bangkokburning

Absolutely no way you will get a visa in Penang after a red stamp in VNE unless perhaps you use the mafia Banana GH and are charged accordingly and pay bribe which foreigners seem so willing to do - and even then its not certain at all.

I was denied at the consulate - and Banana wanted RM150 for my visa. Theft, pure and simple.

These problems have been with Thailand for years and when the latest vomit of violence is over, everyone will look back - study the loss of life and property, witness the waste -and go about recreating the conditions all over again. Witness: Cambodia and the Philippines.

Mans inhumanity toward man knows no bounds

Thailand:

Chinese elite that controls virtually everything that is worth controlling (although not quite as bad as the Philippines)

A legal system that is antiquated, arbitrary and corrupt to the core.

Political system with far too many redundant positions that are only oppty's for graft, corruption

A nation that is divided into tiny petty provinces, all with their own governance

Undereducated, over-employed civil servants. Corrupt, petty, temperamental, arrogant

Tens of legions of lazy bureaucrats

A poorly paid and ill trained police force, given to venal corruption and criminality.

An K-12 education system that models Cambodia more than Malaysia

Outside the better universities in BKK, most upper education is quite substandard

Poor wages and conditions that stultify career and vocational upward mobility

A cultural structure that does not encourage upward mobility. respect authority, elders, money.

Corrupt professional class - that stifles innovation and clean governance

A military (Army) that is as corrupt as its neighbors

National pandemic of meth-amphetamine abuse and all those involved

Corruption at the lowest levels of society - the Headman

Huge segment of underclass (especially youth) that see criminality as a way of life and profit

The manner in which the poor are quite comfortable with their women going off to work as prostitutes - I have witnessed in no other nation

The manner in which the poor send their children to work under atrocious conditions

The lack of a national "moral compass" - the moral compass is money

Poor way in which the government treats its foreign nationals

Wholly dishonest and dodgy property market

Nontransparent banking/insurance system full of fees, taxes and lacking insurance

A nation that is FAR too dependent on tourism (7% GDP) - yet discourages expat living.

A nation with needlessly complicated visa regulations - stultifying business, education and investment

Religion (philosophy) - worn on ones sleeve.

The inability to learn English as a nation, which can only forward its interests it in so many ways.

Thailand is now on track to become the "new" Philippines -rather than Malaysia. The signs have been there for years but Thailand always had a shot at the "first world". Thailand could CHOOSE to plot a new course, it had money, options and it was well thought of in the world. Thailand now appears to be out of options.

The above issues will not change and the chain of events in the last five years shows intractable positions between various interests. It has sullied its reputation and goodwill as a tourist destination. In fact, Cambodia and Philippines have arguably been more stable the last five+ years. Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration authorities seemingly go out of their way to make living or long-term stay in Thailand a bewildering experience almost always incurring large needless expenses. The experience is almost always given to arbitrariness, petty bribery and groveling. Witness the explosion of this very website. These stories by the thousands indirectly sully Thailand's reputation.

At this juncture foreigners will take a very hard look at Thailand. Investors will not create businesses, they will invest via the stock market (if at all). Thai's are not well educated and what they can mfg can easily be built in China or anywhere else. While Thailand has a great sense of style and aesthetic - it thoroughly lacks creativity and innovation. Tourists - real tourists will go elsewhere, no - really. They remember the airport fiasco and Bangkok in flames. They here about the ongoing instability and they think = Haiti. After all TAT, Thailand is only a pretty beach - don't forget it. The long stay people have already been insulted and chased out. These coupled wit the lower end expats have seen their standards of living decline 20-30% over recent years, most of which due to the controls BOT has placed on currency and trading. The rest are sort of stuck with Thailand - They purchased property, have partners, children, businesses...Any of you looking to invest in property after the events of last few months? Scant.

But with all this what still breaks my heart is when I hear about some slob living in Nakorn Nowhere, supporting an ex-prostitute and her # kids. He spends all his dosh - on them (on Thai's, on THAILAND). He is denied a visa for some asinine reason and is forced leave the country and the family. The Immigration officer could care less, not a moments sleep lost. That family because solely of that foreigner had a shot at getting out of poverty. The boy could have been an electrician, the girl a nurse. Mom could have had a dream of a tiny house and not living hand to mouth. Not working in Pattaya at 53. This is done daily. How does that benefit Thailand?

So, while I feel for Thai's - the writing was clearly on the wall. Thailand has some hard choices. Thailand has many dark forces that will only be hurt ($$) by change. Remember, those with money in Thailand or in the world are stateless. One day it's Thailand the next it's Montenegro or the south of France. The only allegiance is to their god - money.

My heart goes out to all poor people. I am a person given to a 'left' perspective - but I fail to see how the actions of the Red's in the last few weeks can only be seen as destructive to person and property. Taksin has a huge hand in this. I have a feeling most of the violence is caused by dead-enders. The elite have turned themselves in long ago, they know the gig is up. just those on the barricades - if you leave, we will shoot you in the back sort of thing. so they stay. Then there are those given to criminality and arson.

how can it be a 3000yo buddhist flower. buddhism is only 2500 years old.

i sat in a class for 20 minutes. left.

ok, it was the third hour but she was teaching silly slang - goh hok and jing-jing ACK. ... and is this a ladyboy or a man in the photo. a real time waster.

5th day, never opened the book so told

female teacher, female class

i didnt sign up

too bad, hours and price was right

why dont you try camping in the many national marine parks - 30-80B

Anyone have a clue what this will cost new and 2nd hand?

English keypad?

Thanks

i had heard that the proper 2 month visa can also be extended 30 days.

????????

no one carries travelers checks anymore. they dont even know what they are in the philippines a friend told me recently.

ive been doing a lot of jumping on 2 week runners and i have also not been asked - ever.

i still bring the 20k.

there are no atms at padang basar fyi

I am giving up on the TR deal and looking into a "Retirement Visa". Biggest trouble is I am 49 in about a month.

Reading on TV seems possible to leave my cash in an US account and get a notarized letter to the embassy Thai OR

Swear a statement to US State Dept official. If I do the former I will also need some sort of police clearance.

Is it possible to have a "Retirement Visa" fixed in say Pattaya - but then report to BKK? My primary residence will be BKK and I will not be going anywhere near Pattaya (an old haunt) but traveling a good deal in the south.

Is it possible for my non-prostitute girlfriend with stable job and apartment sponsor my non-o under guarrantor? Would it matter?

What sort of complications does the multi bring?

================

This year do you think I can I beg a Non Imm O (3x) for purpose of setting up a bank account, transf money and conversion to the proper retirement visa class?

================

Thank you. I'll be on Ko Adang/Rawi and Tarutao and ot able to check the post. Thx in advance.

PS: While I would like to list my gf's flat as my residence, I will not have any receipts in my name. Will this be required? In fact, I can't think of any bill I would have sent to the residence. I don't have bills. Problem? Workaround? I plan on spending about ten days traveling w/o her, ten days with her and ten days with her in BKK (Nov-May). Monsoon season I will spend much more time in BKK. Thx

You can get a receipt showing account balance however - that is normally all that would be required. Travel with a current ATM receipt would likely be a good idea.

That did not work at the Penang consulate - even showing matching ATM Slip/Card same bank

Just bring the 20. Big deal -

Hi and thanks for all your help.

I've found out when she made her visa last time it was thru some gov't program. best I can sort what she's told me is that:

About 20 people signed for her return

The above people and the Thai gov't paid for her to go

Not really clear on all this. But thanks -

Ang Tong sucked as did Samui. Back to Ko Surin we went :-))

Hi - we are off to Ang Tong tonite, but I have some time to kill before the night boat and decided to check email.

Svenn, your comments are well placed. This only come to mind as I would think ANY person with an opening to the states has the possibility to stay. There is absolutely nothing in her nature that tells me this. I've been in Thailand (in/out) for 15 years, seen it all and it is this that leaves me with that moment of question. Nothing about her character or anything that she has either said or done that would lead me to think she would. If that were the case, I wouldn't take her to see my parents or certainly pay her way - I'm quite happy being single. I just think she may be it. October will be about 9 months.

I'm 49, fit adventuring type. I think we are a good match.

PakBoong, I was actually thinking of asking her to apply by herself -just see what happens. Where she has been though are ASEAN countries, no visa required. But her passport is full of stamps and she did return!Trouble is ....when it comes to where are you going and what will you be doing? She will have to lie if I am not mentioned and I bet those people are really good at picking up on lies - she's finished (and branded a liar).

I was also thinking about sending in a letter her - sealed. to this affect -

The purpose of this trip is only to visit family/friends, a few cities and national parks. She will be paying for her trip 80%, I will reimburse when she returns. I will be covering all our expenses in the USA. I have always found her to be a great person of good moral character. We are in a serious relationship. I have absolutely no intention of proposing marriage at this time, we need at least another year. This will never happen. Never. -and I mean it, I am not ready and it is too early.

What do you think ? Thanks

What is so wrong with going back to the country you are born and obtaining a new passport and fresh visa?

I just mentioned Ngai as the poster prior did. Actually, I don't like the place personally - but it is prettyish and certainly popular with the resort types. Nearby - Ko Rok is my place although not in the Trang park (Lanta).

I don't stay at resorts. In fact, I don't even stay at bungalows - I am totally into camping the national parks in the Andaman.

In fairness, Trang is pretty tamadah but it does grow on you a bit. And, I am not so impressed with Yong Ling or Hat Jao Mai although it might be OK to go there for a picnic if I lived in the area.

Hi, thanks to you all -

Contact details will be easy, we will be visiting my parents although she wants to see some of the national parks - is it ok to mention this, its true. I'd like to take her to Grand Canyon, Jellystone and maybe Redwoods. We also will go to Washington DC and maybe New York city.

Yeah, I've only known her a few months and her bolting is in the back of my mind but it just does not seem in her nature and...she does have a good job. Her English is not great, I can't see her giving up her life there and working at a TV station to do what? Work in a massage parlor? She is anything but a bar girl, this I know after spending a decade +++ with bar girls.

We will be about eight months into the relationship if/when we do go to states. I am in no way ready to marry this woman - but I have to admit, shes really perfect for me. We really enjoy each others company. I am pretty much a lone wolf, never thought I would ever marry - but I can spend days wit her at my side and I am quite good with it and she as well. Normally, after about one evening, I feel the urge to bolt :-). She is totally fun and sporty and I love or time together. We met in a very odd sort of way for the story books. Anyway, I digress - I am not ready to marry, perhaps not she as well. It will not even be a year into the relationship. I need at least another year.

i am "trying" to live here - does traveling in Asia for 15 years and living more or less in Thailand 8 mos a year the last ten count as living here? I can speak basic Thai, eat Thai food 3x a day. Traveled all over the place and currently working on a project related specifically to Thai tourism. This on my on accord.

She went when she was a sprout, about 21. She is 33.

Thanks again.

I won't be online for a few weeks, but appreciate your support.

Hey now - my experience in these such visa matters are nill. Never thought I'd meet a proper Thai woman let alone one so perfect for me.

Anyway, I'd like to bring her to states to meet my family and to do some sightseeing. I do not want to put a bond or sponsor her visa. At present, I've known her about two months. It will be about eight if/when we go back.

She has been to states before on a tour

She has visited many Asian countries

She has a good job with a TV station in BKK

She apparently makes OK money

She has a motorcycle - Kawasaki!

She is a university graduate (BKK uni)

She is 33

She has never been married and no kids

Shes never asked me for a baht

What can anyone tell me

What to expect from the embassy?

WOW Thanks~

I am in penang - stuck and <deleted>**ked. US pp 5 paper visas, about 10 visas about 8 used - over three yrs. Consulate - nothing but excuses.

Please see my post under Penang problems. Unless you bribe the guy at the desk there is no way you will get a visa.

I had a ticket to go to US, I have never extended ANY Thai visa.

Do not use fruity guesthouse and only make it worse for all of us. By doing so just tightens the mafia grip. Its not as though that guy is pleasant or the GH is nice or good location or great food.

Am happy to pay any good "fixer" or whatever.

This attitude is the problem. It is lazy and negligent. happy to pay the mafia, the heroin dealer, the pimp...

I have to say that I do not feel sorry for you. You got a red stamp six months ago and have not gone home or done anything to remedy the situation. I'll send the clue truck round - pick one up.

In one year I will be 50. I will apply for a retirement/marriage visa, I am loathe to do so but after being stuck here and seeing the sorry lot up in Lao in October as well - I realize who I'm running with.

I am stuck in Penang without a visa to Thailand. The consulate denied me.

I have five papers visas, four were doubles and two doubles only used 1x. My pp is nearly two years old. I was denied on basis of 'having too many' although the consulate just flipped through my book and made no determination that these visas were over two years.

I have a purchased e ticket out of BKK

The twiggy guy at the counter arrogantly dismissed my application - you only leave to come back. This is not true. I spend four or five months each and every year out of Thailand - two of which in my home country. The portly guy offered a transit visa. He then offered this solution: fly in and out a few times. I questioned, is this not exactly what you do not want people to do?! I recorded this.

I have never in 15 years extended my visa nor have extensions in this pp.

He requested bank funds from a bank (for a TR) in Thailand! I questioned this and wondered if it was the right thing to produce. In the end, I pulled out an ATM slip with 80K in it - he would not accept, not even as I showed him the matching card. As if I carry around other peoples slips and cards for Thai authorities whims.

He was clearly fishing for a bribe and I was not going to provide that. An Aussie I met forked over RM50 to the consulate so he stated.

Fruity GH is a huge part of this issue. If Penang was not bad enough, they have made it impossible. I have a number of contacts here and they are pissed! He has effectively shut down all visas services on Chulia. Do not use any services on Chulia with a banner "we can submit on your behalf". Do not use any visa services.

Take the 101, ask the driver to let you off at 'the Thai embassy'. Its a bit of a walk. Walk back on Jln Burma to Brown R past the intersects to Jln Abudul Rahman L - walk past the mansions - on your left. Clothing is not an issue. Photo copy (!) and photos. Be clean and polite - but that will only get you to the mafia window.

One source informs me that there is a new consul and s/he may be preoccupied with new job and this has allowed this mischief to run amok........or they may be in on the scam.

Fruity offered to run my visa for me for RM150. Mind you that is 50RM for the consul and 100 for Fruity

I dont pay bribes and I dont play into extortion rackets.

I urge all of you to not use any/all services from this gh and urge others to do the same.

I will do a few runners and fly in with my ticket out 30 days back home.

There is much anger here with the business owners in Penang. They have a real hate on this guy. Mind you Malaysia takes corruption as a far more serious issue than Thailand and people resent it. They resent you playing into it as well.

If I had not met the best lady in my life in 10 years Id just stay here for a few months, but we planned a few travels together until Apr. So the consulate and Fruity have really screwed up my life.

All I needed was ONE TR and had a paid ticket outside Asia AND Funds 90K.

If it were cut and dry law, I would have no issue. But the whole thing smells so bad of turf wars, corruption and money grubbing. I will play no part.

** Ultimately the fight is over YOUR MONEY. Make a deliberate choice to not play a part in this bad and potentially behavior. Dont be lazy.

I dont spend so much time on the internet, can only respond in time. Good day.

ko ngai is beautiful. it is not anywhere near trang (city) and is fact an island as we all see to know. ive read (read) there are nice beaches and scenery allong the coast and a big fave w/ thais - but trang city. please someone clue us in on what might be worth a trip to trang - other than to use it as a launch point to somewhere else.

cats well out of the bag friend, its the prices that have people balking (muk, ngai, kradan and even jum)

looking for good snorkle, beach, virgin bush and cheap bungalow. also, transport issues.

thanks in advance - im on a runner to the south

Where to buy 100% waterproof bag for electronics (to 10m)?

Thank you

Trang - non coastal, nothing to write home about. Lanta - a backpacker dump, big prices and crappy beaches.

Anyone with info on the other islands I would love to know pls. I am heading to Ko Phayam for a few weeks/mos as I write. Esp near the Malay border. Cheap huts with nice beaches.

im in exact same situation. all you can do is pay what amounts to about half the value and change the date. what i want to try if possible is to move the date up as far as possible and not pay. then move it up again when the a month becomes available so i can at least use as a ticket out.

there is no refund.

You can get wasabi tins or in tube, most markets in big cities.

Fresh or even jarred, doubtful. Ask the chains and if not just forget it.

How about growing some?

As I had stated, think. And I was corrected at B200 and when I replied noted duly that the Bell price is indeed B200.

If Bell works for you, great. Just more room on the Gov't bus for me (on the rare occasion I even return to Angeles City by the sea any more).

It's not great service, but if you perceive it to be, good on you mate. Now days I think anyone proffering a smile in Thailand is 'good service'.

As for paying B1500, I do not recall that ever being considered.

Anyway, I'm done here. Off to central Thailand and then down to the Andaman coast. Enjoy Pattaya.