trainman34014

Well; there was me thinking the TM6 was a dead duck as haven't filled one in when arriving by Air for at least 3 or 4 years. Last week we went down to Malaysia via the Land Border South of Hat Yai; had my usual Re-Entry Permit, stamped out and away. Coming back the same way some days later was a different story however. Got to the Border Immigration Point; long queues at only two open Kiosks, so 35 minute wait and on reaching the window i get my Passport thrown back at me by an Irate Officer yelling ''Where's your entry form ? '' Not knowing at that point i needed a TM 6 at a Land Crossing point i was a little confused and asked ''What Form ? ''. The Guy then had a mini fit throwing papers around and vanished from the other side of the window without saying anything, so i just waited and apologised to the Muslim people behind me in the queue for holding them up, as they had been waiting just as long as me and the queue was getting longer every minute. After about 4 minutes the IO appeared carrying a Sweet Water Drink in one hand and a TM 6 in the other, the latter being thrown at me through the window without comment, so i duly moved to one side and filled it in and upon completion i was summoned by the people who had been behind me to return to the window, which was very nice of them considering none of it was their fault. Another 5 minutes passed and all done and once again my Passport was thrown at me, at least this time with an entry stamp ! Returning same evening to Chiang Mai; next morning it was TM30 time at CM Immigration, which seems to become more arduous with every visit, this time it took the Mrs nearly 90 minutes to get the job done. The way things are going with all these dumb rules for us i am considering never leaving the Country again and restricting any trips to Domestic Locations only. As for the attitude of Thai IO's; things have never changed much, they are as arrogant as anyone could ever be in complete contrast to their Peers in other Countries, who are always Courtious and welcoming wherever we go. So; the TM6 is not a dead duck after all and in relating this story to other Expat friends i have not found anyone who knew it was still needed at Land Border Crossings.

But; but....that is Thailands Identity !!

Now we know how he got wealthy in the first place !

Look no further than members of the current Cabinet most likely; either that or High ranking Military Officers and/or Policemen !

As the reputation of Thai Police is absolute S++t; why would ANYONE want to wear their uniform ?

Most of them have never seen a Parachute, let alone wear one !

No; it was the BMW that dropped him off at the Airport !

Simple answer....Stay out of Bars !

Well; you watched 18 seconds more than me !

So; it was Chicken all round for dinner in that vacinity that evening !

Every 'Official' in Thailand thinks they are 'Prominent' and therefore have license to rip off whoever they want. Nothing new here; happens every day when such people are 'Legends in their own minds' and nobody ever challenges it for the most part. Indeed; most Thai's seem to applaud such behavior and would like to be 'Prominent' themselves !

The only 'Standards' they have are either double or extremely low !

Am i bovvered ? Nope; what will be will be but when the Childlike Thai Bureaucrats and Generals do anything at all it normally ends up as a complete Buggers Muddle, so let's see where this lot ends up !

'Committee's', 'Panels', 'Probes' and 'Hubs' are the daily news here. However; implementation of anything worthwhile ia another matter !

A lot in common with Thailand then. Half the Residents on the hustle, lots of Scams, low on Ethics. Used Car Salesmen here are some of the worst Crooks you can meet on a daily basis; yes, it all sounds very familiar to what we are used to here !

Plenty of talk in Northern Villages about the Party being dead in the water at the next election anyway. They want Move Forward in power and Thaksin well or sick isn't going to work with the Public no matter how hard he tries. His day is past and the People know it.

MAY......or may NOT !

Thai Parents only have themselves to blame; too ready to hand of Cash thinking the recievers will 'favour' their Children. Wife has two Schoolteachers in her Family and they are constantly going home with 'gifts' from Kids Families, many who can't afford to even feed their own Kids properly !

Give me a break; they can't even decide Internal Policy properly !

Haven't met many well educated British people then have you ?

No such thing as 'Craftsmen' in Thailand !

You forgot the smell of the leaking Sewage !

Ah; Fattist Graffiti ! You just want to Bankrupt Mac Donalds and other Fast Food Merchants you Naughty Boy.

Thai's like making things up; just ask TAT !

Personally i've never had a problem buying a Toasted Sandwich in 7/11; but i'm not as rich as him and i carry Cash. I wonder if he has ever heard of that ?