Richie23

Yes I did, how naive of me. And there was me thinking the tourist police served a purpose....that'll teach me eh

I'm rarely an OP, but twice in the past 4-6 weeks I've had reason to call the tourist police. Both times I've had no answer. The phone just rings and rings. I've been here on two back to back triple entry tourist visas from thre UK and never had reason to call them until recently. Point being, irrespective of the circumstance, has anyone experienced the same? I'm starting to think, what is the point, other than 'desk' on walking street...

Driving licence has worked for me many times but I hear that it doesn't work everywhere.

I can vouch that is DOES NOT work at the "Kaeng Krachan National Park" about 60K west of Hua Hin. I was livid when I went there and they refused to consider my license when they knew damn well most other national parks do let you in at the Thai price.

The Grand Palace in Bangkok is the worst. They charge 400 baht for falang (or they did last time I went), irregardless of whether or not you have a Thai license and what is really irritating is Thais get in for free.

Tis 500bt these days.. Not worth it IMO

...a hopelessly thought out idea by the powers that be.....

1. Told by them you can register your sim at any 7/11........BS....7/11 staff don't have a clue about this even when you speak Thai to them.

2. (As a poster has already mentioned.....)....people coming in from overseas with a mobile setup for international roaming... what then...??

3. (As another poster mentioned a month ago....)....the security guard as his building was doing a roaring trade at 100b a phone and taking apartment dwellers phones to be registered...using his Thai id card to provide the details for the registration process...????!!!

...and no doubt there will have been/are a lot of other dubious "registrations"

Exactly what is the NBTC trying to achieve...??

"BS" I have done so and I know others that have registered at 7/11 so please don't generalise. Also, whilst there will always be a way around these things I.e 'pay as you go', in general people have a phone that is registered in their home country and the network 'links' mean they can be traced. Thinking about it, maybe this PAYG system should be scrapped altogether? Hmmmm... A contentious issue perhaps, what do you think? As for the guy registering other people's number with his ID card, a good way to earn a few $$ but if the shit hits the fan he'll be in trubs. Well he should be, but then this is Thailand 5555

Personally I used to love going to craven cottage 25 odd years ago when they were a lower league side. I was just a teenager but remember some fans used to run along the terrace in unison with the team attacking/defending haha.. Was nice to sit out in a beer garden on the river to. Good memories

It's not a 5 day trip. I went on a Sunday evening, arrived at the embassy first thing Monday, and collected my visa on the Tuesday. Flew out again weds morning. 3 nights in what was actually a very pleasant city.

I use Tunnelbear. No problems so far. $6.99 per month but I think cheaper if you sign up for a year.

I was there getting a double entry last week. No you do not need to show an onward ticket

You can get a re-entry permit by passport control at suvarnabhumi. Would assume the same at DMK

IMO fox news is an absolute joke. The Television equivalent of 'The Sun' newspaper back in the UK. But then they are owned by the same company I guess. Jokers.

The other half was telling me that some of the protestors camping out are actually getting paid 500bt a day to be there!

I take it your 'other half is a red shirt supporter?

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Nope.. Said she saw some interview on television. A woman said she was getting paid 500bt a day and that she also got paid 500bt a day cple years back protesting for the other side, not caring about the 'cause'. I dunno, maybe she was making it up.

The other half was telling me that some of the protestors camping out are actually getting paid 500bt a day to be there!

Good going, just don't lose heart when it becomes 1kg every 2 weeks. Keep it up and good luck

Jeez.. The OP seems to rate himself. If only she realized how 'lucky' she is to have you eh. Its not difficult mate, just leave. Yes, walk away, change mobile and email if necc.

It's hard to say no to easy work and easy money, I guess. Personally, I would go clean the toilet than let strangers be on top of me.

It's been my experience that the part time college students who bus into Pattaya before tuition is paid try and get to know the customers a bit. Since they are in college the English skills are better and this is easier. Another reason to pay attention in English class; it pays dividends. I agree with you. I think most men would rather be with a lady who was a friend rather than a complete stranger. In the West it is called

a friend with benefits. I think they call it a gik (free) in Thailand or mia noi (paid friend).

A 'gik' is supposed to be free? Jing lor? I must have a word with mine then, because it ain't ever 'free' one way or another..

Money only matters when you don't have any!

No sh*t Sherlock..

Choeng mon has always been a favourite, although like most places it just gets more and more touristy.

What is the matter with young people today ? You are 28 and want to retire in 4-5 years ?

You will get bored , I can promise you that, unless you run a business.

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So very true. I came out here 12 months ago at 41 with the same idea. It was great for the first 6 months but then the boredom set in. You really should consider some kind of business/work to keep the ol grey matter ticking over, even if on a part time basis. It might sound daft, but lounging in the sun, occasional beer and perhaps one of pattaya's finest by your side will get tiresome after awhile. Yep, can't believe I said it either haha.. Good luck.

I don't live in one, but I certainly came here from one

Great post, an enjoyable read. Thank you for sharing your experience.

Can I ask the approx cost of the trip excluding spending money? Thanks..

I think it depends where you live and what your lifestyle expectations are. Sure you can stretch it out for around a year but at the same time in bangkok if you want to go out to bars etc 2-3 times a week it could easily be gone in 2-3 months.

If you want to stick with 'the best restaurant in town' I'd go with Sala Rim Naam at the Mandarin Oriental hotel. It's a royal Thai cuisine set menu along with a traditional Thai show. Not cheap and a tad touristy but personally it's well worth going if you have never been IMO. Have fun!

That's it..I'm off to Isaan! Lol. Nearly a year in Bangkok and I still haven't got used to the heat/humidity. A cold (ish) spell would be great

You mention starting a business, can you not go to thailand and start a business together? I'm in a very similar position and am not quite ready to give in and return to work in the u.k.