soi3eddie

Insurance would have done nothing to save their lives. Such a sad story and heartbreaking for the community. RIP.

I started another topic on this yesterday. It now appears that it only affects users of K-Biz website for customers transferring from their account to another account in Thailand. This makes sense, as the security on the website is less than on the app i.e. only user name and password needed to login to the website. This versus the app which requires setup with phone number, pin number, fingerprint (and maybe facial recognition) to initiate transfers. I wouldn't be surprised if they soon remove web access and go phone app only.

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I just logged on to Kbank on a PC web browser. There was a message (below) that from 7th March 2025, the maximum transfer is 50,000 Baht per day. Does anyone know if this is just for web browser initiated transfers or does the phone app have the same restriction? Logged in on phone app but see no similar message.

Once he's in Thailand with a long term visa, opening a bank account "should" be much easier.

The buyer does not need a Thai bank account to buy a condo in Thailand. Transfer to his lawyer's client account (foreign transfer must state reason such as "for purchase of property in Thailand" or similar or more specific such as condo address). The lawyer can then do the purchase and title transfer whilst fulfilling all the Land Department requirements. Both times I purchased in Thailand, this is what I did and the money never touched my thai bank account. Also, I wasn't present on either transaction as the lawyer did everything using my Power of Attorney.

Been to Samui twice in last 24 years. Gave it a second chance. Never feel the need to go back. Much nicer places in Thailand. Hope the White Lotus lovers enjoy the prices there.

How about local tourism suppliers actually supplying services that meet the international visitor's expectations? Things such as speaking English (or the visitors own language), transparent honest pricing, punctual delivery of service, safe service (such as safety equipment working - buckles on boat life vests not being broken), safe drivers and safety tested vehicles. That would be a great start at least. Unfortunately, it's always easier to blame "foreigners" for everything. Until Thai tourism operators are brought to scrutiny, nothing will improve.

...and the reason for that was almost certainly the construction on route #35. The massive construction on that road has been going on for many years. We too, were stuck in that last night (Saturday) after leaving Amphawa at 8pm, arrived back in Bangkok 10:30pm. For what should have been a journey of less than 90 minutes. Apparently, every weekend night, the main road will be closed and traffic can only use the frontage roads. A huge number of cranes and workers on the route after Samut Sakhon all the way to the city. A nightmare for anyone heading between Bangkok and Hua Hin or further south.

Yes. There is a serious and professional alternative. It's called RingCentral and I used it for a UK based business from 2017 to 2022. They offer local numbers for most of the world. We used to have a central London (0207) number whilst not being in central London. We also had USA and Australian toll free numbers so customers from those markets could book with us by phone if they wished. Their phone app works great for making and receiving calls. Also, if desk based, it is possible to plug in a VOIP phone to your router - and this works wherever you are in the world. Call management, recording, routing and voicemail features too. Quite a complicated but extremely versatile system. I too, currently use a Skype number and have a monthly subscription so am considering options once Skype is no longer viable or shut down. https://www.ringcentral.com/gb/en/office/plansandpricing.html

Wise cards do not work in Myanmar. That's at ATMs or for purchases. Wise are full woke and block places they feel should be sanctioned (while other UK cards worked fine).

From the pictures of the scene, it looks like the bike was a CRF250cc. Also, no sign of a helmet and not wearing a shirt - but did have a "man bag" still over his shoulder. A terrible case and situation. Family says they cannot find his passport or any insurance policy. Even with insurance bought in the UK, it is unlikely to cover bikes bigger than 125cc (nearly all the policies I've bought have this restriction). Even then, they stipulate must be wearling a helmet and have a licence for the bike. No mention of him being an experienced or licenced rider in any reporting on this. If not, then a recipe for disaster. Hope things improve for him.

"Grooming" gang is the wrong name. They only ever set out to do terrible things to those vulnerable children.

I'm surprised that the Thai Hotel Association (THA), haven't been raising this issue loudly before in protection of their members. Just what have they been doing? I know of one condo building in Pattaya, that has a huge number of rooms rented to short term rentals. Place really is a nightmare for many residents. So much so, that resident owners and long term occupants, use the service lifts to get their floors. Apparently, one owner/business has acquired so many units in the building for short term rentals, that they use a couple of units simply as laundry/servicing facilities.

Just did a test booking for November 2025. Return in economy classic was just £499. Pretty good fare (and sensible departure/arrival times too). Even cheaper if not taking any checked baggage. Brace for the influx of "quality tourists" 🙂 Flights are only 3 days per week as presently available. Thats still about 1,000 passengers per week.