LisuLover

Really kind of you guys to offer your time. Thankyou. I am being very slow here because the g/f seems to have lost her mobile and I can't get in touch with her to get the address. As you will guess, it is an early stage relationship. The suggestion of Kaeng Khro rings a bell and yes, I remember it being north of Chaiyaphum towards Khon Kaen. We went there once in January on our way to Lake Nong Pla Tao, Ton Ton waterfall and then home to meet Mama.

As soon as I have the address I will send PMs and a mobile number as suggested. Thanks again. Keith

I live somewhat near Chaiyaphum. Where is Gangkhor in relationship to Chaiyaphum City? I might be able to assist with some pictures.

Thanks Ken. I will look at some maps and email you. Where is the AA or RAC Thailand when you need them with a handy door to door route finder?

I am currently in UK and applying for a visitors visa for girlfriend to visit me. Have been advised to get a picture of her land and the house she is having built on it. It is rural and wont be easy to find. Anyone know of a local photographer, Thai or otherwise, around Gangkhor or Chaiyaphum. I am very happy to pay them.

Am applying for g/f to come to UK on a visitor visa. She has a Thai friend in Nice, France about to give birth. Will she need a French visitor visa? Is the French one as tough to get as the UK one, or will the French be impressed if she has already satisfied UK requirements?

I am currently in UK. Can I make these applications online, or is it preferable to print them off, fill them in and post them to g/f, so that she can deliver them personally in Bangkok? V grateful for any hints.

Thanks Crossy and others for your words. Am at doctors now for certificate, so should be manageable from here. My tip for the day is, if you have a bad cold, dont get sunburnt as well.

According to my stamp, I have to leave on the 12th, which is Saturday, however I may need an extra week or so and more if it's Dengue Fever, which I dont think it is as no muscle pain. In my current state, I cant manage a mini-bus, a ferry, 3 planes, 2 trains and a bus. How much is a taxi to Brixton? (UK)

I have run up against a bit of a health problem. I am at Cookies/White Sand beach/Ko Chang and have fever, wobbly legs (you dont want detail) etc, all made worse by taking immuno-surpressants for a separate illness. Flight home is late friday and I am worried I might not make it. Will immigration chuck me in the slammer or can fines be paid per day? Grateful for any views.

Well that's unwrapped the cotton wool I feel as though I have just spent an hour on one of those rickety little green buses in Bangkok. By the way, I said I was 20 yrs older, not younger And yes, she has a Thai passport. And no, we havent discussed the wedding party yet.

My feeling is that Mama is dominent and my gf is naive. I guess they are a family of jobing farm labourers, trying to make good. I went into their neighbour's timber and reed house/hut one night to find the family sitting on the earthen floor below a single smoke blackened lightbulb. A small fire filled the thatched roof with smoke. There was no chimney. It was stone age.

For me the attraction is in the nature of the girl. Yes she is 7 or 8 out of 10 attractive, but she also has a real enthusiasm for life and an innocence that would be hard to find in a city girl. The pleasure of seeing her face as she first set eyes on the Taj Mahal, the Eiffel Tower or Selfridges Department Store would be huge for me. She says that for mountain people, husband comes first, family comes second.

I welcome your views. I am preparing myself for another ride on the rickety green Bangkok bus.

I know Sin Sot is much discussed elsewhere, but I cannot find it here despite looking back a year or more. I am seeing a wonderful hill tribe woman, who is mid 20's, never married, no children, younger siblings, father lives away from home. I am British, 20 yrs older and solvent, but no millionaire. Marriage is being suggested and I wonder if anyone has a feel for local bride price. Any recent precedent? The first 'punt' from Mama is 7 figures!!

Also, how do I negotiate with Mama, she doesnt speak Thai, so I will need to find someone who speaks mountain language and English?