egeefay

I also want share with you that I was chastised by a Middle Eastern waiter in an Egyptian Bangkok restaurant, for holding my girlfriends hand at the dinner table. It's considered a little offensive in their culture, like putting feet up on chairs in Thailand would be. He was right and I was wrong. I apologised. He was courteous about the matter.

I disagree with you.

Anyone who opens up an establishment in a foreign country to make money from foreign customers shouldn't be offended when foreigners behave as they normally do in their culture. In Thailand it is not an offence to hold a girlfriend's or wife's hand in a restaurant.

Since the Egyptian restaurant opens its door to foreign customers in Thailand, their waiters should not be surprised or offended because foreigners follow commonly accepted practices in Thailand.

Instead of apologizing to the waiter, I would have suggested to him that if he expects their customers to practice Middle Eastern customs and culture while dining at their restaurant in Thailand they should post a warning sign on the outside of the restaurant listing all practises and customs that will not be tolerated.

I would have reminded the waiter that this is Thailand and not Egypt and if he was offended by my holding hands with my wife or girlfriend I would be happy to leave and spend my money at another restaurant.

The waiter shows his cultural ignorance and intolerance by insisting that people in Thailand modify their behavior in a way that is acceptable to him. It amazes me that people so ethnocentric and culturally intolerant would even choose to live and work in Thailand.

Next thing he'll be want is for all female customers to cover their heads and dine in separate rooms

I haven't watch Fox New's coverage of the child sex trade in Thailand but if Bill Reilly is criticizing Thailand for being too lenient on pedophiles...isn't he the same guy that settled out of court with a female Fox News producer who accused him of sumitting her to repeated instances of sexual harassment and who spoke often, and explicitly, to her about phone sex, vibrators, threesomes, masturbation, the loss of his virginity, and sexual fantasies??

You can read all the juicy things he is supposed to have said her

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/1013043mackris1.html

Just checking to see what people are doing to call US from Thailand

I know there's Skype but the people I call don't have broadband and their PC to Landline rates are high.

I've tried WebCallDirect but the connection is not very good and there's a voice delay.

Are phone cards the best way left to go?

Any good companies you can recommend?

I don't think the Thai government is that concerned about software piracy....especially if its American companies that are getting the shaft.

A visit to Pantip Plaza should convince any doubters. You can buy almost any pirated PC program (and some for the Mac addict) or the latest DVD movie. I don't think there are many people in Thailand who are buying legitimate copies of movies or programs.

"There are literally dozens of different vendors selling hacked versions of software programs, and even the most up-to-date software is available amazingly quickly. Microsoft Windows XP, for instance, had been available in Panthip some weeks prior even to it's official launch in the USA, let alone in Thailand.

As well as software, pirated versions of all of the top Hollywood movies are also available on DVD or VCD, as are compilation MP3 CD's with around 12 albums on each (right). Each CD/VCD/CDROM costs only around 100-150B, as the intense competition helps to keep the prices low. The DVDs cost around 300B or so, and may or may not have had the regional coding removed.

The Thai government, under pressure from the USA, has periodic crackdowns on Panthip Plaza, but they never seem to last very long. The only lasting effect of the crackdowns seems to be that all the pirated material is no longer kept with the vendor, but is instead in a building down the street and is retrieved when someone makes a purchase."

The new piracy detecting equipment donated by the American Embassy will look nice. But don't ever expect the Thai police to get much use out of it. (Oh, and it probably comes with a nice all expense paid trip to the States so that a Thai official can learn how to use it)

I try to stay away from the street vendors.

They are out there all day without access to running water so they don't always keep their hands clean (no washing after handling money and using the toilet). Nor do they carefully wash dishes after they get used by customers.

Because they have no access to refrigeration they Sometimes keep meats dangling in the hot sun without refrigeration for hours.

Overall, Thailand doesn't have the same standards for food handling as in the west. They are pretty laxed and it's very common for visitors to get food related ailments.

While it's true that many psoters have boasted that they've neverhad any problems with the food, My guess is due more to luck than anything else. There are a lot of horror stories out there. And It only takes one trip to the hospital to make a convert out of the most seasoned diner.

The safest thing is to buy and peel your own fruit. Drink liquids from bottles. And try to make sure everything you eat...especiall vegetables... is well cooked.

That being said, there are a lot of restaurants in the west (especially Asian restaurants) that could stand a closer inspection by the health department.

Just bear in mind that Whenever you eat out you are at the mercy of someone whose main goal is to make a profit.

Hmmm... evidence has been mounting that exposure to a farm enviroment during childhood is generally protective against allergies e.g. here. However, your new research seems to contradict this...

Naw. It was when I was a Peace Corps volunteer. I got a three months assignment in Pitsanaloke and one night I remember I could hardly breath. I sat up most of the night trying to gasp for breath. Never had that problem in Bangkok

I'm guessing but maybe the beach communities like Pattaya, Hua Hin and Phuket are better for you if you suffer from pollen related allergies.

I recall getting a bad case of asthma many years ago upcountry. I think it was during the rice harvesting season.

I'd be curious to know if there are places in Thailand where pollens are unusually bad and where allergy sufferers usually avoid at certain times of the year

There's a "Hua Hin" thread on this forum. If you're looking for a condo with kitchen you can ask there.

There's also a forum just for Hua Hin

http://www.huahinafterdark.com/forum/index.php with a thread on hotels/accomodations

and there's a lot of postings about places to rent and different price ranges

Not sure what "hyperexpensive means" but you should be able to find something in almost any price range.

Try those two places first

Manufacturers will be allowed to display and sell their merchandises at the area, but their rights will be revoked if their goods are found to be overpriced or the quality is poor, he added.

--TNA 2006-08-05

Who and how is going to determine if goods are overpriced or of poor quality?

Most of the merchants in Thailand don't post prices with their goods. They just size you up when you ask "how much" and quickly calculate how much they can get you to pay.

And who sets the standards in Thailand for quality in Thailand. How can you determine that a product is of "poor quality"?

The rule of law in Thailand is "Let the buyer beware"

This evening we called Bangkok Heart Hospital and Bumrumgrad International Hospital and inquired about the cost of replacing my wife's pacemaker.

Both hospitals were not shy about outlining the various costs involved and giving us an estimate. Both hospitals had about the same figures give or take

In Thailand The cost of putting in a new pacemaker and replacing one lead was quoted at between 200,000-250,000 baht. (about $5000-$6500).

Compare that to the $28,000-$58,000 the hospital in California quoted me and there definitely is a BIG difference in costs. (and that's BEFORE the doctor fees are added on)

I agree with several posters that hospital sticker prices are often inflated for people without insurance because insurance companies have enough clout to tell the hositals what to do with their outrageous charges. This double standard has led to lawsuits filed by the uninsured who claim that they paying far more that those with insurance for the same procedures .

Still self employed Americans are trapped between high medical charges or high insurance premiums.

I'll let you know what we decide to do after I've called my insurance carrier, Blue Shield tomorrow.

Although they are a good hospital overall, I would not recommend Bangkok International Hospital for heart problems. I am a medical doctor and speak from the experience of working together with their cardiologists.

I do recommend Bumrungrad, e.g. Dr Sureerat.

Can you be more specific. I am interested in why you would not recommend them. They seem to have an extensive list of doctors, many of them trained in the US and Austrialia

You can email me direct rather than post your reply here.

Thanks

Are medical cost in the US getting out of hand?

If my experience today is any indication, the answer is "probably"

Ten years ago my Thai wife had a heart pacemaker implanted in a California hospital as part of an emergency medical procedure when her heart failed.

A couple of weeks ago she went in for her regular pacemaker test and the specialist indicated that the pacemaker batteries were running down and she would have to have the pacemaker replaced.

We both went to the heart specialist today to find out a little more about the procedure.

The nice doctor said that replacing a pacemaker was a routine outpatient procedure and my wife would be in and out the same day. The doctor mention that one of the two leads might have a faulty connection and if that were the case she would have to have the bad lead replaced as well and that would mean a stay overnight in the hospital.

Because we are self employed we carry only major medical insurance to cover us in case of an emergency. Everything else we pay out of pocket.

So I asked the doctor : "How much does it cost to have a new pacemaker inserted?"

There was a pregnant moment of silence and then he asked politely "Why do you want to know?"

"Because I have a high deductible insurance policy and I usually have to cover the costs myself," I replied.

"I guess that the pacemaker might run about $4000, but I don't know what the hospital charges are. You'll have to go to the hospital and inquire" he said.

The doctor wrote out a request for a quote on the same kind of paper they use to write prescriptions and instructed me where to find the billing department of the hospital.

We drove over to the hospital and on the way speculated at how much we might have to pay for the new pacemaker and the new lead. Our guess was around $10,000. $4000 for the pacemaker, maybe $2000 for the overnight stay at the hospital and the rest for the doctor's fees.

How ignorant we were.

At the billing desk our request for a quote was met with total amazement.

"Why do you need to know the cost. Doesn't your insurance cover it?" asked the clerk.

I explained again that we pretty much pay for everything up to $10,000 at which point insurance kicks in.

She grudgingly went to her computer and began hunting around.

"Single or double chamber pacemaker?" she called out to us over her shoulder.

"Not sure" I replied, "Give me the cost for both!"

After a few minutes she came back.

"I don't have an exact price," she stated "It would depend on if they ran into any complications. But to put in a new pacemaker, a new lead , and a night in the hospital will run between $28,000 to $58,000."

I tried not to appear shocked and asked "Does that include the doctor fees too".

"No. The doctors fees aren't included."

We walked out of the hospital in silence.

Fortunately we have major medical insurance . We would have to pay the first $10,000 but the insurance would cover the rest of the costs.

Still both my wife and I were shocked. $58,000 is more than what many people earn in an entire year!!! You could buy 2 or 3 brand new cars with that. That's what two years in college including tuition , room and board cost for my daughter. All for a routine procedure and one nights stay in an American Hospital. And that's just the hospital bill!! I am afraid to know what the doctor fees are.

We haven’t decided what to do. My wife still has a few months before the batteries run out. But on the way home we discussed finding out how much it would cost to have the same procedure done at a Thai hospital like Bumrungrad International. I’m guessing but I think for the money we could save we could have a nice vacation and visit the relatives while we are there. The doctor said that putting in a new pacemaker is a routine procedure. I’m sure they can handle it in Thailand

So my question is: Can anybody recommend a good heart hospital and maybe a good heart specialist in Thailand?

My doctor said "floaters" were normal...part of getting old. ;

I only notice them when I'm staring up a the sky...a plain background.

If there were an easy way to get rid of them , I would.

Otherwise. They don't bother me much

I know of one couple who met over the internet matching service, struck up a good relationship and are happily married today.

Sometimes the internet gives people a chance to find a match with others who share the same interests and temperment.

By the time they actually meet, internet couples are already familiar with the important details of the other person, their political views, religious affiliation, values and beliefs.

A lot better than meeting someone by chance in a bar or 7-11 store, in my opinion

I've been using WebCallDirect

http://www.webcalldirect.com/en/index.php

It's 1 cents a minute from US to a Thai landline

It's 2 cents a minute from US to a Thai cel phone.

Only other charge is a 3 cents per call connection charge.

So, for example, a 60 minute call from the US to a Thai land line runs 63 cents

and a 60 minute call from the US to a Thai cel phone runs $1.23

It doesn't matter what time of day you call...the rate is the same.

You need a computer to dial...but after that it rings your phone and the phone in Thailand and after that....you talk phone to phone.

There is about a second delay in the voice so you have to get used to talking and listening without interrupting mid sentence. That's the biggest downside to the service. (That and the fact that you have to dial from an internet connected computer)

Othewise, I like it a lot...and save a lot over the calling cards...especially if you like talking for hours.

You can buy minutes in 12 dollar increments and you need to use it or lose it after 90 days

Orderies (generally there to monitor, bathe, and take care of basic needs like helping the patient go to the restroom) are 500 Baht per shift, nurses One shift is 6 hours. Quite reasonable.

Heng...Do you have someone watching your grandmother when you are away at work?

I assume you are away from the house for maybe 10 hours a day so that's about 4000 baht a week for an orderly.

In addition, Do you need a nurse during the week to administer medication or provide any nursing care.

I am trying to gauge how much it would cost to keep someone who need full time care at home...as opposed to using the services of a nursing home

Of course, one's individual situation may vary. In my entire family, we've yet to come across any 'special care' needs that couldn't be taken care of with hired nurses (and around the clock care at home is probably more affordable than most folks would think) or just going to the hospital.

I am interested in knowing more about your situation

It sounds like your 93 year old grandmother is in good health and not in need of constant attention

You mentioned that you have hired nurses to take care of her. Are these actually registered nurses, or people you have trained to provide for her care?

What types services do your “in home “ caregiver provide?

Was it hard to find qualified reliable people to take care of your grandmother?

Do these caregivers live in your house in their own rooms or do they arrive for work and leave at night?

May I ask what one might expect to pay for a live-in nurse in Thailand?

Seems like simple "spell check" software should have caught 2 out of 3 of the mistakes you pointed out. Not sure how newspapers get stories to print but I would think they start with a reporter on a computer...and all word processing programs come with spell checkers.

Be interesting to find out from someone who works at a newspaper how simple spelling errors can slip through.

Thanks for the good responses. In particular I was interested in finding out what Thai registered nurses make per hour and what premium you might have to pay for a registered nurse who is fluent in English and Thai

Does anyone know of a source where I can find typical wages for different job catagories in Thailand.

I'm curious what the average salaries are for nurses, grade school teachers, secretaries, policman etc.

This isn't a phone card in Thailand but For over a month now I have been using WebCallDirect to call Thailand

It's the cheapest rates I've found around

1 cents per minute land line to land line

2 cents per minute land line to cel phone

http://www.webcalldirect.com/en/index.php

What I like about the service

1. cheapest around. For some countries it's free. For Thailand it's 1cents per minute or 2 cents if you call a cell phone in Thailand

2. no "special TAX" like a lot of cards in the US

3. no 3 minute rounding like most calling cards

4. no service fee

5. you can buy as little as 12 dollars worth of calls at a time

What I don't like about Web Call Direct

1. about a 1 second delay in voice transmission.

2. You need to initiate each call from an internet connected computer (after that, it's phone to phone)

3. Like most phone cards the account expires in 90 days and has to be recharged

4. And there is a 3 cent connection charge everytime you call someone

In my opinion, nothing is better than caring for your own elders yourself. In cases where special care is required, nurses and orderlies can be hired permanently or in shifts to live in your home at very reasonable rates. Not to mention this way, your folks don't can pass away among loved ones, instead of having to die among their shuffleboard and backgammon partners.

This would seem to be the way to go if all you needed was a "sitter" for your aging parents.

But sometimes parents may require special attention, as in the case with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Relying on people you hire in your home can leave you in a bind if they quit, show up late or call in sick.

Sometimes, I think, a nursing home setting can be a more desirable choice. I notice that "The Golden Years not only have nurses on duty round the clock, but doctors who check in daily, and it is actually a hospital too so you don't have to worry about getting your parents to hospital in case of an emergency. They also provide activities for their patients...an opportunity for the elderly to socialize with others

Most Thais would feel guilty putting their parents in a nursing home. I guess they'd feel embarrassed having to admit that their parents aren't living at home with them or they are worried that their parent's won't be well looked after in a nursing home.

I haven't visited any nursing homes in Thailand nor do I know any Thais who have used their services. But I suspect as the elderly grow as a percentage of the Thai population, more Thais will consider them.

As for westerners, I spoke to a representative from Golden Years and she told me that they've had several "farang" patients in their nursing home. I didn't get a chance to find out where they came from and how they got along.

By the way, the cost to stay at the Golden Years (including room, 3 meals a day daily doctors visits, laundry, and nursing care, assisted exercise and activities) runs between 22,000 and 37,000 baht per month

Several other posters have suggested other Nursing facilities like

-St Loius Hospital (emailed them to find out if they have a nursing home)

-Camilian Social Centre Hospital , Chantaburi and Sampraan (couldn't find any information on the web)

-Hospihouse (looks like its designed more for the elderly Japanese who are still well enough for independent living)

If anyone knows of any more nursing homes, let me know and I'll try to hunt them down

Interesting to note that Malaysia ranks #17...much happier than most of the rest of the world.

..much happier than Thailand. Not sure how they arrived at that conclusion

A year or so ago I was asked to participate in some discussions with a property developer here who was considering the development of one or more nursing homes in Thailand. At the time, they said there were none at all.

They concluded that there was no market because Thais would never put their parents in nursing homes. =

Things may be changing. Here's an article from the NATION entitled "Ageing populace strains families"

http://nationmultimedia.com/2006/07/15/opi...on_30008758.php

It suggests that , in the future, Thais may not be able to depend on their families for support in their golden years

There are quite a few nursing homes in Thailand, but not sure if they will cater for foreigners (language problem).

There are also what they call 'long-stay-accom' for over fifties, foreigners focused, but they're not cheap since they have 24 hrs nurse services. If you're really interested, I'll try to find info for you.

Let me know if you find anything. I did a search for "Nursing homes" "Thailand" and didn't come up with a single link. Perhaps if someone can search in Thai for me they might come up with something.

If there are Nursing homes for Thais, at least I could find out what services they offer and what they charge.