Thaifan

Thanks for your useful advice but after consulting several Immigration Offices I accept their recommendation not to take up work. They advise that even if I get a change of visa the chances of then returning to a retirement visa may be jeopardised. When I stop working and wish to renew my Retirement Visa it may be refused because i have already demonstrated that I haven't really retired. I cannot take this risk as Thailand is now my only home. Thanks again

Sorry!! I meant western farang. In Sri Racha they are mainly Cambodian or Laos visitors it is rare to see another westerner there but I am sure Pattaya is a much larger proportion of Western Immigrants! I also think the Officers in Pattaya will speak better English.

Thanks a lot!! I think I will go to Pattya office as they will be more used to dealing with Farang. I normally go to Sri Racha where they don't get many. I will let you know how i get on Thanks again!!!

"I know this to be true because I have personally gone to immigration with people a few times when they needed to do that and there was no problem at all as long as they had the required documentation and paid the fees." Useful information as I have been told i need to go to Singapore to change my visa 'type'. I am currently on an O-A Visa and now want to apply for a work permit.

Another sad time for Thailand!! Further proof that something needs to be done to bridge the divide. The present government cannot govern without asking the Army for help so what chance do we have of getting tourists to return?

I have a Retirement Visa Type O-A. Does anyone know whether I can apply for a Work Permit from within Thailand or is it true I have to fly to Singapore and apply for a Type B Visa first. I had retired but have been offered a job and they are happy to apply for a Work Permit for me but have said I need to leave the Country first and get a different type of Visa. Is this correct? Anyone who has experienced a similar problem your advice would be much appreciated. Thanks

No mention of retirement on mine either. Just O-A. Does anyone know whether I can apply for a Work Permit from within Thailand or is it true I have to fly to Singapore and apply for a Type B Visa first. I had retired but have been offered a job and they are happy to apply for a Work Permit for me but have said I need to leave the Country first and get a different type of Visa. Is this correct? Anyone who has experienced a similar problem your advice would be much appreciated. Thanks

I am not sure that this myth that he only appeals to the poor and those in rural areas is correct. Many of my friends are University lecturers (many of whom were educated overseas) and opinion about him is fairly evenly divided. I accept that most of his support comes from the North East but though his party didn't win seats in the Bangkok area he nevertheless got many votes. I would be interested to know the percentages of the 'educated elite' yellow shirt supporters who have only been educated within the Thai Education system and those who are overseas educated.

I have lived in many Asian countries and have never felt farang is used in an offensive way here in Thailand but agree that is not the case in HongKong, China and Japan. The only time I came across being turned away in Japan was in gay establishments where some places are reserved for 'sticky rice' so I wasn't offended.

I agree Pattaya is no fun during Songkran (mainly cos of the farangs) but an hour up the road in Bang Saen where it also lasts for 6 days it is fun without being dangerous.

Whilst agreeing it isn't good for Thailand it just goes to show what goes around comes around. If the so called 'elite' of Thailand hadn't orchestrated the Coup and driven Thaksin out of Thailand maybe we wouldn't be in the economic mess we are in now. We now have to worry that Cambodia will develop their economy to one that rivals our own. Because whatever his faults there is no doubt he is an outstanding economist. Whilst I don't condone his corrupt activities he is no worse than any other Thai politician and even if he did look after himself there is no doubt he also ensured Thailand was better off under his leadership.

All statements are very valid and that is what I like about this site - we are all free to say what we think. The Civil Libertarians often go too far with their claims for freedom. Yes, free-speech is very important and complaining about taking away peoples freedom of choice is an important freedom but it is often necessary to protect the majority from the reckless actions of a few!!!

I have to agree that they chose the wrong Country to commit their crimes in!! As I have said I don't know many Ladyboys so don't really understand them very well. Is it because they have to endure prejudice that makes them turn to crime? Are a higher than normal percentage of them crooked? Or is it just because they are different that the criminal ones get noticed more?

I agree that there is so much to love about Thailand but I think the Festivals are one of the things that make it really unique. Loy Kratong here in Bangsaen has once again been great but Songkran is something impossible to describe to people. The Festivals really must be experienced to really appreciate how special they are!!!

Justice comes to those who wait!!