al007

I am also about to run out of pages, spoke to consulate in chang mai much smaller and very helpful

they will check for you forms once completed so no return for incorect completion

then DHL to hongkong special rate agree by embassey for Honk kong

No need to have photographs signed

need UK credit card, you will be billed in HK dollars

do not send original passport, but copy, see web site re thailand

HK will send to UK who return it by courier to thailand

All takes about a month I believe

It is also easier to talk to consulate in chang mai rather than embassey in BKK

Must do in the next month

I believe most are missing the point, and have anything but an open mind, which incidentally works better like a parachute when open

All this is about trying to topple the proposed government,make the life of those who brought about change as uncomfortable as possible

The whole world has been unstable with people voicing their discent by rioting and using violence to bring down undemocratic governments, I doubt if when they are sucessful if they will be held in jail and branded terorists

Thailand had a government not democratically elected, and the people wanted change, they were not acknowledged so they resorted to other ways

An election was held showing the highest ever turn out in thailand history and I believe the propsed new government has 300 out of 500 seats in the new regime

So democracy shows what the people want, no hung parliament no requirement for coalition

There is a small minority of powerful families in BKK who thrive on the two tear system, low wages, and poverty of the people

This minority is maybe now using it money power and influence in the high echelions of BKK to try and destabilise what the people want

This is only doing what Mr T and the redshirts did, the very significent difference is that they do not have a democratic mandate and majority to implement their desires and wishes

I love Thailand, long live the King, may his health recover so he can exert his wisdom to bring peace and prosperity

Al007

April 1

It is April 1, but if in doubt get married today just to be safe!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Al007

Many countries have legalised sex industries, so why should there be outrage over Thailands wonderful girls and for that matter boys, only last week I saw a thai boy with his farang boyfriend driving an open top Mercedes, surely this is producing maney for thailand, think of the import tax on the car alone, that is probably well in excess of 1 million batt!!!

Backpackers many are well educated many from Eton the school where Abhisit was educated go backpacking, many from places like Oxford University again go backpacking, another British Educational Establishment that Abhisit attended

I believe today Abhisit is considered in the elite as are many of his university and old school friends, so surely backpackers are the SEED elite travellers of tomorrow, and should be loved not hated or branded as being not wanted, they may spend carefully but surely that is sound commercial sense

Thailand needs tourism, a topic on which the general consensous is yes, so get the quality resorts and facilities priced corectly and the people will come, do not just say we want them and their money; make what is available attractive

Remember many people in Thailand live on less than 5000 batt per month, so someone who spends only a small amout is making a difference

Thailand and its immigration officials are making it harder and harder for the long stay person to remain in the country, everyone yes everyone, who is here long stay is contributing some amount; even if small to the economy, there is no social security for them to take in this country, so why not encourge rather than chase away, relative to the average earner in places like Issan they make a big difference.

In the north even a modestly well off man is seen by families as a prize possesion and catch, but the government and immigration does not want many of them, but itself offers no alternative support

Then do not forget the many who have ties to Thailand who send money each month to friends and girlfriends here, many first came as backpackers

Thailand needs tourists, many families need help, there is little or no social security, do not cut off the hand that feeds you by negative attitudes to the long stay visitor, the backpacker of today maybe the wealthy of tomorrow, and do not get greedy by just saying you want the elite fast spending. GREED kills and destroys.

When hungry be grateful for even half a plate of rice, do not demand a five star resteraunt that even if offered will probably even kill the half starved person

Be positive, love Thailand and its people, stay away from negatitivy

AL007

Thanks for the links to previous threads

I like the Geese idea but maybe not practibable, as we are creating beautiful gardens

We love where we live and for the information of one poster we have no complaints

I travelled the world on a substantial private yacht for over ten years through many difficult areas and like many friends we carried no arms, but had many escape plans in the event of necessity

And yes we also carried a liferft and EPIRB distress beacons, we also spent money and had them all regularily maintaied and serviced, fortunately we never had to use them, we did not say we will not go to sea because of the risks

Life is about living and taking risks, but also being cautious and planning for the unforeseen

Careful planninh ahead can maybe save disaster

How many foreiners have property in their wifes name and no Usufruct I wonder

We continue to discuss the gun question, it would be my wife who would use it not myself

It would be kept in a strong gun cabinette of thick steel with two keys one for my wife and one for myself, just to ensure she does not shoot me whilst asleep!!!but seriously to ensure one person alone does not overreact

We pray we would never have to open the cabinette except for maintenance and regular practise

But in the event it were needed than at least hopefully we would have choices

There is a parable about the foolish virgin who bought no oil for her lamp

Can anyone add anything on high powered air rifles, do they require liciences and can they be obtained in Thailand, sometimes the sight of a gun is enough to get rid of a potential intruder

thanks in any case

al007

I have searched for information and found none

We live in Issan in an area without neighbours

We Live on about 6 Rai in a beautiful house

My Thai wife and I are concerned about uninvited intruders at nightintruders

A good proportion of the time we have a live in gardner

We have been offered unmarked illegal guns and I have totally rejected that approach

I have stated I have an open mind but if we are to have a gun it has to be legal ,and wife has to go and be properly trained in its use, not just a one hour introduction

We have three small dogs and we are hopefully in the process of getting an Alsation dog as well

Also looking for Alsation puppy if anyone knows of one

Serious input would be appreciated, we are aware of the risks of gun ownership, and need people who can talk from their own personal experience

Al

I do from time to time read the posts on Thai Visa.

It appears to my simple soul there are many farangs out there who have nothing better to do than, bash the various authorities, I do not understand why they remain here, are they being held against their wishes

There are many bad stories about the various dislikes in Thailand, I personally love it here, I am building a house, have a Usefruct, over the land to protect my lifetime right to occupy, and can say I have never been happier than I am now at the age of 64 years young

Stop moaning and go home if you do not like it here, you chose to come and live here

Al007

You will find everything here

Just bring ATM cards, preferably wear a couple in conspicuous view on a heavy flashy gold chain round your neck and you will have the experience of a life time !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You will enjoy your time lovely people lovely place, ignore all the negatives you hear

good luck

Al

I have been a cigar smoker for many years and have been looking for economically priced cigars here

We found in Ranong some "Black Cat" cigars that come from Burma/Myanmar, they were very palitable, does anyone know where i can get a supply through a normal store or market, I am living in Kuon Kwen

Al