TwentyBaht

Just as information, I accessed the Manila FBU website and used the Inquiry Form to make an address change.  From the dropdown menu on top I selected change of address and once I entered my name and birthdate and last four digits of SS my old address information was already preloaded when the mouse hovered over it.  I entered my new address in the additional information box.  After completion and submitting a notice showed to allow 15 days for response.  And today, just two days later, I got an email that my records had been updated with the new address.  I was pleasantly surprised.  Quite easy to do.      
 

Following up on my previous post, and as ubonjoe suggested might happen, yesterday I received a 7162 questionairre.  Top of the form stated "Second Request Oct. 27,2022".

Will post some updated observations;

Rregarding boat travel Huay Xai to Luang Prabang;

Seats on the "Slow Boat" are automobile seats. Toyota, Honda, etc.. Bought from salvage yards in Thailand. No wooden seats now.

"Slow Boat" now is bigger and can seat as many as 120 passengers.

The "Slow Boat" from Huay Xai will go to Pak Beng. And, then next day, return to Huay Xai. The boat from Luang Prabang to Pak Beng does the same. Safer. Because, the captain only has to have river knowledge of half the journey.

There is only one "Slow Boat" per day. Although, a handful of boats are moored at the pier. But, a daily queue system is enforced by the Laos government.

The current "Slow Boat" pier in Luang Prabang is 10 kilometers from the city. Laos government requires the boat to moor there. Why? Ask, the Laos government. And, occasionally there is a "mutiny" of a handful of foreign passengers who remain seated on the boat trying to force the boat to take them on into Luang Prabang. An unsuccessful endeavor.

Accomodations in Pak Beng have risen in price over the last year or so.

There is quite a bit of myth about the "Speed Boat". Many years ago there was a tragic accident. A drunken meth-head driver drove at full speed into a rock. Six passengers and driver killed. Laos government stepped in and regulated the business. No deaths since. Although, Indiana Jones wannabees still like to propagate this myth, it seems to embellish their trips .

For the average foreigner stature the "Speed Boat" can be uncomfortable. A knee high seated position.

The "Slow Boat" pier in Huay Xai is about 11 kilometers upriver from the new Laos Immigration at the Friendship IV Bridge.

As to bus travel from Huay Xai;

About 15 hours overnight from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang.

The bus is a private bus. Laos government buses can only shuttle from one city and back again. Private buses can go through cities to an intended destination.

Safe travel.

lujanit,

You can travel to Chiang Khong from the old bus station in downtown Chiang Rai. On the local red bus. Leaving about every hour. 65 baht.

About 5 kilometers from Chiang Khong, you can drop off at the access road intersection to the new Friendship IV Bridge crossing into Laos. The Thai Immigration about 2 kilometers from the intersection. Tuk-tuk available. You must be aware, the Thai Immigration will close on the whim of the Laos Immigration. Which, likes to close at 6:00 PM. Or, a bit later. That said, some travelers have cleared Thai Immigration at around this time and then found the Laos Immigration to be closed. Having then to return to Thailand. So, early evening crossing is problematic.

The "Slow Boat" leaves about 11:00 AM. Or, a bit later. Thus, you can also stay in Chiang Khong overnight and still make the boat, if need be.

The bus advertised for Chiang Mai/Chaing Rai to Luang Prahbang is the "999 Bus" (the government bus).

Travel is quite comfortable on the Thai side. Not so much on the Laos side. Different bus. Laos bus. Right side driving in Laos. Most of the trip in the winding mountains. And, overnight. There are old TV threads on the hardships of this run.

Reverse 'Slow Boat' trip is a bit longer. Due to the strong current of the Mekong.

And, recently a guest reported there were not enough upriver passengers on the Slow Boat from Pak Beng (sleep-over point). And, the Slowboat did not go on to Huay Xai on that day. Waiting until the next day for enough passengers. So, a three day upriver trip. But, only one report of this.

Cheers

How do you do that?

Install and configure a router to a working condition. Then, a backup file of this configuration can be downloaded from the router. If problems later, reload (flash) the backup file back into the router.

Seems, sometimes, a router file can get corrupted. And, I've had to reflash on a few occasions with TP-link routers. Sometimes, for same reason as your experienced.

If you have no backup file for your router, then the router must be factory reset. And, configured again to a working condition. Then, the backup file ......

3BB maybe best to sort this out for you. And, maybe they can show you how to download/reflash the backup file. Always good to have.

But, another possibility is the router ethernet port(s) might be defective. Again, 3BB could sort this out.

Cheers

Had same issue with TP-Link ADSL router. Reflashed the backup file. And, then everything okay.

Interesting? Can try sni02, plk02, and kkn02 Streaming well on PC system. But, not on Android device?

Yes, we hear locally that 11/12/13 will be the official opening day. Considered a lucky day.

The bridge was officially finished on 12/12/12. This was considered a lucky day, also.

Truck traffic is speculated to be the first use of the bridge. Ramping up other vehicles after that.

Media Hint, a Firefox browser extension mentioned in an above post, works quite well for viewing CBS Sports.

Tomtomtom69 & DonaldBattles,

Good reads. Thanks. Interesting perspectives.

Will add just a little info;

The Thai "999" International Bus to Luang Prahbang has always disembarked passengers on the Thai side, and then tuked/ferried them across to a waiting Laos bus about seven kilometers south of the Laos Immigration. This, much to the chagrin of many passengers. (And, a few have refused to board the Laos bus.)

But, that said, it would be almost impossible for the "999" bus to consistently load onto the ferry. Not enough wheel height. The loading/unloading surface of the ferry constantly broken. Battered by 200+ trucks per day. Watching the truck/car loading/unloading, especially during high Mekong levels, is entertainment in itself. Quite often, a horrified look on the Chinese drivers as they maneuver their new cars through the ruts and water.

Stolen fruits/vegetables? From, Chinese shipments? Well, no. But, yes. In, a way. But, limited. You see, Thai Customs requires agricultural samples? To, inspect? Five or six boxes from the back of each truck/container. And, I gather, inspection also includes consumption. To, determine quality. As yesterday, the smiling Customs Official pulling apple boxes into his office. And, it does seem, somehow, that fruits do require more inspection than vegetables. .... But, I don't see any looted, low-priced vegetables in the local markets.

As to getting things done? Songkran? Buddha, himself, couldn't hire a bamboo mat made during that time. Days before, or after.

Cheers

Tomtomtom69,

Just to add some info, which hopefully is relevant;

The Thai 999 Bus Company (Government Bus) has already established International (Chiang Mai - Luang Prahbang) bus service. For several months now. Four days per week.

Until the Friendship IV Bridge is functional, passengers will continue to be ferried across the Mekong to a waiting Laos bus. And, onto Luang Prahbang.

When the bridge is functional, we are told the bus drivers will be certified for right lane traffic and the bus will continue onto Luang Prahbang? And, return.

But, going along with this, current passenger criticism is the quality of the Laos bus on the route.

The lane changer is on the Thai side of the bridge.

As to truck traffic, Chinese, or otherwise;

The area a few kilometers around the Thai side of the bridge is becoming truck centric. Repair shops, parking areas, and shipping companies starting up.

But, interestingly, warehousing services are not being built, as of yet. Don't know what to make of this?

And, the repair shop for refrigerated trailers is very busy. Trucking company complaining about the Laos roads breaking their trucks/generators.

And, the Green Bus Company is building a new terminal about half-way between Chiang Khong and the bridge.

So, just some general comment about the trucking. Containers/trailers have Thai/English/Mandarin lettering. Enough said,

But, I have seen Chinese trucks/Mandarin tags/windshield lettering, on the ferry coming across to Thaland. The driver? Don't know.

I will just say; Things are quite fluid here at this time. With, no staging areas for trucking on either side. And, ferrying system as it is. And high truck traffic. And, truck traffic running downtown through Huay Xai and Chiang Khong. Customs and trucking companies, both sides, having to work under difficult conditions.

So, it's probable a Chinese truck or two has driven the streets of Chiang Khong. To a staging area to drop/attach a trailer. Doubtful, any further though.

Looking forward to quieter streets when the new bridge opens.

Cheers

The Chinese Express (Executive) Boat to Jinghong was docked/organized/ticketed by the Maekhong Delta Travel Agency, located a few hundred meters downriver from the Chiang Saen Marine Offices/Port. (Happened to drive by there yesterday. Still closed.)

My understanding is port services (Cargo/Customs/Passengers) are administered in Chiang Saen. Not, in the Golden Triangle. Why the Express Boat left from Chiang Saen.

As to "intrepid" cargo boat passengers, the Laos/Myanmar boatmen say they do not dock in Jinghong. Rather, at a port a few kilometers south. But, no Chinese Immigration services there. Bus to Jinghong? Or, onward?

And, possibly a bit interesting. Looking directly across the Mekong from the Golden Triangle Thai Immigration Office. The beautiful structure there. It looks like part of the Roman Casino Complex. Same architecture. But, it is the Laos Immigration Offices.

Cheers

sceadugenga,

Yes, there is an Immigration Office in Chiang Saen. And, a two-person Office on the river. Which, the two Officers inside said would be closed. Their functions moved to the Golden Triangle office. They were there only to direct people to that office.

The Chinese Express boat is not running from Chiang Saen. The Immigration Officers probably happy about that. They had to provide exit at 4:00 AM to facilitate the boat service.

But, interestingly, when talking to the Thai/Laos/Myanmar cargo boatmen on the riverfront, they said passengers could run upriver on the cargo boats? But, most likely, that venue would not be without trepidation.

And, as general information;

I have been told by Mae Sai Immigration to do my next extension from the Chiang Saen Immigration office. The Immigration Offices were changing areas of responsibility. And, soon after, I visited the Chiang Saen Immigration Office. Was told it is a full service office.

Cheers

Tomtomtom69;

Yes, the Golden Triangle crossing is international, as we have been told by the Thai Immigration there. And, there are reports of people crossing and cycling on into Laos. Also, after crossing into Laos, a speedboat at the Golden Triangle can take people upriver to a small Laos town (name ?) where bus service is available. For onward journey to China. But, small numbers for either of these venues now. Chiang Khong seems to be the preferred crossing.

As to the Chinese Express Boat to/from Jinghong, our information is the boat is not operating. And, the office in Chiang Saen was closed when we last went by to check.

As to the Friendship IV Bridge;

We now hear the bridge will open in December.

About three months ago, there was a visible slowdown in construction effort on the Immigration/Customs buildings. Now, construction has intensified. Offices now have doors installed and painted. And, beautification projects are ongoing on the road leading in.

And, while on the river, I saw some large tandem trucks crossing the span. And, mini-vans. Construction. And, testing, maybe.

I'll add, one of the more interesting new tourism phenomena are the Chinese caravans. A Laos associate arranges these. Normally twenty or thirty car caravans. But, recently, fifty, one-hundred, and now two-hundred car caravans. Driving from China to Malaysia.

Enough said that China and Laos are right lane driving. Caravan transitioning to left lane driving is not without mishap in Chiang Khong. Residents have learned to watch out for Mandarin car tag.

Cheers

Just for information, Thaicom5/6A are both located at 78.5 E. If you can see transponders on one, then you can see transponders on the other. No re-adjustment (skew) of the LNB will be required.

The issue will be whether you already have a "Universal" LNB installed, or not? The tech guy can sort that out for you.

As well, whether you have multiple receivers through a splitter from your dish?

Cheers

bangkok blue,

Will try to help out a bit. But, will have to guess a little. I don't have a Gmm receiver.

But, please go here;

http://www.lyngsat.com/Thaicom-5-6A.html

I believe you may be watching channels on the 12313 H transponder.

And now possibly, some of these channels will be switched to the 12313 V transponder? Or, another V transponder.

Problem for you? A "Universal LNB" would be required on your dish for viewing the V transponder channels.

Another, possible problem, is if you are using multiple receivers, utilizing a splitter.

But, would suggest just to reboot your receiver after the change. And, see if channels are missing.

If so, then a "Universal" ku band LNB should cost about 250 baht. Read a little about "skew" and maybe install yourself. Then edit the receiver installation menu to the LNB change.

But, as said, I'm only guessing about the transponder change. And, as you say, Google Translate does not offer clarity.

But, hopefully, posters with a Gmm receiver can weigh in and give better information for you on this.

Cheers

Anyone wanting to test IPTV streaming can install VLC Player on their computer.

And go here;

http://www.tvonlinestreams.com/

Copy and paste the URL stream into VLC Player. And, wait a few seconds.

And, here:

http://www.vlc.eu.pn/

Sometimes, TOT IPTV test streams are listed.

Cheers

Peter Orn has a very good bookshop near the old Bus Station downtown. And, about two hundred meters from Wat Jet Yod.

His shop is well organized, many languages, and genre is cataloged.

Look at the phone booths and utility poles in the area. Peter often puts fliers on them with directions..

Also, Peter often does a hand-drawn map of downtown Chiang Rai. Good tourist info. You can ask him for a copy.

Cheers

As to answering the credit history query:

When asked which dates, places, cars, names are familiar my experience is it's permissible to simply say "I don't remember." And, go on to the next set. I believe, better to do that than guess.

And. after going through this twice; And, completing the Fidelity online variation of this; My experience is they are looking that you offer correct answers for about four or five sets of query. And, a wrong answer is not necessarily a terminal problem. Because, I remembered later that I answered wrong on one set. About, the year of a truck I had owned.

And, I'll add that on the Fidelity query, the birthday of the ex-wife was a pick in a set of query. That was thirty three years ago? Birthday? I had trouble remembering the name. Much less, the birthday. I skipped that one. And, went to the next query.

And, on the Fidelity query, you can also back click and redo a query set if you realize a mistake.

I'll add, I've thought a bit more about my VPN incident with TD-Ameritrade. How their IT security people would have had a record of the IP address in Chiang Rai? Where I had originally logged in with VPN? It may be a simple answer. If fraud had been attempted from the VPN I was using, or any VPN for that matter, then a court order could be issued to the VPN to uncover the origin IP.address. I can't help but think this will be an ongoing problem for VPN companies. And, large financial institutions will have reason to watch them closely.

Anyway, only my experience.

Cheers .

vagabond 48,

I've used a TD-Ameritrade debit card in Thailand for several years now. And, back to back pulls with Schwab and TD-Ameritrade debit cards on an Aeon ATM yield equal deductions. No FTF with either, in my experience.

And, as needed, I do pulls from both, and deposit into a Bangkok Bank account. But, also when needed, will use the low cost ACH via the NY branch of Bangkok Bank.

Would also mention the USAA Bank. Domestic ACH is free. And, account holders can have a foreign address. Although, the USAA debit card does incur a 1% FTF.

Cheers

Yes, Ian, please add my thanks also.

And, if I may, a question that may pertain to Simon 43 post regarding the Vientiane Branch of Bangkok bank;

Bangkok Bank has opened a branch in Chiang Khong (Thai/Laos border). And, while opening a new account at the branch, the manger pointed out that deposits would also be accepted in kip?

That was news to me, as my understanding was the kip could only be officially exchanged at banks inside Laos.

Is the Vientiane Branch of Bangkok Bank the reason that kip deposits can now be made at a Bangkok Bank?

Cheers

ezzra.

The following URL have been streaming for awhile now, and tested again today;

Al Jazeera http://fw01.livem3u8.me.totiptv.com/live/EA4C9D2666BC411D8E6777E8A1D2B747.m3u8?bitrate=800

EuroNews http://fw01.livem3u8.me.totiptv.com/live/3F35C4428A0D4004A38FF0ADBA7664F4.m3u8?bitrate=800

France 24 http://fw01.livem3u8.me.totiptv.com/live/82C764AA2D7F42579348B8717CB5B9A4.m3u8?bitrate=800

A Thai CDN, so the streaming is quite good.

Cheers