bubba45

The only people who have reason to hate Trump are Mexicans, illegals in the US, and some Muslims. The rest are just crazy haters.....who LOST!  Hahaha!!!

23 hours ago, jonesthebaker said:

you were distraught because you got a sandwich by mistake!  and this is the strangest thing to happen to you.  you must lead a very sheltered life

555, but much deeper than that, baker.  At the time I was taking lessons, studying the alphabet and learning to read.  Knowing communication even amongst Thais is often iffy at best, I decided if I can't order a coffee, what are the odds of ever effectively communicating with them in their language?  Again, considering the natives often have trouble understanding each other.  It was a milestone moment.

Simple one, but one of my favorite stories.  Been here on and off for circa 30 years.  Studied the language, and while I'm far from fluent, I more or less get it.

Was frequenting a coffee shop on the moat in CM a few years back.  Little independent shop, usually not too many customers, at least before noon, and I noted they had a rather high turnover of staff.  

Go in one morning and they come to your table, I ordered a cappuccino (cappuccino-O!).  Off she goes, I'm reading the paper, after about ten minutes I realize no coffee, start looking around and here she comes with a sandwich on a plate.  I look at the sandwich, then I look at her and say "cappuccino-O?" She nods her head and says "cappuccino-O".

So now I'm completely baffled and wondering why I'm spending money on Thai lessons.  I guess the manager heard something awry and decided to investigate.  Lucky for me.  I told her I ordered a cappuccino, and away went the sandwich and I got my coffee.  But I was so distraught after such a cluster that I didn't bother to ask what the heck happened.  To this day I wonder why I got a sandwich, and what kind of sandwich it was.

I pretty much quit studying Thai, too.  Spent my money on a nice espresso machine.  

Give the wires going up to it a good hit with a wood handled ax, you won't feel a thing.  The speaker won't either.  Then there will be silence.

The Christmas Song, Nat King Cole

Really crappy way to go.  Should have just taken the dive and not grabbed anything.

I've used Witopia for years and happy with it.  Check it out.

https://www.witopia.net

Appreciate that, jimmy, that's my inclination.  But I wanted to make sure I was not making a mistake.

Should I have posted this somewhere else?  I see dozens of comments, sometimes, to simple "what's this snake" question.  I would think someone would have a more specific answer in regards to this caterpillar.

Thanks.

I know some people who could have fun with him.  

He's a waste of space.

I'm hoping someone can give some advice regarding the caterpillars pictured below.  This tree is off in a corner of the yard and we just noticed this infestation yesterday.  My question is, can I just wait these out, or are they doing serious damage to the tree? 

Advice appreciated.

A few years back I was on a flight from BKK to Los Angeles, and I was sitting next to a Thai lady that worked in the consulate in L.A.  We got to talking about food and she said she found much of the food in L.A. to be better than Thailand, primarily because of better quality ingredients.  She said the good chefs in the thai part of town took what they learned in Thailand and improved upon it simply with better quality ingredients.

Makes sense to me.  Tough finding good quality ingredients in Thai restaurants, though they are there.  I was at a little place outside Chiang Mai a few weeks back and it was obvious the oil was fresh (deep fried som tam) and the food overall was very good.  But for every one of those I can find ten places where that's not true, and I won't even start with the MSG issue.

With that said, the few times I've eaten thai in the States, it can be iffy.  Again, cooked for local palates, substitution of ingredients with what's local (mainly vegetables).  If you can get the word to the chef you want the real deal, probably have a better chance of getting a more authentic meal.

Assuming he or she knows what they're doing in the first place.

3 hours ago, elviajero said:

Every time you enter you are given permission to stay for a full 60 days.

How many times can you keep leaving and entering?  Seems like a step up from border runs every thirty days.

I have an American friend that's coming for ten weeks.  If he gets a single entry tourist visa before leaving the U.S., then goes for a few days to Cambodia after about 6 weeks then comes back to Thailand, will he get 30 days which would cover him for the duration of his stay?  

He has a return ticket to the States after the ten week stay.  He's trying to figure out the best way to cover a ten week stay.

If I may ask about a METV, I understand it's good for 60 days.  If you leave the country during that time, when you reenter, how many days are you stamped in for upon return?  Let's say you leave for 7 days.

Do you still only get what's left of the 60 days?

Thanks!

I've been fighting this for months. I stream two types of content, sports from the US via MLB and NFL, neither which require VPN. On a good day I get 4mb to 5mb download (DSL). These stream at pretty much HD quality; I use an AppleTV. However, I did find less buffering when I connected the AppleTV to my network via ethernet rather than using wifi. Even though all my equipment is in the same room.

I also stream off Amazon Prime. As most know here's where the problem starts, fooling the provider as to your physical location. Sometimes VPN works (I use VPN on my iPad, then stream from the iPad to AppleTV) but since our friendly hosts crush your vpn connection, in my experience I'm lucky to get .5mb when VPN is activated. However, I have streamed at less than 1mb speeds, with little to no buffering, surprisingly enough. But because of the VPN issues, I have tried something else, a "smart DNS proxy server". There's actually a company based in Bangkok that provides this service, but if you google that term you can find a list of the best ones. I am using the one in BKK. You have to change some settings for your internet, but they explain how to do it on the web site. Best part, you can do a 30 day free trial with some of the companies without giving a credit card number. Try it, if it works, sign up. If not, nothing lost but a little time.

The beauty of this is, unlike VPN, our hosts are not crushing your connection, so you should get your normal download speed. I've had good luck with it and watch Amazon Prime regularly.

Hope this helps.

The Shangri La has a very nice buffet, but not sure if it will have particular items you're looking for. They have an omelette bar and the usual varieties of foods you find at nice hotels at breakfast in Thailand. I stayed there for a while and at there most mornings.

Try these people. They did all the filtration system on my pool (salt water) and I think they do an excellent job. The only person I've ever dealt with there is Tommy, he speaks perfect english.

I've had good service from them.

POOL-TECH CO., LTD.(Thailand HQ)
790 Pracha-Uthid Road, Samsennok,
Huay Kwang, Bangkok 10310
Tel : 0-2274-3484-6, 0-2274-4638, 0-2274-4160
Fax : 0-2274-3486 # 106 / 0-2691-3566
e-mail : [email protected]

I live at Floral Condo pretty much in the heart of CM and all I can get is copper, DSL, 3mb down on a good day. We asked True and 3bb about better service, and they both gave the thai answer: too expensive to run fiber. TIT

Thats crazy because I live in a mooban out here in san sai, out the window can see rice paddies and cows, and a lot of houses here have fiber optic, pretty amazing out in the sticks of san sai we can get it but not in the heart of the city?!

Imagine my shock upon learning this after moving here. 3mb.

I live at Floral Condo pretty much in the heart of CM and all I can get is copper, DSL, 3mb down on a good day. We asked True and 3bb about better service, and they both gave the thai answer: too expensive to run fiber. TIT

It's a great getaway and GOOD, INEXPENSIVE WINE!

Lasted seven years, came back last fall.

Cost of living is cheaper here,

Huh????

.

Please don't edit my posts. Forum rules require you quote them in their entirety.

You know, this particular misperception is an ongoing argument on TV. And it is usually made by people with mediocre job histories, and/or a miserable existence in their homeland, making retiring to Asia and "enjoying" forty baht meals out, 150 baht massages, and 1000 baht "girlfriends," a good deal.

All the foods I like are available here at no up charge. In Thailand they carry a 300% up charge---even before Villa or Foodland grab their own take.

On Friday, I bought a very nice Chilean Malbec, on sale, for $4.19. That's 125 baht. IN LOS, the same wine was close to 700 baht. I bought an excellent cheese on special, thick smoked bacon for a dollar a pound, and a steelhead trout filet for $4 (fresh, not farmed). That's far less than what I paid at Villa.

My gym does not require a membership, and so has no pesky salesman. It has a flat rate of $15 per month. I, like all members, have a key, making it available 24/7.

When I use UPS or FedEx here, they are reliable and reasonable. Nothing gets stolen, or nailed for extra fees.

When I pay a serviceman here to do work on my vehicle, or my lawnmower, or my plumbing or electric, it is almost always done expeditiously, safely and right, the first time. This, as opposed to going through a series of workers who not only don't get it right, but often make a problem worse.

In LOS, I never had my '65 Honda motorbike running correctly, because the mechanics were incompetent or dishonest. Or both. This increases a tradesman's "bargain" rates considerably, making them no longer a bargain.

One time when I went to pick up my bike after some work, I noticed the original Honda seat was replaced by junk, and my seat was on the bike of the mechanic's buddy. When I pointed this out, they did this: . When I insisted they put it back on my bike, they became confrontational. I had to pay a cop to get my seat back. I don't think I have never had that experience at a Honda bike shop in the USA.

I bought a new gas BBQ last week at Home Depot. Regular cost was $99. On sale for $69. What's a gas BBQ in Thailand? I know the answer: about 10,000 baht for junk. The price goes up from there. The dumbbells I bought in LOS? One there cost as much as six here.

If I buy something at most stores here, there is a no-questions-asked return policy. I have returned to the local Smith's Supermarket, a number of items I found unsatisfactory. Always a smile when handing back my money. As such, I am a loyal customer. In November after returning to the States, I was checking out some groceries, and the bill was fifty-some dollars. I jokingly asked the checker if he had any coupons. He reached in his apron pocket, and swiped one across the scanner, and my bill dropped to $32. This is now a regular occurrence.

Gas where I live is almost half the price it is in Thailand. It is lower in other states.

In Thailand used vehicles carry a ridiculous price. Last week, I bought a '66 Chevy Bel Air. It had sat in an old lady's garage for years, and has 38,000 original miles. I paid $3700 for it. Now I have my eye on a '65, fully restored Chev pickup. $7000. Far less than a used pickup in average condition in Thailand. Both are investments that will never lose me money.

The Asian market I shop in Salt Lake City, actually has lower prices than back at Rhek Thum's "fresh market." And they are the same brands.

Here the tennis courts are free, and in good condition.

Here, cops don't stop me when I'm driving legally, unlike Thailand where they attempt to extort money. And here, Avis doesn't even think of extorting me for a pre-existing scratch, when I return a rental to the airport, just because I speak English.

My dentist here does not try to drill out non-existent cavities, nor pull a cracked tooth that can be repaired (if you have good training), nor spends a mere 15 minutes "cleaning" my teeth. Here it takes a solid hour,and is done right, so I only have to go twice a year rather than every couple of months.

This summer I'm out to buy a piece of land and build a vacation home. It's mine when I'm done, though my wife's name will also be on it. And where we are building, land is cheaper per acre than the rubber tree land where I lived in Rhek Thum. Don't believe me? Do your due diligence and research it, and you'll find my claim holds water.

Most of the nutritional products I take that keep me free of those expensive American doctor bills, are not available in Thailand. The few that are, are substantially lower in price here than in LOS. After feeling like crap the past few years, I am once again healthy and have my vitality back. That has great economic value.

The firearms I buy to go hunting and target shooting are at the very least, 1/3 the price they are in Thailand. The books I read are cheaper when new at the store, and a once-read paperback bought at a garage sale is 10 baht.

The tools I will use to build my house, Makita, Ryobi, and Milwaukee, are much less expensive here in the States. And if they break, the warranty work is done locally and in days. Usually they just hand over a new tool. The building material selection is far more diverse here, enabling both short-term and long-term savings.

Are there exceptions? Are there things cheaper in LOS?

Sure. Instant water heaters, air conditioners, unhygienic meals out, short-time"girlfriends," and massages. There are others, such as contact lenses, but as a whole do not measure up to a genuine savings.

Many items may be cheaper, but are built so cheaply they have a crap service life. Water pumps, clothing, and electrical items are a good example. Speaking of clothing, I bought new Levis last month. On sale, plus a coupon, $22 a pair. Good luck with that in LOS.

Want to retire to a warm climate that has reasonable prices? Try Port Charlotte, Florida. Check out the land and housing prices, and all the free services and discounts for seniors. Thailand does not even come close.

Wow, this is a work of art! I may print it and frame it. Thanks for the effort!

If you marry a thai you still can't buy land. You'd have to buy it through her, and it would be hers. It would only be wise to do this with someone you completely trust, and in my opinion that would take a number of years to get to that point. Lots of stories of guys getting married, woman getting the money, then taking off and leaving him with nothing. Happens all the time.

I think Indians in Thailand are like any minority in any country. Think of minorities in India, or maybe lesser castes is a better analogy. People don't like other people for all kinds of reasons, but usually not very valid ones. There are a lot of indians here that run businesses; they are successful. So, they're disliked. And again, Thais like Thais. If you're not Thai, well....

harish, there is a large indian community in bangkok. If you can tap into that, you can probably get better info than you will from this board. But as you may already know, foreigners cannot buy land. Not easy to do what you want to do. Thais not liking indians doesn't have that much to do with it; thais don't like anyone, much, that's not thai.

Good luck.

Have you taken it to an Apple Service Center?

Has there been any movements towards someday introducing some larger notes...like a 5000 or 10,000 baht note?

Buying anything very expensive sure does require a monster stack of 1000 baht notes.

Large value bills increase the reward to risk ratio for counterfeiting & they make money laundering or drug deals easier logistically.

Bank transfers or credit/debit cards etc ... especially in countries like the US or in Europe, but increasingly in this part of the world ... can be used for most large purchases or making payments for large scale business transactions. People who want to make large business transactions solely in cash often are trying to hide something by avoiding bank transactions or a paper trail.

In the US:

The Federal Reserve began taking high-denomination bills out of circulation in 1969, after an executive order by President Nixon (rather than actual legislation passed by Congress). As of May 30, 2009, only 336 $10,000 bills were known to exist; 342 remaining $5,000 bills; and 165,372 remaining $1,000 bills

When combined with concerns about counterfeiting and the use of cash in unlawful activities such as the illegal drug trade and money laundering, it is unlikely that the U.S. government will re-issue large denomination currency in the near future, despite the amount of inflation that has occurred since 1969

Which brings up an interesting point. Maybe it's something about the number 50. Try getting a $50 bill in the U.S. If you get change for $100 they will give you five $20's. Even though a $20 ain't worth much. I'd take a wallet full of 50's over 20's of the equivalent sum any day, whether in Thailand or the U.S. But 20's seem to be the currency of choice.