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Bank letters are no longer required
Editor;
Re: Thai immigration laws are complicated (PM Mailbag Friday, 19 September
2014) - Bank letters are no longer required. A bank account is if you are
fortunate to be an American. No particular bank balance. Just the 1900 baht
fee to renew for a year and 1600 baht to the embassy. Why anyone would risk
fraud charges during a period like this one in Thailand for this “instant
loan” buggers common sense! If you don’t have the dosh you don’t get the
posh. So get a student visa and learn incomprehensible Thai... for years,
but you won’t end up in jail. You have no inherent right to be here if there
is a possibility of your becoming a burden to a poor country.
Robert
Different experience
Editor;
Re: Thai immigration laws are complicated (PM Mailbag Friday, 19 September
2014) - My experience is slightly different. At various times I have had
multiple entry visas, non-I O visas, work permits, etc. Never had that much
problem. The requirements are fairly straightforward. Onerous? Maybe. But it
was easier than getting my wife’s visa to move the US.
I have seen a number of foreigners who have had problems getting a Thai
visa. But in all those cases they were trying to find a way around the
system.
Play the game straight, follow the rules, it’s not that big of a problem.
John Nielson
Misinformation
Editor;
Re: Thai immigration laws are complicated (PM Mailbag Friday, 19 September
2014) - I have lived in Pattaya for 14 years; am now 76 years old; an
American citizen; have a retirement visa; and have had a Thai family for 14
years; No ex’s. I have never had B800,000 in my Thai bank; always paid only
B1900 for the yearly renewal; never over stayed; always get my USA Embassy
to verify my income when they come to Pattaya, twice a year (B1600); have
always had a monthly income of well over B100,000; and never had a problem.
So, when I read these tales of woe concerning visas, I scratch my head that
so many farangs are sadly missing information they should have obtained
before coming here. Now, I realize that some Brits do not have the necessary
network for income verification and have to travel to BKK, a total of around
B3500 to and from (if you cannot afford this, you do not belong here in the
first place), which is a slight inconvenience, but not a big one. Do your
visa requirements on your own, not through some questionable outfit.
Choke Dee!
Hyde Parke
Pattaya
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Why not just Bill?
Editor;
Re: Fitting in in Thailand (PM Mailbag Friday, 19 September 2014) - With a
pseudonym like yours you would stand out more than the unshirted Farang. Why
not just Bill?
However, I go along with your comment. Every day I see middle aged to old
Farang flaunting their “Man Boobs”. This week I saw one at the hospital
without a shirt and when questioned by a nurse if he had a problem with his
skin she gave him a gown. This was miles away from the beach.
There was once some Englishmen in our group who sat in the sun sweating and
moaning, but said it was worth the trouble as when they returned home to
their winter they would don a white shirt and with their tan be the envy of
all at their pub. I would think with the change in population a “Brown Body”
would fit in well.
My memories of the English bather is a man at Blackpool with his trousers
rolled up and a knotted hanky on his head, paddling in 6" of water. It is
said in some circles that “if you have it Flaunt it”. This would apply to
those who parade in front of the beach girls in skimpy Speedos or underpants
when all the ladies are interested in is the size of their wallet. When in
Rome also applies to Thailand. Observe their customs and attempt to fit in.
I also understand it is against the law to operate a motorcycle with out
proper attire.
Good luck with your crusade Bill.
Sean Murphy
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Not as easy as it sounds
Editor;
Re: Thai immigration laws are complicated (PM Mailbag Friday, 19 September
2014) - Applying for a retirement visa at home is not as easy as it sounds.
1: Download Visa A form.
2: Copy Passport personal data. Passport valid for 18 months.
3; A personal data form.
4: Bank statement or DFA & Trade letter verifying Pension. ( $ )
5: Bank letter declaring sufficient funds.
6: Police name check. ( $ ) (Could wait 1 month.)
7: Doctors report stating no diseases.( $ )
Together with all the requirements to enter Thailand.
Now make 1 true set and 2 copies.
These must be submitted to a Notary Public and bound. ( $++)
Hoping you now have every thing working for you, attend the Thai Consulate
in Sydney only to find out they do not issue Non immigrant O visas which you
must have. (Why not?) Many other countries are the same. Even the Embassy in
Canberra will not endorse it.
By this time and money spent you have 2 alternatives, fly to Brisbane where
you may get it through. (Why Brisbane? who knows? For some reason this
consulate has no qualms with issuing Non Imm Visa O.) Or obtain a tourist
visa and head for Thailand.
There are many legal firms here who will see you through. Or take your
chance with a reputable visa shop you have heard good reports of.
As stated earlier, Thai immigration law is complicated and as much as the
Farangs in your bar think they know everything and they have all the
answers, make up your own mind.
Bryan Patricks
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Only alternative of Naklua is not right
Editor;
Re: Wat Chai Market to be dismantled as military continues clearing
sidewalks nationwide (PM Friday, 12 September 2014) - Making them choose the
only alternative of Naklua is not right. That is a long way for a local
street vendor. I wasn’t crazy about how the night market swells and spills
over into the street and I would prefer more of a sidewalk to actually walk
on, but can’t we get a better solution than only Naklua?
GK
Weegee took catnaps
Editor;
Re: The photojournalists’ creed (PM Snapshots Friday, 19 September 2014) -
Weegee was also reputed to catnap at night beneath the developing tanks in
his newspaper office and frequently wake up to check the news reports coming
in and immediately take off to something interesting.
DG
Plenty of topless Thais
Editor;
Re: Fitting in in Thailand (PM Mailbag Friday, 19 September 2014) - I’ve
seen plenty of Thai’s walking around with no tops on. Yes in bars and
restaurants. I think you should wear a top, if only as a sign of politeness.
But around the streets, honestly don’t see the harm in it. It gives me a
smile when I see the fat boys strolling round sweating like dogs.
Robin Bailey
Good to hear students gaining IB Diploma
Editor;
Re: Star GIS students gain IB Diploma (PM Friday, 18 July 2014) - That’s
really good to hear. These students having that excellent result will surely
have good opportunity to have an amazing learning as well. This would also
give them greater options in obtaining good learning.
Essay Services
Pepperoni is most popular topping
Editor;
Re: (PM Dining Out Friday, 05 September 2014) - Having owned/operated 4
pizzerias in the US (home of the 3 globally largest pizza companies - Pizza
Hut, Papa Johns, Dominos), I believe I qualify as an expert so: I say a
simple pizza dough, apply homemade tomato sauce (my home, not yours ),
sprinkle liberally with mozzarella cheese and apply the world’s still most
popular topping, Pepperoni sausage (37 % of ALL pizza eaters order this &
only this), all over and bake! All that other nonsense about fruit, seafood,
etc., will always be a very distant second to the above.
P.S. I, personally, also like some green peppers all over! Slobber, slobber.
Don Aleman
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