T is for Terrorist Tukta
Tukta: One step closer Well, it has been nearly 8 months since I have heard anything from the U.S. Department of Customs and Immigration. More specifically, I’ve been waiting for the Department of Homeland Security to tell me whether Tukta is a member of Al-Qaeda or not. I am happy to report that Tukta- despite my lingering doubts- is not a terrorist and she and PJ will be able to enter the U.S. very soon! They will enjoy what many of us take for granted: their first Christmas with snow and temps under 95 degrees!
Of course, this ordeal is not officially over yet until they actually set foot on U.S. soil, but this first bureaucratic hurdle was not only the longest but more difficult one as well.
With PJ, it wasn’t particularly difficult to guarantee his 2nd Christmas is going to be a white one. While in Bangkok last year, I was able to fill out the proper paperwork (correctly, no less!) which resulted with PJ becoming a proud owner of a U.S. passport. Having dual citizenship has its perks to say the least.
Every now and again, P.I.P. gets emails from people all over the world asking various things. I figured if one person is asking, then surely there are others out there with possibly the same question. I've decided to post some of these emails I receive here and my response to them seeing that my Q &A section of my work in progress website is down at the moment. So without any further ado:
From: Larry L**** <l****@gmail.com>;
To:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Cc: Lee <lee*********.com>;
Sent: Sunday, June 10, 2012 11:12 AM
Subject: Like Your Site
Hi Pete,
Thank you for providing your site as a resource for those of us who are considering moving to Phuket.
I just found your site and have marked it as a favorite; I promise to visit often in the next 18 months. (If all stays on schedule, in 19 months I hope to be able to buy you a drink at your local bar in Phuket.)
I have one very specific question that isn't all that important but I can't seem to find anything on the Internet.
Question: Is there a way Is there a way to read English books cheaply?
Once I finish reading a book I don't have any desire to keep it so I don't see the value of buying (owning) a book for a leisurely reading experience – like a novel or mystery. I have considered the Nook but doubt if there is a way to use a US library in Thailand.
Thanks again and hope to meet you in person.
Larry and Lee
And my response full of infinite wisdom:
Seeing that today is June 1st and my unofficial start of the summer, it's time once again for a viewing of everybody's two favorite, bumbling Maine Lobstermen Jim and Pete Coffin.. Or is it Pete and Jim Coffin? Or Pete and Uncle Pete? This summer brings about another fishing season for Maine lobstermen, so Pete in Phuket encourages all of you to support your local fisherman and buy a lobster or 6 this summer. Three years ago lobstering provided a means to travel and live in Phuket, changing my life forever. Despite it really being miserable at times, especially during the fall when your hands feel like they are going to fall off, the cash is good and the time off is great (8 months!). So, sit back, relax and enjoy. You are about to feast your eyes on the worst 2 minute interview ever. And go buy a lobster roll today!
Well, after nearly 4 months of paperwork, meetings and more paperwork, Apeewat "PJ" Coffin has finally become an American citizen!
About two weeks ago, he received his U.S. passport, sent to his grandmother's house in Thailand. And just yesterday, PJ received his Social Security card from the U.S. Government, so he has everything he needs when it's time for him to come back to the States.
Now begins the daunting task of securing a visa for Tukta to enter the United States, which by no means is an easy task. We submitted the initial paperwork a month ago to the Department of Homeland Security and were told it could take from 6 months up to a year for her visa to be issued! That's if we don't hae any mistakes with the paperwork, which came with 19, yes NINETEEN pages of instructions. It was like taking the SAT's all over again for college.
UPDATE 8:07 PM (Local Time):
It appears all is quiet on the Western front, and that the Tsunami warnings were just that. A warning. It did make for some tense moments, but everything is starting to quiet down now. My reporter of the ground, Benjamin Jenkins reports that all is fine and he is en route to the nearest watering hole for an adult beerage.
UPDATE 7:36 PM (Local Time):
Ex-pat Canadian Brennan Campbell and his girlfriend are a little spooked but fine, having felt the second after shock they climbed onto their condo's rooftop where they waited for the all clear. Brennan is still awaiting to be reunited with his brother Rory who is in town visiting for the week, we'll try to have our cameras there for that special reunion!
Brennan Campbell aka Birdman
All roads leading into Patong have been blocked off as a precaution. Traffic between Kata and Chalong reportedly long and crowded with thousands of people seeking higher ground.
UPDATE 5:42 PM (Local Time):
Eyewitness report from Benjamin Jenkins, who is presently in Kamala, Phuket. He is reporting that he just felt another quake, people are heading for higher ground.
DJ Benjamin Jenkins
UPDATE 5:26 PM (Local Time):
This just in... The National Disaster Warning Center has confirmed that a Tsunami will hit Phuket. www.peteinphuket's friends have confirmed that the Hard Rock Cafe' has evacuated its guest and staff as a precaution, as have other places in Patong. I am going to be setting up somewhere else. Be sure to check back here in the next 20 minutes!
Details are sketchy to say the least, but there hae been reports of a possible tsunami headed this way, with some reports saying the wave has reached 40 cm high, although the wave heights have been unconfirmed at this point. A magnitude 8.7 earthquake was measured off the cost of Sumatra @ 3:38 pm local time.
www.peteinphuket.com will update as soon as more is known about the possible tsunami. Please also be sure to check Twitter, as we will update first on our account there @peteinpnuket