SAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)

[TheBears 9]

I don't have time to wait for regular post.

We thought about that... she had a friend that was going to come over, but she ran into some immigration problem and cant leave the US for the time being.

Hmm.... I can't think of anything other than just sending it by mail. Whichever mail service you want. Why not pack it in one of Joanna's purses? They're big enough to fit it, right? If it's opened, who's to say the customs officer won't pass it over if there are three or four purses or a quilt in there, too? And if, in the end, you get dinged, then that's just that.

I hope you figure out a way that works for you.

Embassy say's they received the packet 3 on May 10th but no appointment has been set at this time. Has anyone seen it take this long to get the Packet 4 with interview date? If the date is 4-6 weeks out, that is fine, just want to know.

Today is only the 13th there. And they're dealing with scheduling immigrant visa cases. And today is the Royal Plowing Ceremony. It might not be a day that the embassy is closed, but plenty of Thailand is closed today. That's bound to have an impact on things. Jai yen yen na. It's coming.

[Audy_Rob 26]

Today is only the 13th there. And they're dealing with scheduling immigrant visa cases. And today is the Royal Plowing Ceremony. It might not be a day that the embassy is closed, but plenty of Thailand is closed today. That's bound to have an impact on things. Jai yen yen na. It's coming.

I called Audy this morning at the usual time, 07:00 in Thailand, to wake her up and talk. She told me she didn't have to go to work today because it is a Government Holiday. Maybe the Embassy is closed. Usually she still works Government holidays because she works for the Public Health Center. Someone still has to be at the PHC in case of some patients coming in. She has most weekends off because of her studies so she gets stuck working most public holidays during the week.

Unfortunately she could not begin to explain to me the significance of this holiday, the Royal Plowing Ceremony. Hmmmmhhhh...

[daboyz 36]

I called Audy this morning at the usual time, 07:00 in Thailand, to wake her up and talk. She told me she didn't have to go to work today because it is a Government Holiday. Maybe the Embassy is closed. Usually she still works Government holidays because she works for the Public Health Center. Someone still has to be at the PHC in case of some patients coming in. She has most weekends off because of her studies so she gets stuck working most public holidays during the week.

Unfortunately she could not begin to explain to me the significance of this holiday, the Royal Plowing Ceremony. Hmmmmhhhh...

Beginning of the rice planting season.

[kenny1 0]

I just called the Embassy operator. She said the Embassy is open today. I specifically asked if the Visa section was open and she said yes.

[Audy_Rob 26]

Beginning of the rice planting season.

Oh cr-p. I can't believe I am missing that.

[daboyz 36]

Oh cr-p. I can't believe I am missing that.

Everything revolves around rice. The school vacations (one in the spring, one in the fall, so the kids can help with the planting and harvesting) are no exception. Unless you live in Bangkok, then it's just another excuse to party!

[daboyz 36]

Everything revolves around rice. The school vacations (one in the spring, one in the fall, so the kids can help with the planting and harvesting) are no exception. Unless you live in Bangkok, then it's just another excuse to party!

To add to that, I think that's why alot of the protesters left. They have farms to deal with.

[Tom and Teaw 1]

The latest from BKK Post: The US embassy visa section would be closecd on Friday, but would hopefully be be able to reopen on Monday, spokesman Michael Turner said.

So looks like delays are going to happen until they get the situation under control with the red shirts.

[AaronLV 12]

If you look at the time lines of when people get interviews scheduled this time of year, it is normally 4 to 6 weeks out from when P3 is returned. If you go back to posts about this time last year same thing happened. My guess is with all the extra holidays the embassy gets quite a few workers take vacation, and it just slows down the process.

[TheBears 9]

Alright. So there's nothing we can do but wait. So be it.

FYI: Here's a list of embassy holidays in English and Thai. Don't forget the time difference.

Time to go tam boon.

[Tom and Teaw 1]

Wow, it's gotten so quiet in this thread!! Maybe the fighting in BKK is making everyone take a break?? Let's hope the embassy opens Monday and starts processing visas again. This is just causing

delays for everyone.

[toma1 10]

Wow, it's gotten so quiet in this thread!! Maybe the fighting in BKK is making everyone take a break?? Let's hope the embassy opens Monday and starts processing visas again. This is just causing

delays for everyone.

I don't think it's gonna happen. That area is a complete mess right now.

[daboyz 36]

I don't think it's gonna happen. That area is a complete mess right now.

Agreed. I think it's gonna be awhile before they open. I wouldn't count on it for this week at a minimum.

[Tom and Teaw 1]

Ah, come on, guys!! They live off our tax dollars and the money we pay to have the visas processed. I say put them to work. Just send in the Marines to guard the embassy!!!

[toma1 10]

Ah, come on, guys!! They live off our tax dollars and the money we pay to have the visas processed. I say put them to work. Just send in the Marines to guard the embassy!!!

That's only part of the issue. The government is preparing to cut off the utilities in the protest area. That includes the US, UK and Dutch embassies.