Hi Folks,

I remember 15 years ago when my wife was making regular trips to the Canadian Embassy in Thailand, after we were married and applying for immigration, I hooked up with a Russian guy who did translation work to help us out. He spoke a whole bunch of different languages including Thai and English. He tagged along to make sure my wife totally understood everything that was going on and all questions could be understood and answered clearly. It was such a big help and didn't cost me that much for a few hours of his time. On top of that he was a really nice guy.

Now after 14 years of marriage bliss I'm hating Canadian winter's more every year and dreaming of maybe retiring in Thailand. Anyway don't get me started on this winter weather. It has been brutal this year.

A friend of ours is now applying for a visitors visa to Canada. She speaks very little English and wants to come to visit her Mom, one of our many Thai friends here in Hamilton, Ontario. I was thinking it might be helpful to have a translator to tag along. How much would this cost nowadays? Anyone know of anyone who needs a little pocket money?

Regards,

Tony S.

Can't help with a translator, but as I recall from visiting the Embassy a few years back to get a new passport, there are some Thai people working there, so they might be able to help out.

I know what you mean about the winter. I've sworn that I'll never again spend a winter in Canada, which is why I've got the house here on the Gulf.

Yes this winter has been brutal around the Toronto area. We've had more snow than we've seen in years and temps into the -30's on a regular basis. I'm only turning 49 this year and I'm already wondering if I could make a go of it in Thailand. My wife and daughter would go in a minute. I'm more apprehensive. I work at the CBC and it's hard to walk away from such a good job.

Life is good for you?

Thai nationals work behind the glass help counters at the embassy as do several counsellors that I've dealt with (although I spoke English with them). I really don't see why you would need an English to Thai translator. The only reason I can think of for a translator is that embassy staff speak a kind of rules and regulations-based bureaucratese. A translator might turn these phrases into something more understandable.

Yes this winter has been brutal around the Toronto area. We've had more snow than we've seen in years and temps into the -30's on a regular basis. I'm only turning 49 this year and I'm already wondering if I could make a go of it in Thailand. My wife and daughter would go in a minute. I'm more apprehensive. I work at the CBC and it's hard to walk away from such a good job.

Life is good for you?

I retired here to Thailand at 57, somewhat forced to do so because of a downsizing. However, I happily left. As you probably know, there's almost no legal way you can earn a further living here except working for a western company via internet or frequent travel. Remember also, if you leave Canada for a long time, you lose your medicare (re-instatable after a 3-month waiting period). If you've got a good income job, which you would with CBC, I'd hang in for another few years. Make sure you save enough money for medical and family expenses (good school for your daughter is expensive) through further work income. I would say don't rush it, although I understand why you would want to escape miserable Toronto weather.

Edited February 10, 201412 yr by Kaoboi Bebobp