Roger Lee

So a person with deep pockets should pay more?

Is that like wealth distribution?

Songthews are so cheap.They have been so low for so long.With the price of gasoline I'm surprised that they aren't charging 50 baht.
I believe if I was A Songthew driver I would charge farangs more simply for the reason most of them have more money than
The average thai and can afford it.

I have been to many venues where I've had to pay extra for being a farlang. Not a problem as the rates are posted and I have a choice if I want to pay that or not.

If the baht fares have gone up, good, I'll pay that, no problem. If I have to pay extra without warning just because a driver feels like soaking me, that's different. But I will relent and pay, no confrontations. I do reserve to right to ask if this rate is new or not though.

Songthews are so cheap.They have been so low for so long.With the price of gasoline I'm surprised that they aren't charging 50 baht.
I believe if I was A Songthew driver I would charge farangs more simply for the reason most of them have more money than
The average thai and can afford it.

Wash your mouth out with soap! There are poor farangs around here who get mortally offended by 5 baht! Hope the OP doesn't go to any tourist attraction where he would be paying 200-300% more than the locals for the audacity of not looking like an Asian dude.

I live on my principles, if you choose to live on showing good face, more power to you.

So what is the Principle, Money no doubt! Cheap Charlie !!!

Another beer downed?

I do not Drink Beer or Spirits, only a bottle of good Aussy Red sometimes ! If you people are so concerned about Principles you are in the wrong place, Thais only know about "Face" not about Principles. I am Married to a Thai !

You can come down from your soapbox now, I don't appreciate being preached to.

It's not about the money, I don't like being taken advantage of.

I didn't realize taking photos in Pattaya was against the law and no I don't go around looking for confrontations.

I only asked if the baht bus fares have gone up.

Yeah, I thought it was strange to be charged 15 baht per person, it was just two of us so I gave my gf (I always let her pay since she's Thai) another 20 baht and waved him off.

As he was pulling away I took a photo of the baht bus with the license number. That's when it got a little weird, he stopped the truck got out and started screaming the rates have changed. Why would he be upset to have me photograph his truck if he'd done nothing wrong?

I wave him off again and kept on walking. After witnessing first hand the dog pack mentality of Thai's when it comes to fighting I know better than to stand up for what I feel/think is right, not worth it. I feel lucky not to have any confrontations period, just walk away smiling.

No, the rates have not gone up.

Drivers tend to play more games as high season approaches.

I must say though if you get a driver like that, if you don't pay what he demands you do risk being violently assaulted.

As someone who rides all the time I can tell real changes from incidental bad apple drivers.

Occasional incidents do not represent actual "official" changes.

The OFFICIAL RATES which have not changed are 10 baht for all rides and 20 baht for EXCEPTIONALLY long rides.

The latter has never been defined, so it's possible some drivers will demand 20 from further out Jomtien to Central but that is rare.

IF you pass PATTAYA KLANG, it is more common for there to be a demand of 20, and in my opinion if you go as far as Big C you should just pay 20 without being asked.

Really Pattaya Klang is the semi-official marking line ... it does become a greyer area after that.

Some drivers in past especially during high season have kicked off all passengers at South Pattaya Road or made a big announcement there, that to go further will be 20 baht. These are bad apples.

I suggest just getting off if meeting these bozos.

15 is a creative twist.

If it starts to happen that a MAJORITY of drivers starts demanding 15 from Jomtien to Central, then I will conclude they had a "meeting" and that might be something real. Not even close to that yet! Incidental reports mean almost nothing.

Cheers and safe riding!

So Roger Lee you risked confrontation for 10 baht. Hasn't anyone warned you about taking photos. What were you trying to prove by doing so? What's wrong with you people, 10 baht extra is bugger all and even if you paid 15 baht each, it is a fairly inexpensive trip. The higher amount equates to 50 cents in my country's currency (Australia) whilst 10 baht equates to about 33.3 cents. Are you so poor that this amount is going to break you?

Instead of whinging about ten baht why didn't you just say no, alight and walk to where you were going or get another bus. But then maybe you would have more complaints to air here. To get off, walk or take another bus would save a lot of the BS that you are going on about over a miniscule amount.

Just think how hard it is for the average Thai to feed himself, his family, own a home if he is lucky and all for a miserable amount of between 5,000 and 10,000 a month in wages. Never hear them complain, they always smile and seem to get by. Why is it only the Farangs on TVF who complain about being ripped of or paying too much. Must be sad to be poor.

Tell me, what do you mean by wave him off. Some people might think this gesture is rude and seeing that you always get you Thai girlfriend to pay can I assume you do not speak Thai. Why not get her to query the charge rather then you trying to be the macho farang. It might have saved you a lot of drama. or were you hoping by having your girlfriend pay that you will get Thai rates. Very rarely happens I can assure you.

I am married to a Thai and have never expected to receive privileges for this. However, I can speak Thai and look after myself, have a Thai License and treat others with respect and courtesy that everyone should be afforded. Through this I have found, on many occasions, that I have been charged the Thai rate, even when alone but on occasions when they wanted to charge me the Farang price I tell them politely that I am not prepared to pay that rate and walk away. Sometimes they relent other times they don't but I have never sought a confrontation and at least I know I will not place myself in a position where my safety is jeopardised for 10 baht.

If they start charging 15 Baht for a ride I tell you I am out of here...

I'd pay twice that without complaint, as long as it's posted and the charges are consistent.

What part of it's not about the money don't you understand? If you don't live on principles then so be it, move on please.

Personally I don't appreciate being taken, no matter how small. And yes I chose to walk away.

The original post only asked if the fares had gone up, nothing more.

It's not about the money, it's about the principle.

principle over 5 baht? Indignation might be best kept tucked away for 5 baht- people have been beaten and shot for 5 baht here no doubt.

It's not about the money, it's about the principle.

If you can't understand that, move on please.

10 Bart + about 30 Cents US so why are you even talking about it ! you pay 50-60 Bart for a Can of Beer.

Yep, got me there, they do tolerate us, don't have to like us, just smile.

I've read that Chiang Mai is considering doing the 90 day reporting at 7-11's, we'll see how far that'll get. It would be handy for sure though.

I'm tempted to call that hotline number and ask since I have a photo of the truck, but I'll relent and just let it be. This is Thailand after all.

In the states I wouldn't stand for it, but this isn't the states, nor would I anticipate 5 or 6 drivers engaging in a beating on one person for standing up for what they feel is right, which happens here all of the time.

I'll just let it go and remember, I'm a guest in this country. I think my baht bus rides are numbered though. I'll let my money do my talking. The fare is cheap, it's the principle of it.

A raise of 50% seems not acceptable...

A guest in this country?? no chance, you are just tolerated. Ninety day reports etc etc etc.

He was demanding an extra 10 baht for the two of us, I paid an extra 20 baht and walked away.

The screaming started when I took a photo of his truck, I just waved and walked away smiling.

Just hand over 10 baht and walk away. If he's shouting at you, run for your life.

Thanks for all of the responses so far.

I think the fares are fair and reasonable and they could even charge twice what they do and I'd feel the same.

It's being taken or ripped off that goes against my grain and being helpless to do anything about it.

I've taken the baht bus from Jomtien to Central Mall numerous times and this "rate increase" is a first for me.

I think my baht bus rides are numbered though, I'll let my money do the talking, not that'll do any good.

No, the rates have not gone up.

Drivers tend to play more games as high season approaches.

I must say though if you get a driver like that, if you don't pay what he demands you do risk being violently assaulted.

As someone who rides all the time I can tell real changes from incidental bad apple drivers.

Occasional incidents do not represent actual "official" changes.

The OFFICIAL RATES which have not changed are 10 baht for all rides and 20 baht for EXCEPTIONALLY long rides.

The latter has never been defined, so it's possible some drivers will demand 20 from further out Jomtien to Central but that is rare.

IF you pass PATTAYA KLANG, it is more common for there to be a demand of 20, and in my opinion if you go as far as Big C you should just pay 20 without being asked.

Really Pattaya Klang is the semi-official marking line ... it does become a greyer area after that.

Some drivers in past especially during high season have kicked off all passengers at South Pattaya Road or made a big announcement there, that to go further will be 20 baht. These are bad apples.

I suggest just getting off if meeting these bozos.

15 is a creative twist.

If it starts to happen that a MAJORITY of drivers starts demanding 15 from Jomtien to Central, then I will conclude they had a "meeting" and that might be something real. Not even close to that yet! Incidental reports mean almost nothing.

Cheers and safe riding!

He said Jomtien at Central Mall, did not say where too. I always found the bus from Jomtien to Patts stopped around the back of walking st and then you changed.

I'm tempted to call that hotline number and ask since I have a photo of the truck, but I'll relent and just let it be. This is Thailand after all.

In the states I wouldn't stand for it, but this isn't the states, nor would I anticipate 5 or 6 drivers engaging in a beating on one person for standing up for what they feel is right, which happens here all of the time.

I'll just let it go and remember, I'm a guest in this country. I think my baht bus rides are numbered though. I'll let my money do my talking. The fare is cheap, it's the principle of it.

A raise of 50% seems not acceptable...

Yeah, I thought it was strange to be charged 15 baht per person, it was just two of us so I gave my gf (I always let her pay since she's Thai) another 20 baht and waved him off.

As he was pulling away I took a photo of the baht bus with the license number. That's when it got a little weird, he stopped the truck got out and started screaming the rates have changed. Why would he be upset to have me photograph his truck if he'd done nothing wrong?

I wave him off again and kept on walking. After witnessing first hand the dog pack mentality of Thai's when it comes to fighting I know better than to stand up for what I feel/think is right, not worth it. I feel lucky not to have any confrontations period, just walk away smiling.

No, the rates have not gone up.

Drivers tend to play more games as high season approaches.

I must say though if you get a driver like that, if you don't pay what he demands you do risk being violently assaulted.

As someone who rides all the time I can tell real changes from incidental bad apple drivers.

Occasional incidents do not represent actual "official" changes.

The OFFICIAL RATES which have not changed are 10 baht for all rides and 20 baht for EXCEPTIONALLY long rides.

The latter has never been defined, so it's possible some drivers will demand 20 from further out Jomtien to Central but that is rare.

IF you pass PATTAYA KLANG, it is more common for there to be a demand of 20, and in my opinion if you go as far as Big C you should just pay 20 without being asked.

Really Pattaya Klang is the semi-official marking line ... it does become a greyer area after that.

Some drivers in past especially during high season have kicked off all passengers at South Pattaya Road or made a big announcement there, that to go further will be 20 baht. These are bad apples.

I suggest just getting off if meeting these bozos.

15 is a creative twist.

If it starts to happen that a MAJORITY of drivers starts demanding 15 from Jomtien to Central, then I will conclude they had a "meeting" and that might be something real. Not even close to that yet! Incidental reports mean almost nothing.

Cheers and safe riding!

I just hopped off the baht bus from Jomtien at Central Mall and the driver demanded 15 baht each stating the rates have gone up.

Still a bargain IMHO but at the same time I don't like being ripped off.

So what gives, have the rates gone up?

My first taxi ride to Pattaya resulted in water entering the cabin of the cab and floating in some parts, that was 5 years ago.

Yesterday I was in Pattaya lounging on the beach and saw the rain coming before noon and said time to go back to Jomtien. Glad I did.

Some things will never change around here, after all, TIT (This is Thailand).

Nose around Jomtien a little, there are plenty of condos in that price range with pools also.

http://www.bahtsold.com/

Before we heard about the electronic tags, now about entrance fee to an island.

I said it before and I will say it again.

Are these people serious coming up with suggestions like that?

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Hello,

Please accept my apologies if It isn't the proper topic.

I've been living and working in Bangkok for almost 2 years (with a work permit and a visa). After resignation, I went abroad and came back here at the end of August with a 30 days stamp on my passport.

As Monday 29th September is my last day, I would like to ask you 2 questions before going to the immigration office and obtaining the 30days extension.

1) Living near Udom Suk BTS (South of Sukhumvit), the immigration office division 1 at Chaeng Watthana is a bit far, Do you know if any other place provides this extension service in Bangkok?

2) Regarding documents, I had to extend my lease agreement 2 weeks ago (expiration date is now: September 2015). Do you think the presentation of this document could cause suspicion?

Thanks in advance.

1. There is no other office you can use.

2. They will not ask for proof of residence or accommodations.

All they want is a completed TM7 application form, copies of passport photo page, entry stamp and TM6 departure card.

Thanks ubonjoe, you rock!

Thanks ubonjoe!

You can get the extension at any immigration office if you have a local address to put on the application form.

All extensions start from the end of the permitted to stay date. You loose nothing by doing them early.

I'm currently staying on a 30 day Visa Exemption Stamp and as per the new rules would like to extend it for another 30 days for 1900 baht iirc.

Two questions,

1. Will the immigration office in Jomtien on Soi 5 be able to accommodate me?

2. If I get an extension before my 30 days is up will the 30 days start the day I extend or will they be tacked

onto to existing 30 day stamp allowing me a full 60 days? I hate to wait until the last day to do this but will

if needed.

Thanks in advance, and I apologize if this has been asked already.

Pattaya Bangkok Hospital quoted me 132,000 for my hernia operation, an additional 32,000 if I required an additional night. Water under the bridge really as my insurance is picking up 100% of the tab. At this point I'm more worried about the quality of the care, but should be okay as I'm scheduled with their senior surgeon.

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Thus regardless how old your passport, 4+ entry stamps and they write a "no comeback" remark in your passport.

Indeed if you use BKK as a SEA hub you're screwed alt=clap2.gif>

I guess next time you'll have to come with a visa (and not rely on visa exempt.) and / or extension of stay.

Just my 2 cents

There has to be more to the story than just 4 stamps. There must be some in & outs or he's traveling on business or something. Just four stamps in 4 years? What's the visa exempt stamp for then, just a one time lifetime opportunity?

Perhaps he couldn't prove he's a tourist or he didn't have the 10,000 baht in his pocket on arrival.