Post by buhi on Nov 16, 2015 18:50:20 GMT 7
I had to go to the British Embassy today, to get the letter for my annual visa renewal. The little money I have, I do not keep in Thailand, renew my visa on my monthly , annual pension.
I knew there had been some changes so was well prepared. Living long time in Thailand you get used to myriads of photocopies of documents. Had them all.
What at first shocked me was that , I a British citizen could no longer enter the consulate; all paperwork handed through the turnstile. I understood why.
A sad day.
Going back years there was little and no need for security at the Embassy; flash your British passport and walk in.
The annual Plonchit Fair was a great event in the then grounds, since sold. No fair could be held there now so no need for the once very British garden.
Security was upped, to enter the compound mobile phones were removed, body scanned and bags thoroughly checked. Forms to be filled in before you could pass the second gate.
Good , I understood why.
My wife could still accompany me.
Now I am not allowed to pass without an appointment.
I understand why.
A sad day.
No problem, the form I require will be sent to me by registered post and time in hand should it not arrive in a few days. I would feel easier if as usual I had taken the form home with me today, but I understand.
Walked to lower Suk to the Arab quarter Soi 5 for lunch. I like Lebanese food.
The food was fine, but I was the only one in the restaurant, just about the only one around. The Nigerians have obviously been cleared out, and there were no Africans , tourists or otherwise to be seen. Those big mamas in the colourful frocks and head scarf, not one.
In fact I only saw one Arab in the traditional white gown and one woman in the full blackout kit.
Then to a sports bar on Suk. Forget the Beer Garden, I knew that was dead.
Watching the few tourists around and very , very few.
I used to work on lower Suk, it was always vibrant any time of day or night, now a dismal skeleton.
And to really hammer it in, desperately approached by the most hideous whores you can imagine. They never even bothered with me before, the look, the deminour shouts expat. The few vendors, male got it at once, just the mutual smile. Don't bother with him !
Obvious, and no doubt obvious to the whores. Desperation, no Arabs, no Africans, no farangs, hell, only expats and old married couples.
Welcome to the land of no smiles.
I knew there had been some changes so was well prepared. Living long time in Thailand you get used to myriads of photocopies of documents. Had them all.
What at first shocked me was that , I a British citizen could no longer enter the consulate; all paperwork handed through the turnstile. I understood why.
A sad day.
Going back years there was little and no need for security at the Embassy; flash your British passport and walk in.
The annual Plonchit Fair was a great event in the then grounds, since sold. No fair could be held there now so no need for the once very British garden.
Security was upped, to enter the compound mobile phones were removed, body scanned and bags thoroughly checked. Forms to be filled in before you could pass the second gate.
Good , I understood why.
My wife could still accompany me.
Now I am not allowed to pass without an appointment.
I understand why.
A sad day.
No problem, the form I require will be sent to me by registered post and time in hand should it not arrive in a few days. I would feel easier if as usual I had taken the form home with me today, but I understand.
Walked to lower Suk to the Arab quarter Soi 5 for lunch. I like Lebanese food.
The food was fine, but I was the only one in the restaurant, just about the only one around. The Nigerians have obviously been cleared out, and there were no Africans , tourists or otherwise to be seen. Those big mamas in the colourful frocks and head scarf, not one.
In fact I only saw one Arab in the traditional white gown and one woman in the full blackout kit.
Then to a sports bar on Suk. Forget the Beer Garden, I knew that was dead.
Watching the few tourists around and very , very few.
I used to work on lower Suk, it was always vibrant any time of day or night, now a dismal skeleton.
And to really hammer it in, desperately approached by the most hideous whores you can imagine. They never even bothered with me before, the look, the deminour shouts expat. The few vendors, male got it at once, just the mutual smile. Don't bother with him !
Obvious, and no doubt obvious to the whores. Desperation, no Arabs, no Africans, no farangs, hell, only expats and old married couples.
Welcome to the land of no smiles.
