I’m a F*ck Daddy! (Thailand Travel Diary #29)

My final night in Thailand included a stop at my favourite live music bar where I met the F*ck Daddys and some other rival gangs. One called out “Somchai!” when he recognised me! Our chat wasn’t entirely comprehensible, but I basically told them how cool I thought they were and asked what it might take to get one of their branded shirts.

The ringleader seemed to say that he would leave me his personal one with the barman if I came back the next day, but I was due to fly out then. Just a few minutes later, a F*ck Daddy hands me a shirt wrapped in plastic. I couldn’t believe it! I immediately went and bought them a bottle of Sang Som (Thai rum) to show my gratitude. I was still smiling broadly by bedtime, hours later.

It’s amazing to think that I have just flown across the entire country of Laos to arrive in Hanoi from Chiang Mai, in under 1.5 hours, but not without any hiccups, of course.

After going through all the various check-ins and controls, I was told at the final booth, that I had overstayed my welcome. This was a hard lesson learnt! Although my visa says valid from 29 May to 29 August, this does not mean it’s a 90-day visa. You have that 3-month period to USE your 60 day visa! Fek.

I had overstayed by 20 days and had to pay a 10,000 Bhat fine – cash… (that’s roughly R5600). It was quite a jog to the nearest ATM. My transaction kept declining until I realised that the amount was above my daily limit. LUCKILY I also had my debit card at hand, so drew half the amount with each card. Sweaty jog back and I had to do ALL the check-ins again! Boots off, belts off, scan scan.

There was some paperwork to fill out in a little room where I asked if I was in trouble, while still pleading ignorance and apologizing profusely. “Will Thailand let me visit again after this?” I asked. They told me not to worry and that everything was fine. It hurt hearing the word “fine”. I made it to the boarding gate with 1 minute to spare.

Next Stop: Vietnam!

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