KED

It does seem strange that the airline could not reroute/rebook you directly, but if you were looking for a refund - then expedia would have to do. I agree with previous comments that when possible book directly with the operating carrier - but sometimes the itinerary involves 2 or more carriers and you need a vendor like expedia.

As they are proposing to to tax every tourist entry at all points of entry it could end up being like Bali (and the rest of Indonesia?) where you have to pay $25USD in USD to the immigration officer to get your passport stamped. If they go that way good luck with getting the money from the Immigration Department TAT.

Indonesia (and Bali) removed this visa on arrival fee for most western countries months ago - they felt that by removing this fee it would attract more tourists. By the same logic, Thailand adding another fee will discourage travelers - albeit only a slightly. But, if someone is planning a trip to Vietnam or Malaysia or Thailand - they just might choose another country in SE Asia than Thailand .

Since I am retired and have more freetime, I have taken the train a few times to Chiang Mai and Nong Khai. While the cost of 2nd class and even 1st class train tickets is inexpensive, airfares are competitive, so no real cost savings. I agree that 1st class is cold and impersonal - and I find being in a private room with a stranger to be awkward and much prefer 2nd class aircon travel.

Since my train travel is at night - there really isn't much sightseeing to be had and the trains I took were consistently 2-3 hours late. I do find the interaction with fellow travelers to be the most interesting aspect of train travel.

Overall, if time is not essential, then taking the train in one direction and flying back is a good option.

My friend has an O Visa which expires on Nov 18 - he wants to go to Chaeng Wattana and extend it for one year based on retirement. What is the earliest and latest he may apply for the extension at Chaeng Wattana?

many thanks.

I do have one additional follow up question - my friend used an embassy notarized letter for proof of income - the original lette was kept on the first visit - but was given a copy of the letter - will he be able to submit this copy on his third visit for the actual one-year extension since the original is on file or will he need another original notarized letter ?

many thanks for any info.

Thanks, UbonJoe, I guess they added a third step that I did not have to make 5 years ago.

I am helping a friend get a one year extension based on retirement - initially he had a 30 day entry stamp only - no O visa. I did the exact procedure 5 years ago.

Last week we went to Chaeng Wattana with incomeverification and he was given a receipt for THB 2,000 - to change his 30 day entry stamp to an O visa and advised to return one week later. However, there is no O visa in his passport.

My memory is hazy about what I did 5 years ago, but I could have sworn that on the first procedure, I was given the O visa and advised to return after 30 days had expired in the visa.

Is my memory incorrect, or is there now a new step that he must return a week later to get the O visa?

When he returns next week, will he be able to go directly from the O visa to a one year extension, or will he have to wait 30 days and return for a third time to get the one year extension?

Many thanks for any consructive information.

The sad fact is that the Thai police are worried more about their corrupt system of bribes and tea money than they are about solving any crime. Their number one priority is generating funds for themselves, not protecting the nation's citizens.

Others may have different experiences, but the retirement one-year extension (not a visa) is granted on being 50 years of age or older and based on an income of THB 65,000 per month or THB 800,000 per year or a combination of income and savings totally THB 800,000. Since there is no marriage requiremnt - I do not see why your marital status would be part of the process nor why your wife's (should you have one of any nationality) attendance would be required.

I have flown Thai Lion from DMK to Chiang Mai a few times. The check-in is easier than Air Asia just because there are not the hoards of Chinese customers as there is at Air Asia. The Bangkok to Singapore route is a competitive flight - but always good to see more competition which should keep fares lower.

It would be sad but beneficial to see the photos of those killed and a short biography of their lives - to honor them. Much better than the gruesome photos offered after the explosion.

I totally agree with the previous comments. The police should be arresting the big dealers - and not the small time petty dealers. It is sad that those higher up are protected from prosecution while those who are addicted or small time dealers are routinely arrested. If they are continuing the criminizaion of drugs, then they need to arrest the major suppliers -be they policeman or wealthy patrons - unless they do so, the crimes against drugs are a farce.

It is certainly good to see the U.S. lead (somewhat) in a positive direction without military action. Just as people not associated with Irealand were so excited to see equal marriage there - I see many posts on my FB Asian friends celebrating the Supreme Court decision - even though they aren't U.S. citizens nor dating U.S. citizens. I hope the momentum continues and reaches Asia (Taiwan? Vietnam? Thailand?).

Time to celebrate.

Firstly, I think it would be more difficult to find a financially secure Thai partner in Pattaya than Bangkok because in Bangkok there are more gay Thais who are able to secure jobs which can support their lives. In Pattaya (my impression), many Thai people (male and female) travel from other parts of Thailand to meet western people as an income source. This does not mean that there are not many Thais in Bangkok who are looking for financial support but the population of Thai gays who have a life-supporting job is higher in Bangkok.

Seondly, and this is not unique to Thai/wesern relationships, the dynamic where one partner is more wealthy than the other is something that must be resolved. If the wealthier partner is more accustomed to a nicer home and better restaurants and extensive travel, then the less affluent partner cannot participate without support.

Now, there are Thais who are strictly interested in finanial gain than romance with a western person. Some Thais are open and honest about this, others are more scammers. After living in Thailand for a while, an expat should be able to undertand what motivates a Thai bf/date.

An interesting comparison for this dynamic is the old move "An Officer and a Gentleman" where local girls in a small town are looking to date Navy pilot trainees because they will earn good salaries and the woman can raise their financial security by marrying these men. In the same way, many Thai men are looking for a western bf who can support them (and often their families).

My feeling is that as long as both individuals are honest and in agreement and understand what each expects, then that is their business and I wish them happiness.

My disco days are few and far between; however, I have a friend planning to visit Thailand. He was asking me if G.O.D. was still open under the new government. Does anyone know if it is still open and what hours? Many Thanks.

You are joking right ?

You printed all and say that it was easy ! The easy way is just show my passport to these monkeys !!!

And for the coffee how disgusting is 711 coffee when there is a coffee shop next to this 711 that has good coffee for only 40 baht...

The 7-11 coffee cannot be any more disgusting than you referring to others as monkeys. With your karma, I wouldn't want to be on the same flight as you.

The problem Thai has is that while it may rank 19th - at least 90% of the 1-18 carriers ranked higher also fly to Bangkok. So, anyone who is booking more for service and comfort would book with the other carrers. And for those economy customers who are price senstivie, TG rarely competes pricewise - They are an average carrier with above average prices.

Many countries have an online resourse where tradesmen are rated and reviewed for their work and if they would be recommended to others. It would be great to have the whole community critique the quality of work so those needing repairs or renovation would have a resource of who to hire.

Totally agree with UbonJoe - no minimum - but unless you really have no choice - better to do 30-45 days early (depending on what your office will allow) just in case you run into documentation problems - then you will have a window to resolve without having to start the process all over again.

I also travel between Bangkok and Chiang Mai 3-4 times per year; howver, I don't travel with as much baggage as you are. For me, Don Muang and Suvarnabhumi are equally convenient. My first choice is Bangkok Airways IF their fare is within 200 baht - because they have the free domestic lounges and free checked bag - but if they are more than 200 bath - I would choose Lion and then Air Asia. Of course, we all have different expectations and criteria for selecting flights.

If you want to prebook more than 15kgs of baggage - you might be better off choosing Air Asia,

I did an inquiry from Bangkok (both airports) to Chiang Mai for Sept 9 returning Sep 15 and got the following fares (all in THB)

AIr Asia 1561

Lion Air 1489

Bangkok Airways 2900

Thai 2523

I'm not sure why Smile and Nok Air do not show up for the inquiry on Skyscanner. But based on this info - I would book Lion Air because they allow 15 kgs of baggage without charge whereas AIr Asia would charge.

I did go to Nok AIr's website and their lowest fare that day was THB 2398 before baggage fees and on Smile's website their fare was THB 2176

It would be great to know about this park if it does indeed exist - hope someone can respond.

• Opening Hours: 05:00 - 20:00 daily
• Location: Lake Ratchada, Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre
• MRT: Queen Sirikit National Convention Center
• BTS: Asok
• How to get there: From BTS (exit 4), walk about 5 minutes towards Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. If you take the MRT, walk towards Asok-Montri for about 5 minutes.

• Opening Hours: 04:30 - 21:00 daily
• Location: Phahon Yothin Road, Chatuchak
• MRT: Chatuchak Park
• BTS: Mo Chit
• How to get there: Both the BTS Skytrain and MRT Subway drop you right in front of the park.

• Opening Hours: 5:00 - 18:00 daily
• Location: Sukhumvit 103, Nong Bon, Phrawet
• How to get there: The nearest BTS Station is On Nut - from here, continue on taxi.

• Opening Hours: 04:30 - 21:00
• Location: Rama IV Road, Pathumwan
• MRT: Silom, Lumphini
• BTS: BTS: Saladaeng
• How to get there: MRT Subway Silom or Lumphini Stations will drop you right opposite the park.

• Opening Hours: 5:00 - 18:00 daily
• Location: Kampaengphet 2 Road, Ladyao, Chatuchak
• MRT: Chatuchak Park, Phahon Yothin
• BTS: Mo Chit
• How to get there: From BTS or MRT (Chatuchak Park), head towards Chatuchak Weekend Market, turn right at Kampangphet 3 Rd., and keep walking (about 10 min.) until you reach Children's Discovery Museum (the park is located in the same area).

• Location: 15 minutes from Udom Suk BTS by taxi
• Address: Suan Luang Rama 9, Sukumvit 103 Road (Udom Suk)
• Tel: +66 (0)2 32813856
• Price Range: Entrance 10 Baht

• Opening Hours: 5:00 - 21:00 daily
• Location: Phra Nakhon (near Wat Sutat)
• How to get there: Embark the Charo Phraya Express Boat to Memorial Bridge pier, then walk up Chakraphet Road.

• Opening Hours: 04:30 - 21:00 daily
• Location: Kampaeng Phet 3 Road, Chatuchak
• MRT: Chatuchak Park
• BTS: Mo Chit
• How to get there: From BTS or MRT (Chatuchak Park), head towards Chatuchak Weekend Market, turn right at Kampangphet 3 Rd, and keep walking pass Queen Sirikit Park until you almost reach the end.
• Sanam Luang Park (The Royal Field)

  • Location: Rattanakosin Island (near Khao San Road and the Grand Palace
  • How to get there: Either take a taxi or embark the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Maharaj or Chang Pier.

  Santichaiprakarn Park

  • Opening Hours: 5:00 - 22:00 daily
  • Location: Sumeru Road, Phra Nakhon
  • How to get there: Embark the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Phra Athit Pier (N13), or take a taxi.

  Santiphap Park

  • Opening Hours: 5:00 - 21:00 daily
  • Location: Between Ratchawithi Road and Rang Nam Road, Ratchathewi
  • BTS: Victory Monument
  • How to get there: From BTS Skytrain Victory Monument Station (Exit 4), turn right at the Victory Monument and keep walking for about five minutes and the park is on your right.

Looks like the Thai woman has been duped too, Nigerian men befriend her saying we need a bank account vto deposit money, if you let us use yours we will give you ex amount of money.

she wasn't duped - she was complicit. she identified herself as a Thai immigration officer. She was a major part of the scam.

If you don't need to be on the skytrain during rush hour, you might consider the other side of the river in Thonburi. Thonburi is not (yet) as crowded as along Sukhumvit and there are fewer western people in the area.

Hi old croc, we are living in spain at the moment ,and are being paid a reduced Australian age pension, we tried Thailand in the early 90,s but left huahin when the Scandinavian invasion started, we always liked Vietnam and we permanently rent a bungalow in vungtau as a fishing hut for me and the grandkids while the women folks are shopping in HCMC, don't shout about VN too much, it is great as it is not to many tourists, and no <deleted> Scandinavians, local authorities look after us pretty well,even centrelink is not so heavyhanded these days

I would rather have a large number of Scandinavian tourists than Australians, British, American or Russian.

As sad as this senseless, negligent fatality is, the sad thing is the Thailand government should understand exactly what went wrong and then regulate and license all bungee businesses to ensure that it does not happen again. The horrible fact is that deaths occur in the same way and nothing changes.