Phuketshrew

Now my question is, do I need to do a re-entry permit every time I leave? Or since its a multi entry 1 year visa, am I okay to just pop in and out.

No you don't :-)

I had a multi-entry from KL last December - You don't need a re-entry permit.

I am actually in Savannakhet right now - Submitted the paperwork today at 10.30 am and I was the only person there! Pick up tomorrow at 2pm, then on to Vientiane.

Clive R.

Just to add to that - No proof of funds was asked for - just marriage certificate, tabian baan, ID Card, and a brief note from my wife. All copies signed by wife. Original Marriage certificate and tabian baan shown. The only other requirement was two photos and 5,000 baht.

The officer quizzed the marriage certificate as I don't think she could believe that I have been married for nearly 25 years, but the original is getting a little tatty now (certificate not wife ;-)).

Whatever you do DON'T stay at the NongSoda Guesthouse - It is a <deleted> hole. Booked on the web as it is on the river very close to the Thai Consulate. However:

It is filthy dirty and mosquito ridden

No towels provided

Room not cleaned/bed not made

Staffed by some lazy young Lao's - No communication in English whatsoever

They insisted on payment for the first night despite having paid up front (still trying to sort this out)

There is no cafe/restaurant/food

Also suspect bed bugs - can't have been all mozzeys

Oh yes - A real plus point has been that my CAT USB Internet card works well in Savannakhet - thank goodness!

Oh well - I'll be out of here tomorrow - heading for Vientiane.

Clive R.

Now my question is, do I need to do a re-entry permit every time I leave? Or since its a multi entry 1 year visa, am I okay to just pop in and out.

No you don't :-)

I had a multi-entry from KL last December - You don't need a re-entry permit.

I am actually in Savannakhet right now - Submitted the paperwork today at 10.30 am and I was the only person there! Pick up tomorrow at 2pm, then on to Vientiane.

Clive R.

In Savannakhet now.

Picking up my 12 month multi-entry Non-Imm O visa tomorrow.

Supplied all the docs listed above. They needed the signed copies, and to see the original marriage cert. No mention of proof of funds.

5000thb.

Good to hear that you got your 12 month multi-entry visa sorted. Thanks very much for the info. Last year I got a 12 month multi-entry in KL, which expires on December 1st.

However, I will be working in Vientiane for a month shortly so the Savannakhet option seems great. On my way to Vientiane I plan to fly from Phuket to Udon next week and then get the bus down to Mukdahan. Then over to Savannakhet to get visa after which I plan to get the bus from Savannakhet to Vientiane.

I will need to spend a couple of nights in Savannakhet - Any advice on where to (or where not to) stay? Any other advice/tips would be most welcome - Enjoy your beer Lao ;-)

Clive R.

Phuket police consider it a perk of the job to steal vehicles.. Had it over and over again in Patong where they lay claim to lost rental bikes and they vanish out of the compound and are just run without plates by cops. A buddy ran out of fuel with a steed 600, the cops grabbed it from the side of the road and made life hell for weeks to get it released. The cheeky one who thought it was already his had had a key cutter come and make keys for it already and made my mate pay him to 'cover his costs' in doing so.

Biggest vehicle thieves on the the island.

I am afraid this is not Phuket only, but all over the country.

Police and policestation hangarounds do what they want with impounded vehicles until ordered otherwise.

As OPs case includes a sentenced criminal act, Ajakarn and Court has the power

Thanks.

I have just explained to my wife what she needs to do so she will be visiting the Ajakarn with my niece shortly.

It really is a sad reflection on how Thai society has sunk in recent years in terms of corruption and law and order. Sadder still - I just can't see things getting any better.

Ajakarn is located same place as Labour Department, close to Department of Land Transport. I recently learned Ajakarn also works as a negotiator between parties in conflict.

Police can not keep a vehicle after case is sendt over to Ajakarn unless Ajakarn instruct them to, thus there is a good chance a phone call from Ajakarn to Police can release vehicle. Make sure a copy of reg book/ownership can be provided, as Police will only release to registered owner/user.

As for the vehicles condition, I would not focus on that. To many lost faces makes problem worse

Let us know how it works out. Good luck

Thanks again - but as the truck is still 'owned' by the finance company they still have the reg book so my niece would be unable to provide a copy of it.

If it is owned by your niece, she should visit Ajakarn, the public prosecutor, to know her rights. They may also be willing to contact impounding police.

Often vehicles used for criminal action is sold on auction, money to government, unless owner can prove the criminal rented the vehicle. As vehicle owners we need to choose who can use our vehicles

Thanks for your replies - LivinginKata and KataBB.

Suggestions so have been to contact the ombudsman or 'Ajakarn', the public prosecutor. Can anyone provide any further details on how to do this? Office address or phone numbers?

Thanks.

Can anyone offer some advice?

My niece's husband was caught and arrested two years ago with some ya baa in his truck (jerk!). He was subsequently sentenced and AFAIK is still doing time. My niece was pregnant at the time and was left to give birth and raise her beautiful little daughter on her own. She currently lives with my wife and I as part of our extended family and has 'washed her hands' of her husband.

The pick-up truck was (and still is) impounded by the BIB in Phuket. However, my niece has tried to keep making the finance repayments but is now getting harassed by the finance company. Some time ago she visited the police station to try and reclaim the truck but the police would not release it. She also noted that quite a few things had been removed from the truck, including the stereo system.

This all seems very unfair as she has suffered enough with the loss of a husband and father to her child. I am now seeking some advice regarding recovery of the truck.

Do the police have the legal right to keep the truck indefinitely?

Surely it's function as evidence is well past as the husband was convicted and has served most of his time?

What steps can be taken to have the truck returned?

Can she insist that it is returned in the same state that it was impounded?

Thanks in advance for any advice offered.

No VIP ticktes available and no need to buy tickets in advance.

It costs 50 baht for a couple of hours of great entertainment.

Buy your cold cans of beer at the minimart opposite the stadium and take them in with you.

Best atmosphere is in the stand behind the band (where the Rawai FC Phuket lads stand).

See you there!

Hi Devaram.

I did the Koh Kong trip last week but didn't need a visa - just needed to leave and get stamped back in for another 90 days on my multi entry visa. It all went smoothly:

Arrived at Ekamai around 9am and caught an aircon bus to Trat at 9.30am. Return ticket was 430 baht. Arrived in Trat after about 6 hours journey. After waiting for about 30 mins caught a minibus to the border, which cost 120 baht and took about an hour and a half.

Exited Thailand without any delay then walked across through the 'buffer zone' to the Cambodian side. I got an e-visa before I made the trip - $20 + $5 admin fee. Applied on Friday and received it (as a PDF file) on Saturday. I printed out two copies, cut them to size and stapled one in my passport (the other is also required when you go through Cambodian immigration). There is an e-visa desk and it only took a few minutes to be processed. It is also much cheaper as they were asking others for 1200 baht at the border! I shared a taxi from the border to Koh Kong - about 12 Kms - 300 baht total. Just beware the Cambodian bike taxis and taxi drivers and ignore their hassle.

I asked to be taken to Otto's place (as I had read that this was s good idea on the forum). However, the taxi drivers are not keen on this as apparently Otto doesn't pay them any commission - so they want to take you to a place of their choice. Otto's place was OK but a little 'basic' - fan room from $3 a night! Great baguette breakfast. I stayed one night as it was too late to go looking elsewhere. Koh Kong doesn't have any street lighting so it's a little dark in the evenings.

The following morning I was up very early and after a delicious baguette and coffee had a good walk around Koh Kong and looked at alternative accommodation. Looked at quite a few but decided on the biggest and newest hotel - the Apex. A large, clean aircon room with hot shower, TV fridge, free wi-fi overlooking the swimming pool was great value for $15 (fan room was $12). All other guest houses were cheaper but none had wi-fi (I need to be online every day).

After my two nights and one day in Koh Kong I headed back to Bangkok. Koh Kong is very quiet and there isn't really much to do. I booked a bus ticket from the Apex hotel to Trat at $9. Large bus (coming from Sihanoukville) to the border then minibus from the Thai side back to Trat. I had an open return ticket to Bangkok so got the next bus out and arrived safely back in Bangkok some 6 and a half hours later.

An enjoyable trip that got the job done with a minimum of fuss and expense. Would I do it again? Yes. However, I think that I'd probably venture as far as Sihanoukville next time and take a few more days and probably stay at the Apex again on the way out (as buses only leave Koh Kong for Sihanoukville in the morning).

I hope that some of this info. is useful to you.

Have a good trip.

Clive R.

Unless you can actually drive yourself to the border (or unless you really enjoy slow trips in non-aircon buses, waiting for connections, and tedious discussions with taxi drivers and other touts/officials) it seems to be far better value and much faster to go with one of the many visa run tour companies.

Nonsense. There is an aircon bus to from Ekamai Trat.

I have been here long enough to know not to put my life at the mercy of lunatic minibus drivers.

You don't own or work for a visa run tour company by any chance?

Footnote: Received my Camboland e-visa today (Saturday!) less that 24 hours after application - impressed.

No. You have to be stamped in and out of another country.

Thanks Lite Beer.

Guess I'll be able to discover the delight of Koh Kong then ;-)

Seems a good idea to get the Cambo Visa online rather than the hassles/haggles at the border.

I have to do a border run next week as the 90 days duration on my multiple re-entry visa expires.

Probably going to go to the Cambodian border via Trat.

Is it possible to get 'stamped out' and then get 'stamped back in' again without having to enter Cambodia?

Thanks for any advice.

Having a 12 month multi-entry visa I need to stamp out of Thailand and back in again next week.

Although resident in Phuket I will be in BKK from Sunday onwards and was thinking of trying the BKK-Trat-Koh Kong overland route to Cambodia as a change from flying.

Is the border crossing to Koh Kong still open? If so - Is it considered safe?

Thanks.

That is a tough one in Phuket. I have had pretty good luck with Phuket Bike Art. They are located about 300m towards town from TescoLotus. Call Noi at 089 474 2962. They can pick up from anywhere in Phuket. The head mechanic is June. He and the other mechanics drink Leo and smoke L&M dang. Butter them up a bit and you'll get extra special attention and priority, as they can be busy.

Thanks. Yes I know Noi and Phuket Bike Art - Spent quite a bit of money there but never really solved any problems - they couldn't balance a new set of carbs I bought from the UK.

Can anyone recommend a competent and reliable big bike motorcycle mechanic or shop in Phuket?

I have an older GSXR750R bike that needs battery/electrics attention, a good service and test.

The bike was taken to 4Stroke Big Bike shop on Thepkrasattri Road in Phuket Town couple of weeks ago and the above service was requested. It was also agreed that (for a commission) the bike could be displayed and sold outside the shop. I have just advertised it on Thai Visa.

However, an interested guy went to view the bike but couldn't try it as nothing had been done to fix it (despite an earlier call explaining that someone was coming to view and that it needed to be running). My wife responded with a phone call to ask why and was told not to complain and if she didn't like it then go pick the bike up again. Clearly the guy at the 4Stroke shop can't be trusted.

So, I am looking for a reliable and competent mechanic/bike shop that can pick the bike up from 4Stroke bike shop and fix it. I have spent alot of money on this bike in the past with many parts being brought back from the UK. I also have a full gasket/seals set for it.

If anyone can help - then I would like to get it 'sorted' and then sold.

Thanks.

Thanks for all the good advice on here.

Flights now booked for December 1st. Malaysian Airlines were the best deal. Looking forward to the trip as I also have friends to visit in KL so it should be a nice break.

Phuketshrew.

Is the highlighted statement above correct? The reason for asking is that I planned to apply for 1 year extension based on marriage (I'm currently on a retirement extension) in January, but my money won't be seasoned in time, so I was planning to extend for 60 days to allow the money to be seasoned, then extend for 1 year during the last 30 days of my permission to stay of the 60 day extension. Can I do this?

This is what I was told by the immigration officer. However, in my experiences with immigration department they seem to be consistently inconsistent. You are probably best advised to ask at the immigration office if what you intend to do is possible.

Two additional papers that could be worth having is a short note from wife asking for visa to be issued/dated/signed as further proof marriage is still intact and copy of her home register.

Visa should cost about 5,000 baht equivalent.

Thanks!

Copy of home register is actually one of the "official" requirements, though I don't think they ever asked me for that when I was applying in Austria (my home country).

If you have kids, bring copies of the birth certificates as well to further make your case.

Although... if they have doubts I am going to show them the 3000+ photos on my phone, 95% of which are the kids and wife...

Thanks for all the advice guys - seems like it could be a better and perhaps even cheaper option than going through all the nonsense and loopholes at the immigration office.

Is the visa granted on the same day in KL? I am looking at some interesting flight options to arrive Thursday afternoon, visit the embassy on Friday and fly back on the Saturday. Is that 'doable' or should I fly a day earlier and allow 2 days to get the visa?

Malaysian Airlines can be had for 4,605 baht return, Qatar Airways for $152.90 (about the same) - both of which seem to undercut Air Asia. I am planning to go at the end of November.

Remember that if you want a multiple non-O in KL, you will need to show 100,000 baht in your bankaccount. Otherwise it will be Australia for a multiple.

Hi

This seems to be just what I am looking for - could I ask for a little more info?

I have not had to do visa runs for nearly 20 years. However, circumstances changed. Last year I got a one year visa based on my marriage to my Thai wife but had to show bank statements for 400K in the bank for three months. This year I am unable to this as funds have dipped slightly below the requirement. I have just been given an extension for two months until December 3rd and was told by immigration that I would then need to leave the country and get a visa elsewhere.

From this thread I understand that I can fly to KL and get a multiple non-o based on my marriage with 100K in the bank.

Can anyone tell me what other documentation is required in addition to marriage papers, bank book/statement and wifes ID card. I want to do this visa run but I dont want to end up in KL without sufficient documentation. Also, it was mentioned that it is multiple entry for 1 year duration - I take it that means that I have to leave every three months (which is fine as I have other trips planned anyway) in the same way as I would with a multiple reentry permit.

Also - Does anyone know the cost of this visa? And is there any additional cost every three months? (like a reentry permit).

Thanks in advance for any info.

Apparently he was weleased as they could not find a bwian.

So they chose to welease jeffwee instead

Does this mean I'll have to increase my intake of Gin and tonic?

Thanks for the advice Opalhort.

However, the accounting company is now telling me that in addition to requiring an original printed receipt (and not a compter generated receipt) the said receipt must have a signature on it!

............Maybe time to look elsewhere for accounting services?

Much of the expenditure for our recently started business is made online (web hosting, airline ticket booking, conference booking etc.). As such transactions are paperless we usually receive receipts for expenditure electronically. However, I have been advised by a local (Phuket) accounting company that Thai auditors will only accept original printed and posted receipts for tax deduction. We have contacted several of our overseas suppliers and the responses are similar - an example being 'We are a paperless company however you can login to billing to view and PRINT any of the invoices you need for your tax purposes'.

My question is - Is the advice that I am getting from the account correct?

If so - This presents serious implications for a business wanting to conduct business (whther all or partial) online - So much for Phuket's movement towards being a 'Cyberisland'.

If not - Can anyone recommend a legitimate, competent accountancy company that doesn't cost 'an arm and a leg'?

#1 - Yes.

#2 - It depends how you set it up. Depending upon which operating system you're using the procedure will be a little different, but it's generally possible to restrict access only certain users and to require the user to know a password to gain access.

Assuming that you're using Windows, Google around a bit with keywords such as "Windows File Sharing" or "Windows Mapping Shared Drives" and you should find a wealth of information about how to proceed.

You couls also look at using Google Apps for file sharing and collaboration?

I would like to warn readers of the potential risk of buying car insurance through company agents.

When buying a new car last year comprehensive car insurance for one year was included. However, last month we decided to return to our original insurers, AIG, through the AIG agent that had previously handled our insurance. Unknown to us the agent decided to keep our money (apparently to fuel his gambling addiction) and we were left driving around with no insurance (we were led to believe that we were covered and that a policy would be issued).

On visiting the AIG office we were informed that AIG will not be held responsible for the actions of their agents. The AIG documentation that you and the AIG agent sign is an agreement between you and the agent and not AIG – If you buy your car insurance through an AIG Agent you do so at your own risk.

AIG acknowledged that the problem of rogue agents is widespread – We were shown a list of 11 such agents that had recently been 'terminated'. However, AIG have no procedures in place to inform their clients (either by directly contacting clients or by notification in the local press) so there is no way of knowing whether the agent that you are dealing with is genuine.

AIG also informed us that vetting and background checks were not conducted when they recruited AIG agents - Apparently all that is required is a guarantor. Unsurprising then that AIG are experiencing such problems with rogue agents – but that wouldn't be the responsibility of AIG would it?

I just learned last weekend that a friend and ex colleague has had the same thing happen to him.

Beware when dealing with agents for your insurance - I will always go directly to the compnay offices from now on.