jak2002003

I have several large pure white king pigeons for sale if anyone interested. They are good for raising squabs for eating.. or just keep them for pets.

Sorry if this is the wrong forum to post this.

I am starting to think a lot of these problem with 90 day reporting and visa extensions are actually our own fault.

Its got to the stage when people are going at ridiculous hours in the early morning to get a place before anyone else... and they get earlier and earlier... making going at a normal time impossible.

Then, people using agencies and paying all that unnecessary money to them... which then leaves the rest of us with no place in the queue without using an agency.

And, finally, people are giving money under the counter to get what they want... so people don't stand a chance!

It’s getting out of hand really.

If everyone went at a normal time, did not use the agencies, and did not give bribes then it would be a lot better for everyone else.

Everyone knows how a queue works. It's a line of people where the person at the front gets served first. But Danish researchers have recently made a shocking suggestion - that queuing on the basis of last-come-first-served may sometimes be more efficient.

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-34153628

I think that is a good idea and would work well in this situation. First in line have to go to the back.

Then no one would go there at 4am for sure!

I am starting to think a lot of these problem with 90 day reporting and visa extensions are actually our own fault.

Its got to the stage when people are going at ridiculous hours in the early morning to get a place before anyone else... and they get earlier and earlier... making going at a normal time impossible.

Then, people using agencies and paying all that unnecessary money to them... which then leaves the rest of us with no place in the queue without using an agency.

And, finally, people are giving money under the counter to get what they want... so people don't stand a chance!

It’s getting out of hand really.

If everyone went at a normal time, did not use the agencies, and did not give bribes then it would be a lot better for everyone else.

I have been stung by both the big black ones and the smaller brown ones.

The black one hurts the most.. but the pain does not last long and after its gone there are no side effects. Feels like a bee sting.. which is also painful, as those who have been stung by a bee will know... much worse than a wasp.

The small brown ones feel like you stood on a shard of glass or a hot needle going into your foot. Does not hurt straight away... but then starts to ache and get worse over time... It also swells up around where you have been stung. Pain stayed a long time... In the morning when I got out of bed I nearly fell over as my foot and leg were numb from the sting! Took the rest of the day for my leg to get back to normal.

I have also been stung be a jellyfish in Phuket, black hornets in my garden (hand swelled up like a balloon), bitten by a dog while cycling, sprayed with chemicals from black ants in a tree, pinched by the red ants and smacked in the face by a bat when I was cycling home at night... which then hung onto my T shirt and climbed towards my shoulder before if flew off and before I crashed into the ditch.

Nature seems to have it in for me!

Its just made it a lot worse for me.. and others doing the 90 day report.. which used to be so easy and quick at the old place. I used to just go in the afternoon and was all done in less than an hour.. sometimes just 15 minuites.

Now I had to go 2 times.. First time they had ran out of numbers for 90 day. Second time I went 8am and was not seen until mid afternoon.

Sitting in the heat outside with no fans and the smell of goats was not nice. Not even anything showing the numbers.. just has to listen to someone calling them out. Next time I am doing the 90 day through the post. Why the heck can't they just get the on line reporting sorted.. easier for immigration staff and people doing 90 days.

I can't drive.. so getting to the new place is difficult for me also.. just another inconvience.

To be fair to the staff there.... it seemed that it was the people reporting for the 90 days that were causing the problems.. with wrong paperwork, or incorrectly filled in forms, or not going up when their number was called etc..... or other problems.

Had my first visit to do my 90 day report there yesterday.

Was NOT impressed. I got to the ticket handing out desk at exactly 1.pm to be told by the staff that all the 90 day tickets had gone and I would have to come back another day!

In the old place I used to go in in the afternoon and always got a ticket, and was out in about 20 mins to 1 hour. Now looks like I am going to have to go early morning to get a ticket. Its not easy for me to get to as I can't drive and need a friend to take me... which I don't like to ask.

I was not impressed with the set up they have at the moment... a lot of confused people mulling around outside not knowing what to do or where to get the tickets... at the desk handing out the numbers its too slow... with people waiting while others sit there filling in their paper work and holding everything up.

The lady on the desk I spoke to did not seem very helpful.. when I asked her if I could still do 90 day reporting in the city she told me 'yes' which I now understand is wrong.

Also why do people have to sit on old wooden stools and chairs outside in the heat... when inside is all air con, empty space, and NO CHAIRS? Maybe they are waiting until some arrive.. hope so.

Am going back Friday morning... and I am hoping for a better experience this time... will let you know.

Yes.. it was the same guy... he quoted a similar price.. its too expensive for me!

Still looking. I found someone selling 2 chicks.. only 1,500 baht each... but there was no way of telling if they were male or female... My luck I would end up with 2 hens.

A temple near my home as a lot.. but they are green peafowl.. and I would need a licence to keep them to say they were not stolen from the wild. I prefer the blue species anyway.

Interesting about people bringing eggs over here... I would be worried about getting into trouble at the airport.

Anyone know where I can get a pair of Indian Peafowl in Chiang Mai?

I am desperate to find some pekin ducks in Chiang Mai area.

I have been to several markets and pet shops (that sell chickens), but keep getting told they don't exist in Chiang Mai, only Bangkok!!!!

I know this in not true as I had a pair a year ago, but they got eaten by a snake. I also saw several in the rice fields on my way home some time back.

Also, I know the Pekin ducks are used in commercial egg production here, but I can't get any info on the internet about duck farms in the North.

I would be very grateful for any info, thanks.

(I am so used to finding easy info on the internet in the UK, for just about any bird or pet supplier, but Thailand farming businesses don't seem to advertise much on the net).

Does anyone know where I can get some Pekin ducks in the Chiang Mai area?

I have be searching for ages, and can not find any. Even the big farmers market did not have any....only some breed of brown duck and muscovy ducks.

Thanks.

It is not possible to do any teaching work (or any work) as a volunteer here in Thailand without first getting the correct paperwork and visa modifications. What visa do you currently have?

If you would like to teach - I recommend you apply for a work permit from the Thai Immigration office. You will be able to find information about the process and conditions on this web site.

It may be a good idea to find out about possible teaching opportunities at the school you will be using to learn Thai. Many private language schools are looking for people with English as their first language. But, they will insist you are properly qualified, as least to TEFL level. You will also need to be qualified in order to get your work permit.

Without a 'work permit' you are able to volunteer if you get the correct documentation from Thai Immigration. However, you will be limited to the place you can do the volunteer work and the times.

I go to a school called Pro Language, which has branches in Bangkok, Pattaya and Chiang Mai. You can find their website on line and send them you details and also ask them about the process - they will know better than me.

I did a bit of teaching when I first came here and loved it.

Good luck which whatever you decided to do.

Can anyone help me find some King Pigeons?

I am in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand, and am trying to start up a small pigeon 'farm'. I am looking for the white king pigeons used for meat.

Its took many months looking around all the pet shops, and I have only got 3 - and they have turned out to be all females!!!!! The shop owners say they can not get any more for me. arrhh.

I would also consider white homing pigeons - as I could mate them with my female kings to get bigger birds.

Thanks for any help.

Just came across your post. Sorry if this is a bit late, but perhaps it will help you or someone else in your situation.

If you want to change schools you need......(quoted from the school I attend - Pro language).

**If students come from another school please prepare documents as follows;
1. Reference letter from last school.
2. Resignation letter from last school
3. If your visa expired before Thai course finished, you have to ask the documents from last school to extension at immigration.

so it seems you do not need to leave the country if you current ED visa is still valid. It may be a good idea to go into your new school first to make sure you have everything you need. The new school will help you a lot - as they will want you as their student!

Hi,

From my personal experience I know a school called Pro Language that I can recommend. They have a branch in Pattaya, Bangkok and Chiang Mai. I go to the one in Chiang Mai. I have been a student there over 3 years. I could not speak, read or write Thai language before I started the school (besides a few phrase book sentences).

I really think its a good school and I also get my ED visa from them - and never had any problems at immigration or with my visa. They are a well established school and have a good reputation. I did try 2 other schools out before decided on my current one. One was Wallen...that was OK, but the teaching style did not suit me. I also tried a smaller school, but they were really bad, and did not know what they were doing - I got the impression they just wanted the money.

I think you should try out a few schools to see what you like. All the good ones will let you have a free trial lesson. Also don't rush into a decision. I nearly made a bad mistake with that small school that would have cost me a lot of money.

The Pro Language School has a good website too - just do an internet search for it. Its ED visa prices are reasonable too.

As for the hours of study most people do about 6 hours per week + time on homework. You can choose what days or times your want, just talk about that at the school. I got this info from their website .. hope it helps....

Student visa courses....Students who register for 180 lessons and pay the full tuition fee of 23,000 baht/course will be eligible for a 1 year ED Visa. First, students will get a Non-immigrant ED Visa for 3 months and then a 9 month Student Visa by extending it every 3 months and paying a Government fee of 1,900 baht. The school will prepare all the documents from the Ministry of Education for the students to have the Visa issued from a Thai Embassy and to get it extended at the Immigration.

Good luck with what ever you decided. Bet you are excited to stay in Thailand for a while!

Seems you have already had a lot of good advise. I think all the school you mention are good and it depends on your personal experiences and expectations. Each of these schools has a different teaching style and atmosphere. Have you tried any out yet? I would be interested to know what you think of each school.

I tried a couple of the school you mentioned out and settled on Pro Language School in the end. I have been there 3 years now, so you can see I am very happy with it. It was also great with my ED visa and I have never had any problems with the visa process.

I have to say that learning Thai language is a great challenge and very interesting. I like my school because they actually do make it 'fun' to learn, and all the classes I have been in have had a great atmosphere - relaxed and informal. It feels like 'family' a little. That was important for me because I am a bit shy to speak up with people I am not comfortable around.

Good luck with you search and enjoy learning the language.

I can really recommend the school I go to. I have been there 3 years and am very satisfied with them - both for the teaching and also for my ED visa. They are called Pro Language. I go to the Chiang Mai branch, but all the teachers are trained at the Bangkok branch first (and its their original branch).

Don't rush into a decision though. Go and try a few different schools out first. Different styles suite different people. I know the Pro Language school does free trail lessons, so you might want to try one.

Good luck whatever you decided. I have found it really fun and rewarding to learn Thai language. I advise you to learn the reading and writing at the same time and speaking. It is a bit slower to start with, but then your knowledge will 'snowball'.

I think maybe the best visa in your situation would be an ED (education) visa.

This will give you the opportunity to learn to the speak, read and write Thai language. This visa will last one year and you don't have to leave the country every 90 days - you just go to report at immigration office.

While you are on this visa and learning Thai, you will have time to look around to see what you want to do in the future in terms of staying here in Thailand.

There are several well know schools that will get your ED visa for you, but you must actually attend the schools and sign a register to prove you have been a student there. Also the immigration staff often do checks of students to make sure they are really learning the language and not abusing the visa.

I go the a school in Chiang Mai called Pro Language and they have a good reputations and are professional - I have had no problems with my ED visa, and they do all the paperwork too, which is great. There are other schools out there, but make sure you choose a reputable well known one to ensure the visa goes smoothly.

Hi. At my school I do 6 hours a week.

Its up to you how many hours a week you like to do, but most schools with the ED visa its about 6 hours. You can do it all in one day, or space the hours out over the week.

You do not have to study outside the school - but you will want to if you want to learn Thai language!

I go the Pro Language School in Chiang Mai......I found this on their website about the ED visa application and costs.....hope this helps you.

Student visa courses are available in both Thai and English lessons. Students who register for 180 lessons (Thai course), or 90 lessons (English course), and pay the full tuition fee of 23,000 baht/course will be eligible for a 1 year ED Visa. First, students will get a Non-immigrant ED Visa for 3 months and then a 9 month Student Visa by extending it every 3 months and paying a Government fee of 1,900 baht. The school will prepare all the documents from the Ministry of Education for the students to have the Visa issued from a Thai Embassy and to get it extended at the Immigration on Chaengwattana road in Bangkok or at another Immigration office.

I'm from Belgium

Might look into the ED visa then. Any cheap recommendation that is not a scam? I'm looking to learn the language anyway.

And who knows, get married later

I think the ED visa is a very good idea for you, as you actually do want to learn the Thai Language!

I can recommend the school I go to, as I have had ED visa from them for past 3 years and never had any problems.

The school is called Pro Language.

I am not sure where you are staying in Thailand, but that school has branches in Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok.

Its a real professional school and is thought of well at the immigration as it has a good reputation. I think the cost of the classes and visa is about 23,000 baht. You can look on their website or contact them yourself for more details.

I'm looking for a good Thai language in Pattaya that will lead me to pass the the grade 6 test for residency. I have no Thai language skills currently. I don't need an ED visa.

I heard Pro Language is OK. Any other schools?

I go to the Pro Language School in Chiang Mai. They are really good at their stuff! I have been there over 3 years and my understand of Thai language is very good now. All the teachers for this school are trained in their Bangkok branch and they are all real teacher with real qualifications and experience, so the quality is very good.

I tried several schools, but this one was the best for me. I found the teaching materials and style very good, even at the basic introduction level (I could speak no Thai when I started).

Now in advanced class. The best thing about this school is the teachers will really help you and they really care about the students and what they are aiming for. So if you tell them you need to study for the grade 6 exam they will be happy to do that.

I would like to try the exam now. I never thought about it before. I would love to be a resident here (although at my younger age it will be difficult). Good luck and let me know how its all going. I would be very interested to hear about you experiences with the residency process.

Cheers.

Where are you staying?

How long do you want to study for?

What level are you at now?

I always recommend to people to go to a proper Thai language school if they are serious about learning Thai. A good school will have properly qualified teachers with lots of experience and good teaching materials.

When I tried to learn Thai from Thai 'teachers' coming to my house they were all quite 'bad' and I none had any method to the teaching - so my Thai language was VERY slow to develop and I almost gave up.

I you don't need the ED visa you can just pay for a set amount of lessons at a school. I can recommend the school I go to - Pro Language. I know they are in Chang Mia, Bangkok and Pattaya. There are other school about also, but I have not tried them. You can look them up on the internet and also go and try free lessons to see if you like them.

Good luck.

I think it all depends on your lifestyle and personality what girls you attract or meet.

For me, I am living a quite life in the countryside in a traditional Thai village and I can say that for girls and women getting a into a relationship with a farang is low down on their priorities and they could be no way described at desperate!. They are busy living their own lives, working and taking care of their families and friends.

Now, if I was to go in the city to the bars etc then the kid of women there are going to be different. Also any typical young university student is not going to be a good bet for a long tern serious relationship - Thai or Farang.

Also someone saying they miss you after the first date is not a problem. Its nice and polite and shows that they are interested in you.

I am sick of people saying they can not have meaning full conversations with Thai girls. Perhaps if then men learnt to speak Thai then that might help a bit?! Also what kind of meaningful conversation do you want on your fists couple of dates? Those time should be fun and light hearted just to get to know each other.

I would think its a good idea to go to a language school for a few weeks private lessons. There are many good schools and you can be assured of their teaching quality and experience if its a good school. I go to one called Pro Language. I know they will tailor the lessons for you and what you want to get out of them.

What level are Thai are you at? Are you able to read any Thai words? My school does a free hour lesson so potential students can see if they like their style.

When I first moved to Thailand I used private tutors that came to my house. I got through 3 of them and was very unhappy with they way they taught, and also some just kept turning up late etc.

I am sure there are good teacher out there that will come to your home, but as you are only in Thailand for a few weeks, but the time you locate a good quality one if may be time you are leaving again.

1. What level are you at?

I am able to make myself understood in most everyday situation, like shopping, home repairs, request for things, ordering food in restaurants, fist introduction to family and new people, everyday chit chat. But I can not talk about complicated things like governments, environmental problems, economy etc.

2. Can you read and write Thai?

I can read Thai very well now - but not always understand what its talking about! Writing is OK, but my spelling is bad - both in English and Thai!

3. How long have you been learning for?

About 5 years, but not full time. In the early years it was just using phrase books when I came here on holiday.

4. How did you learn?

I tried CDs, books, private teacher. In the end the thing that really helped and sped up my learning was going the a proper language school. I tried several, some were pretty bad, others boring, and I finally settled on one in Chiang Mai called Pro Language (I can really recommend this one - been there nearly 3 years).

5. What other languages could you speak before Thai?

NONE!!!!