Tonycheston

looks very much like a skink to me

I live in a condo just south of Bangkok, Samut Prakarn. Water is charged at 20 Baht per unit. I am pretty sure that the unit price depends whether you live in the city or the suburbs, using water for business or private ( eg retsaurant)

hm, OK I try again. Wish me luck Repeat of my last message.

What a great forum. I have so many questions about different animals and insects of Thailand. Maybe someone could help me.

Goshawk, you seem to be well up on moths and insects. Maybe you could identify these for me? (or anyone else of course). I saw them in Samut Prakarn. I would like to put the photos on my h.p. It would be nice if I could name them.

Also, this fellow flew into my apartment yesterday (the bird) My guess is that it is a Sun Parakeet. I do not think it's a native to Thailand. Could someone please confirm this?

One more question for today. I have been searching for stick and leaf insects (the big ones) Anyone know where and when they can be seen?

Thanks for all info. I will be back with questions about snakes that I have met here in Thailand.

I selected the files, waited until each one uploaded. I can see them in "Manage Current Attachments (6)"

The file sizes are ca. 1.7 MB each. It says I can upload up to 20MB so I must be within the limit.

One difference on my screen to the screen shot "sbk" sent, my Manage Current Attachments window is on the left. Does this have anything to do with me using "mac"?

Oooops, what happened to the pics? I put them in as attachments but don't see them

What a great forum. I have so many questions about different animals and insects of Thailand. Maybe someone could help me.

Goshawk, you seem to be well up on moths and insects. Maybe you could identify these for me? (or anyone else of course). I saw them in Samut Prakarn. I would like to put the photos on my h.p. It would be nice if I could name them.

Also, this fellow flew into my apartment yesterday (the bird) My guess is that it is a Sun Parakeet. I do not think it's a native to Thailand. Could someone please confirm this?

One more question for today. I have been searching for stick and leaf insects (the big ones) Anyone know where and when they can be seen?

Thanks for all info. I will be back with questions about snakes that I have met here in Thailand.

Hi.

I thought it would never happen to me

Monday I went into Chinatown to enjoy the New Year celebrations. I arrived about 3:30 pm, only 10 minutes later my wallet had disappeared. I couldn't find any tourist police near but plenty of police men, non of who could speak English. It took me about 20 minutes to walk to the police station. There I was kept for about 40 minutes and in the end no report was made because, "I no speak English"

Money isn't the important thing, there wasn't much cash in there. However my driving license, and visa cards are very important to me. Without them I am pretty stuck. If anyone has found a black leather wallet with such documents. Keep the money but please return the cards and license,

A stab in the dark, I know, but it's worth a try.

Seems very strange to me

BANGKOK, Jan 21 (Reuters) - Thai Airways International THAI.BK said on Wednesday it was seeking up to 34 billion baht ($974 million) in loans from financial institutions for working capital and debt refinancing.

It said in a statement it was looking for 19 billion baht for working capital and 15 billion baht for refinancing short-term loans.

"We need the funds as soon as possible," a Thai Airways official told Reuters.

On Monday, the airline said it was seeking 19 billion baht in loans from state-owned banks as it needed working capital after being hit by recent shutdowns of Bangkok airports. [nBKK395632] ($1=34.90 Baht) (Reporting by Arada Therdthammakun and Viparat Jantraprap; Editing by Alan Raybould)

And then cut fares??????

Noserious Next year's visa run may send me to Phnom Penh.

A very timely, informative and useful post

No I do not have an expire date, only the "Enter before" date. Nowhere can I see an expire date, only on the entry stamp the date of "until" 16th February.

There is no number 1 on the entry stamp dated 19th December.

Am I right in believing that I could visit Laos in January and re-enter on a 15 day stamp so as not to lose the value of my 2nd entry, which I want to use in February after visiting Korea?

I just got back from Cambodia on Friday. I am British and applied for a tourist visa at the Royal Embassy of Thailand in Phnom Penh. I heard before so many bad reports about the Embassy, I found none of them to be true. The staff were friendly, except to two guys who were demanding things without doing their homework and not having all correct papers. It was quick and no hassle. Collected and filled in the application form one day(8th Dec.) and collected the visa the next (9th Dec.). I asked for a double entry. My visa states "NO. OF ENTRY - TWO" It did however cost 70 USD. It says "ENTER BEFORE 7.MARCH 2009"

Can someone please explain how this works? The visa (entry stamp) is from 19th Dec until 16th Feb. I believe I can get an extention of 30 days at the immigration office in BKK. If I leave Thailand in March can I still re-enter in April for the second entry or does my second entry also have to be before 7. March 2009 and does my re-entry give me another 2 months with the option of 30 day extension at the immigration office?

my wife just called up airasia and her flight this friday (5th) in the evening is confirmed. she is flying from chiang mai to suvarnabhumi. looks like they are speeding up the opening of the airport.

How did she contact airasia. I have made at least 70 calls in the last 3 days at all times of the day, always engaged. I have sent 2 e-mails and have had no reply.

The numbers I have are 02 515 9999 also a Chiang Mai number 05 390 4800 (They never answer the call)

Maybe this will help some stranded folks.

I am now stranded and wasn't sure what I should do. I tried to call Air Asia, always busy. I tried to call TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) couldn't get a connection. It all seemed so helpless.

Anyway I checked the homepage of TAT and found a list of hotels that are under the agreement to support stranded tourists.

I phoned a few hotels and enquired what I needed to do.

VERY EASY. Show up at the hotel with your ticket and passport.

We did that and were given a room straight away. We get 3 meals a day and free accommodation until the airline gives a date to leave. Excellent service, great food and very first class staff.

I know this is no help to those of you who are anxious about losing jobs or business but for many I think the government are trying very hard to make your stay as pleasant as can be. Those of you who are blood thirsty and want to see fights, let me remind you, you are talking about killing mothers, fathers, grandparents and children. Do you really want that? I am happy that the police, army, navy, airforce or any other group are NOT using force.

I wish and hope for a peaceful speedy end to all of this and will try to enjoy my compulsory stay as much as I can.

Good luck to everyone and thanks to TAT for your help (after all it not TAT's fault that this is happening)

I cannot imagine the UK doing this, they are I think the only country who are not sending in relief flights to help their citizens. Very sad.

(this message has been posted in other forums)

Maybe this will help some stranded folks.

I am now stranded and wasn't sure what I should do. I tried to call Air Asia, always busy. I tried to call TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) couldn't get a connection. It all seemed so helpless.

Anyway I checked the homepage of TAT and found a list of hotels that are under the agreement to support stranded tourists.

I phoned a few hotels and enquired what I needed to do.

VERY EASY. Show up at the hotel with your ticket and passport.

We did that and were given a room straight away. We get 3 meals a day and free accommodation until the airline gives a date to leave. Excellent service, great food and very first class staff.

I know this is no help to those of you who are anxious about losing jobs or business but for many I think the government are trying very hard to make your stay as pleasant as can be. Those of you who are blood thirsty and want to see fights, let me remind you, you are talking about killing mothers, fathers, grandparents and children. Do you really want that? I am happy that the police, army, navy, airforce or any other group are NOT using force.

I wish and hope for a peaceful speedy end to all of this and will try to enjoy my compulsory stay as much as I can.

Good luck to everyone and thanks to TAT for your help (after all it not TAT's fault that this is happening)

I cannot imagine the UK doing this, they are I think the only country who are not sending in relief flights to help their citizens. Very sad.

(this message has been posted in other forums)

Maybe this will help some stranded folks.

I am now stranded and wasn't sure what I should do. I tried to call Air Asia, always busy. I tried to call TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) couldn't get a connection. It all seemed so helpless.

Anyway I checked the homepage of TAT and found a list of hotels that are under the agreement to support stranded tourists.

I phoned a few hotels and enquired what I needed to do.

VERY EASY. Show up at the hotel with your ticket and passport.

We did that and were given a room straight away. We get 3 meals a day and free accommodation until the airline gives a date to leave. Excellent service, great food and very first class staff.

I know this is no help to those of you who are anxious about losing jobs or business but for many I think the government are trying very hard to make your stay as pleasant as can be. Those of you who are blood thirsty and want to see fights, let me remind you, you are talking about killing mothers, fathers, grandparents and children. Do you really want that? I am happy that the police, army, navy, airforce or any other group are NOT using force.

I wish and hope for a peaceful speedy end to all of this and will try to enjoy my compulsory stay as much as I can.

Good luck to everyone and thanks to TAT for your help (after all it not TAT's fault that this is happening)

I cannot imagine the UK doing this, they are I think the only country who are not sending in relief flights to help their citizens. Very sad.

I just checked the room rates at "Ambassador Hotel" Their cheapest room is 3,411 TBH so ho can you be expected to stay under a budget of 2,000 TBH including food?

Actually - If you have a ticket that shows you have had your flight home cancelled - ie. dated since this whole saga began - you can call TAT (tourism authority), and they will direct you to a hotel or give you a list of hotels that are offering the 2,000 a day compensation.

but NOT over 2000 baht, so if room and food comes to 2000 or less, then you are well within your right to claim that. This a FACT. If it comes to more than 2000, then you have to make up for that yourself. You just show your ticket and passport to reception and they settle the bill direct with the Topurist Authority. You need to renew your booking EVERY day with the reception.

You can ask TAT for details of 'participating 'hotels in different parts of Bangkok, I know the Ibis if full, however the Ambassador on soi 11(Sukhumvit) was not yet full as of Friday evening. All the TAT/hotel staff have been very friendly and apologetic.

So if you are stuck here go ahead and get a free room!

PS. I dont have the TAT number, you can find it here somewhere, it is a 4 digit one.

Good luck...

Am I correct in believing that all I need do is go to one of the hotels, show my ticket and they will give me a room and food up to the value of 2,000 Baht?

I think the TAT are being very generous, I could cope on 2,000 Bht a day no problem. Of course that is just living, as sleeping and food goes, not entertainment. The big problem I see is how to get the money? I am not sure tat I understand correctly.

If I have an accommodation under 2,000 Bht a day I can stay there? How do I get the money to pay for food?

Anyone who is using this offer from TAT or anyone with inside information, please let me know.

I spent most of yesterday trying to call TAT but the lines were always busy

I think the TAT are being very generous, I could cope on 2,000 Bht a day no problem. Of course that is just living, as sleeping and food goes, not entertainment. The big problem I see is how to get the money? I am not sure tat I understand correctly.

If I have an accommodation under 2,000 Bht a day I can stay there? How do I get the money to pay for food?

Anyone who is using this offer from TAT or anyone with inside information, please let me know.

I spent most of yesterday trying to call TAT but the lines were always busy

I think the TAT are being very generous, I could cope on 2,000 Bht a day no problem. Of course that is just living, as sleeping and food goes, not entertainment. The big problem I see is how to get the money? I am not sure tat I understand correctly.

If I have an accommodation under 2,000 Bht a day I can stay there? How do I get the money to pay for food?

Anyone who is using this offer from TAT or anyone with inside information, please let me know.

I spent most of yesterday trying to call TAT but the lines were always busy

OK As from yesterday I am one of those stranded. I just tried to find out about any compensation. It works this way:-

Conditions of Accommodation

Tourists cannot reimburse the accommodation and meals for cash.

Tourists can stay in the accommodation under the condition that their costs do not exceed 2,000 Baht per day. For any excess, tourists must be responsible and pay themselves.

Tourists can only change the place of accommodation that has been arranged by THA and ATTA.

http://www.tourismthailand.org/news/content-1380.html

Because I was staying private, looks like I get nothing.

Today I read somewhere that a dutch person and some germans got a rebooking for their flight (due yesterday). They will be flown out 09.01.09 YES 9th January 2009. Not sure I can believe that.

(also posted yesterday in a different forum)

Stranded tourist to be compensated Bt2,000 per day: foreign minister

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sompong Amornwiwat said the government would spend at least Bt1 billion to compensate tourist left stranded because of the besieging the two Bangkok airports.

Sompong was Sunday quoted by Manage Online as saying that each of tourists would receive Bt2 billion a day from the special fund until they could fly home.

Thais, who have been stranded overseas, will receive the same rate of compensations, he said.

He was quoted as saying that he had informed foreign envoys of the compensations.

-- The Nation 2008-11-30

OK As from now I am one of those stranded. I just tried to find out about any compensation. It works this way:-

Conditions of Accommodation

Tourists cannot reimburse the accommodation and meals for cash.

Tourists can stay in the accommodation under the condition that their costs do not exceed 2,000 Baht per day. For any excess, tourists must be responsible and pay themselves.

Tourists can only change the place of accommodation that has been arranged by THA and ATTA.

http://www.tourismthailand.org/news/content-1380.html

Because I was staying private, looks like I get nothing.

Today I read somewhere that a dutch person and some germans got a rebooking for their flight (due yesterday). They will be flown out 09.01.09 YES 9th January 2009. Not sure I can believe that.

Most airlines are offering a full refund, if you wish. Air asia is not.

I am booked on "Air Asia" today. The flight is of course cancelled. I asked for a refund. NO. I can have a rebooking when the airport is reopened or a credit to be used within 3 months. Guess that's the forfeit of using cheap airlines.

I heard the TAT (or someone similar is paying out 2,000 Bht a day to stranded tourists. Who has more information and how do yo clam?

btw. Thai airlines are giving hotel accommodation to all their first class and business class passengers, others have to pay their own way.

Hope situation don't degenerate!!

hi angiud i am due to leave cold and foggy uk on the 8th of dec for thailand would you or anyone else like to hazzard a guess as to my chances thanks from ausan

An optimist will say "Sure everything will ok by then"

A pessimist will tell you "No way, you must be joking"

My guess is maybe, but due to the backlog I would recommend you change to land somewhere nice in Thailand. Phuket, Chiang Mai or one of the islands.

I am due out tomorrow, won't happen. Tell me where you are going we could have a beer together.

Bus loads of police left Sisaket in a large convoy, heading for Bkk, this morning. If this is happening through throughout the region, there should be a massive police pesence in the city by tomorrow.

Why Sisaket?

Sisaket is far away and in Isaan country. Isn't that where the Thaksin loyalists all live?

Maybe that means they will be willing to do something against the yellow shirts.

What's wrong with police forces from neighbouring cities?

Ministry of Tourism and Sports to open registration point for stranded passengers

Minister of Tourism and Sports Weerasak Kowsurat (วีรศักดิ์ โควสุรัตน์) reports that the ministry is finding a place to be used as registration point for stranded passengers affected by the airport seizure by the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

The minister inspected Centara Grand Hotel at Central World which might be used as registration point for the passengers before they are taken to U-tapao Airport in Rayong to board their flight. However, the minister said the hotel is too small for the registration as there are more than 30,000 stranded passengers each day and larger places like BITEC and Muang Thong Thani might be used as registration point

Mr Weerasak added that other hotels including Asia and Ramada Plaza Riverside and JW Marriott, have offered to provide free registration services for the passengers. The minister affirmed the registration point will open as soon as possible.

Source: National News Bureau of Thailand - 29 November 2008

from tomorrow I will be another of those stranded people.

Maybe an online registration would be an idea?

looks like its starting... astv gone

edit: load bangs here..... hope it was just left over songan fireworks ... gulp...

I still see ASTV no signs of any disturbance maybe the bangs were your computer giving up