Artfullmover

Spiritual probaly yes - Black Magic could be the begining of the magical bond between the thai child and Mum so maybe.  I believe it to be more of a comforting thing seen it pleanty of times for various reasons. Have you Ever seen mothers rub the head of there baby when its distressed. The Thai's aremt really into this so hence the blowing. My wife says it good for the baby to know mums there and that probally means its part of the bonding process that somethimes appears to be "magical"

Depends how long ago the passport expired she may need to get a letter from the Thai Consulate confirming her identity to return home.  I dont know what the authorities will do at the airport but she doesnt need a valid passport to return home (direct flight). My wife had an expired passport last year and we had no problem booking with Thai Air in fact they said many Thais return home on an expire Passport to have it renewed as they closed the consulate here and you cant get a renewal by post.

A few years ago we had a simular problem with one of the couriers services. They tried hitting my wifes mother up for quite a bit more than what they should have being charging. I was furious and reported them to both the Australain Embasy and DIMA via E-Mail. They took the matter seriously and contacted my mother in law for futher information. Although they are no longer listed as a courier company I regret reporting them as they had the mother in laws details and told her something along the lines "you have made a big mistake and you are in big trouble". to most of us that is not considered much to worry about but it did hit home in Thailand. The Mother was in tears and and afraid to the extent my wife was having panick attacks.The family were on edge for quite a while. At the end of the day I felt pretty bad and realised thing are done differntly in Thailand.In Hindsight I would have been happy to pay the extra rather than create all the stress I did.

I would like to add a friend has been bringing out a lady on Visitors visa and he says he has been handing a "bit under the Table" He believes that the way to get things done or moving in the right direction for most things.

Can you be sure that its being driven by the Father? Hate to say it but its likely your wife is in on what many would call a Scam. Best to "Man Up" and challenge it, go in charging like a wounded bull so to speak regardless of the percieved conciquences. If the wife is in on it you should also accept some of the blame as something in the realationship has given the her the opinion she can treat you without respect.

The easiest and cheapest way is to front up with the filled out form that says you as the husband has no claim to the land. The form says what its about and the law. If they have any queries they can and probally will check with their boss.

Really I think they are playing games with your wife as they sometimes do.