SAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)

[AaronLV 12]

My Fiance was handed a new manila envelope that is not to be opened by us. I now have this envelope and the big medical Xray with the smaller vaccination envelope which has apparently been resealed. what do I need at the POE? Can I stick the big X ray in our suitcase and just hold onto the smaller vaccination envelope and the new envelope for the customs agent to inspect?

You just need the "new envelope", not the xray or the vaccination at the POE. You can open the vaccination, that is the form you will need to have transcribed for AOS.

[daboyz 36]

My Fiance was handed a new manila envelope that is not to be opened by us. I now have this envelope and the big medical Xray with the smaller vaccination envelope which has apparently been resealed. what do I need at the POE? Can I stick the big X ray in our suitcase and just hold onto the smaller vaccination envelope and the new envelope for the customs agent to inspect?

It states pretty clearly on the outside of the brown envelope "Do Not Open" Don't put it in your checked bags. You will need it before customs. Carry it on the plane.

[HYENA 4]

Thank you for all your replies and help; I really appreciate it.

It's suddenly feeling all to real (no more fantasy bride) LOL! We'll get through it though...like any marriage you start out "perfect" then work on things for a good, stable trusting partnership. She wants to crank out a kid but I told her she hasn't a clue how expensive they are in the states. You can't just dump them at mom's house and go on with your life in the USA. Little things like that (that could become big things) worry me. She wants one later but I tell her any kids has directly to do with money and future earning potential so we gotta get cracking in a bad economy. UGH!

She also doesn't seem to grasp I can't just come live here with my kids or our kid at a whim...that Thai laws are highly xenophobic. It's the ignorance how difficult it really is to reside in Thailand (retirement) she'll also have to learn (I don't have the income or bank baht to stay yet). Just a bit of english and internet savvy, she'll be able to research all this since most of her learning is by word of mouth not having had the opportunity for much education here (I'm in BKK now).

We're heading up to Roi Et so she can see her house and family, then fly to maybe Phuket? not sure where a cheap, safe beach place would be to go and bring mom (she's never been on a plane or had any vacation all her life so anything I can do to create numerous firsts for her would thrill us both).

Any beach suggestions? We were thinking of Chang Mai but it's just another Roi et (prettier) from what I gather. I think getting her up on water skis would have me smiling for the next year! I gotta try! (Imagine..old farm rice paddy lady on water skis). Crossing my fingers for that photo op!

Moving right along...I'll dive into her birth cert papers and see what vaccinations she's had and see if she can get more. She had everything a month or two ago so I gotta see what's due if anything right now if we can...

Forgot my sis is a shrink but legally can get us the vaccine and paper. I hear civil surgeon prices vary wildly so anything to save before seeing one (if needed).... I'll have to check AOS to see what's required since I've done no research past this part yet.

Congratulations to those of you who have also made your next step fulfilling your dreams and thanks again for your responses.

[HYENA 4]

do we need the police cert (embassy kept it) or original vaccinations (they gave her a copy)

we'll try to get what we can back when we pick up the visa on the 28th. the birth cert looks good (Siam legal did a pretty good job on that)

[wasabi 4]

My Fiance was handed a new manila envelope that is not to be opened by us. I now have this envelope and the big medical Xray with the smaller vaccination envelope which has apparently been resealed. what do I need at the POE? Can I stick the big X ray in our suitcase and just hold onto the smaller vaccination envelope and the new envelope for the customs agent to inspect?

It states pretty clearly on the outside of the brown envelope "Do Not Open" Don't put it in your checked bags. You will need it before customs. Carry it on the plane.

I understand about the new envelope. I wasn't sure if I needed the old one from the hospital. It sounds like the answer is no, only the new one. That's good because that big X ray one would be annoying to carry.

[daboyz 36]

My Fiance was handed a new manila envelope that is not to be opened by us. I now have this envelope and the big medical Xray with the smaller vaccination envelope which has apparently been resealed. what do I need at the POE? Can I stick the big X ray in our suitcase and just hold onto the smaller vaccination envelope and the new envelope for the customs agent to inspect?

It states pretty clearly on the outside of the brown envelope "Do Not Open" Don't put it in your checked bags. You will need it before customs. Carry it on the plane.

I understand about the new envelope. I wasn't sure if I needed the old one from the hospital. It sounds like the answer is no, only the new one. That's good because that big X ray one would be annoying to carry.

From what I have read around here, you should have both. That said, I have seen 20 people go through POE and when they present the X-ray, the officer is like "I don't want that." So who knows on that one.

[thongd4me 69]

Thank you for all your replies and help; I really appreciate it.

It's suddenly feeling all to real (no more fantasy bride) LOL! We'll get through it though...like any marriage you start out "perfect" then work on things for a good, stable trusting partnership. She wants to crank out a kid but I told her she hasn't a clue how expensive they are in the states. You can't just dump them at mom's house and go on with your life in the USA. Little things like that (that could become big things) worry me. She wants one later but I tell her any kids has directly to do with money and future earning potential so we gotta get cracking in a bad economy. UGH!

She also doesn't seem to grasp I can't just come live here with my kids or our kid at a whim...that Thai laws are highly xenophobic. It's the ignorance how difficult it really is to reside in Thailand (retirement) she'll also have to learn (I don't have the income or bank baht to stay yet). Just a bit of english and internet savvy, she'll be able to research all this since most of her learning is by word of mouth not having had the opportunity for much education here (I'm in BKK now).

We're heading up to Roi Et so she can see her house and family, then fly to maybe Phuket? not sure where a cheap, safe beach place would be to go and bring mom (she's never been on a plane or had any vacation all her life so anything I can do to create numerous firsts for her would thrill us both).

Any beach suggestions? We were thinking of Chang Mai but it's just another Roi et (prettier) from what I gather. I think getting her up on water skis would have me smiling for the next year! I gotta try! (Imagine..old farm rice paddy lady on water skis). Crossing my fingers for that photo op!

Moving right along...I'll dive into her birth cert papers and see what vaccinations she's had and see if she can get more. She had everything a month or two ago so I gotta see what's due if anything right now if we can...

Forgot my sis is a shrink but legally can get us the vaccine and paper. I hear civil surgeon prices vary wildly so anything to save before seeing one (if needed).... I'll have to check AOS to see what's required since I've done no research past this part yet.

Congratulations to those of you who have also made your next step fulfilling your dreams and thanks again for your responses.

Grasshopper!

You don't need to spend big bucks to truck the tribe down to Phuket or Samui, Krabi, etc.

Very near to BKK is Koh Samet - I've been there 3 times and we ONLY stayed at the Silversand Resort.

Don't reserve in advance - you will pay the full farang penalty for sure.

ONLY go on weekdays - it can get very crowded on weekends because it is so close to BKK.

Have your better half negotiate the price; we stayed there for peanuts.

If you want party they have party, but the bungalows are set back far enough from the beach that

you won't be bothered by music at night if your inclination is to sleep.

The units are small, simple, air conditioned and pest-free (at least in 2008).

You might have a gekko or two, but I'm sure you can handle that.

We had a snake in our room in a resort owned by her schoolmate in Chiang Rai.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotos-...935-Rayong.html

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews...HECK_RATES_CONT

http://www.asia-discovery.com/hotels/koh-s...nsportation.htm

General on Koh Samet:

I'm over 50 yrs old butI enjoyed off-road motorbiking on Koh Samet

(hint - you can to that on ANY road).

I suggest touring the entire island by motorbike and you may even find

something cheaper or more to your liking. I've never been on one in the

States but when in Thailand I don't hesitate to do as the locals do.

It's only roads are all unpaved and in terrible shape, so if you're on a budget

you know the super-rich a-holes won't be flocking to this paradise. It's a favorite

among Thais so your Thai family won't feel they've stepped into a farang world.

Happy trails.

[thongd4me 69]

--Hyena

PS on Koh Samet

I have been to both Phuket & Samui so I know whereof I speak.

Koh Samet does not have major wats or tourist attractions (zoos,

etc.) that those bigger islands have, but if all you want is a beautiful

beach paradise, Koh Samet is a good bet. It doesn't have

as many major hotels (certainly no high-rises) as in other places

because of it's size and status as a national park. The boat ride

from Ban Phe is pleasant but the most challenging part of the trip

is getting to your hotel from the ferry dock, because of the condition

of the roads.

In my pic that's us on the boat from Ban Phe.

Cheers.

[HYENA 4]

Thank you for all your replies and help; I really appreciate it.

It's suddenly feeling all to real (no more fantasy bride) LOL! We'll get through it though...like any marriage you start out "perfect" then work on things for a good, stable trusting partnership. She wants to crank out a kid but I told her she hasn't a clue how expensive they are in the states. You can't just dump them at mom's house and go on with your life in the USA. Little things like that (that could become big things) worry me. She wants one later but I tell her any kids has directly to do with money and future earning potential so we gotta get cracking in a bad economy. UGH!

She also doesn't seem to grasp I can't just come live here with my kids or our kid at a whim...that Thai laws are highly xenophobic. It's the ignorance how difficult it really is to reside in Thailand (retirement) she'll also have to learn (I don't have the income or bank baht to stay yet). Just a bit of english and internet savvy, she'll be able to research all this since most of her learning is by word of mouth not having had the opportunity for much education here (I'm in BKK now).

We're heading up to Roi Et so she can see her house and family, then fly to maybe Phuket? not sure where a cheap, safe beach place would be to go and bring mom (she's never been on a plane or had any vacation all her life so anything I can do to create numerous firsts for her would thrill us both).

Any beach suggestions? We were thinking of Chang Mai but it's just another Roi et (prettier) from what I gather. I think getting her up on water skis would have me smiling for the next year! I gotta try! (Imagine..old farm rice paddy lady on water skis). Crossing my fingers for that photo op!

Moving right along...I'll dive into her birth cert papers and see what vaccinations she's had and see if she can get more. She had everything a month or two ago so I gotta see what's due if anything right now if we can...

Forgot my sis is a shrink but legally can get us the vaccine and paper. I hear civil surgeon prices vary wildly so anything to save before seeing one (if needed).... I'll have to check AOS to see what's required since I've done no research past this part yet.

Congratulations to those of you who have also made your next step fulfilling your dreams and thanks again for your responses.

Grasshopper!

You don't need to spend big bucks to truck the tribe down to Phuket or Samui, Krabi, etc.

Very near to BKK is Koh Samet - I've been there 3 times and we ONLY stayed at the Silversand Resort.

Don't reserve in advance - you will pay the full farang penalty for sure.

ONLY go on weekdays - it can get very crowded on weekends because it is so close to BKK.

Have your better half negotiate the price; we stayed there for peanuts.

If you want party they have party, but the bungalows are set back far enough from the beach that

you won't be bothered by music at night if your inclination is to sleep.

The units are small, simple, air conditioned and pest-free (at least in 2008).

You might have a gekko or two, but I'm sure you can handle that.

We had a snake in our room in a resort owned by her schoolmate in Chiang Rai.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotos-...935-Rayong.html

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews...HECK_RATES_CONT

http://www.asia-discovery.com/hotels/koh-s...nsportation.htm

General on Koh Samet:

I'm over 50 yrs old butI enjoyed off-road motorbiking on Koh Samet

(hint - you can to that on ANY road).

I suggest touring the entire island by motorbike and you may even find

something cheaper or more to your liking. I've never been on one in the

States but when in Thailand I don't hesitate to do as the locals do.

It's only roads are all unpaved and in terrible shape, so if you're on a budget

you know the super-rich a-holes won't be flocking to this paradise. It's a favorite

among Thais so your Thai family won't feel they've stepped into a farang world.

Happy trails.

Thank you very much for that suggestion! I think I'll talk to her about it tonight. I've seen the cabanas in movies and videos (likely many places have em) but being so close and tourism is down 40% I think our chances are pretty good.

I was just wanting to throw mom on a plane once for kicks...I think it's 800 baht each way anywhere in thailand from air asia; some recession special.

I gotta remember to smile more...has repercussions when i worry about work and recession back home and I don't smile enough (kind of amusing). I guess I carry my worries with me too much; something I haven't had the knack to learn live for today over here. I told her worrying and planning is part of our culture...not sure how to smack that out of my brain for now. Maybe a beach and some motorcycle rides will be the cure.

I do a lot of motorbiking in Roi Et (dirt roads galore)...pay a few baht to a neighbor and off I go; return with a full tank and they're thrilled.

We went swimming in a large fast flowing river last time with little cabanas you can rent for a couple dollars a day and inner tube and walk back up; cool local water spot (except when the egoes get to big and the teenagers start their own muay thai in the middle of the road, it's relaxing).

I so wish I knew more of the language but she's just not motivated to teaching me like I teach her English. I'd love to be able to sit down with her family and chit chat.

I've never seen a speak isaan cd or book anywhere; would love to find one.

thanks again..i'll do some research while we're waiting to pick up the visa. I have 2 weeks after that to play then come home to doom and gloom economy and get cracking looking for employment.

[AaronLV 12]

Forgot my sis is a shrink but legally can get us the vaccine and paper. I hear civil surgeon prices vary wildly so anything to save before seeing one (if needed).... I'll have to check AOS to see what's required since I've done no research past this part yet.

If you just get the DS3025 which is the vaccination supplement they gave her a copy of at her medical, then you just need to send that to Dr Arnold, and they will transcribe it to the form and put it in a sealed envelope for AOS. If you do that you will not need to see a CS as long as you file AOS before a year from the medical. However, I wouldn't wait to long there are a few people on the AOS forum that filed around the 9 to 11 month after their medical exam, and they got RFE's to get another one. I would definitely file AOS quickly so you don't have to go through the added medical exam expense at the CS.

Oh and Congrats Hyena on the Visa. It is about time!!

[wasabi 4]

I was already to pack the X ray envelope but now it seems there is conflicting advice as to whether it is needed or not. Can anyone say definitively if the X ray envelope is needed or not? I know the smaller one my Fiance got after having her passport returned to her is needed.

[AaronLV 12]

I was already to pack the X ray envelope but now it seems there is conflicting advice as to whether it is needed or not. Can anyone say definitively if the X ray envelope is needed or not? I know the smaller one my Fiance got after having her passport returned to her is needed.

We did not need the xray.

[HYENA 4]

I'm just rolling it up and packing it all just in case. It's kinda big but if it doesn't fit then i'll just shove it in the overhead.

Every once in a while I ask myself what in the heck am I doing on the other side of the world????

I'm considering digging straight down to get back home; it may be faster. 4 airplanes to get back home...i don't look forward to that!

It's off to get the visa tomorrow and once it's in our paws, on to Isaan (and motorcycling alll over....just because I can)!

Thank you Aaron for the tips...I'll get married and send AOS asap when I get back

Edited July 27, 2009 by HYENA

[rayman2333 0]

I have a question? Those of you who have completed this rigerous Journey. Once the Embassy recieves the documentation from the National Visa Center, what has been the average Time Period, before your significant other recieves her Packet #3 or just plainly, when does the Embassy usually mail out Packet #3?

I'm at that stage now for Thailand (Embassy in Bangkok)

Just wanted to get an idea, when she can expect her paperwork in the Mail?

I've allready sent an e-mail to the Embassy with the Case # & waiting for there reply

Thanks!!

[AaronLV 12]

I have a question? Those of you who have completed this rigerous Journey. Once the Embassy recieves the documentation from the National Visa Center, what has been the average Time Period, before your significant other recieves her Packet #3 or just plainly, when does the Embassy usually mail out Packet #3?

I'm at that stage now for Thailand (Embassy in Bangkok)

Just wanted to get an idea, when she can expect her paperwork in the Mail?

I've allready sent an e-mail to the Embassy with the Case # & waiting for there reply

Thanks!!

The time has been varying recently. Best is to download it from the website and have everything filled out as soon as you receive the packet 3, you can turn around and send it back in the next day. That is what we did.