bobrcb

I travel with Thai from London 5-6 times per year. My regular travel has earned a gold card which gives me certain benefits before boarding, but once on board I am treated the same as other economy passengers. Although I have noticed a slight deterioration of on-board service, this is no doubt due to trying to cut expenses, Nevertheless, what other airline offers a complimentary cognac to all economy passengers after the main meal? Also, Thai are very quick with a drink, service starting as soon as the fasten seat belt goes out after take-off. Furthermore, I find Thai seats more comfortable - I believe 33 inches between seats - but more importantly, Thai seats do not have bars at the bottom, enabling me to fully stretch out my 6'2'' length out on overnight flights. Yes, Thai is more expensive than other airlines, but who wants to spend 2-3 hours or more in the middle east, or worse, to change planes at some unearthly hour? I think it is well worth paying an extra £100 for the better comfort and service, much of which I can claw back with the 'free' flight, currently about £240, with taxes and fuel charges, for every 5 paid for tickets. None of the other direct flight airlines can beat that.

Thank you everyone for your input. I didn't intend to get an argument started, but was simply seeking advice. I wasn't sure if an ipod bought in the UK would be compatible with equipment in Thailand. I had no fixed budget but was hoping to get something for about 5000-6000 baht, which does appear feasible. My only concern on price is that I arrive very late from Cambodia on the saturday night and intend getting a bus from Ekkamai before the bureau de changes open next morning, so need to change enough money at the airport. The girl I sponsor was abandoned by her mother after a few months, and was taken care of by a male relative until she was about 18 months old, when she was taken to the orphanage. I first visited her when she was almost 5 and took her a large toy rabbit, which she clung on to. I try to visit her twice a year and have seen her develop from a very shy girl to one with confidence, who helps take care of the younger children, when she returns from school. Since her younger days, she has been involved in Thai dancing, and has performed for royalty and many foreign dignatories. She is now learning to play a musical instrument, whilst she studies for the equivalent of 'A' levels. I was not looking to adopt a child. My age and different nationality would have probably barred me anyway. I chose to sponsor her, because she could not be adopted, as she did not have the relevant birth documents, and both her parents had vanished, so I hoped I could contribute to her well-being over many years. Combined with an education, paid for by the Orphanage, she might steer clear of the temptations on the other side of town. She has had no contact with any members of her family since being left at the orphanage, so has no-one, apart from people at the Orphanage, to provide luxuries for her. I don't profess to be a saint. Far from it, but this is just my way of doing something to help someone less well off than myself, and by sponsoring a specific person, I have had the opportunity to see how my money has benefited someone. Sponsorship is only about 1000 baht per month - not even the cost of a good night out - so if anyone is interested, contact Khun Toy at Pattaya Orphanage. I will let you all know how I got on once I get back. Thanks once again.

I have sponsored a girl at Pattaya Orphanage for about 14 years and rather foolishly asked her what she would like for her 17th birthday, and she has requested an ipod. I know nothing about these and would not recognise one if it was put in front of me. I shall be visiting her at the orphanage next sunday and was planning to go to Carrefour, which is nearby. Grateful if someone could recommend a model to look for and approximate cost. Will be leaving England on thursday, so any response before then would be appreciated. Thank you.

My Thai friend's father died on tuesday, and she is currently organising daily visits by monks for prayers. We are due to meet in Bangkok on 20 March, just over 3 weeks after her father's death. Can anyone advise if there is any set period of mourning at the family home, as I don't want to pressurise her into travelling to Bangkok, if this would be against Buddhist custom. I can arrange to visit her village for a few days, if this would avoid any problems. Advice please.

Giselle. I'll try and persuade my girlfriend to go to Peter's place. I enjoyed it more than the other beach. I recall about 2 years ago, before I made my first visit to Nakhon Si Thammarat, you said that you didn't mix with the expatriate community very much, but if you are in the area on sunday, and see a bald ginger-haired farang, surrounded by Thais, come and say hello. I'd gladly buy you a drink or two to thank you for your advice.

Thanks again, Gisele. On my two previous trips to Nakhon Si Thammarat, I have been to beaches which are nearer. First time we went to a very small beach, close to a sea gypsy village, where a German had built a few log cabins and some wooden seats and ran a small restaurant. I recall that there were 13 of us eating and drinking for about 6 hours, and I was pleasantly surprised to get change from 4000 baht. The second time was to a much longer beach, about a mile in length where many Thai families went for a picnic. Again not too expensive. I believe the rains have started in Nakhon Si Thammarat, so will have to play it by ear, but I have copied your last reply, so I will know how to get there.

As a Fulham supporter, I had just been looking at the permutations in which we could still be relegated i.e. Charlton win both their matches by big scores, West Ham win at Manchester United and Sheffield United beat Wigan, and Fulham have a heavy defeat at Middlesbrough. On the balance of probabilities, I think we are safe. I also noticed the scenario, that if Charlton drop points against Tottenham, then Sheffield United would be safe before they play Wigan, and were Wigan to beat them and Manchester United get their revenge over West Ham, the hammers are down. Poetic justice and a £5.5 million fine!

Thank you, Gisele. Only problem is I arrive around 10.00 p.m. and it will be dark. However, my girlfriend lives halfway between airport and town, so it may be close. From memory, there is a bend in the main, where there are a few stalls and an ATM. You find her place by going through a small alleyway between the shops, and over a stream. I will be hiring transport on the sunday to take the relatives and friends to the beach, so can look out for it then. Thanks again.

On your way to Nakhon from the airport you will see a place or two selling spirit houses along the 401.

I am sure they vary in prices as there are different sizes and some are elaborately decorated.

I shall be visiting Nakhon Si Thammarat over weekend 11-14 May, principally to see the house that I have financed for my girlfriend, which is near completion. I would like to buy a spirit house whilst I am there. Does anyone know where in the main city I can buy one and approximate costs? There is no point asking my girlfriend, as she left the area when she was 13 and has only been back for about 2 years, and seems to only know Carrefour and the local market, near to where she lives, halfway between the airport and city. I shall be taking her for a sightseeing trip around the old part of the city on saturday 12, and may even check out the shadow puppet place. I leave England on 9 May, so would appreciate any response before then. Thanks.

In a former life, I was once a British diplomat, based in a country, near Thailand. One of the perks was to go to Bangkok to deliver and collect official mail, in the diplomatic bag. Once you had delivered the mail, you were free until it was time for the return journey. After some beers in Jools bar, which had only been open a few weeks, yes back in 1989, I ventured to Patpong, finishing up in Queens Castle. It was Halloween night, and just before closing, there was a free raffle, using the numbers on customer's bins. Lo and behold, I won first prize, a free bar fine. Now that needed all my diplomatic skills.

I think the lack of alcohol on domestic flights is something new. I recall getting a beer on PB Air from Bangkok to Nakhon Si Thammarat, a couple of days after the tsunami. However, last year when travelling with Thai Airways from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, I was told that they no longer served beer on domestic flights, although I am sure I had a beer on the same flight a year earlier. I also noticed that there is no alcohol in Thai Airways' business lounge at Chiang Mai. Keeping passengers sober or saving money?

Having instigated this topic, I am just updating the situation. I tried again to book with my credit card but was refused, as there are no facilities to accept international credit cards. I did send an e-mail to the Nokair customer service section, which was returned as could not be sent. A couple of days letter I received a response confirming that they did not accept payment by international credit cards, and suggested my friend telephoned 1318, to make a reservation, be given a reference number, and then use this number to pay from a bank account at an ATM machine. I considered this to be too complicated to explain to my friend over the telephone. Instead, I suggested she go to Nakhon Si Thammarat airport at a time when one of their flights was expected, and speak to a member of Nokair staff on duty, and ask if she could book a flight and pay by cash. This she was able to do, so at least she will get to Bangkok, so now we have to organise flights back. I will speak to Nokair at Bangkok Airport, whilst in transit to find out how I can book a ticket for her whilst in Thailand. If I get any useful informaton, I will pass this on after I return in mid-January. Thanks to all those who gave useful suggestions.

Further to my last entry, I can now update this topic. It would appear that you can go to any Nokair ticket desk at any airport in Thailand and book any flight with Nokair and pay by cash, if your credit card is not accepted. I purchased return tickets Bangkok-Nakhon Si Thammarat at Chiang Mai airport for my friend. Also, you can call 1318 and make a telephone booking. You will be given a reference number and have 12 hours to make payment. I took this reference number to the local 711 store and they sorted ticket out immediately. It costs about 50 baht more to do it through 711. Also for information, if you book Nokplus, you get a seat in what would have been business class, a cake, soft drink and newspaper, and there are no charges for changing bookings. Well worth the extra 500 baht! I hope this latest update is useful.

Bangkok is a multi-cultural city, so I am surprised, given the number of tragic terrorist attacks around the world in recent years, that the city has not been targeted before. Thankfully, the incidents today have been comparatively minor, but still they create victims, not only the physically injured, but the many thousands of others that for the next few days will have to decide whether to stick to their planned routines, or stay at home through fear. I live on the outskirts of London, and know that after the bombings on public transport, thousands of people stopped using the services, but after a while, when things quietened down, most people went back to their normal routines, and so it will be in Thailand.

I shall be in Bangkok in 10 days, by which time, hopefully things will have calmed down. In the meantime, my condolences to the victims, their families and friends. To everyone else, don't let the b......s get you down. Enjoy what is left of 2006, and let's hope that 2007 will be a much better year for everybody,wherever you are. Sawati bee mai.

Having instigated this topic, I am just updating the situation. I tried again to book with my credit card but was refused, as there are no facilities to accept international credit cards. I did send an e-mail to the Nokair customer service section, which was returned as could not be sent. A couple of days letter I received a response confirming that they did not accept payment by international credit cards, and suggested my friend telephoned 1318, to make a reservation, be given a reference number, and then use this number to pay from a bank account at an ATM machine. I considered this to be too complicated to explain to my friend over the telephone. Instead, I suggested she go to Nakhon Si Thammarat airport at a time when one of their flights was expected, and speak to a member of Nokair staff on duty, and ask if she could book a flight and pay by cash. This she was able to do, so at least she will get to Bangkok, so now we have to organise flights back. I will speak to Nokair at Bangkok Airport, whilst in transit to find out how I can book a ticket for her whilst in Thailand. If I get any useful informaton, I will pass this on after I return in mid-January. Thanks to all those who gave useful suggestions.

My friend holds a valid ticket with PB Air from Nakhon Si Thammarat-Bangkok on 12 January. Without warning, PB Air have cancelled the service, leaving Nokair as the only carrier between the cities. I live in England and am due to meet my friend at Bangkok Airport on 10 January. The travel agent I use in Bangkok can not book the ticket, and they advised me to book direct with Nokair and pay by credit card. However, when I tried to do so, the transaction could not be completed, presumably, as the card holder, I should be travelling.

Can anyone advise of any way I can book her ticket whilst I am in England. If not how can she book her own ticket. She does not read English or know how to use the internet. I recall seeing somewhere that 711 stores act as a ticket agent for cash payments. Anyone know whether this is true and reliable. Also anyone know if Nokair have an office, apart from at the airport, in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions

I have just returned from Thailand, and my first experiences with Suvarnabhumi Airport. My trip involved direct transit from London to Chiang Mai, arrival as a domestic passenger, meeting domestic and international arriving passengers and departing as an international passenger, so I encountered most of the areas that the average airport user will experience. I list below my experiences, and where possible my advice to ease you on your way.

5 October. Arrived about 15.00 hrs from London Heathrow with connecting flight to Chiang Mai at 17.15 hrs. Baggage checked through for Immigration/Customs clearance at Chiang Mai. I had heard many stories of lost baggage, so it was to my great joy that I saw my bag on the carousel at Chiang Mai, as I queued to have my passport stamped at Chiang Mai airport. At Bangkok, I was pleasantly surprised to find both International and Domestic flights operating from the same building. After exiting the flight from London, on the second floor, I followed the sign for transferring passengers which led to a shopping mall, where International passengers were directed to desks on the left and Domestic passengers to the right. I went to the Domestic check-in desk and it appears I was too early for my flight, so as a Gold card holder with Thai Airways, it was suggested I went up to their lounge on the third floor and return shortly before boarding time. As I followed the signs, I noticed a lot of building work going on in rooms off the corridor. Thai Airways lounge did not have connections for their computers, nor was there a flight indicator screen or a clock in their lounge. There is a flight indicator board just outside the lounge. After passing through the transfer area, I followed the stairs down to the gate for transfer to the aeroplane by bus. Fairly straightforward.

7 October. Arrived from Chiang Mai, slightly late at 18.45 hrs. Had to meet friend arriving from Yangon at 19.30 hrs. and another from Nakhon Si Thammarat at 20.45 hrs., so little scope for delays. It was a long walk from the gate to the baggage hall. Arriving at the baggage hall, I found that there were 5 baggage belts. Flight details were shown in large letters above the centre of each belt. I waited some 20 minutes, but no indication of the correct belt for my baggage. I walked around the hall, coming across a small television screen, showing belt details for all flights. My flight details were shown as belt 1. I walked towards that belt, which was still showing a different flight, but eventually my bag came up, even though my flight was still not showing above the belt. Advice, upon arrival in the baggage hall, first look for the small television screen, situated on the left, as you arrive in the baggage hall to check the correct belt for your flight and then just wait. After collecting my baggage and exiting through Gate A, I had to turn left toward the International arivals section, situated on the same floor. International passengers can exit through two different exits, B and C, some 5 minutes walk apart. I first reached exit B, which had a large arrivals screen above the exit door, and saw details of the Yangon flight above, showing the flight had arrived about 10 minutes earlier. I waited for about 10 minutes before going to the small Information Desk to the right of the exit area. I spoke to one of the ladies to confirm that passengers from Yangon would exit through B. She checked a flight list and thought it more likely to be exit C. I hurried along to C, finding an identical large arrivals screen above the exit, also showing the arrival of the Yangon flight. Eventually my friend appeared and we returned to exit A to await the arrival of my other friend, about a hour later. Although there are several outlets selling snacks and drinks opposite the exit from the baggage hall, none of these has seating. If you want to sit down for a meal or drink whilst awaiting the arrival of someone, you need to go up to the third floor, either by a moving walkway, or by a lift to the right, as you face the exit from A. Advice for meeting passengers. All domestic passengers exit from A on the second floor. International passengers can exit from B or C, depending upon which belt their baggage arrives. Unfortunately, there is no information about this, or which exit passengers will exit from anywhere in the waiting area, so I suggest you consult the information desk outside B. There is not an information desk outside C. Next job was transport to our hotel. As we were 3 passengers with 4 large bags, we opted to use the AOT limousine, which cost 1100 baht to Sukhumvit 4 and took about 45 minutes. Their desks are situated outside the various exit areas. Other taxis are available outside the First floor exit below.

12 October. Departure to London. I opted to go to the airport by hotel taxi - cost 680 baht, 200 more than to Don Muang. Local taxi meters should cost 300-400 baht, but it can prove difficult to persuade a driver to take you. Arriving at the airport, the taxi was directed to the middle lane. It was necessary to cross the road towards the building to collect a baggage trolley. Check-in procedures were fairly simple for Thai Airways. Business and First Class passengers check in at desks in section 2, whilst economy passengers, including Gold card holders, check in at section 4. Baggage is no longer security checked before checking in for your flight. After checking in with the airline, pay your Airport Tax, still 500 baht, at a desk just outside Passport control, clear Immigration and you are in the shopping mall. Airline lounges are to the left. Computers now operational in Thai Airways lounge.

My experiences at Suvarnabhumi have been fairly straightforward. Overall, I think that the set-up will be prove better than at Don Muang, as everything is in the same building, but this does mean a lot of walking. There is a shortage of seating in the waiting areas, and the airport authorities need to address the problem of how to indicate where arriving international passengers will appear. I hope my experiences will be helpful or those yet to use the facilities at the new airport.

I'm sitting in the 1st Class lounge in Doha typing this message... in transit to LGW.

Over zealous staff at BKK made me check in ALL my Hand Luggage even though I had bought a new piece fitting the new 50% reduction now in place on UK flights. I explained that the UK rules were relaxed on Monday/Tuesday, but they were having none of it.

I was given two very small clear plastic carrier bags and told politely but firmly if I could not comply, then I would not be able to board the flight.

So there at the check in desk I had to re-pack all my stuff to the bemused looks of all those behind me. Luckily I had anticipated this and had a case within my big case, so the job was done in very quick time. But with a 5 hour connection in Doha, having to pack my clean change of clothes and laptop was not fun. Thank God I've got a Gold Card to get me in to the 1st class lounge, I'd be going crazy right now.

My point is that there seems to be a total confusion over this whole matter. The UK authorities have clearly stated that bags of 45x35x16 cms are now allowed, but no liquids other than prescription medicines and baby milk. Why then was there all the confusion at Don Muang on the afternoon of 17th?!!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/4795337.stm

This is the link to the BBC's advice on the revised hand baggage rules. Seeing everyone else boarding with the usual ruck sacks and suitcases infuriated me even more. Apparantly only London bound passengers had to endure the plastic bag treatment!

I am trying to organise a visit of a friend from Myanmar to meet me in Bangkok in October. Although I can provide most of the information the Thai visa office require, by e-mail, they may want to see original copies of hotel bookings, invitation letters etc. I shall be in Bangkok next week, and should be grateful for any information/recommendations on the best way to send these documents. They have no value, but I don't want them to get lost/delayed in Thailand. Thanks.

Could the reason for the clamp-down be complaints from the mamasans that barfines are down due to the customers watching the football?

Seriously, I was in Thailand for part of the 1990 World Cup, when again some matches started at 2.00 a.m. Even in those more enlightened times, there was often a rush at half-time to find a bar staying open after 3.00 a.m. for the second half. I recall ending up in one of the small bars in Walking Street to watch the second half, and extra time, of England v Cameroons. I think I left the bar at about 4.45 a.m. I had started watching the match in one of the bars in Soi Diamond, which had big banners saying they were showing the match. I thought I was in heaven. Beer in hand, scantily-clad ladies dancing on stage, a girl on my lap, rock music blaring out and football on a big screen. Unfortunately, this came to a sudden end when, without warning, the bar closed at 3.00 a.m., just as the second half was about to start. Personally, I am more likely to stay awake if I am drinking a beer than if I am propped up on my bed. For those who like to watch football, I hope a compromise can be reached.

Thank you for your prompt and varied replies.

Dragonman - I will read up about usufruct, which appears to solve any problem of inheritance.

Simmo - I am not a naive tourist, having visited Thailand more than 70 times since 1988. Indeed, it is me who should be grateful that my girlfriend wants to be with me, as she is fully aware I am married. Before making any long-term commitment, I gave her many opportunities to end our relationship, because I felt that she was wasting her life with me, but for whatever reason, she is happy to see me for 6-7 weeks per year, as my mia noi. In return, I want to make her life comfortable. After she returned to Nakhon Si Thammarat to look after her sick father, I found on a visit to the family, that she had been sleeping on the floor of a very small wooden building on stilts, which had no windows, door or toilet. She had never mentioned this. Once I found out, I arranged for her to rent a house pending her own house being built. Finally, I firmly believe that my girlfriend is different from the norm. Yes she likes beautiful things, but she comes from Nakhon Si Thammarat, where there are not too many distractions, and hardly a farang in sight. I have no objection to her visiting the local discos and karaoke bars, but she always takes her brother, who makes sure none of the local men get too close.

Guesthouse - I have noted your suggestion. Personally, having visited Nakhon Si Thammarat on two occasions, I have no desire to live there on a permanent basis. It rains for most of the year and there is very little entertainment. If I ever do move to Thailand, I would look at somewhere like Hua Hin. I will discuss your suggestion with her next visit, before we commit ourselves to building on her land. Maybe we could keep the land and buy elsewhere.

Bobrcb

I have spent a few hours going through various topics relating to house building in Thailand, and whilst I have gleaned a lot of new information, I am still undecided on the best way to proceed. Two years ago, I bought land in Nakhon Si Thammarat in my girlfriend's name, and recently we have prepared the land so that we can build a two-storey house next year. I will continue to live in England for most of the year and she would visit me in Bangkok when I come to Thailand, so the house is to provide comfort for her and her widowed father. I was aware that I could not own the land and that a foreign husband had virtually no rights over property in his Thai wife's name. I also knew of the forming of a company way of having some control over the property, but as I understand from some of the discussions, there appears to be different rules when a couple are not married. If indeed this is the case, I would appreciate advice on whether it would be in my best interests to arrange a 30 year lease in my name, if this is possible, or simply have everything in my girlfriend's name. If I arranged a lease, would my girlfriend automatically inherit the house after 30 years, or if I died, as it is on her land, or would she have to arrange a new lease? Assuming I am still alive in 30 years, (I would be 86), I would not bother on a new lease in my name, as I feel she would have earned the house, if she stays in contact that long. Despite the age gap, we have a good relationship and I have no doubts that she will continue to see me, as I provide her with a good monthly income enabling her not to have to work, so I am happy to spend this money on her. Whilst I trust her, there is always the possibility of family pressure to sell up and pocket the money, or she may die before me, so for these reasons, having some hold on the property might prove useful. I would welcome the advice of the experts out there.

Bobrcb

i dont know  if its exist or not

i just found  other  tel. no.

(0) 2261 0426

(0) 2259 2878

(0) 2258 7010

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Thank you. If I don't get any firm information, I'll give those numbers a try.

Bobrcb

i dont know  if its exist or not

i just found  other  tel. no.

(0) 2261 0426

(0) 2259 2878

(0) 2258 7010

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have read about Imageries restaurant, off soi 24, Sukhumvit, in connection with a lesbian-friendly atmosphere. However, I also saw reports of good food and live music. I tried to telephone the restaurant some months back, but the published telephone number was unobtainable. Grateful if someone could let me know whether it still exists, and if so, whether it is necessary to book in advance if you want to eat there. I am back in Bangkok in 2 weeks and thought I might give it a try.

Bobrcb