califdann

Didn't see an actual temperature listed.  Maybe just me, but it would be nice to know exactly what "they" considered to be the average or norm that has been exceeded.

I have found that the prices for scuba is unexpectantly high in Pattaya. Same is true in S-ville in Cambodia. I am trying some dive spots in Viet Nam this next trip.

Dann C.

Looking for 1 week (7 days) studio rental from 18 Oct to 25 Oct 2011. What is availability and total cost.

thanks

Dann C.

Following is an exerpt from the Citibank online "Home Page". The reason that I present it here, is that I am looking for an ability to use a credit card in LOS, without the added 4% cost, and the added "finance charge" on my bill from the credit card each month. It would seem to me that if Citibank, which has lots of outlets in the U.S. has branches in LOS, than I could additionally avoid the 150 baht charge for using their ATM while in LOS. Any comments, advice, etc...??

Califdann

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Dear Customer,

In light of the recent and unprecedented volatility in the world's financial markets, I am writing to update you on Citi's continuing financial strength and our commitment to serve your financial needs.

Much has happened during the last year as the global financial crisis has unfolded. At Citi, we took decisive and early action to prepare ourselves to weather these tough times through significantly strengthening our capital and liquidity positions. Governments around the world have also responded to the financial crisis by providing explicit support to the banking systems. So you should rest assured that your deposits are safe with us.

•Our Capital and Agreement with the U.S. Government: Recently, the U.S. Government provided an additional US$20 billion to Citi’s already strong capital base, which together with other provisions, increases our capital by an additional US$40 billion. As a result, when added to the earlier US$85 billion increase in our capital, this places our Tier 1 Capital Ratio at an expected 14.8%. This makes Citi one of the most well capitalized banks in the world.

As a locally licensed bank here, Citibank NA, Thailand Branch is regulated by the Bank of Thailand and is subject to all prudential and requirements applicable to banks. We are well capitalised with over Bht 13 billion of Capital Funds and an additional Bht 7.9 billion in retained earnings.

I guess that it is pretty standard and expected to get the additional 4% fee added to the bill when using your credit card in LOS. At least I expect it. But in addition, my Credit Card Company (Bank of America) is adding a "Foreign Transaction Fee", which shows up as "Transaction Fee FINANCE CHARGE" on my billing. Anyone else have these added charges? And, more importantly, can anyone point me to a credit card that does not levy these additional charges?

Thanks

Califdann

Used the ATMs at Central Festival. 150 Baht fee at any of the banks there. I would be surprized if there are any ATMs in Thailand anymore that don't charge this fee. If so, I would think that they would incur the fee soon.

Califdann

I have a friend arriving at Suvarnabhumi airport with no visa and no onward ticket. Can he get a 30 day entry stamp in this situation, or are they strictly enforcing the rule which prevents that?

I Flew in to Suvarnabhumi Airport in late September. Showed my passport and did not show any onward ticket. Got the 30 day pass no problem. I went to Cambodia overland, and upon returning, to Thailand, showed nothing except my passport and got a 30 day pass no problem.

Dunno about any one else's experience.

DMC

The article indicated that the Government would subsidize the cost of conversion to NVG. Anyone have an idea what the cost would be?

DMC

Arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport.... lots of "Taxi" drivers etc... wanting 1,000 Baht to take me to the Sukumvit area. I finally found a taxi to take me for 500 Baht.

Going back, the Taxi Meter in Pattaya was 850 out of the hotel that I was staying in, or 800 Baht on the street. The street "arranger" wanted me to pay 20 Baht each for the 3 tolls. I agreed to go for 800 Baht without paying for the tolls. I gave the driver 20 Baht tip at the airport.

Dont know if I got a good deal or not. Any comments?

Dann C.

I just received this from my Cambodian contacts:

NEWS FROM CAMBODIA N° 0640-E

Khmemara Jati

Montreal, Quebec

September 20, 2006

We diffuse below an article of the coup in Thailand. This coup d'État is approved by the King and 84 % by the Thais. The population offers flowers to the soldiers. This coup d'État is intended to put an end a corrupt regime which did not manage to solve properly the Moslem rebellion in the Southern of Thailand. The leader of the army who has just made this coup d'État, Sondhi Boonyaratkalin is a Moslem. He is against the hard way using by the discharged Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to overcome the Moslem rebellion. Thaksin risks now to be prosecuted for corruption.

Thanks for the info. Most financial institutions in the US have a per wire transfer charge which ranges in the $25.00 - $35.00. My bank in Cambodia charges a $5.00 per check charge for checks written on my U.S. bank. It also takes almost a month to clear. The U.S. bank does not have a charge for this. There are no charges for writing checks (except for wire fee) if I maintain a minimum balance. I belive that this is true for most U.S. banks. Additionally, I maintain an account with a minimum balance in Thailand, even though they pay no interest. I have not tried to deposit U.S. checks into my Thailand bank account yet. Does anyone know if there is a charge for doing so in Thailand? If not, this may be the way to go. That is: Have the retirement check deposited into the U.S. bank (for me), and write checks into the Thai bank, with withdrawals from the Thai bank. Anyone have comments on this?

DMC

I beleive that I read elsewhere on this forum that there is a new requirement that upon landing in Thailand, and prior to getting the 30 day visa, to have proof of a return airfare ticket leaving Thailand that would not put one over the 30 immedidate visa stay. Anyone have experience or a comment on this. I think this would have an effect on one's ability to stay long term with multiple visa runs.

DMC

Thanks for the info Jim;

Do you have your retirement income sent to a Thai bank, or do you use ATMs etc...?

DMC

Lets all get a grip on reality:

With all that is going on with world terrorizm, actual drug smuggling, natural disasters, Thaksin, etc... in Thailand, not to mention the Arroyo regime corruption and beheadings in the South of the PI, a lady who is carrying 300 tubes of Nisoral (5mg) ointment along with 552 units of Mena facial cream gets arrested. Sure I know that the police have to enforce the laws, but this seems to me to be a bit overboard. Kinda like radio personality Rush Limbaugh being arrested for having non-prescription Viagra. What a joke.

DMC

I believe that the same model Airbus was involved in an incident at LAX a couple of weeks ago. The front landing strut did not fully engage, and after a couple of hours (supposedly burning off fuel), it landed, and shredded the front tire, causing intermittent fire, but the strut held. No passengers or crew injured (except for some frayed nerves I imagine).

Quote

"Oil prices are set according to demand, not by the oil companies

You could blame OPEC for manipulating prices, I don't know if they are producing at anywhere near maximum production."

In a natural market, prices are set by demand. When the demand exceeds the supply, the price goes up. As was stated, the supply is not being maximized.

But importantly, and often ignored, are the taxes that are added by the Fed and the State (here in USA, and elsewhere) which make up a substantial portion of the cost of a gallon of gas. Eliminate the tax on the gas we put in our tank, and you

be shocked by the fall in the cost to the consumer. This is not to say that the oil companies are making money.... which is why they are in business.... but no focus is paid to the outrageous tax on gas. Check it out on google....

Dann

Gee, when was the last time that a maid came up to check on you when you didn't answer the wake up call? Never happened to me. Also, a wake up call? Hmmmm.... At least here is one conspiracy therory...

Dann

Hey, where do I sign up? Wonder if I can use this to stay in Thailand for a year without the border/visa run concern.

Dann

The whistle blowers always get shafted. Happens every time.

OK, so if I show up with more luggage than I want to carry on a bus.... Do I still go to the taxi stand? What is the current price of the taxi out to Sukhumvit?

Gee, where do I apply for the $200K Yr positons?

DMC

Hello:

We applied March 6, 2004 finally got the fiance interview for Jan 14, 2005. Anyone know how long it takes to get the visa once the interview is completed. Assuming we "pass"... We want to travel to US on the 23rd of Jan.

DMC

I am totally against anything having to do with sex with anyone under the legal age of consent.... which in my opinion is at least 18 years of age. But let us remember that this article is written for the sake of getting the reaction that I have seen here, despite the actual facts of the matter. Let us remember that if a person is accused (wrongfully or not) of these kinds of acts.... they are automatically guilty in the eyes of those who read or hear about it. I think that we as a group need to not easily fall into being manipulated. In my opinion, anyone who wants to sexually molest or have any kind of sex or fondle any person under the legal age of consent is ill and should be hospitalized, despite my revulsion at the act(s). I say this because they are IMHO mentally ill. But, again, my reading of the article a second time causes me to see some inconsistancies in the reporting. Additionally, having either been involved in an incident, or having been at an incident that was subsequently reported in the local newspaper, and seeing the distortion of the event by the "reporter", gives me pause to give much credibility to this "reporter" Sure, I know that some of this goes on, in Chaing Mai, as it does in other parts of the world, but I doubt the extent of it as identified in this news story. Makes it sound like all Aussies are sicko's, and I know that is not the case.