Bang Pra

Hi Patrickq,

Join the club. Also was years without going to a dentist. You know the story: not afraid of a fight but scared to death of a dentist!

Well I went to Phyathai Hospital in Sciracha - I had 4 extractions and 3 implants - all at the one time. They gave me a general anesthetic – I woke up and felt absolutely no pain or discomfort at all.

There is a specialist there – a woman the best dentist I have experienced. Her name is Paweenwan Suwannakate – she is just great. (Wisper – don’t tell anyone but prices in Sciracha are a lot less than farang infested Pattaya!).

Phyathai have a Scotish guy acting as “International Relations Officer” and translator – his name is Gavin and his number is 09 750 0293. Tell him who you need and he will look after you.

Honestly I know how you feel – but these guys are really good.

I suggest Phyatgai Hospital in Sicracha (only 70 or 80 kms from BKK). Really good people there. Phone Gavin their International Relations Officer on 09 750 0293.

Good Luck!

And I thought all the Thai / English "Expert" were here!

I know someone, how much is your project budget for building each house. He charges 10% to 12% of construction cost.

Thanks for your reply but with the greatest of respect 10% to 12% of the building cost for architect’s fees is a total rip-off!

I have been involved in property development internationally for over 20 years and an architect anywhere would not get or expect anymore than 5 to 6% and that would be for a full service.

Thanks again anyway

I know someone, how much is your project budget for building each house. He charges 10% to 12% of construction cost.

I did post there and then copied my post here! Administrator scolded me for duplicate posts and wiped my Pattaya Form one!

Regards

I am looking for a residential architect in Chonburi area to design two houses. It seems that most architects are actually working for contractors who design and build houses. At this stage I am looking for design only.

If anyone can recommend an imaginative architect it would be appreciated. Not looking for a big practice, would prefer someone who runs own small practice or maybe someone from a large firm who could do the work privately.

Thanks all.

I recently saw a Thai-English Construction Dictionary but as the spine was broken on the only copy left I declined to purchase it. Now I have searched all BKK and am unable to find one or indeed anyone who will acknowledge that such a book exists.

I have seen an "Engineering" Dictionary but it is too broad. Would appreciate any pointers to where I could find a Thai-English Construction Dictionary.

Been looking for a language school in Pattaya to teach me conversational Thai.

Any recommendations w/prices?

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Hi Thaiboxer,

I am not familiar with what is available in Pattaya, but I can recommend Language Centre at Burapa University in Bang Saen. After only 25 hours of a one on one course with a Thai teacher I feel that I have progressed immensely.

I suggest you try leaving Pattaya for a few hours a day and test the “up-country” Bang Saen.

If you cannot travel – my teacher actually lives in Pattaya and I am sure that she would be happy to do a “private” lesson also.

PM if you need details

There is a motorbike shop along Sukhumwit (I think opposite MiniSiam somewhere - forgot their name but something like Big racing??) which sell big sport bikes etc. I think they also sell accessories like helmets, gloves safety boots and so on. I would give that shop a try if I were to buy a proper helmet.

EDH

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The name is "Siam Racing" and yes opposite MiniSiam. The guy's name is "Scott". He has many helmets and the best selection of great bikes.

Get single entry non-imm O visa based on marriage in OZ. On arrival get stamped in for 90 days. No earlier than 60 days after you entered go to immigration with all your documentation and request extension to 12months. It is at that time you need to show proof of 400k being transferred from abroad. Sadly not issued whilst you wait and you'll be told when to return. Return to immigration no earlier than 335 days after you first entered the country and repeat. Bob's yer uncle. It really is that easy.

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Hi again Seen All, you were very helpful with a similar query for me and eventually I understood the principle. However one item is still queried: “No earlier than 60 days after I have entered….”. I will enter Thailand on 14th inst (PG!) with my Non-Immigrant “O” visa (multiple entry) based on retirement.

Can I not apply for the extension to 12 months immediately? In December (i.e. before the 60 days expire) I intend to go to Vietnam for holiday and return in January 2006(Note I have multiple visa). If I do go will my time still run from the 14th November (my arrival date) or when I return to LOS in January 2006?

For legal/taxation reasons I want my “retirement” here to commence within 2005. Thanks again in anticipation of your normally well informed reply.

do you believe in karma, and if so was there an event that precipitated that decision? do you have any stories of an event you think demonstrates karma?

Is there a contradiction with the Christian notion of forgiveness?

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I hope that I am not off the topic.

My teacher – my g/f who is a devout Buddhist and very learned, tells me about the concept that the “final thought” of ones life can determine the “status” (my word) of the next life irrespective of ones misdeeds during this one.

To me this seems to contradict the Karma logic – in that a single “good” final thought can wipe out a lifetime’s misdeeds.

Thank you. We are moving into our new home soon and it is nice to be able to print such a nice calander to chart our first year there. What a pity that it is not in colour though. Many thanks again.

Any suggestions for a good bar in Bang Saen? Looking for a place that has some live music, (with opportunity for guests to sing on stage - g/f likes to sing), decent pool tables, Thai food and cool beers. A place frequented by farangs is desirable but not a go-go bar. Thanks all.

Thanks Briley for advice. But no I am not just going there to escape winters in Europe so the date is not critical. In fact I have lived out of Europe since the late 70's. I just happen to be back here now to wind up some matters. BTW I could never stick the winters (or indeed the "summers").

Thanks again to all for the help

Thanks guys. Matters are much clearer now!

Thanks guys for your efforts - but now I am totally confused!

For clarity:

Over last 2 years I have spent about 6 months per year in LOS – travelling on tourist visa.

Following the instructions on http://www.thaivisa.com/318.0.html I applied for a “non-immigrant” visa at the Thai Consulate in Dublin (no embassy here). They issued me with a category “O” visa “good for MULTIPLE journeys”. The visa must be utilised before “20 September 2006” (issue date was 20th September 2005).

Earlier this year I opened a savings deposit bank account at SCB (only passport was necessary to open it – contrary to many comments here!). Since then I have transferred sums (originating outside Thailand) well in excess of the 800,000 required.

Another point (unfortunately!) I qualify for the 50+ age criteria.

I arrive in Thailand on 13th November and intend to apply for a “retirement visa”. (Now I don't know if I am applying for an "O" or an "A".)

I intend to rely on the deposit in the bank and not any ongoing pension.

So considering the above – Do I need a letter from the Irish embassy/ consulate saying that I wish to retire in Thailand?

Any other advise on making the application?

Thanks in anticipation.

Steve,

I could not agree with you more! I see so many people here complain about the difficulty of establishing a successful business in Thailand. Guys! Realise that it is difficult anywhere to establish a successful business. With local knowledge I have managed to, via and with the extraordinary help of my better half, establish a long-term income here. But if it was my aim to simply make “millions” I would choose somewhere else other than Thailand.

To “My Name is…” I acknowledge that many (OK some!) of us have come here to enjoy an idyllic (some spiritual) lifestyle that we might not be able to do elsewhere. So a successful business is not paramount! Lets encourge more people who just want to LIVE here!

I am applying for a Retirement Visa (A-O) within the next few weeks. I have referred to the requirements as well detailed on http://www.thaivisa.com/318.0.html.

I will be applying on the basis of bank deposit rather than ongoing pension. I note that a letter is still required from my embassy “saying I wish to retire in Thailand”.

Can you advise as to the wording that is required in this letter? I want to make sure that all is correct on submitting this application.

Thanks all.

When I lived in Darwin (similar weather conditions to LOS – maybe even more humid!) some many years ago - the norm was to put a low wattage bulb on 24/7 in the wardrobe. This keeps the temperature slightly higher and reduces the relative humidity. That’s all I can suggest!

Good point Bang Pra, are there any? How about one that doesn not ask for your entire fortune just for brushing your teeth ?

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Aki,

Prices are not so bad here! Recently I had a “check-up” in Europe – an appointment with dentist assistant that was limited to 10 minutes! The cost was Bth 2,500! And that was only for the “assessment”!

I need to have fairly major dentistry work done – extraction and root canal treatment on 2 other! Because of old whiplash injury I have a serious problem with being in the “necessary position” for a protracted period. Overseas many dentists give intravenous sedation (not a full general anaesthetic – but more than a local) when patients are particularly anxious or have special problems.

Does anyone know of a dentist whose provides this service in our general location?

Sounds like you are flying out of Europe – 12 hours flight etc and of course “Paddy” gives it away a bit!

Having done that trip many many times – I suggest you put your watch on Thai time when you sit on the plane - (normally that would make it about 2 a.m. assuming leaving Europe at about 8 p.m.) – take a sleeping tablet, get comfortable and sleep for 8 hours or so. Then waking for breakfast (having skipped all the other offerings) you should have already adjusted to Thai time and not lose a day recovering from so called “jet lag” when you arrive in LOS.

Have a nice trip!

Hi, see the pinned topics at the top of this forum. List of Thai Immigration Offices. http://www.thaivisa.com/immigration_phone.0.html

You can go to any office.

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Thank you for such a prompt reply!

regards!

Hi U2,

Sorry I did not see your post earlier. I have been busy – my Thai girl friend has just left Dublin this afternoon (Sunday 16th) after a 3-month (with 6 month multiple entry visa) stay.

Its great (for once!) to be able to speak with authority on this forum!

Aor (my much better half) has travelled here 4 times in the last 18 months. We found the Irish Consulate in Bkk to be very helpful and obliging. The first time we were worried and thought that it would be very difficult. We ensured that all the documentation was in place: letter from her bank (balance more than “x”), invite letter from me (I believe that this is an important point), letter that she has her own business (or employment letter) and other incidentals.

The first time there were a couple of panics (and phone calls to here (Ire) at 3am to scan and email another (clearer) copy of my Irish passport) but in no time we received the 1st 3-month visa.

The only problem Aor had was with the Poms (transit through Heathrow) when the 3rd time they were difficult! So this last time she came via Amsterdam.

Be confident – there will be no problem! If you have a problem pm me and I will will give you any help I can.

Bang Pra (Paul)

Is there a list on this site (or elsewhere) of the addresses of the various immigration offices?

Apart from the office in Pattaya is there an immigration office in Chonburi City or Sriracha?

Also: Does one have to use the local immigration office for visa procedures or can one use any office?