Nakrob

We're in BKK and are due to fly in and out of Don Muang over the next week (25th and 30th) and then out of Suvanbhumi next Sunday.

The media is avidly reporting flood news and I've searched this forum extensively but can't find much reference to the likelihood that either airport will stop operating over the next week as a result of the floods. Obviously the Don Muang area is now flooding but not the airport itself I believe.

Any thoughts on the chance of this? Just want some piece of mind that we're not going to get standed up country and miss our flight back out of BKK.

We'll be back in BKK next weekend for a few days (floods permitting) and intend to do some baby shopping for our child (expected in December) before heading up country. This is our first child so we've never noticed baby shops in BKK before.

Where is good to shop? Which markets or shopping centres? We want to get clothes for 0 - 12 months, bedding, blankets, toys etc. We are staying near Siam. My wife is Thai so bargaining and markets no problem.

My Thai wife and I (living in Australia) are expecting a baby before the end of the year ( ) and are trying to arrange for my wife's parents (living in Thailand) to visit early next year for one month. Both my wife and I are Australian citizens and have lived in Australia for 6+ years.

Which visa is most suitable for the visiting parents? It appears that we have two options for them:
Tourist Visa - 676
Sponsored Family Visitor Visa - 679

There appear to be minor differences in the forms and processes. The 679 visa appears to be more suitable as we can make the applications in Australia on behalf of the parents in law but its more expensive and is non refundable if rejected. The 676 needs to be applied for by the parents in law in Thailand but is cheaper at $110.

Can anyone shed any light on the process and the suitability. I really don't want to spend hours on the phone to the Department of Immigration!

The next question I have is on obtaining Certified Copies of documents in Thailand. The Department of Immigration website says they can do this at the embassy but a. they will charge, and b. my wife's parents are upcountry so a trip to Bangkok to certify documents is not appropriate (especially if we take the 679 visa option which means they only need to visit the embassy to get the passport sticker). Can this be done by a doctor or pharmacist as it Australia? If so, does the certification statement also need to be in English?  Or, do we need to get all documents translated and certified by an official agent in Thailand?

We are going to be in Pai for about 3-4 nights after Loy Kratong this year. In researching hotels we've identified the following which all appear to be reasonably up market places but its hard to distinguish one from the other from their websites.

Location is not really a concern, but cleanliness, friendliness of staff and overall ambience are important. Any comments on the following appreciated, or any alternative suggestions:

Hotel des Artists
Pai River Corner
Paivimaan
Rim Pai Village
Indiana Cottage

We're planning to be in Chiang Mai for Loy Kratong this year and know that the festival is 19-21 November but are struggling to find more information. We don't want to miss the lantern festival (yi-peng) but can't find whereabouts it actually takes place and on which night (if not all?). Any suggestions? Where else is a good place to stay in Chiang Mai at this time of year to be closest to the festivities?