KneeDeep

October 25, 2019

50 minutes ago, JohnWayene said:

Most are. There are successful ones but they don't stick around in Thailand eating 40K baht pork soup and live in 6000K 25 SQM room. Have seen You tube videos where the nomad was proudly proclaiming his discovery of a gold mine for 2K (a hell hole without a/c) in CNX. Not all of them are Nomadic Matt.

A 40,000 baht soup and a 6,000,000 baht 25 sq.m. room? Wow!

October 24, 2019

GBP > THB 1% off the Interbank rate during the week and 2% during the weekend.

October 23, 2019

On 10/22/2019 at 4:16 PM, hackjam said:

Has Cherrys not just moved, sure I have seen a Cherrys near Soi land office???

There has been a Cherry's Restaurant on Soi Korpai 4 for a number of years. Cannot say that I've even seen a customer within.

After the, frankly mediocre, experiences at the Third Road location, nothing would have made me want to enter.

October 21, 2019

6 hours ago, gamesgplayemail said:

Tried today, 100gb for 200 thb is not available anymore on AIS.

But 32gb for 100 thb is available.

Have you found and just tried any other big package lately ? Thank you for your help.

Jamjar is the best and because of some idiots here he does not want to reply us anymore, you should feel ashamed.

New promo is 200 GB for 200 baht, inclusive of free calls.

But if no more new codes are being posted, I'm not going to buck the trend.

October 17, 2019

https://www.decathlon.co.th/en/13466-men

October 15, 2019

19 hours ago, 4evermaat said:

I was thinking in case backward compatibility would be necessary for some reason (e.g. Copy files from a drive).

But also as a secondary reason, so that you could switch back to an older backup laptop if it became necessary for some reason.

But if the difference is too great or the kits too expensive/cumbersome, then maybe time to upgrade backup also.

Not same;

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Transcend-CM80S-M-2-SSD-Enclosure/dp/B01N4EUXCU

https://www.amazon.co.uk/USB3-1-Type-C-Enclosure-Support-Samsung-Gray/dp/B07FZ9RV2X

The components inside a SATA III 2.5" SSD do not an M.2 SSD make;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GH6iF5b-piE

June 27, 2019

Brochure here; https://www.boi.go.th/upload/BOI-brochure 2018-smart visa-EN-20180125_97687_87299.pdf

SMART “S” might suit some. Though probably not many. ????

June 27, 2019

2 minutes ago, Leaver said:

If that's the case, make a rule, and enforce it, nation wide.

For example: a foreigner is allowed 3 x 30 stamps in a calendar year. Or, a 2 tourist visas in a calendar year. Or 1 tourist visa and and 2 x 30 day stamps. That's it. Put it in writing. Release it to the mediai. Set a start date. Inform EVERY boarder office.

At least then, people can plan when, and for how long they can stay here, and when they can return.

At the moment, it's a very unstable system, open to interpretation by individuals, with so much uncertainty.

Think about how that does make sense at all. Not everyone is starting from zero visas or stamps.

Then what about the person who goes home between the visa exemptions and the ones who just pop over to neighbouring countries.

Thank goodness they have discretion. They have the discretion to allow someone with 4 x visa exemptions if they think it is appropriate.

What if the particular problem is concentrated in certain areas?

Note that there seemed to be many more refusals from people who are coming in from neighbouring countries, but don't actually live in those neighbouring countries. Don Mueang deserves a special mention here. As most are not flying in from their home countries to that airport.

I understand your frustrations, but people are always going to try to take advantage.

June 27, 2019

Just now, BritTim said:

Not everyone who wants to spend a year or so in Thailand is willing to drop 500,000 baht for what is effectively a multiple entry tourist visa. You may be right about the thinking of some of the officials, but it is flawed thinking.

But you can spend a year in Thailand. The problem is people spending year after year with breaks only in neighbouring countries, using just neighbouring country SETV and exemptions

Just fly home in the middle to get a new visa, in order to show that you have good reason to go home and not overstay.

That's why they want to see that you are employed in your home country or at least have a business there, for an METV. That is just 5000 to 6000 baht.

Then you have up to nine months just with that.

So this xenophobia claim is just a scapegoat for those who have not planned properly in advance.

June 27, 2019

8 minutes ago, Zikomat said:

Let's compare the average salaries in USA and Thailand. What are the chances an American citizen will come to Thailand to work illegally? And making all those costly trips every 3 month just to stay here and work? I have no other explanation but xenophobia.

That is up to you. But there were many who were living there on tourist visa and exemptions with no visible source of income and in fact working.

It became a problem and now they are doing something about it. If you want to feel like a victim, that is your prerogative.

Some people get caught in the net that is not meant for them. That is why the IO have the discretion to allow you in if they believe that you are a genuine tourist. But if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, don't be surprised if they conclude that you are a duck and not a platypus.

June 27, 2019

1 minute ago, Zikomat said:

My guess (and hope) is those stamps are to be blamed. But there should be no discussion: Thai authorities keep making life more and more difficult for those who wish to stay in Thailand for a longer period. Xenophobia is my only explanation for these actions.

Which country wants permanent residents in all but name, unless there are reciprocal arrangements?

Can just any Thai go to the USA and stay there in definitely by just renewing their Tourist Visa?

This is nonsense, about xenophobia. Maybe some have a skewed view because of what they read in the media and not getting to meet any 'normal' people. But I don't feel anything like xenophobia when I am there.

Many here just fail to see how poorly they portray themselves. I'm not xenophobic, but many are just an embarrassment to themselves and to others from their country. Creating a negative impression.

So clearly the tightening up is a backlash. With the military in charge, what did you expect?

June 27, 2019

20 minutes ago, BestB said:

Their thinking is pretty simple. If you are genuine tourist you can only realistically travel for 2-3 months, anything over that and its highly unlikely you are a tourist but more likely doing some work.

If you are rich enough to stay in the country without working, then Elite is what they want you to buy.

If they made Elite possible to be paid in yearly installment, i think a lot more "tourists" would be getting it

Actually I don't agree. I think the issue is people not going back to their home country in between visas.

If it looks like you go back to your home country, work and then go back to spend your money in Thailand, you be less likely to be bothered.

If you just have continued TV and exempt stamps from neighbouring countries, expect a denial and be told to go home.

I do not think they mean they don't want you there. They mean go to your home country and act like a tourist if you want us to believe you are a tourist.

There may be some IO that misinterpret the spirit of what they are told or just take it too far.

But I think the general trend is to stop some, including criminals, who don't ever go home for one reason or another, from abusing the system.

They'll tell you to go to your home country and get an appropriate visa.

June 27, 2019

2 hours ago, KiChakayan said:

They didn't tell OP that he couldn't get a visa, as they suggested he had he could get one from his home country. Which, as far as I am concerned kind of makes sense.

I think that is the point. They are targeting people who don't appear to be going to their home country. Thereby assuming that they are living in Thailand on Tourist Visa.

June 27, 2019

Anyway, I have no wish to derail the thread from it's subject matter. Hopefully they can get their Tourist Visa from Vientiane and then plan their future from there on.

June 27, 2019

1 hour ago, ubonjoe said:

Yes there is. See: http://vientiane.thaiembassy.org/en/news/announce/detail.php?ID=694

Another point is that the original official website is shown on this official page and the appointment one is not shown.

http://www.thaiembassy.org/main/

Also note that embassy website is on the server as the the list of embassies is. And that the appointment site is a .com site.

Come on...stop now. ???? That wasn't the page to which you linked. The page you now show links people to the website I suggest anyway.

So are you suggesting that people trawl around the old web pages instead of just looking at the official new site?

Why is this continuing?

You are confusing the Embassy proper and the Consular section. Aren't they in different buildings?

So the new website concerns just the Consular section.

June 27, 2019

39 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

How can a website -- any website -- be a reliable resource for info on visa requirements when actual practices, from Embassy to Embassy (and IO to IO within Thailand) frequently deviate?

The whole point of this visa forum is to provide up to date information on what Embassies/Consulates and IOs are actually doing in practice based on first hand reports.

??

What on earth?

Why is this being done to death??

Once again, it is just a simple premise of not directing people to this page; http://vientiane.thaiembassy.org/en/consular/visa.php as it was last updated in September 2015, but instead directing them to this one; https://thaivisavientiane.com

This is all I have been trying to explain for hours.

That the official website, dated 2019, would be a more up to date source of information than one from 2015....which is predominantly in Thai script.

So instead of linking to the old and possibly outdated website, it would be better to link to the new.

It was assumed that it was just a website for appointments, which is clearly is not. It is the source of the latest information.

Just imagine he used the old website as a resource, without knowing there was a system of appointments. There is nothing about appointments on the 2015 website.

So once again, all I am stating is that it is better to direct to the new website than to the old.

I have not at any time suggested that we no longer need this forum now that we have the new website.

I have just stated that one should point to the new website instead of the old.....or do you disagree and think that we should link to the old?

June 27, 2019

Just now, ubonjoe said:

Think they may taken down the the ticket requirement. I was going by memory when I first wrote my post. It was certainly there before.

I can certainly understand what travel documents mean. Been seeing that on many lists of requirements for several years now.

You can forget about the financial proof that is shown on that list since is not actually required when you apply for a tourist visa.

But financial proof is also stated on your link, as I have shown. but as you say, it is in general not requested. But good to have with you, just in case.

We can agree that the new website is an updated version of the 2015 website ...which incidentally isn't even in English. You have to scroll to the bottom of the page to get to the PDF links in part English. Which is what I posted at the 2015 info.

I only recently came to the 2019 page and especially if it was .org previously, there may have been changes. So of course I've seen it with fresh eyes.

So hopefully were are now on the same page and you can fully recommend the new page as a reliable resource for information, together with it's contact page.

June 27, 2019

I think that I understand the mistake you have made. I think that you assumed "travel documents" meant tickets, when in fact in both cases, 2015 & 2019, it means documents used for identification. i.e Passport or ID card.

The financial requirement is also in both websites, as I have shown. But as you know is not strictly enforced.

June 27, 2019

and here I will copy the info from the 2015 page to which you linked;

Quote

Period of stay / Travelers with this type of visa will be permitted to stay in Thailand for a period not exceeding 60 days at any time for each entry. The period begins on the date you arrive in Thailand. Required document / • Your actual Passport or Travel Document. (Passport or Travel Document must not expire within six months and contain a least ONE completely empty visa page). • 1 copy of passport or travel Document. (The page(s) shows your photo, name, date and place or birth and the expiration date of passport). ໍ • 1 application form (complete and signed by the applicant. Parents can sign for the minor)

WORKING WITHOUT WORKPERMIT IN THAILAND IS AN OFFENCE. VIOLATOR WOULD BE PROSECUTED UNDER THE LAW. Thai law requires any foreign nationals who entering Thailand to have money or travel check equivalent to 20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family.

http://vientiane.thaiembassy.org/upload/pdf/Visa/TOURIST VISA.pdf

So tell me, what can you see that is different?

June 27, 2019

12 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

They certainly is not the same. I think you failed to read the one from the official Vientiane embassy website that does not mention anything about tickets or financial proof.

When you click make an appointment on the page it shows this that indicates the sole purpose of the site.

Also notice that it is a .com site.

Lets do it another way...

Here I will copy all of the info given under Tourist Visa on the new Consular website;

Quote

TOURIST VISA

TYPES OF TOURIST VISA AND VALIDITY:

1. Single-Entry Tourist Visa is valid for entering Thailand once within 3 months from the date of application. The period of stay is 60 days maximum.
2. Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa is valid for entering Thailand within 6 months from the date of application. The period of stay is 60 days maximum per stay. The Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa holder may enter Thailand again as long as the visa is still valid. Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa will only be granted to Lao nationals or those with proof of permanent residence in Laos.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

1. A completed and signed Visa Application Form
2. 2 passport-sized photos taken within 6 months
3. A Passport or travel documents (valid for no less than 6 months)
4. A copy of passport or travel documents
5. Evidence of adequate finance
• Single-Entry Tourist Visa: 20,000 baht per person and 40,000 baht per family
• Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa: 200,000 baht per person (6 months of financial statements)
6. Proof of permanent residence (compulsory for Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa applicants)
7. Other documents: as may be requested by Consular officers in addition to the documents above. Please note that Consular officers reserve the right to require additional documents, or an interview with the applicant, as deemed necessary, without prior notice.

** The Royal Thai Embassy reserves the right to deny any visa applications with insufficient documents or if the reasons given are not fully supported. The visa fee is non-refundable. **

VISA FEE (Cash only in Thai baht)
1. Single-Entry Tourist Visa: 1,000 baht
2. Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa: 5,000 baht

PROCESSING TIME
2 working days (i.e. apply on Monday morning and pick up on Tuesday afternoon)

PERIOD OF STAY
Travelers coming to Thailand with this type of visa will be permitted to stay for a period not exceeding 60 days.

EXTENSION OF STAY
Those who wish to stay longer or may wish to change their types of visa must file an application for permission at the Office of Immigration Bureau located on Government Complex Building B, Chaengwattana Road, Laksi, Bangkok 10210, www.immigration.go.th. Extension of stay as well as change of certain type of visa is solely at the discretion of Immigration officers.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Nationals of certain countries are required to apply for a visa only at the Royal Thai Embassy or Royal Thai Consulate-General in their home/residence country or at the designated Royal Thai Embassy. Therefore, travelers are advised to contact the nearest Royal Thai Embassy or Royal Thai Consulate-General to find out where they may apply for a visa to Thailand before departure.

June 27, 2019

1 minute ago, ubonjoe said:

They certainly is not the same. I think you failed to read the one from the official Vientiane embassy website that does not mention anything about tickets or financial proof.

When you click make an appointment on the page it shows this that indicates the sole purpose of the site.

Also notice that it is a .com site.

I think there is all round confusion here. I have no idea if you are looking at the right things.

So let us start again.

I have no idea as to what you mean about a .com site. there is no .org site. it is now .com.

Secondly, whilst it appears to be an "appointment site", it is actually the official page of the Vientiane Consular section, so all the linked pages therein are official and up to date.

Now, going back to my post #49, I have pulled the PDF off the page to which you linked, under Tourist Visa.

But the mistake I think that you are making is that you have somehow extrapolated that the new website indicates that they want to see a ticket and financial proof, when it does not.

So you are arguing from a completely fictional premise.

That is why I have put both documents together. Show where is says tickets and financial proof on the 2019 website.

June 26, 2019

2 minutes ago, BritTim said:

I understand your point of view. My own experience is that, when dealing with Thai officialdom, it is better to find out what rules are actually being applied, and follow those. The rules can be more or less onerous than those on the embassy/consulate website that are often incorrect. As @ubonjoe indicated, all too often, website authors just copy information from elsewhere, and the stated guidelines can be totally inapplicable.

Yeah, unfortunately we both took ubonjoe's words;

Quote

For example it shows tickets out and financial proof for a tourist visa

as the truth before checking what was actually written. In fact there are no such demands on the 2019 website.

As I have illustrated a couple of posts above. I maintain that the 2019 website is the one you should be using for reference.

June 26, 2019

Spot the difference?

First from 2015 website

Second from 2019 website

Looks the same to me. Perhaps ubonjoe misread it.

June 26, 2019

2 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

I have been on the site many times (and have registered to check the appointments available) the info for supporting documents on it is not correct. It appears to be a copy and paste from another website.

For example it shows tickets out and financial proof for a tourist visa that in reality is not required and does not appear on the consular section webpage I posted a link to.

Sorry but I haven't got a clue of what it is that you are trying to do here.

Quote

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

1. A completed and signed Visa Application Form
2. 2 passport-sized photos taken within 6 months
3. A Passport or travel documents (valid for no less than 6 months)
4. A copy of passport or travel documents
5. Evidence of adequate finance
• Single-Entry Tourist Visa: 20,000 baht per person and 40,000 baht per family
• Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa: 200,000 baht per person (6 months of financial statements)
6. Proof of permanent residence (compulsory for Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa applicants)
7. Other documents: as may be requested by Consular officers in addition to the documents above. Please note that Consular officers reserve the right to require additional documents, or an interview with the applicant, as deemed necessary, without prior notice.

Where exactly does it state "tickets out and financial proof"?

Your link is old, from 2015. But apart from that, tell me what is different from what is written above, than to what is available on the old website to which you linked?

For your convenience, I have linked to the relevant document from your 2015 page; http://vientiane.thaiembassy.org/upload/pdf/Visa/TOURIST VISA.pdf

Mine is from 2019 and is the official website for the consular section. To suggest that the RTE in Vientiane simply copied and pasted the requirements from "another website" is just insulting in the extreme.

June 26, 2019

32 minutes ago, BritTim said:

Vientiane is not in the UK, and there are several reports that the requirements to apply for a tourist visa in Vientiane are unchanged.

Incidentally, while the online system used for applications at the London Embassy has those requirements, most likely the consulates in the UK still do not for a single entry tourist visa.

The information isn't coming from me. The website is the official website of the consular section of the Thai Embassy in Vientiane. So if you think anything that is in there is wrong, take it up with them.

I most certainly would be using that as a reference, as opposed to a page that is four years old.

Regardless of whether they ask for it or not. Those are the requirements.

As you know, there are many laws that are not enforced, until they are enforced.

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