curtklay

Maybe so in Issan, but all you have to do is look at some You Tube clips of what it's like in Chiang Mai. If that's your idea of fun, you can have it.

Craig and Ajaan's explanations are right on the money.

Back on topic: Viet Nam is also on my short list. Thanks, Ima_farang.

Bang Saphan is looking very good.

For the last few days I've been having pixilated reception on certain channels. The worst seem to be HBO, BBC, Lifetime, and CNN. Flashing colors, picture breakup, and short black outs. Feels like an acid trip.

Anybody else experiencing this?

Thanks again, Guys. A' googling I will go.

Upnotover: Thanks for the Google Image Search tip.

Is there a Google search for her phone number?

Thanks Guys,

I guess I have more research to do.

Craig: Those are some interesting places I haven't thought of. Will do some googling. Rachavadee looks really nice, and not too bad on the pricing. Thanks!

Yermanee: Yes, the sandfleas on Koh Mak could be a real problem. Lots of complaints about that. Could be an issue for my wife who is allergic to almost everything. I'll look into Trat.

BTW, I've been in love with your avatar girl since the first time I saw her. Where can I find a larger picture to copy?

Hi Craig,

You are a lucky guy. Up here in the North, it's pure pandemonium. What used to be a lovely gentle tradition has turned into mortal combat. I'm truly fearful to venture out. They load pick up trucks with barrels of water and water cannons, get drunk, and cruise the streets all day throwing buckets of water on everyone. When 2 trucks meet on the road, they stop and battle each other, creating a very dangerous road blockage. And it goes on for the entire week.

I know how well traveled you are. Where would you suggest a weary old farang could go to get away from it, and have a nice island holiday?

It's almost that time again. This year, instead of spending a week barricaded at home, I would like to find a quiet beach locale to escape the madness without leaving the country. No karaoke, no drunken parties, no water and powder assaults. Does such a place exist? My short list thus far, is topped by Koh Mak. I've read several posts that say this is a small quiet island, where Songkran is minimized and only celebrated for one day. There is a resort called Ao Kao White Sands that looks quite nice. I'd love to hear any honest feedback, or other suggestions from fellow escapees.

Their website is on this forum so it has been checked out?

The answer is no.

They are not a sponsor of the forum. Just a Google ad that comes up.

Well, maybe so. But go to their website, and look at their map. They are located between The Blackbush Bar and The Pussycat Club. How can you get more legit than that?

Bend over, Buddy.

The Weber Kettle that sells for $99 at Wal Mart in the US, is 12,900 baht on the bbqthai.com website.

MikeandDow is absolutely right. I also deal with the Nan Immigration Office, and they seem to march to their own drummer. Regardless of what the official national law is, they call the shots. At my last renewal, they said the money must be in the bank for 90 days when doing the combination method, even though the rule is no seasoning is required at all. They also require a medical certificate, when most or all other offices have done away with that requirement.

Recently the rule regarding validity of the income affidavit from the US Consulate was officially changed to 6 months from 15 days. When I called Nan to confirm, they said it couldn't be more than 30 days old. When I told them about the new rule, and that I have it on paper in Thai language, they said to bring it with me. I will do that, but I'm not going to get into a fight insisting that I am right and they are wrong. You can wave the official national law in their face all day, and they'll just make it tougher on you. Remember, this is frigging Thailand. They are always right, even when they're wrong.

Beautiful pictures, Fred!

A nice respite from all the usual forum nastiness.

Thank you for posting.

I am assuming that the Thai Passport Office at The Chiang Mai Provincial Center will be re-opening with regular hours on January 2nd, 2014. Has anyone heard anything different? Just want to be sure.

Ebay, Ali Express, or just Google your battery model number. No problem.

WOW...this thing is up to 8 pages??!!

I called them. They said the validity period is 30 days. When I told them about the official notice changing the validity period to 6 months, they said "bring a copy with you". As usual, it's a crap shoot...roll the dice and see what happens.

Here is a link to the notice that was posted on Thai Visa.

PCEC-NOTICE-THAI-IMMIGRATION-NEWS-JUNE-6.pdf 277.79KB

A cross dressing ladyboy and a Russian wearing a cape in a short time room in Pattaya...it just doesn't get any better than that.

Hi All,

Does anyone have any recent experience with the NAN immigration office regarding the validity period of the US Consulate income verification affidavit? I know that the new official ruling says that it can be up to 6 months old, but I also know that each office may have different ideas. I am planning to call them, but thought I would check here to see if anyone has been rejected or accepted. Again, I am only concerned about the NAN office.

Thanx.

Damaged Disc in 1978 and its never been same since. Scans in the 90's showed an operation was possible but 50/50 chance outcome would make it worse.

I declined. Swimming and warm/hot weather makes huge difference to the point I dont notice it really.

Take Tramadol and Diclofenic indefinately

This is the best route to take if the pain is manageable. Chiropractic manipulation is very risky; so is surgery. What works for some may not work for you. Like Chivas, my Orthopedist did MRIs and said fusion surgery was a 50/50 gamble that could have me doing backflips or maybe confined to a wheelchair. If you can control the pain with meds, continue unless it becomes unbearable. I have 4 compressed discs, arthritis, and a curved spine. In Thailand, I take Tramadol, Norgesic, and Arcoxia. All of these are damaging to the kidneys and liver, but they keep me walking on 2 legs with less pain. See an Orthopedist that you trust. If he gives you bad vibes, see another one. Weigh the options, and make an informed decision.

Your problem is far too serious to be seeking advice on a Thai Visa forum. See an Orthopedist.

I wish I could moan about paying more than the cost of a postage stamp to do my 90 day report, but the regional offices closest to me (Korat Dan Kwien Pottery Village & Kap Choeng in Buriram) don't accept mail in reports so It costs me around 500 baht in diesel for a round trip......You must be very lucky guys if this all you have to whine about.....

I didn't hear any moaning or whining from anyone other than you.

Of course, everybody has different information.

32 baht is EMS (Express Mail Service) fastest and trackable

18 baht is Thai Post Registered (not EMS, but still trackable)

5 or 10 baht is regular Thai Post (not trackable) 5 baht seems to be enough, although some think it's 10.

Immigration may advise you to use EMS, but I don't believe it is required. I use Thai Registered to send it, but 10 baht regular mail on the return envelope. In 4 years, I have never been told otherwise.

Up to you.

I just got my 90 day report receipt back today from Nan Immigration in the envelope I submitted with 10 baht postage affixed. No mention of any change in policy.

Actually, when I was at the office 3 months ago, they told me a 5 baht stamp is all that is needed.

Now look what you've started.