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What does the acquisition of the Thai visa advice group by Thai Visa Centre mean for its members?

Thai Visa Visa Advice Thai Visa Centre Expat Community Visa Agents Facebook Group Acquisition DIY Visa Advice Expat Support

Mar 17, 2022

3 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS;

As you may or may not have noticed the Thai visa advice group (which was NOT a group I created) was acquired by Thai Visa Centre. 

Just so everyone is clear, while I was an admin of this group, I just posted here and tried to run herd over it as best I could. :P 

The group is still the go-to visa group on the inter-web. :) 

I anticipate and hope that the transition will be smooth and trouble free for members, posters and the moderating staff (of which I am one :) ) . 

Thanx one and all (y)

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The Thai visa advice group has been acquired by the Thai Visa Centre, raising questions about its future operation and the continuing role of existing administrators and moderators. Although members express concerns about potential changes in the dynamic and mission of the group, many hope that the established quality of advice will remain. Contributors like Tod Daniels, a long-serving administrator, received accolades for their efforts in supporting expats with visa inquiries. Discussions reflect a mix of gratitude for past guidance and concerns about the implications of this transition into a for-profit model.

Amanda *********

Tod!! You’re the only one I trust!

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Joe ******************

Thank you

. You have answered my questions several times when no-one else could (including immigration officials!)

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Derek *************

Have looked at you information and advice many times Tod i sometimes wonder why the thai administration make it so hard sometimes to understand and for you to get your head around it i found i became more conversant with time .I guess what has made it more confusing is the covid19 and the russia ukraine war .And the changes with a income reference from embassies .

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Khela ***********

This group has been helpful throughout my years. Hope It stays that way.

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Lee **********

Thank you for all your hard work Tod Daniels. You have been a great help on many occasions 🙂

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Ying *****

Sending a big thank you to all the admins, moderators for all the sound advice, as well as all the members for sharing your own experiences. This has been really helpful for me.

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Ariel *******

Honestly all the mods are amazing selfless people, you guys helped hundreds of thousands of people, answering questions ridiculously fast (condescending and direct) wouldn't have it any other way. I'm sure everyone appreciates all of your help. Even if nothing changes, we will continue to appreciate your help. This has been the most useful resource I've had the pleasure of using. Thank you

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Ken *******

One thing has changed already...this thread hasn't been stopped. Haha

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Adi ********

Usually these takeovers bring in vested interest.

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James ********

.guess again.

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James ********

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Rob ********

Thanks

and the other Admins for your invaluable advice. Funnily enough, I asked TVC for advice several times, but they just said "we don't do that".

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Brian ********

🙏🙏🙏🙏 Many, many thanks Tod and all of the group admins for the great information and guidance you have provided to so many people during the difficult and constantly changing covid period.🙂

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Tan ***********

Admins here should receive award like what richard barrow have received from the queen lol

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Wannikea *********

@Tan **********

honestly without a forum like this the visitors and expats to Thailand would be half.

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Wannikea *********

@Tan **********

beers and Iced Tea donations can always be arranged.

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Wannikea *********

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Ajarn *******

I'm out, I'm not for sale!

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Charlie ********

Ah shit! Capitalism strikes again l. So much for a community of helpers. I’m out!

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Wannikea *********

Charlie Nicely you're a quick read with not the greatest comprehension in this matter. There is still a community of helpers with the same group rules, functioning as it always has.

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James ********

Charlie Nicely Sorry to see you go. Hope you find helpful and correct Thai Visa Advice. Our Team remains here to help... Take good care 😷

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James ********

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Benjamin *******

Thai Visa Centre in BKK is very good and professionell compared to some rip off companys.

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Kimberly ************

Monopoly

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Raymond *********

Top man always spot on advise and information

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Michael ********

ROFL

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Mouseen *******

Thank you,

. This group has been very helpful to me and no doubt, to many! This is not only because Tod Knows Thingz; but also thanks to all efforts to moderate and administer this group. Thanks!!

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Andrew *********

I vote Tod Daniels Expat of the year for his selfless assistance to so many of us. 🙏

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Stuart **********

Oh no, I bet they paid a fortune!!! Thanks for everything Tod Daniels Guess we are on our own now 🤣

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Stuart **********

for now, he's a good man. He'll help people to help themselves rather that an agent way 👍

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James ********

@Stuart *********

nope...The Legend

remains....

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James ********

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Aron ********

Thank you and all admins for your service! You have helped us all and we all owe you a beer. You’ll need a strong liver! I hope I’ll bump into you guys somewhere and will actually recognize you so I can pay my dues.

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Michael ********

To be fair, I am on a number of visa agent run pages. Many of them just host the page for everyone to ask questions and get answers, and they never bother the members. Hopefully there's is no solicitation of the groups members, unless they specifically ask the groups owner for their services. Then things will keep ticking along and this will still be a great page. :)

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Darren *******

Is every answer now going to be please call this number/email us at blah blah blah for more info?

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James ********

me too 😉

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Darren *******

I really hope not

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James ********

nope. No Way !

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James ********

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ᜎᜒᜎ᜔ᜌ᜔ *********

Thank you admins for all the sound visa advice and expertise that you have poured into this group through the years. 🙏🙏🙏

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Jean-Michel *********

Thank you for all the great informations...

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Mallari *******************

Thank you so much Tod ♥️🙏

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Fadil ***********

I’m leaving Bangkok next week after 3 years of full assistance from all the great mods. Thank you so much. Thank you

🙏 you are the best! I wish you all the best

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Chip ************

I don't understand. I thought Thai visa advice was simply a Facebook group. How does a for-profit company take over a Facebook group? Who are the "sellers"?

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James ********

@Chip ***********

its called capitalism.

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James ********

@Michael *******

and if they do...which I am unaware of any changes...

The forum will remain as the DIY go to place for those wanting correct and helpful Thai Visa Advice.

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Michael ********

Nice. Of course the agent will advertise on the page, but it is their page now, so expected.

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James ********

@Michael *******

will be Business as Usual.

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Michael ********

@Chip ***********

That is what it was. Now it is not simply a facebook group. It is a promotional page for a Visa agency. But hopefully it will still be available for general questions and unbiased answers.

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Michael ********

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Clement **********

Thanks Tod. I have always appreciated the reliability & precise advices published on that group. I hope you will still share your point there. Many thanks anyway.

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Lilith *****

Thanks for all your helps ^^

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Kay *****

Thx 🙏🏽

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Salman ******

Tod you have being doing wonderful job for the community. Respect for you valueable advise .

Kudos !

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Louis *********

Thank you very much for giving me sound advice, each time over the last 3 years. Greatly appreciated

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Linda ********

So what now, are we gonna be charged or asked to visit the agency for further enquires?

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Linda ********

ok

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James ********

hmmmm....thanks for the idea...never thought of that...

BTW...NEVER.

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James ********

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John ******

Thanks for everything

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Shane *****

Thank you Tod for your past advices.

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Antoinette ***************

Thank you 🌺

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Benny *********

Thanks a lot for supporting us all 🙏🙏🙏

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ไมเคิล **********

This is troubling. Given the value of this group is unincumbered advise independent from the self-serving agents that look to push people into that direction. The group rules included no mention of agents or agencies.

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James ********

and remains that way.

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Michael ********

The group rules will now include no mention of agents or agencies, accept the one that owns the page :)

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WEE****

@Michael *******

Actually there still should be no answers that suggest using an agent, as it undermines the concept of DIY.

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WEE****

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Barry ************

How does one acquire a non group, group? Do I get my dues refunded? Oh wait, there weren’t any.

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Barry ************

😂

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James ********

@Barry ***********

wait..you didn't get yours ??? Happy St Pat's Day

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James ********

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Jennifer *******

I echo everyone who has thanked Tod Daniels for the selfless assistance that he has given. I appreciate your patient explanations. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

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Pond ************

The group moderators including Tod Daniels himself always advocated against using visa agents and their service.

Now they sold out to the devil.

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James ********

@Pond ***********

not true. But believe as you may...and if in need of correct and helpful Thai Visa Advice our church door is wide open awaiting your questions

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Wannikea *********

@Pond ***********

"they" is only one person, the group owner.

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Wannikea *********

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Howard *******

just want to say thanks for all yours and other contributors help and advice, certainly my “Go to” group in times of clarification 👍. Good luck, and hope the same quality continues 😃

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Markus **********

Taken over as in sold?

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James ********

@Markus *********

only in back office ops...Front Door still says OPEN FOR BUSINESS...for best correct Thai Visa Advice for the DIY...Do it Yourself expat.

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James ********

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Ed ********

You’ve done a great job incredible selfless service mate.

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Jane **********

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Jane **********

I check here every day. Always glad that you guys are here with exceptionally good advice...be here always please!

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Nongnuch ********

. . and the wheels keep spinnin' round and round . . . good to hear you and the team will still be admins in the time to come. Your guidance has helped so many people. I have a very big respect for what you are voluntarily contributing. Kudos!

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David *******

Acquisition of existing groups or forums is a good way to get mailing lists and databases for the acquisition price..

As long as the service doesn't deteriorate..

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James ********

yep...Right On 😷

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James ********

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Nigel **************

Thanks Tod. Hope it doesn't change cos we'd be lost without all your help (one n all)🤔😃

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Jason ***********

Tod Daniels you have saved my bacon many times over the last 3 years thank you for all your help

Where ever you go we will follow 💯

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Graeme ***********

I've never trusted visa agents, pretty sure I'm not going to start now.

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James ********

@Graeme **********

there is a time and place....and at times its helpful to have solutions available for expats

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Pond ************

that;s not what the moderators used to say here before. Read many times Tod Daniels himself telling people to avoid using visa agents.

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WEE****

Pond Slumberghe Avoid agents if possible, this advice still remains.

This group will help you do it yourself (no agent needed).

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James ********

@Pond ***********

and behind the scene quietly providing helpful advice as needed to resolve an expats Thai Visa dilemma.

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James ********

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John **********

I guess time will tell but I don't really see a problem with whoever/whatever owns the group as long as the group carries on providing impartial and valid advice to those that require it

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James ********

@John *********

Absolutely...Thank You

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James ********

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Len *****************

I'm also surprised of a change of ownership. As a quiet member of this group since 2016, I hope there the group will not go sideways. Thank you Tod Daniels and other admins and moderators for your great contributions on this group.

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Stef **********

your help is amazing. Thank you iso much, following your advise I have been able to understand the requirements and will shortly be applying for 12 month extension. Thank you. Keep doing what you do!!

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Wannikea *********

Every post from

is a defacto guide. They should all be guilded with golden edges.

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WEE****

@Wannikea ********

If possible we would enable this feature 😁

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WEE****

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Stuart *********

Have I got the wrong end of the stick? This group has been acquired by visa agents? The group of people that were never allowed to be mentioned?

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Lawrence ******

@Stuart ********

money talks. And that seems to be the driving factor for most people in today's world.

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James ********

@Lawrence *****

🙏🙏🙏

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James ********

@Lawrence *****

and it is in the best interests of all...IMHO.

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Lawrence ******

we can only wait and see.

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Lawrence ******

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Pierre ***********

@Stuart ********

Hostile takeover?

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James ********

@Pierre **********

nope...TIT

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Pierre ***********

Indeed it is....sometimes I forget🙂

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Pierre ***********

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Wannikea *********

@Stuart ********

it's a topsy turvy world where up is down and down is up. Definitely a head spinner.

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Stuart *********

@Wannikea ********

well I just read their post saying that although they are visa agents we still can’t mention them, but can message them directly if needs be .. crazy 😜

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Stuart *********

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Bernie *******

Thanks for your prompt and accurate advice, much appreciated by many people here.

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Francesca ******

I'm quite surprised that an agency is taking over, but I want to thank

and the others mods for the priceless and amazing job you did!

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Tracy ********

If you ever leave, you will have to tell us all, you are one of the best and I thank you

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Phil *******

Tod and the other invaluable mods, please set up a new group, if this one doesn't have the same vibe going forward.

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Neus ********

, I hope you continue to do what you do. It’s priceless and keeps us all posted on the RIGHT path to follow. (If they paid you it would be even better 😂)

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Christopher **********

So, "Thai visa advice" is now controlled by a single for-profit visa agency? You have GOT to be shitting me...😂🤣

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Michael ********

@Christopher *********

About sums it up.

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Oliver ********

oh yes, I wait hopefully, And I also send good vibes 🙋‍♂️🙏🍀

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James ********

@Oliver *******

my crystal ball is recharged with good vibes to come your way

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Oliver ********

Nice to read that the old team can continue to provide help, I ask now, what will change now, I do not have a crystal ball, so thank you for the help and support to the "old team", 🙏🙏🙏🍀🍀🍀

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Rowan *********

@Lawrence *****

but still great to have the option to use an excellent visa service 👍

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James ********

@Lawrence *****

thank you...I believe you will be just as pleased as we go forward.

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James ********

@Lawrence *****

and may I add...they can do for many what we as expats cannot do for ourselves...situations warrant solutions and their at times have the available solution.

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Lawrence ******

good to hear. A lot of us rely on that advice, even if we just quietly scan the queries for ones that pertain to our situation.

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James ********

@Lawrence *****

us too. Don't worry...this will be the Go To Forum for Do It Yourself Thai Visa Advice...

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Lawrence ******

@Christopher *********

all we can do is continue as normal. If the majority of the advice becomes "contact Thai visa centre" we will know it's time to move on.

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David *******

Christopher W. Mock

You will probably realise that several of the bigger forums are not done as a community service.

The administration and moderation plus member contributions they get for free..

Several knowledgeable people who make them what they are.

I think I had a tag of conversation starter at one stage..

I still make sure what I put up is factual or supported.

Its been a fantastic service regardless of the ownerships, several of the forums.

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Rowan *********

@Christopher *********

But a very good one at that. So i don't see the issue

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James ********

@Christopher *********

nope...as you will see and have seen...the Admin and Mod team are still here as before to serve expats with your Thai Visa Advice DYI questions . .with correct answers...as always.

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James ********

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Stuart *********

Your input into visa questions has been, and I’m sure will be still , invaluable.

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Wannikea *********

I knew that ad regarding T&G rapid hotel confirmations, now making a profit from something that never was an issue was out of place.

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James ********

@Wannikea ********

I prefer Thai iced tea... But appreciate your many contributions to this and other forums we contribute to on Fb.

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Wannikea *********

555, that's why your so handsome and witty. Thank you.

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James ********

@Wannikea ********

OMG...at my age...Love your sense of humor...

Take good care...Happy St Pat's Day

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James ********

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James ********

@Wannikea ********

they are very good at what they do 😊

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Wannikea *********

I vote for a 1000 baht a day stipend of recognition for each of you, you know who you are.

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Wannikea *********

now planning on profiting on the free respected expertise of a few dedicated volunteers

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James ********

@Wannikea ********

if you look closely behind the scenes...there is considerable expense involved with the creation of forums as well as risks associated with them ...especially in Thailand

The new owner is expert and successful with their businesses. The Admin and Mod Team are still here doing what we do best...giving correct and helpful advice.

Leaving the back room detail ssues to an experienced owner to manage.

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Wannikea *********

let's hope so, time will tell all. Don't drink too much of that Korat koolaid from the getgo. 5555

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Wannikea *********

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Jonathan *********************

NOOO

the best admin and best adviser, what a knowledge about visa and how he got fast every day the new and reliable information, thanks Tod for all, and maybe if is not than good here you can start a new group :P

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Poi *****

The question is did u get paid?

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Poi *****

that's my point! let us know

coz u deserve it

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Aaron ********

Robbie Rob ☝🏻☝🏻☝🏻

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Aaron ********

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Drew *********

Tod, you have done a stand up job helping so many people on this site. Your many contributions are much appreciated. Thank you! -now I’ll have to Google who the Thai visa centre is…

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Andy **********

Tod your knowledge and advice was appreciated by all. I live just round the corner from the Bang Na Trat road and I have seen for a while that there is a commercial building with Thai Visa Centre on it. Is that the owners?

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Andy **********

Cheers m8. I hope you are still able to contribute .

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Tod *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Andy *********

that's them (y)

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Tod *********

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Steve *******

Thank you

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Marguyvin **********

Everything will be as is? What changes might we expect?

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David **********

you have done an amazing job on this site the last few years. Others have certainly contributed but your efforts have been key to its value and high level functionality. I certainly hope you stay actively involved. Thanks for your efforts past and future sir 🙏

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David **********

@David *********

dad ? 😬🤣

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Lloyd ********

@David *********

as do i

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Jon *************

@David *********

I agree with this post

. Myself and I’m sure many others appreciate all the help you gave to us.

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Jon *************

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Brandon ************

April Fools is still a couple weeks away though

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Tod *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Think what you want

BUT

It really wasn't my group 😕

Lloyd Turner was the owner of the group.

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Brandon ************

will wait and see what happens

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Brandon ************

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Julie ********************

Thanks Tod

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Julie ********************

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Thai Visa Advice

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