4 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

The guy you mention would have been an agent. 

Agents can do almost zero for extensions based on marriage. 

He wanted your business. 

Can only do that for extensions based on retirement

You are completely wrong. He was either a paid - or unpaid assistant, but I guess you know it all?

On 6/3/2025 at 7:21 PM, richard_smith237 said:

 

 

Its the same with seatbelts...    I won't let the inlaws (or anyone else) in my car without putting their seatbelt on...  yet every week they visit us, they turn up and leave without wearing their seatbelt in their own car.

 

I see the same for so many Thai's here... theoretically well educated - yet go to the SkyLane or a bicycle even and we see them all wearing their $300 bicycle helmets !!.. 

 

 

I used to allow my wife's brother-in-law to drive my car, until I noticed that he left the seatbelt bucked on the seat: e.g. he fastened the seatbelt together and then sat in the car. 

11 minutes ago, safarimike11 said:

Okay, thanks very much. So, the part (my suggestion to him) about the idea to change to a retirement extension was in-fact legitimate? We actually fell out over my suggestion to him (of course none of my business) about trying to save up / accumulate the other 400 k baht).

I may add: A good few years ago - maybe 10 to 15 - there used to be a tall Swedish gentleman who worked/was always present in the entrance of (then Pattaya/now Jomtien) immigration. He also spoke fluent Thai and English. I remember asking him one day on his thoughts of me changing my retirement extension to a marriage visa. (I had then been married to my Thai wife for a few years). His answer was "don't do it". I shall always be grateful for his advice.

2 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Not really. Many guys change from based on marriage to based on retirement. 

For several reasons. 

Also the reverse occurs for folk with entry from a Non O-A. 

Extensions from that visa require insurance however if change to based on marriage then insurance not required. 

Okay, thanks very much. So, the part (my suggestion to him) about the idea to change to a retirement extension was in-fact legitimate? We actually fell out over my suggestion to him (of course none of my business) about trying to save up / accumulate the other 400 k baht).

On 6/3/2025 at 4:51 PM, snoop1130 said:

Photo via Pattaya Mail

 

Motorbike taxi drivers in Pattaya are in uproar over the introduction of steep fines for not wearing helmets. The Royal Thai Police began strictly enforcing Section 122 of the Land Traffic Act on June 1st, which mandates helmet use for both riders and passengers. Violators of this rule are now facing fines up to 2,000 baht, with the penalty doubling to 4,000 baht if a passenger is caught without a helmet.

 

While this crackdown has been largely applauded in Bangkok, where it appears to be successfully implemented in areas like Suthisan and Wang Thonglang with minimal violations, the reaction in Pattaya is starkly different. The law's implementation in this busy tourist destination has proven challenging, as many passengers, unaware of the local law or concerned about using shared helmets for hygiene reasons, often refuse to wear them.

 

Suphon, a 47-year-old motorbike taxi driver, voiced his frustration: “We can’t force customers to wear shared helmets. If we do, they just walk away or don’t take the ride. We lose income either way,” he explained. Suphon and fellow drivers feel the 2,000 baht fine is excessive under the current economic conditions.

 

While acknowledging the importance of safety, Suphon suggested that a more reasonable fine range of 400 to 500 baht would be less punitive for drivers whose livelihoods are already precarious. “We agree that helmets save lives, but 2,000 baht is too much. Right now, people are struggling just to put food on the table,” he added.

 

The sentiment is echoed in Nakhon Ratchasima, where residents report insufficient public awareness about the enforcement of this strict rule. Many claim to have been caught off guard, only learning of the law after being hit with hefty fines.

 

Motorbike taxi drivers across these regions are calling for the government to consider lowering the penalties and enhancing communication about the law to avoid exacerbating economic hardship. They argue that while improving road safety is crucial, the current punitive measures may worsen the financial burdens faced by drivers and could be counterproductive if not paired with educational measures and practical implementation strategies.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-03

 

 

My take on this is that the fine should be 400 baht for not wearing a helmet (and 500 baht for riding on the pavement - which is what I was fined several years ago). 2,000 baht is stupid and excessive; they probably earn well under 1,000 baht a day.

5 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Pardon but what you post re friends extensions based on marriage seem nonsense. 

If you friend is on extensions based on marriage he has two options. 

Money in bank method OR income method. 

Your post is not clear. 

Fair comment. As I said, the conversation was 3 years ago, so maybe I didn't comprehend his true situation. (and maybe my suggestion about him converting to a retirement extension was also pie in the sky?)

12 hours ago, MangoKorat said:

I may have asked this question before as part of another enquiry - however, I can't find such a post or remember any reply if there was one, so.......

 

With regard to the first application, does the 400K in the bank for a marriage based Non O extension have to be seasoned in a Thai bank account? For some reason I seem to think that provided its the first application, it doesn't.

This may be totally irrelevant to your situation / off topic. I have a friend who is on a marriage visa for a long time. (This conversation goes back to 3 years ago). His professional background is not unlike mine, although I was in engineering and he was in logistics. I am / have been on a retirement extension (to an original Non-A visa) for many years (with always having 800k baht in the bank). We are both British. He told me that he had 400k baht in the bank as the requirement for his visa and a monthly pension payment coming into Thailand as the other part of the requirement. He mentioned (complaining) that every 90 days, he had to get proof of his monthly payments from the British embassy / consulate / whatever in Bangkok to provide to immigration and being as he didn't drive / own a car, that taxis were the only option.

For the following, I will accept advice/criticism as to whether my reply to him was realistic/relevant (or nonsense): I said, why don't you change your marriage visa to a retirement extension and work on increasing the 400k to 800k to make life easier? (He probably spends in excess of 15k baht a month on eating out (rarely stays in).

6 hours ago, Gandtee said:

No one allowed to Greta?

Reminds of what I used to say (to myself): I really want to fjork Bjork.

8 minutes ago, connda said:

I thought it was a forum rule not to post a single link with no corroborating text by the OP?  

It's happening more and more often.  Should be report these when we see them.  Otherwise AN is simply going to turn into a massive cross-link for MSM articles.  

(Message sent to Rimmer:) 

I have edited the OP to include a headline and some text,  putting up a link only is not good for the forum so please try not to do that. 

Sorry, I thought I did both; will double-check in future.

48 minutes ago, Rimmer said:

I have edited the OP to include a headline and some text,  putting up a link only is not good for the forum so please try not to do that. 

Sorry, I thought I did both; will double-check in future.

Freedom flotilla will not be allowed to dock in Gaza.

A senior Israeli defense source confirmed the matter to the 'Post,' adding that Defense Minister Israel Katz is expected to make more decisions on Thursday.

The IDF decided that the "Madleen," which is sailing to Gaza and carrying 12 pro-Palestinian activists, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, will not be allowed to approach or dock in the Gaza Strip, KAN reported on Wednesday.

A senior Israeli defense source confirmed the matter to The Jerusalem Post, adding that Defense Minister Israel Katz is expected to make more decisions on Thursday.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/freedom-flotilla-not-allowed-dock-191837214.html

6 hours ago, NZAMBOY said:

Thank you all for the genuine replies...I have another question tho...if i were to loan the 3 mil baht, is there some way legally where I can security or have recourse if the money was not being repaid to me???...again thanks

Just don't do it... just don't.

On 6/1/2025 at 1:31 PM, hotandsticky said:

Not excusing the detestable Starmer but the Conservatives were equally inept.

 

.....and where the <deleted> are the even more inept EU in all this.

1. Theresa May - UK prime minister at the time - formally endorsed the Global Compact for Migration on the 10th of December 2018, which was formally endorsed by the UN General Assembly on the 19th of December 2018.

2. The boats started on the 20th of December 2018.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Compact_for_Migration

7 hours ago, Social Media said:

 

Bernie Sanders Sparks a Progressive Surge After Democratic Defeat

 

Senator Bernie Sanders is once again mobilizing his formidable political machine — not for a presidential run, but to reshape the Democratic Party's direction after what he views as a failure to connect with working-class Americans in 2024. In doing so, he’s aiming to fill what he sees as a glaring void left by party leaders, including Vice President Kamala Harris.

 

In an interview with The Washington Post during his recent “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, Sanders didn’t hold back. While maintaining that Harris is a friend, he was blunt about her presidential campaign. “The campaign she ran went around the country with Liz Cheney, had billionaires talking for her, basically did not talk to the needs of the working class of this country,” Sanders said.

 

Now, the Vermont senator — who caucuses with Democrats but maintains his status as an independent — is stepping up efforts to push the party toward more progressive policies and grassroots engagement. He has called for recruiting working-class candidates who reject funding from billionaires and lobbyists, people he says have constrained the Democratic agenda. His political group, Friends of Bernie Sanders, has already attracted about 7,000 interested recruits, half of whom are considering running as independents.

 

“Do Democrats do enough? No,” Sanders said. “The difference that I have with the Democratic leadership is not in the need to vigorously oppose Trump. It’s to bring forth an agenda that resonates with working-class families. And I think there are a number of Trump people who will support that agenda.”

 

This effort hasn’t been met with universal enthusiasm. Some party veterans fear Sanders could further splinter the Democrats at a time when unity is crucial. “If the Democrats have a shot at winning the House and the Senate, they need to be firing on all cylinders and not just steering to the hard left or the hard right,” said Steve Israel, former chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “The point of politics is winning in order to govern, not passing ideological purity tests.”

 

Still, Sanders seems undeterred. His team is planning staff hires in more than three dozen districts across 18 states to oppose former President Donald Trump’s agenda and to train activists to pressure Republicans against slashing the social safety net. Sanders himself has already endorsed four Democratic candidates: Adelita Grijalva in Arizona, Robert Peters in Illinois, Troy Jackson for Maine governor, and Abdul El-Sayed for Senate in Michigan.

 

“We have to keep our eye on who really is the enemy,” said former DNC chair Jaime Harrison, voicing concern about primary fights and potential vote-splitting. But Sanders is thinking long-term. He laid out a three-phase strategy in recent calls with supporters: block Trump’s legislative agenda, retake the House in 2026, and reduce the political influence of wealthy donors.

 

“All that we ask from you is that you have courage to stand up with a battered working class in this country. Have the courage to take on the wealthy and the powerful,” Sanders told the Zoom audience.

 

Though Sanders says he’s unlikely to run for president again, his movement shows no signs of slowing. Recent rallies with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez drew large crowds, fueling speculation about who might carry the torch next. His campaign’s coffers are ready, with over $11.5 million raised in the first quarter of the year and nearly $20 million on hand.

 

Sanders remains skeptical of the Democratic Party’s current organizing efforts, especially in red states. “There are a number of states around the country where it almost virtually does not exist,” he said. Democratic Party chairman Ken Martin has increased funding to state parties, including in conservative strongholds, and emphasized a renewed focus on uniting working-class families across all demographics.

 

Yet Sanders’s team insists their recruits are different. “These are people who know why they are running,” said Sanders adviser Faiz Shakir. “It’s a vision of taking on the elite, taking on the powerful, taking on the establishment to make working-class lives better. That is what motivates them.”

 

Related Topics:

Bernie Sanders Defends Private Jet Use During Anti-Oligarchy Tour: “No Apologies for That”

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Washington Post  2025-06-04

 

 

Yes, he will probably be very successful in enlisting massive support - especially from all the genius students enrolled in Ivy League universities.

10 hours ago, NanLaew said:

 

Maybe she has a different notion of "express" service as in a Tesco Lotus Express (that hasn't existed for more than a couple of months already.)

Five and a half years on: This used to be a great Tesco Lotus Express. Unfortunately, around 3 years ago they changed the shop layout to resemble a 7-Eleven (don't ask me why), so I don't use it anymore.

4 hours ago, NoshowJones said:

Traveling on an Emirates flight bound for Dubai I was sitting in a window seat and a dark skinned man, maybe Indian, dressed in shorts and a wife beater sat beside me. 

I asked him to put on a shirt, but he obviously did not speak English, so I got up and said "excuse me" and went to find a flight attendant, she was very pleasant as was I.

I then went back to my seat expecting him to be sitting there, but he was gone. I then sat in my seat to be joined by two attractive girls.

My question is why was he not stopped from entering the plane and told to cover up? Is there not a dress code on planes?

I used to fly Emirates long haul (2003 - 2008) and made sure one way or the other that I was always on or upgraded to "Silver" Skywards. Flying below that was not an option. Their "Silver" lounge at Dubai airport was actually better than the "Gold" lounge.

22 hours ago, safarimike11 said:

What you need to do is this: copy the website address MINUS THE "https://" onto a Word.doc. Then type "https://" in front of the pasted web address (and backspace one click to make the new address one line). Finally, copy and paste the new web address in your "new post" (not forgetting to add a title).

What's so funny?

3 hours ago, johng said:

Should also have a landline  or even a direct line that only close colleagues could call..?

Landmine would have been even better.

On 5/28/2025 at 2:43 PM, RayC said:

Hopefully you will be able to sort things out quickly by phone.

 

If not, I would write to Liz Kendall in her capacity as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions detailing what you have stated in this thread.

 

Depending on when you left the UK you may still be eligible to vote. You will need to re-register as a voter. Once that is done, your MP would have no choice but to (at least) consider your grievance. I know that MPs are busy people but imo your ex-MP's reaction was appalling. 

 

Good luck

You will get a very nice / professional letter back stating that being as you don't live in the UK that the MP is unable to support your case (as I did 3 years ago).

On 5/28/2025 at 12:09 PM, Blueman1 said:

I've been having Problems with The DWP For YEARS They Froze My Pension whilst I was Living in The U.K ( I Didn't think they could do that ) & They are Under Paying me but they just ask me for " Further Information " as they say they CANNOT Identify me on their System....I've Sent them ALL The information about myself,But all they do is send me the SAME email Saying ( We Can't Identify YOU on Our System ) Which They have sent approx 15 Times in the past 2 Months.....I've sent an email to the last MP I Had in The U.K. But He said " Because I am NOT one of his constituents He Cannot Help Me or is UNWILLING To " I've tried The Ombudsman but He WON'T Deal with anything concerning the DWP !! So Any Suggestions on who I Should Contact Please??

I was having problems with them a few years ago - won't go into details - but what I did was to fill out and submit the "Complaints" form that was available lower down the (web) page. This solved the issue.

On 5/10/2025 at 11:16 PM, chickenslegs said:

I left the UK to reside in Thailand in 2005 and immediately informed HMRC that I was no longer a UK resident.

 

Seventeen years later (2022) I claimed my State Pension. It was, and still is, paid at the rate applicable in 2022. So, it appears that the rate applied is that on the date of the claim - not the date of changing country of residence.

 

Just to add - Deferring one's claim will also increase the weekly pension payment. According to  https://www.gov.uk/deferring-state-pension/what-you-get the weekly pension payment increases by 5.8% for each year it is deferred.

 

However, the extra payment is also frozen (if you reside in Thailand etc.)

 

Edit: Why can't we embed links to websites?

 

What you need to do is this: copy the website address MINUS THE "https://" onto a Word.doc. Then type "https://" in front of the pasted web address (and backspace one click to make the new address one line). Finally, copy and paste the new web address in your "new post" (not forgetting to add a title).

1 hour ago, safarimike11 said:

I joined in Pattaya Expats club (life membership 800 baht) early 2006 when they used to have a Sunday morning meeting at a large hotel - can't remember the name - opposite/ just down from the Twin Palms resort on 2nd Road (between Pattaya Klang and Pattaya Nua). They had a good buffet breakfast and the best talks - on the subject of visas - were provided by Darrel (R.I.P.). The other talks were totally forgettable. When they moved the meetings from that hotel, I lost track. I joined their forum a couple of years ago, but there is too much badmouthing and verbal abuse on there, so I left; basically, a lot of major saddos.

Just remembered the hotel: Grand Sole.

1 hour ago, roger101 said:

Last year, to prove my address, I had to do a copy of my Driving Licence. This year to make sure I had a copy of my Electricity Bill and my 3BB bill as well. Guess what, not enough. They want a copy of my House book, which I don't have. I have owned my condo ( alright, my wife is the official owner) for 25 years. I have never seen my House book. I have never had to show it before. I am on my 19th extension. Also, when I went today, I was told that I need a summary from the bank for Foreign transactions. This I have never needed before. The year's statement was enough.

I will go back with the only paperwork I have on the condo. I would like to know if asking the bank for a summary of Foreign Transaction can be done on the spot, or does it take a week, also a local bank or home branch.

 

Thank you for any replies.

PS I'm convinced that it is a plot to encourage you to use an agent, as it's getting more complicated over the years. It seems every year they add something.

 

If you are talking about Pattaya: the condo is in Pattaya and your wife is not in possession of the Blue Book, she may not have received it when the condo was purchased. If this is the case, she can get the Blue Book from the Banglamung office which is just off Sukhumvitt on the left - a few kms past the Pattaya Nua junction - as you are heading out towards the Cholchan hotel - further down Sukhumvitt also on the left.

5 hours ago, BLMFem said:

Yes, tried it once but it was completely bland (at least to my palate).

Yes, my (Thai) wife and everyone in her extended family have the same view. 

6 hours ago, VocalNeal said:

 

I offered to show up and give a talk there once. But unknown to me one of the committee was in a vaguely similar business to me and didn't want me there! 

I joined in Pattaya Expats club (life membership 800 baht) early 2006 when they used to have a Sunday morning meeting at a large hotel - can't remember the name - opposite/ just down from the Twin Palms resort on 2nd Road (between Pattaya Klang and Pattaya Nua). They had a good buffet breakfast and the best talks - on the subject of visas - were provided by Darrel (R.I.P.). The other talks were totally forgettable. When they moved the meetings from that hotel, I lost track. I joined their forum a couple of years ago, but there is too much badmouthing and verbal abuse on there, so I left; basically, a lot of major saddos.