I'm not complaining but I will offer an observation threads seem to be dying rather rapidly lately.

It's only to be expected that some threads die out quickly, once the topic has been aired and the dialogue finished, rather like this one.

It makes life difficult for everyone, if topics ramble about all over the place. When later someone wants to find out about a particular subject, they can't find it, because it's either hidden away in amongst a topic of a completely different title, or, it's mixed in with so many other off-topic posts that it becomes a chore to find it, or follow the thread!

No one is being difficult here. Only asking if you post a topic entitled - " Visas on Arrival" then the contents of the thread should be about Visas on Arrival" and not the latest bar to open in the strip, village rides, or life in the Philippines (as examples).

You know all topics take a life of ther own and have since I have been on the forum. They used to be allowed to ramble on and on. Has something changed, in the world of forums?

I think we all agree, a little bit of poetic licence is fine, and threads should, and are, allowed to evolve, but as said above, one topic shouldn't just wander off into an entirely different one.

If there are less topics, so be it. That probably means that people aren't duplicating topics, as has been quite common over recent months.

When posting a new topic it is always a good idea to check if there is a (same or similar) topic already in existence.

ray23 wrote:Whats a wacker

I thought the guy was connected to the up2U bar here, as to the one here I really don't know the guy well, but have known his wife from her days in Steves a wonderful lady.

Once he puts the information out then it's up to the individual to decide how he wishes to proceed.

I know for sure ThaiVisa OP monitors this forum and he is known to other members of this site, his bar (which was built from scratch) is located some 80km out of Udon but I can't remember whether his or the one in Udon was opened first. I'm sure he will add comment here if he sees fit.

To get back on topic, if the guy wants to use an Agent, to help him obtain his visa (cross the bridge, carry his bags whatever) then that's his freedom of choice and I would certainly have no objection. His money, his choice.

What I do resent however, is when you arrive at the bridge, the many ticket touts that hassle and lie to you, demanding to know where you are going and telling you that you have to get your visa first, you cannot get it on the bridge. They don't identify who or what they are.

When I first went to the bridge in the car, we initially thought they were bridge officials of some sort. They intimidated my GF, even chasing after us on a motorbike, when we drove away - moving from one car park to another!

If you want to use their services great, but let people go to their office, not have them flag down unsuspecting tourists in the road.

I would be quite happy if they are being clamped down upon.