sadman

2 sand wedges (in case one wears out) and a pitching wedge

Thanks, it does

Yeah, tried there too. I guess I'll just have to keep looking until the shops get in different stock.

Many thanks anyway.

Probably a fairly dumb question, but I've been looking everywhere for some nice ceiling fans with lights included. I don't have especially high ceilings, so they have to have the blades tilted so as to work with only about 12-14" between the ceiling and them.

I've looked in all the usual places (HomePro etc) without success - does anyone have any bright ideas, please?

I don't see him coming to the UK because of the salary cap, which is about half of what it is in France. Could be very interesting if he went to Toulon - they could move Jonny Wilkinson to 12 and that would be fascinating.

Gavin Henson is signed there (as a 12) until the end of this season, but he'll have found somewhere else to go by then, I should think.

Might sound like a daft question, but how about driving from Bangkok to Phuket? I shall be driving down in a small buggy, running it in so with a cruising speed of around 45-50mph. I fancy doing it over 2 days and enjoying myself, so where is the best overnighter? Hua Hin?

You would need to go a bit further your first day, onto Chumphon, otherwise at that speed will take 3 days

Many thanks

Might sound like a daft question, but how about driving from Bangkok to Phuket? I shall be driving down in a small buggy, running it in so with a cruising speed of around 45-50mph. I fancy doing it over 2 days and enjoying myself, so where is the best overnighter? Hua Hin?

I watched the televised Super Rugby game between Crusaders and Sharks at Twickenham on Sunday, straight after watching and Aviva Premiership game between Northampton and Wasps, and it reminded me how different the game is between the NH and SH. (Personally, I prefer the NH but that's just a matter of opinion).

Come the RWC, it could be quite interesting: looking at the groups, I can see a NZ vs England final (I know plenty of Aussies, Jaapies and French will disagree, but it's only an opinion). I can see NZ looking to play a SR type of game, with great running lines, quick hands and happy feet, but I can see England playing an all-round game and winning the mental battle, primarily by not trying to play NZ at their own game, but forcing them to play in the NH way.

If NZ can dominate the breakdown and use the pressure (from public and press) positively, I see them winning, but otherwise, I see another WC win for England.

Any thoughts?

If you've been properly scammed, you won't know it (by definition). If you've been overcharged, it is quite likely that you either won't know it or you were prepared to pay the inflated price, in which case is it overcharging?

Like probably everyone on this site, I have without doubt been overcharged and scammed, but I've had the same in may parts of the UK, Europe, Africa, the USA, Australia and other parts of S E Asia. Probably about the only place I definitely haven't been had over is Andorra, and that's only because I was a guest and spent nothing at all.

May I ask: what is the point of this poll?

Yeah, TF, I agree about Cockerill's task. They'll do some good work then make daft errors. I have always felt that Geordan Murphy has serious faults, and losing Moody to Bath was a major blow, but for my money the real problem is that with Flood injured, they don't have a quality 10. Staunton gives it a go, but I think he was injured as well, so their problems will only compound - and wait until the internationals are called away.

I really hope that Exeter do well, but my fear is that when the good teams start playing well again - and they will - they may be left behind. Rob Baxter isn't a premiership head coach yet, and some of his side aren't fit enough to last 80 mins at that intensity, as the game against Leicester showed. On the plus side, they've just signed a Fijian from the Stormers, so that may make a difference. Exeter have good players, great spirit etc, but are so reliant on Steenson's boot that if he gets injured or loses form, they may really struggle.

Saints and Irish are looking good, but Gloucester don't seem to be able to decide what style of rugby they want to play. They'll start the Redpath way, wide and expansive, using the back 3 a lot, then revert to sticking it up their jumper. Anything past 3rd phase leaves them confused.

Should be good season, though.

Well, just shows what I know, I guess!

NZ tinkered with their side, but their self-belief stood them in good stead. I feel sorry for the Aus players from 6-15, who all did a day's work but were let down yet again. Can't make my mind up about Beale - he'll do a couple of really dumb things, then show a touch of brilliance.

McCalman (sp?) will go on getting better and better, guided by Elsom and Pocock (IMHO the Aus find of the decade). Genia and Cooper are a decent pair, and Giteau looks world-class again at 12.

I'm looking forward to NZ, Aus and SA coming to England this autumn. At a guess, NZ will smash us, Aus will be too close to call, and SA will either bash us up or get bashed, depending on what the buffoon De Villiers decides to do with his side.

I'm not sure I agree with your prediction for this weekend, Donnyboy. For me, it's NZ by 12+.

Last weekend, Aus did have something to prove but were far short of top quality, IMHO. Altitude etc all made it difficult, but they dogged it out to win. That won't be enough to beat NZ.

I know I'm a cracked record, but the Aus tight 5 are inefficient and ineffective. As a unit they are unfit (look at the props), with Moore being the only shining light, although Dean Mumm looks to have a future. Tactically, the Aus pack are light years behind NZ, so although the Aus midfield axis is world class, they get too little good, quick ball with which to work. SA didn't take sufficient advantage of that, but NZ will.

Pocock vs McCaw is a mouth-watering contest, but all the honest hard work of Elsom won't be enough. The NZ forwards will win this game by giving their backs plenty of good ball and preventing the Aus forwards from doing the same for theirs.

not sure if anyone reads this thread anymore, TF where are you?

I read it, but for some reason when I get onto the Sports etc forum, it will only talk golf, so I have to go around the block a bit.

Anyway, regarding the blood fakery - never mind all the hand-wringing and protestations that this was an isolated incident. I am aware that this has been going on in the English Premiership since the introduction of blood replacements. I can't believe it doesn't happen elsewhere, either.

Regarding last Saturday's SA v Aus game: what a great game for the impartial observer. I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially as the tries came from quick thinking, quick ball and good running lines (I was a prop, but I can still enjoy that kind of thing!) The ARU would be crackers to let Robbie Deans go, but IMHO the Aus problem is as it has been for several years - their tight five. The only one worth a carrot is Stephen Moore, and he's not fully fit yet. Without an effective tight 5, the back row can't function and the backs can't get much.

SA are a shadow of their former selves, thanks to the stupid political machinations of SARFU appointing a 2nd rate coach on the basis of his ethnicity, rather than his ability.

Anyway, please keep this thread going. I always enjoy discussing the game with people from different countries, as it gives me a better perspective. Actually, I'm a rugby bore and my wife would happily stab me sometimes. Anyway, off to coach my U-18s side in the first match of the season.

Again, sorry for the delay - away again, but saw the match. I couldn't understand what the Aus lineout defence was: the choices I see are to contest in the air; sack/contest when the catcher hits the ground; or (high-risk) do neither but have a smart move so that the forwards and backs can quickly spread out and smother any attacking move. They did none of this, but stood still and watched - the only thing I can think of is that it can be a complicated strategy for preventing a driving maul, but it depends on the opposition acting in a specific way, so I would only try it if I knew the oppo lineout calls. However, it didn't achieve anything yet they kept on doing it.

Aus backs showed some class but were badly let down by their forwards (including Elsom, who is usually a star). NZ were a class act but for me, the unsung hero of all the games so far has been Kieron Read, who is (IMHO) a real find. Woodcock got found out in the tight, but he's been conning refs for years (good man!)

Next game could be magnificent.

Sorry for my late input - been away for a few days (but saw the game). I'm not sure I agree that the score should have been much closer. IMHO the Boks were tired and demotivated, quite possibly emanating from their thoroughly second-rate coach. Can you imagine what they'd be like with, say, Heineke Meyer in charge? This man inherited a superb side (for non-rugby reasons) and has done nothing to develop it. Also, will he have the courage to do the right thing and drop Smit when Bismarck du Plessis returns from injury? Unless something is done soon, next year's RWC will be a non-event for SA.

Let's be fair, although the Aus scrum was better, it's still too poor to compete at international level. With the exception of Stephen Moore, the tight 5 is just not good enough in the tight.

The gulf between NZ and the rest is widening by the day. On that note, I see vast improvements in England and Scotland, Argentina, Italy and France standing still, with Wales and Ireland going backwards. If - and it's big if - Martin Johnson can continue the improvements (which basically means bringing in the terrific young talent available), Eng might just be in contention at RWC. I'd certainly back them to beat all bar NZ ('cos they're brilliant) and Aus (they are always capable of turning it on).

Thanks, thaibutty. yes, I've been in touch with the customs clinic and they've been helpful but I need a bit more. Basically, as you surmise, it's a question of whether it will apply to cars - although, if it didn't, cars would be a lot more expensive than they already are.

I will keep you updated.

Just an update - the Customs Clinic have told me that the duty when importing a 'personal' car from China to LOS is only (ONLY???) 80%, as opposed to the 200% from outside the AFTA. I'm still waiting on the commercial rates.......

Customs tax is due on all vehicles regardless of where they come from.

There are some really nice jeeps in Laos for around 480,000 baht new but when you add in all the import tax they are more than twice that much to get into Thailand

So that is why there are none here

Thanks, but can you point me to a source or a link, please?

Sorry if this is an old topic, or one that's been done to death, but I'm having problems getting the information I need.

The scenario: A Thai company, wishing to import ordinary cars from China (where they have been built) into Thailand, where they will be rented.

I'm finding problems getting any definitive information regarding the import duties applicable: AFTA/ASEAN literature suggests that the rate can be either 5% or nil; basic customs info suggests it is still at 200%.

Please could someone point me to a link which gives me a clue, so I can then go to the manufacturer and to an import agent and make arrangements.

Many thanks, and sorry if this is a dull question.

Sorry (particularly to LivinLOS) - I did originally reply point by point to your post at 16.54 but it seems to have disappeared into the ether. Suffice it to say, I think you misunderstand me: you say I'm putting down the very country that gave me everything and that I had more opportunities than someone growing up in Thailand.

My original point was simply that while many people are criticising Phuket (and with good cause) it actually compares very favourably in many respects with the UK. I don't know which country you come from, LivinLOS - perhaps it's different there. I don't say that everything is bigger/shinier/nicer etc in Phuket, but that in my opinion I would rather be in Phuket for a variety of reasons.

And which is more ironic - me criticising my country and opining that I would like to live in Phuket, or you extolling the virtues of the country you left and criticising the one in which you choose to live?

Sure but theres opinion.. And being factually wrong..

Thai schooling v uk schooling.. About a draw ?? I mean come on lets be honest now.

I find it kinda comical, that so many retires and expats with western incomes and savings, like to be so critical of the countries that essentially educated them, gave them the skills, income, and savings.. That enables them to come to Thailand and criticise the place where they made all that cash. I mean, they would hardly rather be born an average Thai, trapped in this country, little chance of ever leaving it, etc etc etc.

Sorry about the fluorescent font colour in my previous post - it came out rather different than I expected!

I don't know which parts you see as factually wrong, given that I simply offered opinions.

Education is not a draw, and I didn't say it was. What I said is that depending on where you live, UK education may or may not be better. Let me be even clearer - I would rather send my son to an international school in Phuket than one of the state schools in my catchment area. Some UK schools are terrific; some are truly dreadful.

As for the UK educating me, giving me skills, income and savings: my parents showed me the value of education and so I took advantage of getting a scholarship to a local grammar school. I got a job and have worked all my life, learning skills, earning and saving out of what the tax system left me. I paid my own way through university as a mature student, thereby learning new skills. I employ 127 people, thereby generating more tax revenue. The UK gave/gives me nothing: I work hard, within the confines of the law, to achieve what is important to me and to my family. Everything I receive from the state is bought and paid for.

As for being born poor in Thailand - I was born poor and have worked hard to enjoy the good things, give my mother a comfortable old age and ensure that my children have an easier time than I had. I make no apology for any of this. And why should I not criticise the bad things about the UK - or Thailand, for that matter?

As I thought I'd made clear, my opinion is only my opinion. I'm not blinkered to the bad points of Phuket, but my lifestyle choice (as soon as I can actually put it into practice) is based on a preference of Phuket over anywhere else in the world.

I'm not fortunate enough to yet be living in Phuket more than 6-8 weeks a year, so my opinion has to be taken in that context, but I can honestly say that Phuket knocks spots off the UK in almost every category, for instance:

• Getting ripped off - in the UK it's cloaked in a veneer of respectability, but the principle is exactly the same
  
• Taxation - income tax and national insurance takes over 50% of my earnings before I even start, then there's indirect taxation.....
  
• Healthcare - on what I pay in national insurance, I'd get a fabulous package in Phuket
  
• Education - the UK may or may nor better, depending on where you live
  
• Crime - don't even go there
  
• Climate - 'nuff said
  
• Living on benefits - Uk wins hands down
  
• TV - well, when I switch on Sky, find 400+ channels yet nothing worth watching... that's about even, I would say
  
• Diving - have a guess
  
• Owning property - evens, I think
  
• Owning land - UK gets it
  
• People - people are people the world over, good and bad everywhere
  

I've been lucky enough to travel quite a bit and have settled on Phuket as my place to wish to live. Not perfect, but I accept the whole package. For me, if I can bank a pound and spend a baht, it's ideal. That's just reaping the rewards of 35 years' working - which also includes not having to live on 15k per month. I don't doubt it can be done, but I don't need to do it and certainly don't want to do it (after bringing up 5 children, I'm no stranger to an empty wallet). No bar girls, some beer, my wife and I just enjoy life.

People who agree - great. People who disagree - great. I don't need to justify my feelings and nor does anyone else. I just do what I do.

World Cup-

the only time Americans actually get interested in soccer. I'm looking forward to seeing the U.S. team take down King George's mob.

Yeah, right - that'll happen.

Anyway, I didn't think socialist progressives believed in the idea of winners and losers.

(It's also pretty much the only time I get fired up by football).

Gerd, fair play to you for agreeing to help him. Many wouldn't. A bit less cynicism and a bit more willingness to help others can only be a good thing.

The fact that he may have knocked you says more about him than about you.

Thanks, I will.