tjhorner

4. Given the choice between a degree from Sasin or an on-line degree, I would chose Sasin. On-line degrees are still viewed with some suspicion and you also fail to make connections with your classmates. Someone said there is no stigma anymore – but we don’t have one on-line degree earner in my organization.

But how do you really know this? With whether a degree was obtained online or in the classroom, that information is not disclosed in the transcripts or on the sheepskin.... Obviously to you and I assume many others, that an online degree carries less weight; why would anyone want to divulge that information.

The 2 doctors and 1 dentist that I have dealt with in Thailand have been educated in US....

That's a red herring and you know it. Pretty much every Thai doctor/dentist got some or most of their education in Thailand. Surely you know this.

Red Herring or not, that is what I have dealt with and they were all educated abroad..... I am not saying that anything negative concerning Thai medical or dental schools, this has just been my experience.

Btw a good haircut lasts 3-4months. A 70baht 'haircut' lasts 1week and you simply look like a thai kid from a cheap public school.

Feeding the troll.

My hair grows out well over a cm per month, so your recommendation was fine when I had it down past the middle of my back, but not these days - when I've got none on top I'd look like a real egghead-longhair.

If I get past three weeks my kids start to make fun of me. . .

As to think the quality or the cost of a haircut determines the speed at which ones hair will grow..... Hmmm, sounds like an episode for Myth Busters.

dam_n it.... I told you not to feed him!!!!!

Sorry sir genius, if you had not been drunk from trying to find a wife at nana you might have been able to do some research on google and learn that a good haircut allows the hair to grow into a manner where you'll still look good. A cheap haircut will be uneven and it will show as soon as the hair grows a bit.

Come on, Nana is for girlfriends, every respectable expat knows the wife's are found at Soi Cowboy..... eat troll eat!!!

It definitely costs me more to live here than in the US, though I do know a lot of farangs who live on a fraction of what I could live on in either place and seem to be perfectly happy.

I would be interested as well, if you would maybe describe your past and present conditions/arrangements.

I guess if you needed to buy a couple cars, send the kids to private schools, and couldn't live without fine imported cheeses and prime USDA beef.....

Btw a good haircut lasts 3-4months. A 70baht 'haircut' lasts 1week and you simply look like a thai kid from a cheap public school.

Feeding the troll.

My hair grows out well over a cm per month, so your recommendation was fine when I had it down past the middle of my back, but not these days - when I've got none on top I'd look like a real egghead-longhair.

If I get past three weeks my kids start to make fun of me. . .

As to think the quality or the cost of a haircut determines the speed at which ones hair will grow..... Hmmm, sounds like an episode for Myth Busters.

dam_n it.... I told you not to feed him!!!!!

Where is the JJ2 market, is that the market behind Villa on Ramkamheang?

NO-that is the saturday (not much going on sun-though it says weekend)market in MINburi-a dedicated large roofed area and the streets beside-for more impromptu sellers. Mainly 2nd hd clothes and stuff for really poor people-plus the (after all its Muslimburi) green arab holy writings (on the wall?) sellers.

Buses to Minburi are pelntiful-as anyone with any sense of BKK would understand. Like the 26 from Mochit, via ram Indira, the 501 along Sukhumvit, the 502 from Vict. Monument, the 519 from Klong Teoy, maybe even faster now from Lard krabang ARLstop. (549 from airport)

MINIvans are much faster-from Vict. Monument and mall bangkapi-just follow crowd coming off SSaeb boats.

The Bangkapi/Mall pier is right behind the behemoth sales place of same name-the final end of the boatline is 1 stop beyond-just behind one of 2 bridges-just look for a few 100 waiting boats.

I live in Bang Kapi, across from the Mall BK, very familiar with pier. Muslimburi.... hahahahaha, Thanks for the info!!!!

No one is saying it's "can't" be cheaper ..... I was asking if it ended up cheaper and if people felt it was worth it. I don't spend any less than in the USA just spend it on different things is all.

Maybe I just don't understand what your spending more or the same on??? Yes, there are a few import items that cost more.... But my rent is 60% cheaper. All my utilities are cheaper, going to the movies is half.... Hell, I spend 12 bucks on a haircut at Supercuts or GreatClips in the States, here 90thb.

I guess you can spend more on other things if you save on other things here. If I made more money in the US, I would most likely spend more money too........

If you can't spend less money here than in AUS, UK, or USA then you need help. JMHOIME

Where is the JJ2 market, is that the market behind Villa on Ramkamheang?

About the salad bar at all Sizzlers – There needs to be a ranch dressing and bigger plates.

Do any places serve ranch??? I can't even find the hidden valley ranch packets to make my own. I have found Newman's Ranch in the bottle, but not very good....

I don't know..... I think ought to man up and sit her down.... I have only read pg 1 so maybe you eluded to why the runner, but I think everyone deserves more than just a note.... Good Luck (and if you do have a face to face, hide all the knives)

The 2 doctors and 1 dentist that I have dealt with in Thailand have been educated in US....

I think will you find distance bachelors degrees to become more and more prevalent in the coming years. Some, already good schools offer them; Gonzaga, Cornell, George Washington, Tulane, Villanova, UMass, Oregon State, Troy University, University of South Carolina and many more. I don't consider any of these schools subpar. And I from I can determine there is no distinction that the online program differs than the regular in class program, and in some cases, the programs are integrated. There is no footnote next to your degree stating that it was obtained via nontraditional methods......

Many of good, regionally accredited US university offering all online Master degree programs. Key word here is regionally accredited, I would stay away from national accreditation; not to say there are not some good ones, but there are too many borderline diploma mills with national accreditation. Go Dawgs, UGA alum here. IM if your in BKK

Are you making this comment in response to my claim that a Thai masters would carry a bit more weight than an online-only Masters from a US uni?

If so, do you think the ones you're talking about would actually carry more credibility than one from say Chula?

How do the online-only programs verify that you haven't just hired someone to do all the work for you?

No this wasn't in response to your post, but since you brought it up...... I would say if a US university has regional accreditation (that's just about every brick and mortar) and offers a online masters program, then I would assert that it would definitely be as good or better than any program offered here in Thailand. The Thai degree may have an advantage in Thailand with Thai employers, but on the International market and given the fact that the OP is American and will with most probability return to the US, then a Thai masters might not be in his best interest. The OP, if qualified, could also receive US financial aid and grants with an online degree program.

I am completing the last term of an MBA from Troy University and doing so, all online. Online programs tend to require more writing, ie research papers/case studies. Quizzes, test, and finals are proctored; either through an approved testing center or via a special webcam proctoring service.

My cost of living is so much cheaper here in BKK (including the visa expenses), that I can afford to study full time and not work; while that could not be a possibility in the US. (Atlanta, GA)

edited for spelling error

Many of good, regionally accredited US university offering all online Master degree programs. Key word here is regionally accredited, I would stay away from national accreditation; not to say there are not some good ones, but there are too many borderline diploma mills with national accreditation. Go Dawgs, UGA alum here. IM if your in BKK

Healthland, several all over BKK, charges 350thb for 2 hour traditional thai massage in private room.... Maybe with the exception of the 5 star hotels, some of the nicest facilities in town. Always nice and courteous and i usually tip 100thb.

I live in Bang Kapi, off of Ramkhamheang just opposite of Bang Kapi Mall. Lumpini Ville Condos. 12,500 thb / month covers rent, electric, internet, gold true cable, and water. 45 sqm one bedroom apartment with a proper kitchen (electric stove and hood), washing machine on balcony, on 17th floor. Amenities within complex include pool, big fitness area, sauna, steam-room, 24 hr mini-mart, barbershop, laundry, dry-clean shop, 2x coffee shops, 2x restaurants. Hourly shuttle service to mall and airport link. BTS/MRT are no where near, but the Saen Saeb canal is across the road and for 20 thb it can take me all the way to Central world or many places in between ie Ramkamhaeng Station (airport link), Petchaburi MRT etc., and a hell of a lot faster than a taxi could. A lot of great street food and restaurants around plus Tesco, Big C, Villa, Foodland, Tops, HomePro, 4x Cinemas. Mall has a bowling alley and waterpark too. Plus all the eye candy from Ramkamhaeng University ain't too bad either!!!!

Took the 7:15am Air Asia flight from Bangkok to Udon Thani, landed at 8:10am and made our way to the Limo counter and purchased tickets to the Friendship Bridge. Left airport at 8:30 am, and arrived at the bridge by 9:20am. Through the Thai side in about 5 minutes. Purchased tickets for the bus to cross the bridge, we just missed the bus so waited about 10 minutes for the next one. Arrived at the Laos side, at about 9:45 am, got immigration paperwork (arrival/dep cards and visa application. They have little desk chairs available for you to sit and fill out the paperwork. Nobody waiting, turned in my paperwork, passport and paid the visa fee. The Lao immigration guy told me to wait at window 3 for my passport with visa, which was done in about 5 minutes. While waiting a taxi tout offered me his services; I was in bit of a hurry to get to the Thai Consulate before noon, and he offered me to take me there via minibus, wait until I got done and then take me to my hotel, I agreed and soon we were off.

Arrived at the Consulate by 10:30 am, only a few people at the tables in front of the windows on the inside. I first grabbed a number, and before I could get my pictures glued to my application they had already passed my number, which was 107. No worries though, went upstairs to make a photocopy of the Lao Visa, the Lao entry stamp, and a photocopy of my passport picture page. Got another number (111), and was called up immediately. I had requested a 2x Tourist Visa. I had several visa exemption stamps in my passport, 7 stamps since Nov. 2011(new passport). And the last two were back to backs. The Thai gentleman did not ask me any questions, only asked me sign the bottom of the copy of my passport photo page. I had evidence of bank acct and a airline ticket, but were not asked for. Told to take my number to the adjacent building and pay the fee. Waited there approx. 15 minutes for my number to be called paid my fee, told to come back tomorrow after 1300 to collect my passport.

*** My Thai GF waited outside at the chairs/tables at the first windows, and spoke to a Thai gentleman who helped people fill out there apps and answered questions.... he stated to her that here they will only allow 4 or 5 consecutive Tourist Visas, she questioned him whether it was 4 OR 5 and he said probably just 4.

Met the mini bus driver outside of the consulate and he took us to our hotel. Arrived at our hotel before noon. We agreed to have him pick us up at 1230 the following day at the hotel and take us to the Consulate, wait for me to get my passport, then take us back to the border.

Like clockwork, the driver showed up at 1230, arrived at the Consulate within 5 minutes or so. There were already about 2 dozen people waiting. At 1300, the gates open and we went in and were handed numbers (#27) and filled orderly in the building on the left and waited for our numbers to be called. Took me about 20 minutes to get my passport.

Made our way to the border, not busy again, stamped out of Laos, crossed bridge, maybe 5 minute wait on the Thai side.

Since I was unsure if I was going to be able to get to the Thai Consualte before noon on my first day, we only bought one way tickets on Air Asia, and decided to take the overnight train from Nong Khai to BKK. So, upon exit the Immigration area we needed to get some transportation to train station. First guy approached said 30 baht each for taxi/car, said no thanks, several tuk tuks said same thing, so we kept walking (about 30 feet) before someone agreed to take us for 30 baht total.

Cost Breakdown:

Air Asia flight (one way, promo fare) 700 thb each

Minibus from Udon Thani to Bridge 200 thb each

bus to cross bridge 20 thb each

Laos visa fee $35 (approx 1050thb)

Tourist Visa 2x 2000 thb

Avalon Hotel (recommend) 780 thb

Minibus driver 800 thb

**(border to consulate to hotel; hotel to consulate to border) orginally asked for 500 each day, i imagine i could have got it for 300, but was in a hurry and he was a really nice guy

Tuk Tuk from bridge to train station 30 thb

Train NongKhai to BKK 720 thb each

**Second Class a/c sleeper

Total was 6300thb if one person. Bringing my GF along added approx. 1700thb

Hotel was booked thru agoda.com; free fast wifi, free bfast in morning, cold a/c, not a big room but clean, and nice large bathroom. Similar to an All Seasons or Ibis hotel.

The train was comfortable for sleeping and clean. It was fun to experience a long train ride, as I had never done that before. Had a restaurant car with decently priced Thai food an beer. Could also order food to be delivered to your seat.

I have seen rolexs, cartiers, breitlings in pawn shops around pattaya. I have never seen one above a value of 120,000. All of them in boxes with original certificates.

There is a big difference to the retail value and pawning value. Your best option would be to phone a friend.

Or I'll lend you 100,000, with the watch as a deposit. With a 20% interest charge.

As for the gold being 18ct, it doesn't have much value in Thailand in comparison to Thai gold. There not interested.

Regards

hahahaha, again another example of someone who thinks there stuff is worth more than it really is. I deal with these kinds ALL the time. Just looked your watch up pal, although I don't have the serial # and presuming your details are correct....... $4000 Retail. Spoke to 3 dealers, all within $300. But you keep dreaming, and Good Luck to you, you're gonna need it.

Please note the following you poor people http://www.chrono24....--id1997367.htm and with that, i rest my case !!!

Poor People.... You are the one that's needing to pawn your watch (which obviously is your most prized possession)

And again, just because something is on the internet for a price, DOES NOT, keyword is NOT, mean that is the value of something. I will be more than happy to list some dog shit on eBay for a thousand baht, but will sell it to you for half price..... but, probably need to wait for you to pawn your watch first. But let us know how much you get for your watch......

hahahaha, again another example of someone who thinks there stuff is worth more than it really is. I deal with these kinds ALL the time. Just looked your watch up pal, although I don't have the serial # and presuming your details are correct....... $4000 Retail. Spoke to 3 dealers, all within $300. But you keep dreaming, and Good Luck to you, you're gonna need it.

I have used RSU Dental clinic before; Docs speak English well!!! Responsible priced, ask for the Thai price. Cleaning, a lot more fillings than I am willing to admit , and a double root canal. Excellent work! http://www.rsuhealthcare.com/en/ourcenter/dental-center-vanit.html Suk 33 Wattana area

C'mon guys.. cut the guy some slack.. clearly most do not know what they are talking about, nor have the money to buy to one nor have they seen one. It is a solid gold Rolex daydate (the gold alone is well over what the guy is asking to borrow and he is not trying to sell it to you). The gold bracelet alone is almost 70 grams@1170 baht scrap price so i suspect his needs of 100k on loan is more than fair and far under any gold weight value of the piece. GM56 is merely asking whether anybody any suggestions for someone who is not going to take advantage of him. GM56 If you have no luck then please let me know and can organize your 100k baht without a problem. Andy

Its not "solid" its 75%... 18k is .750.... fyi

GM, I work in the precious metals/gems business.... Appraisals are for insurance purposes; they do not buy items. Pawn shops will take an item on pawn usually at about 50% of its value. What an item is listed for on Ebay is not what it is worth or what it sells for. Although, Ebay is a great source for determining what items worth is, however you need to know how to go about it. Use the "Advanced" tab next to the search box, on that page check "Completed Auctions", that will display what an item has sold for, and that is always pretty dam_n close to its value. I am not trying to be a dick, but that is just how it works. Too many times people believe that their stuff is worth more than it is.

Also made my first trip to Makro yesterday and was toughly impressed with their meat and produce dept. Great prices on beef, and it even looked like beef!!! Seafood selection was nice and reasonable priced, and everything was packed in ice; I get a little leery in Tesco or Big C as their stuff never seems to be cold enough. Produce section was large and full of normal and organic selections.... picked up some great looking red and green leaf lettuce. Didn't see any lemons however. Have a small farang selection consisting of Italian, Mexican, and some American foods. There bakery was rather small but adequate. Most dry products are bulk, but some things are not. I was able to pick up some creamy Jif peanut butter for 125thb for a 18oz jar, I swear its 175 in Tesco. I didn't have a card and they never said anything, we spent 2200thb. FYI, shopped the one in Bang Kapi on Lad Prao.

you will not get 100,000 for it..... It is maybe worth 75-95k; on a pawn you will be lucky to get about 50k, on a sale maybe 70k, and that's if your lucky.