ntfeeney

Hi Paul,

I just sent you a PM with some details. Hope it helps!

Nathan

I see. That would be quite a risk. Do some people have Non-B's without work permits? Or must every Non-B be accompanied by a WP?

Much thanks for the responses here. i also consulted with 2 Thai people who process visas for employees of companies here, and they said I had 2 choices. Firstly, I could go to Immigration as TV also recommended, and cancel my visa, get a 7-day extension, then proceed from there. Or, they said it would be OK for me to just do nothing, and stay on my visa for the remaining 5 months. While I accept that the most legal thing to do would be to cancel this, what happens if I don't? In other words, isn't it generally accepted that Immigration would not know if the Ministry of Labour has canceled a WP?

This is my last question on this topic - thanks for all your help!

Dear intelligent people of the TV forum,

I finished a contract on February 28, 2010, with a Thai company, and received notice from the visa manager at the company that they are going to be going to cancel my work permit this week. That is fine, but I'd like to know what will happen with my visa.

My visa is: a single-entry Non-B visa from Vien Tiane, Laos, issued on September 02, 2009. The enter before date is December 01, 2009 (of course I entered already). I have an 'extension of stay permitted up to August 31, 2010' issued on November 20, 2009. I just notified of my 90 days at the new Immigration office 2 weeks ago, being permitted to stay until May 19, 2010.

The visa manager told me that my visa will be OK until August 31. I remember hearing about 7days this or that, but wanted to make sure what the visa manager was saying is true - if my work permit gets canceled, will I be allowed to use the remaining 6 months on my visa???

Much thanks.

doi Suthep does not dissappear. if you go to there aroud

jan to April. It's okay.

Note: this message was written by one of my ESL students. Thanks for reading.

wow.. these are the nice pictures, especially many good interesting design of hats. It looks like good style of umbrella in Chiangmai. In addition, there are some floating market near this one i.e. Amphawa floating market which is near Samutsongkram province (this is my hometown) .You will see many seafood selling on the boat, moreover you can get on the boat to see the firefly at the night time. It's very nice place you should go. For any further information please kindly let me know.

Hi,

How was the trip in CM, and how was the little panda (Lin Ping), is she so cute? i really want to see her.

Note to readers: this post was written by one of my English language students, practicing her English. Please help by replying. Thanks,

Ajarn Nathan

It's pointless to discuss the legal minutiae for 2 very obvious reasons.

The Thai judicial system allows judges to interpret the law any way they see fit. It is very different from a Western judicial system in which precedents, and sentencing guidelines are closely followed.

This case is inherently political and the judges will be in close consultation with the government following the script laid out by them. This script, like everything else here, can change at the drop of a hat or changeover of officials and post-holders.

Well-spoken comment. Your points have been We'll see how the powers that be decide to handle (or be handled by) this case.

Go Vik Go!

Farc IS a terrorist organisation, in the US and most of the West. But in Thailand? I don't think there is that kind of official list the court can refer to.

The court han'ts been asked to rule on whether dealing with Farc would consitutite terrorist activity, Farc was not on trial there.

It did rule regarding if dealing with FARC would constitute terrorist activity - it named FARC as a political organization or movement, which would disregard any issue about dealing with terrorists. Anyone can be a terrorist according to different governing bodies. If he were supplying terrorists, Thailand might extradite him. If he was selling to an established political group, they might not. That's why it's important.

Even if there is no list, they ruled last Tuesday (possibly to be upheld) that FARC is political, not terrorist.

We'll just have to let this work it's way up through the supremes to the end before we know what they really have planned for him.

He won't receive a fair trial if he goes to New York, already having been labeled a terrorist. He's been accused of threatening the US. He is not interested in harming the US, unlike countless other people in the world.

Is FARC really a terrorist organization? Does Thailand have the legal jurisdiction to send him away, when they've not charged him with anything?

I am hoping he gets back to Russia soon. I love the USA (my home), but I disagree with the government on this issue. Send him home.

Thai prosecutors appeal Victor Bout's extradition

BANGKOK: -- Thai prosecutors have lodged an appeal to counter an earlier lower court ruling which rejected a U.S. request to extradite suspected arms trader Viktor Bout to stand trial in that country, according to Sirisak Tiyapan, Director-General of the Office of the Attorney-General’s Department of Foreign Litigation.

Mr. Bout, 42, dubbed the "Merchant of Death" for his arms trading, was arrested at a Bangkok hotel in March last year. The earlier Thai court ruling said the charges were political and not punishable by Thai law.

The Bangkok Criminal Court on Tuesday rejected the extradition request but prosecutors on Thursday filed an appeal.

Thai law stipulates that prosecutors must file an appeal within 30 days, starting from August 11, if the ruling is to be overturned, Mr. Sirisak said.

In filing the appeal, the prosecutors asserted that it was carried out within the terms of the Thai-US extradition treaty and did not violate any rights of the accused.

Mr. Bout’s lawyer said he would study the prosecution’s appeal, which automatically keeps his client in prison for at least another 30 days.

The lawyer also said he might consider filing the case at the World Court in Geneva, charging that Thailand’s court procedures had caused his client to lose his freedom and that he is unable to continue performing his business.

The Thai government may be liable to pay a significant amount of money in compensation, said the lawyer.

Mr. Bout has been indicted on four terrorism-related charges in New York and could face life imprisonment. He denies the charges and insists that he ran a legitimate air cargo business.

-- TNA 2009-08-15

Let Viktor Go! It was a positive mood at the courthouse (for most of the observers) when the US extradition was denied... but, here we go again....

Funny, every time someone gets caught trafficking drugs here, its "hang 'em high" time on TV. Next time I'm gonna defend the guy (or woman) with the "yeah, but he's only carrying a product across a border - what happens after he delivers the heroin isn't up to him, and besides Thai politicians are involved in the drug trade so that makes him innocent of any crime" line. The guy was selling weapons to the highest bidder, no matter who it was. <deleted> him. Anyway, this wasn't a trial. It was an extradition hearing. Thailand better hope it doesn't need a favor any time soon. This will not be forgotten.

And I guess I'm naive, I never knew so much petty jealousy of the US existed here. A lot of repressed anger coming out it seems. I guess a few people miss their shrinks back home

That sounds like typical American sour grapes because the USA didn't get thier own way. Good on you Thailand for standing up to the worlds dictator. I am sure now there are a lot of people in the USA who will now be proclaiming Thailand as a terrorist state because they lost and will be wanting to rally the forces to get even. Don't worry the rest of the world will be with you not the USA

I spent the whole day at the criminal court, enjoying the congregation of people interested in (especially those supporting) Mr. Bout. Congratulations to Viktor and his family who have been here for each of these hearings. Congratulations to Khun Lak, the winning defense attorney.

So, the Thai attorney general has 72 hours to do something (well, there's the holiday tomorrow, so it'll be Monday), or else Bout is back home.

Yes, the US guys (James, the Italian-looking fellow, the tall African-American, and the older gentleman, and the Dr. Phil lookalike) were not happy as they frantically searched through books, scrambling to get a clarification on the ruling (although I can't blame them - the entire proceeding was in thai language - yes, they had an interpreter).

You can see the top of my head in one of the AP photos.

I am not informed enough on international and Thai law to say whether he committed a crime, but I am happy that he is not going to New York, where he would be tried as a terrorist. His perrogative is not to destroy or terrorize the United States. I love my country, but Viktor Bout is not who wants to destroy my country.

Thats why it is called a movie - in Hollywood-speak that means fantasy

Bubba

Let's hope its not an hollywood production, because they are famous for twisting the truth

well, I'll be there tomorrow at 9am to watch the last hearing in TH. I'll try to write an account of what happens later in the evening or the next day.

I went to Ho Chi Min recently for Non Imm B and I have to say it was a pleasure, no queues, it opened before its normal time when they saw me waiting, all paperwork checked while I was there and everything ready the following day, all with smiles. If you contact them they will tell if you if the do the type of visa you require.

I flew air france for 5160 baht return, one thing though, you will need a visa to get into Vietnam, i got it at the embassy in bangkok and takes 3 days, quicker if you pay more

Air Asia has great promos right now for BKK - SGN, although I took the air france 5160 ticket last time and loved it, especially the free wine service.

I got my visa for Viet Nam from a travel agency that takes it up to Khon Kaen and processes it there, even cheaper than if you go to the embassy in Bangkok (1600 all-in for mine).

3 days processing - same as the embassy.

-Nathan

Hello !

Does anyone has recent experience on changing their current visa to Non-Imm B (teacher) in Bangkok ?

I am mostly looking the requirement (documents) list...

Is local police check document required ? (so that I can add the time to get that document to time frame)

Thanks in advance,

G.

What visa are you currently on?

On a tourist visa or visa exempt entry, you would need at least 21 days of permission to stay left to be able to get convert to a non-immigrant visa.

I have currently on Non-Imm (ED) (extension) with 3 months left.

I know of a great little visa service in Bangkok that will process your non-B visa (1 year) for 5900 Baht - all inclusive. It's a great savings, considering the time and money that I had to spend on traveling out of TH every 60 days. ugh...

They can do it all for you if you're still looking for it. It's a joint Thai - American venture called VisaMan Bangkok. The guy to get in touch with is named Jeffrey Stevens. Email: <email address removed as per forum rules>

Hope this helps, even though its a bit late.

Any further updates as 19th May has been and gone.

I've lost count of how long he's been locked up now. Is it around 14 months?

I doubt any Thai judge is going to make any decision soon unless they get approval from the Prime Minister. Viktor could be locked up for a few years yet awaiting a decision on his extradition.

August 11 (Tuesday) at the Criminal Court Ratchada. ("San-a-ya"). Probably at 9am, as the past several hearings have been at this time. I went to the second-to-last hearing, and will be at this one (should be the final one). Trying to get a few people together to go up there as well.

Interesting recount, thanks for the insight. It would actually be interesting to visit a proceeding with Victor, even if ones understanding of spoken Thai is anything but good.

I agree! What an opportunity to be up close to this guy... the chance won't come again. Either he's whisked away to Russia and stays there for the next long while (you need a break after 1+ years in BKK jail, I assume), or he's sent to an American jail for the rest of his life.

To each his own, though. Even one of the reporters sitting next to me was bored with the hearing. Not I.

I will be going to the next hearing, may 19 9:00am, in case you wanted to come too. After that, they are saying the last hearing may be in early June (I will be out of BKK during that time).

Thanks for reading.

UPDATE::

So, I went to the Criminal Court last Wednesday to watch the hearing for Mr. Viktor Bout. Well, I was thrilled that I was able to simply walk into the room, and sit within a couple meters of the great man. Here's an account:

Arriving as I had before, walking through the front door security of the 'San-a-ya' (Criminal Court), I took the elevator up to the 7th floor, not remembering exactly what floor the hearing would be on. Nope, not the 7th, not the 8th, but the 9th floor is where it was.

Being such a high-profile case, I was surprised at the small number of attendees. A kind photographer, stationed in the corridor, directed me to the precise room. It was about 10:00am (I was late). No worries though... I stood by the door, peering into the room. Viktor Bout's wife, who was in attendance, motioned for me to enter room. As I took a seat in the 6-bench capacity room, Alla (Viktor's wife), started speaking to me in Russian. Unfortunately Russian was not one of the languages I have pursued, and I babbled something in English about being here to support Mr. Bout. She became disinterested, and returned to her position next to her husband.

Speaking of Viktor, he was clad in an old faded-orange prison shirt and matching shorts - accompanying shackles of course. He looked at me a few times during the proceedings and afterward, possibly curious who this young, white guy (not Russian) was here.

A quick role of the attendees:

Viktor, his wife, an older Russian man, Bout's translator, someone who looked like he could be a younger brother of Bout, a young Russian woman, another young woman (believed to be a reporter), several Thai journalists and reporters, the judge, 4 attorneys, the American prosecutor (lanky guy with bad haircut - identified by a friend as CIA, beacuse of such characteristics (joke)), his translator, a French reporter (Viktor is refusing interviews with American and Thai media because of the slant, the whole 'merchant of death' thing.

Yes, the proceedings were in Thai, with each side having a translator. Viktor looked calm and focused; his wife looked worried.. sort of like my mother when I left the USA for Thailand... worried about when she might see Viktor again...Basically, it was a drab hearing, though. The judge asked questions to a large Thai man, whose title I have forgotten. The hearing adjorned around 12 noon, with them negotiating the next hearing. Viktor wanted it to be 'the 30th', but the lawyers were 'not going to be here' then. The next date is May 19th at 9:00am.

As everyone left, I walked down the hallway and positionde myself with the official media (with their big fancy cameras). I whipped out my tiny Casio, and attempted to take a few photos (of bad quality - i need a new camera), then resorted to shooting a quick video of Viktor walking down the hall to the stairs, and away.

Afterward, I took a self-guided tour around thhe complex, and found myself at the big holding cell for prisoners. A couple hundred of them, hanging out, awaiting trial, with some of them receiving visitors.

This is just a report... if you'd like to discuss my opinion on the matter (i would like to hear yours), please email me at [email protected] Yes, I am a teacher here in TH. Thanks, -N

Hearing wil be in Thai - as it always is in Thai courts - with a translator for the defendant.

Get there real early - there'll be loads of folk queing up to get in (espeically foreign press).

The question is not so much whether or not he gets extradited - but to whom he goes i.e. Uncle Sam or Uncle Medvedev (Russia)? - he's done bidding for both sides over the years all over the world.

Is he really that bad?

Nope - lots like him the world over.

Is the next hearing tomorrow or wednesday - Ive seen both reported. Should be 9am either day. Thanks. -N

Good piece in the Bangkok Post today. Sorry I couldn't find it on the online version.

What stood out was the bizarre comments from the presiding judge. If I remember correctly he stressed the importance of international relations in deciding whether or not to go ahead with the extradition request then he added that any decision he makes may affect his and his family's ability to obtain visas to travel abroad.

The article also mentioned a key witness next week speaking at the hearing would be an official from the Foreign Ministry. As I stated last year, this case will definitely not be decided on legal merits but on which country between Russia and the US applies the most favourable carrot and the smallest stick.

Poor old Viktor's been locked up for a year now. He's lost a lot of weight apparently.

I have decided to wait until the movie (hopefully a musical) is released.

Let's hope its not an hollywood production, because they are famous for twisting the truth(this is an understatement)

And the supposed good guys prevail.

It's me again - just to answer some of the comments left here and try to get more info.

Yes, they do let random farang around the complex, that is if you are of an adequate level of intelligence, also being capable of communicating (yes, in Thai) with the people who work there. I was allowed to wander around the entire complex when I was there last month, obtaining some of the room documents for the hearing that was unfortunately postponed.

Will there be English? Being an international case, I would assume so. Otherwise, there will be Thai (which I have a decent understanding of) and Russian (got me there).

I don't follow movie stars or musicians... that was a thing for adolescence. These people who are really making an impact (positive or negative, you decide) are far more intriguing.

The question: there are differing reports on the next hearing. I have heard and read it will be tomorrow (april 28) and wednesday (april 29).

I know more sources are saying the 29th, but does anyone know for sure? I will be going up to the courthouse a bit before 9am, if anyone else is interested in going. Leave me an SMS at 0866136166 (I may not answer random phone calls) if you are interested.

Best,

N

Hi everyone. I have been following the developing case of the Russian Viktor Bout, accused of arms smuggling, endangerment to Americans, etc... "merchant of death" since he was arrested last March in BKK. His extradition case continues to be delayed until now, 1 year later. He's been at the criminal court last Friday, and this past Monday, and scheduled to appear march 17-18.

My question is if normal folk like myself can go listen in to his hearings at the criminal court? This is a great chance to see it firsthand, as he will either be in the USA or back in Russia soon (Thailand hasn't charged him with anything). Any info would be greatly appreciated - phone numbers, times, anything.. I would love to go.

Thanks!

N

Greetings,

I just wanted to file a reply to this to help those looking into Thai classes. I looked into the Chula course, but balked at the then 25,500 Baht price tag.

Instead, I opted to take the Speaking and Listening course offered by Thammasat University at the classic Tha Prachan campus.

Details:

5 weeks, 3 hours/class, 2 classes/week for the Speaking and Listening course. Writing and reading is offered on alternating days.

5,500 baht - can use the library. I got a letter from the university, but failed to get an ED visa from immigration (tried twice) because it was 'part-time.'

The ajarn was an excellent professor of Thai at TU who taught this class, and I learned an excellent base of Thai that got my speaking basic sentences with native Thais by the end of the class. About 8 students, from Viet Nam, Korea, Taiwan, France, Australia, USA (myself).

Not the same as Chula, but a hellavu lot cheaper and more than adequate getting you learning how to speak. My highest recommendation.

You may not need to rush in in Udon. The consulate stops taking applications at noon. Sounds to me like you won't make it.

No problem to get it on Friday.

I flew into Udon airport last March (6am from bkk - arriving udon at 7am), bought a ticket for a minibus (big van) to the border for 100-150 baht I believe. 45-60 minutes. Got out, walked through immigration, took the friendship bus across the Mekong, bought my Lao visa (15 min.) and walked through. Paid a pick-up truck guy around 120 baht to take me to the Thai embassy/consulate where I submitted (already filled out) documents for my TV before the mid-day cut-off. Went to the hotel for 50 baht, enjoyed VTE, picked up my 2x visa the next day, missed the VTE - nong khai bus (sold out already) so pooled with 5 Lao folk to take a big tuk-tuk to the border. Took a minibus to UDON, flew away back to BKK. 2 days - 1 night. I'm headed back up there this weekend, just for an expensive visa run/vacation. Nice place.

Love it! Used it 3 times the past year.. paid with paypal, no worries about extra forms... just walk through and ignore the touts.

My passport is getting quite full and I need to do the dreaded border run to PP. Jack Golf has told me that I can use their bus service to Poipet with my own e-visa. Instead of B2,200, they will charge me B1,400 for transport.

This seems pretty good, but on looking at the Cambodian e-visa website, I am wondering is it safe enough for my credit card.

Has anyone ever got an e-visa from the Cambodian Govt website (http://evisa.mfaic.gov.kh) without any problems?

Thanks for any input.

Hello....I have the last years apply for E-Visa to Cambodia,it works very good and its safe to use credit card and the border runs goes more smoothly than before when I apply at the border and no need to use glue to get the E-Visa to your passport, just staple it or print out at least 2 copies of your E-Visa when you goes for the border run.

I really recommend Cambodia E-Visa....wish that Thailand also could do the same or??

Hoping to bump this back up as I am planning to go up to Chiang Rai through Mae Sai. I called the Burmese Embassy and was told that I needed to obtain a visa beforehand in Bangkok and that I could not walk through. I am an American citizen whose 2x TV extension (second one) will expire early september, so I'll just be jumping out and back in again (non-B coming next month) for a 30-day stamp. I would be arriving on a Saturday (flying up to Chiang Rai from BKK), leaving on Sunday.

I have read about flooding problems in Chiang Rai too... is that just not advisable? Also, how about the crossing into Laos (in that vicinity).

Much thanks for any info.