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55Jay
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Posts posted by 55Jay
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It's a 'medal' opportunity............
If a clunky old aircraft carrier, with three ASW helos aboard manages to find and "sink" a USN submarine before it is "sunk" then it should be tea, crumpets and medals all round!
Quite a few years ago, a group of us were at the Sattahip Navy beach and I could see a portion of the carrier moored around the corner. I was told I wouldn't be allowed on board for a tour, Thai Only. They were happy to sell me a ship's ball cap though.
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CaptHaddock, on 04 Apr 2016 - 19:14, said:55Jay, on 03 Apr 2016 - 20:56, said:
I never paid much attention to Thai credit cards, I use US no fee/cash back card. This thread sent me to BB card site. Wow, they do have some pretty good promotions running, although didn't go through the details. I might have a look at this myself.
Does BB point out that, unlike with US credit cards, you have no statutory protection from credit card fraud with any Thai CC? So, that means you are on the hook for all charges on the card including fraudulent ones. While it's possible that a bank may decide to make you whole in the event of fraud such a step is entirely at their discretion.
No promotion could persuade me to assume such a risk.
Yes ... I had that view when I first came here. Succumbed when I knew that I had to book some flights. Also generally need one to book hotels ... well using booking.com I do. I realize if I drop it, it could be very bad news.
I have made my ATM Card ... ATM machine use only ... and a low daily limit.
Once, whilst I was in a shop with my wife, I gave it to her to give to the cashier whilst I browsed... cashier passed her the slip to sign!! My wife actually looks Thai, because she is, and she definitely doesn't look male. I get an SMS for any payment over 1000thb and I have limited the card to 100,000thb. A credit card is just so useful.
TescoLotus or just about anywhere they never look at the card name, compare signature, if it goes through they are happy.
Indeed. Best I've seen here in Thailand is the clerk won't accept the card if the back isn't signed. So you sign it and they carry on with the transaction. We each have our own credit card with different numbers but same account, and yes, the clerks don't seem to care who signs the slip.
The card we use, Capital One Bank, has a pretty useful program called "Second Look", which picks up on what appear to be double or unusual charges. Instead of blocking the card straight away now, they send an email asking if everything is alright. You can respond directly from the email via two buttons on the screen - All OK or No, This is Not My Charge, which prompts the charge dispute process. They also provide a monthly credit score monitoring email, from which I learned 2 months ago, I've been the victim of "True Name" credit fraud.
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I never paid much attention to Thai credit cards, I use US no fee/cash back card. This thread sent me to BB card site. Wow, they do have some pretty good promotions running, although didn't go through the details. I might have a look at this myself.
Does BB point out that, unlike with US credit cards, you have no statutory protection from credit card fraud with any Thai CC? So, that means you are on the hook for all charges on the card including fraudulent ones. While it's possible that a bank may decide to make you whole in the event of fraud such a step is entirely at their discretion.
No promotion could persuade me to assume such a risk.
Now that you mention it, recall reading that here in the past, maybe that's what put me off previously. Thanks.
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Agreed. A debit card is nothing more than an electronic chequing account. Once the money has been taken from your account it is gone forever, unless the recipient kindly agrees to refund it to you. Debit cards are for people who can't qualify for a credit card.
Well, that's a little unfair. Many people have both, but I "get" what you mean, don't think you meant it as a hard and fast, universal rule.
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I've lived for many years in NYC, then on to Kyoto, San Francisco, LA, Rio and San Juan. I've lectured in many of the major cities in the USA and some in Europe as well as Asia and IndoChina. Love culture and art.. I feel like I'm seeing it, living it, almost everyday now.
Books, currently writing one, almost done, E- book actually on the Treatment of Cognitive Decline with Integrated Medicine. Got one on Diabetes, Probiotics and Arthritis in the "pipeline."
I like that my biggest decision is, "do I go to the pool or the beach today."
My only regret about retiring in Thailand is not having done it sooner...
Reminds me of my Dad, who was skeptical about retirement. About 6 months in, he said to me, "Wow! This retirement thing is pretty neat. Everyone should try it at least once in their lives!".
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Quite a sobering read from Thai Visa, Songkran 2012.
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I have been on a 1 year extension ( either B or O) since 1989
and before that used tourist visas
27 years. Wow! You are definitely in the running.
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I never paid much attention to Thai credit cards, I use US no fee/cash back card. This thread sent me to BB card site. Wow, they do have some pretty good promotions running, although didn't go through the details. I might have a look at this myself.
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I don't wish to sound negative but you VERY qualified friend who is considering a MAJOR job change in addition to a foreign country. Asks you to post on such a limited forum as thaivisa?
Please
I couldn't have said it any better.
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Ok just for a change what about Thailand v the Philippines any one have good or bad thoughts on this I have lived in Thailand for three years but I am considering a change good or bad I do not care
I spent a few years in and out of PI in the late 80's. Only 1 trip since then in 2004. Others have far more updated experience.
But... in general, after my first few trips to Thailand, I "felt" it had its shit together more than PI. It was generally cleaner and I didn't notice daily power and water outages like I had in PI. I like Filipino food but IMO, then and now, Thai is much better. This was before prevalence of internet/cell phones, so no comment on that. The "ladies", at least at that time, seemed more fun here in a way..... Maybe the language barrier saved me from hearing all their problems, which I found a lot of the PI girls would lay on you pretty fast. "My problem".
I felt a bit more at ease here security wise, lacking language skills contribute of course, but was always more "on guard" and aware in PI.
The one + was English lang in PI, and even though I'm not religious, a somewhat familiar backdrop of Catholicism - hypocrisy and all.
When I think about the PI now, it doesn't call to me. But I totally understand wanting a change of scenery. I'm married now so the Thai wife would loose her ever-loving mind if I took off on a PI adventure. LOL.
Good luck and have fun if you do head over that way.
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Cynical would be finding out after a tsunami that they didn't work, and hadn't been tested in years.
So again, they get one JWD pat on the back, hopefully encouraged to follow through with repairs, and even better, test on a regular, routine basis. That may even be the case already, dunno, don't live on Phuket.
A few years back they said they were "tested" every week, no one has ever heard them tested. Ever tsunami exercise they hold, these towers don't all function.
I was afraid that could be the case. Thanks. <sound of shattering, momentary hopefulness>.
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When I lived/worked in the middle east, I went to small town Pennsylvania to visit my dad once after he moved back there. I met relatives/locals, some had attended Temple or Penn State, but for the most part, the average travel portfolio consisted of a trip to New York City, maybe a holiday in Florida, or a once in a lifetime trip to an exotic island in the Caribbean. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
When some asked me where I live, reaction was often surprise...... pause..... then one of two questions, "Wow, isn't it really hot there?" Or, "Why? Oh dear, you should be careful, isn't it dangerous over there?".
Over the first meal of wonderful piles of Polish food, "Jeez Louise, what in heaven's name do you eat over there?", and I name a few Arab and Indian dishes. Chewing, silent pondering, "What the hell is mutton?" I would break the momentary silence with my best Crocodile Dundee, "Yeah, well, you can live on it, but it tastes like s**t! <Laughter>. I follow with, "But on Fridays, I might go to the Mall for a double whopper with cheese at Burger King!" < Boing?> "Ohhhhhh! Really? They have that over there?"
That's about it, unless I offered up some humorous tales to highlight cultural differences. Bum guns and no toilet paper blew their minds.
Maybe they simply never thought about it and don't have a bank of questions at the ready. Maybe I caused them to quietly reflect on their lives, and wonder what could of been had they not turned down some past opportunity to venture out into the world. End of the day, the amusing details of life in the ME had no bearing on or practical use within the confines of their daily lives, and could possibly upset their previously digested assumptions. Could be some parallels to Thais in Thailand? Maybe.
Living in Thailand now, their minds must race with the sinfully decadent possibilities worthy of 3 Hail Mary's. Images of a dark room, the glow of a single red light, me on king sized bed with a pulsating pile of brown skinned women, as I grin like a Cheshire Cat and take another hit off the water bong.
The reality of me sweeping the driveway and mowing the lawn, would probably disappoint, and bore the shit out of them.
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To be perfectly honest, the English font does look like it has been added via MS Paint.
The acknowledgement and retraction from Forabee validates the issue.
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No surprises that the doom and gloom reports previously that military ties would deteriorate would not come to fruition.
Good luck with the joint exercises.
Sorry but, Cobra Gold was scaled back because of the coup, and escalating repression of the media, opposition and freedom of speech.
Doom and gloom and rose tinted glasses aside, the US is fairly confident elections will take place eventually (and another coup), and understands there are "other" issues brewing under the surface. The measured response is appropriate, for now, which also recognizes that China is quick to fill the void should Washington pull back too far.
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I know someone who's going to pay the 20,000 fine and most likely get a 10 year ban on his way out.
And he doesn't really give a <deleted>, as he says (and I agree) it's hardly a compelling and progressive place people are getting banned from.
But yet they came and overstayed for an extensive length of time none the less...
It only took him 5+ years to figure that out. Bravo!
I wonder what compelling/progressive garden spot he's re-locating to from here?
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You may be referring to an issued visa's "Use By" date, which is different than the authorized stay period. The period of stay is valid as long as you show up before the Use By date. Verdad?
Apart from "honest" mistakes, those who have and/or promote the attitude that overstay is a "choice", are 1/2 the problem. It is a "decision", not a "choice" offered by Thai authorities as a means to extend one's stay here. That's why overstay carries punitive measures from day 1. Willful and/or premeditated overstay is willful disobedience of the country's laws and regulations and that IS unethical.
The reason that sounds over the top is the other 1/2 of the problem, for which the blame rests squarely on the lap of an often inconsistent, partially corrupt, lackadaisical Immigration authority. Further, putting a 20,000 Baht cap on the O/S fine creates and virtually encourages a risk vs. reward rationalization decision point. Unless you get banged up, stay as long as you want to.
It's a cavalier, unethical attitude to have, and I would imagine to a Thai I/O, an embarrassing reminder of organizational incompetence and selfish, in-your-face, arrogant western/white privilege.
From The Immigration Act of Thailand 2522:
Section 81 : Any alien who stay in the Kingdom without permission or with permission expired or revoked shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding two years or a fine not exceeding 20,000 Baht or both
So while putting in re-entry bans on persons who overstay their visas or extensions of stay seems to be within the purview of the Bureau of Immigration, changing a specific provision in a Section of the Immigration Act, i.e. raising the maximum fine, maybe is not.
Thanks. I did not say Immigration had the authority to change provisions within law.
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Interesting this was even reported, thus raising her profile in the media. Coconuts did the story but down near the bottom of their article, they quote the Daily News. I clicked on that link, takes you to a Thai article with a blurred out picture of someone (I presume Ms. Hi So) clipping the fingernails of a bed ridden patient.
Thais are commenting in the comment section below that article. I don't read Thai. Be interesting to hear what the gist of the comments are. Any Thai readers here willing to have a look?
I'd be interested to know some of the comments too. Thai readers assemble!
Right. Not intended to gather and throw more rocks at her. I'm interested in what the Thais think. Sometimes they surprise me, sometimes not.
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Does anyone save water in Thailand. I doubt if i can see a water gutter on any roof here on Samui. During the rainy season, the water just pours off the roof directly into the ground and then into the sea. Then just a few months later they are all moaning about no water ! Thais need educating regarding water conservation.
Fairly common up where I am.
I keep a 2,000 and a 1,850 liter tank full of collected rain water as emergency reserve throughout dry season. They are connected to the house water pump, open a valve, take a suction.
My town is virtually out of water, so I've been taking well water delivery by truck the past month. Still keep the two rain water tanks in reserve. So far so good.
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Interesting this was even reported, thus raising her profile in the media. Coconuts did the story but down near the bottom of their article, they quote the Daily News. I clicked on that link, takes you to a Thai article with a blurred out picture of someone (I presume Ms. Hi So) clipping the fingernails of a bed ridden patient.
Thais are commenting in the comment section below that article. I don't read Thai. Be interesting to hear what the gist of the comments are. Any Thai readers here willing to have a look?
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Why would your "friends friend" want to overstay ?
Visas are easily obtained by those who wish to prolong their stay.
I do not know! i too advised my friend's friend to go thru the correct route. I even told my friend that he can get his friend to add me so I can advice accordingly. BUt till today that friend still has not.
They're not easily obtained at all, not all of us are retired, married, or working here, in which case you can obtain extensions within the country.
Having to leave the country to get a new tourist visa isn't 'easy', it's time consuming.
Say someone applied for a 90 day tourist visa (60 days + 30), and accidentally booked a flight thinking the 90 days start when he arrives (they start when the visa is issued), a common mistake, he then has the choice to overstay a few days or fly in and out of the country again to get a 30 day stamp just to stay a few days. Nothing unethical about overstaying in that situation, and it's miles away from the point where you now get blacklisted (90 days overstay).
You may be referring to an issued visa's "Use By" date, which is different than the authorized stay period. The period of stay is valid as long as you show up before the Use By date. Verdad?
Apart from "honest" mistakes, those who have and/or promote the attitude that overstay is a "choice", are 1/2 the problem. It is a "decision", not a "choice" offered by Thai authorities as a means to extend one's stay here. That's why overstay carries punitive measures from day 1. Willful and/or premeditated overstay is willful disobedience of the country's laws and regulations and that IS unethical.
The reason that sounds over the top is the other 1/2 of the problem, for which the blame rests squarely on the lap of an often inconsistent, partially corrupt, lackadaisical Immigration authority. Further, putting a 20,000 Baht cap on the O/S fine creates and virtually encourages a risk vs. reward rationalization decision point. Unless you get banged up, stay as long as you want to.
It's a cavalier, unethical attitude to have, and I would imagine to a Thai I/O, an embarrassing reminder of organizational incompetence and selfish, in-your-face, arrogant western/white privilege.
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So much anti-Chinese nonsense on this thread. The vast majority of them are well-behaved and on the sophisticated end of the scale compared with many Caucasians I see in hotels in many countries ( worst offenders , in my observation, millenniums of various nationalities, eating food from buffets while still standing at it, licking fingers and then picking up utensils...or just straight to the food with fingers, loud mobile phone conversations, Skype meetings while other people are trying to eat breakfast.
Loud, inconsiderate, unpleasant habits, poor personal hygiene, entering hotel lounges in stinking gym clothes, grasping after "free" champagne. It can be seen every day on planes, in airport lounges, at taxi queues, in hotels. Caucasians NOT Chinese.
The funny thing is the farang here tend to ignore their own kind's bad behavior or think it's acceptable but just change it to say chinese and they let loose.
If you take a casual stroll around ThaiVisa forum, you'll find plenty of examples to the contrary.
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I spend most of the year working in Vietnam. The people I think are friendlier than the Thais and I have made quite a few friends. I really enjoy going back to Thailand though, the food in my opinion is way better and the traffic less chaotic outside the city areas. The constant traffic noise in Vietnam does my head in so nice to arrive back in quiet Bangkok. Vietnam has yet to develop customer service skills, partly to do with the culture I think as Thais have a 'service mind' instilled into them. Some things better, some things worse, but I wold prefer to retire in Thailand.
Thailand is "amazing" wrt drivers not blowing their car horns. At first I thought, wow, these people are really calm, must be that Buddhist jai yen thing. Came to understand it's avoiding confrontation with the other guy, who might lose his wig and blow your head off with a 9mm pistol.
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I met this poisonous snake at walking street once. I tried to ignore it, but it kept coming after me. When I finally started running, it spat at me!
What do I do if I have such an encounter again? It was harrowing
Keep 50 Baht note in your pocket. If the snake continues to pursue you, throw it up and behind you, and keep running.
It works on Walking St. snakes, children, Indian tailors, and Mothers-in-Law.
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Sucks being downstream. China's proverbial bunghole.
What to Do When Meeting Cobra
in General Topics
Posted
I saw a Youtube video of a cobra in the common hallway on a high floor in an apartment block, think it was in Texas, USA. I presume someone was keeping it as a pet in their flat and it got out but yes, possible a snake could wind up in a condo tower here. My mate lives in a typical mooban in E. Pattaya, lots of people, cars, dogs about, no vacant land/bush nearby. He discovered a clutch of baby cobras living in a sidewalk level drain pipe on the side of his small garden. Next obvious question...... where's their mother?