jacko

A bit more about this new Visa. Don't take it as verbatim as it is early days yet. http://www.thailongstay.co.th/stv_visa.html

I was involved in a discussion last night where I felt someone was fear mongering, saying the police in town will be asking to see passports and telling people to carry them. I am not sure immigration police have the resources or other police, like traffic police, will get involved, they are busy getting fines for minor driving infringements. Checking passports in the street has never been a Pattaya thing before, but a 2000 baht fine for not carrying it is often mentioned. Please let us not get into the 'I carry a laminated copy' blah blah that often comes from this topic. Make your own mind up if you want to carry your passport in these unique times.... personally I will not unless I get hassled, then I will comply, I take my pants off too often when in town!!!! There are rumours on Thai Visa of a further amnesty or Extension to Oct 31st, it ties in with extending the State of Emergency until then, so just maybe panic over and good luck getting folks to act prior to that date, they will not be taking the warnings seriously any more! https://bangkokherald.com/thailand/thailand-visa-amnesty-gets-last-minute-extension-to-oct-31-sources/

They can remain if they can obtain an extension. Apparently most Embassies are issuing letters now which can get them another 30 days too. Queues are long at many immigration offices. More than I expected have hung out for a last minute reprieve/amnesty which was not forthcoming and to me at least seemed would be extremely unlikely. I too suspect some motive behind this, perhaps too many of the people left behind are not self sufficient tourists. There may be a group or element in there they want out. The baby goes out with the bathwater. You have to wonder what comes next.

I don't understand why this seems to require a chartered or private flight. I was told Emirates had started up flights again, obviously via Dubai, and the transit through Dubai was possible.... some concern that the Covid test would still be valid if overnight (add a day to its age) but a recent test, no issue. I see figures of 70,000 baht for ASQ. One would have to be desperate to go through all of this, but the opportunity to winter in Thailand is what awaits one, and seriously, after the quarantine, it can be a pretty normal life. Unlike back in say the UK, feedback I get from a hot-spot there sounds miserable.

Pity it is behind a paywall or need to supply email or FB/Google login. Is there any downside to that.?

Thank you, but some of the staff seemed to think it was permanent.

This seems like a perfect place. After further rumours on this topic I decided to check them out, we all know the only thing worse than Chinese Whispers is Thai gossip! Staff confirmed the PBG will close on the 30th, perhaps with a staff party. It is a big place and looked forlorn with few customers, but those who were there were having a good time. It was a rainy evening, so tables were empty and shimmering, with a group of Thai ladies making more noise than an Old Trafford crowd. So, sadly for those of you who will never visit The Pattaya Beer garden again, say farewell, adieu, to an institution. I remember going in there when it first opened, and it became a frequent starting point for many a stagger around the Go-Go Bars of the Walking Street area... and by the way, stroll along that beachside and many more places seem to be tumbling into the sea like artic glaciers. The way in as it currently stands..... Where the shit gets dumped into the sea when they think nobody is looking. One of the best seats in town.... Bar view.... A view many of us will know. Single Ladies Welcome......

I suppose the existence of Eastern and Western Hemispheres has been overlooked. ?

Thread Closed.

Kelly Adams

I watch a lot of re-runs of the old car enthusiast program 'Top Gear' and of course most of what they drive and love is completely impractical as a run about vehicle. But they are often things of beauty and I am impressed by hearing what the rich and famous buy. Even recently it was a member of 'The Rolling Stones' (Wood) talking of another who had a collection... he doesn't even have a driving licence but likes to sit in his vehicles with the engine running, never revving the engine. If I was phenominally rich, there would be an Aston in my drive before a soppy dog. But like Gary there, my present circmstances force a Ford Ranger, which is very practical around Thailand.

Well it is obvious they don't want Covid moreso. And the fact that they are considering this new Tourist Visa type actually tells me they do want tourists.... but are being very specific about what type. What the Maldives and DR do is up to them and I think Thailand has a right to make its own choices too... there aren't many good examples out there to suggest what Thailand should do beyond current measures. Have to see what the full requirements are for this new TV, I know I was disappointed when I saw the O-X terms.

I am pretty sure this is specific, it obviously is aimed at those who can tolerate a 2 week quarantine as I do not see that going away just yet. An accommodation for snowbirds, winter with us away from the misery of cold and Covid. I think there will be some takers.... although I have a parallel thought.... what is to stop a person like myself, changing status from a retirement extension, to such a Visa (other than quarantine and a trip somewhere)? Gone is the need to have 800.000 baht sitting in the bank, or monthly 65,000 being deposited. We shall have to see what else is required, remember the multiple entry TV? Not as popular as perhaps hoped, but then they did not want that used by people in reality living in Thaland.... now they are less discerning. In the past new Visa types that were thought to be useful came with onerous requirements, the O-X for example and it's tying up of a lot of your money, then the insurance requirements for O-A. This one will likely also have insurance needs, and older guys will struggle to get cover.

I would love to drink red wine, but more so when at home. One of the advantages of being in the UK was the large selection of wines from all over the world, and sometimes at very cheap prices. Try this one then that one, have another bottle of that as liked it previously. It is expensive in Thailand. As to drinking it when out in the evenings, not a chance, very very likely it would be adulterated here. It would give me a fair old headache too.

Perhaps a simple lay-off or staff reduction.

Who needs to keep up to speed now? Anyhow you can see the OP was edited after my question.

Err Building 'b' where?

Rates for the holiday weekend....

@sailingbillI found keyman's topic for you to read..... I hope it is of use.

It would seem apparent that any health issues were already present when he accepted the job! I just knew I sent that money too soon!

As bullfrog said, @keyman can help here, having had the IOL replacement done in Pattaya and told me he was very pleased. He no longer gets blnd drunk !

Hugh Keays-Byrne

Because I sent some Sterling over yesterday it is now free to climb to new heights.

Be interesting to know if this is caused mostly by demand from Thais wanting to return, or a heavy chunk of foreigners desperate to return and 'do the time'.... must be quite frustrating, like a pal of mine seperated from his Mrs and Thai home for 5 months now.