@Paul ******

As you wish.

@Paul ******

Settle mate. All airlines are obliged to verify during check in that foreigners have an onward ticket from the arrival country and/or an appropriate visa. Every country on the planet makes the airlines do this, and the airlines use an IATA system called TIMatic. Airlines can pay huge fines for not properly checking this. It’s a courtesy to remind Pax to check, before they attempt to check in and face denied boarding.

@John **********

I see. I didn’t realise some ID’s are Thai language only (my partner’s is dual language).

Because TG sells Thai Smile codeshare tickets. I prefer TG/Smile, as I find their schedule more reliable and their website is easy to use (also it allows you to buy tickets for other people, something I have experience with and John specifically asked about).

If you have alternative advice, go ahead and enrich John with the benefit of your experience.

You might be overthinking it a little. I’ve bought domestic tickets several times for family members and friends, which is easy and inexpensive. First, get a scanned copy of your friend’s passport (to avoid minor spelling errors). Go to the Thai Airways website and follow the bouncing ball. Ignore the “one way” warning (it’s aimed at international arrivees), fill in your friend’s details (it’s all in English), complete your details and payment credit card, and you’re on your way. BTW, he’ll probably be flying on a Thai Smile aircraft but still book using the Thai Airways website (it’s easier to navigate). Good luck.

Yes, it has always puzzled me too. Once a country grants you a visa, they have already decided that you can stay for the duration of the visa. Any form of monitoring in between serves no purpose, other than make the involved officials look productive.

@Andy ********

Correct, good maths.

@Tulip *******

For clarity, the numbers I quoted are US AQI, not PM 2.5 (which is one of 6 elements in the composite AQI rating). Risk is relative. Where I live the AQI hovers around similar levels to northern Thailand for most of the year, so I’m happy with the relative health risks (BTW, being there in Feb this year was an aberration; I prefer Dec-Jan before the big burn).

How soon are you thinking of travelling there? For reference - I was there in Feb, when the US AQI was in the range 170-190. It was visibly annoying, and caused occasional minor irritation to me, but didn’t detract too much from having a good time. You should check one of the many available websites to monitor the pollution levels. Good luck.

PS - You can monitor the active fire zones in this NASA webpage.

No. Sorry to report this, but I can’t remember a major centre in Thailand that is wheelchair friendly. If you’re driving and you have an assistant with you, there’s lots of places you can stop which are reasonably accessible, however going for an idle push around any of the city centres will be quite challenging. Good luck. 🖖