gandalf12

If nothing else lets hope it doesn't bring the tragedies we have seen through 2014.

If you are buying a new car then most new cars come with a years insurance which covers any driver included so how would insurance be an issue?

"The instruction means that no private jets, except those involved in transporting sick people, VIPs or people from the Thai government, may land, take off or park at the country’s third-busiest airport during that period, regardless of whether it is short-term or overnight."

How much does it cost to be a VIP?

Possibly nothing to be a VIP it is the CIP's who have the major cash to spend

Significant reductions could easily be made if the following are adopted:

1. Teach people to drive and not just aim a vehicle in the general direction

2. Have the police enforce the laws rigorously

3. Set up speed traps / cameras and get away from Baht 500 fines. Make it significant like Baht 5000 for first offense and increased for subsequent offenses.

4. Tour buses and public transport drivers to take a drug and blood test every day before they get into the vehicle. Anyone failing, instant dismissal

The above is not hard but would probably cut the accident rate significantly

No safety catch on either? It doesnt really say that but it is implied.

America needs to grow up and stop thinking it is still in the wild west (in some cities you could be forgiven for thinking it still is though)

True guns dont kill, people do but if there is a gun available someone in the heat of the moment MAY decide to use it. Regretting it later does not bring the dead back to life

In Canada, banks may only close for a maximum 3 consecutive days.

A lot can happen in 5 days, major unforeseen events can start that have significant financial consequences.

True but Canadian banks take a few days to wake up. They must be one of the least efficient entities in Canada

Check out Huawei- great value reliable phones.

Under recognised as little advertised, but are, I think, still the 3rd largest handset seller globally after Apple and Samsung.

We have bought 3 in the family-1st one over a year ago and very pleased with them. Lazada online have the ascend y511 model for under 29oo baht.

Totally agree with you. I will be seriously looking at them when I buy my next phone. Their new phone has a very good processor. Not sure of the price but that is an issue when I know exactly its capabilities. I have downloaded the manual just not got around to reading it yet

A 'true expat'?

Either you're an expat or you're not. I don't get why some feel the need to congratulate themselves on somehow being a better kind of expat.

Unfortunately, a lot of people call themselves an expat f they have lived overseas for a few months. To many people, my self included, these are longer term visitors not committed expats. My definition of an Expat is someone considers his or her home in a country that they were not born in. Sorry if you disagree but it is just my opinion

Being an expat, and I have been one for nearly 40 years and wouldn't change a moment of it, is very difficult. I think many so called "expats" come on holiday and think "I would like to live here" then pack up and move across.

Visiting a place in the same difference as comparing black and white when it comes to living in a country. Just look at the number of people who go to work overseas and run back home because they cant take it.

To be a true expat you have to be a breed apart from the tourist. Most people are not and hence they fail the expat life

Samsung Galaxy is a very good phone and I would suggest you look at the Hua Wei phones. I have not mentioned Apple as you pay a lot more for a lot less. But check them as well if you feel so inclined

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Pattaya needs a real tough person in charge and not to wait for gangs to do something, go after them with a vengeance. Wont happen I agree but it does nothing for Thailand's reputation in the eyes of the world.

I tell people don't under any circumstances visit Pattaya it is a cesspit of humanity and only suitable for the depraved

Yet you post on the Pattaya forum?

I thought it was about Pattaya? Can you really say Pattaya is a place you would recommend anyone to visit? I lived for 8 years on the outskirts and every day the news carried stories of robberies, violence and gang activities. You can believe it is fairyland if you want but many people I know are or have left the place as it is becoming too violent.

Can I assume the "bonus's" would not apply to expat staff?

Only bonus I have ever had was keeping my job. Your salary is paid for you doing your job why would you get more because you did it?

I have had a bonus for completing a job ahead of time but fixed every year, no chance

If you have a current, valid Visa for entry into Thailand, no proof of onward travel is required.

If, per chance, you may get an inexperienced check-in Staff, and it does happen, don't accept what is being said, stand your ground and ask to see their Manager.

.

I experienced this when I was leaving Canada once. The person behind the desk could not understand that I would be staying for 3 weeks but received a 30 day visa on arrival with a British passport.

Why do they let these people interface with the public?

Pattaya needs a real tough person in charge and not to wait for gangs to do something, go after them with a vengeance. Wont happen I agree but it does nothing for Thailand's reputation in the eyes of the world.

I tell people don't under any circumstances visit Pattaya it is a cesspit of humanity and only suitable for the depraved

It seems there is never any good news from Pats.... gangs, drugs, violence, crashes, balcony dives, thefts, ...the list is endless and depressing.

Isn't there anything good to say about the place? There's a challenge for TAT!

No there is nothing good about Pattaya. It is filled with the scum of the earth and the sad thing is no one seems to bother. Zero tolerance is required and no soft touch with gangs. Catch them and give them prison sentences of 20 years hard, and I mean hard, labour

Probably a silly thing to say but what about the flight recorder / black box? Are they going to leave this aspect ignored like in the Malaysian airline disappearance or are they going to try and locate it?

When something like this happens every avenue must be explored you cant afford to try one and when it doesnt work think of what is next.

Come on guys get people on everything

Go to the manufacturers outlet you will get genuine software installed on your computer there.

When America loses voting papers so they cant be counted they are hardly the nation to stand up for Democracy. In Thailand

One thing that is essential for democracy is for the people to understand that the majority are the victors not "this is fixed as it doesnt suit me" attitude.

I travel through the airport regularly and have done for 30 years (Don Muaeng before of course) and never had any real problems. Did have one taxi "forget" to put the meter on but pointed it out to him and the fact that he would get what was shown on the meter and he promptly turned it on.

I think there is a bit more to this story than meets the eye

In Greece you can in some restaurants get a 50% discount if you have a residence card. I know I worked there for a few years

This is definitely a chance for the police to show they are doing a good job. He should have the book thrown at him and given the maximum sentence the law allows. Should not matter that he obviously comes from a rich family, the law is the law.

PS Who would want an orange Lambo even if they were daft enough to want a Lambo in the first place?

Definitely and could go a lot higher, especially if tourist numbers drop like they very possibly will. If they have not got big numbers of tourists now then the rest of the year they can forget. This is the high High season