Last visit to Thailand wifey and i had agreed to invite wife's sister, their children and husband to come and stay with us during the childrens thai school holiday.
There are som reflections behind it, for one - this is where their aunt/sister lives most of the year, for the children it may be a rare opportunity to aquire a world view (maybe this is patronizing - but thais a very Thai - orinetated in my experience), it may help our relationship if they know more about me and my background, and wife is adamant it will prepare the ground for retirement in Thailand if I need some assistance getting more beers to the house in very old age, also if it is in Hua Hin. Wifey loves her family but is also quite utllitarian in this respect.
They arrive on April 15th with Norwegian - i got a really good deal for a direct flight with Dreamliner - 2500 USD equivalent for 4 tickets, my brother - in - law was in the end ordered by wifey's sister to stay at home to work and keep the salary coming.
We have lined up a few things to do, albeith it's Easter over here -and at least one of the suitcases - I understand it is the largest one - is reserved for Thai spices and food ingredients all sorts.
I have tried to explain that there actually is regulations at the airport for import of seeds, spices and other via travel, but I dont think that ever became a part of the equation.
My wife's sister has visited us once before when our son was born and showed impressive skills in getting about with the english she has got, she is a good problem solver so I think it will go well.
The formalities of getting visa for them was subject to quite thorough documentation requirements but as long as we followed the requirements stated clearly on the Web site of the Norwegian Embassy in Thailand it went well and really without hazzle.
It was a job to get done though, with local police in my town stamping in person the authenticity of the documents I had to provide from here (Marriage certificate, proof of employment, proof of income, predefined forms).
These had to go to the visitor, not the embassy in Bangkok, who subsequently had to go there in person. It was not required to present proof of return ticket in advance, albeith I chanced already buying the tickets in January when there was a few days with particularly good prices on direct flights.
As you can imagine - with 3 children it makes it easier not having to find the way on one of the large european airports from one gate to another, and having to go through the entry to Chengen.
The weather is looking up and we seem all set - As the visit evolve I will try to post real - time about this sociological experience in reverse - Thais in The Arctic!
