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Wholeheartedly agree! They're the reasons I travel half way around the globe as often as possible. That mirrors my experience. In my occasional trips to KL, I've always found English widely spoken and hotel and retail staffs professional. I believe the reason Thailand ranks low in "human capital" is a direct product of a failing primary and secondary public education system.

The current immigration card debacle continues to evolve. The PM's office, Immigration Bureau, Airports of Thailand, Transport ministry and the Tourism and Sports ministry are involved in a sort of rule-by-committee effort that is still far from resolution. This account does make it clear why the card will continue in use--in one form or another--and why such new information as email address and phone number is being collected: security. Foreigners must still fill in ‘TM6’ immigration form for security reasons August 12, 2017 01:00 By THE NATION FOREIGNERS travelling to and from Thailand still need to fill in the “TM6” immigration form for security reasons, the Immigration Bureau chief maintained yesterday. Pol Lt-General Nathathorn Prousoontorn, commander of the agency, said that despite overcrowding at immigration counters, foreign travellers are still required to complete the TM6 arrival and departure card for authorities to collect information on their travel. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered the Royal Thai Air Force to dispatch personnel to help immigration officials. In a Facebook Live interview with The Nation’s founder Suthichai Yoon yesterday, Nathathorn explained that under Thailand’s policy to promote tourism, authorities allow citizens of more than 60 countries to travel to Thailand without a visa, so Thai authorities do not have their information prior to their arrivals. “For Thailand, the form is important as it is the tool for us to get and keep information about foreign visitors when they stay in Thailand,” he said. The Immigration Bureau is in the process of amending the immigration law to exempt Thais from filling in the TM6 form, because basic information of Thai citizens is available on their passport. “We already proposed the amendment of the exemption to the agency concerned. But if it cannot be exempted we may shift to require them to fill in electronic forms before travelling,” he said. Prayut in July instructed the Immigration Bureau to decide whether to cancel the requirement for visitors to use the TM6 form as part of measures to improve immigration procedures at airports and reduce waiting times. However, starting on October 1, a new immigration form will replace the existing one in line with a Cabinet resolution in January approving a Tourism and Sports Ministry request. The new form has only one side for visitors to record both arrival and departure information, with an “automatic channel” barcode for more convenience. Shortage of manpower Heavy congestion at Don Mueang International Airport’s immigration checkpoints last weekend prompted an urgent investigation to determine why thousands of visitors were kept waiting for nearly five hours. Prayut yesterday said he had instructed the Immigration Bureau to open all counters for service. In dealing with a shortage of manpower, the PM said he ordered Air Force commander-in-chief ACM Jom Rungsawang to dispatch his officers to help at the immigration counters. “If all-out efforts by the Immigration Bureau, Airports of Thailand and the Ministry of Transport cannot deal with the congestion, we will find another solution,” he said. Prayut said there were several reasons why the process was very slow, including limited space at the passenger terminal, which has a capacity for 1,000 to 2,800 people but sometimes has to deal with as many as 4,000 passengers arriving at the same time. “We will have to see if the existing terminal space could be expanded,” the PM said. In a related development, national police chief Pol General Chakthip Chaijinda yesterday said he has ordered the Immigration Bureau to set up operation centres at five major international airports – Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Hat Yai – to help with the backlogs of arriving passengers. He warned that if there was further chaos at any of the airports, those in charge must be held responsible. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30323574

From Bangkok Post A digital talent shortage, fewer digital products and uncertain policies have put Thailand near the bottom of the digital nation index, says a Singapore-based advisory firm. http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/advanced/1304502/ouch-thailand-ranked-only-10th-in-digital-nation-index

Air Force officers to help clear airport immigration checkpoints August 11, 2017 15:41 By The Nation Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered Royal Thai Air Force officers to help speed up the process at airport immigration checkpoints. Last weekend, heavy congestion at Don Mueang Airport’s immigration checkpoints prompted an urgent investigation to determine why thousands of visitors were kept waiting for nearly five hours. Prayut said on Friday he had instructed the Immigration Bureau to open all counters for service. If they faced a shortage of manpower Prayut ordered Air Force Commander-in-Chief ACM Jom Rungsawang to employ his officers to help. “If all-out efforts from the Immigration Bureau, Airports of Thailand and the Ministry of Transport cannot deal with the congestion we will find another solution,” he said. Prayut said there were several reasons why the process was very slow, which included the small space at the passenger terminal which has a capacity for 1,000-2,800 people but sometimes there were as many as 4,000 passengers arriving at the same time. He said he was not sure whether the terminal could expand the space. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30323530

Glad, you inspire me. I think from now on I'm going to be a hot 24-year-old Asian guy. Never knew it could be so easy. So now that I'm young and sexy, lets you and me conspire to get this thread back on topic. Want to meet me for some kinky stuff? You can play the guy in the purpose-built, adult-sized baby cot and me and some off my mates will surround you and jerk off.

Agree. Just hope they don't concoct a fake substitute for my favorite protein-rich drink. Like many posters here who have developed an epicurean's appreciation over many years of visits, we do have our quality standards.

From Pattaya Mail CHONBURI – The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has launched an inspection of eateries in Pattaya following complaints of fake bird’s nest being sold to tourists. DSI agents have joined agents of the Department of Local Administration, tourist police and local public health officials in Pattaya to inspect 9 restaurants. Deputy Director of the DSI Pol Lt Col Prawut Wongsinil indicated his agency received complaints from the former president of the Birds Nest Business Association of fake bird’s nest being sold in Pattaya. The phony food is made from wood gum and rubber from India and while not posing any harm if consumed does not provide the nutritional benefits promised by bird’s nest. It was noted that the damage to the image of Thailand could cost its bird’s nest industry 4 billion baht a year. Sets of the bogus food were said to be sold for up to 3,000 baht, netting sellers a 2,600 baht profit. The DSI has detained several restaurateurs for selling fake food. They face 6 months to 10 years in prison and a fine between 5,000 and 100,000 baht. http://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnews/dsi-acts-complaints-fake-birds-nest-sold-tourists-183169

Trial run for buses on eight new routes in Bangkok Breaking News August 09, 2017 19:47 By The Nation Newly painted buses will go on trial on eight new routes in Greater Bangkok from next Tuesday. They will be displaying a new numbering system too, including at least one English-language character. The new routes are: G21 (Rangsit - Rama V Pier), G59E (Min Buri - Si Phraya Pier via expressway), R3 (Rama IX Park - National Stadium), R41 (Tok Road - Happyland), Y59 (Taling Chan Train Station - Krathum Ban), Y61 (Settakij Village - Chatuchak Bus Terminal), B44 (Rama IX - Suttisarn) and B45 (Ua Arthon Beung Kum - Memorial Bridge). http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/breakingnews/30323360

From Bloomberg News When Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government approved $256 million to upgrade a section of a remote border road last month, few took notice. Yet India’s decision to revive plans for the trilateral highway, part of an ambitious 1,360-kilometer (845 mile) crossing to link northeastern India with markets in Thailand and beyond, marks the next phase in the jostle between New Delhi and Beijing for economic and strategic influence in the region. In the last two years alone, India has assigned more than $4.7 billion in contracts for the development of its border roads, according to government figures, including the highway which will run from Moreh in Manipur through Tamu in Myanmar to Mae-Sot in Thailand. The construction has taken on new urgency as China pushes ahead with its own vast ‘One Belt, One Road’ infrastructure initiative, expected to involve investments worth more than half a trillion dollars across 62 nations. The intercontinental web of road, rail and trade links has raised concerns among strategic rivals India, Russia, the U.S. and Japan. Among the biggest showcases of the plan -- an economic corridor that runs through the Pakistan-administered part of disputed Kashmir, which both India and Pakistan claim -- has unsettled equations in the South Asian neighborhood, where border tensions often simmer. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-08-08/china-s-silk-road-lends-urgency-to-india-s-regional-ambitions

Today's Nationmultimeda site published an updated article on new immigration card with an improved view of flip side. Overall, it does appear to seek more data in smaller spaces on a single piece of card stock instead of the current hinged two pieces. How this will expedite immigration queues I haven't a clue. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30323322

From Bangkok Post Thai Beverage, the spirits giant that makes Chang beer and SangSom rum, is expanding into the fast-food business. ThaiBev agreed to purchase more than 240 existing KFC restaurants in Thailand for about 11.3 billion baht ($340 million). http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1302575/beer-chang-maker-buys-up-kfc-thailand-restaurants

In an article in The Nation about the DMK immigration debacle, the following images of the new immigration card appeared. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30323246

I think this is an example of what z909 means by ATM rip-off or unfavorable rate. (I posted the following in recent trip report). Made a stupid mistake while using Thanachart Bank. I failed to notice (or it wasn't displayed on screen) the following message: "I have chosen not to use the Mastercard currency conversion process." It was, however, printed on the receipt. The result was an exchange rate a full baht below what I should have received. The devil is in the details! Thanachart is not what I consider a major bank such as Siam Commercial. Again, it was my own lack of attention to detail that was responsible.

Have often paused to do the same. Hard, sweaty labor. Much to admire for sure and it's free.

Before using any ATM, have a good idea of what the current exchange rate is. This is easy to do by checking a few banks in vicinity. Do NOT go by the rate your hotel may be offering that is always way off in favor of hotel. You can also check an on-line source such as XE.com. I'd select an ATM inside a major bank. After inserting your card, entering the amount you wish to withdraw, a message should be displayed with the following information: 1. The exchange rate the bank will use for transaction 2. The fees bank will charge you 3. The amount (in Thai baht) that you will receive. Be sure to carefully read ALL the information. If you are not satisfied with anything, reject the transaction and get clarification from a bank rep or go elsewhere. As others have said, some card issuers will refund fees you incur. Check with your own bank before leaving home to avoid surprises. When using your credit card anywhere, carefully check that that you are conducting the transaction in Thai baht. Some will try to get you to select your home currency. If you agree, you'll incur two conversion fees instead of one. Always charge purchase in baht. I've used travelers checks in the past. If you can get the checks without a fee from your bank, that's good. You may receive a slightly better exchange rate but the Thai bank will impose fees for the transaction. Be sure to bring your passport to bank.

Nothing wrong with that. Enjoy!

Photo display available at http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/really-easy/1301102/bangkoks-newest-skywalk

From Pattayaone Thousands of tourists were left queuing for more than four hours at Don Mueang airport well into the early hours of Saturday August 5th. The reason was due to unstaffed immigration desks and several flights landing at the same time, officials said. Immigration said that airport officials did not provide them with an updated arrival schedule and consequently desks were left unmanned and unable to cope with the influx of passengers. Immigration chief Pol. Lt. Gen. Nathathorn said that a number of flights which had been delayed due to bad weather then arrived at the same time. Sanook News reported about Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, a lecturer at Thammasat University was waiting for his wife who was arriving from Singapore. Mr Piyabutr shared a photo of the crowded arrivals hall and said that it took more than four hours to clear immigration and that one passenger fainted after being forced to wait in line for so long. Thai site Daily News claimed that 25 flights arrived which contributed to the long queues and that almost 5,000 passengers were affected in the delays which began around midnight and lasted until just before 5am on Saturday morning. Passengers at Don Mueang experiencing delays both at baggage check in and immigration are nothing new. In response to complaints of slow check-in facilities, last month airport chiefs announced that x-ray machines would be relocated and the number of machines increased from four to ten. The passenger identified as ‘Greg T’ wrote to The Nation to complain about his experience. He claimed the situation was so bad, people were forced to urinate on the public concourse. “I saw three different puddles of urine on the floor where people had no choice but to go, as you would never catch your flight if you left the impenetrable crowd. “The floors had become sticky with urine being walked throughout. People were surging and ducking under ropes to queue-jump as they panicked about their flights boarding. “The problem here is not merely one of “service” but also of the security and safety risks of so many people being jammed into that airport area”, he added. http://pattayaone.news/en/don-mueang-immigration-chaos/

Stick has learned the ins and outs of Bangkok very well over the years while making more connections than AT&T. And he also knows his audience. Maybe he'll consider giving the other side of tracks some attention? Stranger things could happen in business matters.

Alexx gets the cigar. His prediction proved right on the money. From this week's Stickman column: "Today’s column is not the final Stickman column. Talks have been taking place behind the scenes….and that’s all I can say about that at this stage. I don’t wish to be coy and the truth is I really don’t know exactly what is happening myself. As soon as I know more and things become clear, I’ll tell you."

Flying, unfortunately, is likely to get more onerous. And if you're connecting to US or European destinations, plan on more vigorous examination of your luggage as concern over terrorism heightens. On a recent connection through Doha, my luggage was scanned upon arrival (as transit passenger) and again at departure gate where additional scanning machines awaited. One more reason I try to avoid flying on the jumbo A380. Had a similar experience at Abu Dhabi. But since Etihad has a US pre-clearence facility, you arrive as a domestic passenger, having already passed immigration and customs checks.

I'd go further and recommend that any non-Thai totally avoid using any Thai word or expression of profanity--even if pronounced properly. It's an invitation to violent confrontation that rarely ends well for farang.

From Coconuts Bangkok Bangkok has planned to adjust and change the numbers on 269 of its bus routes to correspond to new train stations in the future. This month, eight bus routes have started using their new numbers as a trial, to make sure citizens are prepared for the change. The buses must have clear signs stating where they stop, reported PPTV. All of the new numbers will have one or two English letters in them to designate the zones in the city and help tourists. For example, Bus 555, which runs to Suvarnabhumi Airport, will be changed to B53E. Wait, is this supposed to be easier for us to remember, right? While it hasn’t been revealed what each English letter stands for, Thai netizens are already moaning about them, as many locals cannot read English. “Are the English letters necessary? Do we need to know which bus runs in which zone?” a Facebook user commented. “I think it’s better to just have numbers. Some Thais don’t know English, but I agree with adjusting the routes to serve the future BTS stations,” another user said. “The old people who don’t read English are doomed. What are they gonna do? Meanwhile, Thai education is not developing,” said a very realistic netizen. Rotmaethai, a Facebook page that informs the public of news about buses, has published the new numbers for the 269 routes. It has not been reported when the city will implement the changes. https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/erase-memory-bangkok-change-numbers-269-bus-routes/