bhat!!!

We don't need to know what the book says. what we need to know is how much you payed.

If you think you can't openly say how much you bribed someone, you don't have to give the exact number.

(If it was me, I wouldn't give a dam_n. The more publicity it gets the better)

A reasonable range as to how close the total you payed was to the estimate you posted at first would be good.

Failing to do so would inevitably make the 540k figure credibility, and make you a despicable member.

Either way, you seem to be satisfied with your deal, and that's good for you.

Please remember any misinformed reader trying to imiatte you may not be as satisfied. (if the figure is drastically higher)

Last night driving on Mittraphap before Pakchong, I passed a truck towing another empty truck using what looked like a Eucalyptus tree trunk, diameter around 6 inches connected with luggage straps same way they suspend an Isan baby cradle driving around 75 kph, looked like he had just been stopped by the Highway Police checkpoint and passed their scrutiny and was powering on with his journey. Amazing Thailand.

I'd say practical Thailand apart for the 75kph.

oops, thats kinda expensive. I got some extra films at home that I'd be happy to part with for around 1500B a pair I guess.

any DIY guys out there interested PM me, I'd dig it out and let you know the details.

gosh, I should do a business importing these!

Every time I have ever used my book to withdraw funds from my SB accounts I get asked for ID in the form of my passport>>>>>EVERY TIME! If the amount is over some limit they make a copy of my passport picture page, ask me to sign it and staple it to the withdrawal slip.

same at KTB

choppychugger, after reading your post, something does not seem right about this.

Any bank i have ever used in this country has ALWAYS asked for ID, when using a bank book.

I have had to produce ID in order to receive any money in this country (money changers being the exception)

If this is the work of a complete stranger, then this is very worrying to any foreigner living here

Good luck to you

I have never once had to show ID in over 20 years of having an account with Bangkok Bank, Phuket.

Can't imagine there are still people actually using Bangkok Bank.. I never did after I knew they funded the PAD. many posts here proves I made the right choice.

He asked for it isn't surely the deal here.

..anyway, hope he sees this and users it in his favour (tho I don't think he could do anything about it).

Oh I'd love to punch a few of those cowards some time. Suckers.

thanks.

do you guys think i should sell my ecar 94 and get this proton? very confused. need to take wise decision. i'm not a guy with lots of buck.

Don't. Not that I know much about proton, but generally buying a new car is a bad idea for a guy who can't afford top lose 20-30% of the value when you walk out from the dealer. I'd say, go buy a 5yr old Corolla at an auction - some pretty good ones went for 350k last time I went to one. Much much better value for money. Maybe you don'"t need a Corolla - get a Vios for cheaper then. Anyway, you need to find the cash upfront for an auction tho AFAIK.

Thanks a lot for your answer Angiud.

I'd go with the suzuki dealer's suggestion even though I don't get the meaning. you pay 10satangs per km, thats roughly 1 baht more per litre. u'd still be saving 4-5bhats per litre.

Cars not designed to run on alcohol better not be, unless its been tested well enough to prove otherwise.

I am not sure this is the right place for this, but I have been informed that there is a sudden outburst of flu-like symptoms in Pattaya....I know the official news will take ages, but if I were in Pattaya, I would play it safe for now. Of course, those who aren't too concerned about catching the flu can go party--

Any idea what time this happened? I was there in the evening, but never heard any shots. Should have been after 10pm?

We just ask them to accept the election results and not to stage any more coups

Why don't you accept 2007 election results yourself? Every MP in the House is elected, are they not? Why do you demand fresh elections?

You most certainly have other reasons than "just accept election results".

Spill it out.

Exactly.

Every MP in the house is directly elected by the people,

including Abhisit by the way.

Only MP LEADERS, who were guilty of condoning or abetting election crimes left the political stage,

leaving Chalerm as the PTP best hope... which explains how badly they are put together now.

Those remaining duly elected representatives of the people THEN

vote for a Prime Minister from amongst themselves.

As per the constitution voted in by the ENTIRE Thai voting public.

(And in the USA they were not given a choice of more than yes or no either.)

This time the PTP could not get a majority in the house.

Your side could not do the job in the same Thai fashion as is typical.

So the opposition did it and PTP continues to slide down the slope of ineffectiveness.

That is the results of the 2007 election.

YOu Reds should support the existing constitution while it is in force

AND AKNOWLEDGE THE LEGITMATE GOVERNMENT

then go on your way and try and change it with TRUE Democracy.

The coup was 4 governments ago... quit whining.

"guilty of condoning..."-******* under an illegal constitution.

"voted in by the ENTIRE Thai voting public " - after being cooked up by some bandits sitting in parliament.

mm, the yellow shirts shud've made a new one too while they were ransacking the place eh..

"4 governments ago" - doesn't make it any less troubling if it was 40 govts ago, as long as it hasn't been corrected.

After all, Abhisit had a good rapo with the people before. He got what he desperately needed to save his party leadership.

now why doesn't he do the right thing? after all, I remember him promising to do that before...

Is it too big a thing to ask? ooh, wait...he is not going to be "elected" again, which the man knows well.

power sure seems addictive...

Withdraw the money from your krung thai account, go Citibank and fill out deposit slip for the Dell account and put the money in?

TH

Hope that the OP lives in Bangkok, otherwise your suggestion requires a trip to Bangkok and is the only way it can be done.

If you had Internet banking with either SCB or Kasikorn Bank you would be able to transfer to Citibank.

Don't know about Krung thai bank.

Thanks for the replies guys.

I do live not far from Bangkok. The first option, while not being impossible, is quite a hassle and frankly it's pretty absurd having to that. (If Dell presumes all their customers were going to go through that, I bet they would have been out of business for a long time now..)

The 2nd option is more interesting. My wife has internet banking with SCB (it's all in thai isn't it?), but apparently you could transfer only to specific Citibank accounts. there is a list if I remember right. Please correct me if I am wrong.

Furthermore, for all SCB internet bangking transfers, you need to register the recepient's account at the counter first afaik. (may not apply for those in the list?)

I need to transfer some money (in bhat) to a citibank account in the bangkok branch. I cannot seem to do it at the ATM of any local bank and my bank (krung thai) says they cannot do it at the counter either (except for paying bills etc.). Is there any way to get over this?

PS. It is all the more rediculous as it is Dell(Thailand) who has asked me to do this. ie.they only have an account with Citibank!!!

Sorry I'm off topic, but where are you planning to take the ACS exams? Do they have a center in Bnagkok?

I can't seem to find one.

I am looking for a Computer Science tutor in Bangkok with university teaching credentials (preferably Australian) to coach me in my preparation for the Australian Computer Society ICA50105 Diploma exams.

I am located on lower Sukhumvit in Bangkok and expect to need about 10 months of regular tutoring.

Please PM me if interested.

Rims coming off my recently bought BMW 316.

Going back to the originals as 17"s are too big for my car IMO.

(apparently previous owner had a different opinion)

I'm no expert on rims, but she says they're good ones (imported?).

Unfortunately though, there is a mended crack in one of them.

(Bquik guy says its no big deal: my tyres has been too small for them)

--------------------

I had to open up a new thread as editing/replies are not permitted.

Rims still up for sale. Added a photo of the crack.. looks minor to me.

Pls make an offer if interested by PM. really wanna get rid of them now that they're off the car.

They're in Nonthaburi (Khae Rai), but I won't be home till the new year.

Delivery could be arranged around Bangkok.

Also, I just realized my suspension/shocks aren't original either.

30-45mm lower than the original ride height.

I feel like getting them changed for the originals, but 25k for the new set

and the old ones going in the bin is not so attractive.

If someone (sportier than me) feels like compromising drive comfort for sporty shocks,

I'm open for a swap. should work for 316,318,323,325,328 (same ride height - Bentley manual)

I might even give the 17" rims for free if I get a good set of shocks...who knows.

Waiting for PMs..

The sad thing is that it's mostly the smaller, struggling, sellers that will be most affected. A teller in Robinson might both have tools to their disposal and will most likely not be personally responsible for the full amount lost as a small food vendor is. So these people, as the two arrested above, specifically prey on the smallest [weakest] around. That is despicable.

preying on the weakest..Truly is despicable! There should be some sort of protection for them.

this is how they track down counterfeiters who use inkjets and laser printers....registering your warranty card will lead them right to you.

so if your thinking of doing it...DONT

you mean don't register the warranty card right?

now I'm sure I could do without warranty for my printer if I were a successful counterfeiter..