Kudos To Thailand

[thairet]

Retirement Visa / Re-entry Query 2009-04-08

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Retirement-V...ry-t255646.html

Hi, I thought I would share my recent experience after a 7 month overstay. The circumstances were stated in my OP (date above).

As advised by Light Beer I toddled off to Swampi with a return ticket to Penang (on-line AirAsia) and 20,000 baht in my pocket to pay the fine.

When I was nabbed and escorted to immigration I went into humble apologetic mode.

The sweet IO was very sympathetic. I had my medical records with me as back-up, but she did not want to see them. She “corrected” my 30-day stay expiry of last September to match my (then invalid) retirement extension date of 9 May, 2009.

I did not ask the question as my bag was already on the flight and I fancied seeing Penang again, but I got the impression I could have returned to Soi Suan Pluh that day and submitted my papers and would be given a new retirement extension as I have done in the past.

So after muchos gracias to her I fumbled about counting out the fine. “Oh, I don’t think we need to worry about a fine under the circumstances” says she, looking cuter by the second.

I LOVE THAILAND AND ITS CUTE IMMIGRATION OFFICERS. YES I AM SHOUTING AS I WANT THE WORLD TO HEAR.

A lovely lady, a just and efficient service and a credit to Thailand. After all, I had broken the law! Plus 20000 baht for me to spend in Penang. I brought most of it back to spend in LOS!

I stayed at Banana New Guest House, Chulia Street, Georgetown, which is a basic backpacker dump but with great staff and an efficient visa service. Now I was flush I stayed in the finest suite they offered at 600 baht per night (no window but a private bog, good air con, useless TV and useless Wi-Fi). The street food was incredibly good and incredibly cheap. Beer is twice the price of Big Mango (even Tiger which is brewed there!)

Banana Visa service fee: 200 baht

One year non-O with multiple entry / re-entry: 5900 baht

Timing: 1 day + half to get you to a 5pm flight back.

Thank you all for your valuable replies to my OP.

Thairet

[ubonjoe]

You had a very lucky day.

I would not even venture to guess why.

Congratulations.

[thairookie]

Did she remark that you're 'loop lor' ?

[thairet]

Did she remark that you're 'loop lor' ?

Yes, I consider it lucky, but could it have been my olde English charm and remaining yellow teeth?

Not sure what "loop lor" means..something about being greedy?

Cheers, Thairet

[thairookie]

'loop lor' means suave and handsome.