@Steve ******

yes, I mailed all the requested docs as per the checklist via Express mail and this comes with a tracking number.

@Steve ******

After paying the 100 THB, Thailand Post sent me an E-mail receipt. I printed it out, as is has some kind of a reference number, my name, and the paid amount. I sent this with the passport renewal form, pics, and the $100+ passport fee receipt the gov payment website also E-mails you. Once the pp is ready, the US embassy sends you the pp in an Express mail envelope.

@Bonnie ********

a judgement must not be superficial yet it is better than a bad one. And yes, years ago, my family and I lived thru a coup d'etat where people lost home and possessions and members of the outgoing goverment were shot by firing squad without trial. Also lived and worked in countries where public decapitations are common, and was here in Phuket when a natural disater took 5,000 people. In seven days I will be remembering the loss of the other 200,000+. I lived thru that and even gave a hand in the rescue effort. Have pics, videos, and witnesses. Am still recovering. Peace.

@Mika *******

a pipe dream? ... no way. It's symptomatic of "culture shock". He'll come down and recover. 😃

@Andy *********

yes, most people are honest. I have read about taxi drivers returning lost monies in their cab, as well as good samaritans helping travelers. The problem is that there are a few bad apples, as we all know, and the op made it sound like this was a paradise of goodness and innocence, which is not. I absolutely do not imply or recommend for anyone to live in fear or to walk as if stepping on eggshells, but one needs to be aware and safe. Many of the horror stories I've come across are not from the news media. The most horrifying part is that the expat, inadvertently, caused the situation.

@Zoe *****

I see that too. I would like to understand what we did (or did not do) years ago that led to today's state of things. Somewhere along the line we need to take corrective action, the proper one. Ignoring it all and hiding one's head in the sand cannot be conducive to much. Knowing and awareness is key. I will keep reading. Peace

@Diana *****

well, am glad for you! Please note, my comment/response was not directed at you or your life endeavours. You asked me why and I gave you my response based on what I believe and do for myself. I watch where society is going, the wars, the inhumanity, and the apathy because I am partially responsible, and I want to understand. Peace.

@Diana *****

why? Because "no man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of they friends`s or of thine own were. Any man`s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind. And therefore, never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee"-John Dunne.

Nah, the new guys in charge do this every so many years to remind themselves who the boss is. I still chose to rent, but that's me.

@Jarek ***********

not for long.