pittsdaulga

I was truly hoping they would have been found not guilty. I don't even understand how anyone could be convicted justly with all the errors and mistakes made throughout this trial. I hope the appeal is successful.

--Pitts

All,

I know this is a stretch, but does anyone know where I can buy Pokemon cards written in Thai? I live in Patong, but I can get to Phuket town too.

Thanks for the help,

--Pitts

As a Canadian, the requirements here in Thailand are not much different here than there, except for the requirement for a police report. Imagine how much fraud would be going on if anyone could walk into any branch anywhere and say that he had lost his bank card, passbook etc. if it makes you feel any better the requirements are the same for Thai's and foreigners.

What type of fraud would accure? If one were to have lost their bank card (debit or credit card) and went to the bank, they would still need to provide a valid form of ID to make any withdrawal or transaction.

You should check out Bangkok's amulet market, Wat Ratchanatda. The address is: Trok Sanamphra, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok. It's a great place to wander around in and for people watching. Also a good place to pick up a souvenirs for friends & family.

The problem is that once on overstay immigration have no authority to cancel it or waive the fine. It is not a case of an individual officer or an office not caring or not understanding they just cannot do anything about it.

Good point Ubonjoe. I didn't think of the possibility that they cannot waive the fee as if they had a choice. I can see making arbitrary decisions could reek more havoc at these offices when making exceptions.

--Pitts

What ever else ,please make sure his visa situation is kept upto date.

Thai immigration can be absolute ba....ds when they want , no compassion what so ever .

In my case i was in a coma . When i was able to coverse with my wife (in writing) as i had tubes in my mouth.

I told her my visa was expired, she went to immigration was treated disgustingly by officers, over stay 35 days they demanded she pay 20.000 baht or i would be deported. These points i make are 100% correct( before any smart a..e says otherwise). I have the receipt to prove it.

Even with certificate from the hospital they would not change what was said/done.

That's exactly what happened to me. I went to immigration when I was able to do so and despite the forms and papers from the hospital, all they cared for was that the overstay fee be paid.

--Pitts

"Also any lack of facilities on the bus for disabled people makes it very third country."

--theguyfromanotherforum

Trust me, the lack of disabled accessibilities in 'first world' countries for public transportation is still present.

Going back to the topic... I never questioned what a third world country was and what was not. I was told Thailand was a third world country before I came to Thailand. However, after going to Cambodia (also was told to me to be a third world country) I questioned "my" definition of this category. There was a big difference between the two countries. The highway systems for example are night and day. At least from what I have seen.

It seems that the definition of this idiom has changed over the years and is more of a political definition rather than a definition of tangible status:

Underdeveloped or developing countries, as in “The conditions in our poorest rural areas resemble those in the third world.” This expression originated in the mid-1900s, at first denoting those countries in Asia and Africa that were not aligned with either the Communist bloc nations or the non-Communist Western nations. Because they were for the most part poor and underdeveloped the term was transferred to all countries with those characteristics, and later still to poorer groups within a larger prevailing culture.*

*third world. Dictionary.com. The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Houghton Mifflin Company. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/third world (accessed: February 08, 2015).

ordinary people in this age supposed to work and not to be a parasite of the society !!

What the F...?! In what manner are young retirees 'parasites of the society'? Someone who is retired has savings, personal income via investments or business and has already paid their dues to the government. The only thing we are taking is what is deserved and what we earned. There was and is not an age requirement to stop working, at least none that I've come across.

Do people read what they write before they submit a thought online?

With regard to the OP question, I'm 39, currently live in Patong off of a 45K baht per month. I live in a 2 bedroom, 1 bath, full Thai kitchen with a front sitting/TV room for 15K +3K utilities a month. I also employ a live in assistant/caretaker for 15K a month and still have enough for food and fun times.

--Pitts

It's best that you go and get an x-ray if you have very sharp pains and it's hard to breath. The public hospitals will be more than capable of helping you. No worries there. Go and get cleaned up at the very least as suggested by the others.

As someone that has had hundreds of broken bones ( I have OI -- osteogenesis imperfecta, a brittle bone and a real pain in the ass condition) that there is very little you can do for a broken rib. Wrapping an ace bandage around your side may help a little and/or holding a pillow close to you if you need to cough or sneeze may help. If you can stop from coughing or sneezing, for the love of God, please do. OMG that hurts sooooo F'en bad!

Ask for pain meds if you can not sleep or be comfortable. Avoid excess movement and be ready to be in a lot of pain in the morning when you wake up. Moving from a prone to vertical position hurts for a good 5-10 mins. If you have a close friend or significant other to help you dress, take advantage of that. Could be also a great excuse for some TLC in the shower -- ehh??

If you or anyone else has questions on broken bones and how to be more comfortable, please feel free to drop me a line. I can only speak on my experiences though.

I hope this helps,

--Pitts

I hope this is the best thread to post in. Gaming is my hobbie. I brought my Playstation 3 from the US and want to use it here in Thailand thinking that the power supply it uses was universal. However, before blowing up the power supply as my friend did with his US X-Box 360, thinking the same as I. I'd like to know what I need to buy for converting the PS3 plug from 110v to 220v. I'm in Patong. If anyone knows what to buy and where to buy it, please let me know.

Thanks in advance,

--Pitts

Thanks guys. I couldn't find anything convenient for a flight to Laos. There is one flight a day that is direct to Penang, but it's a little pricy vs other flights and it's in the middle of the day. I don't know if I can get my passport/VISA done in 2 days. The flight out is at 2 PM. I think I'd need 3 days total.

Is KL just a bad place to go for a single Tourist VISA? It looks easier to get flights that can be more convenient. What is the story on them (KL)?

Also, anyone have an idea of if the Ranong route is a bad idea all together?

--Pitts

I've ran myself into another problem. I've overstayed due to medical stays in the hospital. Not breathing really sucks the travel out of you. ;-) I had an ED Visa, but I have now overstayed past the 90 day check in and the medical papers are not enough for immigration to let me resolve this in country. After a month of 'let me make a call' and 'let see what we can do, just wait' I've been told, "You've overstayed, you need to leave the country. Apply for a Tourist VISA and come back. "Dear God, you've pushed my fee from 2k to 20K bath for nothing. ok fine," was my silent response.

As I am in a wheelchair I'd like to have my friend come and assist me. I told him to go to Patong (an error on my part?) to get an reentry exemption form as he has a single entry tourist VISA. The told him no and he'd need to wait until his VISA runs out and that's that.

The above is BS in my opinion. I believe my friend, I do not believe immigration was being factual or helpful.

We are 30 days off from being synced up so that our VISAs may be renewed together. This would work out well for me as I need his help traveling. With the overstay I have, would it be better to go to KL once and get the tourist VISA and then go back after 60 days to sync up with my friends cycle, or go to Ranong, pay the overstay fee (Can it be paid there?) and receive a 30 non-exempt VISA stay that I can then add 30 more days to in Phuket Town? I can no longer confirm if the land crossing for someone from the States (USA) is/has been moved up to 30 days or it is still at 15 days. Even if I could not extend it in country for an additional 30 days. Making 2 Ranong trips would be easier on myself.

Any advice would be of great help. Thanks as always,

--Pitts

Works fine for me. Contact StrongVPN's customer service. They are quite helpful.

--Pitts

Deli turkey meats, Mexican foods (salsa, tortillas & tortilla chips, cheeses), Giardiniera (a Chicago food, my God I miss that). That's it off the top off my head.

--Pitts

Just did a quick search and found this site: http://www.banknotes.com/t.htm#th

In addition to the banknotes currently in circulation (above), numerous commemorative notes have been issued:

• 5 baht (1969): Date of the inauguration of the Note Printing Works, Bank of Thailand (commemorative text added to regular 5 baht notes)
• 10 baht (1969): Date of the inauguration of the Note Printing Works, Bank of Thailand (commemorative text added to regular 10 baht notes)
• 60 baht (1987): King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 60th birthday
• 50 baht (1990): Princess Mother Srinagarindra's 90th birthday (commemorative text added to regular 50 baht notes)
• 500 baht (1990): Princess Mother Srinagarindra's 90th birthday (commemorative text added to regular 500 baht notes)
• 1000 baht (1992): Queen Sirikit's 60th birthday (commemorative text added to regular 1000 baht notes)
• 10 baht (1996): 120th anniversary of the ministry of finance (commemorative text added to regular 10 baht notes)
• 50 baht (1996): King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 50th Anniversary of Accession to the Throne (polymer note)
• 500 baht (1996): King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 50th Anniversary of Accession to the Throne (polymer note)
• 500 baht (1996): King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 50th Anniversary of Accession to the Throne (a different emblem)
• 1000 baht (1999): King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 72nd birthday (a different emblem)
• 50 baht (2000): 50th Anniversary of Royal Wedding of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit
• 500,000 baht (2000): 50th Anniversary of Royal Wedding of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit
• 100 baht (2002): The Centenary of the issuance of Thai Banknotes
• 100 baht (2004): Queen Sirikit's 72nd Birthday
• 60 baht (2006): 60th Anniversary Celebrations of Bhumibol Adulyadej's Accession to the throne
• 16 baht (2007): King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 80th birthday (1, 5, 10 baht)
• 100 baht (2010): King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 60th Anniversary of Coronation Day and the 60th Anniversary of the wedding of the King and Queen Sirikit
• 100 baht (2011): King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 84th birthday
• 80 baht (2012): Queen Sirikit's 80th birthday^[16]
• 100 baht (2012): Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn’s 5th Cycle (60th) Birthday Anniversary

When I first came to Thailand and found the differences in priority between Falang and Thais, I was very confused. In fact I believe my reaction was, <deleted>, are you serious?! These people have no form of logic.

I've talked to my friend (Thai - derp) about the value of a good used car vs a new car. I was pro-used and she was the latter. We went back and forth with the pros and cons and I believe she was not convinced. After reflecting on our conversations about cars, homes and family (supporting the family), I've come to believe that the Thai have logic. It just happens that my (our Falang) logic differs a great deal and I can not understand their logic.

As such, I just accept this and carry on.

That's my 2 bits.

--Pitts

Thanks for the quick response stevenl.

All I need is the 90 day report. The one that gives you a slip to staple in your passport. The only thing I can think of, is the 'overstay fee'.

--Pitts

Phuketjock,

Was your 90 day check in for an ED Visa?

I ask because I went to the Patong office with my friend (as I can't enter the building, wheelchair bound) and filled out the paperwork & gave them the overstay fee. Note: I was late to check in and was 16 days over the due date. They said, because I was late, I've overstayed and need to pay B500 per day, , B8,000. Is that correct? I had thought that fee was for overstaying on a VISA. My friend came out and thought we were done.

I asked him for my passport. He forgot it inside and went back in to get it. He came back out with the passport, cash & forms and informed me that "They do not process ED Visa's here (Patong)" and that I'd need to go to Phuket.

It's a pain in the ass for me to travel to another town. Need a friend to put me in a car, find a taxi, blah blah blah whine whine whine.

Are the staff in Patong incorrect/misinformed or are they being lazy? This is my first 90 reporting, so I didn't know what to expect. I thought it'd be easy. The person that helped me and my friend was the dark woman w/white hair. She can speak 4 or more languages. My friend told me that when he asked for the passport, she was talking to 3 'officials' that all told her to have me go to Phuket Town.

Any help or insight would be very helpful and welcomed.

--Pitts

Sadly the ED visa has been widely abused for many years, now it's getting harder and harder for genuine students who want to study in Thailand.

That is my understanding.

--Pitts

This is a horrible thing to hear about. I hope she finds peace soon and that this animal is put away for good. This type of action makes me sick.

--Pitts

My friends and received notice from our school of the change for Phuket, ED VISA users. In my case, they told me I'd need to start the reading and writing classes as of January 19th. The reading and writing classes would be on Monday & Wednesday for 2 hours. I can also continue, if I wish, with the 'speaking' class I currently attend on Tuesdays & Thursdays.

I have applied for a 1 year ED VISA well before this change and I do not now if I or others similar to me would be grandfathered. If anyone has more information, please share it.

Thanks all,

--Pitts

I'm sure every country has different requirements, but can Thai's use their IDs to make a border crossing into Malaysia or Cambodia as well?

As someone who lives in a wheelchair, I can attest to the difficulties of getting around in Patong (or anywhere in Thailand). There isn't too much I can do that is safe or accessible friendly. The Boat ride is a great idea as long as the seas are smooth and the guy doesn't stop for long. The breeze from the boat will help keep the little guy cool. You'd be shocked as to how much more hot you can get with a full leg cast on.

Aside from the before mentioned suggestions, I'd try the elephant tracking that is just south of Patong. There is a staircase going up a floor so you can walk right onto the elephant's back/bench. I had two strong friends get me up there without too much trouble. I'm sure (if you are able bodied) you can help him up there without too much problems. It's a neat experience that I doubt he'll forget. Going to the beach is a hit or miss option. Find a nice place in the shade, have juices & water for him and do not leave him alone. It's nice to have the company while you watch people swim when you can't. You can check out Monkey Hill in Phuket Town as well. I'm not too sure how aggressive the monkeys are, so you may want to sit in front of his broken leg to fend off a curious monkey. I have heard, but haven't seen, that the aquarium is pretty good to visit as well. I don't know how much he'd appreciate the cultural side of tourism, but there is the Phuket weekend market, located just outside of Phuket town and the Amulet market off of Rassada Rd in Phuket Town. It's close to Fountain Circle.

As far as Patong goes, I think you found all you can do here. I'd add the Patong Boxing Stadium followed by the Bazzan Market. There's usually some good food vendors there at night. Taking him to get a massage (a real massage in the front ;-) ) would not be a bad idea. He might like the pampering and get his mind off the leg. Having a cast on does strain your upper leg and lower back muscles. The Simon Cabaret might be interesting too, but I would ask around to see if there is anything too lude or nudity as I have not gone to see it.

With regard to the cast and showers. See if you can get a shower chair or a plastic chair so he can sit down. I'd have him prop his leg up on the toilet as water somehow will find a way down past the tied off plastic. There is always some watch that gets by. The only way I have avoided it was to raise the leg up so the water goes down to the hip or onto the floor.

That's all I have. I hope he has a great holiday here. If you have any questions, please feel free to PM me.

--Pitts