4evermaat

what breast pump do you recommend? In Big C/tesco, I only see either Natur or Pigeon. Are there any disadvantages to using an electric vs manual pump?

the retail box inside, under the battery, on a sticker on the instruction manual, or somewhere with the retail packaging should be the default (factory) WPA/WPA2 password. This is usually the first thing you look for whenever you open the box of a mifi or any wifi broadcasting device.

The next step if you cannot figure it out on your own how to properly connect to the mifi device, is to physically take the laptop (or smartphone with wifi enabled) and the mifi device to a truemove branded shop. They will get you up and running out of the box. You just keep wasting 3 baht calling them and getting nowhere.

This is actually the first step most of the time here in Thailand: setup/walk-through the mobile device on site whenever possible. you don't want to wait until you get all the way home to realize that your shiny new device can only be used as a paperweight. It doesn't cost you anything, but can save a bunch in headaches.

Have to say out of some 4/5 true move shops on Samui they are all <deleted> useless they do not have a clue on set up they are just there to sell a product. I have asked for the MIFI dongle answere NO HAVE you have to go to Bangkok well please order one for me SORRY CANNOT buy this one have special promotion honest they are useless on Samui thney even suggested that I should get the ferry to Suratthani as the shop there has a techno person to assist. Have even tried to order online FAT CHANCE of that happeningand all this because Cat on the island are no longer going to provide a service Two years ago I spent 5000 bt with cat for a dongle now to be told as of 31st it will no longer provide me a service so I am really pissed off !!!!

I can believe that. Even branded shops, especially isolated ones, the help might not be familiar with the products they sell or the passdown from corporate may take longer. I bet the phuket / surat thani shops would have more qualified people. I know if I have a problem with my samsung phone or any of my laptops (mac or pc), it's going to require a trip to bangkok or other authorized repair centers. I might luck out and a local person can fix it. Chumphon has few authorized repair centers for major brands, although tesco now has an on-site samsung rep during the day (sometimes...don't know if that's permanent or the guy's just passing through). But it's just one of those things you come to understand when you settle down somewhere.

The OP did not mention where he was located. I'm very particular about what I buy and it is not just based on looks. Sometimes paying a few extra baht for piece of mind is a great investment. I know better than to walk out of a store with a mac and not test the compatible device myself or with a rep before walking out. When I got my true h sim card, I had laptop with me and the supervisor changed the apn profile on the spot. Took 5-10 minutes and I gladly handed over the 99 baht.

Things are changing constantly here in thailand (usually for the better with technology), but we live here cheap for a reason, and one of those reasons is not having english well spoken, a mcdonalds on every corner, all kinds of social security benefits, etc. But at least we have this forum.

Is that case/charger not available in MBK? It may be, I did not look. Typically Sua Pa offers ~ 25% discount over what shops in MBK might sell it for,

How much extra time does it give you? A stock SGS2 battery is 1,650 mAh, the extra case is 2,500 mAh, so a total of 4,150 mAh. In my case I have the SGS2 Extended Battery, 2,000 mAh, so with this case I have a total of 4,500 mAh. Figure at least double, as a conservative SWAG.

Is there much increase in weight/bulk? Yes, there is increased with and bulk, I guess that seems obvious? But the nice thing is that you can always take the phone out of the case, if you want a lighter, less bulky phone. Obviously with the RAZR MAXX you do not have this flexibility.

So is it still two separate batteries....i'm trying to picture how you are implementing the 4000 mAh. Does the case connect the two batteries together to be used in series or parallel?

....

Sua Pa Road is in Chinatown/Yoawarat. Map attached.

Note that this area is just for mobile phone ACCESSORIES, .......

Maybe i could find a cheap battery cover for the Samsung Galaxy Cooper.

Is that case/charger not available in MBK? It may be, I did not look. Typically Sua Pa offers ~ 25% discount over what shops in MBK might sell it for,

How much extra time does it give you? A stock SGS2 battery is 1,650 mAh, the extra case is 2,500 mAh, so a total of 4,150 mAh. In my case I have the SGS2 Extended Battery, 2,000 mAh, so with this case I have a total of 4,500 mAh. Figure at least double, as a conservative SWAG.

Is there much increase in weight/bulk? Yes, there is increased with and bulk, I guess that seems obvious? But the nice thing is that you can always take the phone out of the case, if you want a lighter, less bulky phone. Obviously with the RAZR MAXX you do not have this flexibility.

I agree. But its the sleek look + the crazy 3,300 mAh battery that has caught my attention. I don't really like bulky phones or cases to make it look bulky.

Anyway to battery's lasting 2 days,on average. Guess it is good enough.

From the map, I guess sua pa is somewhere near the klong tom market?

Sent from my XT910 using Thaivisa Connect App

I now realize that this is the china town that is near Little India / India Emporium (Pahurat). I remember I kept walking and walking until we ran into china town. A lot of walking, but worth it to comb out the deals and find the reputable people.

the retail box inside, under the battery, on a sticker on the instruction manual, or somewhere with the retail packaging should be the default (factory) WPA/WPA2 password. This is usually the first thing you look for whenever you open the box of a mifi or any wifi broadcasting device.

The next step if you cannot figure it out on your own how to properly connect to the mifi device, is to physically take the laptop (or smartphone with wifi enabled) and the mifi device to a truemove branded shop. They will get you up and running out of the box. You just keep wasting 3 baht calling them and getting nowhere.

This is actually the first step most of the time here in Thailand: setup/walk-through the mobile device on site whenever possible. you don't want to wait until you get all the way home to realize that your shiny new device can only be used as a paperweight. It doesn't cost you anything, but can save a bunch in headaches.

Pictures are for the SGS3 battery case, so 3,000 mAh. ~ 400 baht on Suapa Road.

Where is this shop on Suapa Road? near any landmarks? Website?

And a charger sometimes you need a specialized USB cords. Not all usb cords are the same. Some are rigged outside USB official specs to enable proper (rapid) battery charging and simultaneous data transfer.

Sua Pa Road, both sides between Charoen Krung and Chao Khom Rop (General Hospital) Roads, basically a dozen or so multi-story gathering of hundreds of shops each, with sidewalk-based shops surrounding. This is where everyone with a mobile phone shop goes for stock. Already wholesale but significant discounts for purchases of three or more of the same item. Police routinely invade, trademark infringement ( Paul Frank and Hello Kitty patrols when I was there this week ) so shops are opening and closing in waves in advance of the police.

I just use whatever USB cables I got with my phones - they all work fine for charging and/or data. Some generic cables support only charging, others maybe more susceptible to failure from fatigue owing to less than ideal specs, material, manufacturing techniques.

Is Sua Pa Road near any BTS stations? What part of bangkok?

How can you differentiate between the ones selling legit products vs knockoffs? Is it the usual obvious or are there certain invoices you must obtain.

- I am assuming you are using a TrueMove-H sim card? (not dtac, ais, etc)

- were laptops ever able to connect to mifi device in the past? Or is this a recent occurrence?

- are you able to connect to the device, but not the internet? Or you cannot connect to device at all? If you can connect to the device, you can access the admin panel and check APN settings, force 3g only, etc.

- Have you tried connecting a different wifi-enabled device (tablet, desktop/laptop, another phone, etc) to the mifi device? Success?

- can you connect to the device using USB to the mifi device? You may have to install driver first, which will popup on the first connection to mac/windows laptop.

- Are you able to connect other wifi connections with the macbook?

- Did you take the laptop with you to the True shop to ensure correct setup when you were buying the device?

- what is the make/model number of the True 3g mifi dongle? Where did you buy it?

- is the device SSID (wifi name that shows up in list of available networks) password protected with the default factory password or another password? (as a last resort, you may have to factory-reset the phone....with a toothpick or needle to push the hidden reset button)

A new, True-H branded mifi device should work with any true-h sim out of the box. If it is the older True 3G/Truemove mifi device (not Truemove-H ), the APN settings may have to be changed. The correct settings for Truemove H are:

Apn name: internet

user: true

pass: true

dialup number: *99#, or *99# (if a dialup number is requested....leave this alone first)

If you are using MyCat sim, the same APN settings for TrueMove H should still work without a need to modify settings.

I have used MF-62 unbranded device which required a manual setup of new APN profile (settings, once you verify the profile works, set it to the default profile for automatic connection/re-connection. I have successfully connected this device and Cat CDMA mifi device to my macbook core2duo running 10.6.8 snow leopard. In fact, I have connected many wifi connections with no problems that were not resolved with flipping off and on airport, unless the internet is down altogether.

No doubt in my mind about the best value smartphone for around 10,000 Baht - it's the dual-core Xiaomi Mi-One plus which is compatible with all Thai frequencies.

I finally got mine delivered from China 2 mths ago although I had to wait several months for it due to the huge domestic demand.

An updated quad-core variant has just been announced for the same price (1999 Yuan) and will undoubtedly be exceedingly popular like it's predecessor when it's released later this year.

OS is MIUI and gets updates OTA about once/month - the only drawback is the effort one has to put into actually getting this device shipped from China but I can tell you, it really is the Bees Knees and well worth the trouble!

Are there any local distributors of these Chinese android phones? What languages come pre-installed?

I have had numerous problems with True 3G data sim packages on iPhone, iPad and laptop. For one, I think their metering is a fraud. I always exhaust my bandwidth way before my data tracking app says I have. I've also had problems where I can't even activate a top-up code, check balance, or select a service using the standard phone codes. They simply come back as error codes and so I have to call True and do all of this over the phone with a live operator True 3G network coverage is excellent though.

with true-h, a lot can also be done with free sms with specific body text to 9789.

For example text 'b' without the quotes will return the balance. text 'w' will return the true wifi password. You can also sign up for and cancel plans via sms.

Yes it is annoying that some messages are only in thai. But the important ones you can usually get the gist of the topic. back on topic

Big brother is watching ........

Back in 2005 each and every SIM "owner" was required by law to register their SIM by Nov. 15, 2005 or risk losing service. Since that time enforcement has waned. Obviously it would be easy to re-implement but no operator wants to be the first to turn away a customer. As a service provider I would look to cost-effective ways to at least demonstrate attempts to foster registration: SMSes to prompt, free calling bonuses, etc. The main issue is the requirement to obtain, perhaps verify, store/process ID cards, passport, names, etc.

If you want to port out a number here it must be registered for at least a week or two, so for some there is an impetus to register.

If you lose your sim card, you have a lesser chance of getting replacement if you did not register basic details that you can then recall to carrier representative to freeze/obtain new sim.

The bonuses idea is a good idea.

Pictures are for the SGS3 battery case, so 3,000 mAh. ~ 400 baht on Suapa Road.

Where is this shop on Suapa Road? near any landmarks? Website?

And a charger sometimes you need a specialized USB cords. Not all usb cords are the same. Some are rigged outside USB official specs to enable proper (rapid) battery charging and simultaneous data transfer.

You do not meet the requirements for a non-o visa. ......

He would need to meet the requirements; the main one being a signed/dated letter of invitation from business, school, etc showing an intent to stay in thailand for 12 months. That should be sufficient to qualify for multiple entry non-o/b/ed/etc/ visa.

I had a friend who came over on a single-entry non-o for being married to thai national. He initially though it was a smart decision, thinking he'd saved $120 bucks for the multiple vs single entry and that extensions are 'so easy' to do. 60 day extensions are pretty simple. The 1 year takes more paperwork. I pointed this out to him and after verifying what I said, he had to scramble to get an extension done. The irony is that he was already instantly qualified for the multiple entry non-o (married to thai national); it was just a matter of paying the fee.

In your case, you are 'instantly' qualified for a tourist visa....just about everyone is. It seems like you are wanting to stay long term. I recommend getting an invitation from an appropriate school, business, thai friend/family member, etc and then qualifying for the multiple entry non-imm [whatever category].

Samsung Galaxy Ace (Cooper) s5830. Looking for replacement back cover. Can be original, but can also be copy, preferably black. None of the stores in Chumphon seem to stock this. Was hoping someone had an online store or the next time I'm in bangkok I could get this done.

Not the most helpful of answers, but here I go; I am aware that the consulates in UK have been tightening up on multi-entry visas (during the year that you have had yours), best advice for this time is to take as much paperwork and proof of care as you can and hope that the consulate sees that you are 'caring' for your child as much as you can and that a multi-entry visa is the most appropriate. Should you only get a single entry, you can always extend for 60 days at immigration here in Bangkok.

I am sure that someone with a more precise knowledge will come along, but I am pretty sure the gist of my reply is correct :-)

You may not have to go all the way back to UK. You should be able to hop thai border and then request visa from a friendly UK [honorary] consulate by mail? Although as bigt has suggested, some of the consulates are a bit stricter about why they will issue a multiple entry visa. Or some consulates will not issue visas to people who mail their passports from overseas address.

When you say "single-entry", that's 90 days is it? And I could get that extended for a further 60 days?

yes. Someone else will have to comment on the 60 day extension. As you have figured out, for visas and especially extensions of stay, the reason for staying determines how long of extension you qualify for, and how much requirements (documents) you need to qualify. I am interested in a 60 day extension due to having a thai child.

Does anyone have any idea how much the My CAT Click will cost after the promotion is finished? It's 590 baht per month now.

The Thai version of the website essentially says: "Apply to the September 30, 2555 and get the promotion until December 31, 2555.", so I'd guess that the My by CAT Unlimited 590 baht plan will be good at least until the end of this year. I guess you could ask them what the price might be after that date? It doesn't seem like an unreasonable question to ask? I guess they could stick with the 590 baht price longer term, or raise it into the 690/790 range? TrueMove H is 799 for 3 GB and 899 for 5 GB, with 128 Kbps fair-use speed-limits.

typically once you sign up for a service, the price remains as long as you do not terminate service. So even if they do raise the price, you will still receive the 590 price. It seems to be like that for all the telcomm companies here. GF had 1 bt/min 1bt/SMS 24 hrs with AIS 1-2 call prepaid for years, no additional fee. But then I switched her to Smartphone package, then tried to go back, but couldn't. Now she has that 1.5 baht/min 24 hrs plan There is no way to get her back to 1bt/min 24 hrs without switching phone numbers. Oh well, but mao-mao packages at 0.75/min work out well.

The article didn't provide any specific hard rules. If anything, it suggested that it will be up to each bank to determine what additional documentation is required...IF they even require any additional docs. Seemed like a face-saving, fear-mongering article designed to scare some casual tourists and visa runners. Similar to those articles from one popular embassy that change their rules on a particular visa paperwork and then everyone thinks the sky will now fall for all Thai embassies.

Was in Kasikorn last month. as another poster commented, got the full 'Hello Kitty' package when i got the accident insurance.

i was wondering this exact thing....as ems should have document envelope free, but i never see them. i figured they keep them away from the counter to ward off freeloaders.

in usa, they now print logo on the brown inside of the priority mail envelopes and boxes. too many people were flipping the box inside out and using it as packing material for non-priority mail items. go figure.

"The second best time to plant a tree is today" sent from TV android app (Galaxy Cooper).

I bring back 1 carton of L & Ms each time I do a border run,less than half price. The driver usually advises that is the "limit".

He did say that one time someone brought back 5 cartons and was fined 5000 baht each carton.

So they turned out expensive for him.

This happens regularly with anyone carrying more than one carton, they will pay a hefty fine on the spot.

At some Cambodia border crossing points there are officials watching the stores to see who is buying too much and will

later be stopped and fined.

why am i not surprised? i can see why the visa guy was irate.

so cambodia is 1 carton, and burma is 2 cartons?

"The second best time to plant a tree is today" sent from TV android app (Galaxy Cooper).

.....

I have never had a connection this fast before and I hope it continues to work as it does now.

dont hold ur breath. although the myCat has been reliable so far. a neighbor i gave my other truemove usb stick to is using true h and loves it.

"The second best time to plant a tree is today" sent from TV android app (Galaxy Cooper).

No its not the data usage eating up my credit I buy way more than I use just in case.

I think it works out about 12.5 baht a text which chews through my credit. I mostly use whatsapp now but for the non smartphone friends it still gets me.

I'm paying exactly 2 Baht per text (less then 160 characters) to any provider.

Using plain Jane one2call sim.

The super 3g sim they used to include with the AIS branded usb dongles...

Sent from my GT-I9001 using Thaivisa Connect App

They have a mini package for 49 baht that will keep your sms at 1.07 baht/msg and 1baht/min + free 50 MB. That package may be expired now. But they have a new one for 29/week http://www.ais.co.th/12call/en/promotion_promotionOnWeb.html 0.5 baht/sms and voice calls.

ZTE has a newer version, the mf 62. I find it reliable, but occasionally you might have to restart the modem. the firmware admin panel does not track the MB usage.

Ive got my DNS set to

8.8.8.8

8.8.4.4

One can rarely go wrong using these Google DNS servers - they usually come up as the "best". Occasionally one's ISP DNS servers perform admirably, owing to proximity, but they generally suck.

OpenDNS is also fine. use them all the time.

I was in tesco looking at some of the samsung android phones and I noticed the original Samsung Galaxy Ace (Cooper), but I also noticed TWO newer Ace+ models. One was a 7500 series and one was 8180. They looked identical, except for the front-facing camera was slightly different. Can anyone confirm this? What are the differences between the models? Can send screenshots of the tesco description if necessary.

And many things sold in Hat Yai are not what they appear.

But cigarettes are a very serious issue for Customs and exceeding limits is very strictly enforced with high fines and has full support of government and most people due to the nature of the substance involved.

cigarettes? i can understand the fine money, but didnt think it was serious drug.

one of the visa run clerks got a sample of the cigarette and commented that it was good quality, as if he never smoked that specific brand (or copy) before.

"The second best time to plant a tree is today" sent from TV android app (Galaxy Cooper).

The casino in post 4 really have their stuff together.

This 'savanvegas' or whatever the place is....what is the price for being the agent for multiple non-o based on marriage? Are there any other multiple entry non-imm available?

Was doing a visa run in Ranong <> Burma earlier today. On the return boat leg, you stop at a checkpoint where a Thai military [looking] personnel may search the boat, usually very casually. One of the foreigners had 6 or 10 cases (do you call them cartons?) of cigarettes. He bought them in Cambodia and came across no problem. He took them with him on the visa run i'm guessing because he did not want to leave his bag (or cigarettes) in the visa run minivan. Anyway, the foreigner was a bit surprised, but just handed the checker 3-4 packs of the cigarettes and he kept going checking the rest of the boat. When the visa people came back on the boat (they have to stay off while the boat is being checked), the foreigner in violation was admonished for having more than 2 cartons, and said that it could have ended with an arrest.

Is this correct? Is there a limit to the amount of cigarettes that can be taken in at once from a border country?