InspectorRex

If this is all true then it's great news for the families to these scumbags finally arrested and give at least some closure for them.

There's a lot of unsolved all around the world that will never be solved and the Thai police were under the pump from day one with such a high profile case.

Let's hope that all the authorities involved in this case will learn from this including procedures and press statements in future cases.

18 days is excellent work considering the amount of suspects they had to deal with.

Well done despite the press gaffs along the way!

Agree completely with you. As I mentioned in another thread, not exactly textbook criminal investigating, but, it now appears certain the RTP have found the culprits.

The way the families of David and Hannah have conducted themselves throughout this ordeal is a real credit to them. I am also extremely proud of the RTP for sticking to their guns and investigating they way they deemed most appropriate.

I believe this outcome will surely go some way to restoring people's faith in not only the RTP, but also in Thailand as a holiday destination.

Stay safe guys, use common sense and let's all stop with the silly conspiracy theories and get on with the healing process for all involved.

we all know is it a set up of the Burmese guys.....!!!!

I guess the Thai police will be splitting up the reward money that has been offered.....13,000 English pounds!

What a disgrace!!!

WHERE is the UK government in this corrupt process after the murder of UK nationals!

Bye Bye Thailand...I am completely over you my old friend. I will be spreading the word also about you.....and it ain't going to be good.

And where is YOUR evidence this is a set up as you claim?! Maybe stop watching thai soap operas on television and you will see things a little clearer.

Some folk are just unable to admit they were quite possibly wrong in their assumptions and are unable to give credit where it is due.

In this case, the RTP deserve a "well done chaps" for following through with their procedures and not giving up!

Yes!!! I know i am going to cop quite a bit of flak for this, but I am so happy not only for David and Hanna's families, but also for Thailand in general as well as the RTP. I am sitting here typing this with tears streaming down my face (fine go ahead and make fun I don't care), but the RTP have taken a lot of crap from would-be TV detectives about their investigation. Look, it may not have been textbook police work by our Western standards, but they have got their man/men in the end, and THAT is all that matters IMHO. As far as I'm concerned, the end justifies the means.

There are surely quite a lot of TV folk who are feeling quite foolish/embarrassed this morning after the disgraceful and childish comments they've made regarding the RTP/various conspiracy theories >_>

Lets hope everyone can now start the healing process from this terrible tragedy.

Thank you Loaded, your words/thoughts regarding Steve are very much appreciated.

Was only recently made aware of this, but to anyone in Chiang Mai who may have known of him, Derek (Steve) Hallam passed away after a long illness (congestive heart failure) at the age of 68. Steve had been very ill during the last few months of his life, confined to bed, but he received great care from the nurses of Suandoc Hospital as well as from his many local and expat friends. For those who didn't know of Steve, he established (along with his cousin Gareth Lavell) back in the mid 1990's the Rejoice Urban Development Project - a small, grass-roots organisation which gave social and emotional support to local people infected with, or affected by HIV/AIDS. The organisation, which still operates today, has survived for the past 15 years or so on small amounts of intermittent funding from local and overseas donors, several of the local embassies (such as Aust, British and NZ) as well as occasional support by way of small grants from the Elton John and Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundations.

I was fortunate enough to be able to spend time around 7 years ago volunteering with Rejoice Charity (which it is now called) and the amazing work Steve, along with Gareth and the 3 or 4 local Thai staff did on a daily basis has been something I have never forgotten about. Each day a small mini-bus would be used to travel to surrounding villages and towns to deliver medication to treat many opportunistic infections which are associated with HIV infection. Whilst the organisation could never afford to buy anti-retrovirals to treat patients, medication that could help ease the pain and discomfort of patients suffering from gastrointestinal, respiratory and skin infections was bought and distributed to around 500 HIV infected patients each week. Sadly, due to global economic factors, over recent years Rejoice has had to scale back its operations somewhat and as a result, a couple of the local Thai staff have had to find work elsewhere, and the amount of patients seen each week has had to be greatly reduced.

Steve Hallam was the driving force behind Rejoice (particularly so after Gareth Lavell left a number of years ago to pursue other interests) and up until the last few days before he died, he was still very much adamant he wanted more than anything for Rejoice to continue helping those people of Chiang Mai and surrounding villages who were HIV positive and for the remaining staff of the organisation to carry on all the great work which had been achieved over the years. He was a very generous, hard working and devoted man who did so much good in his time in Thailand and over the years there would have been a significant number of people whose lives would have been made that little bit more bearable through the work of Steve and his small team at Rejoice.

Before coming to Thailand, Steve was in the police force in Manchester. I believe a trip to India, where he witnessed a lot of obvious suffering and poverty, was the catalyst for him leaving the U.K to begin a new life in Thailand where he found peace and satisfaction in helping those in need. A wonderful man who I was privileged to meet.

What a great shot/pose fabianfred - the little fella is really 'workin the camera'!

Pillion - this is an absolutely brilliant idea! I can't believe no one has ever decided to start this type of club before! May I nominate you as Club President in-waiting

A bit of a story....Years ago I went over with a mate to pick up his new bike. He was a returning rider who, amongst other quirks, only had one leg. His right leg just below the knee had been lost to cancer when he was a boy and he had an artificial leg. I pondered at the time that that was going to present some difficulty when braking. I soon found out that it wasn’t a difficulty at all as he didn’t use the brakes…

The plan was for me to pillion him back on the bike, a Yamaha RD350LC, and for my mate to acclimatise himself with the machine once we got home with a few “around the block” rides, etc. It didn’t work out that way. Once cash had been exchanged for goods and my mates eyes glazed over at the idea of his new purchase, he decided that he’d ride home and I would pillion. Little did I know what I was letting my self in for.

Out of the shop and onto the street with Glenn doing his best Kenny Roberts impersonations and me clinging on in dread and mortal fear for my life - all at obscene speeds and with little or no regard for the road rules or other traffic.

And just when I thought that it couldn’t get worse, we hooked left and headed in towards our usual back street shortcut. As we howled down towards the bridge, I noted that there was a slow-moving car in front and I thanked God that Glenn was finally going to slow down as there was nowhere he could overtake…

Yeah, right. Without even slowing down, he flung the bike left, aimed for the gap between the car and the gutter and UNDERTOOK the car across the bridge, the left hand foot-peg scraping the kerb in the process. Needless to say I was screaming like a schoolgirl by this stage and I can’t even remember the rest of the ride. I know we survived because I’m here to tell the tale, but I surely don’t know how and I vowed never to get on the back with anyone ever again.

I still get the shakes every time I think of it. Mate, if you’re out there, I forgive you, but it’s taken a lot of years hah

Jaideeguy, there are currency exchange counters opposite the international arrival lounge.

I usually find you can get a better rate if you get your currency exchanged at the various booths in the city though.

Inspector Rex

Alrite Lads n Ladies, let us get a bit of discussion happening here!

What is your idea of a great Sunday in Chiang Mai? It doesn't have to be anything out of the ordinary or involve spending lots of money or whatever. Sometimes it is the simplest things in life which we gain the most enjoyment from.

For me, starting the day with a great breakfast at one of the many cheap dining establishments is a must. I usually can't go past a plate of bacon and eggs with a stack of toast dripping with butter if I want to guarantee a full, happy belly. Top it off with a pot of Liptons and Bob's yer Aunty...perfect! Don't forget to stop in at Sompet Market for some snacks and fresh fruit for later in the day.

Ok, action time! Jump on the 2-wheeler and go out past Mae Rim for a ride up into the hills - this is especially nice when the cooler weather around December/January kicks in. It is such a great feeling riding through those undulating hills, smelling the clean mountain air and looking at the amazing sights at regular intervals along the journey. If it's not an elephant or water buffalo, it is a family of four on a bike heading towards you...What tha! You just don't get to see sights like this in the West. Hmmm, time to stop for a rest and a pick-me-up at the Wawee coffee stall overlooking the elephant park and a spot of reading and relaxing for an hour. Great coffee, great view, great feeling. Jump back on the bike and heck, you don't even need a map - just keep on riding and see where the road, and life takes you! It beats sitting on the couch all day or having to mow the lawn don't you think...

In the evening, after a long ride and with aching muscles asking for some relief, what could be better than an inexpensive massage for an hour, followed by an easy stroll through the alleyways of the old city to seek out a dish or two of that wonderful Chiang Mai favourite - Khao Soi. I think a spot of people watching at the Walking Street Market is in order whilst enjoying some of that delicious condensed-milk sweetened Thai coffee in a little side soi. I might even treat myself to a couple of Changs, then grab one of those amazing banana and chocolate Rotis for supper on the walk home.

I'm sure if I thought about it there would be plenty more exciting things I could have done (and it would probably be boring for many of you), but if I had to settle for this itinerary to spend a Sunday in one of the great little cities of the world, I would be a very happy chappy.

Come on folks, don't be shy....what's YOUR perfect way to spend a Sunday in CM?!

Have a great day,

InspectorRex

Did you all come here to eat Western food?

Heuan Phen for Northern Thai

Mit Mai for Yunnanese

Khao Soi Islam for... Khao Soi

Good Times for Central Thai

And you won't catch me dead in Dukes - not so much the food as the missionaries.

No man, one certainly does not go to Thailand to gorge on Western food, BUT, occasionally (well speaking for myself) I do get a craving for some of my favourite dishes from home. Simple things like bacon and eggs, a nice home cooked roast, great pasta, bread and wine etc etc. Now I know these tpyes of dishes can be found in Thailand, so when you do happen to track down an establishment that serves great western food, I don't think it hurts to satisfy those cravings one might have every now and then. In saying that though, I can't say I frequented all that many western style places when in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. When living in Bangkok, I was right next to Sukhumvit 38, where there is fantastic Thai food to be had - most of it for 30 Baht! When in Chiang Mai, I mostly ate at the various street stalls, not only because they are great value, but also because more often than not the food was great. I think one of the few western style places I tried in CM was Salsa Kitchen - I found it pretty good (well the servings were huge anyway)!

But yeah, it will be good to hear what others have to say about CM's 'most delectable restaurant'....you can never have too many options when it comes to food I say!

Chopper mate, I know the feeling only too well. I was recently in Bangkok for 6 months as an intern for the U.N (yes, only a very short time compared to many of you guys on Thai Visa who have spent years in LOS), but I have also worked in Chiang Mai for a year previously, so I am not just a short-time tourist with very limited experience. I got back to Australia a few weeks ago and not a day goes by when I don't think about being back in Thailand. Don't get me wrong, I think Australia is a great place, but for me, at present, it just feels so sterile and lacking in many of the things which make living in Thailand such an interesting experience (particularly the food, people, varied landscapes, sense of freedom etc).

Not everything about Thailand is great, that is for sure (just like every place has its pros and cons) but there is no doubt one certainly feels alive living there. Every sense of being is hightened, not dulled like it feels it is living in western countries.

I am currently trying all I can do to find employment somewhere in LOS, as well as convince my partner to pack everything up here in Oz and make the move - if only for a year even. I don't think I can take the monoteny of my daily life as a public servant, combined with the attitudes and sour faces of many people here in Australia (not to mention the ever increasing laws and regulations which make it feel like one's every move is being watched), for much longer heh.

where in the emporium? i never saw it there

Not sure about the Emporium, but I do know there is an outlet at the Tesco Lotus shopping centre next to On Nut station...is located just before you go into the actual Tesco supermarket inside.

Thanks for all your comments! We still try to get him back...

Sam was never locked in, he was always in front of the house or just walking around within a distance of around 100m. After this story, I would not make the same mistake again and keep the dog inside my area, at least during the night. I do not think that they try to take away dogs from inside a garden or even a house, but it seems to be dangerous if they walk around (especially during night time).

Police in Thailand seems to be totally useless. I know this long ago, but I was hoping to improve their performance by offering a reward of Baht 20.000 even to the police (should be their job anyway...), but nothing. They say the motorbike is not registered in Pattaya, case closed.

We got a phone call from a motorbike taxidriver...my only hope now. I really miss this dog, not to talk about my two kids (6 & 2 yrs old).

I really feel for you mate - hope you get your doggie back soon and hopefully the reward you have offered will make a difference and give you some leads. Terrible that someone would do such a thing, and your little ones must be really missing him. Let us know if there is any good news...

The forum heading is "photography and the arts"

would you like to elaborate on where any of the above snaps comply?

Jeez what are you - the internet police or something!?

Lighten up buddy and get over yourself. Let people post their photos in peace without you criticising every single time

And finally, a trip around Phuket. Phuket not my most favourite place in Thailand because I find it a bit over priced when compared to other parts of Thailand. But it's always worth a trip once in a while.

It's where my friend stalked and caught a bright blue parrot fish by hand and later ate it.

Always love looking at your pics Ian - you seem to have a wonderful time during the 5 or 6 months you spend in Thailand every year, as evidenced by your photographs. Don't worry what the whingers say regarding your posts...I'm sure there are many others here who enjoy reading and seeing what you get up to. I think most of those who do complain are just plain jealous you're having more fun than them

The OP sounds a lot like my 2nd eldest brother who's just decided to move to Cambodia permanently, having just spent the last 6 months living there. He hasn't had a 'regular' job for years but was lucky enough to be of an age when the government decided that over 50s needn't 'sign on' the dole every week. So he gets his dole money paid into his bank account every week.

The guy has 6 kids (that we know about), all of whom have had to make their own way in life (some of them going through pretty tough times). To mte, the guy is selfish in the extreme!

Would I like his freedom? I have it already, although I live with and take care of my 89 year old mother. Yes, I do feel he could play his part, like the rest of my siblings, but he won't.

I'm not describing the OP here - just sounded a lot like my brother's attitude to life - which has left a lot of unhappy people in its wake.

Good on you Joe - for taking care of your Mum in her senior years...I admire you.

To the OP, wow a fantastic and adventureous life you've lived. As a young guy, what an experience to set out and grab life by the ball$ and see the things you did. As a youngish fella myself, I am somewhat built in the same mould (although not nearly to the same extremes). I don't think, however, that I could be the same person when I had responsibilities such as kids, which I don't at the moment...I would want to do my best to provide for them as best I could and ensure they had things which I didn't when I was growing up. All good and well to live the carefree life when in your 20's, but maybe not so good to continue like that in later life if you are a Dad with young ones relying on you....Not criticising you, just my thoughts

Oh yeah, Happy Birthday by the way and good health and happiness to you and your family!

As I've become older I've come to realize that owning property is only something tying you down to one place. Some people NEVER realize that. I own a great big home in Canada and hardly even think of it as mine. I just consider it to be my children's inheritance and something I stay in temporarily. You can only occupy one room at a time and sit in one chair at a time and watch one TV at a time. You can only eat as much as your belly will hold, and a good meal tastes just as nice cooked in your own kitchen as it does in the fanciest restaurant in town. Possessions are just something to occupy your time. Too much sex eventually becomes boring, as does anything else done to excess.

I know people who own yachts, many different vehicles and fabulous summer homes, but they are no happier than I am. Having the same wouldn't interest me in the slightest. I can only drive one vehicle at a time and if it gets me to where I want to go then that is all that interests me. I've got more beautiful women at my beck and call than I can handle, and having any more doesn't interest me. The freedom to do what I want, when I want, where I want and with whom I want is all that I can ask for. And, I've got that when I'm in Thailand.

Fantastic post and attitude to life Ian Forbes - I couldn't agree more with your thoughts.

sorry my bad..

it is Op Khan... http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/asp/style...npid=2&lg=2

last time i went with the wife for picnic and a swim (it has currents like one of those endless pools).. anyway.. last time I went, a convey of CMU students turned up and went for a dip in hotpants and blouses. Dreadful!

If you follow the nature trail you get to a 'secret' beach... so secret in fact that I think I may have caused a few squirrels to blush when I skinny dipped!

Wow whiterussian, that place looks like a great spot for a dip...lovely looking countryside, and I wasn't even aware there was a river with rapids like that in the Chiang Mai area. I'm sure the place is pretty popular at the moment with the weather you guys are having over there. Would be a nice location for a picnic and to cool down no doubt! Oh yeah, I wonder if the CMU ladies are regular visitors (for future reference )

Hey mekka,

As a couple of the guys have mentioned also, the consulate staff in Brisbane I have found in my previous experiences to be really helpful and I don't think you should have any problems with getting a 12 month multi. I am by no means an expert on visa matters like members here such as lopburi3, but other people I have spoken to have also had no troubles with being issued 12 month multis in Brisbane, as long as their paperwork/applications were in order of course.

Good luck with it.

Hey guys,

Whenever I am in CM, I love living close by in the old city area. It is more than just the convenience of having so much within walknig distance though - I also like the feel/atmosphere of it. I can understand why, though, when many of you who have lived in CM for many years would be a bit jaded and thus prefer to live in areas outside the city where it is less hectic.

For me though, it is just a matter of jumping on the scooter and heading out of the city if I need a change of scenery and a bit of fresh air for a few hours. Like eek, one of the parts I love most about Chiang Mai is that small city/large town feel it has about it.

Not too many better places than CM to live in the world if you ask me. A short time in a generic, over-regulated western city will soon make one realise that - just my opinion of course

Most Consulates will not issue such a visa - it is either single entry or multi entry for one year. You can return from Malaysia by land and get 15 day visa exempt entry free. Or by air and get 30 days. There is no need for a second visa entry. If you decide you want to stay longer you can obtain a tourist visa in KL (and they may be free by that time).

Ah, ok then, thanks for that lopburi3. I will just apply for the single entry Non-Immigrant Visa and then, as you suggest, get the 30 days on arrival when I land at Suvarnabhumi.

Thank you very much for your help.

Thanks for that gotlost - yeah that option is what I was favouring also. The internship is a Professional Development-type of placement with a large, multi-national organisation and I recieve no income for the duration of the placement. I have been given an official 'Letter of Inviation' from the organisation though to submit with my application for a Non-Immigrant visa to the Thai consulate.

I am hoping this will be sufficient and have been told by the organsiation in Bangkok it will be enough, but if not, to let them know and they will correspond with the consulate regarding my placement/internship.

Well thank you again for your help.

Hello all,

Just hoping to get some quick advice in regard to a Non-Immigrant Visa. I am about to apply for a single entry visa here at a Thai consulate in Australia for a 2 month internship (unpaid) I am undertaking in Bangkok in a couple of months.

Now, after my 2 month internship finishes I have to go to Malaysia for a couple of days and then head back to Thailand for a further 2 weeks for some sightseeing.

I am wondering would it be simpler to just apply for a double entry Non-Immigrant visa at the consulate here in Australia now, or, apply for a single-entry visa which would cover my 2 month internship and then before I go to Malaysia apply at Immigration in Bangkok for a Re-entry permit so that I will be able to re-enter Thailand for a further 2 weeks holiday after coming back from 2 days in KL?

Thanks very much all for your advice

Hey mauiguy90,

Thanks so much for your help dude....I have been searching on the net and emailed a few places in the Prakanong area. Not sure how many replies I'll get but it is a bit difficult trying to pre-arrange an apartment before I actually arrive in Bangkok in early July. At least you have given me some contact details so will see how I go with Sk Tower.

Thanks again mate for your help!