A visit to Mataphut immigration office, or two actually.

[the dogcatcher]

A couple of months ago I visited immigration in Mataphut to get a certificate of residence, or whatever the hell its called, anyway the one you need to buy a car etc.
The nice lady told me that because I had'nt reported within 24 hours of my arrival
that she would have to fine my friends wife 800baht cos I was living at her house, but could sort out everything ie not getting a naughty boy stamp in my passport for a donation to the immigration police benevolent fund.
Bung accepted all o.k.
O.K. not a problem, I knew this but 2 weeks in Pattaya having fun sounded better than 2 weeks in a one horse Thai village waiting for my Laos G.F.
So bought a car (Hilux Vigo, call me Mr unadventurous), bought a bike, and got my Thai driving license.
2 weeks later I was stopped by the police. I handed over my documents proudly believing all to be in order (car brand new from Toyota main agent in Rayong).
WRONG!!!.. The Policeman took the docs, opened the book they give you whilst on red plates, stole the reciept for my temporary road tax, ( I think thats what it was) then preceeded to nick me for not having road tax or not displaying or for not being able to prove I'd payed or something like that. 200 baht not expensive but annoying when you're trying to get things right.
Good scam that.
Anyhow back to immigration. Last week G.F. said she would like to go to Laos to see her family. I immediately agreed since the threat of them coming to see us was too much to bear. Right, have to go to immigration get the certificate again (didnt realise that car dealers, bike dealers and license office retain the originals) to get paperwork to take car into Laos no problem. Get to immigration docs submitted told to wait till thursday for certificate.
THEN, same nice lady said come back with friends wife so she can do her another 800 baht. WHAT!!!! you scamming bitch I said (came out as "solly I don't understand madam, I thought my contribution to said benevolent fund was warmly accepted) and by the flamming way how in the hell did I buy 2 vehicles and get my driving license in the last month if I had'nt reported and got the right paperwork? She had already inspected the cars logbook. So I produce my Thai license. Oh o.k. she said "I do special for you" to which I replied "what you do special for me. "i no fine your friend 800 baht" "why is that special for me?" I enquired " I hav'nt broken any laws". She looked at me blankly and said nothing. I smiled at her, she started to smile back. I left.

[mellow]

Welcome to Thailand.

[the dogcatcher]

No been here a while, just this time stay long time, build house, buy car, maybe get something started. etc etc........

[the dogcatcher]

Ok, in Laos now, quite an experience. Smuggling fridges and people, importing cars, and lots of other good info. New thread coming soon with all the details on visas for Laos girlfriend and renting space in your freezer for drugs. (not illegal ones).