sylvafern

It's a troll had a job offer staying there for 2 years or more and never been to the country oh yer as if

It is perfectly possible for someone to come and work here without having previously visited.

2 years is the standard contract period in hotels for example and in an international hotel chain one can transfer to a hotel in Thailand without having to travel here for interviews. I know because I did it.

And for all international school teachers .... must be 1000's of them (and their familes) living in Thailand who came without ever visiting the country first!!!!

My best advice is to read up on the culture, especially what is and isn't accepted in Thailand, traditions, cultural norms, etc. e.g. pointing your foot at someone is disrespectful, visiting a temple wearing singlets (vests) is not appropriate, etc. Also, if you are going to be working closely with Thai people, perhaps you might want to do some research on that. There is a book about it which I think might be called 'Working with Thais' (could be wrong) that talks about things like Thai employees often nodding their heads and agreeing to things then walking out the office and doing the opposite, etc. Doing some research on prices of things (e.g. rent) will help you stop being ripped off when you first come. Also, once you get here, learn some basic Thai. Most people manage to learn 'taxi Thai' which is important if you want to get where you want to go without being taken the 'scenic' route! Try and befriend a Thai colleague as soon as possible as their help as a translator will be needed. So many other things you could do to prepare, but you will mostly learn it all when you get here.

I'm still a beginner at this so don't have expert information, just what I've come to learn by having ago myself. Firstly, like Khun Jean said, 60 mins of tape = roughly 12-13gb of memory on the computer so a cheap laptop with only 40gb of memory wouldn't hold more than 2 lots of videos (if you take into account memory taken up by software and other data on the computer). Secondly, if you want to edit the video then I highly recommend getting some type of Mac as the software (imovie and idvd) is SO easy to use. You can edit, add effects, titles, all sorts of things. The first time I used imovie at my school I was given a quick 15-20 minute lesson on how to use it by one of our ICT guys then in a couple of hours edited a 'music video' whereby the kids were lipsyncing to the original song - as it's so easy to use, I was able to get the children's singing (without actually hearing their voices) perfectly in time with the soundtrack. However, the cheapest macintosh laptop (an ibook) is quite a lot more expensive than a regular laptop - plus you still have the harddrive storage issue and will most likely need an external harddrive (which I've yet to purchase but really need to do so). I think my computer is the cheapest laptop (mac) you can get which is a 60gb harddrive (upgradable to 100gb but didn't seem worth it compared to the cost of an external), 512 ram and a 14 in screen. At the time (last october) the 12 inch wasn't capable of burning to DVD. It cost 58,000 when I bought it (latest edition newly released) but I guess it's cheaper now.

Thanks for the info - I'm learning a lot from this forum. Last time I was at Pantip they told me 250gb externals were around 10,000 baht and haven't had enough spare money to buy one - glad I didn't put it on the credit card now. Will go and get one after payday!

For my real 'keepers' I get proper silver-halide prints made (10x8) and store them in a decent photo album. These are my 'show the grand kids' copies and should last as long as prints made from film (same process).

Good info on this post .... after nearly losing several months worth of baby photos of my son when my hard-drive went (luckily I had put all the photos on my friend's computer in NZ when visiting so she had them all) I now keep all my photos on both my computers plus backed up on at least two CDs (didn't know til now the life expectancy of a CD isn't great!). I plan to get an external harddrive when I have the money as need the space anyhow for my ibook (hard drive used up in no time when putting on home movies to edit!). If CD's / DVDs only have a short life expectancy, does that mean the same for video? I recently finished editing a video of a trip to Vietnam, copied it onto 4 CDs just in case, then deleted it from the hard drive as I needed the space to work on something else. Was this a mistake? Also, in the shopping malls, you can buy packets of 'budget' CD's cheaply .... would these have a shorter life span than ones that are more expensive?

What are silver-halide prints? Do they look like normal prints but with a special process for developing. I assume the IQ lab people are recommending can do them?

Sorry, lots of questions

Thanks for the info - it is normal film not slide film. Is it still worth doing it just for touching upo myself on the computer and printing mostly 6x4s for my own albums, or would I be disappointed with the quality. A couple of times when I used to get film developed I asked for them to also put it on CD and it was always bad quality then, but didn't know if that was just the settings they used in the shop.

Whenever we've been stranded without a maid we've asked our landlord who usually knows someone (eg. her maid or a friend's maid) who's keen to make a bit extra evening in the evenings doing some cleaning and ironing.

We had the same situation with our lovely maid who had been with us for two years. She was Burmese and over New Year went to the border up north to see her mother and never returned. She had a work permit card so I doubt she got caught by the police. She left all her stuff behind including personal things like letters and photos (which I've kept - didn't have the heart to throw them out just in case she returned one day). I can only assume that once she saw her mother after being away for about 5 years (she was only 14 when she was smuggled accross the border) she couldn't bear leaving her again. That was two years ago, but I still hope that one day she'll call me and say she's back in Bangkok, not jsut because she was a great maid, but because I really grew close to her and felt like she was my little sister.

This topic is better than TV - can't check in each evening so see what's been added!

I think all the differing opinions here just point to the fact that EVERY relationship is different! For some people cheating is okay, for others open relationships are fine (which is what bina's seemed to be if the wife was sending her presents - if it's all open I can't see what's bad about it if all parties are in agreement) and then there are monogomous relationships which DO exist - and DO exist between Thai men and farang women. I don't think it's fair to put people down or criticise them for the type of relationship they have even if it's different to your own ideas of what a relationship is. Also, I don't think it's fair to assume that all/most/90% relationships are the same as what you've experienced or have observed.

Back to the original question .... in 6 years of being together with my Thai b/f he's never turned off his phone or disappeared. Yes, we've hung up on each other in anger a number of times (goes both ways) and maybe even ignored a call until calm, but never for a prolonged period - so yes, I agree with sbk that there is something fishy in disappearing, even if it's just not wanting to confront an issue.

Why do so many (mostly) men have to be so negative about Thai men .... especially when they've obviously never had a relationship with a Thai man themselves (I assume )? Not all men are unfaithful (you even said so yourself mark45 in another topic!). As for commenting on how we can live with ourselves for posting nonsense about the faithfulness of Thai men ... as far as I'm aware my guy has always been faithful and so has all of my friend's Thai guys. Obviously, I can't be 100% sure unless I was with him 100% of the time .... but the same goes for any relationship, no matter the race/culuture of the people involved. That's where trust has to enter the relationship. Admittedly, trust is something I find difficult especially in thailand as there are so many stories of men being unfaithful - but I've got to be honest here and say I would find trusting a farang man in Thailand WAY more difficult than trusting a Thai guy. I have seen so many nice farang guys in committed relationships (with other farangs) pushing the boundaries of committment when interacting with Thai girls ... and if I were to believe the rumours, then a lot them are not just pushing boundaries but breaking them.

girlx, I know you're jaded but are you sure whatever happened to you was because the man was Thai. Could the same thing not have happened if the guy was a farang or other? I've never been hit on by friend's Thai boyfriends (or any of my friend's boyfriends) even when I was single. Are you sure they're hitting on you or is it just friendliness and maybe even mild flirtation (which is different than being hit on, I think)?

mark45y .... yes, there are some Thai girls with someone else in the background to fall back on. I also have know some Thai girls in relationships with Thai men but also on the prowl for someone 'better' ie a farang. But there are some girls in every culture that can't be without a man and when a relationship breaks up they go running back to their safety net. Although, I've got to admit I see it happening here more than I did at home.

Try posting this in the Ladies in Thailand forum - there's a thread set up for this already so you will probably get a better responce.

I don't understand your point. Did you read the full page or just the first paragraph?

I don't understand either ... if you read the whole article then you would know it ends like this ....

"So while, in my youth, I plied the potholed streets of Luang Prabang in my flip flops and fisherman pants, slurping noodles from market stalls, and sitting on the banks of the Mekong sucking Beer Lao from a bottle, now in my thirties, with a few little shifts in attitude and preference, I am still doing all of those things, but also have the option of returning to a scrumptious hotel room, dining in candlelight with a fine bottle of wine, and having my aching muscles pampered by a lingering massage. I am finding Luang Prabang, although visually nostalgic, evolved into a maturity which while to some may be sad in its innocence lost, to me, is inevitable, and still very appealing."

Doesn't seem much like he's complaining about the effects of tourism to me!

Toys R Us (Central Bangna or Carrefour Rama 4) is the only place I've ever seen a semi-reasonable selection of games ... they have monopoly and Cranium (adults and kids versions - very fun game!) among others but they didn't have trivial pursuit which is what I really wanted to get.

Name ONE man, who NEVER cheated on his girlfriend...Girls, I dont want to be rude, but if you think that you're bf/husband never cheated on you or at least after a considerable time spent together...you are sooooooooooooooooooo wrong, it's important that he loves only YOU and that he is coming back to YOU, the rest are just short and meaningless adventures, note that adventures that are getting serious, the guy needs to be shooted at , I would personally do it, as a man

What a real wierdo Alexth seems to me!!

I wonder what he would say if the tables were turned and his "girlfriend/wife" gave him a taste of his own medicine. I'm sure he would have lots to say - but he thinks he can do it and life goes on hunkydory. I pity any woman in his life.

Egocentric, sexist, ###### comes to mind. And I am not a Feminazi... yet..!!

The truth does hurt, doesn't it? Since this world was done, men cheated women, my only principle is respect your soulmate and if and only if, you will cheat, don't make it a habit and don't make it a love affair, I am 25, Patsycat, never cheated on any of all the girlfriends I hadcolor=#FF0000], thanks for the good wishes anyway and also for the profile you've rushed in to create.

Cheating is innevitable, if you don't believe me...ask the men in your family and try to get an honest answer, if a man has reached his fifty's and is telling you he never cheated...he's even a liar or a coward and if YOU bielive him, you can start bieliving in fairytales...

P.S.: Next time you characterize somebody, please don't be so keen on jumping to conclusions

No wonder Patsycat characterized you .... in your post you said to name one man who never cheated on his girlfriend .... you are implying that every man cheats, including yourself .... but then you go on to say you've never cheated????? You didn't respond to Patstcat's thoughts ... how would you feel if it was your girlfriend cheating on you? Obviously cheating was the norm in the environment you grew up in and now live in, but don't assume that all men are like the men you know and seem to aim to become yourself.

When I had my Canon EOS SLR and also with my Sony DSC-F717 I almost always use the auto functions unless there is a need to change something due to the type of photo being taken. (I only know simple stuff like changing the shutter speed.) Lots of people comment on my photos and I've sold a few just by people approaching me (one day I would like to actually 'do' something more along these line ) so I think that the biggest secret behind taking photos is having an eye for what makes a good picture and being able to compose it correctly (especially zooming in on the subject). Of course, knowing how to play around with your camera and knowing how to use all the settings means your photos will be even better, but I've seen some photos taken by people who know all the technical stuff and the photos still aren't that great because they haven't got a natural instinct for what makes a great pic.

Thanks Astral. I just cant figure out how to get her looking 'normal' as opposed to stretched. Ive tried with my avatar options but cant seem to crack it.

When you upload your picture it seems to automatically make it square shape .... it says that your avatar can't be more than 90x90 pixels. Try cropping it first so that it is a square shape, that way you should be able to upload and keep her face in proportion.

Sylvafern

To get to the Sanctuary of Truth head down Pattaya North road from the main Sukhumvit Road and then turn right at the Doplhin roundabout towards Naklua. The turn off is quite a way down this road, soi 12 I think, where you turn left and then just follow the road to the entrance.

Best time to visit is around 1700 when most other visitors have gone and there is a nice evening light shining on the wood.

Have fun!

thanks!

Thanks for that info ... will have to take my Golden Retriever to check out PPP

Great news - long, stressful process, isn't it! Easier second time round, tho (and probably after experience going to Canada, will be easier for getting a US visa in the future). I wonder how your b/f will like Canada??!! Thai food wis the thing my b/f misses the most (next time he's even going to take his own 'mama' as instant noodles are not as good in NZ as in Thailand! )

Try Noriega's on Silom Soi 4 (walk past all the gay bars and it's on the right at the end). Popular place for teachers hanging out, especially when a staff band is playing from one of the int'l schools.

its true about u yanks

u are so thick

tom ENGLAND

You're British???? I could make comments about your level of intelligence if I were that way inclined (which thankfully I'm not) .... doonagirl's nick name implies she's probably not even a 'yank' and even if she is, I doubt that makes her 'thick'!

Weird post!

PS - doonagirl - know what you mean, though. Sometimes it's hard not to wonder about some tourist who are desperate to get something as cheap as possible. Bargaining is the norm in most places, but it's true vendors won't sell if they're not making some sort of profit .... so in this case, it was their loss and your gain! I just wish I could fit into pants (also used in antipodian (sp?) countries as well as the US) made in Thailand!

Samctuary of Truth, Pattaya

500 baht admission, but plenty to point a camera at.

How can I find this place? I've only been to Pattaya once, but next time I'm heading that way I'd like to visit. Great pics, BTW.

eheem.. cough cough splutter.. Adobe Photoshop CS is what you want, ehemm cough cough

How much is a fully licensed copy??

US$649.00 From their site.

I have photoshop on my ibook (laptop) which I got free when I bought my computer at Pantip which is great for doing fancy things, but for regular touching up you can't beat ACD which I have on my PC. It's extremely simple to use and the colours come out (in my opinion) way better than on photoshop. I have ACD Pro which I got free (I think because I once enquired about purchasing it for my school and they sent it to me to try and persuade me) but before that I just used to download the free 30 day trials. For the most part, all I ever do to photos is click on the 'auto exposure' button .... here's a before and after example of what one click can do .....

Hi - I'm new to the Photography forum but have seen some of you in other forums ....

I have loads of favourite photos but they are in such a disorganised mess with some on my laptop, some on my PC (this computer) and the majority on film in the cupboard. Here are a few of my favourites that I have stored on this computer ... all taken by me but the first three aren't of Thailand ....

I love this pic taken in Roturua, New Zealand last year ...

Also in New Zealand driving through Lewis Pass in the South Island. We turned the corner and came across this massive rainbow .... was obviously impressive as there were several cars of people stopped taking photos. Can't decide which of the two is my favourite.

Flower on a banana tree in my garden in Bangkok.

Sunset in Khon Kaen (Beung Kaen Nakorn) this past New Year's.

Sunflowers at a temple near Khorat

And finally .... one of my favourite pics of my son taken at Phimai ruins (near Khorat) just before New Year.

Hi - I have 100's of films from before I went digital about 2 years ago. Over the last 8 years in Thailand, most my photos more than three years old have faded or discoloured - I guess from taking advantage of the cheap processing here in Thailand. I would love to reprint all my photos but now that I've gone digital and discovered the benefits of photoshop and the likes, I want to be able to touch them up and crop them on the computer first. I don't have a film scanner but even if I did, I'm sure I'd never find the time to get round to scanning all the film. Does anyone know where I could get this done? Also, once I have the photos ready to print, does anyone know where a good lab is that will print photos on paper that lasts longer than the 3/4 baht prints? (don't mind paying a bit more). Last thing, can anyone tell me if film scanning is even any good (i.e. can I expect quality good enough to try selling some of the photos as stockshots, etc?).

Thanks for any help you can give!

I wish I'd found out about this earlier - a bit strapped for cash and time this Songkran so would have been great to get cheapie tickets, but none left for this week (1900 to Surat, 1100 return depending on the day). Oh well - know for next time!

Not for me, I earn baht and absolutely refuse to spend 4000 baht for a one way ticket with bkk air.

If you book online ahead of time, you can get 2000 baht one way tickets as long as you take the first or last flight of the day. Not the best times, but worth it to save money.

SBK,

Thanks for the heads up. This is great news. Bo Phut here I come.

Whatever everyone else thinks about Thaksin, anyone who helps to shaft Bangkok Airways can't be all bad. I am not particularly strapped for cash but as a matter of principle I too begrudge contributing a single penny to that wretched money grubbing outfit. Their disgraceful supplement charged on departure and misrepresented to hapless tourists as a tax is nothing but an affront to capitalism.

Now, where do the estate agents drink now?

In Bangkok Airways' defence, they treat their staff exceptionally well and must be one of the better companies for people to work for in thailand, especially those in blue collar jobs. My b/f's parents both work for them .... his mum's a maid and his dad is a chauffeur (sp?). They get a reasonable salary for Thailand plus overtime, but they also get free accomodation, free utilities and free food while at work. They get three free standby flights per year (not counting tax and and departure tax) and after this can pay 10% of the ticket price. When my b/f's grandmother died in a hit-and-run in her home village, 13 extended family members all working for BKK airways were all allowed time off to attend the funeral and were given free flights to Bangkok the following morning. Lots of companies in Thailand treat their staff terribly so it's nice to hear of a company doing the opposite.

Hi moving to Samui next year

In the unlikely event that my kids (then aged 16& 13 ) decide to come with me (hope they do) I am under the impression that there aren't really any secondary schooling facilities (they are English by the way) I could not find any international schools for them

If push came to shove I would always move elsewhere eg Phuket where I know there are int'n'l schools but if one of you know of a good alternative on Samui please could you let me know

Hi mike1963,

If your kids do decide to come and you decide to stick with Samui, another option is boarding at an international school somewhere else in Thailand and coming to Samui on the weekends/holidays. There are several schools in Bangkok and other areas. Samui is only an hours flight from bangkok, so easy for weekend trips if your budget can afford it! School holidays are frequent so even if they came then you would still see them regularly.

PM if you'd like more info (I work in a British int'l school with boarding facilities).

Apparently there are a couple of dog parks around Bangkok where you can take your dog to play, swim and have obedience training. I think one of them is in Pakkret but I'm not exactly sure where. I will ask my b/f (who's not in right now) as I think he knows and let you know if I find out anymore info.

b/f couldn't remember where the park was so tried doing a search on the internet and found this on the nancy chandler site ....

DOWNTOWN DOG PARK OPEN

For pet lovers looking for a place to let their dogs run free, check out Doggie Doo at 71 Soi Yen Akkart (D3). Complete with playground, pool and all sorts of training, see www.doggiedoonet for more information. A sidenote: The new Chom Suan restaurant on Sukhumvit Soi 16 (F1) welcomes dogs. Tel: 02-663-2169. Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-3.30pm only.