Benmart

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I've lived in the USA for over 60 years, traveled the world a bit, and have found numerous other countries that treat both drivers and non-drivers much more harshly than at home.

On one trip down south, I was tagged by a Mexican policeman as an easy target and extorted for every cent I had on me. On another visit i was treateded professionaly and let off with a warning by another Mexican Polce Officer when I drove down the wrong way on a one-way street.

I've seen less than professional conduct by police in India and Cambodia, and treated with kindness by a Gendarme in Paris when I got lost. A German Policeman that issued me a speeding ticket, saluted after he took my 50 DM fine and gave me a receipt. I was impressed that he showed so much respect when I broke the traffic law in the first place.

I've never issued a traffic citation to anyone here in California that didn't deserve it. In fact, I issued tickets on the average of one per three or four stops. Those that didn't get a ticket, got a warning and sent on their way.

My son is a motorcycle officer and he views his job as educationing the public as well as enforcement when it comes to handing out tickets. The revenue aspect is not considered, which may be the case in other US jurisdictions.

My experience is only limited to the police agencies I worked for, so I cannot speak in general terms and paint all of them in such vivid and derogatory terms as other postings.

Freedom of driving style is great, until one finds themselves either laying on the pavement or in front of a hostile judicial system. Then one had better have a great local attorney and plenty of cash. Good luck all and enjoy the LOS as I do.

Murder by any other name is murder. Another senseless taking of a life. My condolences to the victims family.

Dotpoom, thanks sharing your experience. I'm moving to LOS in August after 20 years of visiting. I was debating on bringing my high end rain suit that I use here in the US when it rains. It's lightweight, breathable and waterproof top and bottoms. After reading your post, I have packed it in my suitcase. Thanks again.

Just curious why it is you never experienced the need of it in Thailand, probably that you have only visited it during the dry season. Get ready for a shock then.

Thanks for reminding me of my first shock during a rainstorm of near typhoon proportions in Bangkok years ago. Since I'll be here long term, I've decided to forego being drenched and give the rain suit a try since I'm not as concerned about packing light on this venture back to the LOS.

After 20 years service in the Army and serving from Korea, to Alaska, to the Mohave Desert to Panama (and points in between), staying dry these days isn't a bad thing for these grey hairs.

I was stationed for three years in Germany during the 70's and learned enough German to carry a conversation (Which got much better as the beer flowed). Then stationed in Panama and chatted enoughSpanish to order food, pass pleasantries and stay out of difficult situations. Then came Korea and kimchi-chigae and loads of talking and learning the words to "Ka gee my la go" by Cho Yun Pil. I still remember the words after thirty years. Learned to say, "Hello, thanks, please, how much and where is the toilet?" in a handful of languages.

I'm not fluent in any language save English, but in all the years past my attempts to learn the local lingo was met with smiles and friendships that last to this day.

It's up to the individual to find what's comfortable and with some, staying mono-lingual is perfectly ok.

And now for my Thai language experience and the wonderful challenges that lay ahead.

Good comments all around. Being a trained first responder enables a person to do more than just stand by and let precious minutes tick by. Consider taking a first aid class or learn basic CPR. It's amazing what you can do with a bit of training.

A good barber, that can give a great shave, makes a wonderful day even better.

you screwed up the booking and it their problem ?

Lemme guess, you fly a red white and blue flag yeah.... the land of it was not me and I'll sue because I can.

Amazing that one can determine the colors of another ones country flag by a mere posting. Simply amazing.

I'm in love with life. The alternatives are rather grim.

Thais trust absolutely no one.

I've not had the opportunity to meet all 68 Million Thais, so I can not comment one way or the other. What I can comment on, is from my experience, honesty or dishonesty knows no ethnic, cultural or national boundaries.

"Man is a product of our humanity towards one another".

There is the " I don't live in Thailand but I know everything about Thailand and Thai people" brigade

Life must be very boring in some foreign countries because some of them are very prolific posters

Spot on. Much the same as people who know all about the law or the police and who's background extends only to the University of the Television.

Dotpoom, thanks sharing your experience. I'm moving to LOS in August after 20 years of visiting. I was debating on bringing my high end rain suit that I use here in the US when it rains. It's lightweight, breathable and waterproof top and bottoms. After reading your post, I have packed it in my suitcase. Thanks again.

I've been visiting the LOS for the last 20 years. I see Thais reading all the time, from motor taxi drivers, clerks on break, people sitting roadside or at the cafe. The materials range from Thai news, foreign papers, books, catalogs, comics, magazines, pamphlets and others.

Surveys, charts and statistics are merely a tool subject to human manipulation. Painting the Thai people, or any group as #2 or #222 in any subject or field is purely opinion in MHO.

During My last visit I don't remember seeing one. ATMs are easily accessible for cards with the visa logo, or you can go inside the bank for cash. One thing I did notice was that the ATM dispensed $USD 50 dollar bills which were difficult to cash when they were not perfect. One had an ink stain on it and I couldn't spend it until I returned to Bangkok. One bank there wouldn't take it and finally a Kasikorn Bank in Siam Center did after showing my passport. I did get rid off a few damaged $USD 20 bills in the slot machines at the PP Hotel and redeemed my small winnings for good bills from the cashier.

I'm relocating to Chon Buri province permanently in August from California. From your experience how do you rate Bangkok Bank for service, easy of funds transfer, access, etc? Any information would be very much appreciated.

I love Thailand, bumps, smells and all. No one is forcing me to live here and we can all vote with our feet and catch a plane if we don't like it.

I came to Thailand for the first time in 1993 when I was 42. Prior to that it was the annual trip to Europe with the missus in an attempt to see as much and do as much as the declining Dollar would allow. Once it declined too much, we changed directions and started visiting SE Asia and I was hooked. I retire to the LOS in August. Just wish I had come here in 1988 after retiring from my first profession, but glad the Creator has allowed me to make it to this point where I can live my remaining days, perhaps making a small difference in someone's life.

Loved Cebu when I visited 15 years ago. Wife and I rented a car and made an interesting drive across to Toledo. We still laugh about it. Everyone we met along the way waved and smiled. May go back for a visit.

I haven't visited CR in 10-12 years or so. The OPs post brought back some good memories and I will see what the years have brought when I relocate to LOS in August.

Yes, a smile seems to do more to combat premature aging and the tailors usually smile back as I continue on my way. Seems that the smile isn't in some people's tool kit.

Mustang, very nicely put. Well done.

A smile and keep on walking has worked for me.

Thanks for the update on Bruno's Stailmanki. I have good memories of it at the old location and haven't been to the new one. Anybody have any experience having lunch there?

Yes, a police clearance letter is required. I followed the LA Thai Consulate website requirements exactly and provided all the documents it listed. What was a bit confusing was the notarized copies of everything. I had the original set of required documents notarized and then made copies of it. Worked perfectly. Follow the official website is my advice.

I live in Modesto, Ca and mailed my O-A Long stay Visa application in on June 24, 2013. I got it back in 12 calendar days, approved and glued into my US Passport! I hear parking is difficult near the Thai Consulate and USPS Express Mail may be a snap for you. Good luck and see you in LOS. I arrive August 12th.