ukguyinthai

Looking at your list, is there anything more you want to do than shopping or eating.

It sounds to me like you are getting bored of all that.

Are you looking for ideas of interest outside those perimeters?

Find a local swimming pool and try relax and go for a swim with 1000 mg of paracetamol; it’s probably the tendons under your arm that’s causing pain in your shoulder and affecting the nerves down your arm. After 15 minutes you should be swimming like a fish and be high as a kite. The next day the pain will be massively reduced and the healing process started. If you had serious nerve damage in your spine you would not be able to type anything on Thai visa and would just have called an ambulance long ago.

It is open at all border crossings.

It could be that they are not making runs because most of their customers cannot get new entries.

You should call another company.

No that’s not the reason .The company probable couldn’t care less who got a visa or not, they will still get their money.

They will tell you it’s closed and tell you to ring back tomorrow because they don’t have enough customers to fill the van. They want to take you out of the market to try again with them tomorrow. But as usual it’s better to lie to you than admit they are not successful enough to fill a van full of people. And better to lie to you than you go with another company.

Even though it’s not their fault customer numbers have fallen, and we would completely understand. And if they talked straight we would wait if we had the time. This is how they think. Total and utter lack of respect for the customer.

Without getting into the legalities of visas and work permits, he is not on a huge step in the right direction. Unless the right direction is going back to his own country. I agree the kids would benefit and he would enjoy it but that’s not the point.

The point is everything he has worked for to enjoy his retirement in Thailand, could be taken away in an instant because of bad advice from a lying head teacher. I cannot see why anyone should be encouraging him to compromise his life here.

Talk to the employment dept, don’t talk to the head teacher, and don’t listen to people telling you to just do it.

Enjoy your retirement, find a new hobby.There is lots of ways to integrate with the community.

Rose-tinted glasses alert!!

Can you name one or two of those 'ways' cause I haven't found any yet.

...and that includes churches <deleted>!!

yes I can, this guy has integrated himself in many ways

Without getting into the legalities of visas and work permits, he is not on a huge step in the right direction. Unless the right direction is going back to his own country. I agree the kids would benefit and he would enjoy it but that’s not the point.

The point is everything he has worked for to enjoy his retirement in Thailand, could be taken away in an instant because of bad advice from a lying head teacher. I cannot see why anyone should be encouraging him to compromise his life here.

Talk to the employment dept, don’t talk to the head teacher, and don’t listen to people telling you to just do it.

Enjoy your retirement, find a new hobby.There is lots of ways to integrate with the community.

I was totally shocked to learn this, very shocked; I thought he was a good guy. Probably he is, but obviously has mental problems in the kid department.

It is not for us to decide what justice should be decided upon him, let the victims decide. Just because he is old now does not mean he shouldn’t be punished properly. It just means he got away with it for a long time.

Cannot talk about “he won’t harm anyone now”.

He’s done the harm and the people he hurt are still hurting.

Most of the victims, the victim’s mothers, the victim’s fathers and the victims family’s probably want him dead. Paying them money for his freedom is an insult.

If he touched my kids I know I would……….. Send him to jail and leave him there.

Two Thai teachers teaching English. Do understand “good morning, how are you?

The blank expression would have been a moment to think one of three things.

A “The head teacher knows he needs a work permit”

B “Does this mean I have lost my job?”

C “I will phone the department of employment if this goes bad for me “

The thought of helping out with the kids is something you think you will enjoy obviously. It’s a great idea in principle. But the rest of your life in Thailand is more important than to be putting your future into the hands of a head teacher who is happy to lie to you at the expense of you being deported, fined or jailed.

Until they change the rules and system, find another hobby. Be safe enjoy your retirement. And well done for doing your home work!!!

Some reasons fir the decline in numbers:

A Korean company who has business interests here and I know very well will not send any of it's employees here until the coup is over . I understand that it is a company rule. I am sure that other companies do the same.

I also think many people have been to Thailand already and now are traveling to other countries to see new things.

Also, all the crime and ripoffs going on in Thailand is not a good thing and the word gets around quickly.

Prices are high and people are not so friendly anymore.

For the sexpats, the girls working the bars are getting uglier and fatter every year. The drink prices and bar fines are now just too high. Other countries are a better value.

Low season is always slower....

So many more reasons to list. One thing for sure is that if things continue in the current path Thailand is in for some hard times. Perhaps the General will clean this country up and it truly becomes a high-end destination. Time will tell !

I agree with your comments they are simple but accurate. Three of my friends who come to Thailand two times a year,(for the last 10 years+) have said they won’t be coming back for a while for all the reasons you mentioned .Next they are going to the Philippines and Africa and Cuba. Thailand is off the list. They have introduced many guys to Thailand, now everyone wants to meet up in club Cuba. These are all big spender people, who want the fun and excitement. People vote with their feet.

I sometimes think that the reason bank officers seem to favour the expensive options is lack of command/comprehension of English. The cheap cards will be the ones Thais want so they're sometimes out of stock. The officer doesn't know how to explain that you can wait two weeks for the cheap card to come back in stock so they insist the expensive option is the only way. It's my theory because I would think KBank training and customer practices would be pretty good but English levels far from adequate to meet that standard. Or maybe I suffer from Pollyanna syndrome.

A Pollyanna stance is something I have learned to adopt. Whilst at the same time I keep looking for the truth. Being angry and negative to anyone is never going to help you in Thailand.

Although I have mental images of blowing heads off with an Ak47.I do remain calm on the exterior.

Even when my partner puts tooth paste on my tooth brush, the size or a pepper corn, and will continue to do so despite what I say.

I think this topic needs to be debated at length so we can get an idea of what to expect.

Firstly prices have gone through the roof and that includes LT asking prices 1500 BF 4500 LT which I use as the economic cornerstone for Pattaya . . . It's almost cheaper in Europe now. When prices are even we can expect them to level out at the least.

Anyway I have a background in Economics so I was surprised then prices increased faster with decreasing demand

I believe this is why

Let's take the UK for example . . After recession hit In 2009 we saw inflation on goods and services go up to the highest level for many years. 6-7%

1. This is because people and business try to match falling demand with higher prices

2. this works for a short period as customers have savings and people will in turn continue to pay more to maintain there standard of living.

3. After some time people run out of money and only then stop buying.

4. Then one of 4 things tend to happen. Business aether go bust or drop there price to become competitive or the currency devalues. If the currency is pegged/ or a single money is used like in Europe and currency can't devalue the service quality reduces or prices fall which is more damaging.

Conclusion

I would expect that is this continues there may just be hope that we could return to a cheeper and less tourist saturated pattaya .... But then again who knows with Thailand it seems to have a mind of own.

Any thoughts?

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Yes I have a thought

The bars cannot lower the price because they will go bust, there is not enough profit. The bars cannot increase the prices (like they did in the UK) because local people won’t pay it. But they can do something for FREE that will increase takings .Re learn the art of smiling and customer service. Most bars for me now are depressing irritable places. I would sack most staff in seconds.

My partner was verbally attacked for not making me buy THEM drinks. I was verbally attacked for refusing to pay 140 Baht for a 7 11 30 baht soft drink for my partner. I was told it was lady drink prices. But this is my partner not your staff member!!! I could go on with these stories .My point is Local people are important to keeping a place profitable, and local people get bored of the bad service miserable staff faces and people who play mobile instead of playing waitress.

I do go to family mart buy a couple of beers go down to a quiet part of the beech take some food and enjoy with my friends a long relax and a chat. The bars have to realize there are alternatives, we have choices, and we are not stupid. A smile and good customer service is free and very profitable

I stopped going to bars and gogos a decade ago...except ladyboy bars that is. Maybe you and your mates should give it a try...lots of big smiles, big breasts, and big...well, you know.

Yes got to agree some of the best customer service and the biggest smiles were from lady boy bars. Even when I explained I’m here with my mates and I don’t want a guy to play with me, they were still a good laugh. Shame some of the other bars cannot learn.

The only indicator of this Ive noticed is long lines of parked baht buses at 2nd road/Pattaya Tai & Pattaya Klang. Ive never seen so many lined up and parked for so long each day.

Have you noticed the lack of tour buses parked at night and the fewer number of baht buses or tooting their horns for fares or motorbike taxis sitting around aimlessly waiting for a fare?

What about that for karma Taxi drivers sat on corners waiting for a customer’s

What did they do positively to promote tourism in Thailand? Why do to local guys only want to use trusted taxi guys. Does anyone know anyone who has not had a bad experience with these guys?

I think the reason Pattaya is quiet is a combination of many things, but for certain the taxi drivers have been a total pain for everyone. Not just to local people and tourists but to Thai people too.

Impressive!

Kasikorn Bank public relations answered the complaint within hours, on a Sunday!

Apologized, explained their policy, costs and want to straighten out the staff.

Job well done. I would consider opening an account here.

Here it is:

We sincerely apologize for inconvenience has caused to you. Firstly, we would like to inform you that we have no policies which force customers to purchase any insurance with opening accounts. Secondly, there will be a required minimum deposit of account opening is 500 THB for Saving Account and 10,000 THB for Current Deposit Account. However, the required documents for account opening as follow;

1. Valid Passport

2. Work permit or Valid Visa or a copy of House Registration. (Over 3 months)

3. If you have other documents that can prove yourself, we suggest you to try to submit and let our representative consider them.

In case that you would like to issue a debit card for your savings account, there will be debit Card fees can be listed as follow;

- K-Debit Card first time registration fee THB 100, yearly fee THB 200

- K-My Debit Card first time registration fee THB 150, yearly fee THB 250

- K-My Special Debit Card first time registration fee THB 250, yearly fee THB 250

- K-Max Debit Card first time registration fee THB 150, yearly fee THB 550

- K-Max Family Debit Card first time registration fee THB 150, yearly fee THB 800

- K-Max MRT Debit Card first time registration fee THB 250, yearly fee THB 550

- K-Max Special Debit Card first time registration fee THB 250, yearly fee THB 550

- K-SME Debit Card first time registration fee THB 150, yearly fee THB 800

Please kindly inform us more information of the situation that you have treated inconveniently in order to coordinate with the related department to investigate and also improve our representative's service

This should come as no surprise to anyone. If you read their website in English , everything is mentioned there.

As I told you before, its a big difference between a savings (500 min. deposit) and a deposit account. (10k deposit) .

OP must have been talking to the wrong staff, maybe they just misunderstood him.

If you have a valid Thai DL and a tourist visa or a house book, they will open an account for you. But if they do not like you for some reasons, they can refuse you to open the account, but all the people I know had no problems with kasikorn. I opened 3 accounts there myself.

Sent from my SM-P601 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Just to clarify for Balo. Anyone thinking of using K bank at Pattaya big c central off second road and Tesco lotus on Naklua road.

I asked for a savings deposit account not a current deposit account

I spoke to Managers (not the wrong staff)

I had a home agreement of over 3 years old; I had proof of address from immigration, I had a current visa, I had my passport, I had my current UK driving license, Thai car license and Thai motorbike license.

I went with a Thai person who can speak good English, the managers seemed to have a good command of English, I am 100 % sure they understood everything.

Both staff never reacted in a manner that they didn’t like me…They both offered me an account…but only if I purchased accident insurance.

As I have said previously in my post I too have opened accounts before (pre 27/06/2014) without any problem.

There is no misunderstanding or confusion……both these managers were not honest about company rules and refused my business if I did not comply, and pay for products I didn’t need or want.

I was left on the pavement clutching my paper work thinking “this can’t be right” (I wish I had videoed it but I didn’t know I was going to have a problem)

Later a K bank in Bangkok gave me brilliant service and no talk of buying extras gave me an account for 400 Baht and 500 Baht deposit,as I have posted earlier.

Just don’t waste your time guys, if you want to open a savings deposit account at K bank ask the question early about the extras. Or phone the branch first.

I went to open an account at the local Kbank...showed them my passport and they said need work permit, i told them a work permit is not possible on this visa, As a last try i showed them my thai DL...she said oh thats ok,

20 minutes later i walked out with a book and atm/debit card.

This one is not a scammer, just lazy.

"Cannot, No Have" (now stop bothering me so I can get back to my noodles and Facebook)

Yep, i guess its just the luck of the draw, How to tell which assistant is not in noodle/facebook mode?

I have just been to Kasikornbank Seacon Square, Dept store ,floor G,room number 1001-1004B Tele 02 721 8554

I received brilliant service from start to finish.

A savings/deposit account was 400 Baht inc debit card(option to pay 700 baht for accident protection inc debit card ) no option for a 800 Baht card. I took the 400 Baht option

Deposit required min 500 Baht (10,000 baht deposit on current/ cheque accounts only)I was not asked to buy any other products. So straight forward 900 Baht all done.

I needed my passport, proof of address from immigration. I would also recommend taking a Thai friend to help with language barrier.

So at the end of the day I know that at least 2 branch managers in Pattaya have worked out a scheme to extract forcefully more money from non Thai people. And pretend its new company rules. I never had time to check the other branches. Thanks for your contribution to this thread maybe we can update it as we go.

"I said but its your branch, your company, your business ,why cant you give orders to your staff who have made a mistake answer mai dai"

Manager of each branch of each bank has autonomy.

The insurance scam happens because the manager gets a bonus for selling xxx policies each month.

Some of the accident policies are well worth having, BKB sells one for 2k5 that covers all accidents (including m/c) for 30k per time.

Worth it just for the card that allows them to treat you immediately when they find it on your unconscious body.

They claim direct.

this is a bad photo of the insurance offered, just a A4 paper with some basic statements. I thought it was very poor.

I understand if you sell a product you can earn commission. But allowing your new customer to "walk" because you didn't earn commission on a policy is very small time thinking.But I have often thought to myself " do people realize there is a tomorrow and what you do and how you treat me today will effect it "

My kaskorn account was open in 10 minutes no question nothing!

Maybe a underpaid worker, to try make some money with provision of insurance

Gesendet von meinem iPad mit Thaivisa Connect Thailand

Which branch exactly?

Update today K banks are closed in Pattaya sat/sun but a Bangkok branch seacon square srinakarin assured me all I need is a passport and visa. So I will try tomorrow. I am in Bangkok anyway.

Sandman77 can I ask which Branch and what date, you opened your account. What paperwork was asked for and how much did you pay for the account.

The Manager of both branches refused to open an account if I didn’t buy insurance. It was not a junior member of staff trying their luck to earn a bit of commission from me. And both Managers refused to tell me who gave them these new orders. Only acting like they didn’t understand what I was asking and re confirming I have to buy it.

I always say, do not even consider getting married, unless you have lived together for at least 12 months. Many rush this, and are sorry later. It is always in the interest of a Thai woman to rush things, and move up the agenda. It is always in our interest to slow things down, and let them develop in a more organic fashion. Take your time. Time is your ally. If it is good, it is only going to get better with time. If there are problems, they are going to reveal themselves with time. So use the time in a positive manner, and push back if she creates a sense of urgency. If you have a lot of money, and you have been together long enough to truly know who she is, what the hell? If she is from a poor family, there is an expectation of this kind of assistance. Most women are looking for financial security no matter where they are from. But be prudent.

Spidermike

Chaiyaphum, Thailand

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Brilliant advice, live together (not just know each other from a distance) for 1 year or longer, will give you all the confidence you need to make the right decision for you. And also give her a chance to learn about you. Keep your money out of the equation. If she does not agree then you have your answer. If she does agree then rent a home ,but stop talking about buying houses.

Name the branch so we know not to try there.

I opened an account at Kassikorn Big C On Nut 6 months ago on a tourist visa.

Just 400 Baht for the ATM card and no minimum deposit. I only made an initial deposit of 2000 Baht.

Let us know the branch works for you as well.

Pattaya big c central off second road plus I tried Tesco lotus on Naklua road I wanted to use this bank to make low cost money transfers to another K account. I will continue to try to find a branch that treats farang fairly and report back.

It's a scam and the bank staff and rep you spoke to should be FIRED! (but they won't because you are just a farang)

I agree totally, but we farang can tell other farang and we can vote with our feet.

Do you have real rights to live here ? If you are not on the correct visa you should already be happy that they accept to open you an account, as many have been denied this right...

The bank never questioned my visa status, or questioned my right to live here. All the paperwork I provided as requested by them was in order. My point is being forced to pay 2500 Baht for accident cover I didn’t need. Yes I will go to another Bank I just wanted to tell others.

The other aspect is ,if I was a tourist here for only 2 to 4 weeks and wanted to put my cash in a safe place, I have to pay a standard 800 Baht to open the account ( which I can accept )plus buy a 2500 Baht 12 month accident insurance cover.

I think the bank will start to lose the easy 800 Baht and lose any profit they make from playing with peoples holiday money. Or maybe people will just pay it and be happy.

I wanted to open a kasikorn bank deposit account. I have helped open several accounts for my visiting friends over the last 2 years no problems. The bank told me I needed a residential proof from immigration (never needed before but ok). I need to deposit 10,000 baht “to show’ but I could take it back out when the account was opened (never needed before but ok). And 800 baht to open the account and get a debit card. So I gathered all the above and went back to complete opening the account. Cut a long story short the counter girl explained I would need to purchase a 12 month accident insurance cover 2500 Baht. If I won’t buy the cover she could not open the account. But if I bought the cover she could.

After inspecting the A4 list of simple written insurance cover offerings I thought it was on the most part useless .and I have insurance so I really don’t need it.

I insisted I really don’t need this insurance, I was advised to buy it or go to another bank.

I rang a help line number the counter girl hesitatingly give me 02-8888800 they told me they did not have a policy to force customers to buy this insurance. I asked them could they ring the branch and tell them to open me an account, and not charge me for this policy that I don’t need, they advised me to use another branch. I said but it’s your branch, your company, your business ,why can’t you give orders to your staff who have “made a mistake” answer mai dai