Curt

That ordinary? I was kind of hoping it might be something significant. Maybe we will dig around some more to see what we can come up with (if you'll pardon the pun).

If it was something of significance, that new paint job wouldn't help it.

Most TV "in-depth news" programs are little more than press releases.

I hope you can get some personal accounts, whether good or bad.

According to the press in the States, foriegn pharmaceuticals are simply not to be trusted.

Even Canada is suspect.

From my personal experience, saving hundreds on Thai prescription drugs, with identical results, I can't help but believe a lot of the bad press is generated by US pharmaceutical manufacturers.

I would tend to believe that the cosmetic surgery establishment might use similar tactics.

I happened to catch a great program on medical tourism in Thailand.

Bumrungrad was featured.

There were a couple of success stories where people had great results and spent a couple weeks recovering at Thai beaches, for less than the cost of the surgery in the States.

Then again, Bumrungrad is operated by a US management company.

They might have been responsible for the good press.

Nothing screams lowlife quite as proudly as a righteous subwoofer!

The pin heads don't realize that it really has little to do with volume.

The frequency resonates and penetrates.

It's also a level that is particularly annoying.

Here, in the States, subwoofers are the craze; have been for years.

There are many $1000 vehicles with $2000 sound systems cruising around.

Fortunately, most Thais don't have the baht to throw around on something so senseless.

But, I'm sure it's just a matter of time before the stereo salesmen convince them that they have to have it.

You know what you guys seem to be talking about here is a annual visa not a residency permit and the criter does exist but with more requirements then the annual visa

You are right.

Permanent Residency Requirements

I believe an unattached migrant needs to plant 800,000 in a Thai bank, so an additional 200,000 baht for peripheral fees and third party services isn't out of the question.

You can do all the paperwork yourself, but this might be a bit much for someone who doesn't speak/read fluent Thai.

IMHO things like kitchen appliances are good things to bring over - when I did my shipment a few months ago that was the main thing I took -things like espresso machines, premium cookware, etc.

Leave all your applainces at home.

Thailand is 220VAC, 50hertz, your US stuff is 110VAC, 60hertz.

Transformers are a real pain.

We all know that the best food in Thailand is from the small carts, stalls and shops.

Most Thai eateries fail when they try to be all things to all people.

Even in Thailand, very few "full menu" restaurants are a hit.

Those that do succeed, usually do on the merit of 1 or 2 signature dishes.

I would keep it simple, like a noodle soup shop.

If I were in your situation, I know just the guy I would smuggle off to Oz!

If it is a larger space, you might think about a 3 or 4 stall "foodcourt", manned with individual cooks preparing the individual dishes that they prepare best.

You could sub out the stalls and run the beverage concession yourself.

Do we know when?

Can anyone supply advice/information on and give me the benefit of there experience before purchasing one.

Price quoted for the mp4 was 9,844 inc. vat, how would this compare to the U.K. prices.

I,ve tried some U.K. sites for a comparison but the models seem to be different.

Thanks in advance for any help.

marshbags

Presuming you are asking about the 4 Gig, the set price in the States is $249, or about the price you were quoted.

That would lead me to believe it is probably the 2 or 1 Gig model.

Thai Apple prices always run at least 25~30% above US.

All things being equal, I would buy from my home country.

The "different models" issue points that direction.

Warranty and service could be an issue.

If you do buy in Thailand, be sure to buy from an Authorized Apple Reseller.

MacMart, 3rd floor, Pantip Plaza, has been my shop of choice for years.

There is also another Apple store a few shops away.

Most hams are cured in a cold smoking process which really doesn't lead itself to the home smoker.

Although most will indeed drink what they are told, the advertising bans aren't aimed at leveling the field when it comes to choice of brands.

We are all bombarded with ads of hunks and babes, enjoying the good life, with their favorite beverage in hand.

We are so indoctrinated, that not partaking usually requires an explaination.

Just for a moment, consider not drinking beer, wine or other alcoholic beverage, ever again.

That uncomfortable feeling is food for thought.

If your concern is a pension, or even decent pay, I would definitely suggest finding employment with an offshore company.

Keep her away from other Thais.

They will gossip, backstab and coach her on the finer points of divorce.

In my wife's case, she quikly dismisses these clowns.

She hated gossip in Bangkok; she hates it here.

If around Bangkok, I would check Sampeng Lane, Chinatown.

Tacos al pastor in the US, for example, tastes very unlike that beloved dish in Mexico, probably because the traditional way of cooking al pastor is illegal in most (probably all?) states, or so I've been told.

California county health agencies close their offices after 5pm.

At this time, the LA street cuisine takes on a new look.

Downtown and East LA parking lots become home to many flaming pastor carts.

Unfortunately, this is also a good time to avoid these areas.

It's best to speak Spanish, buy your food, and get the heck out of the area.

Ulysses G won't like it, it's not American. Nothing to do with cuisine.

Count how many you've seen on a menu in LA or San Francisco. Maybe in East LA ... Then check entradas on the same website, a tad more familiar to most Americans ...

That was neither fact nor opinion, but humor, Gen Grant. Just forgot the smiley face.

Smiley face or not, it is antagonistic, and quickly becomes stale.

Count how many you've seen on a menu in LA or San Francisco. Maybe in East LA ... Then check entradas on the same website, a tad more familiar to most Americans ...

Around Southern California, these dishes are found all over the place.

Although many gringos only frequent the "Combo #2" eateries, one can find restaurants catering to any of the many regions of Mexico.

Although hardened padlocks are tough on saws, files and grinders, large bolt cutter will snap the shackle like a twig!

So now we're going to hear how Mexican food in the US is better than Mexican food anywhere else, including Mexico, right Gen Grant?

What most percieve as "Mexican" food is typically what is from the US Mexican populations.

Many areas of the southwestern US have huge populations of Mexicans. Santa Ana, California, for instance, has the largest Mexican population outside of Mexico City, Mexico. There, the ratio is 4 hispanics for 1 of any other ethnicity. One would be hard pressed to percieve much of a difference in the dishes on either side of the border, among the same regional cuisines.

Now, there are incessant debates over US regional Mexican cuisines. Then there's debate over preferences within those!

Whether large or small, paid or not, if you, your fiancee, and her family are not just agreed upon, but comfortable with the sinsod, maybe you aren't ready for the marriage.

Personally, I think it would be better to wait until you know her culture and family well enough to make all these decisions yourself.

If making this gesture feels good for you, have a go.

If it doesn't, why try to get a bunch of anonymous yahoos to rationalize it for you.

I think there are 2-3 shooting ranges in Pattaya. Never understood why anyone would spend time and money on such a waste of time but each to his

So many people golf. Explain that!

Drink only sodas, and have never had this problem.

You might also check Chulalonglorn University's bookstore.

It's on soi Chula 64, the street running the length behind Siam Square.

Met in '97.

Married since '01.

No end in sight!

That mu ping photo was taken at At Taw Kaw market.

Although not technically "street" food, it's not really a stall.

I would call it "isle" food!