dalmatian

Although this must be an April fool story I for one would not put it past the powers that be to think something up like this. The issue here is whether it is workable and that's where they always get it wrong in Thailand, it is just impossible to implement.

Prefer Eva to Thai. Have flown both many times.

For me the seating in Eva is better if you are on their 777. They also have seat back TVs which makes a big difference to me. 747s are a bit tired out.

Thai only have seat back TVs if you travel on their A340. Flew the A340 out of London recently but not sure if they will keep it for their summer schedule. Would be good if they do, it operates the lunchtime departure from London which means it operates also on the night flight out of Bangkok.

The seats on the Eva 777 seem to have a slide effect which means if the guy in front puts his seat back and you do the same then the seat pitch still appears to provide the same amount of space for you to be comfortable (except when eating of course).

Take the Emirates EK373 out of Bangkok from 01 June and you will be in the A380. Leaves Bangkok around 2115 and connects with their A380 to London, worth a try. (Not sure if it ops everyday).

Great April Fool.

Just find it interesting that so many people who just can't wait to have a dig at anything Thai actually fell for it!!!

Tickets sold, I am happy fella.

Have got 2 Kylie Monogue tickets for 23 November in Bangkok at Impact arena.

Somebody thought I wanted them but not really my thing. Tickets are front row/end priced at 9500 baht each. Great view.

Would take face value or near offer. They are best priced seats in arena. Would take offers for 1 or both, prefer to be rid of both though. Any interest please contact via forum or [email protected]. Presently in UK but will be in Pattaya early November. Tickets are presently with friend in Pattaya so can be sent on asap or hand delivered to Bangkok/Pattaya

Cheers for any interest

I have just noticed (for the first time) that when using my Kasikorn card to withdraw money outside of Pattaya (in Kasikorn branch ATMs) I am being charged. For Phuket it was 10 baht per transaction, is this new as I have never noticed it before when updating my savings deposit book.

I have also noticed that when using my Nationwide card in Bangkok Bank or Kasikorn I am being charged 20 baht per transaction. Nationwide present no charges so when changing up 20000 baht my statement shows the exchange rate based on 20020 baht. This is new, anybody know if this is normal and how long has this been occuring. Maybe it is something I need to get used to but it has never been mentioned to me by the bank or in writing. Any thoughts!

When my wife changed her British passport from maiden name to married name we went to Pattaya Immigration to enquire about their requirements. We were advised that a letter from the embassy was required to confirm that they in fact were issuing the new passport in exchange for the old passport. When we spoke to the English gentleman at the embassy he told us this appeared to be a requirement only for Jomtien (Pattaya) immigration, however it was easy to obtain without problem and at no cost.

I always try to check with immigration days before any visa/passport changes are made to ensure that I am up to date with their latest requirments and ensuring that our stay at their offices are short and without problems. This has so far worked for me and my wife over the past 6 years.

I voted 'No' although like many others a "Yes" is also a valid vote to a very generalised post.

I have chosen to live in a country where vehicles speed through traffic lights 4 seconds after they have turned red, where the police are stationed at school exits and happily wave schoolchildren through the gates usually with 2-3 young kids to a motorbike with not a helmet in sight and where I am subject to varying degrees of deception by Thai businesses on a regular basis. Do I like it, no! do I have an opinion, yes, do I have a right to criticise, probably not.

The very people we seem to criticise are usually the very people who can't help themselves, they just don't know any different. It's not their fault, they have been brought up not to question and only 'do as I say'. If it is to change to keep all us expats 'off their backs' then maybe it should start at school with education of what should be accepted as making a better country for all. There just has never been a willingness on the powers that be to educate the young or to enforce the laws (and there are laws).

I read the Pattaya Mail regularly and it is always full of critical sounding off, interesting read but unlikely to have any bearing on what will take place in the future. The fact is that criticism will only push change if it is at a federal/government level and that is unlikely to be made effective by foreigners making critical comments about everything they perceive to be wrong. The powers don't listen. Of course if we all moved enmasse out of Thailand it make make them think a little, probably not!

At a local level a lot can be done, most expats have girlfriends/wives/boyfriends that could speak out but what do you think they will say. The usual answer is 'don't get me involved', 'I am ok' or 'none of my business'. It is just a natural pastime of expats to speak out, sometimes positively, more often negatively because we have always had that luxury of free speech. Around my local area though some Thais are speaking out, councils have been set up to look at how to improve the living conditions for all residents, will that keep me happy, unlikely at first but small steps, small steps! It just does not improve the overall satisfaction of expats because these areas of improvement are very localised, not on a national level. Have you got water, some have, some don't. Have you got potholes in your roads, some do, some don't. Just luck of the draw.

It is obvious from the threads that some people are prepared for the culture shock of such a transition to a country like Thailand but quite a few, although happy to leave their own country, have not adapted so well and wish to install their safe way of life backhome on their new surroundings. It may happen someday but certainly not today so enjoy life if you can.

This is a great country, it does take a while to deal with the excentricities of the Thai way of life but I for one am happy I am here. Will I continue to bore my friends over a few drinks with my opinions, you bet, isn't that what we expats excel at!

I find this thred interesting.

I go to many movies (usually at the Major Cineplex) with my wife (English) and had intended on seeing this one. Noticed it appeared to be a Chinese type action movie but the actors were Jackie Chan and Jet Li so checked the advert both within the pay counter area and at the bottom of the escalator (advertising board) and both said 'Soundtrack' with Thai subtitles. Soundtrack always relates to English audio, well it always has in the past. Did check the bio for the film on the net and again it mentioned that it was produced in English.

In the end didn't get to see the film as had to go to Phuket and when we came back it had stopped showing. The point though is it has not got anything to do with whether we are in UK or Thailand, the fact is the film was advertised as having audio in English so somebody made a big error within the management at the cinema. The only truth within these posts is that 'This Is Thailand' so everybody knows that all you will get is a smile and no more. That's not cynical, that is fact! No Thai subtitles needed.

Thanks guys for the heads up on your experience.

Being a little bit dim, where internet speak is concerned, I need to understand a little bit more about this lack of ability of port forwarding/incoming connections usage.

Is the port forwarding related to the ability to have laptop functionality/conection in a hotspot, is it that the IP address is at the providers router so that's why I could not use Supernet via a hotspot because a laptop would not carry a dedicated IP address...... If I sound like I know what I'm talking about then, trust me, I don't but I am learning snippets of internet speak as we go! WOULD APPRECIATE A LAYMANS ANSWER TO WHAT I TRIED TO SAY ABOVE.

For present I have a landlocked desktop PC, usage is basically to read email (hotmail), surf the web and book/pay online for hotels, airlines etc. Probably would want to download some songs/films etc as well. If it still allows all those functions then probably ok for me. Webcams etc are not really my bag, are there any other incoming connectivity issues that I would have restricted usage.?

I seem to get the impression would be ok for me with my fixed PC but not for laptop hotspot usage?

Currently on sad old dial up with CSLOXinfo in Pattaya. As you can imagine the speed is desperate so looking into getting broadband.

Have been warned off TOT ADSL, girl at Pattaya TOT office told me they are having problems - bandwidth reached max so people complaining. She thought I was there to complain but just wanted to know the deal, I soon walked out after hearing that.

A few guys have talked about TT & T, say it's reliable. Any info or thoughts please.

Another guy mentioned a portable "Hutch" for 1000 a month, not sure if I got that right, just needs to be put in a spare USB port?.

In our estate in East Pattaya the 'Supernet' guys were cabling all the streets. They are offering Cable LAN Modem for 5000 baht, Installation cable (25m) into the house for 2000 and 512 Kbps at 790 baht, 1 Mbps at 1000 baht and 2 Mbps at 2000. Has anybody got knowledge of this company, not much on their website.

I have the old table top computer presently although may buy a laptop to take advantage of hotspots etc.

Would appreciate info and experience as have not had broadband before so pretty much a virgin.

Unfortunately this is a duplicate of the same topic elsewhere on the board, finger trouble with the dial up modem probably. This thread needs to be closed by the administrator as the topic has already been replied to on a duplicate thread. I can't do that so hopefully somebody out there can!

Cheers Dalmatian

From what you say it sounds like I would need to be taking a sturdy pair of shoes with me. Don't know about the wife with the high heels, maybe I can attach some rollerblades.

It is such a pity that these guys can rip you off. Everybody in Pattaya complains about the baht taxis but basically, with the routes served, you can get to anywhere you want for about 10 baht a person. Ok a special will cost 150/200 but that would be for about a 15 min journey to the door of your house and for upto about 14 people.

Sounds like the tuk tuk drivers have had it all their own way for too long, sad that the mayor, governor can't do anything that would enhance a better view of transport in and around Patong. Well, will have to use the tuk tuks only in emergency but will negotiate first and make sure my wallet well out of harms way. Alternatively the idea of hiring a motorbike becomes more interesting, certainly more economical.

Thanks guys for the heads up, sounds like I need to send the wife in on point with a doggie lead attached, that way my ears won't be blasted too heavily.

Geriatrickid you are right, I have seen worse in Pattaya. I can handle the scene but it is so difficult these days to take the wife out for a good night without being assaulted by the rude and crude. Hotel bars are a good deal sometimes as they get a more 'normal' crowd and if a Filipino band is playing I suppose we could just about dance. God I am sounding lame!

Sounds like we will take our chances and do as you say, check each one out and find out which one will keep the missus happy. Probably be a stiff coffee in Starbucks for me!

As a longtime Pattaya resident but a short-time Phuket tourist I just want to find out what the rough hagling price would be for a tuk tuk around Patong.. Example journeys would be Mercure Patong Beach to Amari Coral Reef and Bangla back to Mercure Patong beach. The Mercure is off Ruamchai road on 200 Pee road. Any info would be gratefully received.

I hear that metered taxis are a no no in Patong so the choice is a tuk tuk I suppose!

As a longtime Pattaya resident but a short-time Phuket tourist I just want to find out what the rough hagling price would be for a tuk tuk around Patong.. Example journeys would be Mercure Patong Beach to Amari Coral Reef and Bangla back to Mercure Patong beach. The Mercure is off Ruamchai road on 200 Pee road. Any info would be gratefully received.

I hear that metered taxis are a no no in Patong so the choice is a tuk tuk I suppose!

Will be down in Phuket in a week or so and staying at Mercure Patong Beach. Now the wife (English/Burmese) likes to disco but where we live in Pattaya the choice is sparse.

I've looked up a few places in the phuket directories and they all mention hip hop, rap, house, garage etc, which doesn't gel much with the wife. What she is looking for (and me too really) is a club/disco that plays middle of the road pop like Justin Timberlake, Nelly Furtado, Shakira, Kylie, J-Lo, 50 Cents etc.

Is there such a place in Patong or the locale, would appreciate any info. Me, I like rock but I am sure you appreciate the need to keep the wife happy!

Been away weekend so sorry for delay in replying to earlier requests.

First time I had been asked to come back next day, we applied with documents at 0930 on the Thursday and were asked to come back at 1000 the next day. A numbered ticket was given to us by the Captain and we were told that we should just come to the desk, no need to press the button for a ticket. Did confuse me but did appear to me to be the normal process from now on.

Also I was asked for photocopies of original Non immi visa and first arrival visa into the country after issuance of the non immi visa. That was new, not been asked in previous years. Absolutely no interest in any forms of credit or investment or savings, just the 800,000 in the deposit book with appropriate letter from the bank.

Once we had picked up the passports we then applied for multi re-entry visa (had to take a ticket for that so extended our visit by 10 mins). The re-entry visa was stamped in the passport on the spot, we handed over the appropriate fee which (together with passports) was handed to the cashier who then passed onto the man behind her who called out our names within 5 mins. Now that was quick.

I must admit that I never got to ask about the 3 month rule, we actually picked up our passports from a trainee who was assisting a very busy immigration officer. I tried to speak with the guy who issued our re-entry visa but told me to take a ticket for the retirement officer again, gave up as quite a few in front of us. The shock of getting my visa without too much hassle after so much stress in the last few months watching rumours develop on this board made me just want to leave and get a drink.

The trips to immigration in Jomtien do unnerve me a little, I always feel that something will be wrong or something will change. I was happy that both I and my wife (UK citizen 38 years age) are settled for another year.

I was also of the impression that for renewal of retirement visa the 3 month period for deposited money did not apply.

Yes! That is what I was explicitly told at Jomtien for subsequent renewals using the 800K. What gave you the impression, though?

I would guess because they probably did not even bother CHECKING the top up dates, correct? If they aren't checking the dates, they aren't applying the so called rule.

I suggest people explicitly ASK and report back. So far, we are hearing the same thing I reported from Jomtien. However, as there is no official policy statement, it stills leaves a lot of uncertainty.

Jingthing is correct and in a way my wife was explicitly told that we could apply anytime in November. The fact that having been in Thailand 5 years and seen so many changes I don't like to tempt fate so decided to apply at the 2 months and 30 day time frame. The ease of process and the total lack of interest in anything but highlighting the 800,000 amount in my deposit book took me aback a little and I decided not to ask the question for worry of being asked to come back tomorrow when the actual 3 months deposit period would be reached. I will ask about the 3 month deposit period for renewals once I have my passport back in my hand. I will report again then

I have just returned from Pattaya immigration where I have processed my Retirement visa renewal (3rd) plus one for my wife (UK Citizen as well). I provided TM7 forms, passports with existing TM card, copy of deposit savings book showing 800,000 baht (deposited 31 August) together with Kasikorn bank letter confirming such amount and also marriage certificate (copy only in English). I offered another fund account showing 800,000 plus letter from bank but was handed this back. Only the above mentioned documents were requested, did not even want to see original bank deposit book or proof of any other savings. There was no request to have mariage certificate in Thai.

In fact I was only unnerved by the need to rush outside to photocopy our original Non Immi B visa pages which I was advised they like every year. The officer was not overly courteous but was proficient and explanatory about what to do. I paid the 1900 baht x 2 then was asked to see the Captain sitting behind the immigration officer. This all went relatively smoothly, the Captain in fact was most courteous and even conjoured up a smile. I was asked to come back tomorrow to collect both visas at 1000 a.m.

I was also of the impression that for renewal of retirement visa the 3 month period for deposited money did not apply. My wife had been informed (when she reported on 25 October) that we could apply anytime in November for the visa (expires officially on 08 December). I waited until today only to save dressing up and then get told to apply at a later date. At no time was I asked for any other proof of income, did not want to see credit cards, savings book or any visa receipts.

A most efficient and rewarding visit.

I am 52 and my wife is 38 (British). I am in UK presently so asked my wife to go to Pattaya Immigration to check about new rules. As per previous post she was advised that nothing had changed and she would be able to get a dependent visa based on my retirement status (due for renewal December). I am still concerned about the new rules being used by Pattaya immigration so I have asked my wife to check with immigration again when she reports (90 days) in middle October. She hopes they give same answer, if they do, we will approach immigration in December with all required documentation, letters, photocopies etc. Hopefully all will go well but if declined can my wife get non-immi O/B visa without leaving the country. Appreciate she would leave after every 90 days but would she need to apply for this type of visa in UK. Sound info appreciated.

Just had to add a reply.

This whole thing makes me continue to question why I am retired in Thailand.

Firstly, I have a house in a company name (advised to use this option by a reputable lawyer when I was first here 4.5 years ago), the soon to come FBA will probably kill that one off. Plus some of the forum members make out I must be a crook using loopholes etc and I will get what I deserve, what the hel_l is that meant to mean!

Secondly, I had 800,000 baht in a Kasikorn account which was transferred to a Kasikorn fund at the banks suggestion. This fund is now no longer acceptable to Pattaya immigration and I can not break the fund, hence a need to put another 800,000 baht in a deposit account. What a pain!

Thirdly, I am married to an English national of Burmese decent who is 38 and will no longer be allowed to be a dependent on my retirement visa due for renewal in December.

Is there any good news.......no of course not. Ok my wife may be able to get a Non immigrant O/B visa but this will need to be done in UK before December. Of course I could just tell my wife that she can no longer live with me in Thailand and she must go home, I would love to hear an opinion from the British Embassy in Bangkok on that one. Civil rights, human rights, who cares, you are in Thailand.

Well my house is up for sale and I am definately thinking of leaving for another country but the sad thing is that I like it here but the Thai mentality and approach at all levels towards Farangs is just disgusting.

People talk about moving to Philippines etc. Having lived there for 5 years before I can say that it might be good for a man alone but for a foreign couple the infrastructure etc can not compare to what Thailand has to offer, it would be a poor choice.

Will it stop there, probably not, we should all be concerned, no more hiding in the hills, life was never meant to be easy and Thailand must have a monopoly on that phrase.

Just as an aside are there any other local access comapnies other than Cs loxinfo that offers local call rates at 3 baht, I know TOT 1288 but any other packages like cs loxinfo.

All the calls on the reports that have been given to me indicate only the Cs lox info access call numbers, there are no rogue call numbers, no mobile phone numbers, everything appears in order. When the bill comes to over 600 baht yet the report indicates only 86 calls then there is a discrepancy. TOT's explanation is that the 038 360333 number must go via Rayong which is more expensive than 3 baht but they can not tell me exactly how much each call costs. That is the thing that hacks me off, the computer issues a bill for a said amount but TOT staff can not give me the breakdown costs. The report shows the number, the date, the time, duration in secs and that's all. No cost breakdown.

I have changed the number to a number I used to use. I have also used 1288 which i have been advised is local TOT internet access which offers 2 hours for 3 baht although it is not as fast or reliabale as Cs loxinfo.

What is 1222, is this another local TOT access number.

Occasionally I pick up my phone and I can hear the line dialing, appearing to be to a fax. I am not connected at this time and I have pulled the connection cable from the telephone socket. This only appeared to start when I started using 1288 about 4 months ago. Since that time my bill has increased significantly. Could this have anything to do with the increase in bills. As everybody uses the same number to access TOT internet connection could it be that my phone line is picking up the tab for other users. It is not shown on my bill because i believe the number of calls and numbers dialed does correspond with my usage, it is just the cost that appears incorrect.

It has got to the point where ADSL would actually work out cheaper.

For the last few months my TOT local call charges have rocketed. They used to be around the 150 -250 baht mark but now are between baht 348-786. I rarely use my landline for anything except internet access to CS Loxinfo using 038-360333. I have been to TOT Pattaya over my last 2 bills yet they can not give me an explanation of their call structure. I was under the impression that all local calls were 3 baht. They have told me that the calls to CS loxinfo using 038 access could be going via Rayong or other redirected numbers and that could explain the increase. They say that in fact the call could be redirected and instead of it being 3 baht for the duration of the call it could in fact be charging at 3 baht a minute. I admit that for the last few months I have been using the above number (says 56k, I am only on dial-up), before that I was using 038-258000. I use my mobile for all other local/international calls.

My bill 4 months ago was baht 561 (did not seek report)

My bill 3 months ago was baht 348 made up of 54 calls to the above number.

My bill 2 months ago was baht 624 made up of 86 calls to the above number.

My bill this month is baht 786, I am awaiting a report from Pattaya TOT on the calls made. Interestingly I was away for 2 weeks of the billing month!

The thing that I can not understand is that I get fobbed off with only a possible explanation of why the bills are high but not a factual costing of the calls. The computer sends out the bills but according to Pattaya TOT they can not tell me how much each call costs. If they advise me the actual cost of each call then I would be able to make an informed decision on whether the bill is correct or not and I would be far less stressed than I am now. It is the "not knowing" that agrieves me.

Does anybody out there have an idea of the actual cost of calls to CS loxinfo or whether or not calls lasting more than an hour cost twice/three times as much or whether certain 038 numbers could be charging per minute. 3 or four of my calls have been over 2 hours in duration. It's not the cost, it's the fact that TOT can not explain to me the bills cost structure, they just hope I go away which is what I do because it is a pointless exercise trying to get blood out of a stone.

I suppose I am concerned that my phone could be being used by TOT engineers with no charge to them. If somebody is utilising the line I am wondering if it would register a cost to the TOT computer system but not offer a phoned number because it was not made from my house but only remotely.

Any information or suggestions on actual call charges would be appreciated.