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I am going to start this thread in order wish @jonsie all the very best.
Tomorrow he flies to Thailand for good. A new life for him. He has promised to stay in touch with us all.
I hope so because he is such a well respected, knowledgeable member of the forum and has been helping people on here for years. His sense of humour is unique....
I have never met him but feel I he is the greatest friend. He helped and supported me when I crept onto this forum, technophobically challenged, a few years ago. (I am still 'challenged' but hey...much better than I was) 
Anyway... I am not writing this as any type of eulogy or epitaph. He is very much alive and kicking. I just feel it's important to wish him well in his new life.
Bon Voyage Steve. 
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Ha...no time for posting tomorrow (said @jonsie yesterday) Here he is posting up till 2 am and then 6.30am.this morning. 
This is what you said mate..
"Well I have to be at the airport at 5pm and will be leaving here at 3.30 to miss the horrendous traffic on the motorway. before then I have to clean the house, pack my suitcase throw the rest of my stuff in the skip. Think I may be a little busy....
"
So get off and start clearing stuff out...take it to the skip...(and then send it down here) 
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@Cleoriff wrote:start clearing stuff out...take it to the skip...(and then send it down here)
Sounds like the lyrics from a James Brown soul song !
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True. I expect Papa's got a new bag by now.....or an old bag filled ready to go..??
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ok I've sat down for a breather....
After finding the suitcase was 4kg over and the hand luggage the same it meant unpacking and throwing stuff away that I just know I'll need....
Still have to run the hoover round and check if the Nationwide travel insurance covers me for outside Europe, have a shower and then say goodbye to the neighbours.3 hours mnn...
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@jonsie wrote:ok I've sat down for a breather....
After finding the suitcase was 4kg over and the hand luggage the same it meant unpacking and throwing stuff away that I just know I'll need....
Still have to run the hoover round and check if the Nationwide travel insurance covers me for outside Europe, have a shower and then say goodbye to the neighbours.3 hours mnn...
Good god...don't go....we may need you...
Joking....This always happens when I go to Spain...and I only go for 2/52. Must be awful doing it for good @jonsie 
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Totally stressed Jane. I've never been so unprepared for a trip. 
@jonsie wrote:Totally stressed Jane. I've never been so unprepared for a trip.
I'm so sorry about this Steve I wish there was something I could do, you know we're all thinking of you & wishing you well, you'll get through it & be there on time for the flight I'm sure
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@jonsie wrote:No they are very strict now that the army rule the country. The maximum visa length is 12 months but even then you have to cross a neighbouring border every 3 months to get your passport stamped on your return for another 3 months. Very messy.
As I'm married to a Thai lady I believe I can get the visa renewed there every year rather than coming back to the UK though the rules change at any given time dependent on whether the General is having marital bliss or whether any foreign visitors upset his wife.
There are other ways of getting a visa through the local crime lords but it costs you around 18,000 THB (360 GBP) which is cheaper than a 600 GBP return air ticket and the cost for a visa in the UK (currently 135.00 GBP). That's not counting general living costs whilst back here.....
That sounds a bit like a friend has to do in Tanzania atm, she has to go to another country for a trip, before she can stay there again.
Thought you would have more benefits after a marriage. (The General having marital bliss 
that made my day )
If you buy it from a crime lord, it's illegal, right? Couldn't the military throw you out if they find out?
All in all it sounds like a real adventure 
But a good one 
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It does sound a bit of a mish mash @ComaChameleon though currently @jonsie is 5 hrs into his long long flight...on his way there.
