cusanus

1 minute ago, VocalNeal said:

It is more about a man who found a laboratory supplies business and was surprised that they sold distilled or deionized water.

 

Although in fairness to your allusion,  spell checker did try and alter it to demonized water

It's about where to find distilled water. 

46 minutes ago, bazza73 said:

So it's not for any illicit purpose, but you would prefer not to disclose why you need it. Strange. Could it be you are trying to revisit cold fusion?

There's very little real science out there anymore because anti-science is well entrenched in the minds of most right-wing politicians - and they are in the ascendancy at present.

What are your academic credentials that permit you to judge what is real science and waht is not? 

13 minutes ago, faraday said:

Just watched a bit of it...that is seriously weird!

The audience was made of up high level world leaders, prime ministers and such, can't remember who exactly, I think the PM of France was one but many others. 

21 minutes ago, faraday said:

Really, so do you think something like CERN is in this category?

I haven't seen any 'groundbreaking' discoveries from them yet...

Don't know about that, but did you see the video of the big celebration at CERN a few years back? Extremely bizarre, satanic theatrical thing. Ok, edit changed to reflect the video I meant to insert. 

13 minutes ago, faraday said:

What are your thoughts on Water Memory?

 

 

Doubt there's anything to it. I'm often considered a conspiracy nutjob, but I'm not a homeopathic buff. I'm well educated and firmly grounded in classical science, but then I also see clearly that Einstein and his relativity is pure bunk, a fineexample of Hitler's observation that if you repeat something often enough people will believe it, especially if their careers depend on it. There's very little real science out there anymore.

10 hours ago, Blinky62 said:

Does it not rain ️ where you are? Catch the rain water .


Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

Doubt it would be that great, but you gave me an idea - I'm going to test it and see... why not?

12 hours ago, ThaiWai said:

Are you refining uranium or something?  Gee whiz bro just make a home distiller. Or buy one from aliexpress.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-by-DHL-1PC-Stainless-Steel-Water-Distiller-Machine-Water-Purifier-4L-household-water-distiller-beer/32692771819.html?spm=2114.search0104.3.25.CLc55F&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_1_10152_10065_10151_10068_10084_10083_10080_10307_10082_10081_10110_10137_10175_10111_10060_10112_10113_10155_10114_10154_10056_10055_10037_10054_10312_10313_10059_10314_10315_100031_10099_10078_10079_10077_10103_10073_10102_10052_10053_10142_10107_10050_10051-10051_10102,searchweb201603_19,ppcSwitch_7&btsid=2b9ef135-9ff2-4598-ac17-470ff1e62fb3&algo_expid=41fe3143-a3f0-41c0-9c69-a12420e3485d-3&algo_pvid=41fe3143-a3f0-41c0-9c69-a12420e3485d

 

Thanks. Did consider all that, but have serious doubts about getting the quality needed. Even had to bug the clerks at Union Science to bring out the <2 microsiemen stuff and the price difference tells me that a DIY distiller wouldn't cut it. Now, for those asking WHY I need the high grade lab stuff, it's certainly not for any illicit purpose by any means, but would rather not steer the thread into that right now. Was considering broaching another issue about where to find a special herb, but again, it seems best not to mix it up that much. I simply wanted to contribute to the knowledge base at thaivisa and clarify to people the different options for getting distilled water and avoid making it too personal. Hope I've helped someone out there and thanks to all for your contributions as well. Do let me add, though, that pure distilled water isn't necessarily healthy, the body requires a good dose of certain minerals. 

7 hours ago, tryasimight said:

Good luck using a multimeter to measure microseimens per cm.

Who? 

8 hours ago, Nick ZepTepi said:

Of course, have you never heard of Breaking Bad?

Sent from my Redmi Note 2 using Tapatalk
 

Of course, but I restrained myself from countering that contrary to your opinion, owning a smart TV doesn't make you smart. There are a hundred and one uses for distilled water, try learning about them. 

4 hours ago, Nick ZepTepi said:

What you cooking up, Heisenberg?

Sent from my Redmi Note 2 using Tapatalk
 

So, you've never heard of the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, Einstein?

This was a tough one. The older threads on this topic were very unclear, so thought I'd do someone a favor. Turns out it was nearly impossible to find the analytic grade of distilled water I needed. Some said the auto shops, gas stations, or auto departments at Big Cs. I bought ten bottles labelled Pure Distilled Water 100% from the auto shop next to the Hang Dong Big C (the one near to Makro) at 10 baht each. I used an ohmmeter to test it at home and found it was 27 microsiemens/cm, while I needed less than 2. I gave it away to the tire shop next door. It was better than our filtered water at 75, but then who knows what the 27 microsiemens relates to - it could be lead salts after all, so NO, you can't get high grade distilled water that way. I spent ALL day looking at stores around Chiang Mai and gave up. I finally found a single web site appearing to list distilled water at less than 2 microsiemens, but it was all in Thai. I filled out the message form in English without knowing what the 6-7 fields meant, but got a reply quoting 20 liters at 250 baht. It wasn't easy to find the place, but it was up Suthep road from the moat past Suan Dok hospital and near to the Nimmanhaemin Rd intersection. Turns out they wouldn't let me use my meter to make sure it was less than 2 and by the spec sheet it appeared to be closer to 4, not good enough. Finally, she found me a box of two 5.5 liter bottles that were supposed to be less than 2 microsiemen/cm. I paid 460 baht for that, and then tested it. It registered 0.9, plenty good enough.  Now, I'm pretty sure you won't find lab grade distilled water anywhere else in quantity at an affordable price in Chiang Mai, so there's your answer if you were looking. 

 

17 hours ago, Sparkles said:

I note on my yearly calendar and then send it between 15 to 12 days remaining.Its 99% back within 4 working days.5 mins to the PO office for me as against a 30 min drive to Promenada.

 

I've done both EMS and Registered there and back, max 50 baht.

 

Theres some misconception, among some, that you send you passport, well you dont EVER as the pinned topic above explains

 

 

 

 

THANKS! Sorry, Sparkles, not Sparkies. That's been my experience. I do believe you have to send a COPY of your passport, or the relevant pages. I keep an updated PDF copy by scanning the return receipt or other changes and replacing those pages in the PDF, then just print when needed, also keep that on Google Drive in case I'm in a bind without a passport. Some don't have a PC but a copy service works. I also print out a preprinted (copy) of the filled in TM47 and just sign it before sending. Online could be better yes, but most of the time it hasn't been working it seems for Chiang Mai.  EMS seems best, no problems. If I were in Chiang Mai, I'd go in person as I enjoy going in to Promenada and seeing familiar faces. 

2 minutes ago, hml367 said:

Cusanus,

You asked if anyone had a problem with mail-in - I answered that I did.  I then commented on how I do the reports now.  Of course my comment was on 1 instance - mine!

 

There are some people that make comments about why everyone does not mail-in.  Obviously not all the people that mail-in are that way.

 

Yeah, I saw your answer, which Sparkie addressed adequately. I don't know any of those people,. I enjoyed going in person for years and some of them have been disappointed since I've gone mail, but it's a long trip these last several years and indeed the PO service is reliable. . 

21 hours ago, Sparkles said:

I dont consider myself smarter than other people because I have been doing 90 day reporting by mail for 17 years without a problem. 

I just have better things to do with my meagre savings than give it a to an agent or trekking  out to Promenada.

 

You are just basing your opinion on one isolated incident and others are paranoid about using what I have always found to be a very efficient Government department.

 

We all have choices nothing about feeling superior

 

 

 

 

Thank you Sparkies, well said. Let me ask, if you don't mind, how many days before the date on the last TM47 stub do you mail your form? I've never been too clear on the deadline. I give it at least 15 days, but maybe I'm being too cautious. If I lived closer I'd probably go in person as I used to do, but it's a long day from here. . . 

20 hours ago, KhonKaenKowboy said:

So true, so many insist on the hardway.  One neighbor has been here thirty years and always made a day of it.  I finally gave him my old envelope and told him there was really no need to suffer...he finally did it, told me it worked like a charm.  Another guy in his 80s is more the morning warrior type.  I finally convinced him to go at 15:00.  Saw him the other day...."was in and out in five minutes.". 

I've nothing but time being retired and for many years got much enjoyment out of visiting Immigration for the 90 day report. The only unpleasant thing about Thailand is bumping into the farang beefers I'd otherwise managed to leave behind in the states. Then I married a beautiful Thai lady and moved a bit south so switched to the mail in option. I know people who have used the mail in option for 15 years as they live a great distance out. They've never had a problem, nor have I.  I think the really important question ought to be, "Has anyone, ever, had a problem with the mailing in option or with getting the TM47 receipt back in a reasonable period of time? " Well, anybody? 

21 hours ago, elektrified said:

Did the extension last week. Tried a different approach this time and showed up at 14:50. The large room was almost empty. There were only about 3 customers in there, although the other rooms (2 and 3) were busy. A very lovely and friendly young lady out front examined my documents and said "everything looked good". She went inside and about 2 minutes later she came back with an Immigration Officer - a very modern looking, fairly young guy with kind of a Clark Kent look. I hadn't seen him before - I don't think. He was very nice and very friendly. He immediately pointed out that my TM-7 document I have been using for the last 10 years was out of date and asked me to fill out a new one by hand which I did. He said that he would be handling my extension this year and that he would do it right then. The whole process took about 5-7 minutes. The only quirk was that he asked me to go to the photocopy shop and make 2 copies of my 90-day report. In all the years, I have never been asked for even one copy of that! I sat down and waited until about 15:45. At that point it was obvious I was the last customer of the day and all of the staff had split off in groups and were talking, laughing, and eating snacks together. It appeared my Officer was gone, so I asked someone what was happening and the girl apologized and sent someone to retrieve my passport which had been taken to another office? Five minutes later I had my passport and was out of there by 16:00. So a new record...one hour and ten minutes....

 

AND....nobody ever asked me for that form that people go on and on about......just as I had predicted. I've said it once and I'll say it again, dress nicely, be polite, speak polite Thai, have your documents in order and the whole thing is a breeze. I hope things never change at C.M. Immigration!

Twelve years here, never had a problem, they've been great every time. 

YES, you do need the import permit in advance by 15+ days. This link should straighten it all out, because this forum is quite unclear. I had trouble getting it right myself. Here's what you have to do: 

http://thaiembdc.org/bringing-pets-into-thailand/

On 5/14/2017 at 11:24 AM, Sparkles said:

Yes hopefully IMM will become more efficient,the bickering on this forum can stop and we can move on.

 

However the move back to the Airport site is no guarantee of any improvement .

 

Its the Bangkok/CMI decison makers and staff that are the key to providing that.

 

Its very evident that the unprecedented influx of permanent residents to CM is likely to continue and whether CMI can keep pace with progress 

In twelve years, I've never had a problem with Immigration or serious impediment of any kind. Initially, there could be some confusion and anxiety about getting it done, it can be crowded, plus at times the increasing workload has led to long lines, extra confusion and a bit of inconvenience. Clearly, the CM immigration folks are really good people doing their best to keep up with big changes. Some people who are in poor health or for whatever personal preferences may benefit or feel safer using the agencies. It seems very out of synch with both basic human courtesy and especially the civility of Thai culture to be negative or personal or to even acknowledge overly critical and harsh sentiments. Indeed, it is, I believe, against forum rules to criticize Thai institutions unless perhaps a special case arises where someone has been badly victimized.  If anyone has an axe to grind, I really suggest that you examine yourself carefully and consider adjusting your attitude. Sit back and appreciate the Thai culture, the friendly smiles, the great scenery, the conveniences. Be at peace.

16 hours ago, hml367 said:

cusanus,

 

my post that you quoted and all of my other posts related to that one have nothing to do with 90 day reports.

 

I never mentioned any departure date either.  When I do my annual extensions of permission to stay, I also do a reentry permit rather than waiting until I may want to depart.

 

Just as I have told others, I use an agent because I choose to, not because I don't know what I am doing. Too many people make that false assumption about people that use agents.

 

 

My bad. And you're right, too, that for whatever reasons you are entitled to use an agent, but it's natural for the rest of us to discuss what works best and what options are available, no offense intended. I would have been a lot better off using an agent the first year or two, so glad to hear how it works for you. 

21 hours ago, hml367 said:

Yes.  I also paid them to do my extension of permission to stay at the same time, which is why I was upstairs.

 

I have probably done more re-entry applications myself than you have, along with everything else required at Immigration.  I choose not to do them myself now.  I don't see why that would need a condescending reply from anyone.

 

The reason I had to wait longer is because the extension has to be completed before the re-enty can be done.  I am sure you know that.

 

 

Well, I don't know. I got my 2nd re-entry permit Thursday as well, by myself, both times took about 20 minutes more or less. I assume your departure date is later than your 90 day report deadline or it wouldn't be necessary to do the TM7. I've done several 90 day reports and they were always done downstairs, but the last four or five times have been by mail,so you could be right now, but mail is a rock solid reliable method taking a few minutes to fill out the application at home, make a passport copy, and about twenty more getting the SASE (self addressed stamped envelope) at the post office and mailing the three docs in by EMS. Actually, I have a cheap printer and having updated the passport whenever it changes on the computer hard drive, I just print the passport in about five minutes from a PDF file, the last page being the TM7 already filled in from a scanned image several years ago. Now, I realize not everyone is situated so conveniently and/or been here long enough to figure this all out, but the agent method is very inefficient and needless if you know what you're doing. No reason for any of these procedures to take more than a half hour. I do confess, however, that I like to arrive and wait longer than I have to, then enjoy walking around Promenada. So, hopefully I'm not being taken as sarcastic, everybody has their own need and difficulties, but it took my some years to perfect this procedure and  I recommend doing it that way. 

13 hours ago, heybruce said:

I may try that next time.  I wanted to make sure my first 90 day check would be done correctly, and I have more faith in a visa service than the Immigration office, which gets mixed reviews from those that deal with it.

 

For many years I did the 90 day in person. I enjoyed the routine and chance to see familiar faces at Immigration. In 12 years have never had any problem with immigration, they've always been very helpful and polite.

16 hours ago, heybruce said:

I walked to a visa service near my condo on Tuesday, gave them my passport, some information and 500 baht, walked back on Thursday to pick up my passport with my 90 day check complete.  I wasn't asked about a TM30.  Total cost 500 baht, total time invested, including travel to and from the office, less than one hour.

 

Since I don't like hanging out in malls, don't like taking my bike on the superhighway, don't like waiting in line and dealing with bureaucrats, and it would take at least an hour each way traveling, parking and finding the appropriate offices, I think I'll stick with the 500 baht lazy method.

Doing it by mail here in Sanpatong takes about ten minutes to fill in the form and return envelope, ten minutes to get to the PO, send EMS. Some people I know have been doing it that way ten years, never had a problem. Oh, the return TM30,  same experience as the other fellow, no sweat at all. 

9 hours ago, worgeordie said:

A nearly pleasant day at Immigration,  rose very early,showered,had a cup of tea, 

arrived at Promenade at 4.30, took seat  No.5 in the Retirement line,the 4 seats in 

front of me taken by Burmese sitters,one on 90 days, couple on voluntary ,the next

one to arrive in the retirement que was 7.00, so i didn't need to get up so soon, about 

7.30 more people started to arrive ,mostly 90 dayers ,so on that day at least it was a lot 

quieter than usual, low season,satellite offices  opened up around  Chiang mai,?

 

They started handing numbers out at 8.30, ,about 9.00 the officer started No 1 in

retirement,  they had to get more copies, same with 2 and 3,  9.45 it was my turn

Very friendly officer, everything in order,askd him couple questions about my passport,

They now have a Boss Lady, who signs the passports so you can collect them about 

1/2 hour after they are processed ,which is a whole lot better than having to return

in the afternoon,as in the past,   

 

Next time I may not get there so early,as if i had arrived at 7.00 i would have still

been finished by 12.00, a slow day or Chiang Mai immigration improving ?,

so spent a few hours there,saved a few bob not engaging an agent,the only

downside was the smell ,some very smelly people there,even in the open,

the smell was very noticeable , I hope the new Immigration buildings have plenty

of extractor fans installed, the old place on a hot day was like the Black Hole of Calcutta.

 

Regards Worgeordie

That was my experience, except I got there at 6:45 and was third in line, got my passport back within ten minutes. 

Dang, how long did your flight to Thailand take?

On 4/7/2017 at 9:25 AM, worgeordie said:

Been posting 90 day report for years,not one problem,anything to

prevent me to going to Promenade is a huge plus. 

Pleased to see you were going back to Oz,then you said you intend

coming back !  just joking my old cobber.

regards worgeordie

Know people who have been doing the 90 day report by mail for over ten years, never a problem, but be sure to save your receipt. Use EMS. Best to update your passport on your computer and print when needed for next report. Ten minutes plus trip to post office. No need to get up early and spend all day bumming around CM unless you like to do that. I save the last SASE (self addressed stamped envelope) with the copy of the passport and the TM form until the next mail in time. I do it exactly 15 days before last 90 day expires because I'm not certain what the time range is, but have never had a problem.