IMA_FARANG

Drinkers be aware.
At the beginning of June there is a Buddhist  holiday known as Vesak Day on Monday 4 June. This is also listed on the pinned "Thai National Holidays" topic above as a National holiday,
This year that day will also be the culmination of a week long Buddhist celebration with displays of Buddhist relics and a Royal ceremony to be attended by the Queen.
The events start on the 29th of May and will continue for a week until the 4th of June.

If you're a drinker, you should expect at least the 4th of  June to be a no booze sales day.
Maybe even that weekend.

So boozers should plan ahead.
You have now been officially made "aware".

Just looking for opinions from those on this forum topic who pay attention to such things....

Do you think...either way...that the latest French and Greek elections results....a Socialist elected in France and an anti austerity party doing quite well in Greece....will affect Euro, Pound,  and Dollar baht exchange rates?

Would like opinions on that.

Discuss please.

If you think you have visa problems then go to the BBC World Service and read this story about this Cambodian born refugee and his problems.
It's caled, "Exiled to Cambodia"
Granted, he and his family are not entirely blameless.
But it does show how governments think "rules" are far more important than people.

Booked myself on a return flight today from Bangkok through Narita, Japan to San Francisco and then on to Boston, Massachusetts.
When I recieved my email confirmation they also included a reciept/cost breakdown for the flight.
First time I've ever seen one...so I thought I'd share it with you.
Not going to tell you the airline's name however.
Here's the breakdown they gave me.

FARE INFORMATION
Fare Breakdown (in Thai Baht)
Airfare: 28,000 THB
Thailand Passenger Service Charge:    700
Japan Passenger Security Service Charge:   380
Japan Passenger Service Facilities Charge:      770
U.S. Customs User Fee:     170
U.S. Immigration User Fee:    220
U.S. APHIS User Fee:    155
U.S. Federal Transportation Tax:        1,040
September 11th Security Fee:   240
Fuel Surcharge:     12,350
U.S. Passenger Facility Charge:    140
Per Person Total:      44,165 THB
eTicket Total:     44,165 THB

The airfare you paid on this itinerary totals:   28,000 THB
The taxes, fees, and surcharges paid total:      16,165 THB

At least that's what the airline claims.


Can somebody tell me what APHIS is?