Immigration Issues - ED Visas, Medical Tourists, and Being Prepared and More...

Central Market in Dalla, Myanmar, across
the river from Yangon.

First things first; in the latest video, ED visas have long been a viable alternative for those looking to stay in Thailand. Look for Thai immigration to make it more difficult for those who have already been in the country for months or years on tourist visas or visa exemptions. Also, don't be surprised if you are asked to show proof of income or show a bank book.  It seems to me, immigration wants tourists who are really tourists and students who are students first and foremost.

One other method foreigners use to stay in Thailand for prolonged periods of time is with chronic medical issues. What I was unaware of is that some tourists have been receiving extensions for illnesses like vertigo, high blood pressure, eczema, and just about anything they can get away with. This is another area Thai immigration will examine more closely.

James Dean Ultimate Collector's Edition (Blu-ray)

So what's going on with this site, my channel, and last but not least, me? Lots.

In addition to being called by Thai immigration to make videos to help explain and spread the word about the new visa-related policies, I still need to add several videos from Klongtoey. One video is of a former methamphetamine addict named Ber, the other is a man named Bang who last week I brought a couple bags of food. Plus, I am working on various videos and podcasts for the members section. This alone is enough to keep me busy. I am also trying to make sure to squeeze in the writing of my books.

Next month, I'll be in Vietnam. I'm not sure how long, but anywhere from 5-10 days. In addition to photographing the streets, the markets, and the Mekong River, I'm going there to look into a trip from the north of Vietnam all the way to the end of the Mekong. Not long enough but I am trying to save some cash for equipment and other travels. There's only so much to go around. 

For the past two weeks I have been following the Paleo Diet and have dropped six kilos. I haven't really been hungry, I feel lighter, stronger, and have more energy, and it's only been two weeks. I'm looking forward to see how I feel after six months. 

Now, the biggie...

I am considering putting together tours to Myanmar and Cambodia. I've been to both places more times than I can count and what I don't know, the fixer that would be tagging along can fill in the blanks.

In Myanmar, there are numerous places we can go that I know of that many tourists have never been or will never go. Hidden, unforgettable restaurants, tourist attractions slightly off the beaten track, and possibly, a balloon ride over Bagan. 

In Cambodia, there are the old war haunts like Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields, Sihanoukville, Koh Kong, or Rabbit Island, and of course, no trip is complete without firing some machines guns and rockets at the firing range. I'm still in the preliminary stages of figuring things out, but hopefully, towards the end of this year or the beginning of 2015, I'll put on a tour for 6-10 people.

The Steve McQueen Collection (The Great Escape / The Magnificent Seven / The Thomas Crown Affair / The Sand Pebbles) [Blu-ray]

American Classics Men's James Dean Street Walker T-Shirt, Gray, Medium