joordy

Thanks for the replies. Asiawatcher: I need to go to this specific hospital. basjke: im poor & would probably go this route anyways unless ill. Any answers on the bus numbers?

Thanks, oldgeezer (doesn't seem very nice typing that). I think we may be talking about two different places. Maybe there is more than one location? I just google mapped the hospital and it is coming up as 18.4 km north of Victory Monument. If I have the right place, it seems to be just south of the Royal Thai Air Force Museum. Its listed as Bhumipol Adulyadej Hospital. If this is right, it seems I can catch the 34 or 39 bus right there at VM and exit right in front of the hospital. Can anyone verify this by any chance?

Hi. Please, could someone give me a clue? I need to get to Bhumipol Hospital. (I've searched for directions in the forum but found nothing) I need to get there cheaply as well. By songthaew if possible. I will be arriving mid week at Victory Monument from Hua Hin. Is there any chance of getting there directly from VM?

Can you live relatively cheaply in Koh Tao? I was assuming it was not possible. I will need an apartment in the less than 5000 a month range, so, pretty basic and meager living. As for the ghetto, I better give that one some thought. All those youngsters and all. Anyone else got something to say? Sometimes it feels like there's only 4 people in this forum. Guess everyone's underwater.

Hi. I've recently moved to Thailand and am relocating to the south soon. I'm seeking a home for the next year where I can find abundant dive sites suitable to my skill level as a diver. I've found a few sites online that break down the sites according to area (Koh Tao, for example), but would like a second opinion from a human being that has dived extensively in the region. Though traveling is always an option, my budget is modest--so finding an area with numerous sites is best.

My dive skills are at the learner level. I've only about 30 dives to my name and all in more or less gentle tropical conditions at depths no greater than 60 feet. I've done one deep dive for certification but for now am most comfortable in the shallows--say 50 feet or preferably less. I've no designs on technical diving but I do want to become a sound recreational diver and gradually increase my skill over time.

My original plan was to base myself close to Khao Lak so I could be close to the Similian Islands. But after viewing the dive sites in this area I've discovered many of these dives are at depths I'm not comfy with or have potentially ripping currents. The sites closer to Khao Lak also seem more advanced.

Can someone comment on all this and perhaps suggest a few areas noted for large numbers of sites appropriate for a green one? Heaps of thanks.

thanks but no yanks!

but perhaps if you'll act as my bodyguard you big ruffian you. grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

im not going to suggest i know a great deal about Millwall. so thanks for the tip on their true name (and identity!) i know only what ive read. but i love watching the underdogg/new kids with hopes of an upset as much as anyone else.

Even better, Cardiff and Swansea go up...but i will not be placing any money on that one. when is the last time there was a Welsh team in the Premiership?

Cardiff against Hull was on the tube last night. bit of a beach ball contest for the first 20 minutes or so. watching that match, w/o bellamy, i thought if they did go up they would get mauled. but not as rough as hull was. that team, hull, is odd. they have some players who really hustle. but often it seems as if in the end they result to cheap ass fouls and silly mistakes. when i watch squads like that i can't help but think that they are not trusting themselves enough. when it matters, i mean. late in a tight match or after going down a goal or two.

i got my money on the Millwallians. Maybe not this season, but maybe so. And who will finish 123 in the Championship? I'm rooting for those who have come so close for so long...Cardiff. Actually, I just want to see the biggies playing footy in Wales.

Lopburi3, thanks. And if the floor falls out from underneath...do you happen to know the closest land crossing for a visa near Hua Hin. Is it Ranong? And the rest of it? Looks fine?

Re: US double entry tourist visa.

have entered Thailand once.

permit to stay: Oct. 5th

visa validity: Oct. 27th

applying for 30 day extension at an immigration office before Oct. 5th. planning a visa run prior to Oct. 27th. hoping to gain an additional double entry tourist visa with a 30 day extension option on my return from the run. would like to stay in Thailand for longer but a non immigrant visa isn't an option yet.

as long as i have the 30 day extension before the Oct. 5th, and a visa run before Oct. 27th than I should in theory be able to obtain another dual entry tourist visa correct?

also, i prefer another double entry tourist visa (not a single). does it matter where i make a visa run with this in mind? I saw a prior post mention Ventianne. I live in Hua Hin. Cheers.

I envy your resilience, hiro. I have none myself and occasionally have pangs for (gasp) tesco/lotus, 7-11 and such conveniences. i don't think i will graduate to your level anytime soon either im afraid. but it is what it is. meanwhile, i need to find a suitable place to live in that area for 6000 or less...okay, preferably less, with a computer connection for work. any suggestions for a apartment/home in or near Surat Thani? or general clues?

After going back 10 pages in this forum I have determined that if there are many foreigners living in Surat Thani they are a quiet or very busy bunch. Besides Sister Whiplash, or someone who resembles that title, I've seen few regular posters. (no offence Whiplash...if you're still there). I'm living much further north and am considering making Surat Thani home for a while. Though I seek a certain amount of solitude for work, and to embrace local culture, it would be so nice to meet up for a beer with other farang on occasion. So, please, are you there my mysterious expats? ...you don't all have to respond, actually. a representative would do or a local in the know.

Rats. I've been hoping someone might reply telling me there was a little known, lovely enclave in phuket desigend for fringe renters. im obviously on the dream train. let me rephrase then...what is the closest town to phuket i can live where the rents are a bit more reasonable. please dont' say trang. what about khao lak, for example?

Yeah, that is what I have read as well--10 days minimum, 4am-9pm sort of thing. Time is not a problem. Just finding the right place. I'm in Hua Hin. The only place I've read about so far is north of here, sort of southwest of Bangkok if I recall. Any suggestions or a site while I check on my own?

If you had to pick one area to live along the coast between Krabi and Phang Nga (include the Similian Islands with Phang Nga i guess) whose dive sites were both awesome and numerous, where would you go?

seeking a comfy bus south from hua hin to phuket. with heaps of luggage to stow. best option? figuring mini vans are out due to baggage.

generally speaking, is there a difference in price for rented apartments on phuket between the south and north of the island? lets say a one bedroom. im 10 hours north and living in a 1 bdrm. for 6000.

a clue please. some local bloke informed me that i could show up at any wat and, if i could find someone who could speak english, a monk would willingly teach me to meditate. is that for real? i always thought learning meditation was a two week venture. im interested, just skeptical. any idears?

know a local travel agent, anyone? for international flights. an office here in Hua Hin or Bangkok preferably. tia.

ahhhhh, 4k does exist my friend! and if you are willing to pay 6000 you can live quite nicely as a barbarian/falang. you are harshy on the packies no? i sought, i found, i live for cheap!

seeking a one month rental for cheap in or close to Hua Hin. something near 4000 Baht. location is not important. a bed is. does this exist in the area? any suggestions where to look?