steelerian

Why are schools such as this charging so much money? What history do they have, or proven results?

How much for a Tiger?

I'm talking about a personal CHOICE to pay more to people I believe deserve it. The average Thai gets about 200 baht a day in salary for working an 8 to 10 hour shift. Some short order cook in a busy Thai cafe works a WHOLE LOT HARDER than 90% of the people who complain about over pricing, or dual pricing. The sexpat who visits Pattaya will pay less for his night of pleasure than the same guy in Phuket. He'll also pay more for his hotel and meals on the street in Phuket. And, he'll pay a WHOLE LOT MORE for a tuk tuk ride with one of those scam artists. But, if you want to enjoy what Phuket has to offer then you have to pay the going rate. That is just one reason why I stay away from Phuket despite its beauty.

You really dont get it do you?

Yes you pay more in Phuket than in Patts, but EVERYBODY pays more in Phuket than Patts, not just Farangs.

The thing about this, Ian, is that by doing it you are encouraging them to do ti even more, and spoiling it for the rest of us. If you allow them to overcharge you on top of the Thai price by 15 Baht today, they will try it on by charging you 20 Baht more tomorrow. Then at what point do you say no?

I understand you are happy to pay more than the value if the product, but please do this by tipping, rather than allowing yourself to be charged more. The tip is optional, the price is not.

What really needs to be done is to convince AirAsia to open a ground service from Samui to Surathani (and vice versa) such that using their flights can be seamless and hassle free. The customer would still pay for the ferry and bus, but it would make sense to have a system in place that is coordinated timewise with their flights and readily advertised and accessable. As it is, people (like me) wonder exactly how to get to the airport, how long it will take, how much it will cost and what other "made in Thailand" SNAFUs will crop up.

Since in SE Asia there are so many examples of "no higher authority to appeal to," the only way to address profiteering by Bangkok Snareways is to beat them at their own game.

THIS +1mirrion

The boxing in Samui is a good laugh. And as far as I can remember, all drinks (beers, anyway) are raised 20 baht on top or normal prices, which isnt too bad really.

whats the reason?

and if you build a new airport, dont let Bangkok Airways owna dn operate it, then maybe more people WILL come to Samui

There is also the big new computer shop oppostie Makro, might be worth a visit there too, as I believe they sell Acer laptops......

I've got one sorted out now. Many thanks.

If you should stay here ask for a discount. Most unlikely you will want to use the swimming pool in this weather!

Why, whats the weather like at the moment? I havent checked it out yet.......

Hi,

I'm heading up to Isaan next week with my girlfriend to visit her family. They live around the Lahan Sai area in Buriram.

Does anyone have any recommendations for hotels in or around Lahan Sai?

Please PM me if you have any info, websites, etc.

Thanks

Ian

Hi all,

I need to get a CAT CDMA Internet, but the shop in Nathon does not have any in stock.

Does anyone have one they are willing to sell?

Ideally I'd like the latest MC760 model.

If anyone has one or knows of one for sale please send me a PM and I'll get in touch.

Thanks

Ian

so whats the diff in 91 and 95? cos when I went to fill up today the man put 95 in, and when I questioned him he said I can use wither 91 or 95, doesnt matter (I drive a Yamaha Nouvo by the way, about 2 years old)

They have just redone the one on the way to Chaweng beach and will redo as well the one in Chaweng on the main road (before Bkk hospital) in a few months. Good news, there is now the Gasohol 91 (the green one) available on Samui, which is 5 THB cheaper per litre than the usual 91

what is this Gasohol 91? And can it be used on any car/bike that normally uses 91?

What is this residence card you speak of, and how do I get one?

How have people been finding their CAT CDMA over the last few days in all this rain and power cuts? Or any other mobile internet thingy?

My current crappy pre-pay AIS one has been dreadful.

Anyone have a phone number for the place, so I can call to check before I waste a journey?

Sod it, Im going to go back and buy the CAT CMDA.

A solid reliable connection that doesnt cut out is far more important to me that speed, so from what you lot have said it seems to be the best bet for me.

Hi all,

So I went to Nathon today to the CAT office. I told the guy I wanted to buy a USB internet stick, and he strongly advised me not to. He said that because so many people are using their service now, that the speeds are so slow. He said about only 300kb.

Is anyone currently using this service? If so how is it? Has it slowed down over the last few months?

It was 5600 to buy and 800/month, so I dont want to splash out for it and find it is no good.

Oh btw the guy said as far as he knows best internet available on the island is 3BB but obv that is a landline service.

Thanks again, appreciated.

Ian

All, thank you very much for the replies so far, its a great help.

2 questions on what Ive read above;

1. what is this UPS ?

2. does the CAT CDMA service cut out when we get the power cuts due to the heavy rain? or is it pretty much protected from that?

Thanks

Ian

Hi all,

Due to all this rain we've havinglately, Im getting a LOT of power cuts where I live (just off Ghost Rod, near Bangrak).

No power = no internet

So, Im thinking about buying one of these CAT CDMA internet aircards.

Can anyone give any advice/help as to the cost of these, both to buy, and for the price plans? Ideally Id like an unlimited use package.

Also, Ive been told by a friend that they let you have a "24 hour trial period" where I can take it back within 24 hours of purchase if I dont want it, which allows me to take it home and check out the signal strength at my house, etc.

Also, I believe the only place to buy these on Samui is in Nathon, at the post office?

Oh, and what do I need to be able to buy? Proof of address? Thai bank account? etc etc?

Any experience with CAT CDMA out there who can offer help?

CDMA is 6,000 baht from CAT at Nathon (take your passport) and is just over 800 baht per week for unlimited access. You get 3 months free.

Are you sure it's 800 baht per WEEK? or do you mean MONTH?

I am looking into getting one ofthese CAT CDMA aircards, but not if they are 800 per WEEK !!

Ian

how much you paying for someone to "work the restaurant"?

The bar you are talking about is called "My Friend Bar", and is now owned by a Thai man.

For those of us who have only been in Samui since Christmas 09, all of those ex-bars that used to be good, anyone any idea which ones are which now?

Very sad story indeed.