jamie2009

I am looking at settling in Thailand, I have been to Patong, Hua Hin, Chang Mai, Chang Rai, Koh Samui and Isaan.

Patong,ok but expensive for accommodation and not really Thailand, Hua Hin, didnt feel like Thailand, Chang Mai, liked the feel of the place but would a beach location, Kou Samui, too quiet and limited as it is an island. Isaan, mm no.

I would like a quiet beach location with the option of having a walk about for a few beers and shops, accommodation with a proper kitchen where I could have internet and decent TV.

I have been advised to stay clear of Pattaya although I will have to go for a look myself.

Tipping in the US is part of the servers salary, you can add it on the CC when you pay the bill, they pay tax on this or give them a few dollars which they prefer as its tax free..

In Italy tipping is not expected but you alaways pay a charge per person per table.

Taxi drivers in Thailand for me always expect a tip especially from the airport in BKK.

i dont tip when I buy drinks, food, if the serice is ok and the food good I will.

Thanks for all the replies. Do Thai Banks return funds if you have a Thai Card skimmed/compromised.

I am looking at moving to Thailand for a year, Retirement Visa, it concerns me as I would be opening a Thai Bank Account.I would be interested to know the best/most secure bank and the cheapest way to transfer money from a UK Bank Account to a Thai Bank Account. Dont fancy carrying a load of cash from the UK.

I went along to the Passport Office in Bagna in Bangkok in February to try and get a Passport for my Thai Girlfriend. There were in excess of 2000 people there. I believe they only do around 600 a day, went back the next day very early same, people had been `camping out all night. I called Pattaya same there, people camping out.

Has the situation eased any now or can you get a passport by post.

I have just returned fromThailand to the UK to be welcomed by a phone call from my Bank re ATM withdrawals in Bangkok, around £1100 was attempted to be withdrawn, some successful from my Bank Account using ATM`S, some small amounts somearound £200, 12 in all. I was never in Bangkok this time but did use the card in February but dont know how the scammers got my pin number. I then told them I had used another card in Chonburi Tuesday night at at a Family Mart ATM, it was also scamed. Is this common in Thailand, ok the bank refunded all the monies but said I need to more careful ,the next time I come over, will bring cash next time I think.