adamokeefe

RIP....so sad.

It's the same bungee operator in this story from 2009: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/oct/05/briton-survives-bungee-fall-thailand

I wonder if the fine for deaths is bigger than allowing nudity...

@ adamokeefe

I've posted this before, and so have many others - you have 2 accounts with the same bank.

One account does not have an ATM card attached to it, the other account does.

You set up internet banking.

The bulk of your money is in the account that does not have an ATM card. Small day to day living money is in the account that does have an ATM card.

You just keep topping up the day to day living account from the other account that has the bulk of your money, over the internet, as you need it.

This will not stop your card being skimmed, but it will stop the bulk of your money being stolen.

I already did what you're suggesting. And I read your posts and agree to a point that's its a good way.

I have more than 2 accounts actually, and use one to 'hold' money and one to 'spend'.

But your system is STILL flawed, as I found out - I don't even want to lose a 'small' amount of my money - its my money.

If you are even skimmed for 5k from an ATM/debit card you've lost that money. I didn't lose the 'bulk' of my money, but I still lost some of MY money.

Reason I say the best way I can think is to have an account without card and a Thai credit card is better than what you suggest is that the Visa/Master credit card will be insured better for fraud and more likely to pay it back without as much hassle. Or has anyone had issues with fraud from credit cards in the same way?

And to be honest, what makes you feel secure about internet banking??

As I stated in my post, this method will not stop your card from being skimmed, but will minimise your loss. It's not "flawed" - it's a way to minimise your exposure to the amount that can be stolen. I never stated it was 100% safe.

Of course, the loss of even 1 baht is crime.

I do not have a Thai credit card. I have a Thai debit card. I can't post any experience on this, but I would suggest that a Thai bank would give you some grief from missing credit card money, the same way they would give you grief over missing your own money that has been skimmed. I realise you are talking about "credit" funds, but I believe you can do "cash advances" on the credit card, at an ATM, so the skimmers still caputure your data and take the money.

At the end of the day, it's very inconvenient to not have an ATM card and to resort to over the counter transactions, which in all probability, will be larger withdrawals - so, you now have the risk of armed robbery, assaulted and robbed, pickpocketed, bag snatched or your house being broken into.

Other things you can do to try to minimise the risk with ATM card use is, obviously, check out the ATM for skimming equipment. Yes, they are difficult to spot, but look carefully. Stand across the road for a few minutes and watch other people use the ATM - do you see anyone suspicious coming and going from the ATM after someone has used the machine. Use an ATM inside a shopping centre that has security guards and CCTV.

In relation to internet banking. I always internet bank in the privacy of my own home - no CCTV looking at my keyboard. I always use my own computer - never a public computer in an internet cafe. I always keep my anti-virus/spy/malware up to date. I use internet banking with conjunction with a "one time password" (OTP) sent to my mobile phone. So, even if my internet bank account is hacked, no money can be moved unless they also have my mobile phone.

At the end of the day, nothing will make you 100% safe from criminals. All you can do is try to minimise your risk to loss, and the impact from that loss if/when it occurs.

Reason I think credit cards may be safer is that they are insured by Visa or Mastercard, rather than the issuing bank? I could well be misinformed about that however. Therefore it's not the bank policy on fraud that's the issue?

Regarding the SMS alerts, one other thing occurred to me - with K-Bank, SCB and Bangkok Bank you can cancel SMS alerts at the ATM. What on earth is the point of that? If they have your card cloned and your PIN, they can disable the SMS alert, change the daily limit and then promptly remove all your cash. Even if you receive an instant message to alert you the SMS service has been cancelled, it's highly unlikely you'll be able to get through to someone at the bank quick enough to cancel the card before they then take out all your cash. Bizarre system indeed.

@ adamokeefe

I've posted this before, and so have many others - you have 2 accounts with the same bank.

One account does not have an ATM card attached to it, the other account does.

You set up internet banking.

The bulk of your money is in the account that does not have an ATM card. Small day to day living money is in the account that does have an ATM card.

You just keep topping up the day to day living account from the other account that has the bulk of your money, over the internet, as you need it.

This will not stop your card being skimmed, but it will stop the bulk of your money being stolen.

I already did what you're suggesting. And I read your posts and agree to a point that's its a good way.

I have more than 2 accounts actually, and use one to 'hold' money and one to 'spend'.

But your system is STILL flawed, as I found out - I don't even want to lose a 'small' amount of my money - its my money.

If you are even skimmed for 5k from an ATM/debit card you've lost that money. I didn't lose the 'bulk' of my money, but I still lost some of MY money.

Reason I say the best way I can think is to have an account without card and a Thai credit card is better than what you suggest is that the Visa/Master credit card will be insured better for fraud and more likely to pay it back without as much hassle. Or has anyone had issues with fraud from credit cards in the same way?

And to be honest, what makes you feel secure about internet banking??

I suggest he reads this story and sees if his situation is similar:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/528145-phuket-atm-scams-even-professionals-get-caught-out/

PS. For 10 baht a month, I get an SMS message when any money is removed or added to my account.

For another 10 baht, I get an SMS message when ever my Internet banking account is logged in.

It does sound useful, but I'm genuinely wondering how much good it would do? I guess you can immediately cancel the card from further withdrawals to avoid the whole account being emptied - but what about that first withdrawal?

Is there anything SCB would do about that?

I found SCB totally useless when I had my card stolen and used fraudulently to take 20k out of my account - thankfully that's all that was in there - 2 years ago. Had a police report to prove my wallet was stolen before the transactions were made but SCB refused to cancel my card when I went into the branch the moment it opened as I couldn't give them my account number (I was on Samui and didn't take my Bangkok branch bank book on holiday) and they "couldn't find me" on the system!!

The thief even made 2 transactions at stores on Koh Samui and Koh Phangnan within 5 minutes of each other - SCB couldn't tell me how the thief managed that either. Never got any money back. UK credit cards were also stolen and used in the same way, money was instantly refunded after a phone call. The fraud department were supposed to 'work together' with Samui police....obviously that was futile.

So, just wondering if notifying them as soon as you get the SMS would help? Honest question, no hint of sarcasm (I know what people are like on here!)

My ATM card is purely an ATM card. It is not a credit or a debit card for the exact reasons you illustrate.

and if skimmed that would not make a bit of difference

Struggling to accept the coincidence of my former posts on this subject, but last week I discovered my ATM ONLY UOB card had been skimmed and the thieves had emptied my account. UOB don't have the SMS alert system by the way.

Upon putting my ATM card in the machine on Thursday last week I was greeted by a balance of 200 baht. Weird, I thought - still in shock...must be some mistake....

Called them up "yes sir, you withdrew all your money last night (Wednesday)"

Me: "No, I didn't"

Them: "Are you sure?"

Me: Yes, I'm certain. "I can even tell you the last time I made a withdrawal and exactly where at exactly what time as I keep receipts"

Them: "I see. Did you have your ATM card with you at all times?"

Me: "Yes."

Them: "And does anyone know your PIN?"

Me: "No."

Them: "Then it's impossible sir, you must have withdrawn - are you sure you didn't forget?"

Amazing! Anyway, after they checked they found out the withdrawals were made down in Songkhla - I live and work in Bangkok - so they are prepared to give me the 'benefit of the doubt' it seems, though it seemed unreasonably difficult to convince them I wasn't at fault here.

Just when you think you're doing all you can (ATM card only to reduce the risk) someone gives you a wake up call.

I have other accounts, and have applied SMS service to all of them, but still not sure how much good that would do.

Best way I can think is to have an account with no cards (as others have suggested) and getting a Thai credit card so its insured by Visa/Mastercard rather than the bank, then paying the balance off each month by going into the branch with passbook and passport.

Time consuming way to live, but it seems the lack of due diligence by Thai banks coupled with their ridiculous lack of insurance for such matters makes it necessary.

I've got my fingers crossed they will reimburse me and am currently jumping through their hoops to make the fraud claims. Next stop, police report.

Just as Candypants says, ATM only or not, no card is safe - I repeat - my card is ATM only as I thought that was safer!

One weird thing about it all is - I got a transaction report and once they'd already cleaned out my account they attempted two more withdrawals...but surely they would have seen the balance after the first withdrawal. So they might be using some system that doesn't work the same way as an ATM card, and doesn't display account information. Or they were just stupid and couldn't add up...but that fact makes such little sense...

I came across this list, don't know how up-to-date it is, nor if it's true, just saw it and thought I'd pass it on in case it helps.

http://www.kobayashi.co.th/Thaigo/sukhumvit/dog-ok-apt.htm

I suggest he reads this story and sees if his situation is similar:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/528145-phuket-atm-scams-even-professionals-get-caught-out/

PS. For 10 baht a month, I get an SMS message when any money is removed or added to my account.

For another 10 baht, I get an SMS message when ever my Internet banking account is logged in.

It does sound useful, but I'm genuinely wondering how much good it would do? I guess you can immediately cancel the card from further withdrawals to avoid the whole account being emptied - but what about that first withdrawal?

Is there anything SCB would do about that?

I found SCB totally useless when I had my card stolen and used fraudulently to take 20k out of my account - thankfully that's all that was in there - 2 years ago. Had a police report to prove my wallet was stolen before the transactions were made but SCB refused to cancel my card when I went into the branch the moment it opened as I couldn't give them my account number (I was on Samui and didn't take my Bangkok branch bank book on holiday) and they "couldn't find me" on the system!!

The thief even made 2 transactions at stores on Koh Samui and Koh Phangnan within 5 minutes of each other - SCB couldn't tell me how the thief managed that either. Never got any money back. UK credit cards were also stolen and used in the same way, money was instantly refunded after a phone call. The fraud department were supposed to 'work together' with Samui police....obviously that was futile.

So, just wondering if notifying them as soon as you get the SMS would help? Honest question, no hint of sarcasm (I know what people are like on here!)

My ATM card is purely an ATM card. It is not a credit or a debit card for the exact reasons you illustrate.

I have too, since that moment - a lesson learnt the hard way. But I'm still wondering what good the alert would do about that initial fraudulent transaction? Anything?

Or is it to stop more from happening?

Once the money's gone there seems to be little hope of getting it back in Thailand

I suggest he reads this story and sees if his situation is similar:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/528145-phuket-atm-scams-even-professionals-get-caught-out/

PS. For 10 baht a month, I get an SMS message when any money is removed or added to my account.

For another 10 baht, I get an SMS message when ever my Internet banking account is logged in.

It does sound useful, but I'm genuinely wondering how much good it would do? I guess you can immediately cancel the card from further withdrawals to avoid the whole account being emptied - but what about that first withdrawal?

Is there anything SCB would do about that?

I found SCB totally useless when I had my card stolen and used fraudulently to take 20k out of my account - thankfully that's all that was in there - 2 years ago. Had a police report to prove my wallet was stolen before the transactions were made but SCB refused to cancel my card when I went into the branch the moment it opened as I couldn't give them my account number (I was on Samui and didn't take my Bangkok branch bank book on holiday) and they "couldn't find me" on the system!!

The thief even made 2 transactions at stores on Koh Samui and Koh Phangnan within 5 minutes of each other - SCB couldn't tell me how the thief managed that either. Never got any money back. UK credit cards were also stolen and used in the same way, money was instantly refunded after a phone call. The fraud department were supposed to 'work together' with Samui police....obviously that was futile.

So, just wondering if notifying them as soon as you get the SMS would help? Honest question, no hint of sarcasm (I know what people are like on here!)

Oh dear..I'm so sorry but I had to laugh at that one.....

Police said the husband fell on top of the woman, causing her to be fatally injured.

no disrespect intended .RIP.....

how is that funny???

No, what caused the accident was a poorly fastened seating...

Seconded. Did they really blame the husband?

The re-assignment of blame and in-ability to take any responsibility here whatsoever knows no bounds.

Amazing Thailand yet again.

RIP and condolences.

The report doesn't apportion blame; it just states what happened. You lot are too paranoid.

The report: "Police said the husband fell on top of the woman, causing her to be fatally injured."

Sorry for Mr. Schmar's loss, and I'm sorry he'll have no recourse to civil justice here in Thailand.

That isn't apportioning blame if its stating what happened! Seat came loose, couple fell, one landed on the other....that's what it says, and that could well be the facts. Why do you assume they are trying to deflect blame? Or were you there and saw it as it happened?

Why do people on this always have to be so quick to bash? Its frankly pathetic and xenophobic.

Hey Johnny Denver... Your rant applies to the U.S. and other farked up western economies more than anywhere else in the world... Good luck elsewhere!

I'm just wondering what power he thinks he has back home - wherever that is.

I don't feel I could change the way of life here any more than I could in the UK, so what's the difference?? Just because I can vote in the UK doesn't mean I can do what I like. I still have to obey the rules and laws whether I like them or not. You think democracy is any swifter to change there than here? You think there's no corruption in the 'West'? You think business dont think money first, people second?

Seemed like a needless rant, more of a release of pressure / stress and getting something off his chest.

I hope it helped, but please don't try to tell me where I should be living and what choices I should be making.

What a trash topic, I would never have made comment in the first place. If the situation is as was stated in the head of the article and reports on the web, then I still stand by the comments I make. Two Russians bumping off another, don't care, end of involvement, through pure lack of interest.

Oz

Yes, it seems you only take an interest when there is the opportunity to have a go at Thai people.

You seem almost disappointed!!

Obviously you have no built up resentment and hostility for Europeans to vent.

This illustrates just how helpful Thai's are not in these situations.

how do you blame to Thai's for not helping? I'm guessing the fact it was a luxury villa in Phuket would indicate most of the guests observing the incident would be foreign, so how exactly can you pick fault with Thais?!

and what exactly, would you have Thai's do in that situation? It sounds like anyone that had tried to intervene would have met the same fate as the poor Swede. Would you die for a stranger?

why do so many people have a go at Thai people all the time?

next you'll be telling me that no-one in England ever gets stabbed, and no-one in the US ever gets shot...

I'm glad there are people who think like you. I'm thai but I come to this site for some interesting reading and insightful comments but lately its been depressing with all this thai-bashing and racist-like comments on every single frikin topic. Thailand was voted the numero uno spot to visit for many years running. Is the reason we are such a highly rated destination because of the food?, the beaches? the unique culture?, good value for your money?, easy going smiling attitude of thais? sex industry? easy access to ganja or various uppers or is it because all you tourists are just sadists yearning for a bunch of psychopaths to mug you at every corner and scam you on jewelry. Constructive criticism is ok but alot of you guys just show how cynical and bitter you are despite being guests in this country. Nobody put a gun to your head and asked you to stay.

ummmm how has what smiley said appeared as if i've said it?

i didnt write any of that bottom paragraph!!

i think its a mistake with the writer quoting me...

can a mod change this please!

name='adamokeefe' timestamp='1312253584' post='4597749']

Lets just say that usually in most cultures they dont attack in packs like mad dogs .

Lets hope its never your turn and you dont get to see people who dont give a shit stand around and watch you die

So thailand has the exclusivity in gang attacks does it? doesnt happen in any other country???

and yes, i hope its never my turn too! what a stupid thing to say. but thanks for not wishing me a brutal death, that's very nice of you. I think we could be friends, you say such nice things. Moron.

i'd hope people step in to help, but SERIOUSLY what would you expect a bell-boy or cleaning lady to do in that situation??? against a gang of 12 armed men? You think they get paid enough to risk their life?

'Lets just say' you're speaking nonsense.

AMBUSHED... they were in the Villa waitng for him, photos show that. The security guard job is to keep people out of the property, they should not have been there in the first place to be able to mug him, 12 Thai guys get it 12, just hanging around for no reason with no business being there apart from alleged revenge.

But, I'm sure after your extensive one year here in Thailand, you would know best, when the honeymoon is over let me know.

Oz

and how long i've been living in one place makes your point how exactly? Am i supposed to agree with you now you've pointed out my residence in this country has been short thus far? Does that make you more right?

are you going to tell me next that your dad is bigger than mine?

This illustrates just how helpful Thai's are not in these situations.

how do you blame to Thai's for not helping? I'm guessing the fact it was a luxury villa in Phuket would indicate most of the guests observing the incident would be foreign, so how exactly can you pick fault with Thais?!

and what exactly, would you have Thai's do in that situation? It sounds like anyone that had tried to intervene would have met the same fate as the poor Swede. Would you die for a stranger?

why do so many people have a go at Thai people all the time?

next you'll be telling me that no-one in England ever gets stabbed, and no-one in the US ever gets shot...

Freelance photographer required to take photos at a charity event at Bistro 33, Sukhumvit 33 on Saturday 11th of June from 1pm-6pm.

Fee negotiable depending on experience.

Please PM me in interested and for more information.

America invented the computer ? I never knew that. Neither does Google. Think most of us would start with Babbage, Turing undoubtedly the Father of modern computing, (but you wouldn't have wanted to claim him anyway, unfortunate proclivities). And English has only achieved global status because of Hollywood and American culture ? You might be in Thailand but not sure about your planet.....

When I said 'the computer,' I should have been more specific (the Personal Computer). Sorry, I thought it would go without saying. And the PC is most definately an American invention (or maybe Apple might want some of the credit). But then it was Microsoft that went ahead and created the famous software (in English) which caught on and captured the world's attention by storm. Now, add the internet (mostly an American invention) to that and you have a world which needs English just to function and keep up. If you think that computers have had no part to play in why people learn English (including American movies, music,, fashion, sports, politics, money, power and so forth), you are just not about to face reality on this planet.

Unbelievable arrogance.

England colonised a large portion of the World, THAT is why English is so widespread. You think that the whole world learned English in a couple of decades? That kids want to know Lady Gaga's lyrics so they study it at University?

Please.

And if you think Windows only operates in English, I'm completely aghast at your ignorance.

As for understanding Philipino or Indian accents - I have trouble sometimes understanding people from the UK! In the far north of England (Cumbria, Tyneside etc) they baffle me sometimes, and I'm English! I had a friend at uni who talked so fast it took us a few weeks to start understanding him :-)

And i also studied with many from India, who had as clear an accent as the Queen. It's always dangerous to generalise these kind of things, everyone is different. Think how many variable accents there are in the UK - not all of them would make learning easy!!

"I don't respect 'farangs'. We

do not have to surrender to them"

the Great Suthet speaks! Abisit would be so much better off without this loose canon ball - what a diplomat! maybe a candidate for the UN Chair?

PS he forget's his boss is an British Passport Holder and his education was in the place 'he doesn't respect'

who is a British passport holder? I do believe that you just made that up. Certainly he was born in UK of Thai parents, and was indeed well educated in the UK, but "British passport holder"/ just not true.

I don't know for sure if he does or not, but the word from my Thai colleagues is that he (Abisit) does indeed hold 2 passports, one of them being British. It's also a source of near embarassment for Thai politics and not something they openly admit, but people do know about it. I repeat however, this is information from my Thai colleagues, I can't say for certain it's true...

I'm in!

Really enojyed last week - despite being severely sick afterwards!! haha

Maybe wont stay for the last hour this time :-)

see you all tomorrow!

Keefy

Hey guys, I'm really up for a game this weekend - is this on this weekend?

Ive not played before, only been in BKK for a few weeks so will be great to meet you all.

I might not get a chance to check this forum again (visa run tomorrow) so if its not too much bother could someone text me a yes if its on and you need players?

0852567322

cheers!

Keefy

When: Sunday 28th November

Time: ** 4pm - 6pm **

at: Arsenal Soccer School,

17/1 Soi Pridi Banomyong 21, Sukhumvit 71 Rd., Phrakhanong, Bangkok 10110

Telephone: 02-711-1221

Google maps link with directions from Prakhanong BTS: http://bit.ly/bqhnTR

Cost: 1500 bht /hr (200 - 300 bht each)

Hi everyone, my name’s Adam, I’m a new editor for Calendar magazine & website here in Bangkok and we’re looking for a willing couple who met here in Thailand to feature in our magazine for our Valentines special and wondered if anyone would be interested in starring in the article!

We are looking for a non-Thai (Ferang) & Thai relationship that has worked, perhaps even ended with a wedding and blissful happiness! This could be both with male Ferang and Thai girl, or vise-versa, and live here in Bangkok.

If you are interested, please get in touch with me at /size][/font][/email] we’re interested in meeting you!

Cheers,

Adam

Hi everyone, my name's Adam, I'm a new editor for Calendar magazine & website here in Bangkok and we're looking for a willing couple who met here in Thailand to feature in our magazine for our Valentines special and wondered if anyone would be interested in starring in the article?

We are looking for a non-Thai (Ferang) & Thai relationship that has worked, perhaps even ended with a wedding and blissful happiness! This could be both with male Ferang and Thai girl, or vise-versa, and live here in Bangkok.

If you are interested, or know someone who might be, please get in touch with me at we're interested in meeting you![/size]

Cheers,

Adam