RPETER65

Just another characterization of current events promoting the chaotic and ungovernable circumstances the coup-mongers and their friends are self-servingly trying to foster.

Most of these accounts conveniently ignore the millions of voters whose choice is being challenged. Trying instead to paint all this Opposition noise as being against some small clique type of cabal they call the Govt......That is not reality.......The reality is the millions of voters...those are the ones who are being challenged.

It is not rocket science to understand why these Anti-democrats need to squelch the current election and prevent its' completion and tabulation...They are deathly afraid of it, as it gives voice to those millions referenced above.

That voice needs to be silenced, ignored and not mentioned, if they are to make any progress.

I REALIZE it's been stated before, but I will give it another go. The Shin family has been buying the votes of the farmers for as long as Thaksin has been involved in politics, agree or not that makes those millions of votes ilegitamate, if the new elections are held with out correction of the voting fraud there will be millions more invalid votes, same as before. This would again result in an invalid election so what is the point of elections before the corruption ( vote buying ) problems are sorted. Do you people who insists Suthep is trying to oust a democratically elected govt. really think there is any thing about this govt.. Howmaney billions more baht of the peoples money will be squandered on an election that won't bring about a democratic govt.

Why this concern with what the outside world thinks hardly the usual Thai attitude ?

Yes, I would agree. However, in te context of the Thai economy being increasingly reliant on foreign investment , it is imperative that this be done. The international connection is of scant interest to Suthep and the cronies. Ironically, the greatest losers from a loss of confidence in Thailkand as a place to invest will be the very people who seem to be giving him some support. Thailand runs the serious risk of reverting to being a nation of " hewers of wood and carriers of water"..The rest of ASEAN...laughing their <deleted> off

I agree. It adds credibility to the government as well if they are seen with global leaders, especially if they are able to present the situation in an honest light (unlike Suthep's letter to Obama a while back). Perhaps they are also seeking some sort of assistance, financial or otherwise.

Why would you call Sutheps letter to Obama dishonest

You could have your wife type a letter that you live at such and such place as well. My apartment office does that when ever I need to show some proof to get the letter at immigration.

Thanks to all who replied. After several stops and letter signing and stamping, and two hours at the local lisencing office I was able to replace my lisence

I replaced my lost driving license recently. The main requirement from my office was a police report of the loss. This was easily obtained at the police station for, I think 20 Baht. It was then renewed without difficulty.

I think every govt. office in Thailand makes it"s own rules, the first thing I did was file the police report whicch I had with me at the time of applying for a replacement lisence, yesterday obtaiened a letter from the headman of the moo ban,today of to the local office to get an official stamp on the letter, fingers crossed.

My Thai wife and I moved to Thailand and built a home in 2006, I have never bothered to get my name on the Tabien Ban, have had a Thai driving lisence since 2006. Two days ago I managed to loose my wallet, I have cancled all credit and debit cards and have replaced the ones from our Thai bank.Today I went to get my lisence replaced, with a photo copy of my Thai lisence and passport in hand. I was told I had to apply for a new lisence they could not just replace the lisence, and that I had to show proof of residing in Thailand. When I obtained my first Thai lisence and the renewel, the manager of the school where my brotherinlaw works just signed an affidavid stating my residence, apparently this is no longer accepted, I need to have my name on the house papers.What hoops do I need to jump through?

I fly EVA air to and from the U.S. every year, I started with EVA in 2002 when there delux tickets were only $300.00 round trip more than economy, at this rate it was well worth the money,last time I flew EVA to the U.S. it was $800.00 one way to upgrade to deluxe, at this price defenitely not worth the money, same food but wider seats and more leg room.

My wife and I will be going to Ko Phi Phi the first part of april, as I have not been there I would like some feed back on where to stay. We would like something on the beach but not remote, up to 4000 bht.

I have been married to a Thai since 2003,who I met and married in th U.S, she had been in the U.S. for 5 years, came with her than Thai husband who was working in the U.S. as a flight engineer, his problem with alcohal caused their marriage to end in divorce.When I met her she had been in the U.S. 5 years, mostly on overstay, after dating for a year we married and she received permanent residency, in 2006 I retired and we moved to Thailand to be close to her aging father. We have since traveled back and forth between living in Thailand and the U.S. about six months each, we have a home in both countries, we have an equal amount of Thai and American friends in the U.S. she has always pulled her weight finacially working and contributing to our finances, I have never given or have I been asked for money for her family, we have on accasion loaned money always to be repayed. We are now bothretired and finacialy set we travel, both in Asia and the U.S. and love it, our biggest problem has always been comunication, although she is fluent in english because of the cultural differences we sometimes have a hard time really understanding one another. What I have learned from our experiences togther patience and understanding helps a lot.I read many threads on these expat forums which would lead the inexperienced to beleive all Thai people are money hungry users, it is not so, I have never felt used or looked down on as a farang in Thailand, my wifes family and friends have more than welcomed me into there communities, but then again I was smart enough not to marry a bar girl.

Good luck with what ever you do, but remember a successful marriage to a Thai takes work,commitment,and understanding as does any marriage.

I am an American planning a visa run to Bali at the and of this month,will I be able to get a short stay visa on arrival?

As a poster above stated we who live outside Bangkok feel for you,especially those living to the north as we have already lived thruogh the worst of it.Good luck to all, try to stay out of the water some kids in our area have been taken seriously ill after swimming in the flood waters, one has died after only two days.

From the U.S. embassy in Bangkok you can get the number to call the social security office in the Manilla, I used this route a few years ago and was able to take care of evrything over the phone.They were extremely helpful

'Racism' is a word thrown around by the liberal politicians intended to stifle any objection to our governenments' devotion to a global multicultural Utopia. It's never worked throughout history and is not working now. Human nature dictates that we stick with our own kind and nothing can alter that fact. Falangs only come to Pattaya for the cheap sex with young women not because they wish to embrace Thai culture. We don't go in Thai bars and Thais don't go to Falang hangouts.

Speak for yourself, I stay in Thailand because I have a Thai wife, and many very good Thai friends.I do not live in Bangkok and the community I live in has been nothing but accepting and helpful.I go to the hardware store and the owner invites me for breakfast, and never increases the price when I buy something because I am a farang. I get the same price where ever I go, the Thai price.

Although I agree with most of the content of your post, I have quite different opinion for the general outlook for the future of Thailand.

1. With ford motors building a new plant in Thailand it seems as though all countries have not lost faith in the economic opportunities in Thailand.

2. If you put the tourist situation in perspective with the rest of the world you could see, although Thailand does have it's share of problems, I have been to countries far worse, and see tourists having a good time.Mexico is the murder and kidnapping capital of the world, yet there tuorist industry seems to be holding up. I have traveled to Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, and although each of those countries have something to offer, I still prefer Thailand for a holiday. I have had no more trouble with the touts and tuk tuk drivers in Thailand than any where else, Thailand has always been freindly to me.

3. As pointed out by another poster the political situation has had it's problems for years, the only thing I see new here is that the current govt. seems to have the will to stop the violence and eventually bring stability back. Yes they have extended the emergency decry but they seem to be using it sparingly, they just don't want a repeat of the violence in Bangkok. They have put off the elections but what would be the point of elections before stability, just to return to more violent protest. Thailand needs a cooling of period so logic and commom sense can prevail.

4. I think the most harm will be done to Thailand by thye over zealous writers who don't have a good grasp on the reality of Thailand.

QUOTE (Thaddeus @ 2008-06-17 17:01:28) I am a member of our local gun club, in fact most of the long stay expats are.

The club is owned and run by the police, we can purchase a fire-arm, but not in our own name, and it can never be taken out of the club...... as it's illegal.

So basically, what you are saying Thaddeus is that while it is illegal for a foreigner to purchase a gun, there are ways around this? I don't think that the OP is interested in keeping a gun at a gun club anyway - at least that's the impression I get from his post.

Have you ever heard of borrowing?

Situations like your visit to Vientiane are frustrating, I'm sure. But visa issuance has always been at the discretion of the immigration officer handling your case. There have been many cases noted here of Vientiane issuing "red stamps" for those whom it deemed had too many tourist visas. It's not a big leap to imagine them tightening this even further, particularly if those tourist visas had 30-day extensions.

If you wish to remain in the country for a long time, then a non-immigrant visa is what you need. It's just that type of situation they were designed for. But as with any country in the world, long-term stays are only allowed for specific purposes. In Thailand's case, that's retirement, marriage, support of a child, being a dependent, education, investment or business.

If you don't fit into any of those categories, then Thailand is really not willing to have you stay here.

If you are not married or have Thai children, do not or want to work or invest here, or attend school, then retirement remains your only bonafide recourse. If you do choose to pursue a non-immigrant O visa based on retirement and then obtain the 1-year of extension of stay, there is no getting around the financial requirements. But, remember, it need not only be 800,000 baht in the bank. If you can demonstrate monthly income of 65,000 baht or more, then you can leave your money in the U.S.

There is one other possibility in that there have been cases where overseas Thai consulates have issued 1-year, multiple-entry retirement (O-A) visas without the requirement that the money be deposited in a Thai bank. Bank statements showing you had such money was generally all that was needed.

These places are few and far between, but our legal advisors would be happy to assist you with this or other issues related to obtaining the visa you desire.

www.sunbeltlegaladvisors.com

26th Floor Fortune Town BR, 1 Ratchadapisek Rd, 10400 Bangkok

Tel: 02-642-0213 Fax: 02-641-1995

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Last year I obtained a retirement visa with no documentation of anything, you can also get a one year visa to visit freinds in Thailand but you have to make 90 day visa runs.

Why so many idiotic, hatred and childish comments here??

The people are REALLY affected. The busineeses are REALLY need support. And all of those workers are not the ones who made problems - now they just need to survive after the terror right below their windows. Those who dislike the red's actions - please just come and sue them, it is ANOTHER story for ANOTHER topic!

Talking about "bangkok should be back" - but very ironic in every step on this long way...??

A very nice "support" from all of you, yeah, who dare to call this land "a home"...

Shame on you all. Get back to your holes and dont bark on the wind, if unable to say something more meaningful.

Ask help from people you respect !

Surely not the farang !

And as long they call me farang ,

i call them "china-man"

For the rest i dont interfere with politics,

get a life or work.

I have to agree, reluctantly. Did anyone here seriously and honestly ever here us called 'farang' in a positive way? Not if you answer honestly. Respect? For us? Not in a million years. Respect for our purchasing power, every time. They're not a bad people at all, but they are not as pure as the driven snow as some of you long timers seem to think.

From your post I can easily see you have no real connection to the people of Thailand. I have lived in Thailand for several years, I have few friends who are not Thai and I have never felt being called falang as anegative term, I have always been accepted into there homes and circles of friends. The only time I have been charged higher prices are nationa parks, and often my Thai family and friends have negotiated a lower price for me, often paying themselves. I have been to many Thai weddings and other special events and usually have been treated as a guest of honor. If you want to truly enjoy Thailand you need to immerse yourself in Thai life and show Thai people you truly loike and respect them.

I do agree that the businesses need to recover and they must have tons of stuff to sell at discount price to help their cash flow problems, but do we really need another congested area in this busy district? I thought that streets closure and inconveniences to general public were all over? Why not use Lumpini park or another place where closing streets won't cause headaches to people trying to go/leave home?

Have you considered the idea they may want to show people this is a safe area again?

A good chance for terrorists?

Go hide in your closet, while the rest of us get out and enjoy life.

Why so many idiotic, hatred and childish comments here??

The people are REALLY affected. The busineeses are REALLY need support. And all of those workers are not the ones who made problems - now they just need to survive after the terror right below their windows. Those who dislike the red's actions - please just come and sue them, it is ANOTHER story for ANOTHER topic!

Talking about "bangkok should be back" - but very ironic in every step on this long way...??

A very nice "support" from all of you, yeah, who dare to call this land "a home"...

Shame on you all. Get back to your holes and dont bark on the wind, if unable to say something more meaningful.

Unfortunately to many people can only see a negative veiw of anything, no matter how simple it shows them to be, these people would have nothing good to say no matter where they lived.

Go to Silom Road today spend a few bucks and support the vendors, vehicle traffic should be light with the holiday.

It is time to show the world Bangkok is back

Back to nothing is still nothing, we need a little bit more than a fair to be back my friend.

Everything has to start somewhere

I would first ask the question, do you consider the actions by the red shirts at the end of the protest as acts of terrorism? If so then I would have to say Thaksin, as the origin of the UDD protests, is implicit in acts of terrorism in Bangkok.

Second as Thailand is under a state of emergency, I am not surprised to see the army taking the lead, make sure law and order has been restored and will prevail, then talk about reconsiliation. What would you expect after what has taken place in Bangkok?

Didn't this crap start when the military removed an elected government from office? Oh yeah, I forgot, the brillianat bastards in BKK determined the dumb bastards in the country weren't smart enough to vote. Someone tell me where else <deleted> like this happens? It does however, seem to me there are a number of countries on the planet where many dumb people vote (witness Obama) and they still find a way can change their government without stealing it, hijacking airports, or taking to the streets with weapons. I guess learning has never been much of a Thai thing, note how much history the average Thai is aware of. This country has no chance of ever being a player on the world stage. The only thing left to determine now is the final body count. So sad.

What makes you think Thailand wants to be a player on the world stage?

I agree with some of what you say, but take exception to your view of Thai education. It is not the lack of education possibilities in Thailand but the lack of interest to take advantage of what is out there.

I also live in the rural area of Thailand and have relatives to prove, if the desire is there so are the opportunities. My wife comes from one of those poor rural families, her brother, dispite the poor education in rural Thailand managed to get a masters degree in education his wife also has a masters degree and nteaches at a local high school, all three children have at least bachelors degrees, the oldest currently working on her doctorate in chemestry, the youngest on his masters in physics, the oldest will be attending MIT in the U.S. to finish her doctorate. If there is only the poor education you speak of how could they have done this with all there primary education done at the rural public schools. I have the answer for you, dedication and a lot of years of hard work, and a lot of encouragement from there family.The problem most children in nThailand face is not the lack of opportunity but the lack of backing from there family.

You say "I agree with some of what you say, but take exception to your view of Thai education" then you go on to say "her brother, dispite the poor education in rural Thailand managed to get a masters degree "

So you agree that the standard of education in rural Thailand is poor.

Congratulations to your family members who have done so well, but they are more the exception than the rule.

I agree with you about the lack of commitment and dedication. My missus was enrolled in an adult further education class on Sundays, but most students drifted away and often the teacher couldn't be bothered to show up. Lack of commitment by the students and the teacher.

I could have phrased that differently, I am not agreeing,or disagreeing that the education system is poor, what I am saying is that it seems to be good enough for children to be succesful if they are willing to work for success.

Good enough for what? to be a slave? Please, you people are an embarresment - what kid from the sticks has a cat in hells chance - unless you want to quote "Dek Chai Mong" yes the surname says a lot - the claim to fame was making fuc_king paper aeroplanes for gods sake!

None of these poor kids have a chance, they are made to grovel and kow tow from the day they are born!

I take it you did not actually read my post. I think the fact the family I spoke of has a daughter who will be attending M.I.T. in the U.S. speaks for it's self.

Girls on average get 14 years of schooling and boys 13 years

Most of the girls I have spoken to left school at age 12 ....... those that continued on to high school are clearly in the minority.

If you goto any local village you can find the high school graduates working in the 7/11 stores, and they always have staff wanted notices out.

They forgot to include the fact any slightly pretty village girls get sent to work as prostitutes.

If there is only the poor education you speak of how could they have done this with all there primary education done at the rural public schools. I have the answer for you, dedication and a lot of years of hard work, and a lot of encouragement from there family.

No, I have the answer for you

1) Nobody fails in Thailand, if you can afford the course fees you pass the course.

2) If you have cash you can purchase good grades, if not from your teacher, then the admin office will do the deal.

That may be true but the family I speak of does not come from money, and if the grades were only paid for where did the knowledge for the continued success come from, while what you say may be true it does not take away from the fact that true success is possible.

I agree with some of what you say, but take exception to your view of Thai education. It is not the lack of education possibilities in Thailand but the lack of interest to take advantage of what is out there.

I also live in the rural area of Thailand and have relatives to prove, if the desire is there so are the opportunities. My wife comes from one of those poor rural families, her brother, dispite the poor education in rural Thailand managed to get a masters degree in education his wife also has a masters degree and nteaches at a local high school, all three children have at least bachelors degrees, the oldest currently working on her doctorate in chemestry, the youngest on his masters in physics, the oldest will be attending MIT in the U.S. to finish her doctorate. If there is only the poor education you speak of how could they have done this with all there primary education done at the rural public schools. I have the answer for you, dedication and a lot of years of hard work, and a lot of encouragement from there family.The problem most children in nThailand face is not the lack of opportunity but the lack of backing from there family.

You say "I agree with some of what you say, but take exception to your view of Thai education" then you go on to say "her brother, dispite the poor education in rural Thailand managed to get a masters degree "

So you agree that the standard of education in rural Thailand is poor.

Congratulations to your family members who have done so well, but they are more the exception than the rule.

I agree with you about the lack of commitment and dedication. My missus was enrolled in an adult further education class on Sundays, but most students drifted away and often the teacher couldn't be bothered to show up. Lack of commitment by the students and the teacher.

I could have phrased that differently, I am not agreeing,or disagreeing that the education system is poor, what I am saying is that it seems to be good enough for children to be succesful if they are willing to work for success.