Eneukman

I entered Thailand on a non-Immigrant O visa (multiple entry) in June 2005. I did one "visa run" back to the UK for 2 weeks and returned to Thailand in August 2005. This was obtained from the Consulate in Hull, which is very user friendly. In October 2005, I obtained an extension to my visa based on retirement for 1 year from when I last entered the Kingdom. I have since obtained a new 1 year extension in August 2006 and again August this year. I have never been asked for proof of my income. Alan

And no doubt, you didn't get a receipt either! Alan

Martin, Check the UA web-site to see what their criteria for so-called service dogs are. I found this on the British Airway's US web-site http://www.britishairways.com/travel/askba...earch_text=pets so I imagine American airlines will have similar procedures. From a quick look at BA's requirements, it seems the dog would have gone in the hold or not at all. Wit a bit of luck, UA might cancel the return portion of her ticket. Alan

Not now. The rules were changed whilst my goods were in transit 2 years ago. I had to apy an "agreed" amount of import duty but no receipt would be issued. Goods can still be imported free of duty if you have a work permit as far as I can recall. That is the correct answer to the OP's question! Alan

Not quite. My extension to stay is based purely on having had 800,000 baht in a bank account for a minimum of 90 days. My average inocme is well in excess of 65,000 baht per month, but it's too much hassle to prove it to the satisfaction of the British Embassy. A monthly income of 65,000 baht per month is an alternative to having 800,000 baht in the bank. However, from what I can gather, Immigration will still want to see evidence of a bank account wth a balance of around 10,000/20,000 baht. Alan

If you want a professional translation, I would suggest contacting a local university to see whether their language department can help. Alternatively, look up your local business directory under "Translation services" Alan

I tried Thaifly, but they are obvioussly incapable of giving flight details even 6 monhs ahead. I get a price offered but then find no seats available. WTF? Why show the price in that case? The travel agent I use opposite Soi 7 came up with a Business Class return to Glasgow with Emirates for 104,400 baht, which is about 3,000 baht or so cheaper than the best I've been able to find for sure so far. Glasgow's the wrong side of the country for me, but the saving makes the extra hassle worthwhile. It means that I will have to leave where I'm staying in Fife at about 8.30 or so to allow p

Have had a quick look at the above but totally unimpressed with it. I was inserting dates for a return visit to the UK towards the end of May and returning end of June (flying Business Class). It kept coming back with a message saying "Eror 111 - Departure flight not found" I know for a fact that flights are available on the dates in question. A pity as some of the prices quoted are very good Alan

Have you tried the airline's own web-sites? I've been able to obtain prices for return flights from Bangkok to Scotland from them without too much difficulty. Alan

You can now even convert the standard 30 day stamp to a retirement visa, though you first have to convert it to a non-Immigrant visa at a cost, I think, of 2,000 baht. Strictly speaking, a retirement visa can only be obtained in your home country. What most of living here call a retirement visa is really an extension to the non-Immigrant O visa we had when we fist entered Thailand based on retirement. It is, however, easier to call it a retirement visa. A medical certificate is no longer required for a "retirement" visa. Perhaps they have finally realised that the whole procedure wa

Sorry, will have to give it a miss as I have other plans for tonight. Alan

Last month I flew Bangkok - Amsterdam - Edinburgh and the KLM flight between Bangkok and Amsterdam originates in Taipei. At least the flight to Bangkok later flew on to Taipei. So, sorry, but don't see the difference here between Air France and KLM. I treated myself to a business class flight in both directions so had my oen personal tv. I will shortly be booking another flight back, but first need to get my accommodation confirmed. However, the KLM web-site does not give me the chance of flying to Amsterdam on the 14.25 service from Edinburgh so I am going to have to phone KLM beforehand

No, Thailand has two exchange rates - An external one which is quoted by ex.com and an internal one, which is the rate you will get if actually in Thailand or use your credit/cash card over here. I will need to start thinking about transferring some more funds over at this rate of exchange. Alan

Nice one, but a variation of an old one. Alan

Anyone willing to own up to having paid for this service? Alan

I'm not sure that the shop is to blame for a bad connection. It is more likely to be their ISP playing up as my Skype connection can be excellent in the afternoon and virtually unuseable a few hours later. Alan

I started with the Pattaya School of Languages just past Carrefour on Central Road. I did an hour at a time on a one to one basis. I can't recall the costs now but they will likely have gone up as that was coming up for 2 years ago. Learning to read is a very good idea as you will then learn why words have the tone they do. A good dictionary is essential. The best on-line one that I know is http://www.thai-language.com/dict/ though there are many words that aren't in it and a small number of the pronunciation guides and tones are wrong. Alan

Definitely not! Must be attractive, between 25 and 35 ish, have nice tits, no boyfriend/sponsor/husband. Alan

I pay out of laziness more than anything. I get it cleaned on average once every two weeks. If I could find someone reliable and trustworth, I'd happily employ her. Alan

Sorry to hear this cowboy. Hopefully, you'll still be able to make a few visits to LOS. Alan

I would assume the same. It may be possible to re-activate it by adding more credit but I wouldn't guarantee it. Phoning the number is a good idea. My UK mobile number expired after 2 years of not being used and could not be reactivated. I therefore had to buy a new sim card for use there as my Thai mobile seemed to be blocked for outgoing calls in the UK. Until a day or two ago, my new UK sim card was showing Orange as an available network though this has now changed to True. Alan

I use Skype, though the connection can vary from good to useless depending on your internet connection at the time. I was on for over an hour in total today and the connection was excellent throughout. Alan

This is one of the few bars on my never again list. I went in 2 years ago and ordered a vodka and coke. The drink arrived and out of habit, I looked at the tab and as above, no price on it. The waitress saw me do this and picked up a price list but said fuck all. Fortunately, I only had one drink as when I got the bill it was 155 baht (I hate to think what it will be 2 years on). From replies to my comments on various boards I got the impression that they are well known for this sort of thing. Alan

That was on of the ones I got wrong! Alan

I was in last night for a short time and whilst, there were one or two not bad looking girls, overall I was disappointed with the line up. However it's early days yet - so hopefully that will improve in the coming weeks. A sangsom & coke was 105 baht, better than the 120 baht it was before, which was a total rip-off. Nothing to make me not go back though. Alan