@Todd ********

eventually, they pulled a lot of people out of line that day and I was held up for about two hours.

Actually told, as over 50 to get retirement visa, but as I already have legal status to retire in France, which I do, i have no interest in that.

@Darren ******

no, not at all. I spend spring and summer at my summer home in France and the colder months in Asia. India, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. I just happened to visit Thailand more than normal as friends were vacationing there. I have never over stayed, never done a boarder bounce, only once done a 30 day extension and rarely take the full 30-days allowed on exempt. If any country should be worried that I am trying to live there, it is India as I have already spent a total of five and a half years there. I am retired, so have the freedom to travel. I think that I was just unlucky, as my American friend who I was travelling with also arrived on 4th visa exempt and got through without issue. As is frequently mentioned, it is totally at the discretion of the immigration officer whether you get in or not.

@Jozef ********

I got pulled on my 4th earlier this year.

I split my time , half the year in Thailand and the other half (European spring and summer) in Aveyron, South West France. I rent condos in Thailand but own the farmhouse in France. It is a compromise that works well for me.

@Gordon ***********

I like Hotel Nikko, reasonably priced with great pool, perfect for the current weather. Their Japanese breakfast is phenomenal.

@Giuseppe *********

39.28 baht to Euro in Pattaya right now. 2nd Road, yellow booth exchange

Yes, for a reasonable fee.

Nice, detailed update

Data cables under the Red Sea have been cut/damaged causing Internet problems throughout Asia. Good report on BBC online news channel if you want to read about the details.