connda

Sure

There will be Islamic terrorist attacks globally ad-infinitum. Well, until all humans are coverted to the religion of peace. And then there will be terrorist attacks between different factions of the religion of peace until someone lets the nuclear genie out of the bottle. Then the world will be fine and dandy once more.

A new generation of youthful psychopaths? Wonderful.

Just change 'Harmonising'<sic> to 'Privatizing' and I think you'll find the head of the nail that insurance lobbyists are planning to hit with their big old lobby hammer.

Feel-good talk creates nothing. Planning, action, and addressing reality creates positive change. But lets all hold hands and sing Kumbaya and all the children in the world with have a rosy bright future. Well, except for the 500 tillion dollars of debt they'll inherit.

Well never mind that..."Kumbaya my lord...kumbayaaaa."

Make something good happen? Sounds like Slick Willy is ready for another trip to Jeffrey Epstein's private island for 'fun in the sun with anything young'.

Right. But I don't buy it. Remember - it's Ok to lie and deceive infidels.

"We won't get fooled again!"

-Pete Townshend

Not much of a loss if they hit the Manhattan financial sector. ISIS must be watching Mr. Robot.

Not much of a drug bust, who is being destroyed by chewing this weed?

Want a waste of time an effort. Try busting the kingpins of the freaking yaba trade. What a joke.

As an American, I can agree with all that Obama is a Fool! Talking about Thailand's Democracy, lets talk about America's Democracy! Obama is a Dictator and has been ruling America as his personnel Kingdom! The American people are ready to Vote for the return of Democracy next November, 2016! There is hope, that a Vote for America next year will carry 40 out of 50 states, with the Vote Being Anti-Obama and the Socialist Democratic Party! Possibility of more states

with the recent activity of Obama's JV Team!

Ahhh, American is not a Democracy. It's a Constitutional Republic that is being gutted from the inside. Study history.

Prayuth Warns Obama Not to Trust Reports of Rights Abuses

By Sasiwan Mokkhasen

Staff Reporter

MANILA — Junta chairman Prayuth Chan-ocha said he told U.S. President Barack Obama today that concerns about human rights violations in Thailand were partly based on inaccurate news presented by people with bad intentions.

Gen. Prayuth said he and Obama had the brief conversation on the matter as they sat next to each other this morning at a regional economic summit in Manila. It was the second time Prayuth encountered Obama, whose government condemned the coup d’etat he staged in May 2014.

“Mr. Obama stressed that he’s well aware of the complexity of Thai politics, but the things that worried him are issues about human rights,” Prayuth said in an interview with Thai reporters in Manila today. “I insisted to him that I’m already trying to take care of these issues, but they were really [the results of] news presented by people with bad intentions. Sometimes, these reports were presented without any facts, so it led to misunderstanding.”

Full story: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1447917761

-- Khaosod English 2015-11-19

Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.

Somebody wasn't looking at their watches and depth gauges. Gas bubbles in you root beer is fine, but not in your blood system. Wait a minute. Reread. 1 meter of water? That ain't bends. Probably gonna take an autopsy to figure this one out. RIP. What a suckola honeymoon!

80,000 tons of rubber that wants to find a home. Do they have condom factories here in Thailand??

That's classic!!! +100000 point for you. That's funny.

Now we just need the US to create a few thousand NGOs to promote condom use by Muslim men.

It seems that all the US knows how to do is chastise Thailand every chance it has, so what the heck does Prayut have to lose by strengthening ties with Russia. As the Western empire crumbles, the East becomes stronger and independent and domestically interdependent. The BRICS and Asia can continue to develop and grow between 2% to 5% per annum by promoting domestic trade over the next 10 years.

By comparison, this leaves the West to deteriorate in their own hubris and their inane reliance on low paying service sector jobs and no manufacturing. Well, other than military grade weapons. And printing money. "Hey, another 350K jobs have been created in flipping hamburgers and waiting on tables." Unemployment is 1.5% and 175 million people are out of the work force. Big Whoop!

I tried to talk to the wife and she didn't want to deal with it. I've been renewing my annual extension for 5 years at CM and at any of those appointments they could have requested a TM30 in addition to all the other paperwork, but they never have. I love when countries make laws that the average citizen doesn't know a thing about, and then they start fining their citizens. It's not just here; it's all countries.

If we have to pay a fine, I don't see any difference between paying a fine this month or next year went I renew my visa extension. I'll simple have the wife fill out the TM30, make multiple copies, and carry them with the rest of the paperwork to the next extension appointment. If asked for the TM30 - fine; if not - fine. I'm not losing any sleep over this. The inconsistency in the application of law in this country is completely ludicrous. This place is obviously still a banana republic. They won't ever be a developing nation until they get their databases linked and their laws consistently applied, neither of which they seem to be able to do. And let's not even mention corruption and their UNHRC tier 3 human trafficking status. Far, far from being in the 'developing nation' category. I'm past the point of frustration and have reached the point of 'I don't care'.

Ubonjoe. Thanks for the info and links to the forms! You can close this.

Not sure they are being asked for nationwide yet.

1. PDF http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/download/pdf/tm30.pdf MS word doc. http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/download/tm30.doc Print pages separately.

2. You wife will complete the form reporting you as you living in her house. You will be shown on page 2. Attach a signed copies of her house book and ID card to it.

3. Same everywhere but Phuket as far as I know.

4. I think they have an office for submitting them at CM.

I'm attending a Chiang Mai Expat Club meeting on Friday. I'll ask around to see if anyone knows for sure where to submit the TM30 here in CM. I'll update this post with what I find out for other members.

Thanks as always!

I've got to take my wife to the hospital tomorrow so the trip to Riverside for the CEC breakfast is off. I'll check the CM forum to see if anyone there knows where to send the filled out TM30 in Chiang Mai.

I take 40 or so taxis a month. Almost always they are fine, often interesting or (and even better) simply quiet and competent. However, every so often you get some nut who scares the crap out of you. Lots of fine drivers but lots of idiots.

About the same for Tuk Tuk drivers. I know and use the locals. But some I've met have immediately turned me off, at which point I just walk and stay aware of what's behind me.

It would be interesting to know if any of their journos had made discreet enquiries.

Ha! That's rich. Sorry, but you put way too much stock in newspapers. It's not like the movies.

As a journalist in Asia for many years, and newspapers for most of that time, I can tell you that NO vetting goes on with letters to the editor. In fact, there is supposed to be a policy whereby you can sign your letter anything you want but you must also include your real name and contact number where you can be reached to verify that it is actually you writing the letter. NO ONE ever does this; there's just no time for that. And letters aren't important enough to spend valuable resources tracking down if the letter is a hoax or not.

Believe me, no copy editor has the time or interest to follow up on a letter (They are barely read anyway before going in). They are filler on the op-ed page, must like briefs are on the international section.

My guess is also that the head of immigration (all of immigration) in Bangkok does not read the English newspapers (although he might on occasion), and instead reads the Thai papers. Even if this one letter was brought to his attention (for some reason) I am sure he'd just grunt ("uhh...") and that would be the end of that.

I know everyone thinks this letter was some sort of toe in the door, but it's already forgotten if even noticed.

I know everyone thinks this letter was some sort of toe in the door, but it's already forgotten if even noticed.

Better than putting you head in the sand, you butt in the air, and offering it up for servicing if you catch my drift.

However, thanks for the input regarding the internal operations of the typical Op-ed department. It's useful information. If Thai papers are the same, maybe its time to write a Thai translated version similar to Sparkles OP in the BKK Post and send it to the major Thai news rags. If they are that lax in vetting letters, then we should have an interesting go at it. 'Eh?

Sabbe sankhara anicca

Sabbe sankhara dukka

Sabbe sankhara anatta

I will pray for you and offer merit in your memory. Life can be hard. May your soul find peace.

RIP

If G4 is closed for good the other Agents will charge more G4 cheap and easier to get too.

The more agents the cheaper they will be use.

We shouldn't have to use agents at all. We used to have a functioning Online Queue system. When the plug was pulled on the Online Queue system, the only option to bypass the 4am in the morning wait was to hire an agent to do the waiting for you.

I personally have been doing my own visa extension for the past 5 years and I don't need an agent's help. I've well versed in putting together all the proper documentation required by CM Immigration. The only reason I need an agent now is to get past having to stand in line at Zero Dark Thirty, and then having to wait all day for my passport to by processed and signed.

If they still had the Online Queue system and adequate staffing, I wouldn't have to bother with hiring an agent.

As far as prices go, the market competition should dictate the price of services if it's a 'free market'. There should not be very much variation in the price of services between individual agents, and if you check the prices of the agents that are recommended by TV members, their really isn't much variation between all the various agents.

"Sparkles' letter" I looked through the on-line BKK Post but was unable to find the letter. Is there a chance of it being published here in the forum as well? Or might someone provide a link? Regards to all.

Do google search with four words -- the name of the newspaper in question and the name of the author, Mike Parker, and click on the first link provided.

Is there a reward ?????? Seriously the more that write to newspapers ,complain to Consuls,Abassadors the more hope of reform.

I don't go along with corruption and what is virtually blackmail to use an Agent especially one next door.

Its a personal decision, you either go along with the staus quo and line pockets or fight for some decency and respect .

I was surprised the BP published my letter with no changes they are prone to be very careful in publishing something that might not be true.

It would be interesting to know if any of their journos had made discreet enquiries.

Keep up the good fight people.

Mikes OP, "Expat Visa Woes", is located in the November 18th edition of the Bangkok Post's 'Postbag'.

(I don't believe giving instructions on how to search Google for the article is against TV Forum Policy. If it is, then MOD, feel free to delete or edit this post. I've posted no link to the Bangkok Post)

Ways to view Mikes OP:

1. Google: "Bangkok Post" "Expat Visa Woes" <just copy and paste all the words and the quote marks>
2. Find the link to "Scams All Around"
3. Look for Mike's article

Please note that you can add your input!!!

There is a section in the "Postbag" under all the letters where you can rate the articles with a "Thumbs Up". There is also a comment by a reader named Renaissance which can also be rated with a "Thumbs Up". There is no need to log in, the "Thumbs Up" rating is an anonymous mouse click. Site visits to this page are also compiled. The more visits, the higher the rating and public exposure.

I suggest that everyone who is concerned with the Immigration issues discussed in this forum find the Bangkok Post Postbag OP by Mike and give a "Thumbs Up" to both the article and Renaissance's comment, or make your own comments. I think Mike's public OP has "Let The Cat Out Of The Bag". It's now public record beyond Thai Visa. This is especially significant considering NancyL's post #378 (See: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/861438-immigration-promenada-one-stop-service-v2/?p=10095265).

Kudos to Sparkles for having the backbone to pen the OP. I applaud you!!! And kudos to NancyL and others for their continued documentation of the Immigration issues as active observers at the Promenade.

Those of us who are concerned should all take their lead and start doing our part to help bring these issues to the light of day. Observation, continued 'on the ground' documentation via TV, penning OPs to newspapers, and making this a discussion point at CEC meetings. We should expect the same service as all other immigration offices provide to their Expat communities: nothing more and nothing less, i.e., 'same day service, especially for annual visa extensions' without having to show up at 4am in the morning or hire an agent.

Let the chips fall where they may.

I called G4T Nov 17 for info on extension of stay. Was told to arrive by 11:30 and get PP back about 1:30. I am not getting in line at 5:30am for retirement ext and since no more online Q G4T for me. Arrived 11:10 Nov 18 at 1:30 Imm. had a meeting. Signature authority delayed. Picture inside Imm and PP returned 3:30, good for another year. When I arrived I also asked Imm if they any slots for ext, of course not. Of note G4T wanted a signed copy of every used PP page. Hope online Q comes back, 3000baht for what amounts to a Q number.

Did you go to the G4T office next to the copy shop at Imm. Prom? on 18 Nov?

It's very odd. I was at Imm. Prom this morning, 19 Nov and the G4T office next to Imm. Prom is dark, with all the office equipment, signs, fixtures, everything -- removed. Just some furniture still there.

I asked at the copy shop "where is G4T?" They acted like they didn't know what I was talking about. Switched to Thai. "Visa agent next door. G4T. Closed today. Where are they now?" Answer was "don't know" with big round eyes and look of fear from all three employees in the room.

I asked the same question at the Information desk outside Imm. Prom. Two of the three college students were genuinely clueless, with no fear. The third said "they moved". When I asked "where?" she suggested I should go inside and ask the Immigration Officers.

I returned home and just called the mobile phone number of "Best" one of the English speaking agents with G4T who had been eager to help my husband with a visa extension a few weeks ago. The phone was answered "Hello". I asked if this is G4T and the phone was handed to someone else. I could hear noise in the background that sounded like the Prom. Imm. office. The conversation with the second person went something like:

Me: Is this G4T visa agency?

Lady: Why do you want to know?

Me: Well, your office moved and I want to know where to find it

Lady: Who told you it moved?

Me: Students at information desk in front of Immigration office. So, where is the new office?

Lady: Who wants to know?

Me: My name is Nancy

Lady: Someone will call you back in 10 minutes

Yeah, sure.

Perhaps Sparkles' letter getting published yesterday in the Bangkok paper that we can't quote had an immediate effect.

Did inquisitive minds just hit a nerve??? I'm thinking maybe.

Disgusting. This is what happens when you do your job properly in Thailand. And a seemingly honest cop and role model is lost to Dark Forces and hypocrisy.

True but aah, where does he get the money from to be able to flee the country and support his family,from a lot of savings on his policeman's wages maybe ? Got a good job lined up perhaps because he has other skills than police work and speaks good English. Something not quite right here.

1,000,000 people are flowing into the EU and the same into the US, and all they need to utter is one, simple word: "Asylum", and like magic, they have a roof, food, and a stipend to live on. Considering that Thailand is somewhat on the US's Sh*t-list, he may be a person of interest to the West, especially with what he knows. Time will tell if he ever resurfaces.

Land of Juvenile Maturity, especially the men.

Thailand is a Matriarchal Society where most boys are raised by their mothers, grandmothers, aunts, or other female family members. And a lot of these boys tend to slip into grown men's bodies without developing a grown man's mind. Think about it.

My kid entered the military as a shy mamas-boy; he exited the military as a man. I appreciate what the Thai military did for him. It help him and his comrades and team-members to work together as a uniformed, disciplined group of grown men instead of whiny Nancy-boyz. Don't think I'm picking on Thais, I'm not. I have the same opinion of male 20 year old slackers in my own country.

"in cooperation with the British Council." For anyone who has ever seen their job postings, they only recognize UK education and qualification. Time for all non-British English teachers to go home. No more good jobs for you.

The problem being is that Brits can be almost unintelligible to their students - heavy accents.

US and Canadian teachers have a clear and generally unaccented sound to their pronunciations. Am I biased? Darn straight I am. Why? Because student admit that they can understand Yanks and Canucks better than Brits. Sorry. I just deal with reality and I don't care about stepping on a few toes. If you're a Brit, try learning a non-regional accent. I know Danes who can talk like they come from Southern California. I can speak in about 5 different US dialects, or no dialect at all. That's my teaching voice. Brits should develop a "teaching voice". Try ditching your accents, or pick up some new ones. Break the old worn-out paradigms.