Has Winston been in Thailand?

[drronnie]

Wondering if Winston even been in Thailand yet and what were his experiences?

[xiongmao]

No he hasn't been there. He would like the food courts but moan about the food being too spicy. He would like the hooker bars but say it is too expensive to take the girls home. Also he would say it was too hot and there is no eye contact from non-bar girls. Finally he wouldn't be able to stay there long time as it's a pain in the *** to get a Thai visa these days.

If Winston goes traveling again he should check out Berlin. The food is cheap and the place is as chilled as he is.

[Winston]

No I haven't yet. Next time ask a trivial question like this in a Thailand related thread or the "Ask Winston" thread in the Questions and Advice section. No need to start a whole thread for such a trivial question.

[Yohan]

Well, the person who created this thread is living in Thailand and a 50/50 Thai. It is not wrong to create a thread about Thailand, but maybe the opening post should be done differently - not only to ask Winston, but to ask for general feedback from everybody.

The question makes sense however, as Thailand is very well-known for mixed race marriages between Western men and local women and this is the main topic of this Happier-Abroad Forum. maybe no. 1, better known worldwide than Philippines.

In this sense 'Thailand' is NOT a trivial topic.

[Yohan]

Finally he wouldn't be able to stay there long time as it's a pain in the *** to get a Thai visa these days.

Not really so difficult but you have to decide, preferably before your departure, what fits you.

Thailand gives almost everybody on arrival visa exemption 30 days free of charge, and most visitors, especially from Asia and USA with short vacation do not need more than that.

If you apply for a tourist visa in advance you can get up to 3 visa for 60 days each in Thai embassies in countries which are not bordering Thailand, like here in Japan, makes totally 180 days, but you have to leave Thai territory each time.

If you are 50+ you might qualify for retirement - 1 year, or in case of marriage, also 1 year.

Business-related visa with work-permit are however difficult. The problem is not about visa, but how to earn money in this country as a Western foreigner. Thailand is good for vacation and retirement, if you bring enough cash with you, but otherwise?