Interview on Fishing in Phuket, Thailand With Wahoo's John Pearce

Simon: What changes have you noticed since you started sport-fishing in Phuket?

John: Over the past two decades Phuket has earned the right to be classed as a true big game fishing destination, offering boats, an infrastructure and hotels of the standard well-heeled anglers expect. Over the last eighteen years that I have lived and fished the waters around Phuket as a fishing-charter captain I have seen many changes, some for the better, some for the worse - and also some things that have not changed at all.

Simon: Has the fishing got worse?

John: It hasn't got worse, it's got different as the fish have changed from always being at one island to suddenly appearing at one island or another in greater numbers. My own personal observation on what is happening is that we have seen a massive increase in the number of commercial boats chasing what I call 'baitfish', not only for human consumption, as in fish sauce, but also for making animal feeds for chickens. Fish are creatures of habit and if suddenly the food that they have been used to getting in a particular spot is not there any more they will move and find another source.

Simon: So, with all that happening, is Phuket a good fishing destination?

John: Absolutely, yes it is! Many of our anglers have had the best battles of their lives, especially with the large numbers of sailfish around the Islands of Racha Yai and Racha Noi, even in the low-tourist season of May- September. Some lucky anglers have even gone home having had the thrill of catching one of the decent-sized black marlin that appear between October and April.

Simon: Why come to Phuket?

John: I have been lucky enough to have visited some of the great fishing capitals of the world, so I am confident in giving you these main reasons why you should put Phuket on your map of destinations if you are a fishing enthusiast. Let's start with the international airport, which is very close to most of our two-star to five-star and above hotels and which is linked to most countries, either directly or through Bangkok. Thai people are the friendliest and smiliest folk on the planet. They serve superb, mouth-wateringly delicious and varied food. The island is blessed with lovely beaches and offers excellent and extremely varied alternative activities for non-angling companions. Phuket offers some of the best fishing to be found in Asia, on good boats which are reasonably priced and which have friendly crews, many of whom can speak reasonable English. So if you are on holiday and fancy a day or a week's fishing, get in touch with one of the local operators and have yourself a ball. And I almost forgot: we have award-winning cold beer as well!

Simon Ramsden is resident in Ao Nang [http://www.andamanadventures.com/ao_nang.shtml], Thailand and runs Thailand climbing trips to Koh Lao Liang, Koh Yao Noi, Koh Phi Phi and Railay/Tonsai.

K1 Visa Philippines - Interview Questions Tips

Honesty and consistency are the keys to answering interview questions for a K1 fiancé / fiancée visa. Consular officers conducting interviews are merely basing majority of their questions on the details indicated in the application form as well as the supporting documents attached to it.

Interview questions are usually formulated to discover the true objective of the applicant or the real purpose of travel to the US. In the K1 visa case, the applicant is to marry his/her American fiancé / fiancée once in the US. Apparently, the questions will revolve around the topic.

Officers conducting interviews will determine if there is an intention to get married upon applicant's arrival in the US. They may ask some intimate questions about the future spouses to establish whether or not the couple know each other well enough to substantiate an actual marriage. The succeeding common questions must be answered without concealment or deception.

"Where did you and your fiancé meet?"

"When and where did he propose?"

"When is your fiancé's date of birth?"

"Does he have any brothers or sisters?"

"What do his parents think about the engagement?"

"Do they approve of it?"

"What do you love about your fiancé?"

"Will you and your fiancé have children?"

"What are your plans for the future?"

Consular Officers also ascertain if the applicant possesses all the qualifications required by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) by asking probing questions if indeed the applicant is qualified.

Applicants for K1 Visa Philippines should not hold back any information when asked. Full disclosure is the best strategy. Once the officer discovers that the applicant is not telling the truth, or misrepresents facts during the interview, the application will most likely be denied. Worst, the applicant may permanently be disqualified or considered as ineligible from ever entering the United States.

Jose Darrel Bella works as a Consultant for Siam Legal International, Thailand's largest legal service network with offices in Bangkok, Manila, London, Los Angeles, Phuket, Samui, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Hua Hin. Contact Siam Legal at +66 (0) 253 8100 or info@siam-legal.com to learn more about Philippines K1 Visa.