Stray
-
Posts
387 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Events
Forums
Downloads
Quizzes
Gallery
Blogs
Posts posted by Stray
-
-
"For decades, touts have preyed on tourists, forgers have sold low-quality fake documents on Khaosan Road . . ."
Too right! As Thailand concentrates on encouraging high quality tourists, only high quality fakes will be tolerated.
-
Note to international tourists: Nothing to see up here and, in any case, Isaan is closed to tourists until further notice.
-
24 minutes ago, Lovethailandelite said:
Post 46. The figures should be a turn over of 800 million baht, not 800,000 million
. A slip of the keyboard but now I cannot edit it.
Don't worry about it, Lovethailandelite. Just continue to enjoy the peace of mind that being a TE member provides.
As a member of TE, your visa concerns are capably handled by a representative of Thailand Elite. As the holder of an alternative visa/extension, your concerns are capably handled by scores of posters on a website.
-
1
-
-
4 hours ago, 4evermaat said:
I have met a couple of people who paid agents between 20-25k and got a non-O conversion + 1 year + multiple re-entry permit (or 15 months total); paperwork was very straightforward and it took about 3-7 days depending on whether you were in bangkok or not.
But they still had to do the 90 day reports. Most of them went on to just continue the extensions themselves. Mostly retirement, with a few that were married to thai national.
The PE or TE visas are classified as tourist visas. See this post:
As such, you cannot. You must obtain a non-immigrant visa + separate work permit in order to work legally.
I find that odd that the gov't didn't make an exception for TE members, but TiT. In practice however, I'm sure you could still manage a business in the background with little worries.
---
add: does anyone on PE actually do the 90 day reports? You could just hop the border once a year and hardly ever touch the local immigration office. Enjoy the privilege guys.
I'm a member of the programme, live in the countryside and do my own 90 day reports. Apart from the drive to the 'local' immigration office (around 90kms), it is easy and very painless. An 1 hour drive (each way) and 10 minute immigration visit becomes a day outing of shopping, lunching and socialising with those in the local 'big smoke.'
-
2
-
-
- Popular Post
Flustered, there are a couple of simple questions for those that post negative views on the Thai Elite programme and the Privileged Entry visa.
Question 1: How many years have they been a member of the programme and an holder of a PE/SE visa?
Question 2: If they are not a member of the programme, on what do they base their negative responses? (I was informed, on another (unrelated) thread, that my comments were not welcome as I didn't have any personal experience on the subject matter.)
For those that post about the programme failing, I ask these questions. How many years has the TE programme been running? Since it's original inception, how many years have posters been posting negative comments and claiming that the programme will fail?
Before I close out this message, yes, I do have something negative to say. I purchased a 5 year membership. Now, I wish I had purchased a 20 year membership. Peace of mind for 20 years beats peace of mind for 5 years!
-
4
-
If the OP photo is anything to go by; how can he get an election day correct when he doesn't know which finger to flip to media photographers?
-
1 hour ago, crazygreg44 said:
8 extensions within 7 years ? How does that fit into the picture? The longest Tourist visa one can get is 90 days. (the new 6 month METV was introduced last year!)
It must have meant a few brown envelopes to Immigration officials.
And by their press notice, they indirectly confess to it
5 year 'tourist visas' have been available for many years.
-
5 hours ago, oldsailor35 said:
I wonder what those funny white lines are that he is parked on ?
The best I can figure is that they are road paint test strips. The stripes are painted on the road so that their endurance can be assessed in all types of traffic and road conditions.
See them all over the place and, as far as I can determine, they have no significance as they have zero impact on the flow of traffic.
-
2 hours ago, soalbundy said:
A friend from Germany visited me while on holiday. he is an engineer but a bit of a tree hugger. While out walking in a small market town he 'announced' (that is the only way to describe it) that he was finally ready. For what i asked, Durian he said, a pregnant pause followed which finally gave birth to '' I am ready to try Durian''. He bought a small piece put it in his mouth and instantly threw up on the street, he wasn't ready for Durian.
Definitely an aquired taste. Those that indulge inform me that eating one is an amazing experience. I don't know if they mean that in a good way. However, I strongly suspect they only want to witness my reaction which, I imagine, would be on par with your German friend.
Going back a few years ago, when a group of us would congregate at an outdoor cafe, would occasionally cop the strong stench of rotting garbage. Without looking, we would make wagers on whether it was a garbage truck or a durian seller. It was always a straight up 50-50 gamble.
Having said all that, when time permits, will be planting a couple of durian to see how they go.
-
On 13/12/2016 at 11:10 PM, Mr Kie said:
nothing better than having coconut water right from the tree, decorated with orchid flower which is also available in the farm and using rice straw instead of using a plastic one. Banana was just first harvested and more will come.
Where are you obtaining the rice straws?
Since I saw your post I've been trying to find them but to no avail.
Sick to death of picking up discarded plastic straws (and other litter). We have many bins around the shop but a few lazy people can't be bothered with the effort of using them. The greatest frustration is with those that drop rubbish, on the ground, next to a bin. Perhaps the confusion of having three bins, side-by-side (recyclables (cans, bottles, cardboard, paper), organic waste, all other rubbish), is too much choice for some to process and figure that the rubbish will find it's own way to the correct bin.
-
1
-
-
- Popular Post
- Popular Post
On 03/01/2017 at 3:00 PM, Mr Kie said:Many people have the same thought, growing many things will bring higher cost. in fact, it's opposite, the main cost is maintenance cost from what i think. so i just leave all this to the nature. we focus on creating the good soil, good soil will take care of the plants, many crops will bring variety of bugs good one and bad one and let them do the job. you just support the system, keep it in balance and harvest only the surplus.
I love your idea of letting things grow naturally and letting the ecosystems work themselves out.
To this end, I've been working on the same idea. Sure, my returns have been lower (lesser harvests than neighbours) but my inputs have also been lower (no money spent on pesticides and, as the soil is being conditioned by compost, no money spent on fertilizer). Although, my labour 'costs' have been higher. Not a financial cost as I do all the work myself but it is a 'time cost.' Luckily, it's a labour of love. Really enjoying the rewards (a monologue from the movie 'Silent Running' comes to mind).
To assist in the control of insect pests, I've been planting a quick growing tree. I have no idea what it is called but I have found that bugs like eating them more than they like to eat my other plants and trees (the bugs have been eating these leaves and not my palm oil).
The 'bad' bugs move in and eat the leaves on these quick growing trees. The predatory bugs move in to eat the 'bad' bugs. The birds move in to eat any bugs they can catch. The only real downside is that some hawks have moved in to prey on the birds. It's a minor downside as they've picked up a couple of my baby chickens (free-range) but, most of the time, my roosters sound a warning when the hawks are gliding overhead and all of the chickens take cover.
The pros of these quick growing trees are:
- they sprout everywhere during the latter half of the wet season so they are prolific and are easily transplanted to where they are needed;
- they grow quickly so, within a short period of time, they are well established;
- the large leaves provide food for insect pests and shade;
- they love water so grow easily in swampy/wet locations;
- they shed a lot of leaves which cover the ground and provide a fantastic location for growing wild mushrooms; and
- as they grow so quickly and are so prolific, they can be cut down without permission (I use them to make charcoal for my barbeque).
Cons:
- as they sprout everywhere, a bit of work is required to cut the ones that aren't required;
- the large leaves provide a lot of shade so nothing (except fungi) will grow under them;
- they drop a lot of large leaves so, as above, the same problems with nothing else growing;
- as they require a lot of water, until they are mature and find their own source, they require watering if you try to establish them outside of the wet season.
Again, I don't know what these trees are but I've been using them around the property. When they have served their purpose, or are growing where they're not required, I cut them down and use the wood.
One month old. Hand watering. The holes in the leaves show that it's already popular with the insects.
6 months old. Lack of water resulted in poor foliage. Although, the holes in the leaves show that it's tasty.
6 months old. Well watered but a different type of leaf to the previous.
7 year old trees which keep some of the pests from mango trees.
Attracting pests from the palm oil.
Three year old palm oil, 'fruiting.'
-
3
-
On 03/01/2017 at 3:26 PM, soalbundy said:
I was going to do some Durian but i was put off after reading that they don't have very deep roots, don't like surface water (need dry feet) and they can grow up to 60 feet high which means they fall over easily in a high wind which can be expensive (and deadly) if they hit your or your neighbours house. I would like to try growing them in one of our fields but you would need a 24 hour guard when they bear fruit
Sarcasm on -
Please don't do it soalbundy. Durian are evil!
The 'King of Fruits?' How anyone could put something so foul smelling within the vicinity of their mouth I'll never know.
- Sarcasm off.
Give growing them a shot. As far as height is concerned, as they grow, cut out the top. That way they may grow bushy but not high.
Besides, what's the worst that can happen? A neighbour killed by a falling durian tree? There are worse ways to go. Eating one comes to mind.
-
1
-
-
On 01/01/2017 at 3:33 PM, Mr Kie said:
Durian just been here for 3 months, probably gonna take 4-5 years till it start fruiting
Ohhh, Mr Kie, now you've done it. I was really enjoying your postings until this.
All durian should be strangled at birth!!!
Keep up the good work! Very inspiring stuff you're doing.
-
1
-
-
- Popular Post
- Popular Post
On 05/01/2017 at 9:21 PM, James2020 said:I wanted to clarify an issue, so I sent an e-mail to Thailand Elite with the following question:
My wife is a Thai citizen, born in Thailand, and is also a naturalized US citizen for the past several years, and has both Thai and US passports. When she enters Thailand, she uses her Thai passport. We will leave the country together and return together, on the same flight. If I become a member of Thailand Elite, can she still use the airport services if she is not a member but travels with me? I want to be sure we are not separated during the airport process if she travels with me.
This is the response I received:
"Greeting from Thailand Elite …
Refer to your inquires please kindly inform you as follow;
1. Applicant who will be able to apply Thailand Elite’s member must be a foreigner only.
2. According to our policy concerning the fast track service at the airport that is restricted for Thailand Elite member only. The effective date will be on the 1st of February 2017. Therefore we cannot provide Airport service for who is not Thailand Elite member accordingly. We humbly ask for your kind understanding with this matter that it is an official instruction by Immigration Bureau which we have to follow. It actually has no effect to our service provided to Thailand Elite member and in fact, it is a benefit for us to specifically focus on providing the best service to our valued members."Therefore, my Thai wife is not eligible for the program, and cannot accompany me through the airport fast track service, or presumably the transportation service. There is no provision for a guest. Thus, I would not use the airport fast track and transportation service, which makes the program less valuable for me. I'm certain there are others in this situation. I asked whether she could pay for the service and they haven't responded yet. When they do, I'll post the response here.
Arrived back into Thailand yesterday, with my Thai girlfriend.
As ThaiElite have stated, immigration service is not available to non members. That is not their decision but an immigration department ruling. However, all other services (meet-and-greet (golf cart - one drop off to Thai national immigration + one drop off to fast track) and BMW limo service) are available to both members and their guests.
As Thai national immigration formalities are usually very quick, my girlfriend was through immigration and into the BMW almost as quickly as I was. In fact, I was sitting in the car and had just peeled the plastic wrapper from the cap of complimentary water when she joined me in the car. Our bags took longer.
-
6
-
On 14/12/2016 at 4:15 AM, liveforever said:
Does anyone have any idea on chanote paddy land rai price with good access between buriram/surin please.
80k+/rai, Surin province, 15kms from the Cambodian border.
Just, this month, bought 25 rai (for 2 milion baht) of paddy fields. Full (red) chanote land. On a highway, therefore, access to power and cable (internet, tv). No town water supply but bore water on the land is available.
-
On 13/12/2016 at 10:18 PM, Mr Kie said:
we still keep planting more on what we can sell and grow better in such circumstances. seems like having more layer and grow more mushroom would the best, it generate every day income and follow by bamboo. mulberry is also doing well and banana too just take a bit longer than other crops.
<Cut photos from original post to reduce size of reply post>
Seems that you are using temporary housing for the chickens. Is this correct? Good idea for clearing and conditioning land. When the chickens have cleared out one section, move them to the next.
Was also reading about a company (not in Thailand) that rents out goats, for the same purpose. The company erects temporary fencing and installs water and supplemental feed bins then runs an herd of goats on the land until the undergrowth has been cleared.
Welcome back, Mr Kie.
-
"Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has told his critics, including the international community, to stay quiet in the future and allow him (to) resolve the domestic problems in Cambodia . . ."
To allow him to resolve domestic problems that he, himself, has created.
Headline should read, "Hun Sen tells the world not to pressure him because he is useless."
-
With a 'first/given' name of 'Dung,' seems his parents appropriately named him at birth.
-
I, too, am missing your posts. I hope the reason is that you've been too busy with the hands-on work and haven't had time to play on-line. (If you've moved your entire project reporting to Fakebook then I, for one, will not be able to follow your progress.)
Not only your success but I would also like to hear about your failures or results that didn't turn out as planned. By also posting those you may not only receive some actual advice on how to fix/avoid but you will also be advising some of us in errors that we may be on the way to making, ourselves.
As far as detractors are concerned, we can all help Mr. Kie out by using the 'Report' button on posts that are not offering any practical advice.
-
1
-
-
4 minutes ago, Peterw42 said:
You get a statutory declaration from Australian embassy, declaring you live at a certain address. Certificate of residency is from immigration.
My error. Yes, you are correct. Basing my response on stevenl's post (and acknowledging the fact that the OP was discussing a tourist), I put the term 'Certificate of Residency' within apostrophes as a 'true' Certificate of Residency would be rather difficult for a tourist to obtain.
The statutory declaration, which you obtain from the Australian embassy, has been satisfactory as 'proof of address' for me in obtaining driver's licences and the purchasing of vehicles, in my own name, within Thailand.
-
'Certificate of Residency' can be obtained from the Australian embassy and is valid for 30 days. The only requirement is that you pay a fee.
The Australian embassy has a laminated template of the form (pink form) which you can use when filling out your own copy.
-
On 11/28/2016 at 4:12 PM, bluesofa said:
When my wife reserved a number it took almost a year for it to come through.
I remember reading in the press earlier in the year that the government want to stop issuing red plates so much. They insist that from now on (ha ha!) it would be possible to get the standard plates issued within one day.
I'll await a TV member's report on that one.Yes, I also read that they were no longer going to issue red plates, however, still see them being put on new vehicles. The alternative (no plates) is very common on new and old vehicles.
Realistically, the issuing of a new plate, within the day, should not be difficult. The local Land Transport Office have a number of plates on-hand and should be geared up to issue them to registered new vehicle dealers 'on demand' as a vehicle is sold and the paperwork is submitted. Unfortunately, it seems necessary to 'reinvent the wheel' each time the process is carried out.
-
22 hours ago, KhunBENQ said:
Good to read another confirmation.
Some will never believe (a mate of mine made useless effort for a new plate)
Admittedly it has been over a year since I last did this and things may have changed in that period but, as I mention in my post (above), I'll see what happens with the next 2nd hand bike I buy.
-
13 hours ago, ib1b4 said:
Did not work for me! .I recently purchased a used bike in Surin province , I wanted to leave it registered in Surin and keep the same number plate . But the DLI would only enter my name into the green book , but they gave me fifteen days to re register the bike in the province which I reside and naturally different number plate . Plus seven days wait for the new plate .
I understand that some provinces follow a different interpretation of the rules.
Whilst things may have changed since my previous vehicle purchase (over 12 months ago), I'm planning on buying another vehicle (from Bangkok, to Buri Ram) within the next couple of weeks. After all of the paperwork is completed I'll post the outcome.
My apologies to bluesofa for veering off your original topic (about the process of the issuing of new plates) but, if acceptable, this seems as good a place as any to also mention transfer/change over of plates from one province, to another.
Tourist touts, Khaosan forgers busted
in Bangkok
Posted
Questions, questions.
Tourists are asked not to take advantage of pirated goods.
Drivers are asked not to take advantage of tourists.
Police are asked not to take advantage of drivers.