quandow

. . . and tourism is going to rise 500%. Ah, the readers of crystal balls!

I have a credit union back in the states where my direct deposit pension goes every month. I have a Bangkok Bank account which is one of the accounts I have set up to receive transfers via internet. EVERY month, I go online to my credit union and transfer what amount I think I will need for the month. It costs $2.00 U.S., takes about five days, and I get a decent exchange rate, typically between 29 and 30 baht to the dollar. I then take my atm card and withdraw what I need. VERY hassle-free. SWIFT transfers in my experience cost at least 500 baht regardless of the amount, as well as the time it takes to go to the bank, sit in line, try to apply my limited Thai to the conversation, etc. My $.02 worth.

Anyone remember Softscrub and REAL sponges? Also, Lipton's onion soup (major part of the "GM Diet"). THESE are the items that last filled my bags on my return trip.

Be interesting to scrutinize the busting authorities' computers and households. I'd bet dollars to donuts they all have pirated stuff in their homes ....software in their computers, DVDs, etc.

Fact is, we all have pirated stuff around the house. I'm not justifying it, but it's just the way things are. And yes, it can get overdone, and there are inherent problems. Pirated software often has malware, pirated DVD's are often poor quality (I've got a Johnny Depp DVD which spells his name on the cover; 'Johnny Deep').

I also produce copyrighted material: several books, some music, and an audio book, - so am concerned about piracy from the other end of the trough. I'm not big selling author, but even the little guys (like me) don't want their material copied and sold cheap - particularly if the copies are poor quality.

The other side of the coin are the stratopheric residuals paid to entertainment stars - some making tens of millions per year. For most people, there perhaps no such thing as 'too rich' but come on, a million dollars per 1 hour episode for acting in a sit-com!? It's factoids like that which make it ok, in my view, for impoverished folks to get some entertaining DVD for $1 instead of $15.

I tried one time to buy a REAL, LEGITIMATE copy of Windows XP Media version operating system and could not find one!!!

I've been teaching in Thailand over four years now, and understand the frustration felt by all.

From the students' perspective: they will pass their courses whether they work or not. It is an All Pass System here, they cannot fail. And, even if they apply themselves and graduate from a Thai university, the best they can hope for (unless they have influential family connections) is a menial job that will pay top about 15k baht/month. As a result, why bother trying?

From the teachers' perspective: regardless how hard we work, we are not given positive recognition, we cannot let a student fail regardless of their effort or attitude, and their seems to be no logic to decisions made that affect both students and teachers. As a result, why bother trying?

See a recurring theme here?

It's heart-breaking to see the level of corruption at the principal level - 1 million baht to secure your position?!?!? I am surprised that this story has been allowed to venture onto the internet and wouldn't be surprised if it gets shut down.

Can't find proper burritos and tortillas.

Gillette clear gel deodorant is HORRIBLY overpriced. I make a trip back to the states and buy a year's supply from Costco.

Have you ever seen "Softscrub" here? same deal, buy a year's worth and bring it back. Same as REAL sponges.

Having said that, I STILL LOVE IT HERE!!!

How many people do you see fighting to get OUT of the U.S. of A.?

The produce (fresh fruits and vegetables) at Big C are noticeably inferior to CarreFour. This is a step backwards.

And this country wants to go NUCLEAR.

(In the voice of Homer Simpson) "Nuculur," not "nuclear." Hee hee hee . . .

I have found, particularly with ScubaPro, that buying big-ticket items is always cheaper in the states. I've been teaching Scuba in Thailand for four years and make annual visits to relatives in California, where I do my upgrades and replacements. The dive shop I've worked with cannot compete (or, so they tell me) because import taxes are so high.

Best regards,

Keith

PADI MSDT/IDCS

I worked at Sarasas for two years. Facial hair was absolutely forbidden. Period. Shave or leave.

Check about working with the Sarasas School System. Though they have their issues, visas, pay, and integrity concerning both was never a problem the two years I worked there.

Had a similar problem, uninstalled then reinstalled FF, problem "solved."

I live in Jomtien, and get a consistent 3-4 mb from 3BB (I pay for 5 ha ha). They were down hard here about a month ago, my friends and I had no connection for four days. When the tech showed up, he tested my router, then went outside my apartment complex for about 15 minutes. When he returned, it was back up again. I have NO idea what he did or what the solution could possible have been. All I know is it's back.

Do you still pay the tea money? I can't imagine EITHER country agreeing to ending that!

I've flown China Air for five years, they seem ok. They did change their requirements for upgrades, so I don't get offered the use of their lounge nor frequent flier upgrades any more based on my flying habits. I was upset about that, but what is one to do?

And tourism is gonna rise 500% . . .

I've been teaching in Thailand for four years and the last two of them I've been trying to get a job in Vietnam. From virtually EVERY teacher I've chatted with, once they get a job in Vietnam they stay there. Thailand isn't bad, but I've heard nothing but praise for working in Vietnam. Good luck!

There are businesses in the U.S. that specialize in this process - don't know of other countries though I have a friend who says he's used a similar outfit in Scotland. This is certainly one of those "grey" areas where you have to let your conscience be your guide.

I struggled for more than four years trying to get visa information from web sites, armchair attorneys and even hired an agent (21,000 baht for a retirement visa which THEY screwed up and I subsequently lost three months later!). I finally went to my embassy and recommend you do the same. At first. my embassy told me I needed to go to Thai immigration. I explained that, due to misinformation and mistakes from the Jomtien immigration office, I was not going to leave until they told me in detail what was needed for my visa. I was very polite, but firm, and once they saw my set-jaw determination, they brought up another assistant who cheerfully answered my questions and helped me with all details necessary. I now have an HONEST, guilt-free passport. Go to the experts! That's what they get paid to do . . .

By the way, the "agent" I hired said they would fix THEIR mistake for an additional 19,000 baht. To correct it myself took one day (trip to Bangkok for the embassy) and a total of 7,100 baht. I saved about 12,000 baht AND learned the right way to save this amount every year.

I've used the airport since it opened, I've never had a problem. Now, AMERICAN airports are a different story . . .