Vientiane, Penang, Or Kl ? Luang Prabang ?

[billwo0]

Sawasdee Khrup,

I'm 63 year old American male, single.

In August of 2005 I walked into the Amsterdam Thai Consultate, paid 120 Euros, turned in the photos, and had 1 year non-immigrant B multiple-re-entry the next day. All transactions handled by Dutch nationals who had never been to Thailand and spoke no Thai

In February of 2006 was struck down by drunken motorcyclist severelly breaking my right leg in several places. While still recuperating I went to Singapore Thai consulate with letter from leading orthopaedic surgeon in Chiang Mai on official hospital letterhead. Lady at the desk (Ms. Iqbal ?) was hostile, wouldn't even look at the letter; I asked to speak to her supervisor; Ms. Iqbal to supervisor : "he has improper documentation." Supervisor walked away without looking at the letter. Ms. Iqbal says 90 days or I call the cops and have you throw out (seems she had some bad experience with America or Americans since she specifically brought up how "we people have problems when we want to the US). With great difficulty put a smile on and took the 90 days.

December 2006, cancer diagnosed. Chemo and radiation done at Thai hospital beginning late January 2007, finished June, 2007.

Now I am recuperating, beginning to gain back some of the 25kg. weight loss, and some strength. But I am not up for an international flight health wise, yet.

So, wondering what to do. My goal is a 1 year multiple entry where I leave the country every 90 days, and to apply for a retirement visa later this year when I finally get on American Social Security.

I've been to Vientiane many years ago; like most people ended paying some "tout" a fee to expedite the application (there were hundreds of Bangladeshis and Pakistanis queueing at the consulate the day I was there (I think that was stopped years ago).

I've been to Penang which bored me out of my mind except for good Indian food.

Singapore, I love to visit, I'm nervous about facing the dreadful Ms. Iqbal again, but have no way of knowing what time she works so I might be able to avoid her at the desk counter.

Luang Prabang : never been, would like to go, but never heard of any visa renewal stories from there.

Kuala Lumpur : an unknown, as is Macau, Jakarta (place is a polluted dump; I've been there). I'm not into night life, and can eat only bland food now thanks to radiation and chemo.

So appreciate any good advice about where to go. I hear that getting one year visas is easy in the smaller consulates in Australia, but am not sure my health can tolerate such long air travel.

thanks, Billwoo

[lopburi3]

Vientiane will not provide multi entry. Penang may but require bank account but amount not defined. Singapore will but require 800k in account(s) that may be anywhere. KL may or may not issue; but no recent reports.

[Fred Sanford]

That's a downer buddy, hope you get well