david96

I think they look at it this way, one may be wrong.

Is the Applicant legally married? Y/N

Is the Applicant living in a common law (de-facto arrangement)? Y/N

If (N) to the above the Applicant can only be classified as a friend.

The Applicant is required to prove that she can comply with the criteria for the visa applied for.

Her friend ( a UK citizen) can guarantee support, eg financial/ accomodation etc.

If her friend can provide the required guarantees she will, on the balance of probabilities, most likely be granted a visa.

Am I alone in thinking that folks ought to be grateful that banks have implemented half way decent security measures to protect their customers? If a customer hasn't granted their bank approval to perform SWIFT transfers then of course they should be denied, until such time as it can be confirmed that the customer has given their approval and that means original documents and original signature, not fax and not email. If folks sign up to anything less than those things then they may as well agree that Nigerian scammers can simply email their bank and ask that it transfers the contents of the customers bank account to anywhere they wish. Sorry, I know it's frustrating the first time around but when you stop and think about it, it's all in your best interests.

About six months ago I checked with my bank to see if they did internation transfers if one was to send a fax to authorise the transfer. Their reply was that it could not be done in this way.

The only way was at a bank branch in person with ID, or, to use Internet banking.

That is why they have internet banking.

Befor internet banking it was possible to authorise transactions by Fax or Mail.

But the risk was born by the account holder, one usually telephoned them first before sending the Fax.

UK banks must be well behind the times.

I have an Australian bank account and using their Internet Banking can transfer money to any bank, pay acounts etc. An Internet banking transfer to Thailand costs AUD22. Money is in Thai bank acount same day. Yes the bank uses SWIFT.

I am sure that if you had an HSBC account you could have internet banking.

Plus you have security and safety.

There must be banks in the UK that have internet banking for their customers.

Yes, what is the protection on cards, that is all cards not just CCs in Thailand?

On receiving a new or replacement card does it have to be initialised by the bank before it can be used?

Are PIN numbers sent in a sealed envelope separate from the card and on different days?

Can you easily change you PIN numbers?

In the case of loss or theft, provided one has notified the Bank of such an event happening

are you only liable for a limited amount, eg $50 or THB 1000?

What protection do you have against fraudalent use of the card by unauthorised third parties?

Does the bank put a watch on your account if requested and automatically flag unusual transactions?

Confidentiality, Privacy and Security are words that do not seem to be understood in Thailand.

Are these Debit Cards processed by Mastercard and Visa? Or are they cards issued by the individual banks in Thailand and can only be used in Thailand?

The card should have the issuing bank logo and the Mastercard or Visa logo.

If a business has EFTPOS facilities all cards should be accepted, Standard ATM cards, the Debit Card (Mastercard or Visa) and all Credit cards (Mastercard, Visa etc.)

But then allowances must be made for Thailand.It is a financially backward country as far as electronic transfers point of sale are concerned.

Using EFTPOS a business can refund money back to your account.

Quick, easy and simple.

Domestic Violence is the "politically correct" name.

It has to be defined as 1. Physical cruelty and 2. Mental cruelty.

Males are blamed for instigating the above but in practice it is the female who is responsible

in at least 50% of all cases.

Common causes, continual nagging, unfounded accusations which border on slander.

Mandatory treatment for the above as this is a Mental Health issue.

It is a known fact that women are techically insane for 20% of every month.

I am not a Medical Professional just what one has seen in real life.

On the Australian ABC-TV on Monday 20/04/10 the Four Corners documentary covered the Stern Hu affair(sentenced to 10 years) and also the fact that the Chinese Government though the PLA was using cyber attacks on Rio tinto and BHP-Billition the largest iron ore suppliers to China.

This comes on top of the attemped censorship of Google.

The Chinese government cannot be trusted, it looks after its own interests first (as all countries should do).

China needs to be contained, it will become a threat to the Western world.They seek world domination and that means their form of "socialism".

During the Korean War in 1950 the use of the atomic bomb was considered, to be used on the Chinese. However this could have brought in the Soviets and commenced WW3 which the US and its Allies did not want. So a limited war occured with no victor. China has nuclear weapons. Their puppet state is North Korea.

The US has got to get itself back to its prime again where it can be respected as in the 1950s and 1960s.

Some of the ecomonic information coming out of China is it accurate? 12% growth rate and inflation 2.4%? like figures plucked out of the air.

One does not always agree with the policies of the US but with China that does not apply.

Thailand needs national unity

From: The Australian

April 20, 2010 12:00AM

The alternative is street fighting among political proxies

THE army was back on the streets of Bangkok yesterday, sending a signal to the Red Shirt protest movement that they should lift their siege of the city and a message to the world that everything was under control. Neither is believable, Thailand's problems run much deeper than the damage done by a large and very well organised protest movement. The Red Shirts support former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, deposed in a military coup in 2006. They want an election, which the exiled Thaksin's side would be likely to win. Despite widespread claims of corruption against him, his policies, including free healthcare for all, make him the darling of the rural poor. But no matter how decisive an election outcome, a vote would solve nothing unless it was accepted by Thaksin's opponents, who despise his populism, sneer at his supporters and can put their own private army on Bangkok's streets. These Yellow Shirts occupied the airport for two months at the end of 2008, and there is talk of their taking on Thaksin's supporter.

The stand-off in the streets places Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva in an impossible position. He was appointed, rather than elected, and has no credibility with Thaksin's camp. And the stand-off in the streets is a problem for the army, the usual arbiter of who governs. It seems the generals are loath to either shore up Mr Abhisit or, as they have often done before, take control themselves. The Red Shirts have too much popular support to be easily suppressed and there are suggestions there is sympathy for Thaksin's cause among rank and file soldiers. This was once the sort of situation solved by advice from King Bhumibol Adulyadej. But he is old and ill and shows no sign of intending to intervene.

And so it is up to the politicians. Mr Abhisit wants elections at the end of the year but last week army chief Anupong Paojinda called for an early poll. Given his tenuous position, the Prime Minister has little choice but to agree. Yet unless the political warlords agree to respect the popular vote and unless the winning side undertakes not to wreak revenge on the loser, the results will not matter much.

Without a government committed to national unity and an end to the existing entrenched animosities, Thailand faces the prospect of power going to the side with the toughest colour gang.

There was an important event about 600AD when a volcano erupted it was recorded in China and in the British Isles no trees grew for 10years and there was food shortages across the Northern Hemisphere.

Once the wind changes this one in Iceland will go away. Nothing to worry about.

Several years ago a BA airliner en route to Australia flew though a volcanic cloud near Indonesia and all the engines failed, however they were able to restart them at about 4000ft once clear of the cloud.

Get a Debit Card issued by Mastercard or Visa from your Thai Bank.

You then have the advantage of not having to deposit money with the bank for security.

It can be linked to your SAV or CHQ account and can be used overseas.

You have the protection of a CC as well. PIN or sign if used as a CC.

When used in a EFTPOS terminal select CC.

Noob asked:

"Is Thailand still considered a third world country?"

Anyone who answers yes needs to get out more, or perhaps go visit a real third world country.

One would not call Thailand a "Third world country" if you want to see such a country The Phillipines, Indonesia including the province of West Irian, along with PNG are good examples.

And what would you call Communist China or Iran?

About half the countries in the UN are classified as "Third world", it depends on what standards one judges a country by.

We are refering here to a standard ATM card which can be used in an ATM or used in a EFTPOS terminal.

The Debit Card operates exactly the same as the standard ATM card ( which is a debit card)

but also operates as a CC but debits directly from your CHQ or SAV account. If you use as a CC you have the protection of a CC. Use with a PIN or sign.

These cards are issued by Mastercard and Visa.

Debit cards can be used in CNP ( card not present) transactions.

Many people do not want or require a CC and this is why the DC was introduced.

Welcome to the wonderful world of plastic. ATM card, credit card, debit card, Visa Electron card - all different types of cards. If a merchant only takes credit cards, then a full credit card it must be. Some card terminals and merchants do not support debit cards because they cannot determine if there is enough money in the account at the time of transaction, which is what a debit card is all about.

Thailand may be different but in Australia an EFTPOS terminal will accept all cards, just swipe the card or insert in the card reader and select account CHQ, SAV or CC. Enter ones PIN when instructed to and the transaction commences and if sucessful the message "Transaction Approved" appears with the printout.

We are referring here to the standard cavity concrete block? Size 400mmx 200mmx 200mm

and 400mmx200mm x100mm nominal.

Widely used in Australia, low cost and long lasting.

Concrete slab to be reinforced.

Rebar can be installed at intervals in the outer walls and a concrete bond beam poured in the top layer of blocks.

Before painting blocks are sealed against the weather with an approved sealant.

Services such power can be concealed in the cavity wall, also copper piping for sinks and shower combinations.

Internal walls can be the smaller blocks or use sheet metal framing with plasterboard ( the exception would be in wet areas).

Complies with the Building Code of Australia requirements.

So the Stat.Dec. circumstance can only be performed off-shore?

I would not be too confident in obtaining a Thai Police doc from Thailand whilst on Australian soil, even though as described in the link that Graham supplied, there may be a way!

Particularly during the present situation over there which is certainly not going anywhere but south at this time.

As this is a Commonwealth of Australia Statutory Declaration DIAC will have it available in Australia, you should contact DIAC and state your concerns regarding obtaining a Thai Police Certificate while the applicant is in Australia.

*******There are a number of reasons why a certificate may not be able to be obtained and for this reason DIAC have a Commonwealth of Australia Statutory Declaration proforma document in English which the applicant reads at the Embassy and then signs the document in front of an Australian official, who witnesses the applicants signature*******

How does this apply though David, where the applicant is already in Australia, DIAC wants another certificate for whatever reason and it is difficult to obtain.

I gather there is no hard and fast rule about what circumstance may require one to obtain another Police (or Medical) check and it is up to your case officer to require you or not?

Medical wouldn't be much of an issue, as it could be done here, but of course with much more cost than if handing over THB in Thailand!

It applies when the applicant has worked or lived in another country and it is difficult to obtain the police clearance certificate for some reason.

The fast track method isnt always as fast as it seems...

You ring for the appointment and will get an interview date for something like 2-3 weeks later......you will need to provide the medical and police docs at the interview so this must be done first. The medical docs are sent to the Embassy so allow 2 weeks at least for that.

The clock starts when the Embassy receives the first docs....in the case mentioned the medical was done in October so thats when the clock starts for the entry date into Oz, Obviously the three months was more than enough time for the medical to be checked in Oz. The process time for this application is around 3 months

Obviously if the application is complete and comprehensive then it will process quicker, but if further docs are needed or there are some issues that need to be addressed then it will take longer to process.

People will say 24 hours, but that is not quite correct....the application starts from receipt of the first docs for the embassy......it starts for the applicant when they get the medical, police checks or ring for the interview. Usually well before the interview stage.

An example of this in practice.

Documents delivered (received) by DIAC at Aust Embassy 12/04/07

File number allocated by DIAC 17/04/2007. The 2 year temporary visa 309 period starts from this date. It is from this date that processing of the visa application begins.

DIAC may ask for you to get the medical certificate at a later date, this is valid for 12 months from date of issue and is sent directly to the Embassy the next day by the hospital. If DIAC requires more documentation they will ask for it.

Likewise police clearance certificates are only valid for 12 months from date of issue and they require the originals not photocopies or scanned copies.

The date the applicant obtains an interview with DIAC does not affect the date from when the visa is valid from. The 2 year period in this case does not start from the date the visa is actually issued.

For some countries one has to be in the country to apply for a police certificate, Saudi Arabia is one such country.

There are a number of reasons why a certificate may not be able to be obtained and for this reason DIAC have a Commonwealth of Australia Statutory Declaration proforma document in English which the applicant reads at the Embassy and then signs the document in front of an Australian official, who witnesses the applicants signature.

The onus is on the applicant where it should be.

Let us face it Police certificates in many countries are not worth the paper they are printed on.

Supply Authorities decide if you are to have a single phase or multi phase supply.

This is generally decided on your max demand and /or the loading of the distribution system

in ones area of supply.

There is no need to have any 3 phase electrical equipment in a domestic type environment.

Some electric hotplate and oven units can be connected single phase or 2 phases and neutral. Generally equipment over 20A.

LED fittings are available for downlight replacements. See Pierlite LED Firefly, available in surface mounting or flush fitting. Have a 3W LED, complete with flex and plug, 50000hour lamp life.

Self contained emergency luminaire using LEDs instead of the 10W halogens are available

from Davis Lighting.

Exit luminaires may be the next after the cold cathode lamps which are a major improvement

over the standard fluoresent tube.

However fake products do exist. They come from China. We have good checks on imported electrical goods

imported into Australia, but some countries do not. One brand of MCB made in China was found the have some components missing, it gave itself away because in was unusually light in weight.

We too in the UK like to think that we have good import controls, however fake MCBs have turned up in the UK even at retail outlets (not just eBay and boot sales).

Good point on the weight

When getting your stuff from anywhere other than a well respected retailer (actually even when getting from a respected retailer in Thailand), Caveat Emptor

In this case it was picked up by the quality control by the importer, a very reputable Australian company. The MCB was found to have the arc chutes missing. They never reached the electrical wholesalers/ contractors.

This relates to Oz but maybe handy for the US as well

http://www.thaiconsulatesydney.org/f_thaipolice.html

If there is any difficulty in obaining a police clearance contact DIAC, they have a proforma form that you sign and it is witnessed at the embassy. It is a Stat. Declaration.

In 2006 in Australia Schneider (Merlin Gerin) issued a recall of a certain batch of C60H RCBOs.

In Australia this was a very small number of devices. This was the only recall at the time.

However fake products do exist. They come from China. We have good checks on imported electrical goods

imported into Australia, but some countries do not. One brand of MCB made in China was found the have some components missing, it gave itself away because in was unusually light in weight.

Thailand needs to open up to more public debate and discussion on all political matters.

Understand that in a democracy one respects the rights of all parties. Be able to concede defeat as part of the political process.

Get rid of this "respect" and "loss of face" nonsense. All they know is two words, Money and Power.

It goes much deeper than Thaksin. The current PM is well qualified and well educated.

The ABC-TV and SBS- TV in Australia have had coverage on the news and current affairs programs, with interviews with the representitives of both sides.

Monarchy mentioned along with the privy council.

Latest score 19 dead and 900 injured including one Japanese newsman. Source ABC-TV(Aust)

And we all thought it was going to be like a one day cricket match, now more like a test series.

I simply do not trust them. We are talking about a device that under fault conditions WILL save somebody's life!

Also I have worked for several authorities back in the UK, that insist that any square D type device has to be replaced with Crabtree type device. It got to a point where I/we did not even test the square D devices to see if they complied, we just got them changed.

Any type of device after a period of time, is going to fail at some point, and they need to be tested on a regular basis, with the right test equipment.

No legitimate electrical safety authority would make that statement that you have made. You may be confused with a recall of perhaps a batch manufactured between a certain period. Recall does not mean that they are all defective. Recall is carried out by the manufacturer.