AjarnChan

Here in Phuket there is a local government department that deals with noise complaints, and it works. But obviously be cautious, these 'friendly gentle buddhist Thais' can get quite unfriendly if their 'freedoms' are interfered with, especially by a Farang.

If you are going to make an official complaint I would try to gather as many  Thai locals as you can and not make it look like it is you leading the event. I believe the system allows limited noise for 'licenced' premises, bars, restaurants and industry, at set times.

good luck

sbk, on 2010-08-13 22:48:57, said:

By far the cheapest and easiest option would be to take the bus, though I have previously hired a car for a one way trip. I think it cost me around 8 times the price of a bus ticket plus fuel, though it was interesting to see the route.

I have travelled to and from Bangkok, from Phuket, by buses using the Southern Bus Terminal many times, often with a computer and other valuables. I have never had any problems whatsoever, except a sore backside from sitting for so long.

Most of the time the bus is travelling, and during the stop for food you can sit and watch it if you are worried. Personally I find the vast majority of Thais to be very honest, but sadly those who mix with foreigners a lot have some bad habits.

Have a good journey.

If you are driving and do not mind the journey then a trip into Burma via Mae Sai [extreme northern border] would give them another 15 days, and an extra border stamp. There is not a lot to see, but it is interesting to see borders at least once, or so I think. Usually the other option would be Mae Sot in the west, but that has been closed for about a month by Burma, sorry Myanmar.

Alternatively cross into Laos, but that is more expensive, especially for a party.

The 7 day extension would also take care of the 6 day problem, so you will be OK.

Hope you all enjoy Angkor Wat, and the Cambodians are friendly ...

BWPattaya, on 2010-08-06 11:47:01, said:

I agree, better not to bring up anything 'unusual'.

My Thai/Chinese wife has four 'nationalites', Thai because she was born here, Malaysian because her Chinese mother was born in Penang, Chinese because her father never adopted Thai nationality and Irish from marrying me. From all of that she acquired four names and accidentally three conflicting dates of birth. We once tried to explain it all to an official in the UK back in 1998. He simply said, "Fascinating, and I believe you 100% but I suggest you never tell another soul." We have kept quiet ever since. In the past year the Thai authorities have cleaned up her records and it is now officially as if it never happened.

It all came about because of a mixture of moves, misunderstandings and illegible writing on old forms by various village headmen. There was never any intention to deceive. In any event during my 13 years experience over here I have noticed many Thais have multiple names especially amongst the Chinese community, not to mention infinite nicknames. It really seems to be quite common. Many people we know change their names as often as I change my hairstyle, often because the previous name brought 'bad luck', or so they thought.

Good luck with your application I am sure it will all be fine  

PS - forgot to mention that I am a French/Irish/English/Scottish 'mongrel', with distant Chinese ancestry, two legitimate Passports and several different names 'within the family'. It really is not at all unusual to be known by different names in different contexts, at least where I come from. Given the high divorce rates in many nations it must surely be getting to the point where millions find themselves in a similar situation.

I believe that from the Immigration officer's point of view it is up to the Visitor to write the Visa number on the white card as you enter Thailand. There is a space for it, and if you do that no mistakes should occur. Hopefully the local office will sort it out for you, but strictly speaking it was your fault in my humble opinion. I know because I have made the same mistake myself, and been 'told off' at the border; so luckily I avoided being in your situation. I never forget anymore.