GeorgeO

<FONT color=#000080>If you look at the wider picture, you will see this is a smart move. The government is doing al it can to censor information and restrict freedom of speech within the country but it cannot do that outside the country. The proposed action is intended to keep the the international media's attention on the situation in the Kingdom. Furthermore, it is an action to which <STRONG>the Thai government must respond</STRONG>.<BR></FONT><BR>I'm afraid that you're wrong; no government is required to hand over anything to anyone who is not in a position of responsibility within the country concerned. Thaksin is a fugitive with a conviction hanging around his neck which will be carried out - if he ever returns to Thailand; he is certainly not in any position to demand anything from the Thai government.<BR><BR>Whilst there may be others who do have a claim for release of information, even (sadly) Jatuporn himself, given that he is a part of the political arena, Thaksin has no right to anything.<BR>

How refreshing to see the word aluminium spelled correctly, with two 'i's.

I still find it absolutely amazing how much detail the media is prepared to release on victims.

Let's suppose that this was a random attack by Ms Hartman's assailant on the first available female motorcyclist who happened to be in the area. Without recourse to any firm details on the young lady, the offender would simply have to accept that his robbery attempt was thwarted, and that he was slightly injured in the process.

However,since there is now the obvious possibility that he can become aware of both where she lives, Soi Yodsane, and where she works, a well-kown restaurant in Kathu (can you believe they would give ourt such details?), then he might decide to get his revenge at some later date!

Absolutely unbelieveable that such information can be divulged.

First of all, I received nothing at all from TV for a few days after the upgrade, and when I visited the site from my Favories folder, I had to sign up again for the daily 'Today's Best Thaivisa Topics'. Could that possibly mean that I will be regarded as a 'New Member' making my first post?

I now have exactly the same problem as Surfrider. After receiving today's topics, I have found that every one of them directs me to the Forum page, and I cannot find any of these topics there.

Any suggestions?

Cheers,

GeorgeO

wasnt it 11500 pound sterling-? cannot understand taking pound notes at this bad exchange rate.....

Perhaps he was taking advantage of the extremely poor exchange rate to build up some sterling reserves at low cost!

Updated: Ji Ungpakorn on anger

The Anger of the People is Justified

Giles Ji Ungpakorn

The anger of the ordinary people has finally erupted into violence with numerous buildings being set of fire in Bangkok and the provinces. People are also trying to use any means to fight the army. There are reports that Government buildings, banks, the stock-exchange, luxury shopping malls and pro-military media are all being set on fire.

All this is totally justified.. why?

Because:

1. The Government and the army have repeatedly used armed soldiers, assassination squads, snipers and tanks to kill unarmed pro-democracy demonstrators since April. The death toll will easily reach 80 with thousands injured.

2. This state-sponsored violence against civilians was carried out in order that Abhisit's military-backed Government could stay in power and avoid elections for as long as possible. It was never elected in the first place. The Government is a product of military and judicial coups since 2006.

3. The Red Shirts have repeatedly offered talks and compromises, yet the Government has answered with bullets.

4. In a Democracy, the people should be the ultimate decision-makers, not the military, the elites and the Palace. Any demand for democratic elections is totally justified, even if it disrupts shopping centres and luxury hotels.

5. Mealy-mouthed so called non-violent groups could never bring themselves to put the blame entirely on the shoulders of the Government, the military and Royalist elites, despite the fact that the violence was from the army. They never put their weight behind the huge struggle of the UDD leadership to try to maintain a peaceful and disciplined protest. This is because these organisations supported the coup in 2006 in the first place. They allowed the Government to claim that there would be no peace until the protests stopped.

Yet now that the official protest has been drowned in blood and stopped, there will not be peace because there is no justice.

Anyone who intends to report on here in such a journalistic fashion should remember that journalists are supposed to remain unbiased.

If I could be bothered to respond to each of your points separately, it would become clear that you choose to ignore all of the acts of violence, terrorism, looting (and in one case, summary execution) perpetrated by the 'Red Army' that everyone else on this forum has seen and commented on over the past several weeks.

However, I know that any time spent on constructing such a response would be totally wasted on you.

I only hope that the Prime Minister - whether you like him or not - survives this mess and is allowed to try to rebuild peace throughout the nation. I also hope that your messiah, KhunT, gets his just desserts!

Can't they up the charges to "Treason", more fitting IMO for Mr T..

Add to that sedition (crimes against the state, such as attempts to destabilise the governemnt), and you could be looking at a public execution. Perhaps that might give others food for thought in any future decisions based upon bringing about the destruction of this country.

Isn't it amazing how these glorious leaders were so quick to hand themsleves over (into safe keeping) whilst their followers continued with the struggle that they (their leaders) had initiated. I am really quite saddened to see that Jatuporn is still not included in the list. He should have been stripped of his parliamentary privileges long ago so that he could be lumped in with the rest of these terrorists!

They who live by sword [should] die by the sword!

I would strongly urge caution amongst those who see fit to condemn this person in advance of any judicial hearing.

We are told that he was dismissed in December last year; the alleged incident therefore took place before then, but who knows how long before then. The child may have been just three years old at the time.

I recall the shocking way that children were taken from their homes and families based upon the actions of the Social Services in the UK who, through the power of suggestion, had infants recalling incidents that, in the end, had never happened.

If Mr. Clements is indeed guilty of the alleged offence, then I pity him, because he will get his just desserts when he is incarcerated, and I have no problem with that.

However, if he is not guilty, then I also pity him, but for different reasons, because the allegation has been made, his picture has been widely disseminated, and he will always be tarnished with this allegation, irrespective of whether it is proven to be unfounded.

Hi everyone,

Following the very cold feeling in the pit of my stomach on the refusal of my extension of stay yesterday, today has ultimately ended on a high note.

I made the proposed visit to Chaeng Wattana and explained to the Immigration Officer there that I wished to appeal the decision made by the Samut Prakhan office. He checked my documents, checked through the rules himself, asked a colleague behind him for confirmation, and then came back and asked if I had the telephone number for the Samut Prakhan office.

He called and explained that they were in error, then told me to go back and report to a specific person, Captain Tannahcheagh(?). When I arrived back at Samut Prakhan, I was immediately waved to the boss's desk who said "I am so sorry!" I received my one-year extension within about three minutes, with the receipt for yesterday's one week extension being used; thus, no need for additional fees!

He apologised again and advised me that all of the staff at the Samut Prakhan office have now been advised of the correct rules to avoid any similar situations in the future. So, hats off to Captain Tannahcheagh for his acceptance of this learning event, and I would suggest that anyone visiting this particular office will not be required to deal with this issue in the future.

Regards,

GeorgeO

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. I am planning to correct this matter at the CW Office tomorrow and will post to let everyone know of the outcome.

Could still use a little advice on how to get there from the Chaeng Wattana expressway.

Many thanks again

Personally I would not waste any more time with him I would have it corrected and have future evidence of correction made.. Fighting on your own is more likely to cause him loss of face and less likely to produce results for your future as well. The way I am suggesting will go by the wayside real soon and so no loss of face in front of his immediate coworkers or superiors..

I am inclined to agree with your assessment of the situation now, and in the future.

I have just had a good friend call me to discuss the problem and he has kindly offered me the support of his Thai Seretary for a proposed trip to the CW office tomorrow. I think that may be the best way to proceed.

The current rules are in police order 777/2551 - that quote from Immigration web site is out of date.

(5) Annual income plus bank account deposit totaling not less

than Baht 800,000 as of the filing date of application

Above is the unofficial translation of section 2.22 para 5 and clearly makes no mention of time season of money (para 4 does for the 800k in bank account method). So perhaps if you can have him review the Thai language of Police order 777/2551 section 2.22 para 5 you might have a chance.

Can you direct me to the source of the latest rule so that I can print it out and take it back to Samut Prakhan office?

Yes Cheang Wattana.. I'll do my best to help it is not too difficult but right now the road is under construction so it is painfully slow going it is in the government complex...

Do you know how to get to Cheang Wattana at all? I'm not real good with directions it terms of locations origins, the provinces etc. so best thing for you to do is head towards the old Don Muang airport direction will you be coming from the north or the south? East or west?

Warpspeed,

I play Bangkok Golf Club regularly, so I have no problems getting to Muang Thong Thani district on the Chaneg Wattana Highway.

Do I come off at Chaeng Wattana Road?

I was at Immigration yesterday (Bangkok) and they have a specific line now for attending to "improperly stamped" Visa's in the 90 day report room so that might be an option for you to get a more accurate review, Bangkok is the base so their say is rule.. Personally I would begin there and once you've had it corrected you should not have another recurrence if it happens then you have the proof with you to make an immediate correction with and enforce your case..

At any rate you'd also find out if you are being squeezed for tea money or just dealing with an incompetent officer and how to handle it in the future without them really knowing until your next report in which they might not even remember you..

Hi Warpspeed,

This was one of the questions I raised initially, and was hoping for a positive response.

I am thinking of going there to try to sort this out tomorrow; I assume your reference to the Bangkok office is the new Chaeng Wattana

building(?) I have never been there, so would appreciate help in how to get there by car.

Many thanks.

Good question. I think you can get a new O in Malaysia (not sure about Laos) just being over 50 and stating you will be applying for a retirement extension. I would bring along financial info but reports have been it isn't needed. I am not sure I would complicate the situation by talking about pending applications in Thailand. Hopefully, others will comment on this so you can make a more informed decision.

Thanks Jingthing.

I guess if that fails, I can simply apply for a 60-day tourist visa and then have it changed to a Non-Imm(O) back here in Thailand. Problem is I would still be relying on the same Immigration Office.

I just kinda wish there was some way I could go back there and convince the guy of the correct interpretation of the rule.

I'm aware that trying to prove to an Immigration Officer that he has made the wrong decision may have knock-on effects later on!

Can anyone answer my third point. If I fly somewhere outside of Thailand, will I be able to get a Non-Imm-O based upon my imminent submission of an application for "extension of stay based upon retirement", and if so, where would you recommend?

Many thanks.

GeorgeO

In case anyone asks, yes I did provide them with a letter from the British Embassy supporting all income.

Hi all,

I have just been to Samut Prakhan office to apply for the renewal of my extension of stay based upon the combination method, and was duly refused on the grounds that the money in the bank here was not sufficiently "seasoned".

I was able to show over GBP12,000 per year in pension and THB 450,000 in a new Bangkok Bank account which I opened about six weeks ago using funds brought in from overseas. The Immigration Officer said the money would have to be in for 3 months to qualify; I said I thought he had misunderstood and that this particular rule only applied to the THB 800,000 approach.

All he was prepared to "give" me was a seven-day extension of my current extension of stay to 12 March 2010 ... for THB1,900.

1. Am I correct in stating the above, which would mean that he has made the wrong decision?

2. If so, is there any chance that a visit to the main Chaeng Wattana office might help to resolve the problem?

3. If all else fails, should I fly to Penang (or elsewhere) and apply for a non-imm-O on the basis of waiting for funds to "season", and would they issue one on that basis?

All helpful suggestions would be very much appreciated

GeorgeO

I'm drooling as I type this! Thank you SilentReader.

Otto is the make of the one I saw, thanks for reminding me.

Of course the proof of the pudding as they say, will be in the Yorkshire Pudding Test!

Hi Itissohothere,

I cook three to four times a week at home and would not dream of being without ample oven space. I have two ovens, a small Otto, as has already been described, for everyday roast potatoes, garlic bread, etc.

However, if you want to go the whole hog; i.e., a substantial spit roast with all the trimmings, I would strongly recommend the large DeLonghi free-standing oven. These are available at most major stores, such as Central, and will cost between 9,000 and 12,000 baht depending on the model.

Happy cooking,

GeorgeO

I expect income has not increased enough to be of much help with the combination method this year anyhow so that sounds good. Remember if you do use a new visa for entry/new application your one year will start 90 days after arrival each year thereafter so want it to be a time when you intend to be in-country. Summer might not be a good time for extension of stay end if you visit UK during that time.

I'm pretty much permanent here, so apart from the out of 'sinc' situation that I currently have, the renewal period is of little concern.

I do, however, note that the UK has just announced inflation of around 3.5 per cent, and since my pension is index-linked, that will make some difference. Essentially, I want to ensure that I only bring in the amount of funds that I need to top up to the necessary level, and leave the rest of my pension in IoM.

Cheers,

GeorgeO

You would have to start over with a new non immigrant O visa entry. Why can't you use other paperwork? Don't believe there is any requirement for a specific paper by Embassy. Do you have monthly download-able statements? I expect you could use your most recent annual statement also.

Lopburi3,

Thanks for your prompt response.

The document from Xafinity Paymaster is in effect my P60 for the year. It provides full details of my military pension as well as the tax payable; hence the reason for the issue of the document in early-mid April, after the start of the new tax year.

If the solution is to obtain a new Non-Immigrant (O) visa, then I think I will plan to do that next year, and simply use 2009 documentation to support my current extension.

As a retired ex-military career man, I applied for, and obtained, my first Non-Immigrant (O) extension of stay for retirement purposes in March 2009; the extension is up for renewal on 6 March 2010, and I already have everything prepared using the proof of income + cash at bank approach.

A slight problem that I have is that the timing of my application is out of ‘sync’ with the annual documentation that I receive, particularly the proof of pension from Xafinity Paymaster (formerly HM Forces Paymaster). This document is usually received at the start of each April and provides me with an update of the current rate of pension payment for the year ahead.

Is anyone aware of any way that I can extend/delay my forthcoming application for extension of stay by about six weeks so as to establish appropriate synchronization between the receipt of current up-to-date documentation and my application at the Immigration Office?

Any assistance or advice would be greatly appreciated.

GeorgeO

Let's stop with the criticism. That doesn't cut it in the teaching forum and is off-topic. If you have concerns about the avatar, please send a PM to the poster expressing your concerns.

Meanwhile, back on the topic.

I fail to see why the teaching forum should be exempt from criticism; indeed, a point which has been missed by most people is the fact that this teacher believes that 'grateful' is spelled 'greatful'!

Your need to get some ant killer. You put this around the mound and the workers will take it to the queen, only way to kill them is kill the queen. I started out trying to burn them pouring gas on the mound and lighting it but a week later they were back. I have had good luck with the ant killer, cant recall the name.

I agree that a proprietary antkiller is the only effective way. I have found the need to use ARS Antkiller only twice in almost two years (for different ant populations) and they disappeared like magic. They take the granules back to the nest for everyone to get a sniff! I didn't dig up their nests, but I suspect there would have been carnage down there once they had spread the stuff around.

BANGKOK, Oct 5 (Reuters) - Hundreds of striking workers forced U.S. auto maker General Motors Co [GM.UL] to shut its Thai assembly plant on Monday, company and union officials said, raising the stakes in a pay dispute with management.

About 200 of 800 unionized workers at the plant in southeast Rayong province joined the strike, a GM spokeswoman said. The rest were asked to take paid holidays pending negotiations with union leaders, she added.

But GM union leader Suriya Pochairuak put the number of striking workers at about 700.

The GM plant, which has about 1,700 employees on its payroll, produces about 50,000 Chevrolet pick-up trucks, passenger sedans and special utility vehicles a year.

The $750 million plant started production in 1999 with most of its output, mainly small pick-up trucks, exported to dozens of countries.

The strike "has necessitated the temporary closure of General Motors Thailand's Rayong facilities to ensure the safety and security of all employees and property," GM said in a statement. The automaker, which emerged from bankruptcy in July, said it would attempt to reach a solution with the union as soon as possible.

-- Reuters 05/10/09

http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssConsume...K43746220091005

And so it begins ...

I remember when the UK had a car industry, and all those nice men from the unions described how all these hard workers could get a lot more money out of the company...!!!!

Better start looking at alternative employment ... before the rush starts!