thainet

Normally when using an email program on a dial up connection such as 'Outlook Express' you have an 'Incoming Mail-POP3' address such as "loxinfo.co.th" and an 'Outgoing Mail-SMTP' such as "mail.loxinfo etc".

So my question does anyone know what the SMTP address should be when using Maxnet.

The reason I ask is I'd like to use Outlook express at free Wifi points (instead of web based mail).

I presume I'd only need to change the SMTP--not the POP3 address.

Thank you for any expert info on this question.

Well time for my comments again after I certainly stirred up a bunch of interesting posts.

Let's get this out of the way first--Of course it's a bribe and of course it's not 'official' fees and once again I don't condone corruption, BUT this was not what my first post was really about, it was the attitude the OP took with his wife present (whatever he says, she was embarrassed and certainly a loss of face in front of Govt officials even though the official was way out of line---as I said before, he should have compromised with something like (well sir I have 500 baht or perhaps 1000 baht on me and that would have been accepted). Still a payment but everyone is happy and the OP doesn't have to worry for the next month while his visa is under consideration and also perhaps longer when the IMM officials turn up at the school. If this was in Bangkok/Pattaya or Phuket then you'd never be remembered with so many applicants per day, but NAN being so small and with only a few applicants then remembered you will be. For the posters that believe writing letters and making phone calls is going to stop this type of thing, you are sadly mistaken. Recently in a Bangkok Post poll Thai's voted over 80% that official corruption is ok as long as their lives are not affected too much.

Right or wrong you have made yourself visible to the authorities for a receipt--why you as a foreigner (who apparently wants to lead a nice quiet life) needs that kind of hassle is beyond me.

For the record I have had PR for many many years and during the long process leading up to that I had to pay at times and also stand my ground at times, but NEVER pissed off any official at any Govt Dept. Go with the flow and you'll be fine--get all righteous in your ADOPTED country and you deserve to have problems.

Anyway, agree or not agree with me, doesn't really worry me but this philosophy has stood me in good stead in Thailand for 30 odd years.

Cheers for now...T

Just drive about 3 minutes North of the junction of the Hwy 3 and Hwy 36, the flyover just North of Pattaya, E20 is sold at the first petrol station that you see on your left. Big sign giving the goings rates for each fuel - including E20.

I went there yesterday and yes, they do have E20

There is also a station (Can't remember the name) advertising E20 a few km before as you drive towards Bangkok and on the same side of the road as this station.

I never found the station selling E20 on North Pattaya Road

Every gas station in Thailand sells E-20 and E-10 Petrol. I think you need to understand the name of E-20 is 91 gasahol, and the name of E-10 is 95 Gasahol. All the new Toyota's take both. The 95 Gasahol is much better than the 91.

I have a toyota vios, and I use the 95 Gasohol.

Barry

Barry you are very very wrong. Before there was Diesel, 91 octane petrol/gasoline/benzine and 95 petrol/gasoline/benzine. These came leaded and unleaded. There is still these 3 types but they are unleaded and the 95 octane is nearly phased out completely.

So now we have 100% Diesel and B5 diesel (5% bio diesel). We have 100% 91 octane unleaded, 91 octane gasohol (E10-10% bio fuel) and 91 octane gasohol (E20-20% bio fuel) and also 95 octane gasohol (E10-10% bio fuel).

The colours of the pumps usually show you the product type ie: orange is E10 95 gasohol, red is 100% 91 octane etc etc.

Any car that is designated for E20 by the manufacturer, can actually use E20, E10 or 100% 91 octane. Of course the cost gets lower with the gasohols over the 100% 91 octane. Most people don't measure any significant difference with gasohol over normal 91 with everyday driving.

Even though the govt is pushing alternative fuels (E85 is on the cards for 2010/2011) only E10 and B5 is widely available. E20 is plentiful in Bangkok but not in the provinces.

This should clear up all the misconceptions on the subject..You're welcome.

Need to revive this thread and see if I can solicit any more comments on BEST school (just off Sukhumvit-Pattaya Tai).

After reading thru some of the previous posts I think some posters mix up the BEST school (also Burapa English School)

and the Burapa School (on the Burapa golf course). So I'd be interested in any more posts on only BEST (good or bad)

from parents or teachers.

Many thanks...

I had spoke about the BEST!!! Send your kids to the Srisuvit School and use the money what you save for buy a speedboat!!!

Snowgard I do thank you for the comments and as the Srisuvit School website is in Thai perhaps you can answer a few questions for me.

Is the school teaching English as a subject only, or is it the same as BEST and Satit and teaching in both English and Thai (ie: bilingual).

Is it actually a private school (as the two above) and following the Thai Govt curriculum or just a Thai governemnt school.

Any other useful facts would also be appreciated.

Thanks...

Need to revive this thread and see if I can solicit any more comments on BEST school (just off Sukhumvit-Pattaya Tai).

After reading thru some of the previous posts I think some posters mix up the BEST school (also Burapa English School)

and the Burapa School (on the Burapa golf course). So I'd be interested in any more posts on only BEST (good or bad)

from parents or teachers.

Many thanks...

This thread seems to be one of the few that has good information (instead of flaming teachers/headmasters/school owners etc)

so hopefully it'll keep going that way. In light of this a few questions.

BEST (Burapha school)-Most of the bad comments about this school was back in 07/08 but since that time I've heard that it has really picked up (especially in P1 upwards-which is where I'm interested in), so any responses about BEST would be appreciated.

It seems as if the BEST, REPS and SATIT English (ie: bi-lingual) programs are fairly similar in teaching, pricing and amenities, so comments on this wld be more than welcome also. Thanks...

They are not channot from what I understand but they've spent some effort to protect the buyers legally. You should contact Guy to get the tour / details, I've been up to have a look around and it seems very nice. 08-1677-7327.

Seesip--Thank for the info, appreciate the reply.

Have seen the website and the residences look very nice and seem to be a reasonable price.

Not sure if there are actual 'chanoots' or just lease or 'time share' type accomodation.

As my child is starting school at the PREM School soon the above house are only about 5 minutes away so would be ideal.

Any info would be great--thanks.

These are FPV's from Soi 9 police who have been asked by the US Navy/US Embassy to accompany the 'US Shore Patrol' 24 hrs a day while the Navy is on holiday in Pattaya. The FPV's are only there to advise on diffusing situations between military personnel and locals and therefore must be conspicuous.

This concept was initiated about 4 years ago, and as the SOI 9 FPV's number 'over 90 foreign volunteers' then they were the ideal people to accomplish this, especially using the one's that speak Thai. With over 5000 navy personnel around town, us foreign locals should be happy that plans are made in advance to quell problems (maybe the Govt could learn a few lessons from this after yesterday). This initiative was instigated by the Police Chief, US Embassy and Naval Attaches so instead of writing spiteful uninformed posts, maybe you should find out the truth first. The people of Pattaya will be waiting for your apology!!.

I'm curious why the United States Military needs extra or special protection, or help, while in Pattaya?

Are these men not qualified to take care of themselves (and an entire country) and to follow orders from their own commanders without the help of a Pattaya tourist cops?

Your post, while it does clear up the first gents post, confuses me because I thought the United States Military, and correct me if I'm wrong, are pretty capable of taking care of themselves. Because if the in fact can not, why in the **** do we send them abroad in the first place and put them in harms way?

What "problems" would my military cause if the Pattaya falang police were not around to guide them? Furthermore, what do you honestly think a group of older, mostly out of shape, mostly untrained men (Falang police) could do to young men who have been trained to kill?

By assigning tourist police to the United States Military is a slap in the face to them IMHO. It says they are unable to take care of themselves and rely on locals, who are not even real police, to protect and serve them.

However, if you were able to save their lives and keep them of harms way, because we all knows these hookers can be ruthless, then kudos to all of you for doing a job well done! Perhaps then we need to send the Pattaya Tourist Police to Iraq to get that place in order.

BTW... don't take it personal. Just look at it from a real perspective. I just don't see the point.

DEAR TOKAY-----TO CLEAR UP YOUR MISCONCEPTIONS ALSO.

If you had read my first post correctly you wld have seen I said 'help diffuse situations'--NOT protection.

Also if you really knew your Military rules you wld know that any transgression perpetrated on shore leave could be grounds for dismissal or court martial, so in the past the Shore Patrol were not well enough informed of Thai customs and culture to properly diffuse many situations with locals involved and many turned ugly. Therefore the FTPA's (on walking Str only) and the FPV's (in other parts of Pattaya also) are now involved as I described above.

So on the contrary this is ' not a slap in the face' as you so eloquently put it but a 'win win' situation for the Military and the local community as the number of incidents during shore visits are now minimal, plus many sailors/military are saved from very harsh punishment, which lets everyone have a great time.

So as you didn't read my previous properly, I'm correcting you as you asked in the 3rd para of your post as you are wrong.

Cheers...Thainet

I really wish I could just go to sleep following an enjoyable night out in Pattaya. I don't like getting involved in the banter surrounding the expat scene in the city and these days, from previous experience, I'm trying to avoid it. BUT.....

Tonight I was walking with friends down walking street when I couldn't help notice several groups of farangs consisting of one black shirted caucasian accompanied by a group of Americans in white t-shirts. I spoke to one of the Americans who told me he was a member of the Military Police taking care of the estimated thousands of American servicemen currently roaming the streets of Pattaya that night. The frang ion the black shirt was their "police adviser" (sic).

All well and good, maybe. Until I noticed that the black shirted farang (police volunteer), who we are all well accustomed to by now, had somehow been promoted into the ranks of the Boys in Brown. I spotted four farangs clad in a vest with the bold lettering "POLICE" emblazened on both sides of their upper torso together with the very large logo of the Royal Thai Police. "FPV" was printed on the bottom of the vests in (much) smaller lettering.

What the hel_l is going on!!? We are all well aware of the rivalry between between Miller and Colov, but now it seems the one-upmanship is being played out in the insignia department.

There is no doubt whatsoever that the uniforms worn by the foreign police (FPV) in Walking Street tonight identified them as bona fide police.

This has got to stop. Now. I'm sorry, maybe it's just me, but I was sickened by the sight of some farang exerting authority in this manner. Colov 'sand Miller's gangs must be disbanded immediately and a new group of volunteers established to serve all the the police departments together - regular police, Immigration police and Tourist Police.

Miller and Colov, stop your public displays of preening, and establish an organisation that concentrates on assisting the hapless tourists in an altruistic manner, rather than feathering your own nests.

Actually 'Arachne' you should try to avoid posting (as you described) if you don't know the circumstances.

These are FPV's from Soi 9 police who have been asked by the US Navy/US Embassy to accompany the 'US Shore Patrol' 24 hrs a day while the Navy is on holiday in Pattaya. The FPV's are only there to advise on diffusing situations between military personnel and locals and therefore must be conspicuous. This concept was initiated about 4 years ago, and as the SOI 9 FPV's number 'over 90 foreign volunteers' then they were the ideal people to accomplish this, especially using the one's that speak Thai. With over 5000 navy personnel around town, us foreign locals should be happy that plans are made in advance to quell problems (maybe the Govt could learn a few lessons from this after yesterday). This initiative was instigated by the Police Chief, US Embassy and Naval Attaches so instead of writing spiteful uninformed posts, maybe you should find out the truth first. The people of Pattaya will be waiting for your apology!!.

Actually I bumped into the boss yesterday and he had to pay an undisclosed fine and will probably be allowed to reopen after all the ASEAN mess is over, although his new venue on the hill is still going ok.

Apparently Pattaya Immigration detectives (they are part of the Royal Thai Police by the way and have 'carte blanche' juristiction over anything 'farang' related) have been put on notice by the new Immigration Colonel to bust some of the more prominent bars/clubs etc where foreigners definitely play a big part, so this may continue, but who knows. It has also been learn't recently that apparently immigration offices all over Thailand are using foreign overstayers (and with other deportable crimes) to do there inside work for them. If you are an overstayer etc and one shitty deed gets you another few months (or no jail) then most of them will go for it obviously. This is nothing new though as it's been happening for at least 20 years in Bangkok and lately in Chiangmai and Khao San Road with drugs. I would think there are probably hundreds of these type of guys all over Thailand, and if the authorities have your passport what choice do you have. This has also happened in Pattaya over the past few years also with Immigration or Police bringing in guys from other areas and then they disperse as quickly as they came, with no one any the wiser of who they were (I know as we were caught out once). Sad the Thai authorities revert to this and it makes it much harder for us owners to differentiate. Why some places are targeted over others still eludes me after so many years.

Anyway one bright spot is that with so many police deployed for the next week of so with ASEAN, US Military, Songkran and Red Shirts they shld leave the bars alone. Happy Easter to all.

IMO, absolutly immoral and unethical action by any law enforcement group, and certainly those foreign volunteers, if the facts described in the news articles posted by SRJ occurred as described.

I'm sure some Pattaya foreign volunteer police members view this forum. Perhaps some would step up, and justify or explain their side of the story, or at least clarify the facts.

It'd be a first if they did... they haven't previously when it's been posted, but then that's understandable to some degree.

Who'd want to give up such a good and stress-relieving gig? And free, to boot.

< flame snipped >

Go down to WS and talk with the guys on duty, and maybe you'll change your perspective.

And until you do that and possibly see them as extremely helpful and respectful (as I and many other WS owners do) then your

< further flaming snipped >

Cheers for now..

Should be 'GIB'

Anyway not sure where u guys get your information.

The Police ranks all over Thailand (but mainly in the bigger cities) have many female police officers, but they are usually not 'frontline' more administrative, PR etc, but most police stations always have female officers on duty for delicate tasks ( ie: dealing with women that must be searched etc).

Also the Thai Tourist Police have over 40 female officers all over Thailand with many doing street or car duty.

Hope that clears that up so the thread can end on a happy note...Cheers

If you read some of my past posts you'll see where I stand on the FTPA's--They do a great job on WS and probably the FTPA in this thread made a silly choice, but at least he was helping someone and thought he was doing the right thing--as any citizen should do. So that makes me think about the absolutely slanderous words and really bad comments on this thread and others like it (ie: about Condos, Restaurants, certain bars etc etc) worries me.

A lot of people know that Thailand has very harsh slander/libel laws and any person (Thai or Farang) can take a case to the Courts very easily with the right evidence. This evidence can be hearsay, direct slanderous words, emails, photos and myriad of other evidence. A lot of the posts on Thai Visa and other forums (which happened once or twice last year) are extremely slanderous and even if most posters are unknown (hiding behind their forum names) technology can find them, but if not, Thai Visa (or other forums) can also be held accountable (according to the current libel laws) for actually allowing these comments to be posted on a public site (I know this from experience a few years back when someone tried to ridicule and bad mouth my business on WS on another forum). So the recent thread on this subject, the stopVT7 and associated threads, just to name two of the more recent threads are enough evidence for the Thai Courts.

So maybe it's time for all the forums to really monitor the nastiness, innuendos, hatred etc on all the threads before one of them is actually taken to court either by an individual, entity or Company using copies of the threads as evidence. Maybe rule changes for forum posters are in order. I would venture to say that probably over 95% of posters/readers on Thai Visa and other forums are here to garner information and have a good read or laugh, not read derogatory threads (my opinion of course). Anyway I've had my say and hopefully it may lead to some changes.

Hopefully Thai Visa may take this post as as a legitimate grievance against some of the venom that is written these days.

Thank you...Thainet.

Howard thanks for responding to the criticism and clearing up the problem for most of us.

As you know myself and most of the other bar owners on Walking Str think you guys do a fantastic job on Walking Str, as we are the one's that see your work on a daily basis.---We all thank you immensely.

The original poster sounds like the type we get in the bars at times, taking secret or furtive pictures of the girls. They are contrite when we catch them, but you never know what they are going to do with the pix or write about them, so I can understand the TP Officers feeling uncomfortable with this covert action.

Keep up the good work and don't worry about the handful of troublemaker posters.

So Si Racha John you've probably been waiting for me to pounce on you again--which of course I will.

After all your clarifications and 'interesting info' it is even more apparent these days of the personal conflicts you face from

obviously being 'sh__ upon' by higher authorities in the past (which of course are explained in previous posts over the past 2 years).

So once again why do you react so strongly and passionately to FPV and FTPA posts---

Oh I know---maybe you harbour a deep desire to become one but didn't pass the required rationality tests.

'Nanlaew' your recent comments in your last post are refreshing and probably reflect the thoughts of most posters,

except of course the renowned troublemakers..

Simon did not make the cover because Simon (me!) works in Phuket

There was a recent article in The Phuket Post about the Phuket Tourist Police Volunteers, complete with front page photo. Alas, I was considered too ugly/old/whatever etc to grace the front page!

Just as a general comment re uniforms. The Phuket volunteers wear white polo shirt, non-military black trousers and standard black shoes (boots not allowed).

Simon

Very reasonable, non-intimidating, and professional attire.

As well as honesty expressed on earlier threads on the issue of work permits, one wonders why Phuket TPV are so much more reasonably dressed, cordial, honest, and straight-forward than their Pattaya brethren.

-----------------------

SRJ--once again you are pushing this from the sidelines with your comments and Work Permit questions--I answered you over 1 1/2 years ago

So, after reading your "answer" from then... the answer is "No, there are still no work permits for TPV."

Got it. Thank you for the update.

-----------------------

SRJ you must be waiting online for comments to your posts--so sad. No wonder you worry about such trivial things and poke your nose into other peoples business. Get a life lad. Just as a suggestion why not go to WS and talk to the FTPA's--maybe your behind the scenes thinking might change. Over and Out.

I post on here as a very successful 'bar owner' on Walking Str and as some people remember from previous posts I have used the Tourist Police Assistants for 5-6 years to clear up many problems in my bar and around the general area. I obviously also know many of them personally and I assure you their intentions are honourable and helpful. They are very conscientous in trying to clear the problems encountered on Walking Str every night and I (plus many others bar owners on Walking Str) respect their commitment and would hate to see them disband, as there is only 'one' actual policeman on duty every night for the whole of Walking Str due to Police budgets. This is why these stupid mudslinging threads usually populated by shit stirrers gets my hackles up, because without the FTPA's, Walking Str could be a much meaner place. Also as most people realise the Assistants are very well known around most of Pattaya and are very generous with the amount of time they volunteer. They are also well respected by Thai institutions such as TAT, City Hall, BPH and the Walking Street Committee etc. So please get your facts right (or have first hand knowledge as I have) before posting. So get off their backs and have a nice day.

Simon did not make the cover because Simon (me!) works in Phuket

There was a recent article in The Phuket Post about the Phuket Tourist Police Volunteers, complete with front page photo. Alas, I was considered too ugly/old/whatever etc to grace the front page!

Just as a general comment re uniforms. The Phuket volunteers wear white polo shirt, non-military black trousers and standard black shoes (boots not allowed).

Simon

Very reasonable, non-intimidating, and professional attire.

As well as honesty expressed on earlier threads on the issue of work permits, one wonders why Phuket TPV are so much more reasonably dressed, cordial, honest, and straight-forward than their Pattaya brethren.

-----------------------

SRJ--once again you are pushing this from the sidelines with your comments and Work Permit questions--I answered you over 1 1/2 years ago after you kept asking the same boring questions--I now know you are a bitter and frustrated backbencher.

The below is my answer to you in Nov 2007 and the same applies now.

Quote from Nov 07---(Once again I cannot fathom why you are so insistent on this Work permit subject. What business is it of your's if you do not belong to either group. I think there is something else you are hiding to be so aggressive with this subject. From your teacher admission above you've definitely been shit on by somebody so now need to vent your feelings on others--shame on you for being so shallow. I don't blame either of the groups for not discussing these issues with people like you on the forum. As I said if they are happy with their situation (some for more than 5 years) then why can't you be. Bye 4 now...)

-----------------------

Somewhere in this thread (or another one) there is a post regarding 'Chonlada's' coffee shop/restaurant on Siam Country Club rd.

Have ordered twice now from the main courses and what excellent food. Well presented, extremely tasteful and the Lady owner speaks great English and tries to cater to your culinary wishes. Price is very reasonable. Restaurant is very clean also. They will also deliver within a reasonable radius at 'no charge'.

I am not affiliated in any way, just think it's worth a plug, as is the the new excellent 'Courtyard' in the same vicinity.

We are getting spoilt for great nosh of every type on the Darkside now (seems to me we are the "enlightened side" actually.

I am sometimes partial to one particular Mc D burger and have found out an interesting fact.

I presumed all Mc D's in a particular country (ie: USA, Aust,Thailand etc) would have the same pricing for each item.

But as an example my 'Deluxe Cheeseburger' is 48 baht at the Chonburi Highway 7 stop, 49 baht at the North Pattaya Sukhumvit Branch

and 55 baht at the new branch between Soi 5 and Soi 6 on 2nd road.

The Manager told me the different pricing is because of rental prices, ease of getting/retaining staff, delivery costs etc.

So not a great fact but I feel more interesting than many posts on this forum. By the way I think their quickie breakfasts are excellent.

There is an informative interview in this month's Walking Street Journal on the subject of FPVs.

What the f--- have Soi 9 FPV's got to do with the new Pattaya Police Swat Team (under the guidance of the Region 2 Commander). Or are u just making silly innuendos.

Gentlemen thanks for you valuable input.

As I have a 24 hrs reliable maid on site with a covered carport and locked front gate, I don't have any security concerns, only the vehicle.

As of this time I have this plan. Park with car cover, maid will start 2-3 times a month and run the A/C for perhaps 10-15 mins at a time.

What do u think?.

I will need to store a car (late model Corolla) for a period of up to 6 months (while I'm travelling)

Other than disconnecting the 'positive battery cable' and putting a cover over the car, does anyone have any other ideas that maybe beneficial.

Thanks for any help...

Just got back from the site. Some pics of the exterior:

dam_n what a shithole---for all the hype it's received you'd be much better off in a View Talay Condo for 20% of the price.

Eastcoast Real Estate must be very embarrassed to be the main Agent for this cr__.