OutofSiam
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Posts posted by OutofSiam
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On 11/30/2020 at 1:44 PM, champers said:
90% closed seems like a gross exaggeration to me; 50% might be nearer the mark.
How is it an exaggeration when countries that don't depend nearly as much on tourism or had less lockdowns were already at 50%+ months ago?
Why would a business owner operating in a tourist area, who depends on tourists, continue to pay rent when they haven't had any tourists in over 6 months -- and aren't likely to get any more tourists for at least 6 more?
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2 hours ago, Traubert said:
No I'm British. I live in China, along with my family who never foul the streets, spit or any of the other foul practices that all Chinese are accused of here daily.
The 'womao' myth was debunked by Harvard University several years ago who found that there were indeed several million internet posts a day but they were mostly information posts by various local government departments..
Can you give more information on the lies apart from accusations by the American government?
Is this guy really trying to convince a forum full of expats who live in Asia that the Chinese don't spit?
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As long as you get a male IO, I'm sure they'll understand why your pp is full if you haven't seen your wife in over six months.
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12 hours ago, elviajero said:
They clearly aren’t setting strict limits (a new law) because they don’t have to.
Right, they don't have to tell us the rules, but we have to follow the rules -- which we haven't been told. Makes a lot of sense.
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12 hours ago, elviajero said:
The UK issue a 10 year visa. What do you reckon the chances of someone staying in the country for 10 years as s tourist?
The point is that almost no one staying in a country on a 1-year, 3-year, or 10-year "tourist" visa is literally and only a "tourist".
Even if they're not working, after a year or so, it's clear they're not just there to visit temples.
All countries know this. Some, like the EU, pass laws to restrict it. Some, like Vietnam, encourage it.
Your entire argument relies on completely removing all of that context so that you can pretend that tourist visas haven't been used this way for decades, both in and outside of Thailand, without problem.
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I'd also point out that the majority of tourists, i.e. the ones who don't regularly check this forum, have no idea about any of this.
They are simply following the written rules, as people have been doing in Thailand for ages, until one day, "oops, you're going in detention and you'll have to pay for a flight back".
And THAT is exactly why they don't pass a new law, because it would scare away many people who are oblivious to the fact that there are any visa issues at all. The IOs would rather have full say-so over who gets in, while blaming it on you if they decide to reject you that day.
Obviously you should've known the new rules, that aren't in writing and half of the IOs don't enforce.
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Here we go again with this bologna.
It is not "misusing" a tourist visa to use it for extended periods of time.
If it was, then countries like Vietnam wouldn't issue 1-year tourist visas, the Philippines wouldn't let you stay 3 years on tourist visas without leaving, etc.
People travel like this in all countries that don't place restrictions on TV use, Thailand just happens to be a fairly popular and affordable one. It's also becoming more common with the increase in remote work arrangements, low cost airfare, etc.
There are also countries that restrict tourist visa use. This is clear, in writing, in their laws.
However, some in Thai immigration want to inhabit some sort of middle area, where they don't actually pass any law restricting visas, but they'll selectively enforce an unwritten rule whenever it suits them.
This is why people are (rightfully) complaining.
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21 minutes ago, Briggsy said:
Yes, but it fits a pattern, a trend dating back several years. The past tends to predict the future. I am confident there will be more unexpected events very similar to this.
I have to agree. Even though I know for a fact that the stricter rules aren't being enforced at every location, it seems like they're slowly spreading from border to border and embassy to embassy, with a focus on locking down the biggest funnel points in order.
The BKK airports were one of the first, since even if you get a visa in KL or Vietnam, for example, it's now a hassle getting back into the country, especially considering possible issues at the Cambo and Malay borders.
Laos was logically the next to go, since it's easily accessible by land and was one of the most popular TV runs.
Many assumed that we could just avoid the problem borders/airports/embassies, but that's getting harder and harder by the day.
I'll likely be moving on when my current visa expires, personally.
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4 hours ago, Caldera said:
Just goes to confirm that certain immigration officers at Aranyaprathet, BKK and DMK have gone rogue and that their denials have no actual basis in either immigration law or orders coming all the way from the top. Just their own local and nonsensical interpretation thereof.
Coincidentally, I recently got stamped in by a very polite female (!) IO at another friendly land border, coming in on my umpteenth visa exempt (but in compliance with the 2 per year at land borders limit, of course) and with plenty of Thai stamps and visa in my passport - no questions asked whatsoever.
I had a similar experience with a male IO at a land border a couple days ago. Was joking and laughing with me and his colleague the entire time. It was my second land entry this year, so he pointed that out nicely, but let me know that it wouldn't be a problem to add tourist visas on top.
Keep in mind that I've likely been here a little "too long" by the standards of the BKK airport officials.
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On 6/7/2019 at 8:51 PM, JamJar said:
Interesting that some are charged VAT and some not.
Send us a screenshot on renewal if you can.
I added 600B. I had like 15B removed because of an advanced credit I had used.
The plan renewed as normal but added another 20B credit to cover the difference.
So, it looks like I was likely being charged VAT all along, I just didn't know because it doesn't tell you the exact amount charged. I only knew this time because of the credit.
Either way, I still got the same plan at the same price. 550B (+VAT) for 6mbps unlimited. I've been using it for the past 10+ days and haven't noticed any throttling. I probably use 2 or 3GB of data per day.
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3 hours ago, JamJar said:
I wasn't aware that the packages auto-renew, since I never use for more than one month at a time. Let us know what happens. Usually it would be 588.50 baht. New price is 909.50.
Will be interesting to see if auto-renewal subscriptions continue at the old price.
It's usually 550 even, as far as I know.
I've been renewing this plan for months. I usually forget to put the money on in time, but it just renews right after I add some.
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On 6/4/2019 at 3:15 PM, JamJar said:
I am going to repost the information again here, <removed>
The prices found on that chart under Unlimited Max Speed are not what you will actually be charged(I know..) The new prices can be found here; https://m.ais.co.th/package-ontop/?appName=worker&lang=en under Special Internet Refill Package/Internet Non-Stop
So you should click through the links under Unlimited Max Speed, here; https://m.ais.co.th/ontop-package-myais but you will be charged at the price under Special Internet Refill Package/Internet Non-Stop(+VAT). If your AIS SIM was registered before the 1st of March, your package will be unlimited.
Now you are really confused.
In addition, these are the only unlimited long term packages available from AIS, together with the costs;
AIS USSD codes for unlimited 1 Mbps 6 & 12 months respectively;
*777*7328# 1284 baht
*777*7329# 1926 baht
Yes, I am confused.
I got a text today saying 550B will be deducted in a few days to renew my MaoMao 6Mbps unlimited plan.
So, based on this, it will actually charge me 850B but I'll still have the same unlimited package?
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The roughly 15 days left on my apartment rental seemed to satisfy them, as they didn't even mention it. They did make me get proof of travel INTO Thailand however, which seems a little silly. Why would I pay for a tourist visa if I'm not entering the country? But oh well.
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So, arrived at HH, and there were 4 IOs. One was a younger guy who was friendly with everyone. Two middle-aged women, at least one of whom was acquainted and friendly with a farang in line.
Then a younger woman with no expression, who of course was who I ended up with.
Fortunately, everything went fine. I've still yet to be asked any questions or gotten any hassle. Though hopefully I don't jinx myself.
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8 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:
I see no reason for you have a problem entering at Hua Hin or Hat Yai. Immigration is only making problems at bigger and busier airports.
Great. That was my thought as well, but figured I'd ask in case there was something I'd missed. Thanks, Joe!
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Just now, NCC1701A said:
Sorry i don't know.
No worries.
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3 minutes ago, NCC1701A said:
air asia flies in to HH
Right, but do you think it's a good airport to fly into with a tourist visa, given the recent issues in Bangkok and to some extent CM or Phuket? Is there a better choice?
Sorry if I wasn't clear.
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I'm in Malaysia and was planning to enter Thailand via train but there may be some issues (long story).
What are the prospects flying into Hua Hin from KL? Hat Yai? Note: I'll be entering on a TR and have a few back-to-back exemptions/extensions. Never had any problems before this.
Could also do Chiang Mai, Rai, etc. or fly into Laos and enter through Nong Khai I suppose.
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4 hours ago, Cheesus said:
Alright so quick update:
I was allowed to go to any destination I want which was very surprising since other 2 guys in the room (1 more joined few hours ago) have to go back to the same exact destination. One of them will have his flight costs covered by AirAsia though.
I booked return flight with AirAsia to KL and back to Phuket.
Thank you for all the replies from people trying to help and providing support. I appreciate it.
Could you also answer 4 questions about KL visa issuing process? (My first time there)
1. Do they require any other documents than:
- application form
- passport
- copy passport
- flight in and out of Thailand
- proof of accommodation in Thailand?
2. Where on the KL airport or close to embassy can I make photos and document prints?
3. I also found this on their website
To ensure that clear and precise information is given, visa enquiry can only be made through email at [email protected].I'm not sure what they mean. I already booked appointment for tomorrow 10.20-10.50.
4. And how much do I need in THB to show officer in KL when crossing immigration in case he/she asks?
1. You need a copy of the checklist itself.
2. I got mine at a place called Studio Coloroid in the basement floor of Suria KLCC mall. Very fast and easy. The KLCC stop on the LRT Kelana Jaya line connects to the mall, and the next stop on the LRT (Ampang Park) puts you about 1km from the embassy. Either walk or take a taxi for a few ringgit.
Note: A taxi from the mall to the embassy is about the same price, but the taxis parked outside the mall will quote you an insane fee (15 or 20 ringgit) rather than using the meter. Catch a taxi from the street instead.
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1 hour ago, BritTim said:
It is not totally clear. Someone once told me that, unless you have a confirmed flight out of Thailand sooner, they want to see at least 10 days of hotel bookings, but I would not rely on that. Frankly, for many travellers, expecting firm plans for your whole trip is pretty unrealistic. Back in my younger days, I was often not sure of my plans for the next day when travelling for pleasure and adventure.
Right, it seems a bit silly to me. Even if you had set plans, you likely wouldn't pay 2 months in advance. Maybe there are issues at the hotel or you don't like the location or you find a better deal on the ground.
Anyways, I already have about 20 days through my apartment, so hopefully that is sufficient.
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4 minutes ago, BritTim said:
For you, I think Kuala Lumpur would be a good place to apply this time. Start reading at http://www.thaiembassy.org/kualalumpur/th/services/99059-Applying-for-Visa-to-Thailand-at-the-Royal-Thai-Em.html for details on the application process.
For accommodation, it is easy to have hotel reservations that can later be cancelled.
Thanks for the reply.
Yes, that information is where I found the requirements for "A copy of reservation/confirmationof accommodation for the whole stay in Thailand".
That's why I'm wondering what "whole stay" means. 60 days? 30 days?
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I've stayed in Thailand for 6 months on exemptions plus extensions (1 air, 2 land; still only 1 land entry for 2019). Never been hassled at all, but obviously not going to continue chancing it.
Anyways, to make a long story short, I'm in Siem Reap. I've waded through a ton of info on the site, but I'm still a little unsure about some things.
My problems concern:
1. Which embassy to choose? My thought was Kuala Lumpur, since it doesn't require a visa (I need one for Vietnam), has a solid reputation, and I can take the train into Thailand from Penang.
2. What exactly do I need for the "accommodation" requirement? The requirements on the embassy for KL say I need proof for my "whole stay". Do I literally need 60 days of hotel bookings? Does it actually have to be a paid booking or can I just do the booking.com "pay at the property" booking? I already have my apartment paid up to the 15th, and I'm guessing I could get the staff to email me a copy. But the "whole stay" requirement seems ridiculous.
3. Does KL require me to show proof of funds? If so, does simply printing out a statement through online banking count? I ask because their METV requirements talk about a "bank verified" statement that shows all of your activity for six months, but it doesn't say anything about funds for the normal tourist visa. I don't have a problem showing it, I just want to know what I actually need.
Pattaya for sale: 90% of resort’s spa and massage businesses shutdown
in Pattaya News
Posted
Right, so the majority of businesses have closed, and the ones that haven't are barely scraping by even having laid off most of their staff.
But at least it's not 90%!!!!