GiantFan

Go to PMI website. Sign up (and pay) and they will send you a book to study from. They ask a lot of CV type questions and you will need to prove that you have been involved in PM for a certain number of hours. Take a test via computer in a certified testing centre in Bangkok. My friend did it last year and was happy.

I've used Phuket Universal Services (PUSCO) twice in the past and they are good.

A friend did the Andaman club ferry last week and was able to get off and get back on immediately. Haven't been able to do that before. Usually need to wait an hour or so. Fingers crossed on my next visa run.

I like to make chili at home. The canned variety of kidney beans in Carrefore, now Big C, at Jungceylon is imported and fairly expensive. I go to the salad bar and get a bag full at a fraction of the price of the canned. I think it is also fresher vs. the canned variety.

I still would like to extend the B visa, but may be beating a dead horse. Savannakhet in Laos seems pretty simple for an O visa.

I have read this thread and have learned a lot. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find the answer to my problem. If anybody has any ideas, I would appreciate your help.

I have a non-imm B that is valid for about 6 more months. I (we) have a thai registered company that we do the annual audit for, but it is currently listed as "dormant". Currently, no WP but would like to keep my B visa to keep this option open.

I would like to get my 1 year extension to stay via marriage but the local immigration officer (Ubon) stated that I needed an O visa. I have read that I could get the extension with a B visa, but I assume that the immigration office has never seen this sort of request and is reluctant to ask his boss. He didn't ask for any documents, so no WP and "dormant" company were unknown to him but I have a feeling that these issues will crop up later.

I would rather not travel out of the country obviously if I can avoid it. Financial requirements are no problem.

Any ideas?

Was driving in Patong on Phrabaramee Rd. near the Esso station at 10AM this morning. Nobody on the road. Empty. First time I have seen that in years.

Helicopter overhead in north Patong.

Helicopter just went overhead in north Patong. Going towards the beach. A lot of people walking up the hill behind me, some trying to protect their cars.

Just got a call with a recorded message (in Thai). Wonder if this is a warning message?

Local dogs also barking like mad.

Lying on the couch in Patong and the ceiling fans started shaking a bit. Also a minute or two later.

I have been checking the TMD weather radar loop and it looks to be down again. Anyone else notice? Last time, I recall that a rep from the airport said no - problem, we get hourly updates from Surat. Maybe regular maintenance.

If you don't like the tone of the Phuket Forum, noone is forcing you to log on.

I find that there are very helpful people here who are quick to assist a query. There is a wealth of information which would be difficult to access elsewhere.

Who cares if people argue here? As long as there are no trolls.

Sometimes I get a real belly laugh - can't believe I missed killing Kenny!

Even if you live in paradise, things get to you. Such as missing favourite foods.

I'm off to the Bluesfest, Byron Bay (NSW Australia). Second day. All sorts of old fogeys on including Canned Heat. They played 'On the Road Again' first up.

Greetings kawapower - hope the Kawa is fun too.

I wanna go where the water tastes like wine!!! - Great lyric.

Sorry to barge in, but I have another question on TOT electronic payment of bills. I can pay over the internet, but only when I have the invoice number. If I am out of town, I obviously can't retrieve my mail to get the invoice number. Can TOT send out their monthly bills out electronically?

On the little road between the hotel and Ao Sane beach. At the road high point, the view is great looking south over Nai Harn, the windmill, and over to Promthep. Even better when there are boats moored in the bay.

Worst - any of the rows upon rows of shophouses with For Sale / Rent signs on them. No, wait a minute, the worst is the rows of shophouses at the north end of Patong Beach, which are all empty and where all the shutters are just rusting away. Truly "innercity-esque".

Went past Baan Rusting Shutter project yesterday. Nearly all have been empty since they were built. I wonder why? Location is excellent (except watching the sunset with hundreds of cables in your way).

Lots of thunder and a few drops, but nothing really in Patong. dam_n!

I have used A. Accounting for 7 years. Good service. Offices in Kathu and near Chalong circle. Ask for Khun Wan.

http://www.interacc.com/

I thought Steve from the Aussi Bar was bring it in. Maybe he stopped. Worth checking next time you are over in Bangla.

Just back from the HK Rugby 7's. On the way out, still a lot of black plates in the parking lot. Back last night. At least 20 touts asked if I wanted a taxi. Nothing seems to have changed.

On a slightly different issue, After collecting my bags and walking out to my car, I had an uneasy feeling. Once you are out in the parking lot, no security, bad lighting, etc... It wouild be nice to improve the lighting and have a few police walking the beat.

Saw a helicopter hovering over my house off Phrabaramee Rd. in Patong yesterday. Might have been taking photo's of the new road on top of the hill (opposite the light on Sai Kor Road) that was halted recently.

Original road was built about 3 - 4 years ago and provided a connection to Soi 3. Road built to a high standard. Drainage on both sides of the road, sidewalks, and street lights all the way to the top. My thoughts were that the owner of the land wanted to improve access (no brainer). But as of today, no real development. A few very small houses and a single villa project that seems to have gone bust. Nothing going on up top until this new road started last month.

I'm sure somebody with more knowledge than me will reply, but here's my experience. My friend also died w/o a Thai will. The lawyer advised that the pecking order for inheiritance starts with the children, then parents, then full siblings, then half-siblings, etc...

My friend had no children, so it went to his parents.

Some countries allow GF's certain rights after a few years of living together. I don't think Thailand is one of these countries.

Is Phuketdeli do com still functioning? Haven't seen any specials on TV lately and tried to log on to their website last month and nothing. I checked yesterday and the website in now up, so it may have been a temporary thing. I have used them in the past and they have some good stuff.

I seem to recall that Farang Food had some a while back. At the junction opposite the big Tesco Lotus in Patong. Ask for Simon. They may have a website.? Good Luck.

BTW, Go Giants!!!

Yes, went down to the Boatyard last week to find it shut. Too bad. Nice place to relax.