Criminal background checks

[DaveyJonesLocker]

To be honest, I don't think I would have travelled to Bangkok anyway. A quick trip up north to Nong Khai is one thing, but a trip all the way into Bangkok is totally different with a whole lot more cops around.

Last time I traveled from KK to Bangkok I flew on Thai Smile to Suvarnabhumi, not a cop in sight, and my passport was checked once, for the photo ID. I know hindsight is a wonderful thing, but surely flying KK to Bangkok, transfer at the airport to International, pay the over-stay on the way through the airport, fly home to Canada, new passport, Laos visa, fly from Canada to Vientiane via China is the obvious plan? Simples.

[justaguy]

Without a shadow of a doubt that post wins the non sequitur prize for this thread

Why, the truth is the truth, and you think those Lao immigration officers (and the Thai for that matter) don't know why all those Lao citizens are trying to cross the border with a Laissez Passez ? None of them actually lost their passport of course. It's cotton industry, so I see no reason why they would suddenly be appalled by a Canadian citizen with a few years overstay.

[justaguy]

To be honest, I don't think I would have travelled to Bangkok anyway. A quick trip up north to Nong Khai is one thing, but a trip all the way into Bangkok is totally different with a whole lot more cops around. If I would of had my passport checked before getting to that immigration desk at BKK, I would have been in for much more hurt than I was. Thankfully by the time I was arrested, my overstay was already cleared with I would have had a really rough time coping with a long stay at IDC, especially since I'm blind, as that made it worse. It's a huge room with about 100 people, and I was basically stuck the whole time on my little 5x2 foot mat in the corner close to the convenience store and bathroom. So I could get to the bathroom and shower, and buy some cigs or nana noodles or whatever from the store, but that's it. Wasn't really capable of wandering around the room and making friends with others like everyone else did, as it was too cramped, and I would just end up kicking and stepping on people all the time, which wouldn't go over well.

People there were honestly far friendlier than I thought they'd be. Nobody was really interested in making friends, but just acquantances to hang out with while they killed the time and got out. Everyone somewhat had each other's backs though, and took care of each other. I never ate any of the food, but each time a meal would come, they'd come over and offer me a plate. They always helped me walk around when it was ecersize time, hekoed ne fubd my way around the bathroom and shower, store, etc.

Sorry but I must have travelled from KK to BKK and vice versa at least about ten times or so, and the times I bussed or used the train, and the two times we took a taxi, I have never been asked to produce my passport. If you take the train to Hualamphong, which was what I advised you to do, the chance of you having to produce your passport at any point in time is virtually zero. I have no doubt you would have made it to BKK immigration undetected, many before you have managed, so I don't see why you are suddenly so special.

And even IF you would not have made it to BKK undetected, the end result would have been the same, deportation to Canada, and instead of a five year ban, a ten year ban. And no your stay in the IDC will not last longer than it takes you to pay the fine and produce a ticket out of the country, as previously stated.

[cdnmatt]

Well, I don't know. Hindsight's a bitch, ain't it?

No changing the past, it is what is, and might as well just concentrate on the future and getting us back together.

[justaguy]

Well, I don't know. Hindsight's a bitch, ain't it?

No changing the past, it is what is, and might as well just concentrate on the future and getting us back together.

So I am guessing you will try to reach VTE by plane this time ? What makes you think they will allow you into the country this time ?

If I were you I would try and get Leo to Canada, but I guess that might also be a bridge too far.

[cdnmatt]

I'll have a new passport without a blacklist stamp, plus a Laos VISA issued by the Laos embassy in Vancouver, Canada. That should do it. Plus I very highly doubt Laos immigration put me on any kind of list due to a simple refusal of entry, so it should be fine.

And no, getting Leo a Canada visitor VISA right now is impossible at the moment. There's simply no way we'll currently be able to convince immigration Canada that he will return to Laos. He has no home, job, doesn't go to school, no wife or kids, not even a vehicle.

That is the plan though, but we need to get him setup with a life in Vientiane first, get his name on a house lease, get some joint bank accounts in Hong Kong, get him enrolled in school, and so on. Then I should be able to secure him a visitor VISA. I was hoping to bring him to Canada for a visit this summer / fall, but looks like that's probably getting pushed back until late fall / winter now. That's ok, and besides, we have the dogs who I'm unwilling to leave behind in life either.

[Tintin]

This (my) post a few pages back ... #171:

Originally Posted by Smiles
" ... Have no fear Neddy. At the last minute Cndmatt will dredge up one more excuse (he has a list of necessary excuses which cover a host of scenarios) to delay for "something-has-come-up" and "we'll have to stay just a few months more" ... "

Ok. So at least now you admit that your accusations were wrong.

[Magnum]

Hi Matt, how are you now? How is it to be back home? Did you have a chance to see the eye doctor? Any news from Leo/the dogs?

[francois]

Hi Matt, how are you now? How is it to be back home? Did you have a chance to see the eye doctor? Any news from Leo/the dogs?

Perhaps it would be better to ask if matt visited an eye doctor?

[cdnmatt]

Hi Matt, how are you now? How is it to be back home? Did you have a chance to see the eye doctor? Any news from Leo/the dogs?

I'm fine, but nothing special, and can't say I enjoy being back in Canada. The efficiency of getting things done and ability to speak English is quite nice, but that's about it. Everything is cold, quiet, isolating, everything in town is subdued, nobody is themselves and instead everyone just puts on this fake outside persona as if they're just going through the paces instead of actually being alive. You know, the Western world.

That, and I'm somewhat stuck here. I guess there's a mall in walking distance, but you have to cross a small yet busy street, which my parents advised against if I value my life. So I'm stuck bugging my mother to drive me into town every time I need something, which is less than ideal. If this was Asia, there would be a bunch of market stalls / vendors around the streets, probably 3 or 4 small shops in walking distance that double as drinking holes I could hang out at, etc. Just a different culuture.

Leo is fine, although sounds fairly deflated and lost. He seems to be shutting down a bit, and slipping into a mild depression. He keeps worrying that I'm going to forget about him, and stay in Canada, but don't worry honey, not a chance. He's heading back to his village with his older sister on the 8th, then Songkran is just around the corner, so hopefully that will cheer him up. Then hopefully after Songkran, I can send him to Vientiane to grab another house, so he can feel like things are moving in the right direction again.

Dogs are still alive, so I guess that's the best I can hope for. The guy asked us to please pick them up soon, because Boxer (brown dog in my avatar) keeps killing all his chickens, which is no real surprise. He loves chickens, and one of the many reasons he's not allowed on the streets by himself. Worried about my white dog as he's blind as well due to glucoma, and I highly doubt that guy is taking the time to teach him the various routes around the house / yard. So he's probably just wandering around aimlessly, bumping into shit, gets drustrated and just lays down to sleep, and is probably depressed out of his mind. Told Leo to make sure to tell the guy he has a good financial reward coming his way if those dogs are alive and healthy when we get there, so hopefully they will be ok.

I'm hoping to be in Vientiane in about 4 more weeks. Just waiting for my photo ID to come in the mail, then grab a new passport, get a visitor VISA for Laos from the embassy in Vancouver, then off to Asia again to get my family back together.

No, no eye doctor. MRI scans don't lie, so with 100% certainity I have optic nerve damage, which can not be repaired these days. I'm not spending $3000 to find out what I already know, as I need that money. I do have an appointment with an eye doctor on the 17th, but not to fix my eyes. I just want a letter from a licensed Canadian optomitrist confirming that I am blind. Use that in conjunction with the letter I have from the eye specialist at Khon Kaen Ram to help get Leo VISAs around the world.

[cdnmatt]

BTW... when did flights get so cheap? I've een looking, and I can get a one-way from Vancouver to Kuala Lumpur for about $470 USD.

From there, AirAsia return KL to Vientiane for about $110 USD.

Holy shit, is that ever cheap. My ass will probably be numb for a few days after the flight, but that's ok, I don't mind.

[arsenal]

Welcome back Matt. Just to fill you in on what's been happening since you left. I stepped down as moderator (stop cheering please) Scottish Guy had yet another hissy fit and snorted off to pastures green, Nirish returned and is just as warm and genial as he always was and we have a new member called DavyJonesLocker who is such a master of disguise that he has invoked the suspicion of some members. Welcome back.

DavyJonesLocker's disguise.

[cdnmatt]

Oh, I didn't know you stepped down as mod. Ok, cool.

No, I've been around reading. Was only gone for about 5 days there when I got banged up for a bit, and was flying home. Just nothing to really post.

And what? You think I'm that DavyJones guy? Come on, give me a bit of credit... I'm not that much of a dick. :)

[arsenal]

No. Not you. Universal agreement on that.

[DaveyJonesLocker]

Oh, I didn't know you stepped down as mod. Ok, cool.

And what? You think I'm that DavyJones guy? Come on, give me a bit of credit... I'm not that much of a dick. :)

Yes, we can now put arsenal on Ignore (and I have). As for being "that much of a dick" - I at least believe every word you write. Your posts give me endless amusement, as I'm sure a needy millenial such as yourself will be horrified to hear. Others (a447, a Moderator) and Smiles (your fellow countryman) clearly think you are "that much of a dick", a Walter Mitty character at best, at worst a barefaced liar.

[colmx]

I
No, no eye doctor. MRI scans don't lie, so with 100% certainity I have optic nerve damage, which can not be repaired these days.

Can you honestly say you trust the competence of a doctor in a backwater like Khon Kaen?
My local GPs secretary probably had more medical training than your "Doctor" in Thailand... who most likely learned all he knows from a 1970s text book

When you are back in the West... do us all a favour and go to see a real doctor!

[arsenal]

DavyJonesLocker. Joined March 28, put me on ignore list April 7. Proof methinks.

[cdnmatt]

Can you honestly say you trust the competence of a doctor in a backwater like Khon Kaen?
My local GPs secretary probably had more medical training than your "Doctor" in Thailand... who most likely learned all he knows from a 1970s text book

When you are back in the West... do us all a favour and go to see a real doctor!


Sure, wire me $3000 and I'll be happy to get checked out again with another MRI scan, only to be told, "yep, your optic nerve is indeed damaged, and sorry, we don't know how to regenerate nerve cells yet".

I'm not spending my $3000 on it though. Maybe later when I have far more money than I need, Leo and myself can head to Singapore and get checked out again. For now, I'm not worried about it. Again, MRI scans don't lie, so without question, my optic nerve is damaged. I even know the exact fall I took when it happened. And for now at least, optic nerve damage can not be repaired. Maybe in 10 or 20 years, but not now.

[colmx]

only costs $770 Canadian dollars according to this site:
https://canadadiagnostics.ca/services/mri/

And I'm sure a consultants opinion would probably only cost 20% of that

[colmx]

Incidentally I also just checked the cost of an MRI that I had done back in September in the 2nd best hospital in Ireland.... And it was €170 (before insurance)

So someone is definitely filling you full of shit on the cost of medical treatment.

[DaveyJonesLocker]

You have to remember that in Thailand most hospitals are "for profit" and are encouraged to squeeze as much money out of their patients as possible. A friend of mine says that an MRI is the standard diagnostic tool in hospitals such as BNH. Attend outpatients for an ingrown toenail and they'll recommend an MRI (only a slight exaggeration). An MRI result is not a diagnosis; that's up to the doctor who interprets the results. As well, Thailand is at least 5 years behind the times when it comes to modern medical advances. I'd definitely be seeking a second opinion, even from Canada - a country that has the sort of socialised medical system the Americans are always being warned against.

[StevieWonders]

I'd definitely be seeking a second opinion, even from Canada - a country that has the sort of socialised medical system the Americans are always being warned against.

Stop teasing the Americans Davey. As Corporal Jones says "They don't like it up 'em". BTW thanks for the PM about the dancer at La Scala. I looked him up. Very pretty.

[Blacktouch]

Matt just got back to Canada. One would have thought it would have been the first thing he would have done, is go and get a full check done on his eyes in his home Country. Would have thought Canada has one of the best medical services in the world.

In England this is all free with the NHS (National Health Service).

[cdnmatt]

Matt just got back to Canada. One would have thought it would have been the first thing he would have done, is go and get a full check done on his eyes in his home Country. Would have thought Canada has one of the best medical services in the world.

In England this is all free with the NHS (National Health Service).


Yeah, you would think that about Canada, but just ain't true. For example, my mom waited about 3 years in pain to get a hip replacement, finally got pissed off, and flew to Mexico to have it done. She's still waiting on the call from Canadian doctors to book her for an appointment to check out her hip, to determine whether or not she's eligible to put on the waiting list for hip replacement, which generally takes about another 18 - 24 months before the operation actually happens.

All the while, she had her new hip in about 6 months ago thanks to doctors in Mexico, and is back to walking around like a champion.

And again, MRI scans don't lie, so without question I have optic nerve dmage, which can not be repaired with modern medical technology. There is an experimental protien that has proven to regenerate optic nerve threads in mice, but no human trials yet. Even so, they still haven't figured out how to regenerate the "mylenium" (sp), which basically acts as an insulator for nerve cells. Same type of thing as how we use copper to ensure electricity travels in the direction we want it to. They don't know how to regenerate that at all yet, and without it, the messages wouldn't get to my brain properly anyway.

And no, I don't get free medical care in Canada. I'm not a resident. If I lived here for 6 months I'd be eligible, but then most likely put on some bullshit 13 month waiting list for an MRI, or whatever.

Not worried about it right now, as I'm fine with being blind. Once I have a bunch of extra money, Leo and myself can hit up Singapore and get tested there for shits and giggles, but again, I'm quite confident it's just a waste of money to find out what I already know -- I have irreparable optic nerve damage.

[colmx]

it's just a waste of money to find out what I already know -- I have irreparable optic nerve damage**.

** As was told to me by a "doctor" in a backwater city of a third world country.

[Smiles]

And no, I don't get free medical care in Canada. I'm not a resident. If I lived here for 6 months I'd be eligible, but then most likely put on some bullshit 13 month waiting list for an MRI, or whatever.
More ignorant hogwash. You can return to Canada and slide back into BC Medical even if you have been out of country for 10+ years. All you have to do is spend 3 months back in BC and you can go right back into the medical system. That should be fine with you seeing as how you seem to love being blind.
"Not worried about it right now, as I'm fine with being blind"
Your obfuscations, exaggerations, and just plain bullshit is/are full of "most likelys" which are of course simply opinions, not facts.

Anyway, moot points all as far as I'm concerned as I don't believe a word you say/write.

[DaveyJonesLocker]

Smiles, cdnmatt accuses me of being "that much of a dick" for believing every word he says. I wonder what he says about you? However, comparing a hip replacement with an MRI is the sort of needy millenial illogical thinking that I treasure so much.

[cdnmatt]

No Smiles, I have to be a resident for 6 months, not 3 to "slide" back into BC medical care. Even so, I'm only here for about another 4 weeks.

I have a quick appointment with an eye doctor on the 17th, so he'll be able to check me out, plus I have my MRI results on a CD he can look at as well. If he sniffs something is off, then sure, I'll heed his advice and maybe seek further testing. For the most part, I'm not worried about it too much. MRI scans don't lie, so I do have optic nerve damage, which is permanent.

Doesn't matter if a Canadian or Thai doctor tells me that, it's still optic nerve damage.

[DaveyJonesLocker]

Matt is correct. Eligibility is based on six-months' residence. Absence can only be temporary and for no longer then 7 months https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/eligibility-and-enrolment/are-you-eligible

[cdnmatt]

Besides, there's some perks to being blind. For example, you poor suckers are stuck actually walking through airports to your gates, waiting in line at security and immigration, etc. I don't have to worry about any of that anymore. From the time I check in at the front counter, someone rushes over with a wheel chair, and I get pushed around until I hit the arrivals area at my final destination.

When there's a layover, I guess I'm the last off the plane, but there's someone right there at the gate with a wheel chair waiting for me. Just tell them I want to go to dury free or for a cigarette, and they wheel me right over, before whelling me to the door of the next airplane.

Don't have to go through security lines. I go through special ones, they quickly scan my bags, give me a quick pat down, and off I go. No waiting involved. Same goes for immigration, at least in Canada. None of this waiting in line bullshit. I got taken through the secure Gold area on one of those golf cart things where there's no people and just one immigration officer sitting behind a nice desk. Granted, I got pulled into secondary for about 4 hours after that, but hopefully that was just a one time occurrence.

See, it's not all bad being blind. :)

[francois]

. I got taken through the secure Gold area on one of those golf cart things where there's no people and just one immigration officer sitting behind a nice desk. Granted, I got pulled into secondary for about 4 hours after that, but hopefully that was just a one time occurrence.


So the immigration officer was sitting behind a nice desk? How observant of you.

[DaveyJonesLocker]

For example, you poor suckers are stuck actually walking through airports to your gates, waiting in line at security and immigration, etc. I don't have to worry about any of that anymore. From the time I check in at the front counter, someone rushes over with a wheel chair, and I get pushed around until I hit the arrivals area at my final destination.

I reckon I'll just keep flying Business Class.

[cdnmatt]

I don't know, I could tell we were in a large hallyway, we stopped the cart, and the lady took off somewhere. A minute later some guy started talking to me asking where I was coming from, and I could tell he was sitting lower than me just from his voice.

And the rest of the area was for the most part quiet. A few people, but definitely no crowds or line ups. That, and the lady had to scan her security card to open the door to whatever area we went to.

[Tintin]

Your obfuscations, exaggerations, and just plain bullshit is/are full of "most likelys" which are of course simply opinions, not facts.

There you are obviously right. But isn't it exactly about opinions in an open forum like this? If you're looking for facts try wikipedia, or whatever site you trust, but you would'nt want to rely on SGT, would you?

[Blacktouch]

Besides, there's some perks to being blind.

I would rather have my eye sight than those perks!

[francois]

I don't know, I could tell we were in a large hallyway, we stopped the cart, and the lady took off somewhere. A minute later some guy started talking to me asking where I was coming from, and I could tell he was sitting lower than me just from his voice.

.

And the nice desk?

[cdnmatt]

I would rather have my eye sight than those perks!


Well obviously, but not much I can do about that, now is there? Again, they don't know how to fix optic nerves yet. They still don't even know WHY nerve cells don't regenerate same as blood and skin cells, let alone how to make them regenerate. They are trying though.

[Smiles]

Smiles, cdnmatt accuses me of being "that much of a dick" for believing every word he says. I wonder what he says about you?
I assume he is thinking I'm a double -- or, heaven above, a triple -- dick. Water off a ...

As for the eligibility rules:


When Does Coverage Begin?

"New (and returning) residents are required to complete a wait period consisting of the balance of the month in which residence in British Columbia is established, plus two months before benefits can begin. The date residency is considered to have been established is determined by the Ministry of Health based on a number of factors ... " https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/eligibility-and-enrolment/are-you-eligible/applicants-for-permanent-resident-status

[Smiles]

On thinking about this thread and the ever numerous and nonsensical machinations of my beloved country mate, I seem to have lost track of his minor spin-off story(s): i.e. that of the soon-to-be-adopted Lao waifs.
Could the author of this mini-series give us some idea of the status of these lucky lucky kids ... or has Cndmatt "GoneTrump" and forgotten all about them?

[christianpfc]

Now thanks to Laos not willing to simply stamp me in for 30 days...
All over a simple 30 day tourist stamp.
A bit of a misrepresentation? The cause of your problems is your overstay in Thailand.


And again, MRI scans don't lie,...
You have said that at least four times. You remind me of a character in a movie Screamers (1995 sci-fi) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screamers_(1995_film). A human accused of being an android because he frequently repeats himself and others.

But back to the MRI scan. Maybe modern scanners in Canada have a better resolution than the one in KK? Maybe the doctor needs to have experience to interpret it? You haven't even seen what they have done, could as well have been an X-ray!

[Blacktouch]

He should go and get a full eye check-up, as (sorry to say this) the medical profession in Western Countries are much move advance than Thailand.

But things like dental surgery is cheaper in Thailand I'm told?

But each to their own I guess.

[Blacktouch]

On thinking about this thread and the ever numerous and nonsensical machinations of my beloved country mate, I seem to have lost track of his minor spin-off story(s): i.e. that of the soon-to-be-adopted Lao waifs.
Could the author of this mini-series give us some idea of the status of these lucky lucky kids ... or has Cndmatt "GoneTrump" and forgotten all about them?

Also, where is Leo and what is he doing?
And the dogs.......

[cdnmatt]

No idea about the kids. They're fine in the villages with their mother, and Leo and myself haven't talked about them in quite a while. The new school year doesn't start until July, so who knows. Nowadays, Leo seems much more enthusiastic about the prospect of possibly going to university in Canada sometime in the next couple years, so I think the kids are getting left in the village. Who knows, maybe we'll end up taking them for a couple years.

Dogs are fine, and still alive, although I'm sure not being taken as good of care of as they are used to. We're working on it.

Leo is fine, and sitting on a bus right now back to his village for Songkran. I'm still just waiting for my photo ID to show up in the mail, so I can apply for a new passport, and am working hard to save money while I'm at it.

[Blacktouch]

Leo is fine, and sitting on a bus right now back to his village for Songkran. I'm still just waiting for my photo ID to show up in the mail, so I can apply for a new passport, and am working hard to save money while I'm at it.

Matt, out of interest, what happened to your present passport for you to apply for a new one, is it out of date, or I'm guessing you want a new one because of the stamp you now have from Thailand? Lol

[cdnmatt]

Current passport is 2 year limited validity passport, so that's one reason. Then blacklist stamp is another. Plus the fact the Thai immigration glued my previous VERY old passport to my new one, which doesn't look good especially with all the stamps.

Would much prefer a clean 10 year Canada passport. Should have it within 3 weeks.

[Brad the Impala]

Seems to have been a trend in this thread to denigrate medical facilities and skills in Thailand. This seems unfair given some of the excellent facilities available and the number of hospitals with JCI accreditation. JCI is a non profit organisation established for grading international hospitals.

I see that the Khon Kaen Ram hospital was accredited in 2014.

[DaveyJonesLocker]

... JCI accreditation. JCI is a non profit organisation established for grading international hospitals.

JCI accreditation has to do with minimum standards. Above a certain minimum there is no qualitative assessment. My understanding is that it says that the standards are adequate, and I would agree with that assessment. They are indeed adequate. My wide circle of friends in Bangkok with a varied set of chronic conditions all agree that their treatment is adequate. It is not excellent and is behind the standard of care and knowledge they experience in their own country. Thai doctors have no incentive to keep their knowledge up to date or keep abreast of medical developments. Only last month a visiting friend with Type 2 diabetes case-managed by one of the leading clinics in the West was told by a senior endocrinologist at Bumrungrad that his combination of medications was "completely wrong". He was also told to put his disposable needles in the general waste as the hospital has no way of disposing of such medical waste on his behalf. He is HIV+ and the doctor was aware of that.

Matt would be well-advised to get an opinion from a specialist in Canada, nowithstanding Khon Kaen Hospital's JCI accreditation.

[mr giggles]

[QUOTE=cdnmatt;239643]
so I think the kids are getting left in the village. Who knows, maybe we'll end up taking them for a couple years.

Just swap them for an IPhone, less trouble.

[Blacktouch]

JCI accreditation has to do with minimum standards. Above a certain minimum there is no qualitative assessment. My understanding is that it says that the standards are adequate, and I would agree with that assessment. They are indeed adequate. My wide circle of friends in Bangkok with a varied set of chronic conditions all agree that their treatment is adequate. It is not excellent and is behind the standard of care and knowledge they experience in their own country. Thai doctors have no incentive to keep their knowledge up to date or keep abreast of medical developments. Only last month a visiting friend with Type 2 diabetes case-managed by one of the leading clinics in the West was told by a senior endocrinologist at Bumrungrad that his combination of medications was "completely wrong". He was also told to put his disposable needles in the general waste as the hospital has no way of disposing of such medical waste on his behalf. He is HIV+ and the doctor was aware of that.

Matt would be well-advised to get an opinion from a specialist in Canada, nowithstanding Khon Kaen Hospital's JCI accreditation.

Thanks for that intimation.

Hence the reason I made this earlier comment in post #291(see below):

"He should go and get a full eye check-up, as (sorry to say this) the medical profession in Western Countries are much move advance than Thailand"

[gerefan2]

Current passport is 2 year limited validity passport, so that's one reason. Then blacklist stamp is another. Plus the fact the Thai immigration glued my previous VERY old passport to my new one, which doesn't look good especially with all the stamps.

Would much prefer a clean 10 year Canada passport. Should have it within 3 weeks.

...and you don't think the Laos Immigration keep a record of people refused entry by name, date of birth, place of birth, etc etc?

[Blacktouch]

...and you don't think the Laos Immigration keep a record of people refused entry by name, date of birth, place of birth, etc etc?

Oops, I was going to say the same thing, by asking Matt in my earlier post why he needs a new passport. But thought don't burst his bubble!

People get their passports lost, stolen, damage, out of date and of course think by ordering a new one because they have a "naughty" stamp of some sort in it, so think they can be smart and order a new one to avoid the "naughty stamp mark".

But yes they do have a full record of people they "mark".

Anybody care to elaborate?

[Blacktouch]

...and you don't think the Laos Immigration keep a record of people refused entry by name, date of birth, place of birth, etc etc?

And photo as well, I would have thought?

[cdnmatt]

Refusal of entry != black listing. I'll be fine. More than likely, I would have been fine if I would have just flown from BKK to Vientiane, instead of crossing via land at Nong Khai.



Thanks for that intimation.

Hence the reason I made this earlier comment in post #291(see below):

"He should go and get a full eye check-up, as (sorry to say this) the medical profession in Western Countries are much move advance than Thailand"


Well, I have that appointment on the 17th, and will take my MRI results and medical records for him to look over. Unless he says something like, "whoa! this doesn't seem right", then that's pretty much it.

Optic nerve damage is a pretty binary thing, either your nerve is damaged or it's not. And assuming it is, then that's it, case closed. No medical facility in the world can fix that.

Besides, at the rate shit happens in Canada, it will probably be 6 months to get a full check up from a professional facility.

[DaveyJonesLocker]

...and you don't think the Laos Immigration keep a record of people refused entry by name, date of birth, place of birth, etc etc?

Given that in Matt's original report he stated that he ranted for 90 minutes you can bet they've got him well and truly recorded. He claims (as he always does) "why would they record someone denied entry" but ignores the reality of every border crossing involving passports


Passport officer enters passport details into computer (1st check)
Passport officer checks visa (2nd check)
Passport officer reviews other entries in passport (3rd check)


Matt was caught at the 3rd check. He's assuming no further notes were added as a result of his behaviour - actually he's assuming the first two checks resulted in no record at all. He's also assuming that his blacklist entry that caused a denial of entry by land would have been overlooked had he arrived by air. I'm sceptical of this claim, especially as his blacklisting was of the most notorious kind. Passport officers must decide on the balance of probabilities whether someone will comply with or over-stay their visa. Matt's passport showed a non-compliance of the most egregious kind, in the country where he had been most recently. They might also require an onwards ticket which in Matt's case certainly could not be a ticket returning him to Bangkok.

Finally, assuming against all the odds Matt gets admitted to Laos on a new passport. He has an accident or gets ill in Vientiane, requiring hospitalisation. Where does he go? Serious cases are, I understand, always shipped by ambulance across the border to Nong Kai or Udon Thani hospital. But Matt is blacklisted from entering Thailand.

[arsenal]

Nothing better to do Davy?

[Jellybean]

Nothing better to do Davy?

Hey arsenal!

It’s Davey with an ‘E’ not Davy without an ‘E’
'Cause Davey with an 'E' goes 'eeeeeee'
It's 'EY' instead of 'Y',
It's simple as can be, see, Davey

I'll do it again, just wait and seeeee . . .

Actually, I believe DaveyJonesLocker, gerefan2 and Blacktouch have a point. I too suspect that the Laos immigration authorities may well have kept a record of cdnmatt's blacklisting.

But I hope I am wrong for cndmatt's sake.

[arsenal]

I was being more matey.
:dirol_mini:

[DaveyJonesLocker]

It’s Davey with an ‘E’ not Davy without an ‘E’
'Cause Davey with an 'E' goes 'eeeeeee'
It's 'EY' instead of 'Y',
It's simple as can be, see, Davey
Dinnae fash yersel Jelly Old Bean. On arsenal I'm reminded of Churchill's famous comment - no, not "he makes you proud to be British" but about Attlee and a taxi. Doubtless you're familiar with it?

[arsenal]

And when Davy attacks me I am reminded of Denis Healy's comment about Geoffrey Howe.

[Jellybean]

Dinnae fash yersel Jelly Old Bean. On arsenal I'm reminded of Churchill's famous comment - no, not "he makes you proud to be British" but about Attlee and a taxi. Doubtless you're familiar with it?


And when Davy attacks me I am reminded of Denis Healy's comment about Geoffrey Howe.

Before anyone asks, and for the sake of clarity, I can confirm I am familiar with both comments.

And gentlemen, do not forget there is a large selection of folderol synonyms available on the, Best information site topic at post #14, should you need to use them.

But do kindly bear in mind this topic is primarily about the plight of cndmatt, now stuck in the Dominion of Canada and Leo lanquishing in the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

I fear we have not yet heard the last of this storyline, so let's stick to it without further detours or detrailing sub-plots. My estimate is that we have at least two more seasons of 13 episodes to go before the series finale. But please don't quote me on it.

[bobsaigon2]

If Lao Immigration declines to welcome Matt, even with his new passport, I suppose a future episode will describe Matt-Leo-the dogs relocating to Cambodia or Myanmar. Should be interesting.

[arsenal]

This,might morph from a soap opera into a series of The Road to.......... movies whereby Matt goes from country to country and details his adventures here. I do hope so, partly because it's rather entertaining and partly because it (somewhat inexplicably) irritates the boards two latest best chums.

[DaveyJonesLocker]

Before anyone asks, and for the sake of clarity, I can confirm I am familiar with both comments.

The problem, Jellybean, when you quote from someone I have blocked is that the phrase "waste of space" multiplies in meaning.

[Asia Traveler]

Seems to have been a trend in this thread to denigrate medical facilities and skills in Thailand. This seems unfair given some of the excellent facilities available and the number of hospitals with JCI accreditation. JCI is a non profit organisation established for grading international hospitals.

I see that the Khon Kaen Ram hospital was accredited in 2014.

JCI is a key factor in selection of medical center but be careful to note if the speciality you are seeking care from is JCI accredited as not all departments in a medical facility may have qualified for accreditation.

[bithy]

If Lao Immigration declines to welcome Matt, even with his new passport, I suppose a future episode will describe Matt-Leo-the dogs relocating to Cambodia or Myanmar. Should be interesting.

But if Matt ends up with a "Denied Entry" stamp in his passport for Laos, why would the Cambodians let him in?

[cdnmatt]

Well, then I'll rent a private plane and parachute in. :)

Leo, myself and my dogs are getting back together, one way or another.

[DaveyJonesLocker]

Well, then I'll rent a private plane and parachute in. :)

Leo, myself and my dogs are getting back together, one way or another.

The thing I love most about Matt is his firm grasp on reality.

[cdnmatt]

It'll be fine, I'll get in. For example, Leo was officially served a letter of deportation by Thai immigration, and he's allowed to come and go as he pleases. I very highly doubt Laos blacklisted me in any shape or form.

Guess I have to spend the money on a round trip airfare when I'm not going to use the return portion, but that's life.

[DaveyJonesLocker]

It'll be fine, I'll get in. For example, Leo was officially served a letter of deportation by Thai immigration, and he's allowed to come and go as he pleases. I very highly doubt Laos blacklisted me in any shape or form.

Guess I have to spend the money on a round trip airfare when I'm not going to use the return portion, but that's life.

See my previous comment.

[arsenal]

Davy's found his level.

[cdnmatt]

It's not like I flipped out, and started yelling or anything. By no means was I rude or disrespectful to any immigration or police officer.

But yes, I'm sure I was visibly distraught, because I knew full well what was going to happen. Then naturally in that situation, your mind goes to the worst possible scenario, so in my mind my dogs were going to get murdered and eaten,
I'd never see Leo again, I was going to be in Thai jail for months maybe, then spend my life in Canada alone and blind.

I didn't really do anything bad. Just kind of said fuck it, I'm going over to the corner here, sitting down, having a smoke, and you guys do whatever the hell you want, type of thing. Nothing that would have caused me to get black listed. Don't worry, we'll fine out in a few weeks once I mail my new passport to the Laos embassy in Vancouver.

[StevieWonders]

It's not like I flipped out, and started yelling or anything. By no means was I rude or disrespectful to any immigration or police officer.

But yes, I'm sure I was visibly distraught, because I knew full well what was going to happen. Then naturally in that situation, your mind goes to the worst possible scenario, so in my mind my dogs were going to get murdered and eaten,
I'd never see Leo again, I was going to be in Thai jail for months maybe, then spend my life in Canada alone and blind.

I didn't really do anything bad. Just kind of said fuck it, I'm going over to the corner here, sitting down, having a smoke, and you guys do whatever the hell you want, type of thing. Nothing that would have caused me to get black listed. Don't worry, we'll fine out in a few weeks once I mail my new passport to the Laos embassy in Vancouver.

You seem genuinely confused about blacklisting, Matt. You have been blacklisted by Thailand. You have been denied entry by Laos because you have been blacklisted by Thailand.The Lao immigration computers almost certainly have recorded the fact that someone of your name, nationality and date of birth was denied entry and probably why. As you are blind you cannot see directly what they did, so you are simply making assumptions or relying on hearsay evidence such as Leo might provide.

The Lao Embassy may or may not issue you with a visa. All that does is allow you to travel to a Lao border where passport control will evaluate whether to allow or deny you entry. Maybe they will match you up with what's already in their system, maybe they won't. Maybe they'll re-evaluate your circumstances and permit you to enter, maybe they won't. It's entirely up to the Immigration officer(s) on duty at the time.

[francois]

No problem, matt, if they deport you, you will already have a return flight to Canada.:stop_mini: But we know they will allow you in and the saga of Leo and the Dogs will continue on and on.:devilsh:

[cdnmatt]

You seem genuinely confused about blacklisting, Matt. You have been blacklisted by Thailand. You have been denied entry by Laos because you have been blacklisted by Thailand.The Lao immigration computers almost certainly have recorded the fact that someone of your name, nationality and date of birth was denied entry and probably why. As you are blind you cannot see directly what they did, so you are simply making assumptions or relying on hearsay evidence such as Leo might provide.

The Lao Embassy may or may not issue you with a visa. All that does is allow you to travel to a Lao border where passport control will evaluate whether to allow or deny you entry. Maybe they will match you up with what's already in their system, maybe they won't. Maybe they'll re-evaluate your circumstances and permit you to enter, maybe they won't. It's entirely up to the Immigration officer(s) on duty at the time.


Now you have me debating whether or not I should change my mind. Initial plan was once we submit my passport application, and the accept everything, I'll send Leo a good chunk of money to pay 6 months rent, get setup in Vientiane, and get the dogs back under his care. Now I may wait until I have physically crossed the Laos border to do that.

Sucks for the dogs, but might work out better. That way, Leo and myself can hang out in a hotel for a few days, and check out houses together.

[Blacktouch]

Now you have me debating whether or not I should change my mind. Initial plan was once we submit my passport application, and the accept everything, I'll send Leo a good chunk of money to pay 6 months rent, get setup in Vientiane, and get the dogs back under his care. Now I may wait until I have physically crossed the Laos border to do that.

Sucks for the dogs, but might work out better. That way, Leo and myself can hang out in a hotel for a few days, and check out houses together.

I think that would be your best option, as sending Leo a good chunk of money may not be a good idea just yet.

So get your visa first (if it's granted) then fly to Lao and take it from there?

Good luck

[cdnmatt]

I think that would be your best option, as sending Leo a good chunk of money may not be a good idea just yet.

So get your visa first (if it's granted) then fly to Lao and take it from there?

Good luck


Nah, change of plans again. Dogs are still alive, but doesn't sound like for much longer if they stay where they are. They're fine, but causing quite a few problems I guess. I don't know what the "problems" are yet, and will find out once Leo gets up. I'm guessing the usual -- killing chickens, making people crash their motorbikes, kicking the shit out of other dogs, etc. I'll just run the risk that I'll be allowed entry into Laos, and Leo can get a house now. If I get lucky, I'll be back in Asia in about a week anyway. See what happens.

Oh, and confirmed by even a Canadian doctor, I am indeed blind. Well, no shit. Now maybe Leo, my family, and everyone else in my life will shut up with the, "well, you really need to get checked out by a doctor in Canada, because you know, Thailand is 3rd world and the doctors there aren't very good". Never really understood that argument as optic nerve damage is optic nerve damage, but whatever, done and confirmed. Optic nerves are dead.

Maybe I'll get to see again in 10 - 20 years once they figure out how to fix spinal cords, but for now, I'm blind.

[cdnmatt]

This is really starting to get under my nerves. My current passport is a 2 year limited validity passport, which is also glued to my previous passport. Tyhis shows neat things like 7 years of overstay in Thailand, the 5 year black list, and so on. Not exactly the greatest look.

Canada refuses to issue me a new passport, as mine has 21 months of validity left, and they will only process a new passport application if there's less than 12 months of validity on the existing passport. So I have to wait until January 26th, 2019 to submit a new passport application. Just fucken great.

Ok, off to Laos immigration lawyers then. If that doesn't work, then off to Canadian immigration lawyers to get Leo here.

Fucken hell...

Too bad same-sex marriage isn't legal in Laos. This would make everything a whole lot easier.

[colmx]

pro tip:
Mugging on street and loss of passport and wallet... Damn (insert pejorative term for foreigners in Canada) taking advantage of your blindness...
Problem solved... Plus shiny new ATM cards!

[NitNoi]

The old "washing machine" trick is safer than making a false police report.

[Blacktouch]

Just report your passport as lost or stolen, get a Police reference number, and apply for a new one. Simple.

[cdnmatt]

Yeah, that was an option I thought of. Then I thought maybe they recorded my visit to the passport office, so if I show up tomorrow with a damaged passport, it's going to look pretty suspicious.

Then I thought, denying a Canadian citizen a passport is possible, but VERY difficult. From my understanding, it has to go through the courts and a federal judge has to agree to it. That means immigration Canada needs something like evidence that I'm an Islamic funadamentalist who plans to travel to Syria and join ISIS, or similar. I highly doubt having a "blind moment", and accidentally spilling a mug of hot coffee on my open passport will be enough for a judge to deny me the right to a passport.

I don't like to take chances though, so my crazy idea which both my parents and Leo think is ludicrous is... There's a couple small colleges about a 20 minute drive away, so I'm sure over the internet I can find a couple young, money hungry students to play actresses for an hour. Meet one of them at a coffee shop to "help" me fill out the visitor VISA application for Laos. Then the other girl will "stumble" and "accidentally" knock over a cup of coffee into my open passport. Then we call the police, and get an official police report stating that the ditzy blond damaged my passport, not me.

That way, even if I end up with an asshole for a senior immigration official when I hand over my damaged passport, I'll have a police report with me saying it wasn't my fault. From there, he'll most likely just push the application through, and won't even bother trying to push it to the courts to try and deny me a passport, because he knows full well the judge won't side with him.

Sounds crazy, but I bet it would work. I don't know, these stupid fucken laws and regulations can fuck off. All I know is Leo isn't willing to give up, so neither am I, and one way or another, we're getting back together.

[cdnmatt]

The old "washing machine" trick is safer than making a false police report.


No, washing machines don't kill passports. I know, I accidentally washed my first husband's passport before years ago. Came out just fine.

I don't know, fired off e-mails to a bunch of immigration lawyers in Vientiane today, and see what happens. I'd very much prefer not to have to commit a federal crime and damage my passport in order for Leo and myself to get back together, but I will if I have to.

[gerefan2]

I don't know, fired off e-mails to a bunch of immigration lawyers in Vientiane today, and see what happens. I'd very much prefer not to have to commit a federal crime and damage my passport in order for Leo and myself to get back together, but I will if I have to.

I must be short of something to do, but Matt it was I who pointed out, in post #300, that the Lao authorities would no doubt keep a record of anyone being refused entry and the grounds for it.

I didn't point it out at the time, as you weren't talking about a duplicate passport, that it would be extremely remiss of the Canadian Authorities not to keep a similar record of their citizens arriving back in Canada after being refused entry to another country and equally, or more especially, those having just been deported arriving back in Canada. They cannot have missed all those big rubber stamps.

If you don't believe that, just think for a moment about any future legal issues where the Canadian Immigration may have an input...they just wouldn't be doing their job right if they didn't keep proper records.

Whatever you try they will be on your case like a Mamasan chasing a large tip.

I would wish you luck but this is, after all, pie in the sky!

[bobsaigon2]

I would wish you luck

I gave this a 'like' not because I like Matt's situation, but because I agree with gerefan's analysis. Even if there is a valid Lao entry visa obtained in Canada, showing up at the airport in Vientiane with that history of blacklisting and deportation will very likely be impossible to overcome.

[cdnmatt]

@gerefan2 -- You don't know exactly how Laos immigration conducts itself, and nor do I, hence why I contacted a bunch of lawyers in Vientiane today.

I do know I cleared a 3+ year overstay at the Nong Khai border before the new black listing laws were implemented, and I was able to walk into Laos without issue. Then I also know the police in Nong Khai said I should have flown from BKK to Vientiane, and would have probably got in. Whether or not they know what they're talking about, no idea, hence lawyers.

Of course Canada has a record of me now, as they pulled me into secondary for 4 hours when I arrived. If anything though, that's a positive, not a negative, as all it will say is "checked him out, he was clean".

Canada and Laos immigration will have basically no cooperation at all, so I don't really care what Canada has recorded. And Canada denying me a passport is near impossible, especially since I have absolutely no criminal record in any country.

One thing that does irk me though is apparently, that black list stamp just says I'm blacklisted, but doesn't say WHY I'm black listed. So naturally, everyone is just going to assume I have some kind of criminal record in Thailand, which simply isn't true. I did not break the criminal code of Thailand. I remember the Canadian customs officer was absolutely certain I must be lieing, and must have committed some type of crime to get blacklisted, as there's no way it could just be for an overstay.

I had a bunch of deportation papers from Thailand, but no idea what they actually said. I don't think much though, as the Canadian customs officer read through them. Will never know, as my father is getting older, and threw about an inch of documents of mine into the recycle bin.

[mr giggles]

I don't know, fired off e-mails to a bunch of immigration lawyers .

Can you stop saying, bunch of, it really makes my skin crawl

[arsenal]

Oh mr giggles what have you done? "bunch of" will now become the collective noun of choice for everything. Some might consider that apposite. Haha.
:yes:

[Blacktouch]

Anyboby blacklisted or refused entry into either Thailand or Laos, the Immigration department would have kept records of Matt's situation. Because how else would they know, especially when people always get new passports because they deliberately had their passports lost, stolen, damage, or it had expired?

Everybody who were banned in the past would just be entering those Countries undetected. So of course they keep records and photos. Especially as this occurred recently.

So the thought of any passport having had coffee spillage, lost, stolen, expired or simple damage in any other way will not work.

[francois]

I don't like to take chances though, so my crazy idea which both my parents and Leo think is ludicrous is... There's a couple small colleges about a 20 minute drive away, so I'm sure over the internet I can find a couple young, money hungry students to play actresses for an hour. Meet one of them at a coffee shop to "help" me fill out the visitor VISA application for Laos. Then the other girl will "stumble" and "accidentally" knock over a cup of coffee into my open passport. Then we call the police, and get an official police report stating that the ditzy blond damaged my passport, not me.

ut I bet it would work. I don't know, these stupid fucken laws and regulations can fuck off. All I know is Leo isn't willing to give up, so neither am I, and one way or another, we're getting back together.

Go for it matt, this is the best idea you have developed. A sure winner!:dirol_mini:

[cdnmatt]

No, that's most likely not true.

Yes, I'm assuming Thailand definitely has full records. I could probably even change my name, get a new passport, and it still wouldn't matter. If I hit the Thailand border, anyone with a Canada passport and my birthdate will probably pop up on their screen including my photo, so even with a name change I'm still black listed from Thailand.

However, at the Laos border I was simply refused entry. It was hardly a big issue, such as criminal charge, actual deportation, or anything of that matter. There's a good chance it's really not that big of a deal.

Another thing I don't know about it how coordinated the ASEAN countries are when it comes to immigration, but I'm guessing not much, otherwise they'd have more streamlined immigration policies. I don't know at the moment, and that's why I contacted immigration lawyers.

See what happens...

All I know is neither, Leo or myself are going to give up, and we will be back together at some point. I just really hope my dogs are still alive at the time.

[christianpfc]

You have said that at least four times. You remind me of a character in a movie Screamers (1995 sci-fi) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screamers_(1995_film). A human accused of being an android because he frequently repeats himself and others.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDjsKST8TK0
starting from 1:09:00

[mr giggles]

Oh mr giggles what have you done? "bunch of" will now become the collective noun of choice for everything. Some might consider that apposite. Haha.
:yes:

There certainly are a bunch of A--Holes around..
:crazy_mini:

[mr giggles]

Go for it matt, this is the best idea you have developed. A sure winner!:dirol_mini:

Exactly! I mean what could go wrong?
:dash:

[DoubleDutch]

Besides, there's some perks to being blind. For example, you poor suckers are stuck actually walking through airports to your gates, waiting in line at security and immigration, etc. I don't have to worry about any of that anymore. From the time I check in at the front counter, someone rushes over with a wheel chair, and I get pushed around until I hit the arrivals area at my final destination.

When there's a layover, I guess I'm the last off the plane, but there's someone right there at the gate with a wheel chair waiting for me. Just tell them I want to go to dury free or for a cigarette, and they wheel me right over, before whelling me to the door of the next airplane.

Don't have to go through security lines. I go through special ones, they quickly scan my bags, give me a quick pat down, and off I go. No waiting involved. Same goes for immigration, at least in Canada. None of this waiting in line bullshit. I got taken through the secure Gold area on one of those golf cart things where there's no people and just one immigration officer sitting behind a nice desk. Granted, I got pulled into secondary for about 4 hours after that, but hopefully that was just a one time occurrence.

See, it's not all bad being blind. :)

Love the perks!

Considering "going blind" myself!

[sglad]

Considering "going blind" myself!

Considering?? Aren't all Pattaya farang already blind? For there are none so blind as those who will not see.