janabiyah

OOPS, bad news everyone.

I just got confirmation that multichoice will only be operating the SUB-SAHARA AFRICA KU BAND BEAM on W7

Apparently the W7 satellite has 5 beams, but DSTV have decided to use only one of these

It looks like Middle East will be able to receive a good picture if they change the C band card to a Ku band.

So if someone in Saudi Arabia were to get a Ku band card, looks like reception would be ok.

Can anyone confirm if a paired box would be required in Saudi or would it just be enough to change to a Ku band card

Many thanks

This is a very interesting thread, the DSTV channel has been around a long time and has been of huge importance to many English speaking people living in the Middle and Far East.

I have been closely associated with this business for a number of years and I hope you will forgive me if I don't reveal too much detail here.

However, I am reliably informed that the C band service will cease end of June this year, so if you are a current subscriber my advice is not to extend it past the deadline of end June.

I have received information from other sources suggesting that a Ku band service may be available, but that would require a change of card.

Anyway, I am following up on this information and will post when something new comes to light.

But you can believe for sure that the current C band will not be available after june.

Here is a tip for Tennis players, bring your own balls.

Last time I was there, could not find a single shop selling them, seems sports shops are focussed on golfers only.

Night life is more expensive than Pattaya or Bangkok with poor selection of ladies available asking ridiculous prices. Out of respect to his majesty who has a residence locally, nighlife is kept to minimum levels.

It is a small place and you will be bored quickly, would not recommend anyone stays for more than 2 or 3 days.

For golfers, there are about 5 courses within easy reach. Be prepared to pay about double the cost you would pay around Pattaya.

In summary, I find it a boring place, expensive compared to Pattaya Jomtien.

However, if your thing is waterfalls, parks, scenery, quiteness, then go to Africa.

I am seeking the kind assistance of any residents to help with the following.

My wife and I, both western, english speaking, enjoy golf, eating out and generally socialising.

We would like to go and live in Thailand and would love to live where we could meet other western like minded couples.

Are there any expat groups made up of western couples who play a bit of golf, go to restruants and have fun times together? If so we would love to hear from you.

Kind regards and thank you for your help