gosamgo

16 hours ago, pe747 said:

We got a paper from the hospital, which stated that covid was not detected and showed that at check in. That was it.

Where exactly can I get my negative coronavirus test done here in Pattaya?

prior to my flight to the UK with Thai Airways on 16th May? Anyone please?

I wonder if I can come in on this and state my own case to see if I can get some advice?

We have just received notification from the District Recruiter here in Pattaya that our son has to come forward for the selection parade? The problem is that our soon is at university in Scotland and will be there for some years to come. I have to admit my lapse of memory that nobody was told about this! My son has Thai Passport and also Irish Passport. He has been in the UK since he was 8 years old and his D.O B is 24.11.2000. Is there anyway we can fix this, so that should he return in the distant future he won't have to sign up for the Army?

Thank you Guys for your response. Yesterday, I knew little on the subject, but now I'm a little bit wiser? Is there anything published or available in English that one can get hold of? It would help me make an informed decision if I knew more?

I wonder if I can come in on this and state my own case to see if I can get some advice?

We have just received notification from the District Recruiter here in Pattaya that our son has to come forward for the selection parade? The problem is that our soon is at university in Scotland and will be there for some years to come. I have to admit my lapse of memory that nobody was told about this! My son has Thai Passport and also Irish Passport. He has been in the UK since he was 8 years old and his D.O B is 24.11.2000. Is there anyway we can fix this, so that should he return in the distant future he won't have to sign up for the Army?

I recently, had a mutually agreeable divorce from my Thai wife here in Pattaya and then we both proceeded to the MOFA and had all certificates translated.

What next? I seem to have read somewhere that I should register the divorce either here, the British Embassy, or in the UK, in case my wife at a later decides to make a claim against me, but I can't remember where or what? My Ex Thai wife holds a British Passport and lives and works in the UK. She is a good person and I believe she would not do anything untoward, but just the same, I want to tie up all the loose ends now and as I'm off to the UK very soon, it would at least to be in my best interest to be able to make an informed decision that everything's been done that can be done?

Can somebody advise please?

I recently, had a mutually agreeable divorce from my Thai wife here in Pattaya and then we both proceeded to the MOFA and had all certificates translated.

What next? I seem to have read somewhere that I should register the divorce either here, the British Embassy, or in the UK, in case my wife at a later decides to make a claim against me, but I can't remember where or what? My Ex Thai wife holds a British Passport and lives and works in the UK. She is a good person and I believe she would not do anything untoward, but just the same, I want to tie up all the loose ends now and as I'm off to the UK very soon, it would at least to be in my best interest to be able to make an informed decision that everything's been done that can be done?

Any guidance would be really appreciated.

The translation will cost 300 to 500 baht.

The certification will be 200 baht for regular service or 400 for express service.

The translation service can get the MFA certification done.

The certifcation is done at Consular Affairs Department in Chaeng Wattana. http://www.consular.go.th/main/th/organize/19719-%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B5%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%B1%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%87%E0%B9%81%E0%B8%9C%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B5%E0%B9%88-%E0%B9%82%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%A8%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%97%E0%B9%8C-%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%B5%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%A5%E0%B9%8C.html

If you get there early enough (and there are always plenty of free lance translators in and around the building), you'll have the same days service. But not if you don't get it in by 11am. Otherwise they can post to you by EMS within a few working days. It's good to use the translators mentioned, because if there are any corrections to be made, they can do so on the spot. But be warned parking can be tricky!

You mention (Neurontin) in brackets and try as I may, I cannot find any mention of the word, either on the leaflet within the box or on the box itself. Perhaps you could enlighten me? Thanks.

Gabapentin is best known under the brand name Neurontin manufactured by Pfizer subsidiary Parke-Davis. A Pfizer subsidiary named Greenstone markets generic gabapentin.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabapentin

It is sold under the brand name Neurontin here in Thailand by local drug stores.

Thanks you Lopburi3. The information is well received and much appreciated.

I had a mild case of shingles about 11 years ago. Does anyone know if that would build up an immunity for it as chickenpox does when you catch it?

Sent from my i-mobile IQ X using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I have been reliabley informed that you can, but its not nearly as painful as the first time!

My father got shingles two months ago at age 87.

Very nasty.

He has a morphine patch to deal with the pain.

He still hasn't recovered and spends most of his time sleeping.

I am moved to respond to Platinum Members account of their father’s situation. I too, am at present, still suffering the pain and gross discomfort of my initial attack of Herpes Zoster, more than six months ago. I hope expressing my experience here might be of help. My Doctor in the UK tells me it could take many years yet before my infection runs its course. Initially, I was put on several different kinds of tablets that frankly, just didn't work. A different GP recommended Gabapentin Capsules and they work for me still, just fine. Gabapentin belongs to a group of medicines used to treat Epilepsy and peripheral neuropathic pain (long lasting pain caused by damage to the nerves) which I believe the latter applies to my condition. Finally, if you've never experienced Herpes/Zoster/Shingles, I urge you to make it your business to seek out the Vaccine at whatever the cost or inconvenience, whilst you still have time.

Be aware that this medication, Gabapentin (Neurontin), has side effects for many people and some are serious. It is also a reduction process to stop after long term usage.

I agree the side effects mentioned in the Gabapentin leaflet (revised 2012) are many and varied! As most medicines have side effects, obviously one would be guided by a GP, as was the case with me. That's all I'm saying, 'this works for me'. I take your point about it being a reduction process, that's useful to know and understand.

You mention (Neurontin) in brackets and try as I may, I cannot find any mention of the word, either on the leaflet within the box or on the box itself. Perhaps you could enlighten me? Thanks.

A friend of ours recently contacted Herpes Zoster here in Pattaya and had to return home to the UK.

When he described how painful it was and the fact that in England those who are 71 and 75 have access to a free Vaccine, we set out to find out if there is anywhere in Pattaya or Bangkok where one can go and pay to be immunized.

So far we have had no luck and wonder if anyone has any information where this might be obtained, as we have tried 3 or 4 hospitals locally here in Pattaya with no luck.

We don't mind going to Bangkok and cost is not an issue!

Many thanks.

How about flying to Singapore to get vaccination? Medical facilities here is top notch.

Gleneagles hospital, Mount Elizabeth hospital, etc.

Thanks Choonpon.

We've more or less come to the same conclusion that Singapore would be the most likely destination from Thailand.

My father got shingles two months ago at age 87.

Very nasty.

He has a morphine patch to deal with the pain.

He still hasn't recovered and spends most of his time sleeping.

I am moved to respond to Platinum Members account of their father’s situation. I too, am at present, still suffering the pain and gross discomfort of my initial attack of Herpes Zoster, more than six months ago. I hope expressing my experience here might be of help. My Doctor in the UK tells me it could take many years yet before my infection runs its course. Initially, I was put on several different kinds of tablets that frankly, just didn't work. A different GP recommended Gabapentin Capsules and they work for me still, just fine. Gabapentin belongs to a group of medicines used to treat Epilepsy and peripheral neuropathic pain (long lasting pain caused by damage to the nerves) which I believe the latter applies to my condition. Finally, if you've never experienced Herpes/Zoster/Shingles, I urge you to make it your business to seek out the Vaccine at whatever the cost or inconvenience, whilst you still have time.

Just to let you know the search continues!

Initially, we got a very positive response from Bumrungrad International Hospital,

but sad to say it was followed up by the undermentioned email.

Greetings from Pharmacy department, Bumrungrad International.
According to your enquiry, we are sorry to inform you that Shingles vaccine is not available in our hospital.
We apologize for your inconvenience.

To be perfectly honest with you , after having experienced the pain of Shingles , I would spend the money to go to Singapore just to get a vaccine that would protect you from it

But like Sheryl, I was able to get it in the US when it first came out

Thank you both.

We haven't given up hope yet, but all things considered, I think your suggestion about going to Singapore is a good one.

And might very well happen yet!

Do you happen to know a hospital there?

The problem I am told, is that it's a live virus which has to mixed or made (I'm not sure which) prior to injection.

Once again, thank you both for replying and please keep the replies coming in.

A friend of ours recently contacted Herpes Zoster here in Pattaya and had to return home to the UK.

When he described how painful it was and the fact that in England those who are 71 and 75 have access to a free Vaccine, we set out to find out if there is anywhere in Pattaya or Bangkok where one can go and pay to be immunized.

So far we have had no luck and wonder if anyone has any information where this might be obtained, as we have tried 3 or 4 hospitals locally here in Pattaya with no luck.

We don't mind going to Bangkok and cost is not an issue!

Many thanks.

Yes,this would be a simple matter if both parents are residing in the U.K at the same time.

But childs real mother lives in Thailand.

And remember, both Parents signatures on the application forms have to be witnessed by someone residing in the uk,

with contacts numbers etc!

The Passport Office will not accept just one parents signature.

The Thai Embassy London has just informed us that I can nominate my wife as Legal Guardian, but it will have to be done at the City Hall,

or Ampre here in Thailand ( I don't know which yet)? but I imagine with copies of my wifes passport or ID Card, with the real mother making the application?

The plan then will be to have this Legal document translated into English and 'Authenticated' by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bangkok.

Hopefully this then, can be used for the Irish Passport renewal as the Thai version will be OK for the Thai Passport application

I've been looking for an easier, softer way, but I can't find one.

Am I missing something?

Hi.

My 10 year old son has been schooling in the UK for some years now and holds both a Thai and Irish Passport.

Unfortunately, both his Passports are coming up for renewal!

I wish to nominate my Thai Wife as his 'Legal Guardian', so she can sign the Passport Renewal Application Forms

that would satisfy both the Thai and Irish Embassies here in London, where we all reside together.

My sons Mother is Thai and lives in Thailand and more than willing to sign the Guardianship paperwork, but we're at a loss

to figure out what documents are required and where to take them?

Any guideance would be greatly appreciated.

Many Thanks 7by7!

I never mentioned being Irish as it never applied to the situation at hand and the fact that I can also be considered British and have spent most of my life in England!

And yes, I was refering to the daughter of my Niece! I never went forward with any sort of application because I never figured I stood a reasonable chance of success!

But it is a shame, the people who are supposed to care for the childs welfare don't and her circumstances just keep getting worse! I feel quite powerless to do anything!

Thank you also for the info on EEA Regulations, I guess I was looking for an easier softer way!

Keep up the good work, Sam

Please remember that this is a topic about obtaining an EEA family permit.

Please stick to the topic; if members want to discuss the pros and cons of living in Thailand as opposed to Europe, and vice versa, please do so elsewhere.

Thank you.

I agree whole heartedly with the sentiments of Conner!

I too am Irish and just over a year ago faced the same predicament and decided to take both my children to SE England (Kent) for their education. (I did look to Ireland first, but it rained there for 7 nights and 7 days)?

Both my children are Thai/Irish and have Irish Passports!

So after picking an area to live, came initially alone to organise suitable accommodation, schools etc and then arrived for the September start of term!

Before leaving Thailand I applied for a settlement Visa for my wife and here my experience differs from a lot of people, because I found the staff at the British Embassy to be both fair and helpful!

I think I owe my success to the fact that I first asked advice on this site, which more or less was, find out what they want and give it to them 100% , leave nothing to chance and make your strongest possible case!

This I did and after the usual TB Testing etc, obtained the settlement Visa within 14 days!

The Embassies main concern seemed to be that I had ample accommodation and funds, so believe me when I say we were just about OK in that department.

A few months later, I applied to the Bangkok Embassy again, but this time for a Settlement Visa for her Thai son

(17). To join the mother, and once again using the same successful format, only this time I was able to show payslips from a full time job my wife had started and also adequate accommodation etc, we were again 100% successful!

He is now doing English in the Kent College as well as a part time job in the local Shopping Mall and at weekends plays football for the local team.

We could not be happier with our decision and would like to thank the staff at the British Embassy and the guys on this forum for their help and support in what at that time seemed not only a most daunting task if not a downright impossible one!

So a 'BIG THANKS' and A Happy New Year to you all!

Two questions, if I may?

1. Am I entitled to get an EEA Family Permit for my wife and her 17 year old son who are presently on a settlement Visa here so we can visit my mother in Ireland or if we just want to hop on a Ferry to Belgium/France etc?

2. My wife's Great Grand Daughter (12) is in dire circumstances at present in Thailand and whom we'd dearly love to join us here, so is there any way other than adoption to make her dream come true?

Many Thanks, Sam.

Thank you Senior Member, my success in getting him a visa in the first place, was through your good advice in the past!

Will get on to the local authority as you suggest.

Again many thanks, Sam

I want to see what the average waiting times are for UK settlement visas as a lot of people seem to be waiting a long time without update.

If you have applied for a UK settlement visa in 2009, could you post when it was granted or if still waiting then state that you are still waiting or have interview pending and the date of the interview.

We submitted 2nd March - no interview request and no updates or contact from Embasy as yet (I kind of don't expect there this early).

We request date of travel as the end of March.

So 2 weeks.

How about yourself....................

Last September I got a settlement for my wife in 14 days!

Last month got a settlement for her son in 4 weeks and thats allowing a week to submit extra documents.

The Embassy phoned me and asked for these extra documents and I faxed them back in!

The visa was ready one week later.

Both cases the Visa was trackable on line.

I personally am impressed with the service I got.

Hope this is of some help, Sam

Last September, I successfully got my Thai wife a Settlement Visa for the UK.

More recently and on good advise from this forum, I got her son (17 years next month) a settlement Visa also (follow the mother) and he arrived yesterday 18^th March 09. So far so good!

Both Mother and son have stamped in their Passport 'No recourse to public funds' and that's fine my wife got a job already, but I'm confused by the term and don't understand exactly what my options are regarding the boy!

He obviously wants to study, improve his English and work etc!

So my question is; under the terms of his Visa, is he entitled to any schooling of any description or any reduction in school or University fees, grants etc, because from what I can gather it can be a costly business.

What options do I have if any and what would be the best way forward?

I would be very grateful for any advice you care to tender and many thanks in anticipation of some enlightenment! Sam

Thanks you guys for your response!

I found the link very useful and realise from your comments that time is of the essence!

So, I'm off to Bangkok ASAP!

You've given me enough leads to get the job done (I hope)?

Thanks again and good luck to you both.

I am officially impressed. Good on them.

You have a very narrow and tunnelled vision of Thai commercial announcements.

LETS SEE THE PROOF!!

TOURISM INDUSTRY

Free visas for all tourists

By Suchat Sritama

The Nation

The Cabinet on Tuesday waived travel visa for all nationals for over the next three months as one of four short-term recovery measures to restore tourism industry.

The move is expected to draw more Chinese travellers, one of the main target group, to the country.

The second strategy is to reduce entrance fee to all national parks in the Kingdom. The agreement is aimed to boost domestic tourism.

The third is to allow private sector to claim back-meeting and conference tax at double rate from original. Last measure is cutting the landing and parking fee for aircraft at major airports in the country.

Speaking after chairing Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva expressed hope that the tourism industry could be restore through theses measures.

He earlier said number of tourist is returning closed to normal rate prior to the start of economic crisis.

However, it is speculated that only four tourism measures, from total 13 measures submitted to the Cabinet were approved.

Proposed measures that was rejected includes cutting hotel room rate and airfare proposed to Thai Airways International, reducing value added tax on hotel room rates for one year, an exemption annual fee of Bt80 per room and urgent plan to promote the major destinations of Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga for local tourism.