Immigration must show leniency
Postbox letter from Hector
Surely it's time for the immigration dept in Thailand to try and stop people needing to go to their packed offices at present?
The all new 10-year retirement visa
Who is it aimed at exactly?
A buzz of excitement went through the Thailand expat community last week, when it was announced the Thai government planned to offer ten year visas to those over the official Thai retirement age of 50. That buzz of excitement was shortlived however once any street savvy expat decided to delve into the figures and requirements in more detail.
Heads up on the 90-day reporting
The rules seems to have changed (again)
Today I did the 90-day reporting in person at my local Samut Prakarn immigration office. It seems that the rules have changed at least in terms of the number of documents you need to photocopy and submit.
Perspectives
It all boils down to how you look at things
As much as I love Thailand, I often find myself complaining about living here. I notice that many of my friends do the same thing. Most of the time it is just harmless chit chat, but sometimes I find myself talking to people who really do not seem to like anything about Thailand.
New visa rule is ridiculous
Postbox letter from Dr John Smith
In my opinion I find it very difficult to understand the mentality or blatant stupidity of the Thai immigration section in Bangkok. Not only do they rip you off at every turn but now they have found a new way to get money from visitors.
Getting a 30-day tourist visa extension
A trip to the remarkably efficient Thai immigration office
I must say, I'm highly impressed with the efficiency of the whole process. It's not something I would expect from a Thai government office, and the process is far more efficient than getting a passport or similar document in the States!
Finding the poetry
English teachers, Sonny's outcry, and finding the poetry
Governments and Immigration officials in various countries, including South Korea and Thailand, are finally starting to crack down on English teachers who have proven themselves to be less than desirable.
From Boulder to Bangkok
Thailand at a crossroad
When I heard that a teacher, an EFL teacher at that, had been picked up in Bangkok on suspicion of the JonBenet Ramsey murder, I knew that things would change. Or, at least, I hope that things will change. For the better. I, like everyone else, heard the name John Mark Karr for the first time
The end (sort of)
Reflections on a last decade
It has been a long and interesting decade. When I applied for my first passport I was still living in a car. I imagined that an overseas teaching job might get me off the streets. I ended up teaching homeless and illiterate Americans instead as an VISTA volunteer. This is how I acquired the taste for classrooms.
You will always be an outsider
The dark underbelly of the Thailand TEFL industry
These questions lead to the dark underbelly of Thailand’s EFL industry. Let’s face it: the cowboys have invaded and they’re here to stay. Many English teachers are tourists who only want to extend travel by getting a quick paycheck. Some are fly-by-night sex-pats who have run out of cash. Many English teachers are fleeing a criminal past, or hiding from life back home.
