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pktkid
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Posts posted by pktkid
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For those people living in and around Khon Kaen and Udon Thani. Where do you go for your visa run? Nong Khai? Is it hassle free?
Guys, its possible I will be doing my next visa run via Nong Kai, tied in with a visit to the gals folks.
As I will likely to be stripped of what cash I have by the vulture in laws (im about 2 years in arrears) I wont be staying in Vientiane and will be an "in & out" job. This is my 2nd time I have done the Nong Kai run, last time I obtained a visa from the Laos Consulate in Khon Kaen, im not so sure that I actually needed to do this, especially for my TG ?
Could anyone share any recent experience in this area ?
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I'm off to Bali for few days next week after long time.
In Indonesian Forum there's a Bali boycott after the 20 years jail sentence for an Ausie girl bust.
Anybody been there recently? Is it safe there and still friendly like years ago? Want to stay in Ubud. Maybe any good hotel advice?
Thx
Don't bother with the place. I've been there about 12 times since 1976 when it was completely natural and unspoiled. I won't go again. It's not just the Corby verdict that I'm concerned about (I'm not entirely convinced she's innocent, but the process of her arrest, trial and sentencing was barbaric!) Bali remains a beautiful island, and Ubud a jewel, but the people you encounter now as a tourist do not resemble the special Hindu Balinese of the past.
As it became the richest part of Indonesia the Javanese flocked there in their thousands to take advantage of the tourist riches. They hassel you to the point of madness in their attempts to seperate you from your rupiah and it completely spoils the whole experience.
Another Aussie has just been set up by the drug dealers for a very small amount of hashish and faces 10 years inside. The system allows the dealers to operate untouched, but jumps on the young, dumb druggies who blunder around the world completely forgoing any modican of common sense. This has taken away the charm of interaction with the special, friendly local people. Best to spend your dollars (or what ever) in LOS where the people have and will always retain their own special identity, friendliness and independancy.
Interesting post there croc.
Although not to wish anything bad on Bali's tourism (particularly as we have had our share of troubles in Thailand) lets hope that the tourist and long term expats alike follow you & opt for the wonderful LOS.
In every loss there is a gain !!
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You can do it at Suan Phlu Immigration office in Bangkok.
Could someone tell me where in Bangkok this place is ?
The name is the place. Soi Suan Phlu; going west on South Sathorn Road just after the Oz Embassy and a Shell station turn left and down the Soi about 1km or so - will be on left side after passing a normal police station.
Is this the only one in Bangkok? any nearer to Sukhumvit ?
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Thanks for everybodies help! I will be taking up some of your suggestions. I have also made a website for the Bungalow with all of its details
Too expensive ! I lived in a house that looked exactly like this in the same area off Soi Nub Plan. These places are going for around 13,000 - 15,000 per month unfurnished.
To get 24,000 baht you would need it looking like a palace inside, not just a cheap couch and a couple of beds.
Pattaya mail is best, otherwise being in the UK you will need a good rental agent which are not easy to find, 99% of real estate agents in Pattaya came with zero experience in the industry prior to establishing in Thailand, they will also take a cut (well they wont do it for nothing), normally about 10% !
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Hey guys ...
Looks like from what I've read that this is the place to get the skinny on Phuket. I'm planning on moving over in August and I'm wondering whether I'm better off to rent a hotel/guesthouse place for a couple weeks to a month and look for an apartment (one bed or studio) or just stay in a hotel/guesthouse. Looking to spend 16,000 to 20,000 ($400 to $500 USD) a month or less if it works. Hanging around in town for four months before I pick up a hotel gig in December ...
Any input would be much appreciated ... from what I've read in your posts it looks like staying in Patong is the best bet for a newcomer.
Thanks ... all the best!
Shaun Evans
Toronto, Canada
My recommendation for you would be to stay in a hotel no longer than a couple of months, dont leave it till December to look for somewhere permanent. If you are lucky to find somewhere it will be costly ! If you find somewhere prior to the high season most (and I say most) will not increase the rent at high season ! The biggest mistake people make is they take advantage of low season hotels then they start knocking on doors Oct/Nov expecting opening arms from landlords, take my advice, dont do it !
There are a lot of resorts & hotels in Patong at the moment giving good low season monthly rates but bear in mind these will go up Nov/Dec. Last year I was staying in a beachfront hotel with seaview, swimming pool, daily maid etc... for 10,000 baht a month, they may well be doing it this year but I havent checked !
If you want some examples I will PM you. (And no, im not an agent).
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I received an email this morning from a journalist friend in Thailand that (on what he described as 'Good Authority') a bomb was found in the Car Park of a Central Store in Phuket in the last couple of days.
He added there is a news blackout on the story.
Anyone here heard anything?
I see we have yet another clown on here !!! Moderators, over to you.....
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I've flown them and highly recomend them. Skinny seats but a surprising amount of legroom. Better than many mainline carriers in fact. Very fussy about overweight baggage though.
cv
Agree about the overweight baggage. As I recall, the economy allowance is 15kg and excess is charged at 50baht per kg + VAT. Another reason why I've always gone for Nok Plus (business) which gives you 30kg allowance. Arriving in BKK with about 25kg and then continuing to Chiang Mai with Nok Plus, the extra cost of the Plus ticket covers my baggage excess by itself. Like any budget airline, Nok will look for any way to cut costs but charge for things that a more expensive airline would include - can't blame them for that.
So you get 30k allowance if you go for the Nok plus, will have to bear that one in mind !
Does anyone know what the excess baggage charge is for Bangkok Airways ? I know the allowance is 20K. I have a big journey coming ahead so this will be an important factor for me.
Nok Air are OK but they dont come anywhere near the service that BKK Airways give !
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I looked around for several months before deciding on my current apartment building (I actually stayed here 2 years ago and returned to the same one, unexpectedly!).
For the price and location, I just couldn't find any better: Phayathai Place, RIGHT on the corner by Phayathai BTS. A 35m2 studio with big shower, good views, fridge, TV, carpet, double bed etc. can be had for around the 10,000 mark. I've got a 1 bed 1 living room corner unit for 15,000. I couldn't get anywhere near this standard other places such as Ari, Sukhumvit, Ratchada etc.
Facilities:
Parking space, 24h security/porter, restaurant, laundry, office to pay bills/rent, pool, gym, small "library" for working/reading. Plus, huge windows for amazing views of Baiyoke etc (very important!).
I can give the number of the office who'll show you around, or I know one owner of a studio whom you may get a better price from.
Im looking for somewhere in that area. Carlbkk, have just sent you a PM. Cheers.
keep the suggestions coming everyone !
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Just wanted to add that having done the poipet run a few times both on my own and with JG's, I much prefer JG. They've always left at 7am sharp, never had any trouble and am usually at Petchaburi MRTA at 4pm or so, Bus is great and now has a 42inch plasma screen for when they show a decent movie.
JG sounds good to me ! OK, I have my visa run due soon which I will be doing via Cambodia, as its my 1st time can someone give me a bit of info on JG ? Where do I go to book ?
I have to admit I didnt know I had to get a Cambodian visa 1st, am I right in saying these nice people at JG do all this for you and include the cost of the visa in the price you pay ?
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You can do it at Suan Phlu Immigration office in Bangkok.
Could someone tell me where in Bangkok this place is ?
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Anybody ever gone through the process of extending a Thai driving license in Phuket Town ? My license is now 1 year old and I need to renew it.
Is it the same scenario as 1st time round or will I not be subjected to another day of ###### ?
Im hoping its going to be a simple task of proving that I can still see with both eyes and I havent killed anyone yet, but of course that would be dreaming !
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Im wondering if anyone out there could give me any advice on this subject.
Im in the process of establishing a business in Thailand were the Thai postal system will be heavily relied on.
What I want to know is how secure is the registered/recorded mail system in Thailand ? Is there any firm guarantees that can be legally binding ? Is there any form of compensation for post lost ? Is there a procedure whereas the post can be insured for a certain ammount ?
All post will be internal and not international.
Facts only please if you could, not opinions on Thai postmen being thieving scoundrels ! (that bit I already know).
Cheers.
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Bill has now sold the 2 Black Sheep to an Aussie syndicate. His last day should be 31st July.
Do we agree on 4th July (this year) as a date and 1600 as the time ?
And the venue ?
Or we'll still be posting come songkran......
Is Bill the bald, raving alcoholic who occasionally grabs the mic and trys to sing ? I have only been in there a few times & I kind of guessed this guy was the owner. Havent seen him in there for a while though ??.....
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Could anyone tell me which is the best and most simplest bank to open an account in Bangkok ? The person opening the account only has a tourist visa !
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(Maybe they read TV and are trying to change their reputation
Many a true word spoken in jest, maybe? Looking through the Hull consulate's website again today I found that this has appeared (dated May 2005):
"This office cannot issue a Non-Immigrant Category “B” visa to anyone who is unable to demonstrate they are travelling to Thailand for genuine business purposes. Travelling to Thailand for the purpose of researching the possibility of acquiring or establishing a business there is not considered a legitimate reason for applying for a business visa. Nevertheless such a person can apply to this office for a Non-Immigrant Category “O” visa and when they obtain a job or acquire a business they can apply to Thai Immigration in Bangkok for a Work Permit."
http://www.thaiconsul-uk.com/pdfs/Da%20%20...ness%20Visa.pdf
My italics - and that was near enough the basis (exploring business opportunities) of the Non-Imm B visa I got from them last December (although I do have my own UK company). Makes me think that I wouldn't get the visa on the same basis if I were applying now
Does anyone else get the impression that things are being tightened up generally?
I wouldnt be surprised if these Consulates do tighten up there rules !!!! I see pages and pages of messages about how great Hull is (which it is) but have you thought for one minute that you may be overdoing it ? If someone posts a simple message asking if Hull is a good place is it really necessary for a hundreds of people to reply with such praise ? Do you think for one minute that the Thai authorities are not reading these comments ?
Not surprisingly we are seeing the new article about the B visa rules. This article (which has only just appeared) tells me that the place is already becoming known as a consulate with relaxed attitudes to issuing visas. The only people to blame for this are yourselves for spreading it all over the net !!!
Ever heard the saying, "some things are best kept secret" ?
Everybody, stop it ! Before you mess it up for yourselves & everyone else !!!
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I have been there over a year now
So, which is it pktkid? One year, or, three years as you said on the "Tuk-tuk wars in Patong" thread
Ha ha ! Your spending too much time on here Sir !
I was referring to the place im living in, not Patong itself !
Hey, does it matter ? Hang on, I may have hit a nerve here..... your one of them arent you, the guy who sits in Tourist bars waiting for tourists to polish there egos by saying how lucky you are to live here ?
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Not heard about any farangs being kicked off any land. All the disputes reported in the Bangkok Post relate to navy land and locals who lived there before the navy claimed the land, and still live there.
If you dont have a lawyer check the validity of a title deed before handing over cash then you shouldnt be surprised if you get burned- regardless of location.
Hi Koh Chang farang, you seem like a very helpful chappy ! Just had a look at your website, made me chuckle a bit. Shame more cant be like yours.
Maybe you can help me something, im in the process of doing a website myself mainly for Phuket and was considering having R24 on there, like you say purely to feed the dog (even though it would be nice to fund a boat), anyway, I sent them an e mail to R24 asking for info, until now no reply !
Any tips for me ?
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I guess the presumption is that as the premier tourist destination Patong is bloody expensive. It seems you have found a good, inexpensive setup there. Probably what I need. As a seaview apartment I gather you are up on the hill somewhere? Thanks for giving me more options to bring into the mix.
Yep, up in the hill of peace & tranquillity ! (Yes, even in Patong).
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Hi there,
70,000 Bht per month should be plenty, even living in Patong.
Go to www.phuketgazette.net and look at the classified ads for renting a house.
Phuket is the most expensive place to live in Thailand, and Patong is the most expensive place in Phuket.
You may have to take something a bit smaller for around 12,000 to 15,000 Bht per month.
Thanks Sir for your quick and helpful reply.
I have already scanned many real estate and newspaper sites to get an idea of availability and prices in Phuket. However, I guess I was hoping for more specific thoughts from people who live there regarding expat friendly areas. While not looking to move in next door to anyone reading this, I'd like guidence on particular areas providing a good mixture of low price, recreational facilities, services and the odd friendly Farang face at a local bar.
Croc, I live in Patong which I love ! Done Pattaya, done Samui, Bangkok... Phuket gets the nod for me, in every department. You have certainly made the right choice !
Only down side to Patong is the tourists, not that there is anything wrong with tourists (they are the lifeline of many Phuket business's afterall) but the Thais will treat you like you have just stepped off the boat, the expats can be just as bad !
Many a time in Patong I have had a conversation with a LT expat and nearly every time the 1st thing they will say to you is "Yeah its great isnt it, I live here !" Assuming that the you will be overwhelmed with envy and reply "Oh you lucky bugger, I wish I was you" ! If its friendly expat life you are looking for then (in my opinion) Patong is not the place !
Plus point is in Patong you will never be bored ! Rawai/Chalong is very expat friendly but I would struggle to last more than a week, far too laid back for me !!!
Thanks for a different perspective pktkid. I've always stayed in Patong, love the place and identify with it, but presume costs would put it out of reach for a permanent stay. As you say, you have to choose between a quiet life and never boring. If it's not too intrusive I'd like to know how you afford to live in Patong for the long term.
Terry
It still amazes me to this day the ammount of people who say Patong is expensive, im not sure where they get this info from ! I stay in a brand new seaview apartment in Patong, 9k per month, cable TV, kitchen, aircon & daily maid, sheets/towels supplied and all fully inclusive of electricity and water ! I have been there over a year now and its never gone up, in fact ive even contemplated asking for a reduction !
I have found Patong to be no different from anywhere else, in fact in some places ive found it cheaper ! Theres a lot of competition out there particularly at this point in time. Once the Jungceylon complex is up & running im sure there will be even more !!! As long as you dont spend all your time in Bangla road you will be fine.
70K a month, I live off half that, and thats with a Thai girlfriend in tow !!!
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Hi there,
70,000 Bht per month should be plenty, even living in Patong.
Go to www.phuketgazette.net and look at the classified ads for renting a house.
Phuket is the most expensive place to live in Thailand, and Patong is the most expensive place in Phuket.
You may have to take something a bit smaller for around 12,000 to 15,000 Bht per month.
Thanks Sir for your quick and helpful reply.
I have already scanned many real estate and newspaper sites to get an idea of availability and prices in Phuket. However, I guess I was hoping for more specific thoughts from people who live there regarding expat friendly areas. While not looking to move in next door to anyone reading this, I'd like guidence on particular areas providing a good mixture of low price, recreational facilities, services and the odd friendly Farang face at a local bar.
Croc, I live in Patong which I love ! Done Pattaya, done Samui, Bangkok... Phuket gets the nod for me, in every department. You have certainly made the right choice !
Only down side to Patong is the tourists, not that there is anything wrong with tourists (they are the lifeline of many Phuket business's afterall) but the Thais will treat you like you have just stepped off the boat, the expats can be just as bad !
Many a time in Patong I have had a conversation with a LT expat and nearly every time the 1st thing they will say to you is "Yeah its great isnt it, I live here !" Assuming that the you will be overwhelmed with envy and reply "Oh you lucky bugger, I wish I was you" ! If its friendly expat life you are looking for then (in my opinion) Patong is not the place !
Plus point is in Patong you will never be bored ! Rawai/Chalong is very expat friendly but I would struggle to last more than a week, far too laid back for me !!!
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191,400 baht !! I make that the cost equivalent to 95.7 visa runs !!
Its a faintly pointless calculation because visa runners and similar drifters are not eligible to qualify for PR.
oooohhhhhhh Boris!!!!
Half price if you are married to a Thai.
So if I have a Thai wife its half price ? So can anyone tell me where me can get one of them ?
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I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong but young and cute with any degree is all it takes to get a job teaching in Thailand.....and actually the degree is not absolutely necessary if you are cute enough.
Funny enough, (without sounding gay) he is actually very good looking ! And his English bird hes coming with is a stunner !!
I forgot its the shallow Kingdom of Thailand, the place where your CV wouldnt even get looked at unless it had a photo attached !!!
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If he has a bachelor's degree in accounting and a TEFL certificate, he can get a job without teaching experience. 25K to 30K for starters in Bangkok - okay, let's say 29K to 32K for starters - less in the provinces. He can survive on that, but he can't flourish.
There is a desperate need for people with his actual qualifications, but the work can range from extremely difficult to absolutely impossible. Have him do his own homework here, on dave's esl cafe, and on ajarn.
When you say he is in demand for his qualifications I assume you mean his TEFL ? An accounting degree gained in the UK is hardly much use in Bangkok !
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Can anyone tell me, just how easy is it to get a teaching job in Thailand ?
I have a mate who is coming over in Oct, just done the Tefal thingy (not sure where he did it), very smart, got the degrees and stuff (not teaching though, Accounting), native English, Northern England too so can speak the queens language (e.g. can say "right" without pronouncing it "white"), not a Scouser or a Geordie, youngish (26).... blah, blah
Is Thailand really crying out for teachers and is having a certificate sufficient enough without real work experience ? What sort of salary would he be looking at by starting at the bottom of the ladder ?
Thanks in advance.
Kid
Visa Stamp
in Thai Visas, Residency, and Work Permits
Posted
They do it to keep themselves in a job ! Think about it, next time you are leaving/entering the kingdom it will take longer for them to find the last stamp, thus creating a queue behind you, the bigger the queues the more it justifies them being there !
If every single immigration officer was efficient in ensuring that the stamps where all in order how small would the queues be ? How many would be out of a job ?
That’s my theory anyway