I've just returned from England hiring a car with a Thai licence not a problem But was unable to insure as named driver on my children's insurance

I also wanted to buy a second hand motor my friend was selling but no insurance company would accept me with a Thai licence

Tod this was April 2016 I didn't have a clue but was happy to pay Infact I paid 1.900 baht for my visa extension based on marriage with not enough money in the bank

I paid 2 officers 1,000 baht each and another 3.000 baht.

I was told don't go to office on my 90 day but ring before and a officer will collect my passport and same money as before

It all seemed dodgy but I was happy to have a visa stamp

Since then I had to change to a retirement visa with prof of income no problem

I had a 29 day over stay 2 yr ago

I was seriously ill in hospital bed ridden for 5 weeks and totally forgot about my Visa

Although I had hospital bills totalling over 250.000 baht with dates covering my overstay, I was told not good enough and should of handed my passport to hospital staff and they would provide a letter stamped everyday As I was in a coma on life support for 11 days and completely on another planet for the next week or two Visas was not on my mind

I was told I've been taken off the system and by rights should leave Thailand with a yrs ban

However some one who knew someone set wheels in motion

I know some don't agree with backhanders but after private negotiations was allowed to stay

I don't know if it was the look on our 3 kids faces or the 10.000 baht that clinched it

Funnily enough Ken I wasn't impressed with the new Burirum immigration office, But me now find them a most helpful bunch But I did find the old Kap choeng/churn immigration very helpful when I had a few problems

Hi Ken did mine last week in Burirum immigration just passport required Thinking about it Ive never been asked for more

Yes had one bad experience with Bangkok immigration

There were horrendous ques during the Chinese New Year, but on the whole I've found Surin immigration before and Burirum immigration now very helpful clearing the waiting room before they headed off to lunch

If you're intending touring Asia for a yr surely the first thing you do is check your passport

No problem at Suvarmabhumi let us go as family Not so Heathrow ignorant as pig shit

I would like to say I've removed my comment which I only put as I thought the reply to my original had a hint of sarcasm which isn't needed on such an informative group as this nothing but praise