I don't see how this comes to a discussion of to insure or not to insure rather than one about price. That price seems high, but, of course, we don't know what cover or your personal details. Always worth remembering that annual travel insurance often costs very little more.

I've normally done the hotel at beginning and end of trip thing to get a freebie. I have also used storage at Hua Lamphong station. Note that some of the smaller blocks of storage lockers are disappearing, presumably not commercially viable, e.g. the one by Citibank at Asok.

@Otto ********

Absolutely. We need to be able to order lengthier passports at the outset. I wonder how many years ago these lengths were insitigated. People travel more now, also settle in more countries which is what really causes loss of pages to visas.

There is. People seem to use it in an ergency. Maybe even at the airport. The problem is cost. Unaccompanied means customs duty plus Vat. With duty = assessed value not declared value and no allowance fo used which normally not charged. Thailand is singualr an tough. Send my baggage can though work elsewhere especiaaliy within EU. My guess is that is the maim use.

As

@Martyn **********

said but not worth the costs. That items are used is irrelevant here. Expect to pay import duty + VAT. That is simply crazy. And they assess the value, what you declare irrelevant. Choose an airline that is cheaper on excess baggage (that is very variable) and, hopefully choose an airline where you can pre-book excess baggage (that is even more variable).

Sounds like one of the areas where GPS Legal in Bangkok may be good. Lawrence Chaney and David Tice are also nice guys and charge sensibly. Well embedded and connected in Thailand and used to Thai Law, but internationally affiliated too. But watch this to understand GPS's positioning so why it may well (together with specific expertise) be a good one for your issues:

@Dianne ****

Point sort of taken. However, whereas we were told about the Thai authorities acting in that way how truthful was it in that other embassies are still offering an affadavit approach. I am suspicious. Further, then why not embassy verification, duly charged to us and probably outsourced. Would still be better for us than the current mess. I am not aware of any of the embassies mentioned having investigated ways forward other than abandonment.

Nik Dadd Too True.

@Todd ********

Yep. The position for Americans, Brits and Australians is absolutely apalling and all thanks to their own embassies. A disgrace.

@Peter ******************

Take care of yourself and your family too. Never be afraid of proportionality, even seeming trite. The cheapest toy really does cheer up a two year old. A cheap meal out, friends, family where all can be together, have fun or tears as they wish is good. An expensive, threatening, meal out, distinctly not so good. In fact, impromptu arrangement works best. No grand event. They terrify me too, never mind a poor or relatively poor Thai family. They don't want or need another problem.