LaReina

I am an American woman, I can't say I actually "chose" to live in thailand, but I can say that your "American Women" generalisation is a load of crap.

I have no problems walking, taking the "choo choo" train, the bus, or even the khlong boats to get to where I need to go. At the same time, my "other american female friends" after realising that they were not going to get lost, now do the same.

I think you found a gem (in your gf) but that applies to women from all over the world. We are how our parents raised us and a product (to some degree) of our environment.

p.s. my frugal attitude, embaresses my husband.

Since when did the Yanks start spelling like Poms and Aussies?

I'm sorry.. those formative years stuck in a former British Colony screwed up my spelling.. just a weeeeee bit..

Here's a departure from the usual greedy Thai women (hooker) thread. My Thai girlfriend, and her sister are cheap. Thrifty, penny pinching, tight economical, whatever. Her sister is married to an American who first pointed this out to me. Do any of you, who have a Thai mate have a similar situation? They won't let me leave a decent tip or buy them anything extravagant. My girlfriend is helping me look for a place for us to live now and is constantly finding these shacks in less than desirable areas. I assure her it's OK to spend this much but she says I should save my money. It's kinda sweet really. She gives a lot to her local temple to make merit but otherwise lives simply. Just a cultural thing or is she an exception? Sure is different from the American women!!

I am an American woman, I can't say I actually "chose" to live in thailand, but I can say that your "American Women" generalisation is a load of crap.

I have no problems walking, taking the "choo choo" train, the bus, or even the khlong boats to get to where I need to go. At the same time, my "other american female friends" after realising that they were not going to get lost, now do the same.

I think you found a gem (in your gf) but that applies to women from all over the world. We are how our parents raised us and a product (to some degree) of our environment.

p.s. my frugal attitude, embaresses my husband.

So, where in Bangkok can Plantains be purchased... I have not seen anything that remotely looks like a Plantain (or at least what people of hispanic background, or african), might call a plantain.

I have looked in the local markets.. and in the grocery stores..

thanks

finally a discussion about food that is needed here in Thailand.

Does anyone know if the flour can be purchased in any store here in thailand? Or even if that is something that can be special ordered?

It can be done. You just have to have a market and know it. You need to start small..

This may help you.

http://tinyurl.com/7jca5

-redwood

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so was this written before or after 9/11. You need to show a valid ID if you are in the states to open an account plus provide tax id information. Some banks require you to be present to sign your documentation. In this day and age of money laundering banks have begun to mind their P's and Q's.

Why dont you just send an email to a bank..

Chase, Citibank.. and ask them

Racism is not the preserve of white people and many whites in what you moronically define as 'white' countries do face racism and prejudice in their own homelands.

hmm if you are white in a "white" country, then you are of the same race. So exactly what is your definition of Racisim? Unless of course you are talking about the "white blacks", or "white asians"..... ... ...

From all that I have read.. you will need a work permit to be able to buy the goods, and then you may not sell them on the internet as you will be taking away a job from a Thai person. However, if you have a company and employ thai's then you might be able to get away with it.

Have you noticed that there are not that many internet sites marketing Thai goods, that are not Thai websites?

Here is some interesting reading..

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=1701

Here is another thread you should read if it is not the same as the one already posted. I think you will find the information very useful.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=1701

You get quotes from several different shipping companies.

The companies will tell you what the limitations/taxes will be on your bike by Canada.

If you plan to insure your belongings, the company will pack your belongings and note/record any scratches or damage (so as not to be held liable by you) at your final destination.

You make sure that you are paying by cubic feet and not by the weight of your container.

You check out the pricing of an entire container versus shipping by crates (as in when they come and decide you only need a 1/4 of a container), because, this can turn out to be more expensive than an entire container.

You make sure that the quote they give you, contains enough packing material for your belongings so that at the end of the day they do not try and screw you by telling you they need more boxes for x amount of money.

I thought Thailand does not accept dual citizenship. I know I heard a TV news caster discussing this. Something to do with the new ID cards, and that people will have to choose.

In which case he would need a work permit..

Are there any decent resources for finding Thai product manufacturers?

In particular I am interested in producers of Director's chairs, but would like to know if there is anything out there to help me source various products in the future.

Any ideas?

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I would do a search for thai furniture manufacturers (sp?) and or go to a store and chat up with the sales people to find out where their furniture is made.

but an e-buisness, that sells thai products, could convict you??

I suppose it depends on what kind of buisness you want to set up. And if your govt, with whom you are already paying taxes to, feels the need to have you be taxed by a foreign govt too.

Eitherwise is it difficult to renew or extend the Work Permit/Visa every 90 Days?

The fresh 90 day visa is automatic when you reenter Thailand on a one year multi entry visa. No matter how many times you go in and out.

The work permit extension is easy with a lawyers help. We do it for 1,600 Baht professional fees. In this case, you don't even have to go to the Labor Dept.

www.lawyer.th.com

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Are you saying you can obtain a work permit for an individual who does not already have a job? Or a company to sponsor him/her?

Indo are you 100% sure about that?

I am sort of under the same predicament as the poster. I spoke with members of the US-Thai Commerce dept. and basically they said anything I do in Thailand that generates revenue for me, while in thailand, even though it is revenue in my home country, will require a work permit.

Even if it is a 100% US owned company. Are you saying this is not true?

Besides to start up a consulting company would require the 3 million baht and a work permit..

It is for real. I know Europeans and Indians who work at various manufacturing companies there. Can't say much about their famed outlet shop though.

Many thanks for your reply. Interesting to hear of your experience in trying to get a maid. At this point, I would be happy to get any help at all, and feel confident I can explain what needs to be done. I would be home as you say, when she is there.

Thanks a million for the link. Very interesting. I will investigate further.

Being nosey - do you just do it all yourself now ? Have you completely given up ?

Becareful of what you wish for. "Any help at all" is more stressful than "No help".

Communication problems (if they do not understand English) will result in you being really irritated (e.g. washing dishes and food still inside it, and then putting the dirty dishes in the cupboard after drying them (with the food stuck in them)).

repeatedly asking for cobwebs to be dusted down.

repeatedly asking that labels on clothes be matched to the settings on the Iron, versus ironing everything on "linen" and burning clothes that you brought from overseas.

Whatever you do, don't rush into getting help. Take your time and do it right. In fact you might even want to test them (iron something at least) before you hire.

Why not look to rent a house. Ask your Thai friends to help you find one, and rent from the owner. You can find nice houses for no more than 15,000 /mo. Water should not be more than 500 baht/mo, and electricity (if you only use it at night) is around 3,000 /mo.

Where does one find cedar chips or cedar moth balls here in Bangkok?

Salsa, and men who know how to dance it.

Maybe if you posted this in the Thailand travel forum instead of the Bangkok forum you might get a better response

Thanks...

Hi, I am looking for an apartment to rent close to a beach anywhere in thailand. I really do not want to stay in a resort.

Something Low-key? Just don't want a big resort or 5 star hotel - not our idea of a holiday. We will be staying a week. At the same time would like to be able to mingle with locals.

We have stayed at Koh Chang and Koh Samed but in hotels and we did not feel like we were able to meet people (that were not all bar bound).

Any ideas?

Hi, I am looking for an apartment to rent close to a beach anywhere in thailand. I really do not want to stay in a resort.

Something Low-key? Just don't want a big resort or 5 star hotel - not our idea of a holiday. We will be staying a week. At the same time would like to be able to mingle with locals.

We have stayed at Koh Chang and Koh Samed but in hotels and we did not feel like we were able to meet people (that were not all bar bound).

Any ideas?