kevozman1

Why exactly is this news worth reporting on? 

11 hours ago, barrybike said:

She deserved alot more than a 500 bath fine , too many Russians in Thailand now thinking they own the place 

The Russians I have come across are admittedly not friendly (they don't smile much but it's not a crime) but they cause no problems. Honestly I don't see non-Thais causing much trouble in Thailand, and on the rare occasions I do it's usually a drunk Brit or Australian, or a Chinese person taking rudeness and crudeness to a new level. 

How on earth did any Thai people end up in Haiti? It's basically the other side of the world and a location even other Carribbeans avoid.. Strange.

On 10/29/2023 at 5:52 AM, Shop mak said:

 

1) Many foreigners prefer to stay near Ayala Center Cebu. Many hotel in walking distance. Monthly rate start from 30,000 Php.

Some serviced apartments in nearby Mabolo area, 20 minute walk or 60 php taxi ride to from Ayala center.

 

2) Yes, but, some serviced apartments require a 3 months deposit, or a 6-12 months stay. Friends paid 32-36,000 Php per month, or more.

 

https://www.tancorresidential.com/#home

 

https://www.santonisplace.com/

 

There are more in same area, but my knowledge is outdated (pre covid).

 

3) Yes travel agents in Ayala center Cebu, and also in Fuente Circel can assist with SRRV.

Expats I met had all used a agent, the red tape is huge.

SRRV deposit from 5,000 USD (US Army) up to 20,000 USD.

 

I guess you already know that you can stay on tourist visa up to 3 year, a short trip out and return for another 3 years. No bank deposit or insurance required. No need to rush to get a SRRV.

I have friends living there, 9 years on tourist visa (3x3 years), but now get pushed towards SRRV by Immigration.

 

Traffic gridlock in Cebu are horrible 6-10 am and 4-8 pm. Air quality (low quality diesel) is another problem to consider. Cebu cough is famous. Nearest beach at Mactan near the airport. Beaches of quality are owned by hotels and have high entrance fee. Free beaches are rocky and dirty.

 

Expats there will advice you how to open bank account and get a driver license, without SRRV.  Current expat community is very small, post covid.

 

Contact hotels directly for monthly rates. Often less than any booking site.

 

More information on the local forum

https://www.philippines-expats.com/

 

Old comment but for anyone reading NEVER put down a three month deposit. They try this on in the Philippines because they want to take your money. If you think scamming is bad in Thailand, the Philippines is a whole new level. Just be firm with one month deposit or forget it and walk out. Especially in Cebu. Not many people want to say there (well, the Philippines in general tbh) and there are reasons for that. Unless it's die to visas, leaving Thailand for the Philippines is not a good move.

Thanks for replies

8 hours ago, BritTim said:

The METV, as advised above, is probably the easiest option. Also safe at the current time (but subject to change without notice) is to apply for single entry tourist visas in Vientiane.

Thanks. Is that by land crossing or going by air, and if the limited stay is 60 days (including the extension) I would need to leave and renter twice with 6 months. Would this be permitted or is it risky? Do I need to stay out of the country for a while or can I just bounce back in? I did read somewhere that only 1 land crossing in 6 months is permitted, but it changes so often I would like to hear from people with boots on the ground dealing with this. 

13 hours ago, Tod Daniels said:

You have your wires crossed a bit, a single entry tourist visa is VALID for 3 month <- that means you have 3 months to ENTER thailand and when you do you get stamped in for 60 days. You can get one 30 day extension on that for 1900baht at the immigration office where you stay. Then you're done
 

You could get a 6 month METV <- Multi-Entry Tourist Visa.. That visa is valid for 6 months from the date it's issued, it's unlimited entry with each entry getting you 60 days, and you can extend each entry once by 30 more days. Work that visa correctly and you can get almost 9 months of stay out of it. 

That'd be the choice, because this isn't the thailand it was pre-covid-sh*t show when people lived here on back to back free entry stamps, 30 day extensions and/or tourist visa entries..  

Thanks. The METV has quite a list of requirements for a 6 month stay. I would be willing to do these for a permanent move, but every time I come I would have to do the application and I still would need to leave the country once during my 6 month stay. 

I will be staying in the region soon. Is there a netted off section? Is there a real threat from dangerous jellyfish at this time of the years? 

So I used to stay in Thailand for long periods many moons ago, but back then I could just extend tourists visas every month for pretty much as long as I wanted. Things were very relaxed. I understand things have tightened up and I want to start staying 6 months of the year in Thailand. I am thinking of entering on a 90 day tourist visa and then flying out to extend for another 90 days. I don't know anyone who lives in Thailand anymore so what is the way people are doing this now? Recommended nearby SEA city to extend the visa in and is this the best method for staying 6 months in a year? How long do I have to stay to get the visa? Thanks in advance.

1 minute ago, swm59nj said:

Those mentioned are major incidents.  
Nothing to worry about.  Just be careful of drivers running you over trying to cross the street.  Even though you  are in a crosswalk.  Or the the light is green for you to cross.  It will be your fault for just being there. Or maybe brake failure according to the driver.  
If you have an issue with a local.  Don’t worry about ten locals attacking you.  Especially if it was just a verbal disagreement.  You should be fine.  It’s just a normal cultural thing.  No biggie.   If it involves a neighbor just keep moving away for your own safety.  Because if it’s such as a  noise issue.  If you try to talking to the person.  You might put yourself in jeopardy. 

Unfortunately not everyone lives in a remote village.  Or wants to.. Not saying incidents can’t happen there.  
And I have found a large percentage of the people that downplay common dangers in Thailand.   For the most part dislike and couldn’t make it in their own countries.  So they turn a blind eye.
 

These people would rather talk about a random British tourist having a minor temper tantrum than face the reality that if they have an issue with a local the vast majority of them don't have many recourse options. 

This is a yet another warning to other people. In Thailand to ALWAYS put yourself in a situation where you can walk away. If you have no monetary investment you could simply walk away. If the wife wants to build a house in nowherethani then let her work 2 jobs to afford that herself. The wife chooses the brother in law, ok she can stay with him then - that would be my attitude. 

Incredibly petty and uneventful. Glad to see the a new bunch of 'more Thai than the Thais' brigade has surfaced on this site. Of course this naive group are recycled every 5-10 years when eventually the reality of where they are and their position in society has been made very obvious. This is the same crowd who will ignore threads where locals are dragging their girlfriends a km down the road, throwing acid on people because they were told "no", killing their best friend for 200baht dispute (all recent threads in the news section), but will focus on a foreign guy having a mild temper tantrum. 

You really <deleted> up by not having your name on the residency, which means you have technically just left your goods in someone else's property, in a foreign country where you have little means of recourse.. Choices are to obtain entry to the property in less than proper means (you don't even know if your items are still at the property in question, so that's not even such a good idea) or just move on and take it as a loss. Could have been worse, at least you didn't build a house for her out in the sticks (?). In the future don't come across as such a soft touch (she sees you as soft, which is why she is basically mugging you off) and be a little more tactile with your residency. 

13 hours ago, drbeach said:

In my experience, Thais don't generally interrupt each other except if we're talking about a large group of young people, like 10 people sitting at a table having dinner all laughing and not listening to what the other is saying.

 

Overall Thais are fairly respectful people. I have had more problems getting interrupted by other westerners who always want to be right than Thais.

That's probably because I am sure most of your interactions that involve somewhat developed conversation in Thailand revolves around talking to other Westerners in an establishment that pertains to intoxication, and most of your interactions with Thais barely evolve beyond complete basic 'conversation' and you can't understand what they are even saying when they develop on topics.. Not buying this 'Western rude, Thai respectful narrative' for one minute, although I will admit, once I would have probably said the same, but that was a while ago..

16 hours ago, Sticky Wicket said:

The number of Westerners working illegally in Thailand must be minuscule . It's just pure hatred and xenophobia

Absolutely minuscule compared to those from Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar no doubt. If there are 5 figures worth of Westerners working illegally in Thailand I would be surprised.

7 hours ago, Thongkorn said:

All part of the Big Plan to make Pattaya a family friendly Resort, getting rid of walking street and pushing it well back on the Darkside, 

I know Hua Hin is a bit further from BKK than Pattaya, but wouldn't that be the obvious choice to promote and develop as a booming family friendly destination? Nicer beach, more laid back and less work would be needed on renovation and reputation.. 

9 minutes ago, sanemax said:

Are you aware that Europeans are generally White ?

Many White Eastern Europeans arrived in multiracial UK and turned the UK towns a little bit whiter .

  Thais dont like me much now , as the Pound is 37 to the Baht , although they adored me when the Pound was 55 to the Baht

Meanwhile I assume that poster (judging by the overly complimentary comments about Thailand) is currently living in Thailand, a highly nationalistic, xenophobic, pretty much mono-ethnic country, that doesn't allow foreigners to purchase land, dual pricing based is supported by the authorities, where obtaining permanent residency as a foreigner is almost unicorn status. Honestly I don't care about any of that too much, some of I agree with, but don't live in a country like Thailand and then whine about 'wascyst' Western countries where the authorities and population are the most tolerant to foreigners, at least at present. 

7 minutes ago, BestB said:

Original clip does not have sound, also it is believed this clip is from the time of bombs in BKK and heavy handed approach was used to get more information if there were more bombs. Guy been beaten is one of the bomb suspects 

The official stance taken by Thai authorities was that these were actually Cambodians impersonating Thai police officers. 

The chart shows that Malaysia as a fairly low percentage of the whole tourist figure makes me question all data presented. Western tourists have definitely taken a nose dive in figures in recent years, don't even need to see data on that to know. Thailand has lost its 'cool' factor in the West and is played out. 

9 hours ago, Scouse123 said:

 

 

Just gave the truth, facts and observations.

 

Only person attempting to have a go here is you with your ' I must defend Thai honour '  diatribe without any substance except repeating the same ' having a go ' mantra without pointing out where you actually find the post incorrect.

Don't worry the 'more Thai than the Thais' crowd are considered even bigger jokers by most Thai communities. Just have to let some people embarrass themselves sadly. On the subject I honestly enjoy eating with Thais for the most part, but I am certainly not going to start acting like a brat if others have a different take on things. 

Haven't had many bad experiences personally. Laid back, food is usually tasty. Admittedly some commonly used food prep methods do raise an eyebrow, that's a different issue.