monsieurhappy

I don't see how the decoder box can be "fake".

If it worked previously it must be a real decoder.

The first ones were made by PACE, the latest are "Sun Moon and Stars"

a Taiwanese company.

As far as I know there has never been a mass change of decoders.

Mine have been changed at various times, but only when I have had minor problems

The thing that has changed in the last 2 years is the smart cards.

Did UBC change yours?

There was change in the encryption codes and that was why a new card was needed.

Call UBC again and ask to speak to the supervisor.  The kids who answer the phones only know the "off pat" answers.

Otherwise you might try talking to a lawyer............

I assume you have the receipts from UBC for the decoder?

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I've just been looking for the instruction book that came with the first decoder we had, to get the name, pretty sure it wasn't one of the ones UBC was officially using. I can't find it, but the decoder that it was changed to is a Technosat IR-7000 made in China by Infosat Co., Ltd. Apart from the problems we had in the first few months, which nearly everybody I spoke to at the time was getting, and which were put right when we took the decoder back to the shop on Sukhumvit Rd., everything seemed in order. We paid our monthly payment at the said shop and they always fixed the problem we had with the decoder. It was after we got the set changed that there were rumours of corruption at this shop ( surely no corruption at UBC!! ) and it was closed down. We then had problems trying to get someone to take our payments, but eventually got some bankslips from UBC and have since paid our monthly installment through the bank. As far as I know, the smart card is the same one we had when we got UBC installed unless it was changed any time without our knowledge.

When the ASEAN conference was on, UBC put out some travel programs on a channel that wasn't used for anything else. My friend told me about these but I couldn't get them on my set. I think at the time I asked UBC and got the usual couldn't care less answer and as the new program only lasted a couple of weeks it wasn't worth following it up. Then came the Olympics and again I couldn't get the tempory program so I started sending emails to UBC service centre. The last one I got back was to say someone from their Chon Buri agents would come out to look at the problem. Needless to say no-one came. As the set is still working I've not bothered too much about it, I can't get the new channels 28 & 29 but as they're only football I'm not worried. But now we have this major channel relocation and I know I'm going to have problems.

I told UBC that we bought the package from the shop on Sukhumvit Rd. and we have receipts on UBC headed paper, the sat. dish has UBC on it and it was all installed by men in UBC uniforms and a UBC vehicle. They just don't want to know. As for seeing a lawyer, it might be cheaper and less frustrating to just cancel the package we have now and sign up for a new rental agreement. Or see the guy who Monty ( thanks ) as suggested.

PS. I was once in the shop on Sukhumvit before it closed and I was talking to a guy from Jomtien who had been sold the same decoder box and was having the same trouble. So there are others who might now be getting the same problems. In fact there have been at least 2 people in my village ( only just learned about these ) who were sold fake boxes. They just cut their losses and took out rental contracts, too long ago to do anything. UBC puts it down to the fact that these shops are run by agents, the shop on Sukhumvit was in fact a subsidary of the agents at Chon Buri and leaves you to sort it out with these agents. After 2 years, do you think it's worth persuing??

Hi,

Got my UBC package 2 years ago when the shop was on Sukhumvit - Pattaya. For some reason, can't remember now, it seemed like a good idea to purchase instead of rent. Paid 20000 bt. for decoder, dish and installation which was delivered and carrried out by UBC personnel. We had a lot of problems but were put right by UBC. Then I realised that my decoder was different from neighbours so when I asked in UBC shop, was told that this was because I bought and they rented. After some more problems they exchanged the decoder box free of charge. This shop on Sukhumvit then closed. Now although we get UBC programs OK, whenever they put out an extra channel, eg. for the Olympics, we don't get it. I emailed the service centre and was told to take the box to the newly opened UBC shop opposite Car4 on Pattaya Klang. There they told me that I had been supplied a fake decoder box. Quite a few emails were exchanged with UBC service centre, but eventually they just stopped answering me with nothing being done on their part. Now I wondering what will happen when the channel relocation moves all my channels around. Anyone have the same problem or know of anyone who can work on these decoders??

Try Nakhorn Phanom. Nice view of the karst mountains in Laos.

There're two hotels within walking distance with similar sounding names.

One is something like "The Maekhong River Grand View Hotel" and I think the other is "River Maekhong view Hotel". This latter one is newer and both are on the road that leads to That Phanom. The latter being the one closest to That Phanom.

I stayed here about 2 years ago and was good for the 900b per night.

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We stayed in the one furthest from Nakorn Phanon, thought it was just called "River View". Anyway, can definitly recommend it although wouldn't exactly call it higher-end. We stayed there about 1 year ago and paid 900 baht per night, the superior rooms were 1800 baht per night but our room was spot on. Rear of hotel overlooking pool, Mekong and Laos. Good restaurant, although a/b was the plasticy type you get everywhere. The night we stayed they had a really good singer in the lounge. Only one problem, not much to do in that area.

Same experience,the copy of the old statement from the embassy this year was deemed sufficient;not sure that next time they will accept it,though!TiT.

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It's s*ds law that if you don't get a new copy of certification of your pension from the embassy you will be asked by immigration for one. As I posted before, 2 people I know have been told at Pattaya soi 8 that lasts years letter will be good for this year. When I produced my letter last Nov. and asked if I could use the same one next Nov. they told me no! I would have to get a new one.

Hi Simbo,

I got my first letter last Nov. Same as you I had previously had 800k in bank. I took with me the original letter from my company to say I was getting a pension ( 2 years old ) Some pay statements, I don't get one every month, so just 2 or 3. P60 from last April. Bank statement - internet copy, shows pension paid into UK bank. This is all that was needed. I don't yet get Gov. pension.

I got to the embassy early ( 9.00am ) don't forget to take ticket for your turn in queue. They told me to pick up letter next day after 9.00am. If you are in hurry, get there earlier as there may be a queue.

I'm pretty sure I paid 1600 baht. but have read someone paying more, so don't know if price as gone up. Best of luck, I also live in Chon Buri. MonsH.

does that mean if you are married to a thai but want to stay on a retirement visa you need only show 400k  , as opposed to 800k for a single man on retirement ???

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They will also want to see some new money coming in each year or a letter from your embassy to verify how much pension you are receiving. 40,000 baht per month is I think the minimum.

Sawadee pe mai to everyone,

Been out here over 2 years now, but really miss a good pint of Pedigree. Even a glass of Everards Old Original would go down a treat. Still, got to make do so it'll have to be Leo. Gone off Chang, don't know why, maybe because it keeps making me fall over. LOL

MonsH

Hi,

I bought a Sport Cruiser 2 years ago and got a handbook in English after waiting 1 month. It's very basic and covers all Hi-lux models. IMO not worth the trouble. Hope you have better luck, let us know if you get an up-to-date handbook.

PS. Bought my truck at Toyota Bara Summit Co. Ltd. Rajadamri Rd. BKK

MonsH

I've seen this happen before on an Acer notebook.  The fix was to take out the battery (with the power unplugged) and put it back in.

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Look's like you were spot on with your diagnosis Firefoxx, Thanks. Seems like his computer had gone into sleep mode but hitting a key did not want to wake it up. Anyway, many thanks and Happy New Year - Sawadee pe mai to you. MonsH

Hi,

I've just received a phone call from my friend in Nakhon Pathom, a bit vague, but wonder if anyone can throw any light on the problem?

He as just opened up his laptop after about a week and received a message from MSN to say there're some updates to download. ( 5 I think he said ) It also said that he could carry on working whilst the data was downloaded.

Now I don't know if it completed the download or not, but at some point switched off and will not let him in again. He says that if he closes the lid, the stand-by light stays on, but when he trys to open the computer - Nothing. Even when connected to the mains.

I've just asked him if he has downloaded Service pack 2 and he says no. Also he is running AVG anti-virus, and they have just brought out a new version of the freeware - he hasn't to his knowledge downloaded this either.

OK, I did say it's a bit vague, but is there any new virus out there that could have caused this problem? I personally think it could be hardware, but I'm no expert and don't know anything about laptops anyway.

I run Win XP Home and have SP 2 installed without any problems ( I think ) on my PC., I also have the new version of AGV running, again without problems, so I'm not much help to him. If anyone has experienced anything similar or has any ideas we would be very grateful, but please speak in laymans terms as we can't get to grips with this so called Geek Talk. Much obliged, MonsH.

Hi,

Does anyone know of any clubs or groups of people who are interested in photography ( nothing too highbrow ) in or near Pattaya? Maybe group trips to photograph places of interest?

Hi Guys,

Re the little gifts for Immigration officals, the lady with the long dark hair who fed all your details onto the computer and asked for 500baht for the "computer" was not there when I renewed my visa in Nov. at Pattaya Soi 8. So nothing was asked for and nothing was offered. I suggest everyone does the same, ie. don't offer. I've heard some guys in the past say it would be worth X 000's baht to get their visa, but remember if one person pays, the rest of us are expected to do the same. Just my 2 pence worth! MonsH.

Thanks for your replies Guys.

I went down on 16 Nov and to get the letter certifying my 2 pensions cost me 1800 baht.

I went in on the first morning and picked it up the next morning. I also had to show my passport and leave the letters. I am afraid that I do not know the cost of EMS postage.

If it urgent it may be better to apply in person as this will only take a couple of days rather than send it by post which may take a week or so depending on where you are.

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The price must have gone up after the 10th Nov. because I'm sure I only paid 1600 baht. I went in on Wed. morning and picked the letter up next day. I didn't ask if they could send it because a friend told me you have to pick it up personally. It would be handy to know if they do post them. Anyway, this same friend who had been getting a fresh letter for his pension each year was told at Pattaya Soi 8 to keep this latest letter as he could use it next year. So when I got my visa, I asked if I could use the letter next year and was told NO! you will need a new one. Anyone know why? No wonder we get confused when everybody gets a different answer!

Hi,

Can anybody give me some info please. I have been logging in to a photo forum for some time now - http://photography-on-the.net/forum/ but since 2 days ago I have just got the message that it cannot be found on this server. Now I know the Thai police are cracking down on porn sites, but this is a totally legit site mainly for users of Canon gear. Thanks in advance for any help. MonsH

I’m off to see my girlfriend for 2 weeks arriving on xmas eve morning. Can anyone recommend any nice, reasonably priced hotels preferably close to the British embassy? Within walking distance if possible.

Also if anyone is looking for a good travel agent in the UK try Benz travel in London. I used them 1st time in July this year and again for this xmas. They are without doubt the least expensive and the guy gives great friendly service.

The guy is called Rajan, his number is 0207-323-7333 email [email protected]

Web Site:  www.benztravel.co.uk

Thanks,

Phil

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Hi Phil,

I've used EURO PARK HOTEL quite a few times. Sukhumvit Soi 1, just accross road from Bumrungrad Hospital. Tel: 02 254 1074 - 5. Nothing special, just clean & quiet. Ample sized rooms with a/c and microwave oven, 1000 baht per night. 10 min. walk to Skytrain, 15 min. to UK Embassy. Used it last at beginning of Nov. for 1 night when I had to visist Embassy. Tried to book again for Nov. 21-23 but was full. So I don't know about Xmas, but worth a try as this was the first time could not get a room. Used it 2 years ago at Xmas, last minute booking, no problem. Hope this helps.

It should be 800K in the bank OR 65K a month income, OR a combination of the two giving a total of 800K a year.

Those of you who already have the 800K may be wasting money with the embassies un-necessarily.

Does anyone have experience of the income letter from the British

Embassy? I would like to change from the lump sum to the income approach.

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I went to the UK embassey 2 weeks ago for the income letter. I took with me the letter I received from my company who pay me my pension, some statements of income ( I don't always get one each month, but only when my pension varies by more than 1 pound, so I had just a few of these ) and also the P60 I received in April to show my previous years income. Beware of one thing, they average out your payments over the previous year and this may not be as much as 12x your present pension. I presented these papers at the desk along with my passport, the girl asked me some questions and told me to come back next day after 9.00am. The cost is 1600 baht. The letter is in English with the amount of pension in GBP, but this was acceptable at Immigration ( they did a quick conversion of currency on a calculator to make sure it was 40,000 baht ) Hope this helps.

Been on my first one year retirement visa  and need to renew it next week. Does anyone know if I need to go and get a medical certificate to do this. Cheers.

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Yes, you can get one from any of the hospitals ( Memorial is the nearest to Soi 8 ) or from any doctor. There is one on 2nd Rd. opposite Tops and about 100 metres up towards Big C. I used this doctor, he gave me a very quick once over, and I do mean quick. 100 Baht and out in 5 mins. You will need the original cert. and 1 copy for your visa. MonsH.

PS. I'm assuming you are in Pattaya, but in any case you still need cert. from doctor.

Hi,

When applying for an extension of stay based on marriage do immigration scrutinize the letter from your bank showing your financial status? Reason I ask is, there will be a couple of payments into my BB account from within Thailand prior to the 400,000 from abroad. Are they likely to grill me about the origin of these funds or are they just interested in the transfer of the 400K?

Cheers

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Hi jackr,

Can't offer you much help here, in my case they seem to check everything with a fine tooth comb, but if other people are to be believed, you could possibly get away with it. One guy I know borrowed nearly all the 800,000 Baht just before his visa and got away with it ( If he's to be believed! ) Best of luck. mons.h.

Hi,

Calmed down a bit now as I have my new 1 year visa. As far as I can tell I have a non immigrant "O" visa, but as it doesn't actually say this, how can you be sure? Is there something that actually says "O" visa? Part of my information as to what was needed for my visa, was an article in the Pattaya Today - 1-15 March 2004 Vol. 3, issue 12, which states a farang married to a Thai will be able to extend a Non-immigrant "O" visa for a year from the date of entry, subject to having at least 400,000 in cash in a Thai savings acc. OR proving an income of at least 40,000 baht a month. See attach.

The Pattaya-immigration web site gives similar info.

What p*sses me off is that the infomation given for the documents needed is not "black & white". I didn't know there was a different form for someone who supports a Thai wife, I thought that as a retiree who supports a Thai wife I would automatically come under the reduced rates. When I first went to Soi 8 on Tues. I had with me all the supporting docs. and my wife. All the guys behind the counter would tell me was " It'll be easier for you if you get a letter from your embassy to prove how much pension you get each month" I think what he meant was, " It'll be easier for them!"

Ken says that the money in the bank acc. as to be transferred from abroad no sooner than 3 months before needed for visa. Where does this info come from? I haven't seen this in writing. My Thai bank acc. never drops below 400,000, so am I supposed to spend this and bring fresh funds in each year? ( No wise cracks about someone else spending it for me! )

All I would like to see is a list of what is needed, as regards docs. and being able to say that I have every doc. on the list, please give me my visa. Instead of a guy behind the counter asking for a copy of something that he knows you haven't got and that you would never have known to get it in the first place.

I went to Bangkok and got the letter from the British Em. that I could have got in the first place if only the full facts were known. Is this being unreasonable? Mons.H

PS. I have copy of article from Pattaya Today, but not sure how to attach it to this letter.

PPS. 2 friends who have also produced letters of certification for their pensions were reputably told at Soi 8 that their letters would be good for next year, whereas I was told that next year I would need to get another letter from the embassy. See what I mean!!

Hi,

Been to Soi 8 today for 3rd. retirement visa. I am married to Thai wife ( nearly 5 years ) so I thought I could get away with 400,000 Baht in bank. Before I have had 800,000 or more but getting fed up with not getting much int. on savings so I thought I would try with less. First off I'm told because you support Thai wife you need different form from retirement visa, so go back to counter where I ask for form. When I tell them I want visa for supporting Thai wife and that I have 400,000 in bank they say "This OK for wife, but what do you live on?" OK, I have pension, but I have to go to embassy for letter to tell them how much I got coming in each month. I can do this and I have enough income, but I mistakenly thought that if you are married to Thai wife the 400,000 only is all you need to show. Seems that you still need 800,000 ( 400,000 baht in bank and pension of 40,000 baht per month ) So how are some people getting away with just having 400,000 baht in bank? Is this my mistake or is there another way of going around this? monsieurhappy

Check out FotoFile

They are on the ground floor of MBK in Bangkok.

They have a good choice of lenses, new and second hand.

The web site gives you a good idea of what is available and prices.

I bought my EOS 10D plus 17-40mm lens there.

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Thanks for the replys guys, looks like a trip to MBK. Sunny, can't help you out, am looking for Macro lens.

Hi Everybody,

I'm new to these forums, but not new to Thailand - been a resident here for 2 years now. Not sure if this is the correct forum for this query but having seen one thread about cameras, thought I'd try. I'm thinking of ordering camera gear from the US where it's much cheaper, but I'm worried about import taxes and also the disappearing post that happens over here. Has anyone bought gear over the internet and had it delivered without too much hassle? I would be using UPS or equivolent.

I bought my camera ( Canon 300D ) here in Thailand at a good price, but such things as lenses etc. are not readily available. Does anyone know if lenses for this camera are available in Bangkok or by mail order from Thailand?

Thanks in advance for any info. monsieurhappy