Hi (primarily) Guys,

After a decade and a half in Thailand one lesson I have learnt is this...get the data from the horses mouth...forget your 'mates' at the pub, buddies in your local go-go bar...get off your butt and go down to your local Immigration and get the facts. Each and every persons details are slightly different and the officers at Immigration in Bangkok could not have been more helpful, they have bent over backwards to assist in keeping me here. They realise that I bring into Thailand far more than it costs them (zero). They are not stupid. If you turn up in a tank-top, shorts and flip-flops, well, quite rightly you're going to get the brush-off from them. I'm not suggesting a three-peice suit, just business-like and well prepared. Visit their web-site and get all the data you need beforehand.

I'm going for my PR and they have so far made it so easy...doesn't mean it might not be in the future...I'll keep you updated at appropriate points. I don't work in Thailand and I'm too young for a retirement visa...well that's not quite true, but that's another story.

Even at the British Embassy in Bangkok I'm appalled by guys wandering in saying, "Duh, me passport got stolen from my back pocket in a bar in Pattaya...wadda I doo now?" I sincerely suggest the UK government places an IQ test before applicants for passports.

Anyway, those considering PR here, it's easy, just as ever if ever you want a job done properly DO IT YOURSELF....forget the <deleted> your 'mates' might tell you. Which I guess could include me...and that includes supposed 'specialist lawers', one I know had no clue...my friend has wasted three years on her advice...

JFP.

Edited September 6, 200817 yr by JFP

Interesting first post - I agree if you really want something you have to make the effort not only to "fit in" but to make those in authority want to help you.

As for the UK Government - who is going to test them? Sorry..... slightly but I couldn't resist!

Edited September 6, 200817 yr by VBF

I see that the OP was posted mainly as a rant about the way some people he has observed were dressed or behaving, containing no question that would need an answer or any comment regarding Thai visas, residency and work permits that would need debate or clarification. Therefore, I shall now close it.

JFP is most welcome to tell us later, in a fresh topic, the outcome of his application for PR (Permanent Residency) and I am sure that many members will be interested to read it.

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Maestro