wn78

I've had connection problems with VPN over mobile hotspots on my last trip. I would pop a TRUE SIM (prepaid) into my phone, turn on the hotspot, connect my laptop to it, and use ExpressVPN on the laptop. I noticed lagging connections with video calls and remote desktop sessions, anything that requires a steady connection was freezing up. I ran a ping/traceroute, and saw latency spikes, constant packet drops, and the connection going dead for a few seconds every minute or so. Disconnected the VPN and the connection becomes steady. Thinking maybe it’s the VPN server, I tried many different VPN servers in the USA and different VPN protocols, it would improve for a short time, but then interruptions restart. Then, keeping the same VPN server I switched my phone to an AIS SIM card and the connection immediately became steady, so I figured it was not the VPN problem, but TRUE. Everything was smooth for a few days on AIS, but then started having the same interruptions on AIS. Same issues with a DTAC SIM later. I started to suspect all of them were detecting VPN and throttling it. I've used VPN for years on my travels to Thailand and have not had such issues until the last trip. Anyone has similar experiences with a VPN over hotspots lately?

Now I suddenly recall that the application requires you to submit a copy of your passport pages... but I can't remember if only pages with your last entry to Thailand, or the pages with your most recent travel anywhere?..... If the latter, the embassy people could be checking where you are right now, if they can make out those barely readable stamps. Like I said, the IO also has a chance of figuring it out during the entry, but I doubt they care, unless you are incredibly unlucky and get a bad apple IO... but in that case there are 5 other things the could find wrong to deny you entry regardless of this issue.

Theoretically the IO could see the flight from Vietnam and question how long you were there and figure out you got the visa while being there.... what will happen? I don't know, never heard such reports. I would draw the line at Thailand. The IO will see immediately that you were in Thailand while obtaining another visa to Thailand, by comparing your visa issue date to the entry records on his screen. I think that would be a clear violation.

I don't see it as lying at all. The guy is a UK resident with a UK address, and eligible for a visa. The fact he may be on a holiday somewhere else while filling in the application should be inconsequential. Also, what if someone has a multi-country trip planned with Thailand at the end? Should be no reason to deny the visa. At Suvarnabumi the IO will ask for your boarding pass, and I would show the last leg flight, and was never asked for the flight originating in the home country.

I'm from US, but I would assume it's the same web interface and process in both UK and US. I don't remember any step in the process that requires you to prove your current location while applying. Just make sure you indicate your residency and address in the UK to be eligible. It's e-visa, so nothing is mailed to you, you get the sticker by email.

So it's extremely rare, tons of other rare diseases out there, no need to get concerned, right? This one is different because it has 98% fatality rate. And it comes from water anywhere or even swimming pools. So any cases should be investigated thoroughly on where they came from.

Naegleria fowleri is a parasite, not a virus - poor translation? Googling it - you can only catch it swimming in fresh water, not the ocean. I wish they further investigate where he was swimming. Isaan has lots of standing fresh water, but this disease is very rare. But it is also found in poorly chlorinated swimming pools.... hmm... Execution of proper pool maintenance procedures in Thailand hotels.....????

Yep, that's the same clinic that does the blog I referenced on my OP. I hope the receptionist learned to speak better English in the 20 years she's been there... I will report back on that. ????

That is most bizarre turn of events! Are you talking about prophylaxis here? I am not talking about the preventive meds, I am talking about the emergency treatment regimen

Thanks, I did not know that. I PM'ed you more detail.

I may need an MRI soon for an orthopedic issue, and I may be running out of time to do it in my home country for certain reasons. Is there a modern MRI facility in Bangkok, I would assume in a major hospital, at Western standards, that has: 1. Latest generation MRI machine, specifically 3T type 2. Musculoskeletal-trained radiologists (MSK) on staff to interpret the results. This point is important, not just any radiologist. Or maybe just recommend me a hospital that has the reputation for best care for orthopedic/musculoskeletal issues. How much would a modern generation MRI cost in BKK?

Ok then, maybe I was misjudging the situation. I presumed Thailand doctors would be more flexible then in the West on this issue. In the US doctors would rather have a patient take the risk and go somewhere without a supply of emergency medicines, than take the risk of having some patients misuse the prescribed meds and then come back and sue the doctor.

Thanks for your reply. Dengue fever vaccine was just covered in my other post a few days ago, so no need to repeat that discussion here I don't have the distribution and maps in front of me, but I'm pretty sure it hasn't been the case for a long time now. It's been spreading to many other areas. I read a few travelers' post over the years reporting cases in the Caribbean and other areas. While the risk is still very very low, it's fatal disease and having an emergency med in your kit is a good idea if you travel to remote places Yes fully aware of that, and don't want prophylaxis for the precise reason of the risk of infection being so small. That's good info, I will check it out. I would of course prefer more modern treatments, more effective I assume You can ask, but in 99% case you will not get it. Very few clinics are willing to go that route. Yes I saw that, but I assumed since they recommend SBET in their blog, they could prescribe it for a remote traveler who wants it

I was browsing the excellent blog from the Thai Travel Clinic, and saw articles on malaria standby emergency treatment (SBET) https://www.thaitravelclinic.com/Knowledge/standby-emergency-treatment-of-malaria.html https://www.thaitravelclinic.com/blog/all-about-malaria/sbet-regimen-in-thailand-and-southeast-asia.html Seems like a useful item to have in your bag if you like traveling to remote islands (in Thailand, Philippines, Caribbean). In the US doctors would not allow you to get “future need” drugs like that so I’m thinking of stocking up next time I’m in BKK. What other “emergency medical kit” medications you would advise to get in Thailand which are not available in your home country at your request?

Can you clarify what you said - recommended for those in Thailand staying for 10 years or after 1 infection, and not recommended for anyone else?