wannascuba

Sorry to high jack the thread,

But I also have an HSBC, US premier account online Checking w/ a MMA savings account of approx. 200K USD. 2-3 years ago the interest rates were pretty good, but not so much now, but dont think there is much better out there for an essentially liquid account; IE I can withdraw all my $ w/ out penalty if I choose.

So far have been happy with the service from HSBC-US. Although I have not tried to open international accounts (IE Thailand, Singapore, etc) and / or Thailand based accounts linked to it. I would like to try this in the future.Linking my US HSBC to an Thai HSBC account.

You state as I quote below my post, that they reimburse ATM fee's from "other banks, including foreigner ones". Does this include the 150 baht fee I am charged when using my ATM card in Thailand? As I have not noticed this been deducted from my current transactions here in Thailand. Am I required to take further action in order to get this "150 BHT charge re-reimbursed. I know it does not seem like much, but I often have to take out numerous transaction via the ATM, and they do add up.

Quote:::::::::

"2. The ATM card has no foreign transaction fee and reimburses ATM fees from other banks, including foreign ones. I don't recall if there is a monthly limit."

And I would like to wish a Happy New Year to all........

Thanks,

WS

WannaScuba...

Ronald Regan speaks out against socialized medicine...brought to you by your "friendly" insurance company.

I love my VA coverage...another evil government run program

Never heard the VA medical coverage referred to as an "evil govt. run program". And VA medical coverage is vastly different than socialized medicine...

Well we could debate what you mean by vastly, but in spirit, I do agree with you...except for one major point the VA medical benefits program (it's not coverage) is government run....and it's a very successful program.

Concur, VA med benefits is government run. Please forgive me for the incorrect use of the word "coverage". And I would to thank you for your service..

Ronald Regan speaks out against socialized medicine...brought to you by your "friendly" insurance company.

I love my VA coverage...another evil government run program

Never heard the VA medical coverage referred to as an "evil govt. run program". And VA medical coverage is vastly different than socialized medicine...

Hi,

Not sure if they (The Mercy Center) has use for such equipment, but can call the number below and ask them.

The Human Development Foundation

100/11 Kae-ha Klong Toey 4,

Dhamrongratthaphiphat Rd., Klong Toey,

Bangkok 10110 Thailand.

Phone: (662) 671-5313

Fax: (662) 671-7028

E-mail: [email protected] This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Web site : www.mercycentre.org

For more information about us or making a donation, please call: (662) 671-5313

US Residents may donate through the Human Development & Children Foundation:

Foundation Secretary, Charlene McNabb

Five Concourse Parkway Suite 900,

Atlanta GA 30328

Phone: (770) 329-4935

Website: www.hdcf.org.

HD&CF is registered as a 501c3 non-profit, tax-exempt public charity in the US since 1999. All staff are volunteers and the total amount of donations flows through to the Human Development Foundation in Bangkok.

UK Residents may donate through the Mercy Centre UK, a registered UK charity:

Forgot to add, looking in the Bangkok area.

Thx,

WS

Hi,

My Dad (in his early 70's) will need a Heart Valve Replacement. From reading on of the other threads, Dr. Wiwat from BNH was recommended.

I am looking for other recommendations to compare. Does anyone have any info on Burmagrand (sp?) Hospital for this procedure? Any other hospital(s) and or doctor(s) recommendation would be welcome.

Thanks,

WS

I'm sure the BTS website will have a map.

You'd have thought so wouldn't ya!

I guess I should have worded it differently. I was not sure if the BTS website additions to the route were actually open and accurate to this date.

Thanks everyone for your help,

WS

Hi,

Does anyone have a link for a map with the latest BTS routes. I was wondering if the Silom line now goes over the Shapan Taksin bridge?

Thanks,

WS

For 2008 the Foreign Earned Income exclusion amout is $87,600. You can either use the Bona Fide residence test (if you have a foreign address) or the 330 day rule (need to be out of the US for 330 days out of a 365 day period). Note: that it does not have to fall under one calander year for the 330 day rule, it can be pro-rated for 2008-2009 or which ever years. You can go to the IRS.gov. website and read Pub. 54 and Form 2555. You can also file for an extension to file for up to 6 months if you are overseas, see Form 4868. Note: that an extension to file is NOT an extension to pay any tax that may be due.

Hope that helps,

WS

Jingthing,

I understand your point, but disagree. The only time I have ever had my CHECKED bags broken into and items stolen was when it was locked. It was reported and I never had my itmes returned. From then on I have never locked my bags and have not had any items stolen. Maybe I have been lucky or un-lucky. If you can tell me which it is, then I will know. I am trying to put a "smiley" here but it isnte working.

regards

Jingthing,

I understand the theory of having "evidence" of your bags being tampered. But at that point I would think its too late to recover your goods. I do see the reasoning if you are worried about drugs being placed in your bags. Then again, after finding 'evidence' of tampering you would have to quickly find and discretly get rid of the drugs.

Question,

Would a thief narrow their search for loot to only the few locked bags, or go through all of the un-locked bags? IMHO, its a toss up, but I tend to lean toward not locking my bags and dont put anything in that I cant live without.

Thanks,

Everyone for you replies. I plan on my next trip to LOS in Feb-April and will look arounfd then. In the meantime I will do more research on the debate of buying vs. renting in LOS. It just seems soo cheap to buy (1-2 Mill Baht) that it makes it tempting.

WS

I am looking in the price range of 1-2 million Baht. Trying to narrow down my search to the best managed buildings, best location, etc.

Thanks,

Hello,

I am researching (online) for the purchase of a clean, decent studio or 1 bed condo in the Jomtien or Pattaya area. I am looking for a building that is well maintained, somewhat quiet, swimming pool, and preferably has a basic fitness center (gym). So far I have looked at (from Fair Properties);

View Talay 5&6, Pattaya Condo Chain, Spanish Place, Jomtien Beach Condo, Angket Condo, Jomtien Paradise Beach, Ban Suan Lalana, and Hagone Condo.

I know that is a big list, but any info would be greatly appreciated.

M

[hey, found a great little stall at the top of MBK (Fl.6 in the Paco Zone), called Arunrat.

I was looking for MMA gloves and she had all original leather goods (Twins brand, I think), no PVC and no crap. Not sure if its the cheapest you will find though.

All the stuff u see in the main sports shops here (like sports world etc) is utter rubbish. I have been looking around also.

Thanks,

I will check that out when I arrive in Bangkok.

WannaScuba

Hi,

Can anyone recommend a good place to purchase MMA (mixed martial arts) or Muay Thai shorts and training equipment. In or near Bangkok...

Thanks,

Ten Toes Up

I do not agree with the phrase "die for your country" because it implies that you have conceded defeat. I would risk my life for my country or a cause and have done so (USA).

WannaScuba

Thaibebop & Brucenkhamen,

Thank you much for your replies. They make me feel much more at ease at continuing my learning. After all "Wisdom" if used for the best intentions towards oneself and others can never hurt. One concern was to tell my Mother that I am intersted in Buddhism, but after reading your replies and my own self reflection - I know she will have no problem with it. Many Thanks. Still look forward to more responces, but I may not be able to reply for some time due to work.

Scuba

Hello,

I just starting reading my first book regarding Buddhism and find that the precepts seem to fit my way of thinking and lifestyle. My dilemma is that I was raised (Baptized) at birth as a Catholic. Is it Ok to retain my Catholic faith and practice the precepts of Budhism. As I understand, you can pratice Budhism to the best of your ability at not be a Budhist. I somewhat feel like I am at a cross-roads. My Mother is Catholic, and she really believes that her prayers protect me, and I belive it also and that my prayers help my loved ones.

Basically, is it OK for me to practice both religions. Please pardon my ignorance, as I have just started learning / reading about Buddhism. Any advice or personal expierences will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Scuba

Hello,

I did a search for Thai Language schools but found very little info for the Hua Hin area. I am looking for a reasonably priced, good Thai course or school for a beginner (speak very little / almost non-existent Thai). Would like to to up to 6 months on an Ed. Visa.

Thx,

WS

I would use a courier, and makesure you use their 'Printed Materials Rate'. You can do the same with standard mail, again printed material rate, but I'd be worried about books going missing, or just as bad being pushed sideways onto surface mail.

Thanks GH,

A courier is what I was thinking would be best. I can have the school ship the texts to my parents, then they can FedEx them to me in Thailand. I assume most major cities (Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Phuket, etc.) do have FedEx..

I am basically planning on doing a gap year (plus) in Thailand, while taking online college courses. I will recieve approximately 1,000 USD per month from my GI Bill. My question is how can I get my Text Books shipped to me each semester?? I am not sure of the location yet, but I am thinking about staying in Chiang Mai.

Thanks,

Is Chatachak(weekend market) in BKK?

WS

Hello,

Are there any Novelties stores (gag gifts,practical jokes pranks, magician tricks, etc.) in Bangkok or Chiang Mai?

WS