Are our friends in Thailand doing ok? Are they in any danger?

Currently the situation in Thailand is up in the air. All TV programming has been taken offline with the exception of the Thai stations, which are playing a constant loop of photos and music in tribute to the King. Today has been called a national holiday and all banks and government offices are closed.

Tanks are in the streets in Bangkok and traffic is closely monitored.

There have been rumors of this coup for weeks. It came as no shock to anyone that lives in Thailand. The Thai people I have spoken to are happy about this and not sad. I do not think many realize the impact it may have.

Recently, the government issued new orders for tourists arriving on a Visa On Demand. They have limited those to 90 days within any 180 days. This means the boarder runs for someone to live here permanently are now finished. However, who knows what will happen with this policy now.

The military has been called to action and the people are being told this will not last long.

The US government advices people not to visit here till things settle down. They do not recommend that visitors that are currently in Thailand leave. This may change.

People currently have access to the Internet. As all TV and Satellite are offline, I am not sure how long Internet will last.

As I can't sit in front of CNN today, I am off to the beach. Hey, what else can I do?

Thanks for the info. I don't understand the "Visa on demand". How is it different than the past when no visa was required?

I had planned to visit during the Christmas holidays. Guess I'll put buying any tickets on Hold. :-(

This could really hurt their economy I would think.

People from USA are allowed to enter Thailand without a Visa for 30 days. If you stay longer, you need to either go to the Immigration Office and request an extension or go to another country to get another 30 days. You are only allowed to do this for 90 days now. Previously, you were able to do it indefinitely. If you stay is less than 90 days, you have no problem. However, you will not be able to return to Thailand for another 90 days without going to a Thai Embassy or Consulate and pay for a Visa stamp. That is often a 60 days stamp.

The new law is really only aimed at keeping people from living and working here without the proper documentation.

This does not affect me, as I don't stay here on Tourist Visa for more than 30 days.

It does not affect anyone over 50 who want to live here as they can easily get a retirement visa.

It does not affect business owners as they can apply for a work permit.

It does not affect those have money as they can buy a special Thai Elite Card.

It does effect those that are under 50 and want to live here year round.

www.thaivisa.com and the forums there are the best source for visa info.

I hope this helps. And, yes, you do need to come here in Dec.

Glad you are OK and keeping your sense of humor, Oz.

Be safe.

I'm glad to see you found a warm place to cuddle up... or is it cuddle while all of this drama transpires.

Just remember Sherman...

"I will not run if nominated, I will not serve if elected."

We need you here!!!!!

Hi KY,

I have talked to many people in Thiland and see no reason for you to change your plans for Xmas. Things are completely normal in the tourist areas and once the King speaks any unrest will end.

I leave in 19 days for Thailand and i am not the least bit worried. of course i will montor current events and continue to converse with people, in case there are any changes.

Xmas in Thailand the only place to be. Plus just imagine all the sad faces of those boys who brighten up when they hear you are coming!!!!

Firecat

Sorry I will miss you over there Firecat.

But you have fun ok ?

I would not be worried either if I were to go there in the next few days.

Stef

http://www.steflacoste.com

+33 870 449 763 ~ France

+1 310 933 6213 ~ Usa

>Just remember Sherman...

>

>"I will not run if nominated, I will not serve if

>elected."

Wasn't that comedian Pat Paullson? :9

(Anyone remember the Smothers Brothers show?)

>(Anyone remember the Smothers Brothers show?)

OK Deej, for us that grew up in the 80's, please elighten us. Who is the Smothers Brothers? Are they related to the Blues Brothers?

>OK Deej, for us that grew up in the 80's, please elighten us.

>Who is the Smothers Brothers? Are they related to the Blues

>Brothers?

Those of you who grew up in the 80's have surely heard of Google. ;-)

http://www.smothersbrothers.com/

>Those of you who grew up in the 80's have surely heard of

>Google. ;-)

hehe. Nope, never heard of google. Is that the same company as Alexa?

Don't worry, Oz, I promise not to take advantage of your youth and inexperience.

(And those of you who grew up in the 80's won't know where THAT comes from either. :+ )

Thanks Deej, I appreciate that very much.

As May West said, “You're never too old to become younger”

If she's any relation to Mae West, she sounds like a fun gal.

>If she's any relation to Mae West, she sounds like a fun

>gal.

They are sisters. With your encyclopedic knowledge of history, I am shocked you did not know this. See, I once said you learn something new every day. Today you learned about the West and I learned about the Smuckers Brothers.

>I learned about the Smuckers Brothers.

I love their preserves.

Any update on what is going on there. The US media doesn't seem to report much. I've got most of my info from the BBC and it does sound good to me. United Airlines has been allowing cancelations on Bangkok flights, with no penalties since the coup.

How is the nightlife? Are the bars still open and is there still a curfew?

There are no updates because nothing exciting is happening whatsoever. Everything is open as usual, no curfews, no nothing. You would never know anything had happened at all.