outlaw11wa

20 hours ago, dougiemac52 said:

Half a million people in 29 days. Thats incredible. So lets say 300 people in a plane. Thats about 60 planes a day ????????. What a load of <deleted>. I arrived on the 22nd and Suvarnabhumi was empty more or less, same when I left on the 1st

Your math seems ok, and your statement "seemed deserted" would be a good description on your numbers. But whats your point? Thail reports arrivals each year in excess of 30 million for Swampy. That's 2 to 3 million a month on average. Surely any airport of similar capacity is going to look deserted running under quarter normal capacity.

1 hour ago, midasthailand said:

I worked at the previous embassy on South Sathorn Road which was a lovely building that seemed to fit into the environment very well. This new monstrosity looks more like Stalag 13 than an Embassy! 

 

BTW when I worked there it was Australia's 4th largest Embassy world wide, mainly due to the AUSAID, DEETYA and AFP pesrsonnel.

I agree this is a butt ass ugly piece of architecture that should be hidden wedged between other structures. In this open setting its like a boil on a back side. The Sth Sthorn premises was actually very impressive. Often thought "so that's where my tax dollars go"

Thanks for explaining the enormous number of people in the photo. In all the times I went to the Sth Sathorn Building it was strange almost deserted in the public areas. Seemed to be more people as security outside the building than staff anywhere in sight. In the times I went there, once thought the gates and up to the main building, I think I saw one security guy screening us into the secure (fish tank) and one lady screening you on to the foyer. Then not a soul in sight all the way up the stairs to the second floor. Once there it was just as empty. You walked past the ticket machine coz you knew you were number one, haha. So then you stand and look around - no one to be seen. You wander over to the chairs near the booths and sit down to wait.  A few minutes pass and you hear a noise. Out the corner of your eye, something moves. You walk over and peer into the booths along the opposite wall. They appear empty. Then the last one - there below counter height is an attendant shuffling papers. "Did you take a number?"

On 10/31/2016 at 11:33 AM, Strange said:

 

Come on, no need to go there. US and AU are cool. We got the gun thing ingrained in our DNA (Unless your a Lib) so were a little different. 

Im not sure what you are suggesting "US and AU"?

If you mean Australia by AU then there could not be a greater difference in gun ownership policy. Basically the average citizen finds it very hard to own a gun. All are licensed users. Hand guns are the domain of Police and security officers unless you are a active member of a gun club. Carrying a handgun on your person in public will get you rounded up and locked away. Often the weapon has to remain at the range, not to be taken home. Rifles, shotguns may be owned in rural situations for farmers etc to control vermin. All weapons in a household etc must be secured by regulation in a gun safe to specific standards. Maybe you were trying to infer something else that i missed?

<http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1460977949>

I read this yesterday on Khoasod English. This is the full text of the article shown at the start of this thread for those that have not seen it.

Thai Immigration Asks Foreigners for Bank Accounts, Social Media, Hangouts

By Todd Ruiz and Sasiwan Mokkhasen

BANGKOK — Foreign nationals residing in Thailand are being asked to disclose personal information to the government, including their bank details and where they hang out online and offline.

Internal documents obtained earlier this month by Khaosod English showed the Immigration Bureau would ask foreigners for personal details about places they frequent in the virtual and real worlds, additional information to be filed before they can extend their visas or complete the routine 90-day reports required to reside legally in the kingdom.

In recent days, a number of people have reported on Twitter and online forums frequented by expats that they have received the new forms at the Immigration Division 1 office and One-Stop

<snip khoasad does not allow full quotes of articles>

Thanks guy, I spoke to the Perth Consulate this morning and mostly verified what you told me. They are a bit vague in info regarding applying to the Non-O in Thailand instead of Perth. I have checked on the Siam Legal info site and they talk about doing it from within Thailand so the I's have it. I will get myself over there first then start the ball rolling on the Non-O with 12 month extension. I live only 40km south of Mukdahan so Savanahket would be my ideal destination to for out of country Embassy applications or stamps. If I run into anything that varies from you council through this experience I will try to add it to this thread for general knowledge.

Thanks to everybody for their help. Best regards

You will need the non-o visa before you can apply for a one year extension at immigration. Only Bangkok immigration can do a non immigrant visa and it takes 2 trips to get it., Best to go to Savannakhet for a single entry non-o.

Okay so let me run through that again: -

- Enter Thailand on Tourist Multiple entry visa which gives me 60 days . If I cross a land border before the 60 days I can use a second entry for a further period of stay?

- Process and register Thai marriage

- Go to Savannakhet to get minimum of Single entry Non "O" 90 day visa. (reason would be visiting Spouse/Family)

- Need to open Thai Bank account 400k deposited for at least 2 months or proof of 40k income per month. (I have read I need a Non imm visa before I can open a bank acc).

- Apply in Bangkok for 12 month extension by reason of marriage.

Thanks for your patience guys, I know it probably seems simple stuff to you who have probably done it so many times before.

Thanks guy, I spoke to the Perth Consulate this morning and mostly verified what you told me. They are a bit vague in info regarding applying to the Non-O in Thailand instead of Perth. I have checked on the Siam Legal info site and they talk about doing it from within Thailand so the I's have it. I will get myself over there first then start the ball rolling on the Non-O with 12 month extension. I live only 40km south of Mukdahan so Savanahket would be my ideal destination to for out of country Embassy applications or stamps. If I run into anything that varies from you council through this experience I will try to add it to this thread for general knowledge.

Thanks to everybody for their help. Best regards

Thanks for your post Dibbler (and Ubonjoe). I am in Thailand 3 or 4 times every year visiting wife and family. She visits here in between. Our understanding has always been I would move to Thailand full-time. Recently made redundant from my last place of employ due to the downturn in the Mining and Transport industries. Now I am currently researching the Non-O spousal path myself. I am currently resident in Perth. Thai Wife of 4 years. She is in Yasothon area.

I still need to work and I have some opportunities and contacts in Thailand but nothing definite until I can enter the country long term.

Can you or Ubonjoe advise if I can get a Non-O (spousal/family)outside of Thailand. I have a feeling I need to get a 60 or 90 day visa to enter Thailand first then apply in Bangkok for the Non-O.

You would need a single entry non-o visa if you want to apply for a one year extension of stay (not a visa) here which requires 400k baht in a Thai bank for 2 months or proof of 40k baht income.

You could get a multiple entry non-o visa in Perth that would allow unlimited 90 day entries for a year.

Thanks Ubonjoe, I thought as much but in retrospect I omitted to clarify one point in my question. Although we have been married 4 years in a Civil ceremony in Yaso, we have not registered at the Amphur. My wife was married to a Thai chap over 28 years ago. They registered that marriage in Bangkok. He went to work one day and never came home again. That was after 3 days of marriage. She later married another Thai chap in a civil ceremony but never bothered to register as often the case in Thailand. Consequently no issue arose at that time. They split 10 years ago. It was only after we married when we tried to register the marriage at Chaeng Wattana?in Bangkok that the original record came to light. My wife was speechless, she had never realised the original registration was still there. Anyway a lot of run around with lawyers and stuff too verbose to go into here but the official divorce will be stamped on 1st of March. I assume I need to be present to register our marriage at the Amphur before I am eligible to apply for the Non-O application. Sorry if my info in the original post was misleading.

Can I add that I have been reading Thai Visa Forum for many years.

I have noted many regular posters in that time.

Many points of view positive and negative.

Many happy and many disgruntled people. It takes all types of people to make the world go round.

One thing I have come to respect and rely upon is the quality information and non judgmental posts from Ubonjoe - Thanks for your input as always.

Thanks for your post Dibbler (and Ubonjoe). I am in Thailand 3 or 4 times every year visiting wife and family. She visits here in between. Our understanding has always been I would move to Thailand full-time. Recently made redundant from my last place of employ due to the downturn in the Mining and Transport industries. Now I am currently researching the Non-O spousal path myself. I am currently resident in Perth. Thai Wife of 4 years. She is in Yasothon area.

I still need to work and I have some opportunities and contacts in Thailand but nothing definite until I can enter the country long term.

Can you or Ubonjoe advise if I can get a Non-O (spousal/family)outside of Thailand. I have a feeling I need to get a 60 or 90 day visa to enter Thailand first then apply in Bangkok for the Non-O.

You will almost certainly be able to obtain a multi-entry non "O" visa based on marriage from Australia. You will need copies of the marriage certificate, your wife's ID and her Tabian Baan.

You should telephone the Perth consulate to inquire about their precise requirements.

Thanks Sunnyjim, I will touch base with them and confirm their requirements.

Thanks for your post Dibbler (and Ubonjoe). I am in Thailand 3 or 4 times every year visiting wife and family. She visits here in between. Our understanding has always been I would move to Thailand full-time. Recently made redundant from my last place of employ due to the downturn in the Mining and Transport industries. Now I am currently researching the Non-O spousal path myself. I am currently resident in Perth. Thai Wife of 4 years. She is in Yasothon area.

I still need to work and I have some opportunities and contacts in Thailand but nothing definite until I can enter the country long term.

Can you or Ubonjoe advise if I can get a Non-O (spousal/family)outside of Thailand. I have a feeling I need to get a 60 or 90 day visa to enter Thailand first then apply in Bangkok for the Non-O.

I feel for you brother. Just so you know, in Australia we have reputable companies who go one better. They advertise how they have held the suggested retail price firm against increasing costs and market pressures. They ask the same old price but reduce the size of your Mars Bar 10 to 15%. Used to be a Mars bar was big enough to get a firm grip on while you hoed into it. Now you have to open your fist just to make sure it is there?

When im home in Thailand I live in a smaller town in north-east Yasothon. Do I qualify as living in "Old Thailand" if I pay for two internet connections - one at home, one in the shop - but get jack shit?

Seriousely my friend you will be better to take the wallpaper off. I recently had two rooms that the paper was in disrepair and it needed to go. I put the job off for months because of memories of stripping walls of paper before. An arduous and boring job. Finally I took a trip to the local Bunning Warehouse intent on hiring a steamer or such. While weighing up my options I came across a chemical solution. Not the old style paint on and wait product from years ago. I purchased a 1lt bottle of a product that contains an enzyme the neutralizes the glues used in wallpaper. This product recommended lightly scoring/perforating the old paper to help penetration. On the same shelf was the purpose built tool for doing just that and not expensive. Fits in the palm of your hand and has fine toothed wheels on the underside that quickly and gently prick the paper. Put a small qty of the concentrate in a pump up garden sprayer, wet one wall. By which time go back to the start and lift an edge and start gently peeling. It falls off with little scraping. I was astounded how easy it was. Oh, wash it all down with lite solution of sugar soap after, which you would always do before painting anyway.

Good luck

Australia has a $100 note for some years now. Below that is a $50 note. That said the $100 was quite a novelty when it came out and everybody applauded the convenience of it. Employers and payroll firms loved them as it reduced the bulk of notes being handled. I think the release of them was at a similar time to Australia moving to plastic notes if not a little while after. Australia was one of the first countrys to develop the plastic style of note.The joy of having these lovely green things in your wallet was a pseudo status symbol. It did not last. The down side was that on payday armed with these new toys the retail shops got bombarded with big notes for small purchases and the retail trading act actually made a stipulation of what traders rights were to refuse a large note for a minor purchase. If you look around now you still see the $100 notes but ATMs invariably dispense $20s and $50s. About this time many companies started the move to direct deposit payroll for employees. Those companies that still pay in cash each payroll seem to defer to $50s. While I don't disagree there are instances where a larger note would see use, the current situation is probably quite suitable under the current junta. It probably adds a hurdle to money trafficking by keeping the transactions bulky.

They have to be talking about Thai tourists, great. We don't need or want Russian, Chinese, or Mid-East. Although, right now the ladies would probably take anything. Oh, and would the LDOP's (Lame Dupe Over Payers) please, please stay away. Just cheap charlies please. I forgot, there is nothing in Isan, no women, no hotels, no phone service, no internet, no women, no roads (buffalo trails), no beer, no women, no airplanes, no malls, no bars, no ice, no women, nothing, nada, zip, only a couple of crazy farang, lots of water buff, rice, no women, rubber, sugar cane, snakes, scorpians, spiders and other bad characters. Tigers on the prowl in downtown Udon, or what passes for a downtown. Bad place, stay away, danger. Did I mention no women? Nothing to see hear, move along now.

555555555

I wish I could give this reply, more than one like

Though you did forget to mention the minefields

Yep I have never heard a truer word. Just listen to all the touts on here from districts that should know, Pattaya, Phuket, Bangkok, Chang Mai. There ain't nothing out there in Isaan just Bad lands and danger. Only thing positive is there are now more road signs in English so the above mentioned wanderers can find their way out of town quick and get back to "Civilization" in Bangkok. I'm thinking about putting up a few extra signs myself just to be sure....lol.

In fact there might be a good business opportunity. Shipping misplaced Farangs back to Bangkok express post?

If it can be any help for OP, I have a water tank in my house and use the pressure from the tank only.

I have a fairly small 900 liters tank on the attic, supplied from a well.

On the top-floor the bottom of the water tank is about 3 meter over floor level, i.e. some 4½ meter to the top water level. In average some to meters (2 atm.) water pressure for showerhead and water heater. That is not much, but it works, however not that much water pressure, just enough for the water heater to work and an acceptable shower pressure.

I would think you should need two water tanks, one at ground level for storage, filling up with community/town water (when available), and a small pump to fill up a raised tank. OP talks about 10,000 or 15,000 liters, that is 10 to 15 cubic meters and sounds like an awful lot – the structure shall be able to carry a weight of at least some 16 tons of water plus tank – around 1,500 liters sounds more reasonable. However placing some large storage water tanks direct on the ground, may not cause any structure problem.

You can use a small automatic pressure pump to fill the top-level tank from the ground storage tanks. A simple floating valve at the top tank will do the job and start the pressure pump (I use that for the well pump). However, it may make more sense just to leave water tanks on the ground and use a small pressure water pump for water to the in-house installation, which will also give you a nice water pressure at all times. You can buy a floater-switch (don’t know if I use correct English word), so mains power is only switched on to the pump, when the water level is high enough for the pump to work (running dry will damage the pump). I think the floater switch is fairly affordable, and a small good quality pressure pump can be obtained from around 5,000 baht.

Consider a filter on the town water inlet, so you get clean water into your tank(s) – a small simple ceramic filter will do the job and costs around 1,000 baht, and is easy to clean. You can consider two filters, one at the town water inlet, and another after your pressure pump to make sure you don’t get debris from the tank(s) into your pipes.

To keep the water fresh in the tank you can consider using a simple small aquarium pump to mix air (oxygen) into the water, which is the method used at water plants to clean water and remove bad smell, known as “water steps”. Oxygen will also kill some bacteria in the water.

If you use ground level storage water tank(s), you just let the town water into the storage tank instead of a T-junction, and supply from that via your own pump. However also using a T-junction (controlled with valves) you can use the direct supply from town water in case of pump-problems.

Wish you good luck with your project...

You beat me to it, I am at that point of installing the filters on a system I posted here. I was just unsure of the type of filter to handle mineral content in the ground water? Global home have a great range in Mukdahan but all a bit confusing when specs are in Thai. Do you have a suggestion?

I hand the same issue in periods of higher usage there was minimal water pressure in home and in town. I overcame this by having a bore put down. On the surface I have a Hitachi constant pressure electric pump. This joins into the property supply with a tee piece on the house side of the water meter. Close the stop cock on the meter and you are not feeding the entire neighbourhood as well as yourself. Yes beautiful pressure and never experienced lack of water pressure again since Dec 2012. Working fine I do need to complete the system though. The water quality is okay but must be a high percentage of limestone and salts coming from the bore because I did replace a few calcified taps last month when I was there. Another addition might be a suitable filter to remove the calcium problem. A sediment tank might be the answer but that might require a second pump so I still have some research to do on that matter. Yes we do now and previously use the large water bottles for cooking and consumption. But that is the norm even when mains pressure is available. Oh those Hitachi Pumps are cheap. Putting the bore down is cheap also. And PVC pricing in Thailand is a dream.

Hope it works for you.

I bought the Vigo Champ four months ago. Dual cab - 2wd - 2.5lt Diesel VN Turbo - 6speed Automatic. This has the same hi axle well body as the 4wd.

Absolutely brilliant. Love it. Ride is good, power is plenty and economy is magic. Dealer threw in all the flashy chrome add ons - window tinting - etc.

Back in Australia I tried to compare to Hilux here but could not match that closely. 2.5lt Variable node turbo is not available. Australia do do the 3lt diesel a 4lt V6 Petrol and a 2.8lt petrol. At time of my Thai purchase the 6speed Auto was still to be released.

Moral is Toyota mix and match different combinations for different market places. Just depends what jigsaw they make available in you neighbour hood.

What I can tell you is that this would have to be Toyota's most successful current model from my observations. In the 4 months I have had this vehicle they are taking over the road here in Australia and in Thailand. And no it is not the old situation of when you got one you start to notice them more. They seem to be breeding like rabbits.

My friend from Sweden bought a D-Max a few months prior - when I returned to Yaso in December he drove my wife in the Toyota to pick me up at the airpoty in Ubon. He didn't want to let me drive it home...haha now keeps asking if I will swap with him...lol

A terrible thing. Seems the main focus here is Valium and Alcohol. Further thru the police listed Tramadol as one of three drugs found in the room.

Take a second to pop that into Wikipedia and see what you come up with. It is an opiate based drug to be respected. I used it 10 years ago.

My doctor proscribed it after surgery for an anal fissure stemming from Haemorrhoid issues. Pain after surgery I cannot describe. Doctor said if the primary pain killer 850 mg Paracetamol with 150mg Codeine did not work, only then use the Tramadol and don't leave home or drive anywhere. And yes I was seriously spaced out.

The lady had some serious combinations of drugs and alcohol available to her. Some as in the case of Tramadol don't manifest well in some forms of testing - read below.

Fatalities with tramadol overdose have been reported and are increasing in frequency in Northern Ireland; the majority of these overdoses involve other drugs including alcohol.^[35] Recognised risk factors for tramadol overdose include depression, addiction and seizures

Most commercial opiate immunoassay screening tests do not cross-react significantly with tramadol or its major metabolites, so chromatographic techniques must be used to detect and quantitate these substances.

Lets wait and see what comes in the next few days and further testing.

I'm no expert, I saw the name Tramadol and remembered it to be a more serious substance than this thread seemed to realize.

While I find this an interesting subject the results are no doubt a consequence of the demographic and the culture, I also find it disappointing to read so many negative posts. Surely if the posters here find the need to verbally beat up on Thai culture so profusely they should find a country they are more comfortable associating with? Every country has issues generated by their history and culture. Thailand has so much that draws people here because of this culture. Things they cannot experience anywhere else in the world. Many of those here may be resident in areas and demographic where they assume the technologies spoken about here are available to all. Bangkok accounts for 6+ million people in a population of 67million - barely 10% . I could believe the majority of Expats that love Thailand for Thailand's sake probably live beyond the boundaries of Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket and possibly have a very different response to those posted here. Sorry if my thought here don't fit with the theme here but for me Thailand is one of the most positive directions I have taken in my life. Here life is about living and enjoying life while not being insulated in cotton wool by over regulation and doomsday prophets of the west. Chill out guys - its a great place if you let it be.

I have spent all my professional life in the Automotive trade from Cars to trucks and extensive involvement in Motorsport so I have a feel for industry best practice, service and technical aspects of vehicle integrity etc. I am just back from Thailand and purchased a Toyota Vigo Double Cab 2.5lt VN Turbo Diesel 6sp Auto while I was there (10 days ago). The dealer in question is brand new only opened two months ago and their premesis was magnificently designed and presented. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised and satisfied with how I was dealt with all thru the process. I paid BT860k for this vehicle delivered. It seemed a great deal coming in at approx. $30k Aussie dollars. Since being back in Oz and doing price comparisons I cant get the same combination of motor, trim and drivetrain. The Auto in Australia is only the 5 speed version even in top of the line models. The closest comparison comes in at $42k. Yes I am very happy with the vehicle and the experience. Top marks to Toyota Loeng Nok Tha, Yasothorn.

It saddens me to hear of the OP's severe predicament. I guess I am spoilt with a Thai wife that not only can cook (didnt know there was any other kind) but grow our own Thai Hom Malee rice and a small area of Glutenous rice on her farm. Got the Kubota on the farm today to kick off this years crop. Hope we get a bit more rain over the next few days. I guess not everbody is not as lucky.

This illogical habit is the epitome of why Thailand is so unproductive. Shutting down entire offices , especially public service departments so all the staff can eat at once is as about well....it as stupid is it gets.

How on earth do working people get anything done? I guess they really don't . You cannot go to renew your car registration during your lunch hour, you have to take off from work instead, which adds even further to the nation's ineffectiveness.

Is it so incredibly alien to have half the staff eat earlier and the other half eat later?

So where did the idea come from...France, Spain, Mexico....maybe afternoon Siestas next? Thai people are quite good at adopting things

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