elwood

Can any Ubon residents recommend a DVD rental shop, with a good selection of DVD's and soundtrack VCD's please?

I belong to two branches of Sombat Video, but over the past year or so their selection has become very limited. I appreciate that many movies I would like to see are not available, as they do not appeal to Thais, but with the fair amount of expats around Ubon, a DVD rental with more western movies would do well, I should think, especially as the cinema complexes still rarely show soundtrack, in fact even Thai movies that expats would appreciate are often shown without English sub-titles.

Most offices have never accepted a Joint Account. So yes the op was lucky.

This is my 4th retirement renewal, and always with a joint account, as were the previous 8 marriage visas, so yes I guess I'm lucky I use Phibun. As Ubonjoe says, the people at Phibun are first rate.

Yesterday I managed to obtain a renewal of my retirement visa in Phibunmangsahan, but only due to the leniency and common sense shown by the Pol. Lt. Col. who signed the visa - a really charming and helpful lady.

One item I should have failed on was having a joint bank account with my wife; apparently, since 25th November, bank accounts have to be in the applicant's name only for a retirement visa, whereas a married visa can be a joint account.

Something we maybe don't always consider - the immigration staff are as brassed off with the constantly changing regulations as we are!

I flew Air Asia from Ubon 14th - nice staff at check-in, took off bang on time, arrived 20 minutes early. And better flight with the Airbus.

Elwood

Joe/Lite - sorry I've been away from the computer. Thanks for your comments about marriage visa - didn't know that applications went to Korat instead of Bangkok.

Yes, Phibun immigration staff are usually decent, helpful people, especially as you get to know them over the years.

Joe, if Brown and Darling can get their act together then all will be well for poor old Brits soon.

Thanks to all from a newbie for your replies.

All answers have been very helpful.

I've always obtained visas from Phibun, almost 12 years now. They have been great to me over the years, but last time, the lady who eventually signed the visa went through every dam_n page of my bank books, asking about usage and deposits. And this after 11 straight years of visas! Even the regular officer who handles the paperwork was embarrassed.

Yes, married and well over retirement age, but no child, and opted out of the marriage visa about 3 years ago, as it took so long, sometimes 3 months, to receive permission from Bangkok, and lots of paperwork:whereas the retirement visa takes an hour, or 2 when the lady is there!

Let we Brits hope that Brown and Darling can boost the pound.

OK thanks very much. I've never broken the chain of one 1-year visas, so maybe I could revert back to the marriage visa you suggested.

Thanks again.

I'm a Brit who has lived in Thailand for several years, first on marriage visas, then retirement (combining pension with bank account). I've never left the country, never had to do visa runs.

Unfortunately, with the recent exchange rates, it could be difficult to reach the required 800,000 baht level in January. As a complete dummy regarding types of visas available, visa runs, etc., I would very much appreciate any information from experienced visa-sufferers as to what options may be available to me, to enable me to continue living here with my family.

Many thanks.