Madgee

One of the benefits (the only benefit?) of having a card is you are then on their mailing list for special offers.

Quite often they have some fantastic buys, especially on hardware items but unless you get there within a couple of days they are sold out. At least that is the norm at the Roi-Et branch.

mikey99, on 13 Dec 2014 - 07:33, said:

harrry, on 12 Dec 2014 - 11:53, said:

I strongly advise you to not buy Windows 7 but buy Windows 8. Windows 7 reaches the end of its support life in a couple of weeks and updates other than strictly safety ones will no longer be available.

Can you quote a source for this ?

Thanks

Mike

Mainstream support for Windows 7 ceases on 13th Jan 2015.

http://support2.microsoft.com/lifecycle/search/default.aspx?alpha=windows+7

Too many sources available to list, 'Google is your friend'.

As other posters have stated, use a good quality water resistant adhesive cement and you should have no problems.

I have recently tiled over tiles in my family bathroom floor, adjusting the slope to the drain at the same time and the result is very satisfactory.

OP, I have the same problem every rainy season!

Yes, pumping out the septic tank will work ...... until it fills up again, normally within a couple of weeks for me.

I have tried many different ways to find a solution, including fitting an air vent to where two sewage pipes join.

I have come to the conclusion that the septic tank is basically too low and inline with the adjoining paddy field behind the house and there is also not enough decline in all the inlet and outlet pipes to the tank which drains into the local drainage system.

For me, major work needed in the dry season to raise the ground level out the back, including the downstairs kitchen area and re-positioning / re-routing the tank (plastic) and pipes.

Hopefully it's just a blockage for you, easily remedied.

Best of luck.

No mistake on my behalf.

I use my card several times a month outside of my province at whatever ATM is the nearest.

My SMS and online statements can confirm that I do not receive any charges for this privilege.

Sorry quotes not working.

Bangkok Bank:

Your Be1st Visa Debit card can be used just like an ATM card. You can withdraw cash or use it to make a transaction

at a Bangkok Bank Bualuang ATM or other ATM participating in the ATM Pool in Thailand. You can also withdraw cash from

any ATM anywhere in the world where you see the PLUS or VISA logo.

Most banks in Thailand participate in the ATM pool.

I suggest you check and confirm with your branch what is available to you.

Fees are on the BB website.

My fees for SMS service were waived for the first 3 months as a trial period and if one can be bothered, the trial period can be re-activated by your local branch on request.

No, all banks are not the same.

I have a standard debit visa card linked to a standard savings account with Bangkok Bank.

I can use it throughout Thailand at any ATM, not just Bangkok Bank's ATM's, without a fee for each withdrawal.

Initial one off set up fee of 100Bht.

Cost: 200Bht p.a.

SMS notification of any transaction over 500Bht (in or out) available for 10Bht p.m. This includes a Monday morning

SMS notification of the current balance.

I think most banks charge an annual fee for a debit card?

Amnat insisted that I reported in person last year for my 90 day reports, even though it is a 250km round trip. They said they were short staffed and many mail reportees failed to include the correct documentation in their postal reports causing them unnecessary work.

Recently I changed my current extension and asked them again about reporting by mail. The new officers working at Amnat said it was possible but still preferred people, especially those that had never done it before to report in person. They did give me the 'green light' to report by mail but also offered me an 'alternative', in case I forgot!

Personally, even though I've got a choice in which way I report, I treat it as a day out to explore the surrounding countryside, towns and attractions. It's surprising what you can discover!

Are you sure? Saves a lot of printing if that's true.

I'm basing my facts on a friend who renewed his retirement extension 6 weeks ago at Amnat. He took one copy of everything but was asked for two as the staff member said they now have to keep one copy and send one to Korat. He had to draw a street plan as well, another new requirement there.

My friend said all the staff are new at Amnat, the experienced hands have been moved on. Maybe their getting confused with Retirement and Marriage extensions.

I've already made 2 copies, but I'll advise you on return if only one copy was required.

At Amnat you are required to supply two copies of everything for a marriage extension as it is considered at Korat. One set of copies for each office.

A retirement extension is approved at Amnat, therefore only one set of copies is required but it's always better to take two 'just in case'.

I have always been required to supply a map for both marriage and retirement extensions and a medical for a retirement extension at Amnat. A few weeks ago the staff there changed so the requirements may slightly differ now at Amnat.

The bottom line is that you are at the discretion of the immigration officer you are dealing with and it's better to go prepared than on hearsay that something is not required. Just my opinion.

I was at the Siam car auction in Khon Kaen yesterday looking for a reasonable buy.

Car details can be seen online before the auction which starts at 10am and it doesn't take long for 200 or so cars heaps of s#xt to go under the hammer or really should be go to the crusher. Well inflated prices and many attracted no bidders whatsoever. What made me giggle was many had to have a jump start and some were clearly non-runners, even some with flat tyres and they still tried to run them through the auction lane. Mostly traders there looking for heaps that they could repair.

TBH, I had picked several online that I could have been interested in but on inspection they were damaged or had clearly been totally neglected. I bid on one, a Honda Jazz but it went for way beyond my limit (to a private buyer) and I'd already priced similar models up online and at street dealers which worked out far cheaper. IMO, out of the 200 or so motors, maybe only half a dozen were actually worth looking at.

An entertaining way to spend a Saturday morning with a friend while the women went shopping but I won't be going again.

I bought the L210 a few weeks ago.

Similar to the OP, I needed a printer for use by my two teenagers and also a limited amount of use by myself. As they tend to do a reasonable amount of colour printing for projects I wanted a printer that was economical and quite hardy as it would often be moved from room to room. Wi Fi was not a valid option as a fair amount of scanning is required by us all.

The L210 fulfils our needs and is easy to set up. I recommend downloading the latest software and drivers from the Epson website and not use the supplied installation disc.

Printing quality is very good and I was surprised how quiet the machine is.

Scanner is a little slow but the scanning mode options available are excellent.

Very economical on ink usage.

For the price it is a good little ink tank printer which fulfils our needs without having to worry if the ink will dry up on the print heads if its not used for a few days. I like it.

As with any inkjet printer, it is advisable to print a test page every few days to keep the inks flowing. I left the L210 for 8 days without use and had no issues with it on return, unlike my old canon ink tank printer which would dry up after only 3-4 days of non-usage.

I always have a chuckle reading the 'doom and gloom' reply posts from the unhappy campers here in LoS.

OP, it is a superstition and probably, like many people in Asia I have had the pleasure to know, she takes this nonsense very seriously.

There is no monetary gains intended from you just a superstition that needs accepting and the amount you give her is of no consequence, 20 baht will do as a note is more lucky than a coin.

This trait is practised in many countries, I came across it many times in my years spent in China.

A superstition, nothing more, nothing less!

OP, I might be stating the obvious here but a student visitor visa is only available to 18+ applicants.

Is your step-son above this age?

This is worth a try before you go to any immigration office.

Go to your local police station, ask for a proof of residence letter and tell them what it is for.

Take the documents as required by immigration.

They have a template for this and just require you and the blue book owner to sign once they have filled in the details.

No cost unless you want to 'donate' something to the tea chest.

This saved me a 250km round trip to my nearest immigration office last year.

Starre, on 03 Apr 2014 - 05:07, said:

I'd be a little careful with the grass is greener in China approach. I've spent the last 25 years working and living with the Chinese. Whilst the change in culture is interesting for about 5 minutes, you will find them similarly racist to the Thais or worse. Lying is second nature to them. Most of them don't know what the word truth means. Business ethics are non existent. It's every man for himself and greed is their God. Forget any support from authorities or the law. It will only favour Chinese or themselves. Corruption is still rampant. They have totally destroyed their environment in favour of industry which is why those that can are abandoning the country and buying up real estate in other countries at a rate of knots. Pollution in cities like Shanghai & Guangzhou is so bad you will not see the sun for weeks at a time. There is a real estate bubble in China that when it bursts has potential to cause another much more acute GFC. I could go on but you get the picture. For all Thailand's faults, China is far worse IMHO

Totally agree.

OP, you seem to be a party animal and why not? Enjoy the clubs and nightlife but I'm afraid you are not going to find what you are looking for in China, especially in a smaller city. Unless you do some serious 'guanxi' and make some influential friends you will be resigned to being on the outside, looking in at the China elite who have the cash to splash in the better clubs. You think being a farang laowai will get you more respect in China? Dream on.

Go and enjoy China, there are plenty of opportunities for employment and some good money to be had in the right situation, a good understanding of the language will definitely help.

As for the women? A voyage of discovery awaits you! Anybody who has lived in China and has truly mixed within the Chinese community could tell you many untold stories using the word 'agenda'.

Best of luck on whatever you decide to do.

There is a car rental office on the road heading towards the Big C supermarket complex.

It is on the left-hand side in a row of small units just before the wholesale market with signs above it and on the door advertising 'Car Rental', it is named something like, 'A & J Rental'. Next time I'm out that way I will make an enquiry for future reference.

I am in the process of compiling documents to submit for a marriage extension of stay, previously being on a retirement extension. Having spoken to the immigration office a few weeks ago, who gave me a checklist and even translated it into English for me, the only problem I can foresee is the necessity of taking the head person of the moo baan with us for an interview with the immigration officer.

What questions does immigration ask him?

We live on the outskirts of RoiEt where my wife has lived for several years and she had no idea who this person is. Eventually, after many inquiries to the neighbours and a trip to the local Gov. Building, she discovered that this person doesn’t even live locally so will have no knowledge of us whatsoever. I’m pretty sure this guy if we can find him, will oblige us in taking a two hour trip to immigration for a small gratuity …. I hope!

According to the immigration officer, he is required to ‘guarantee’ us living together as a married couple at the address where we live by signing a document in front of the officer; is that all?

Seems a rather pointless exercise but needs must and all that jazz.

Having obtained my 1 year temporary licences last year (21st June), I've just been to the local DLC this morning to enquire about 5 year licences.

A very helpful lady on the information desk informed me that I can return on the 21st April for my renewal of said licences.

1: medical certificate

2: proof of residence

3: copy of passport

4: copy of visa + extension

5: old licences

6: fee

That's it. No re-test or sitting in on a 'skills' video.

Of course, every DLC centre has its own way of renewal so it's wise to check first.

I have just received my new British passport from the UK after applying for it from Thailand.

Sent by EMS from RoiEt post office on 31^st Jan 2014.

Delivered on 24^th Feb 2014 to my home in the countryside.

Cost:

32 page passport: £147.86 Incl. of return Courier fee. (Paid using UK Visa Debit Card)

EMS fee 950 Baht.

“You must pay in pounds sterling by credit card or debit card using the payment instruction form. The cards we accept are Mastercard, Visa, Electron, Diners Club and JCB.”

As per instructions:

https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports

Her Majesty's Passport Office
OVS-L
101 Old Hall Street
Liverpool
L3 9BP
United Kingdom

Application form is very straightforward:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/277737/OS_Form_009.pdf

Guidance notes:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/overseas-passports-guidance

Supporting documents:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/266171/OS_Guidance_Gp2_11.13.PDF

Table A

All applicants must provide one document showing photo identity and one document as evidence of name and address dated within the last year.

Photo Evidence

Please provide one of the following:

• your British passport (if you are renewing)

I supplied a full colour copy, as per instructions. Do not send your passport.

• non-British uncancelled passport

• national identity card or equivalent (or colour photocopy)

• driving licence

I supplied a colour copy of my Thai driving licence, highlighting my name, birth date and I.D. / passport number.

• any government or local government produced document which includes a photograph as part of the document.

Name and address evidence

Please provide one of the following:

• visa or resident permit (or colour photocopy)

• tax record eg a letter from a tax authority

• educational record eg school report

• employment record eg official letter from your employer

• letter sent to you from a central, regional or local government department

• baptismal or naming certificate

• medical/health card

• voter’s card

• parents’ death certificates if applicable

• immigration documents.

I supplied a copy of my TM47 and also a UK bank letter sent to my Thailand address.

Knowing that I needed address evidence in English, I informed my bank of a change of address several weeks ago and used their letter of reply. Easy to change it back again if required.

I probably sent more than necessary regarding Table A requirements but better to be safe than sorry and I did not use a counter-signatory for the photos as I considered my appearance has not drastically changed from 10 years ago.

This saves a lot of hassle and easier than the old system which did require a counter-signatory known to you from a listed profession.

TBH, not as painful as I thought it might be after reading some of the problems others have had. Forms and instructions are very clear and precise.

Many thanks to all for your words of wisdom!

Extract:
Reason you did not get an acceptance or rejection letter is due to the fact that they are basically not-knowledgeable to the correct procedures of an interview process. In our countries it is mandatory that you recognize the applicant however, we are not in our countries we are in Thailand. I once received an email that I was a top candidate for an international school to become the administrator and would call within several days. I began to find that rather amusing since they are clueless to the correct procedures on how one should deliver the message. Their message was sent through a translation agency. Please do not become offended but rather try to be more understanding towards the Thai way, they mean no disrespect, they just don't understand the procedures.


The number one way to receive a position is not what you know but who you know!

Thanks,
Ph. D

Maybe I worded my 'rant' slightly wrong concerning acknowledgement of my application.

The acceptance or rejection letter that I thought I might get should have come from the person to who I applied? These people were native English speakers acting on behalf of their institution and I am pretty certain they get paid extra for doing this, so surely an acknowledgement wouldn't be so hard. Oh well.

Again, many thanks to all.

This post might rattle a few cages but it’s not done intentionally or with animosity.

Why is the teaching fraternity in LOS so dedicated to the ‘I’ve got a degree in rocket science’ so I’m a good teacher?

So many guys knock the ability of an older native speaker who has worldly experience; someone who can adequately convey the English language across to students without the need for theoretic or grammatically correct phrases which are seldom used in any language when speaking.

I can fully understand the HR dept. of any school or institution requiring a foreign teacher to submit information but the stipulation of most is the applicant must have a BA degree and fully disregard anyone who can prove they have experience of teaching / advising students who wish to learn the English language.

Ok, I’m having a little rant here but after applying for a couple of vacant positions in my vicinity, all advertised by foreign ‘head teachers’, I’m really surprised I haven’t had even a thanks but no thanks. Before anyone jumps down my throat about they cannot reply to every applicant because they receive so many, I checked up and the most they had were six. Even if I was deemed unsuitable, a reply is surely the respectable or polite thing to do and the reason why?

Only today I read a post on TV advising a guy to get some ‘starting’ experience teaching in China, I would second that because it will pay better, give him better benefits and probably he will find the experience very satisfying, Chinese students actually want to learn. Only downspin is the Chinese way of life and culture ……. But that is just my opinion after five years living and working there. The teachers I’ve talked to in LOS seem to think teaching in China is the ‘lowest of the low’; all I will say is try it first and then way up the pros and cons.

Rant over.

I had a similar problem with my PAYG, out of credit in 3 days without making a call or using the internet!

Simply turn off data app.

I like to think I'm quite a sociable guy, I will always say morning to my neighbours if I see them or at least acknowledge their presence. If I'm walking around the town, I'll certainly acknowledge any foreigner I encounter with a morning or a slight nod of the head if eye contact is made. I'm not going to cross the street and introduce myself but does it do any harm to release a slight smile, nod of the head or even a 'hi' ..... is it really that hard?

If the place was swarming with foreigners then it's a different story but here, although there are quite a few expats and very few tourists, I honestly thought that a little civility would not go amiss amongst fellow expats. The amount of times I've been given the cold stare of, 'how dare he look at me and think he has got the right to even say hi'.

Maybe it's me, I don't know and I don't really care......................I will always be the same.

As the saying goes, 'with friends like that, who needs enemies?'

It's always at times when the chips are down that you find out who your friends really are!

I certainly believe in karma and on several occasions have found out that so-called friends are really leeches and still profess to being a friend when it comes down to the nitty gritty. I will always remember my late mother saying to me; "always look on the bright side of life". It has helped me through the ups and downs of life. She was a great Monty Python fan ... Bless her.

All the very best for the future.

In times of hardship or just being down on my luck I 'just give a whistle' and I watch this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHPOzQzk9Qo

Just noticed you have deleted your last post?

Regardless of the destination, booking a holiday in the UK is always expensive during the period of June - September, also around Eastertime and Christmas because of the school holidays.

Lots of deals to be had for 'off-peak' travel outside of these periods.

Just done a very quick search using the 'supermarket comparison':

Feb 2014 to Phuket £601 7 days in 4* hotel pp

Jul 2014 to Phuket £925 7 days in 3* hotel pp

Always been the same.

My stepchildren who are in their mid-teens call me by my first name, as do all my Thai relatives and friends, except the young children who call me uncle.

I'm happy with that, plain and simple.