Vegetarian Times June 2001 (Complete Flower Remedies Guide, French Country Cuisine, Real Soul Food, Spicy Thai Wraps)

It is the end of an era in Thailand. Political changes occur rapidly in SE Asia. Nowhere is that more evident than inside the Land of Smiles. In the wake of the John Karr / JonBenet Ramsey fiasco, Thailand has tightened restrictions on Tourism Visas and stymied the lives of tens of thousands of travelers. Officials claim the two are not connected.

For many years now, backpackers have flocked to Thailand. Its tropical climate, gentle citizens, inviting beaches and ease of travel beckon youthful exuberance. Over time, many of us have matured to suitcases and still less-stylish travelers followed suit.

Alongside Thais, how are long-term travelers being affected by the changes? If you think the inconvenience to individuals is negligible, consider the following. Here are some examples.

The tourism industry will suffer! From taxi drivers and guest houses, to massage schools and laundry services, the impact will be felt. I imagine a Tuk Tuk driver will look up this January and think, Hey, whered everybody go? I like to believe the cumulative economic loss will be more than the Kingdom fathoms and policies will loosen again over time. I also still hang a Christmas stocking up for myself.

Donald Wood UK

My sister and her family were to spend February in Thailand with me. They have canceled their trip. Why? Because, Ill be out for ninety days by then.

Kelly Laidlaw USA

I paid for a one month TEFL Course and two months volunteer teacher training on Samui next year. Thats three months total. I lose days from each 30 day allotment, because I have to do my visa border runs on weekend (to not miss class). This is what Im left with. I leap into Thailand the day before class starts and sprint for Samui. Then, I fly out the day after I finish teaching/graduate. Perhaps a prospective school can interview me in the Tuk Tuk on the way to the airport.

During these Golden Years of Thai travel visitors form 39 countries could enter the Kingdom of Thailand for thirty days without obtaining a visa before their arrival. Those staying on longer would simply make a border run, cross out of the country and return, often within minutes. Whish! Stamp! Boom! They had another thirty days.

Anita Kroll USA

This change is a bit of a pickle for me. I have a three month course this spring. So, in December when my 90 is up, I have to leave Thailand for almost four months, not three. Ill need the whole next lot of ninety days to cover my class time. The course starts in late April and Im out in December. I wish there had been more notice before the government changed things, though in retrospect I did not have to pay in advance.

Claude DeVosjoli France

I had many plans for my six months sure to travel, but more. Im always doing something. Mahout training, an expansive meditation experience, maybe I learn to cook Thai. And, theres trekking, Muay Thai courses Theres so much to do here. Now I can do only half. Half lose my francs. Its so hard to choose.

Coping with Thailand's Tightened Visa Regulations

Kathy Taylor Canada

I sold my home to come to SE Asia for a couple years. The thinking was I would maintain a small apartment in Chiang Mai, take some classes, travel around a bit and have a place to nest and write in between. Now when I travel to other countries it will go lock, stock and barrel, along with my tourism dollars for many months.

As you see there are dozens of ways Thailands new policies will cause little inconveniences. But, how little are they? You see, I am Anita. I am Alan. I am Kathy, Barry, Kelly, Donald and even Claude DeVosjoli. All these issues occurred for just one peaceful gal who simply loves Thailand. What else do these issues have in common? Thats easy. They take money away (Whish!) from the Kingdom of Thailand and its citizens.

Currently details of the new regulations are as clear as mud in an unlit cave. It appears starting October 1, 2006, travelers such as myself will be able to make a maximum of two border runs. We receive thirty days on arrival. Then, we receive thirty days each for the two reentries. After that we may not enter Thailand again for ninety days. In other words, after ninety days in, we must leave for ninety days. Whish! Stamp! Stamp! Out!

Barry Anderson Australia

Funny thing is Burma (a.k.a. Myanmar) lost business because of the Thai regs. I wanted to hop over there bouts for a week mid-November. Cant now. That would use up one of my precious two visa runs early. Dont wanna torch thirteen days I figure.

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This means that you are spoilt for choice when it comes to Indian restaurants. Whether you are looking for a high-end evening meal or a quick buffet lunch, you should be able to find an Indian meal that suits both your tastes and your budget.

The first thing you need to do is decide what kind of atmosphere you are looking for. If you are bringing young children along you do not really want to go to restaurants that target the 'romantic evening meal' market. And on the other hand, if you are planning to propose to your fiance, you probably do not want a load of toddlers running around the place. So, atmosphere should play a big consideration when you choose an Indian restaurant.

If , on the other hand you are just looking for a quick, cheap bite to eat, there are plenty of Indian buffets available offering tasty food at little cost.

Of course, you will also be looking at price range. In general, Indian food tends to be excellent value for money with high quality food and service available in the low to medium price range. Of course, if you want to go high-end you should have no problem finding a classy silver service Indian restaurant in your area.

There aren't many people who don't enjoy an Indian meal and start looking for Indian restaurants in Milton Keynes. The unique ingredients, and blend of exotic herbs and spices used in this cooking has been a huge hit worldwide, and this popularity has been mirrored by the ever-growing number of Indian restaurants in our towns.

Very often, news of the best restaurants spreads by word of mouth so be sure to ask your friends, family and colleagues for recommendations on good Indian restaurants in your area.

In general, Indian restaurants offer an excellent choice ranging from the mild to the very, very spicy. In fact, the choice is usually so good it can be a little daunting for the uninitiated.

Indian Restaurants in Milton Keynes - Choosing An Indian Restaurant