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Buzby

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Posts posted by Buzby

    Big Trouble In Tourist Thailand

    in General Topics

    Posted

    I am in no way defending our JJ, but having watched the uncut version and his interview, I do see it all in a different light. As for the sargeant/captain chap who arrive to stand up for the marines.. well, I don't think he covered himself in much glory either.

    I downloaded episode 3 this morning from mininova (couldn't find it on YouTube) and it was quite good. I'm enjoying this.

    Agreed, Enjoying it only because its about Thailand.

    Hurrah for Big TITT. A different one featured every week :)

    Big Trouble In Tourist Thailand

    in General Topics

    Posted

    Out of curiosity, this thread must be heading very close to the record length of a thread now?

    No?

    You have not heard of the infamous Rain thread then Travel?

    :D

    Or the one about the 150 TBH ATM charge.

    i think THAT one is at 73 pages and still gping strong :)

    Penkoprod

    Not quite as amusing as the rain thread but the 'Uk settlement waiting times' thread has racked up 95 Pages in 6 months. I dare say there are longer/faster growing threads out there :D

    Uk Settlement

    in Visas and migration to other countries

    Posted

    really can anyone else confirm this that you just have to apply but there is no charge.

    Yes, Its free if you are the spouse of a EU citizen (and I have read on this forum free to non EU family members ).

    We are applying tomorrow at the Italian Embassy in London and are not expecting to pay a bean and we have Thai friends (married to UK citizens) in UK who have had Schengen visas issued here with no charge.

    Do a search on this forum for 'schengen'. There is plenty of info :)

    Uk Settlement

    in Visas and migration to other countries

    Posted

    Bingo!!!!

    Wife picked up her passport today (Monday). Visa Granted :D

    11 weeks exactly.

    What a relief. I think the hours between SMS and wife collecting passport were filled with more anxiety than the previous 11 weeks :D

    Good luck to all those waiting and EXTRA GOOD LUCK to Chewy. We are all rooting for you and your wife :)

    Uk Settlement

    in Visas and migration to other countries

    Posted

    Or more likely the number of applicants and the number of staff.

    Normally the processing time in Bangkok for a settlement visa is 10 to 15 days, often shorter. This was certainly the case for most of 2008.

    All the indications are that there has been a continuing surge in applications to Bangkok, starting early this year. When the statistics for this year are published it will be interesting to see how the number of applications compare to previous years.

    I wonder why that is? The economic downturn means expats wanting/having to return home? Thai government cracking down on visa runners? Simply coincidence? Something else?

    Best wishes to all those who have been successful, and I hope those still waiting will hear soon.

    Just jesting about the nightlife :)

    You are absolutely spot on. Not enough staff to cope with demand.

    Has there been a reduction, planned or otherwise, in ECO's. Even a temporary reduction of staff at a time when application numbers are rising considerably could result in the situation we find ourselves at the moment.

    I read previously about Bangkok taking on the applications from 1 or 2 neighbouring countries. Did this happen around the turn of the year?? If so then surely that must be a factor.

    I think a large part of the problem must be local. Surely Thailand is not unique in that its had a surge in applications due to the economy. So for me its a combination of many factors some of which were impossible to predict.

    Friday today. Lets hope we have lots of good news before the weekend.

    Uk Settlement

    in Visas and migration to other countries

    Posted

    I am nearly finished compiling a little spreadsheet comparing the SV stats with other UK Embassies worldwide. I only have May & Junes figures but it does show that Bangkok is fighting relegation so to speak. I will post later today/tomorrow.

    Seems we cant upload Excel documents????

    Oh well, it doesn't really show much that we don't know already. The stats do show that Bangladesh & Iran are very good places to apply. 70% & 90% respectively within 15 days.

    Personally I have never been to either place but maybe there is a correlation between nightlife options available and SV processing times. Too many distractions in Bangkok!! Just a thought :)

    Uk Settlement

    in Visas and migration to other countries

    Posted

    does anyone have older statistics for comparison?

    The last 3 Quarters' figures can be found on the VFS site

    http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/aboutus/custo...rvicestandards/

    I am nearly finished compiling a little spreadsheet comparing the SV stats with other UK Embassies worldwide. I only have May & Junes figures but it does show that Bangkok is fighting relegation so to speak. I will post later today/tomorrow.

    104 decisions in May and 196 in June :) Lets hope we are now over the worst of it and wait times start to come down.

    Congratulations to all that have received their Visas and Good luck to everyone waiting.

    Uk Settlement

    in Visas and migration to other countries

    Posted

    How far do you think you would get if you wrote to the papers.

    Dean, unfortunately I feel not far. I believe joe public probably would not give a toss, indeed the wait times would probably be seen as positive, especially bearing in mind the news last month about Pakistani students attending so callled 'fake educational establishments', whether true or not.

    Yep, agree about UK newspapers not giving a <deleted>. Maybe a couple of the more liberal newspapers would be interested but sadly that would not hold much sway with the powers that be.

    An article in one of the English language Thai dailies could possibly be another matter. It could embarrass/shame the staff at a local level. Even if they did an hour or two extra once or twice a week (at the very least) would help things.

    Just my 2 satang (and 600 quid fee :) )

    Applied 11/05/09. Please add me to list.

    Good luck to all.

    Just A Quick Question

    in Visas and migration to other countries

    Posted

    Hi

    My wife and I have applied for Uk settlement visa. We did NOT have our Thai marriage certificates translated to English.

    Please see the notes at the bottom of this check list from the VFS Global website.

    Checklist

    I would hope they would have bought this issue up at time of submission IF English translation is required.

    If in doubt. Give VFS a call to confirm.

    Good luck with visa :)

    Uk Settlement. Acceptable Evidence Of Address ?

    in Visas and migration to other countries

    Posted

    I have only lived at the (rented) property for 3 weeks, since returning to UK from Thailand, and currently only have the Tenancy agreement

    Is she named on the Tenancy Agreement? If not, then I would recommend a letter from your landlord granting her permission to live there.

    Unfortunately not on Tenancy Agreement. Agreed with landlord we would put her on it when she arrives. Shouldn't be a problem to get letter from landlord.

    Cheers for the advice.

    Uk Settlement. Acceptable Evidence Of Address ?

    in Visas and migration to other countries

    Posted

    Nice one!!! That's kind of what I wanted to hear :o

    Will wait for latest bank statement and then I will have 3 separate 'documents' proving address. As you say, if the ECO wants further info.........

    Cant wait to get the ball rolling, so to speak. Only been married 2 months and we've been apart over 1 month now with the prospect of another couple of months of waiting. Ouch.

    Thanks VERY much for your time. Much appreciated.

    All the best.

    Uk Settlement. Acceptable Evidence Of Address ?

    in Visas and migration to other countries

    Posted

    Thanks Mariner29 :o

    Will be ordering a bank statement from an ATM so should have that early next week.

    Do you think it would have a detrimental effect on her/our application by NOT having a letter from council. We have mountains of supporting evidence re finances, employment and relationship history etc.

    Fingers crossed my council gets their act together this week.

    Thanks again for any advice.

    Cheers.

    Uk Settlement. Acceptable Evidence Of Address ?

    in Visas and migration to other countries

    Posted

    Hello all,

    We are currently compiling all the supporting evidence for my wife's UK Settlement visa application but am unsure whether I have sufficient proof/evidence of where we shall live.

    I have only lived at the (rented) property for 3 weeks, since returning to UK from Thailand, and currently only have the Tenancy agreement and 2 'welcome' letters from utility companies. The Sponsorship Undertaking form SU07/01 does not include these in its list of documents so I guess I have to wait for local council to send council tax bill. Still waiting after 3 weeks and quite a few phone calls.

    Hoping someone can give me some good news...just seen the wait times for applications. Crikey!!

    Thanks very much

    Bringing A Handgun Into Thailand From Usa

    in General Topics

    Posted

    Scenario: The Farang and his Thai wife are awoken by an intruder.

    Solution:

    Step 1: Release the hounds and attack goose. Turn on PC.

    Intruder is not put off ? Go to step 2.

    Step 2: PC should now be ready. Play MP3 recordings of guns being cocked.

    Intruder still there and now outside your bedroom ? Go to step 3.

    Step 3: Grab the paintball gun and color him from head to groin.

    The intruder is determined/high as a kite and still there ?

    Your wife should now have the safe cracked, located the ammo and loaded the gun.

    Step 4: Pray she's a good shot.

    :D:o

    Travel Gadgets

    in Thailand Travel Forum

    Posted

    I'm working on a time machine that will eliminate traveling to and from LOS. Once perfected there will be no need for iPods, fans, blow up pillows or airline food. :o

    time machine or teleport machine???

    I think the Time machine might just work. My guess though is that he would have to activate it after boarding the aircraft.

    However, why Mighty Mouse would need a time machine or indeed a flight reservation remains a mystery. Clearly he can already fly at 'rocket' speed.

    :D

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