- Popular Post
Ashto
-
Posts
81 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Downloads
Posts posted by Ashto
-
-
The following has appeared on the New Zealand Embassy in Thailand Facebook page. The period for registering interest is very short.
⚠️SPECIAL FLIGHT FROM BANGKOK TO AUCKLAND, SUNDAY 26 APRIL: EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST ⚠️
The New Zealand Embassy has been advised that a special Thai Airways flight has been scheduled to depart for Auckland, from Bangkok (BKK – Suvarnabhumi International Airport) at 18:55 (6:55pm) on Sunday 26 April.
We are still discussing several details (including pricing and number of seats available) with the Royal Thai Government and Thai Airways, but we have been advised that a certain number of seats on this flight will be made available to New Zealanders, through an Embassy registration process.
As this will be a commercial flight, those eligible for it will be required to pay for their tickets in advance of travel. Pricing details are still to be confirmed. We will provide further information on this as soon as we can.
It is possible that the number of seats available to us may not be sufficient to guarantee everyone who expresses interest the opportunity to book seats. If expressions of interest exceed the number of seats available, priority will be given to family groups and those assessed as vulnerable, in the first instance.
We encourage New Zealanders looking to return home to consider expressing interest in this flight, as flight links between New Zealand and Thailand are extremely limited at this time.
Expressions of interest (EOI) for this flight are open to New Zealand citizens, their immediate family members and New Zealand Permanent Residents from now until 9 am Tuesday 21 April.
Further details on how to submit an EOI are set out below. Please follow the process set out – we are not accepting EOIs via phone or Facebook message.
We acknowledge that the timelines involved are short. However, given a number of administrative processes that have yet to be confirmed (some of which are outside of our control), it is important that you express interest by the deadline provided.
The New Zealand Embassy will respond to all people who register interest as soon as we can, including to advise eligible applicants on how to book and confirm their tickets.
We will also provide updates on this flight as more information becomes available on our Facebook Page and through Safe Travel messages.
ℹ️ Important Immigration and COVID-19 Information
We urge you to familiarise yourselves with the current New Zealand immigration requirements and border restrictions, as these may have some relevance to you. Information on these can be found below, with further details at https://covid19.govt.nz/ and https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/covid-19/border-closures-and-exceptions.
Please be aware that immediate family members of New Zealand citizens, who may be eligible for this flight, but who are not citizens or residents themselves are required to seek approval from Immigration New Zealand. Further details on this process can be found at https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/covid-19/border-closures-and-exceptions. **Please note this process takes at least two working days.**
ℹ️ New Zealand Border Restrictions due to COVID-19
The New Zealand Government has implemented managed isolation requirements for international arrivals into New Zealand. Please consider these requirements in your decision-making about expressing interest for this flight.
All travellers entering New Zealand will be required to complete fourteen days of isolation in a managed facility (hotels). This means no one arriving from overseas will be permitted to self-isolate at home. The All-of-Government Response is paying for the cost of the accommodation and meals for those requiring managed isolation or quarantine.
• Every passenger entering New Zealand will continue to be screened for COVID-19 on arrival.
• If a passenger is symptomatic on arrival, they will be tested and placed in an approved quarantine facility for 14 days.
• All other passengers will be placed in local managed isolation accommodation, which has been approved for isolation for 14 days. They will be transported there directly from the airport.
• They will have regular contact with the government repatriation team who will coordinate all movement and welfare support.
• Travellers should bring with them everything they need for 14 days in isolation/quarantine as they will not be permitted to leave the facility. For example, they will need to bring sufficient and suitable clothing, baby supplies, personal medications, and hygiene products/toiletries to cover 14 days.
• Further information is available on the New Zealand Government’s dedicated COVID-19 website and the Ministry of Health website.ℹ️ Financial difficulty
We know that cost may be a barrier for some in booking flights home. Please talk to your travel insurer and to your family and friends to see how they might be able to support you.
New Zealanders who may be eligible for this flight but are unable to pay the costs for the flights upfront are asked to still register their interest using the process described below.You can contact us for advice if you are not in a position to cover all the costs at the time of booking. We may be able to provide assistance in the form of an advance to help you meet costs associated with this travel.
Please email [email protected]. You must include "THAILAND FLIGHT” and your name in the subject line, and explain your financial situation within the body of the email. Situations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
ℹ️ Process for Submitting an Expression of Interest
If you would like to express interest in this flight, please follow the following process. Please note that we are not accepting EOIs via phone or Facebook Messenger.
PLEASE DO NOT FORWARD ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION OVER FACEBOOK
- To register your interest in the flight, please copy the form below and complete.- Once completed, please email your completed information to: [email protected] with the subject line "THAILAND FLIGHT".
- Once sent, you should receive an automated response - this indicates that we have received your email.
---------------------------------//----------------------------------
THAILAND FLIGHT 26 APRIL: EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
I wish to register interest in the flight from Bangkok to Auckland. Below is my travel information (please complete for each traveller, including children):
*Required Information*
Surname as per Passport:
Other Names as per Passport:
Passport Number:
Country of Issue:
Date of Issue:
Date of Expiry:
Place of Birth:
Personal Email:
Personal Phone Number (we must be able to contact you on this number in Thailand. Please note if you have contact via WhatsApp only):
Your Current Location (City):
Nationality (If not NZ, please also provide entry status):
If you are not a New Zealand citizen or resident, have you applied for approval to travel from Immigration New Zealand?
Are you travelling as part of a family group?
-
This link was sent out by Thailand Elite last Saturday:
https://immigration.go.th/content/visa_auto_extension
-
Received today via Line
-
21 hours ago, VocalNeal said:
Mains water temperature?
I put a mixer on mine. Solved the temperature and pressure issues.
-
21 hours ago, digbeth said:
Water temperature 'back home' is too cold for bum gun, unless you have a mixer tap to mix in hot water... it's too much
I put a mixer on mine.
-
Many people have expressed dissatisfaction with new O-A visa insurance requirements and have given good reasons for that dissatisfaction.
The requirements are far from the best and efficient scheme possible.
Since 2015 the UK has had a scheme requiring long-stay people to contribute to the National Health Service (the NHS).
Unfortunately, long-stay people in Thailand have no organisation to lobby the Thai government in their interests and to promote a similar scheme in Thailand.
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/nov/17/factcheck-tory-proposals-charge-foreigners-more-use-nhs
-
6 hours ago, Fairynuff said:
Forgive me but I didn’t read all the email you posted as it looks like they’re just quoting the TM30 rules. They confirmed that they cannot and have no plan to get involved in helping members. I believe they assist with 90 days but it’s irrelevant to me so I didn’t ask about it. What I asked was that if I leave the country regularly will I get a full year stamp every time I return until my visa expires. The answer was yes and that means I shouldn’t need to go to CW for 5 years. THAT is what it’s all about for me!
Thanks. I asked because there have been so many complaints of inconsistency in answers received, particularly about TM30 and TM28 requirements. My enquiry was about getting the TE Visa transferred from my old passport to my new one. An unbelievably complex exercise, god knows why.
-
1
-
-
3 minutes ago, Fairynuff said:
My experience today was very different from your phone call, all my questions competently answered
Were the answers you received consistent with the information in the email they sent me today which I posted above?
-
Extract of an email today from Thai Elite attached. I’m sure they’ll tell you if you ask them.
-
On 4/19/2019 at 2:32 PM, ubonjoe said:
Not sure what that means. It may only refer to the first one.
That will be referring to the fact PE visas come in terms of 5, 10 and 20 years. You will get the term you paid for.
-
1
-
1
-
-
- Popular Post
- Popular Post
6 hours ago, ubonjoe said:Thai should recognize your documents from Thai Elite and allow you to board your flight back to here. If they do ask to see a ticket out you could ask for supervisor to get them to accept the Thai Elite paperwork.
Have you considered just doing a border hop at the bridge in Nong Khai for a visa exempt entry and then make an appointment to get your visa in Bangkok at Chaeng Wattana immigration.
Last year I flew same day Bangkok Singapore Bangkok and collected my PE that way. I stayed in the airport at Singapore, not bothering to enter. I relied on visa exempt in both countries in any event.
I had had a ticket out of Thailand for a later date but no one asked to see it.
-
4
-
Regarding the minimum period the 800,000 baht must be maintained in the bank account, Rules 2.22(4) and (5) are somewhat repetitive, but fortunately don’t contradict each other. The primary Rule 2.22(4) provides the two key periods, ie the period before application is made, and the period after permission is granted.
For 2 months before application is made a minimum balance of 800,000 must be maintained.
For 3 months after permission is granted, the minimum balance of 800,000 must be continued.
As Jim Morris points out above, the date of the application and the date of the permission will be the same if permission is granted the date you apply. The trap is if that doesn’t happen and permission is granted at a later date. A delay between application and permission can occur for various reasons as with any application of any kind anywhere, so you do have to be aware of the two key periods.
Lastly, of course, Rule 2.22(4) deals with the remainder of the year after the 3 month period following grant of permission. For the remaining 9 months a minimum balance of 400,000 must be maintained.
This 400,000 minimum for the whole year means it can never be touched if you want an extension the following year. So it’s not available in emergencies, and extra money is needed for that. It’s an onerous extra obligation.
It it may be the authorities have the power to make an exception in the event of an emergency, but I have not looked to see if there is an express Rule providing for that. And I’m not aware if anyone has ever reported the exercise of such a power in the past. Ubon Joe May well know if there such a power.
-
2
-
-
9 hours ago, TGIR said:
Lest someone gets carried away......note the requirement that you have to get permission to take some of the funds out.
The term “permission” is the permission to stay in Thailand on a retirement extension. It’s not permission to withdraw funds. Funds withdrawal never requires any permission, but withdrawals leaving a balance below the required minimum at that date will have consequences for the continuance of the granted extension.
Jim Morris above has posted a page of the Rules and you can see there what the term “permission” refers to.
-
2
-
-
Has anyone who used an agent been given one of these forms to report back on a specified date showing the bank balance?
-
1
-
-
On 1/6/2019 at 6:56 PM, Crossy said:
I get medical from my employer, but I also get Thai "30 Baht" (I forget the proper name) which I can continue for a pretty nominal fee when (if) I retire (and coverage never expires due to age).
I’d love to know more about this.
-
By way of comparison, here’s a glimpse of how New Zealand Immigration behaves at times:-
-
4 hours ago, JackThompson said:
You were coming in Visa Exempt or on a Tourist Visa??
With 6+ Visa Exempts in your history, the alert might pop-up in either case, but there are special rules specified in recent Police Orders, which restrict entering Visa Exempt far more than entering with Tourist Visas.
The "180 Day Rule" refers to an old Police Order which only ever applied to Visa Exempts, and is No Longer In Effect even for Visa Exempts. Any IO who attempts to use that as justification for denial of entry is either ignorant or not telling the truth.
Because ...
... does not equal "living in Thailand." "Living in" means you don't need to leave every 90 days or less.
Spending a lot of time here is not in any way restricted by law or police-order if Tourist Visas are used, but is No Longer Permitted using Visa Exempts.
Where can I find the Police Orders restricting visa exempt entries?
-
Over 70 can go through a fast track gate
Also if thai wife can go through the thai national check gate
That over 70 can go through fast track is very interesting. Have you done it? Can you point us to the link where that is found? I'll be 70 soon!
-
2
-
-
I asked a similar question a few weeks ago and was given the following,-
http://www.limousine.in.th/fast-track-immigration.html
https://www.bangkokflightservices.com/our_premiunairport.php?our_menu=p4
I used the first one coming into Suvarnabhumi last week, including a Camry into town and it was fine. Haven't tried the second one yet.
-
fast track service here = http://www.limousine.in.th/fast-track-immigration.html
and here = https://www.bangkokflightservices.com/our_premiunairport.php?our_menu=p4
Thanks much appreciated. Makes the TE visa less attractive.
-
---------------So what advantages does a TE Visa have over a 'multiple entry' Type O Retirement Visa ? Thanks.
The question asked was "So what advantages does a TE Visa have over a 'multiple entry' Type O Retirement Visa ? Thanks."
And other advantages of the 5 year PE (Privilege Entry) visa are the airport limousine and fast track services. No more taxi hassles and no more queuing at immigration/customs (entry and exit).Another advantage of the TE visa is you don't have to apply for a reentry permit when you depart Thailand.
The 'meet and greet' personnel can stand in line for you at the airport check-in counter (but, obviously, you do have to 'front' the desk when it is your turn) while a porter takes care of your baggage. You get access to business lounges on departure (if you're on an economy flight) and the 'golf buggy' service on arrival. Also, on arrival, you do not have to stand around and wait for your baggage at the luggage carousel. Give the porter your 'bag tags' and they will retrieve your baggage for you, take it through customs and out to the car.
Not to mention the assistance they gave me with obtaining Thai car and motorcycle licences.
After stuffing around with other visas and entry waivers, my only regret with the Privilege Entry visa (and the Thailand Elite service) is that I did not get it sooner.
- A multiple entry non 'O' visa would not need a re-entry permit either. Someone on an extension of stay can buy a multiple re-entry permit.
- Limosine and fast track services are services TE members have paid for, in advance, as part of the membership fee. Any visa holder can buy these services, as needed. Seems to me a that it's a disadvantage paying up front for something that you may never use or that is only available in certain areas.[/size]
Out of interest how did TE assist with obtaining driving licences?
The OP wants to know differences between the TE and another visa. If Fast Track entry and exit can be bought elsewhere that would make one difference less depending on the price.
I'm also considering getting the TE visa.
I agree you can buy a limo when you want one. No significant difference there for me.
I checked with TE visa people who confirmed the golf and spa stuff is only for 20 year TE visas. Neither interest me, but I wonder if a keen golfer might find that benefit attractive.
One issue that stands out is avoiding the queues when coming and going, ie Fast Track entry/exit.
I don't know where you can buy Fast Track entries/exits other than by buying a (very expensive) business class ticket. Wher Cana an economy class ticket holder buy a Fast Track entry/exit for Suarnabhumi airport? And what is the price?
It'd make quite a difference to my consideration of whether to buy the TE visa.
-
I went with some friends down to Silom Rd in Bangkok, bought a gun, glasses and waterproof bag for phone, then spent two hours walking in the massive crowd playing water war with people from seven to seventy. People from everywhere but overwhelmingly Thai. Huge fun and laughter all the way. Would recommend it it to anyone.
But ( there's always a but) that was enough for me and I didn't go back for more. With moderate care I could avoid getting soaked elsewhere in Bangkok. And it lasted only three days. Pattaya looks like something very different from my Bangkok experience, looks like a bit of a nightmare.
-
Not that I usually spend more money than I have on me in a bar or any where for that matter but if I did after reading this I would ask one of the bar staff to walk with me to the ATM and then walk back with them to the bar so all staff can see I paid.
I certainly do not condone the thuggery of the guards and the others, but I have been in this situation a few times over the years and his behavior is begging for a misunderstanding. I would ask a service girl to accompany me to the ATM, and make sure that she explains to anyone intercepting us that all was ok. Just walking out of the bar towards an ATM is not appreciated in any country that I have been to. A little common sense avoids most problems in this country.
I agree with your general point that care is needed anywhere when having to leave a bar to get cash to pay the bill, but nothing, repeat nothing, justifies this savage beating by the guard, let alone the bystanders who joined in.
The constant repetition in the media of these reports which almost invariably include a failure to prosecute and imprison (see here the reference to a "misunderstanding" - what planet are they on) must be having a corrosive effect on Thailand's reputation.
-
Paris, milan, marbella, switzerland , brussels - all tried and tested with the wife as judge - yes and no...
Not spicy enough or sweeter than normal
However outside thailand i am happier to eat thai food on occassions ( rarely as in once a week
And at least you know the rice outside of thailand is good quality and the rest of the ingredients.
Now fish... In thailand it is the norm to have fish that smell. - fish only smells when rotten by the way as fish has no taste ...
Sorry to hear of your bad experience with fish in Thailand. I get spectacularly fresh whole fish cooked at Cafe Pireya in Bangkok in Sathorn on Rama IV about 20 metres from Soi Ngam Duphli (the Soi has various spellings, sometimes Ngamduplee, good luck with Google etc). I must have had whole fish cooked there 20 or more times, always glorious.
BTW Cafe Pireya looks like the kind of dump some contributors would run a mile from, and the seafood are kept on the street on ice before being cooked to order. Another warning if you hate this kind of thing is that's its a local karaoke bar from about 9pm on. The singing tends to be very good, all Luk Thung. It never closes.
Re getting Thai ingredients in NZ the situation is rapidly improving. Dare I say it some commercial pastes here are excellent and a very good Thai cook I know here uses some. Fresh herbs in the supermarkets are prohibitively expensive given the lavishness with which they're used in Thai food.
But Kings Plant Barn is increasingly stocking the plants so you can grow them cheaply at home. These include the various basils, kaffir lime trees etc. I found fresh lemongrass cheaply at the Avondale market Sunday mornings sold by a Thai woman and I freeze it. Same place cheap fresh chilies which keep frozen perfectly if dry when put in container in freezer. Galangal plant I got from a friend and is easy to grow.
On thing I cannot find is unripe papaya. Anyone in Auckland know where this can be got?
Thailand reports lowest number of new COVID-19 cases since March 14
in Thailand News
Posted
What’s missing is any evidence supporting your suspicion. I’ve watched these forums and other places closely for evidence and have found none, none at all. That seems not merely remarkable but impossible if there are large numbers of sick and dead out there.
If anyone has any evidence, not merely dark muttering, I’d be very keen to see it. Like many, given Thailand’s flood of Chinese tourists at the end of last year and the beginning of this year, they’ve done miraculously well to have so few cases.