Yep that is the official version. But where you have developing official versions you have developing unofficial versions and associated tea money in some countries and organisations. I think also in any organisation it would be naive to think that there isn't discomfort among employees when a new boss arrives or is to arrive. Remember that this time at Royal Thai Police a contender was someone who had made life rather difficult for Immigration Officers previously. If the leader changes the status quo has just changed and that might be so of process, whereas the status quo is preferred. BTW, hardly a minor point, I never mentioned uncertainty of a new Government or indeed new Government at all in any context. I was looking at granular detail, to include management change just now, in Royal Thai Police.

@Kool ******

I think it is more than just language but farangs not understanding culturally - the blue thing being a good example - or politically. By the last I don't mostly mean national politics but micro-politics. How many in the police, of which Immigration is a part, are likely to be happy with the arrival of the new boss on a reformist ticket? OK much may or may not happen. But history is that in the early days things are uncertain and staff uncomfortable and quite likely there is tightening up, albeit that it soon relaxes.. That discomfort has actually been true for quite a number of weeks over the summer before the new guy.

@Brandon ***********

In fact for serious international schools qualified teacher status from the home country is expected.

The hotel will get different net rates from the supplier depending how many units they sell per period. With online suppliers now so important to hotels they maximise sales through that route. People "popping in" are irrelevant - mostly - though sometimes you can blag a serious bargain that way. Part of successful guesswork could be distinguishing between between private and very small group hotels and the chain majors, the latter with major head office control.

The rough rule is short stay should be registered hotel. Note I didn't say AirBnB as the No. My view is conttinual use of the brand name Air BnB causes the confusion. There are other suppliers and condos and apartment owners might themselves supply short-stay while not legally allowed. At my condo they had a problem with property owners supplying short-term. They put up notices pointing out the illegality and saying if you want short stay go to a hotel. However what I sense most important has been disallowing entry of unknown vehicles. Threats to take legal action aren't taken seriously. Travel hundreds of miles then not be allowed to park your vehicle is a serious consequence and shows that condo action can work. The point to note is that the rise of AirBnB and others like it in Thailand seems to relate to the fairly sudden massive rise in Thailand of Thai internal tourism not tourists from overseas.

@L *************

And Spanish is the other universal language. With English and Spanish you are set up globally. Might be worth spending the time and money to learn either of those. Where is Thai useful globally? I was happier to learn Mandarin in China, again globally relevant. Important to note though is circumstance. In China I was in everyday working contact with Chinese people and that is my way to learn language. In Thailand all I am in contact with is my computer, and, thereby, seeing very few Thais let alone speaking with them.

@Stuart ********

I go along in a rut, except actually online 90-Day reporting suddenly a nightmare this time. Anyway I like to keep informed and help others where I can and to see all the acronyms used these days was really helpful. I can actually follow conversations now. Why they have to be used I will never know but at least I - and others - can now keep up. Is this wonderful piece of work pinned or archived somewhere? Google is none too good with acronyms of the Thai immigration system.

@Paul ******

I have no idea. The discussion was about driving licence change, as was my answer - my answer out of very recent experience, meaning a few weeks ago. I think it took me twenty-minutes total in and out, photographs and everything. Totally not an hour queuing. I can imagine that possible around motor vehicle licence issues but I have no actual experience of that.

@Austin ***

The link goes to Superrich Green. The Need is to also check Superrich Orange. Historically the rates have differed, Orange being better. Hence the queues at the BTS Asok branch. From what I'm reading Green may be better these days. Simple answer is to check and checkout relative to your own location.

Free or something nominal for some part of the process and at Department of Land Transport , Bangkok- who are very organised - it takes minutes. Can't see the point in not bothering - even right by BTS Mo Chit and MRT Chatuchak Park.Can't speak for elsehwere.