SAWASDEE 2

[toma1 10]

I looked into this week about a one way to bkk and I called delta and told me since I am a usa citzen that I have to have proof of a return ticket or a forward of onward travel.

While technically true, in practice I've never heard of this being enforced. Personally, I have been to Thailand many times and have never been required to show such proof. In fact, I have even been there without a return ticket.

[ThaitoUSA 15]

The dog does not go into quarentine. It's quit simply really. She has to bring the dog's rabbies vaccination record and a medical certificate issued within the past month. They do a quick physical inspection of the dog and so long as everything looks ok, they let them in immediately.

Here is a link to someone's personal story about doing it:

http://importfood.com/thai_dog.html

[symbiosis 0]

I looked into this week about a one way to bkk and I called delta and told me since I am a usa citzen that I have to have proof of a return ticket or a forward of onward travel.

While technically true, in practice I've never heard of this being enforced. Personally, I have been to Thailand many times and have never been required to show such proof. In fact, I have even been there without a return ticket.

Actually, I got the runaround from United one time in the U.S. I had a one-way because, at the time, I lived in Thailand. I even had the proper work visa and all. It was a major hassle that almost caused me to miss my flight.

[symbiosis 0]

BKK to JFK = $1021 24 hours

BKK to EWR = $1414 23 hours

BKK to IAD = $1300 21 hours

It's a tough one. I appreciate the advice toma1 to take two flights and perhaps save $200, however she may be travelling with her dog, so the shortest flight may be best.

Birch and eric, if you two wouldn't mind sharing any information you find while in Bangkok, I would be most grateful.

The dog will go into quarantine I'm pretty sure, right? You should check into that. Quarantine can be pretty long...

I'm not sure about your dates, but you can beat that price on Sidestep.com. I've see it as low as $640 to JFK in December on Kuwait Airlines.

On those discount flights, you've got to click on "taxes and fees" though. My experience is the low, low, prices have very high fees which brings them into line with the more "regular" fares. I've been checking and anything less than about $1,100 is not coming up.

[symbiosis 0]

ANNA GOT HER INTERVIEW SCHEDULED DECEMBER 8!! How soon will the visa be issued (assuming all goes well....)? (Remember that December 10 is a public holiday in Thailand.)

Wow! Congrats. But this scares me a bit. We sent in our Packet 3 a few days after you and Dec. is too soon for me to be in Bkk! I was planning to be there when Noi had her interview, but I was thinking best-case scenario would be a Jan. interview.

[toma1 10]

BKK to JFK = $1021 24 hours

BKK to EWR = $1414 23 hours

BKK to IAD = $1300 21 hours

It's a tough one. I appreciate the advice toma1 to take two flights and perhaps save $200, however she may be travelling with her dog, so the shortest flight may be best.

Birch and eric, if you two wouldn't mind sharing any information you find while in Bangkok, I would be most grateful.

The dog will go into quarantine I'm pretty sure, right? You should check into that. Quarantine can be pretty long...

I'm not sure about your dates, but you can beat that price on Sidestep.com. I've see it as low as $640 to JFK in December on Kuwait Airlines.

On those discount flights, you've got to click on "taxes and fees" though. My experience is the low, low, prices have very high fees which brings them into line with the more "regular" fares. I've been checking and anything less than about $1,100 is not coming up.

That was the price on Kuwait Airlines after taxes.

Passengers Price Tax, fees + charges Full Price

1 Adult THB 20,790 THB 1,620 THB 22,410

[symbiosis 0]

Is getting interviews so soon at the BKK consulate a recent trend? I was banking on it being minimum 10 weeks from embassy receipt of Packet 3.

[toma1 10]

Is getting interviews so soon at the BKK consulate a recent trend? I was banking on it being minimum 10 weeks from embassy receipt of Packet 3.

Yes it's much faster now... you'll be in the first half of December for sure. But the visa is valid for travel for quite a while; you don't have to fly immediately.

[daboyz 36]

BKK to JFK = $1021 24 hours

BKK to EWR = $1414 23 hours

BKK to IAD = $1300 21 hours

It's a tough one. I appreciate the advice toma1 to take two flights and perhaps save $200, however she may be travelling with her dog, so the shortest flight may be best.

Birch and eric, if you two wouldn't mind sharing any information you find while in Bangkok, I would be most grateful.

The dog will go into quarantine I'm pretty sure, right? You should check into that. Quarantine can be pretty long...

I'm not sure about your dates, but you can beat that price on Sidestep.com. I've see it as low as $640 to JFK in December on Kuwait Airlines.

On those discount flights, you've got to click on "taxes and fees" though. My experience is the low, low, prices have very high fees which brings them into line with the more "regular" fares. I've been checking and anything less than about $1,100 is not coming up.

That was the price on Kuwait Airlines after taxes.

Passengers Price Tax, fees + charges Full Price

1 Adult THB 20,790 THB 1,620 THB 22,410

Looks like the PAD took over the airport. So until they get that resolved, not sure if anyone is going to Bangkok at any cost. Maybe Chiang Mai is still open.

[*Robert* 2]

That was the price on Kuwait Airlines after taxes.

Passengers Price Tax, fees + charges Full Price

1 Adult THB 20,790 THB 1,620 THB 22,410

I really dislike Kuwait Airlines. I used to fly them from MNL to BKK. Wasn't impressed with the condition of the aircraft at all... but it was my only option.

So how do you usually fly from TB to BKK, Tom? I've never had to fly to Asia from the East coast, since I moved here from Hawaii, and before that, lived in the Marshall Islands.

I am not looking forward to the loooooooong flights to get there...

[afisher 0]

I looked into this week about a one way to bkk and I called delta and told me since I am a usa citzen that I have to have proof of a return ticket or a forward of onward travel.

While technically true, in practice I've never heard of this being enforced. Personally, I have been to Thailand many times and have never been required to show such proof. In fact, I have even been there without a return ticket.

I agree, it is rarely enforced, if ever. I always flew to Thailand on a one way ticket. One time when I got to BKK they wanted to see an onward ticket at the immigration counter, which I didn't have, I just told them that I was going to Singapore in 30 days. That worked for about 2 years B)

[symbiosis 0]

I am beginning to re-think now how important it is for me to be there for my fiancee's interview. She's understandably a bit nervous (having been ill-treated at the same consulate during a previous B-2 visa interview that was denied), but I think she could do it.

How much is it likely to increase the odds if I am there? If her interview comes circa mid-Dec., it's going to be extremely difficult to get time off from work and afford the plane ticket in that time frame.

[daboyz 36]

I am beginning to re-think now how important it is for me to be there for my fiancee's interview. She's understandably a bit nervous (having been ill-treated at the same consulate during a previous B-2 visa interview that was denied), but I think she could do it.

How much is it likely to increase the odds if I am there? If her interview comes circa mid-Dec., it's going to be extremely difficult to get time off from work and afford the plane ticket in that time frame.

I'm not going to go for my wife's interview. I have alot of evidence though. Joint bills at the same address in Bangkok etc. From what I understand, there's not alot you can do at the interview anyway. Also, there's always a chance that she could be put in AR for who knows how long, so then you've wasted a trip. Just my opinion.

[symbiosis 0]

I am beginning to re-think now how important it is for me to be there for my fiancee's interview. She's understandably a bit nervous (having been ill-treated at the same consulate during a previous B-2 visa interview that was denied), but I think she could do it.

How much is it likely to increase the odds if I am there? If her interview comes circa mid-Dec., it's going to be extremely difficult to get time off from work and afford the plane ticket in that time frame.

I'm not going to go for my wife's interview. I have alot of evidence though. Joint bills at the same address in Bangkok etc. From what I understand, there's not alot you can do at the interview anyway. Also, there's always a chance that she could be put in AR for who knows how long, so then you've wasted a trip. Just my opinion.

We have good evidence too, having lived together in Bangkok for two years. Still ...

Thanks to what you've said and what I've heard from others, I think I might hold off if the interview is in Dec. I find it ironic though that after all these months of frustration as we wait, we are now both hoping for a slightly later interview date!

[daboyz 36]

I am beginning to re-think now how important it is for me to be there for my fiancee's interview. She's understandably a bit nervous (having been ill-treated at the same consulate during a previous B-2 visa interview that was denied), but I think she could do it.

How much is it likely to increase the odds if I am there? If her interview comes circa mid-Dec., it's going to be extremely difficult to get time off from work and afford the plane ticket in that time frame.

I'm not going to go for my wife's interview. I have alot of evidence though. Joint bills at the same address in Bangkok etc. From what I understand, there's not alot you can do at the interview anyway. Also, there's always a chance that she could be put in AR for who knows how long, so then you've wasted a trip. Just my opinion.

We have good evidence too, having lived together in Bangkok for two years. Still ...

Thanks to what you've said and what I've heard from others, I think I might hold off if the interview is in Dec. I find it ironic though that after all these months of frustration as we wait, we are now both hoping for a slightly later interview date!

Laugh. I agree. My wife's interview wont be until January. NVC has already closed scheduling for December. I'd just hate to fly all the way over there to end up coming back alone. Who knows if the airport will even be open. I wish the military would take over again.