eljuwa

This morning I renewed my Drivers License in Chiang Mai for 5 years. Originally I got my License in BKK for one year.

Sometimes we get the wrong feedback from the Thai Visa Forum.

So let me set the record straight.

I was told by the CNX Forum that your rental contract is good as the Residency Confirmation - not true. I went at 8.30 AM to CNX Drivers License place. They told me - go to the USA Consulate to get the Residency Letter or go to Thai Immigration. I went to the CNX Immigration. Cost me 500 baht to get the certificate within one hour. Had to wait in line. You need all Passport notifications, 2 pictures, Rental Contract It was 10.30 AM when I got back to CNX Drivers License place.

You need all the Passport notifications including visa copies, Health certificate, Residency certificate as noted above. It took me another one hour to get everything done.

Forewarned is forearmed.

Cheers

Hello CM Forum Members

The last 3 years my annual renewal of retirement visa was done in BKK. This is my first annual renewal with Chiang Mai Thai Immigration.

The facts are:

My one year Thai Visa and multiple entry visa expires on 16 January 2013. I already know the documents needed for the renewal. I am a US citizen and I know what I need to do with US Consulate office in CM.

Please advise me on the following:

1) How early could I go for my renewal of Retirement visa and multiple entry visa prior to 16 January 2013? My passport expiration is fine for another 3 years.

2) I know how to handle Thai Immigration at BKK. Is there anything that I need to know about CNX Thai Immigration? Such as their ability to handle non-Thai speaking folks.

3) Any other pertinent matters that you may deem appropriate for me to know.

With much thanks to all of you

James

I am the originator of this topic.

The CM Forum is so quick to respond and with excellent advice. Thanks to all 16 of you.

The edge on your recommendations went CM Ram with the caveat of their high cost.

Two members said: Pick the Doctor and not the hospital.

I live in the Nimmankemin area and I believe that Ram is the closest to my place.

One member recommended a good doctor at Rajavej.

Does anyone recommend an Internal Medicine doctor at Ram?

Thankfully I am in excellent health and do not need specialists at this time.

Once again, thanks very much to one and all

James

Hello Forum members

I am in Chiang Mai since January 2012. Coming here from BKK.

In BKK I went to Bumrungard (sorry about sp). I was informed that Chiang Mai Ram is the equivalent of Bumrungard. Today, I was told by my Insurance Agent that Rajavej is better; less expensive.

So, I am confused. I wish to ask the Chiang mai Forum for recommendations.

Presently I do not need a hospital. But, I wish to be ready.

Thanks very much

James

This post is to THANK ALL FORUM MEMBERS who gave me great advice.

Last week-end I used the train service between Swampy and Phew Thai - no problems at all.

Thanks again.

I am also going to Yangon in mid September. I have my flight and hotel etc etc.

I have 3 days in Yangon. How could I use my time? I am not interested in visiting temples.

Thanks

James

Hello Fellow Members

I am interested in joining a program in Transendental Meditation in Chiang Mai. the cost is immaterial. I wish to join a group that conducts the programme in English.

Thanks in advance

James

All Thai Visa forum members were very helpful in giving me counsel to get my 1 year renewal of license done. I have a few more questions, please.

1) Is the copy of my rental agreement sufficient in lieu going to the US Embassy to obtain an expensive Residency certificate.? One member already stated my rental agreement was sufficient. I just want to be sure. I do not like to go to the US Consulate and pay for this letter.

2) So, I need various copies from my passport. I need a residency letter. I need a doctor's certificate. Are there other forms that I need to get from the Hong Dong office? If any could I down load same. I am trying to avoid making a visit to the 2nd floor to ask that lady there.

Thanks much

James

I am confused as to the timing of my renewal from TEMP to % YEARS.

David says that he renewed his TEMP - 3 months before the expiration and he got 5 years.

Khwaibah says that the TEMP should be renewed AFTER the TEMP expires to get the 5 years license.

Who is right.

Pls advise. Thanks

I received about 14 replies to my question about Drivers License in Chiang Mai. I wish to thank all of you very much for consideration. Thanks again

I arrived in Chiang Mai in January 2012 from BKK. I got my Thai Drivers License in October 2011 in BKK. So I am up for the renewal of Thai DL in October 2012. I have heard different opinion on this topic from the members of Thai Visa.

Kindly answer my following queries:

1) In BKK, I took a Thai speaking person to help me with getting my first temporary license. Do i need to take a Thai speaking person to get my renewal done? In CNX

2) If I go after my expiry date of 18th October, could I get my Thai Drivers License extended for more than one year?

3) There were 3 tests in BKK. One was the Colour test. Then the reflexes with the gas and break pedal. Lastly, the peripheral vision test. Is it still the same tests?

4) I am a US Citizen and I know that I have to go the US Consulate office to get my notarized address form done. What are the other forms needed. Where could I get a download of those "other forms"

I thank all of you in advance for your counsel.

James

Moved to CM forum.

Thanks, Soundman

I like the little Indian restaurant opposite the Imperial Mae Ping hotel, on the road that connects Sri Dornchai with Loi Kroh Road. I usually get to it by heading down Sri Dornchai road from the South East corner of the moat, passing the side of the Imperial Mae Ping hotel on my left, then turning immediately at the "demolition derby" crossroads (with no lights or any form of traffic control!). The restaurant is then a short way along this road on your right.

I have no idea what it's called, and the decor is not great (clean but ugly) but the food is very reasonably priced and really rather good. I prefer to sit on the one outside table and watch the world go by (whilst avoiding the ugly interior!). My favourite dish is their Matter Paneer (Indian cheese and peas) - lovely.

If you need to refer to a map look here: http://findercm.com/maplower.html

Thanks again, Jim

At thaipae gate, look across to the dental clinic. Look to the left about 50 yards. You will see a small soi, down it is a small Indian restaurant or there was last time I was there.

Thanks, Quietman. I will check it out.

I like the little Indian restaurant opposite the Imperial Mae Ping hotel, on the road that connects Sri Dornchai with Loi Kroh Road. I usually get to it by heading down Sri Dornchai road from the South East corner of the moat, passing the side of the Imperial Mae Ping hotel on my left, then turning immediately at the "demolition derby" crossroads (with no lights or any form of traffic control!). The restaurant is then a short way along this road on your right.

I have no idea what it's called, and the decor is not great (clean but ugly) but the food is very reasonably priced and really rather good. I prefer to sit on the one outside table and watch the world go by (whilst avoiding the ugly interior!). My favourite dish is their Matter Paneer (Indian cheese and peas) - lovely.

If you need to refer to a map look here: http://findercm.com/maplower.html

Thanks very much for your input, Jim Shorts. I will try the restaurant that you recommended.

Thanks for the input, Ulysses

I think that Chiang Mai is a foodie heaven and I think that the restaurants in Chiang Mai are the best in Thailand.

I love Indian food and the best that I discovered is: New Delhi Indian Foods on Ratchawithee Road (next to the Irish Pub). They buy all their herbs and spices from India and their chefs are from Delhi.

I wish to hear from you if you are able to recommend other Indian restaurants.

Thanks

James

Quite simple. Express train to Paiyatai One way BHT90 Return Bht150 ( return open for 14 days)Swampi to Paiyatai takes only 17minutes. At Paiyatai check price for your destination.Max price Bht55. You will need to change train at Siam onto Silom line.

BTS PT to BTS Surasak will be 30 baht. (Note the BTS train change at Siam means just crossing the platform to the other side, Wong Wian Yai direction train)

Also, Cityline option to PhayaThai station is 45 baht if you want to half the Express fare and nearly double your journey time (26 mins)

ARL and BTS is the quickest option and will get you there before 9am easily. You don't state that your arrival is international but I am assuming it. Immigration is good at 7:30am , you'll clear quick.

Weekday timetables for Express and Cityline so you can note times a few options for when you land:

http://airportrailli...day_city_1.html

http://airportrailli..._express_6.html

Thanks

Quite simple. Express train to Paiyatai One way BHT90 Return Bht150 ( return open for 14 days)Swampi to Paiyatai takes only 17minutes. At Paiyatai check price for your destination.Max price Bht55. You will need to change train at Siam onto Silom line.

BTS PT to BTS Surasak will be 30 baht. (Note the BTS train change at Siam means just crossing the platform to the other side, Wong Wian Yai direction train)

Also, Cityline option to PhayaThai station is 45 baht if you want to half the Express fare and nearly double your journey time (26 mins)

ARL and BTS is the quickest option and will get you there before 9am easily. You don't state that your arrival is international but I am assuming it. Immigration is good at 7:30am , you'll clear quick.

Weekday timetables for Express and Cityline so you can note times a few options for when you land:

http://airportrailli...day_city_1.html

http://airportrailli..._express_6.html

Thanks very much)

usually all these well-intended directions give people more nerves- its really plain simple; FOLLOW SIGNS-open eyes.

As for BKK and your original Q; in BKK it does not make any sense to ask about closest by-in this fact a taxi ride to that one would add enormous to time needed as due to the jams.

Thanks very much

Check this link: http://www.fortunaba...m/bkk/skytrain/

-- Airport to Phaythai BTS station, change to the BTS "E" stations, leading to SIAM/CEN

-- Phayathai to Siam station, change to the "S" line stations, leading to Saladang & Surasak.

I think I've got that right, anyway, shows well on the map at the url above.

Mac

Mac, thanks very much. This is the best I got.

By the way: It is on B-floor. Take the lift down... Walking is a long way :-) I did it yesterday to Silom... 45 Bath to Phaya Thai + 25 Bath to Sala Daeng S2 [you have to change the line. Just opposite to the arrival line is the silom line.] Security is very helpful for people with luggage or disorientation...

Thanks, Aachen> If I may repeat because I am uncertain as to what I should do.

Take the lift down to the B floor. What kind of bus or shuttle do I take Phaya Thai? Cost is 45 baht. Then I will be getting down at Phaya Thai BTS. From there, I take the BTS Sukhumvit Line to Sala Daeng at 25 baht. Another Forum member said that I have to go to Siam station and then take the BTS Silom Line. Is it Sala Daeng or Siam station. Now I take the BTS Silom to Surasak.

Sorry for the bother. I am kind of slow to comprehend. Thanks

Here's the url for the Airport Link:

http://airportrailli...sa_express.html

Mac

Thanks very much

Airport Express (City Service) to Phayathai, change to BTS (Sukhumvit Line) to Siam, change to BTS (Silom Line) to Surasak.

There's no through ticketing from the airport so you need to buy a BTS ticket when you change at Phayathai.

Thanks very much

I will arrive at SWAMPY around 7.30AM. I need to get to the closest BTS station in order that I may get to the BTS - Surasak Station (near the Myanmar Visa Office) by 9 AM.

Please advise me:

1) Do I need to get a taxi from Swampy to the closest BTS station - what is the name of that station

2) From that BTS station near SWAMPY - could I go directly to Surasak BTS station or do I have to make any transfers?

Thanks for your help.

James