paoa

Hello, we are currently overseas so unable to personally check into this; forum feedback will be most appreciated. Are any BKK hospitals offering Mohs micrographic surgery with concurrent biopsy for skin cancer? If so, what has been the experience with it and is any particular doctor recommended? Equally, does any forum member have experience with Singapore's National Skin Center's Skin Cancer center and whether they accept expat patients? I have a basal cell carcinoma in an area of my face which is said to be riskier for recurrence, so want it removed and done right. If I have to I'll have it done for mega-money in the US but would prefer not to do that.

Thanks for any suggestions, guidance, feedback.

Cheers!

Yes:

Mahidol University Medical Group http://www.universitymedicalgroup.org/php/...=mohs%20surgery

Bunrungrad International Hospital http://www.bumrungrad.com/overseas-medical...kin-center.aspx

Does anyone have names of dealers that will sell autos to farangs on credit, rather than paying the full amount?

For those of you that hire a maid, what do you pay her? What do you reckon the market rate to be? If possible, please can you list detail on your situation: Working schedule (days or hours per week), Salary, bonus, other compensation. Responsibilities, work conditions (do you have other staff, does she look after kids, etc)

The reason I ask: I’m looking for data points for comparison. Given the current economic environment we’re in (esp. inflationary pressures on basic living expenses) I believe general disgruntlement/social unrest may be on the rise. In my little part of the world, I’d like to keep our staff as happy as possible—in particular, our current maid, who is kind and honest (if not the best housekeeper). I believe as long as she feels fairly/generously compensated, she’ll continue to be happy to work with us over the long term. She's been with us for over 8yrs, and I don't want a revolving door of maids.

For my contribution to this exercise: Our maid is Thai, in her fifties. She lives outside our house with 2 of her adult daughters and a grandson, and works 6 days/wk—flexible schedule but generally about 42 hrs/wk, 8am-4pm per day. She’s off Thai holidays, plus some others if she asks in advance and we can spare her. She has a variety of duties (cleaning, laundry, errands, some cooking), but her work load is light—plenty of time to talk to friends, play with neighbor’s dog, etc. We’re not very fussy, and we have no kids.

For this we currently pay her Bt10,000 salary (of which about Bt500 goes to social security), and a y/e bonus—last year it was Bt13,000. We do not currently pay for transportation (except to carry out work errands), or food expenses.

Your input/thoughts on this are appreciated.

I live in a large (178 sq m) HISO condo in the Asok area. I pay my maid 3,000 Baht per month. She works 6 hours a day, 3 days a week. She thoroughly cleans the unit, washes and irons clothes, washes dishes, makes beds, vacuums carpet, washes windows, and about anything else that I ask her to do. For News Years Day and Songkran, I give her a gift of one month's salary. I have had her for 14 months. She is 38 years old and from Isaan.

I am here on an "O"-other, retirement visa. I shipped my household goods through an international shipping line from USA to Thailand within 6 months of arrival. I was required to pay duty on my electronics gear, but not my computer, clothes of other household goods. My shipment was estimated at $20K U.S.; duty was 4,100 Baht. An interesting note: I went to customs with the local shipping agent. The agent slipped 20 Baht notes to various clerks, resulting in my duty assessment being reduced.

Has this been rented yet?

S'up Haole!

While you're there don't forget to try lihing mui, lomi lomi salmon and kaluha pig...

hope you get lei-d.

Spam

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

To the hatai: I guess you're the real haole. It's kalua pig. Maopopo olelo Hawai'i ia'oe?

You just might want to do some more research on statin alternatives. An old, efficient remedy is mega-doses (over 1 gram) of the vitamin Niacin (Vitamin B6). Very cheap. Until recently, you would "flush" or have a red skin and a heat sensation within the first 30 minutes, since Niacin is a vasodialator. However, for the past several years, you can purchase "non-flushing" Niacin that eliminates that side-effect. But, like any medication, discuss with your physician. If they are prudent, they will ensure that you have your kidney and liver functions tested every 3-4 months to mitigate any complications.

I use Flight Centre exclusively. They are an Australian-based firm that is trying to undercut the U.S. market. They guarantee the best rates. I have flown between LAX-BKK for $500 and IAD (Washington, DC) and BKK for $700. But the rates fluctuate almost daily. I deal with their Pasadena office. POC: Maile, 626.568.9042, eMail: [email protected]

I go to the Siam Family Dental Clinic near Siam Square; they have another office in Silom. Several dentists have been educated in Australia.

Call FlightCentre (626.568.9047) and ask for Maile. FlightCentre is an Australian travel company that is trying to break into the U.S. market. They guarantee the lowest flights available. I use them all of the time and get great deals.

I have shopped at Tesco Lotus both in Bangkok and Pattaya and have been satisfied with their selections and quality, and as someone else had commented, their food courts have cheap, good food.

I do have one issue with two of the writers, however. The official language in Thailand is Thai. If you are going to live in the country there should be a reasonable expectation that you will learn to speak and read Thai.

Myself, I prefer the Ambassador Hotel, Sukhumvit Soi 10. I can always get a nice room for around 1,000 Baht.

Check out http://www.siamfamilydental.com

For years I have been going there, with good service and reasonable prices. You can even get an estimate prior to any work being done.

Paoa is my Hawaiian name.

Check out Chulongkorn University at http://www.chula.ac.th/cuweb_en/international/index.html

They have an intensive full-immersion Thai language certificate program. There are 2 sessions each year, broken down into segments. Each segment is 8-10 weeks long and you do not have to take the complete program. By far one of the better language programs offered.

Last year, during Songkran, I was in Pattaya. I took the "taxi" for some distance. The fare was 10 Baht. I only had a 20 Baht bill and gave it to the driver for change. He had no change, but stated my next ride was free. Sure! I really believed him. It was not a great amount, so I chalked it up to the cost of doing business in Thailand. Anyway, 3 days later, to my surprise as I was walking along the Beach Road, this driver came up and said " where do you want to go? I owe you a ride." It blew me away. Yes, there are (many) honest Thai merchants and business people. One more reason why I keep returning to LOS!