Curt

If a service charge is itemised on the bill I don't tip unless the service has been particularly good, then the coins get left for the staff.

It's still up to you

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

We've investigated the added "service charge" at 4 different establishments.

In every case, the staff sees none of it.

With the advent of tipping in Thailand, greedy business owners have found a new means to boost profit margin.

If you tip to show appreciation for good service afforded you, give the tip directly to the staff.

Here in Thailand there seems to be a reluctance to complain or confront.  ‘Mai pen rai’ seems to cover everything.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think you've answered your own question.

I just moved back to the US from Thailand.  I still have a check due to me in baht.  The problem is I have already closed out my Thai bank account.  The banks in the US told me that they would cash the check, however, it would take up to 2 months and at a rate of 51.5.  I'm looking for some way that I can get a rate closer to the published rate.  I assume this would mean somehow depositing the money in Thailand and then converting it to dollars.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Kasikornbank, with an office in Los Angeles, will transfer up to $10,000 US to Thailand for $20.

There is also the 1/2 of 1% interbank currency exchange discount

I don't know what the rate is for Thailand to the US transfers, but they do offer the service.

"Checks" aren't a normal way of doing business in Thailand.

Most businesses will pay by transfers.

You might try to get the payer to transfer the money to your US account.

Another option might be Western Union.

Kasikornbank Info:

Suite 3050 , 350 South Grand Avenue , Los Angeles , CA. 90071 , U.S.A.

Tel. (213) 680-9331-7

If you own a place, you might consider building a real pit.

The materials are very reasonable, and a little sweat equity will result in something far superior to anything from a box.

BNH is a another good Westerner focused hospital

Just out of curiousity, why the "single" demographic?

I was also thinking it might be the person, not the place.

But, for some reason, Thailand boards seem to manifest more of it.

Quite predictable!

Sometimes we can't see the forest for the trees.

My sarcastic post came from reading the endless rants by so many expats.

Although ThaiVisa isn't as bad as some, it sees more than its share of pissing and moaning.

I've never understood someone moving into a new environment, then complaining about things not being to their liking.

Many insist that things be their way.

Maybe it's the reasons some have made Thailand their home, not the destination itself.

Just like falling for a bargirl ... in so many cases, when the sad reality hits, many are truly caught by surprise.

Every time I leave, I can't wait to return.

I really don't expect to burn out too quickly.

I've been coming to Bangkok, once or twice a year, for the last 10 years.

The last few years my stays average 3 months each trip.

I always hate to leave.

Next year I am planning on moving there full time.

How long before I become cynical, sour and hold the place in contempt?

I'm with siamesekitty.

I really believe it was the way the question was put that led to the people not understanding.

Never seen that can of foam sealer, do they have it in Thailand?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I found some at HomePro.

The clerks didn't have a clue about what we wanted.

Had to hunt it down ourselves.

I believe it was in the "adhesives" section.

Unfortunately, unlike Great Stuff, it had to be held upside down to dispense.

It made it a little difficult, applying it near the ceiling.

I once brought in a giant cardboard box full of stuff and they did search it but bringing a big box like that was asking to get searched.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If you do declare such items, and continue to the red line, you will probably be asked "Do you want a reciept?"

This is the inspectors way of asking if you want to waste your time and pay full duty, or would you like to pay him some baht and be on your way.

If you say a reciept is not neccessary, he will make an offer.

Welcome to Thailand.

At mom's house, those little beer can whirlies seem to do the trick.

You know, the beer cans cut and twisted to make then spin in the wind.

The pigeons seem to dislike the movement.

You can contact these guys: Baan Suan Guesthouse

They might know of some local company.

Have funds paid directly into an account.

I am seeing two opposing schools of thought here.

My version, based on US Visa requirements, is that the applicant has to demonstrate no reason to overstay and every incentive to return to Thailand.

The US doesn't consider any "sponsorship", other than for family members, typically for immigration purposes.

I'm reading here that Australia does consider sponsorship. Is this really for a "tourist" visa, or is this what was required for a fiancee, wife or family member?

perijon seems to be considering my advice. I would hate to be steering him wrong.

One thing for sure. Since they are considering an extended future, it's time to compile volumes of relationship documentation. Save and organize all letters, email, phone records and all other evidence of the relationship, at both ends. The longer they can prove they've known each other, the better.

What are the documented fiscal damages incurred from this act of plagiarism?

How much is it worth you, financially, to recieve your credit, or have the offending material removed?

If you have been discussing this with the Thailand office, you are pissing upwind.

The registered admisitrative contact for LostinThailand.com:

Creagh, Chris [email protected]

Travel Solutions Thailand

77 Portobello Road

London W11 2QB

United Kingdom

07984155564

Maybe they might understand your concern.

Maybe Oz is different, but I have heard that "boyfriends" in the States, and the UK, set off alarms.

It signals a very strong incentive to come over and stay.

It's going to be a tough battle to get her over for a holiday.

Sounds like the one thing she does have going for her is that she does work upcountry, not supporting her family from Bangkok.

Possibly Australia does recognise some sort of "sponsorship".

You might look into that.

Check with the Department of Immigration while in Australia.

Dept. of Immigration

They might have some suggestions for success.

I found the officials in the States were much more friendly and helpful than those in Bangkok.

My one visit to the US Bangkok Embassy was little more than an exercise in frustration.

As useless as US Government employees are, compared to the US Embassy's Thai staffers, they are a well oiled machine!

It's tough.

You may just have to stick to visiting her.

Maybe you can go on holidays from Thailand together.

She can get some travel history logged.

Thailand is famous for visa scammers.

Oz, the UK and the US officials are really skeptical when reviewing applications.

Probably 95% of Thai girlfriends have similar experiences.

Although they won't critique your application, I wouldn't think the embassy would have any problem stating this outright; I thought it was common knowledge.

They won't, however, give you tips on what makes a good application.

First off, please tell us she didn't identify you, an Aussie national, as her boyfriend, and visiting you as reason for the visit.

This, in itself, will set off alarms!

You don't want her to appear to have any ties to Oz.

Has she had a passport for some time?

Has she traveled outside of Thailand often?

Are any family members well traveled?

Has she been a teacher for many years?

Can she submit a letter, from her school, stating her substancial salary and position?

Is there anything that she can present that would indicate her need to return to her job in Thailand?

Strong family ties are just a start.

Is her family well established?

Are they substancial business/property owners.

Having strong family ties and good job is relative.

A great job in Thailand often pays les than what a fast food worker's makes in the West.

I know that most of the immigrant workers, here in the States, send a good portion of their money back home to their family.

The bottom line is that she has to convince the officials that a holiday is her only reason for her trip to Oz and that there is little chance she might overstay.

The burden of proof belongs to the applicant.

Good luck!

I've only been in the lobby.

It seems like a nice place.

It's not the newest property; it definitely has the classic Bangkok "feel".

You might try posting on the travel board.

Curt, whats the first building u posted? I've never seen that, but it surely looks cool!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The top is the Banyan Tree Hotel.

It's on the south side of Sathorn Road, towards the Rama IV / Lumpini end.

I love that bulding!

It is called Ba-La in thailand.

Stinks something awful and is an acquired taste.

After eleven years here I can just about manage a tiny bit in my food.

Have a friend living in Maidstone, Kent who loves it.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I've had it used as a flavoring (a little goes a long way), but these clowns eat it straight from the jar!

At the moment im trying to loose a few excess beer pounds

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Keep the oyster sauce; lose the beer!

Some Cambodian friends used to eat prahok (fermented, aka rotten fish paste), straight from the jar, like a dip.

The smell was so bad I couldn't stay in the house.

On well over a dozen flights, returning from Thailand, I been singled out for secondary just about a third the time.

Although it means a slight delay, I've never had a truama.

My worst security experience has been with Northwest Airlines Thai staff, doing a pre-boarding search. We would have missed the flight, except the entire flight was delayed because of these clowns.

Am I reading this correctly?

Why would you tell them you were visiting Thailand with you "bf" ?

With or without making any value judgements, agents might percieve you as being a "rule" breaker.

BTW

When asking why you were stopped, you're never going to get a straight answer.

They have their reasons; they aren't going to share them.

Sometimes it's destination and demographics.

Sometimes it's length of stay versus reason for trip.

Sometimes it's a full baggage limit and nothing claimed.

Sometimes they don't like your look.

Sometimes it's intuition.

Something sets you out from the herd.

It's rarely "random".

You could stop flying overseas.

You might get a helmet.

You can fill out a complaint form.

That will straighten them out.

And, most importantly, they will put you on that list of people not to mess with!

Paranoid now?!