gguy

It seems like luck of the draw. Googled an old 2001 newspaper article suggesting that "Thai Mafia" was involved in stealing mail. Another neighbor indicated that many of his foreign letters had been opened.

I have never had a missing letter. However, all my mail is domestic bills and bank statements. I have received very few personal letters from international sources.

My neighbor claims that all international mail is a magnet for Thai Postal theft. The thicker the letter equals a lesser probability for delivery. All hand addressed international mail is fair game. I guess the thought is it all contains money.

What is the experience of board members with delivery of hand addressed international mail? Suggestions for improving the probability for delivery?

What is the best method of shipping some credit cards and important docs from USA to Thailand? I originally thought FEDEX or global express mail (the USPS uses FEDEX to transport and deliver and $10 cheaper than FEDEX).

Also thought of using regular air mail with one card or doc in each letter. Try to pack the letter so the card is sandwiched between cardboard or docs. The card would not be obvious.

However, I have read that personal mail (hand addressed) that is over one ounce (thick letter) is an invitation for postal theft. These letters have the highest percentage of cash or something of value. Never had a problem with the Thai postal service but all I get is bank statements and internet bills. I have only received 2 personal letters in my stay in Thailand.

How do most members get important docs to Thailand? Is the true that most hand addressed mail that looks "attractive" is lost by the Thai postal service? How do I make a letter look unattractive to postal thief? Any experiences with the Pattaya postal service?

SORRY DUPLICATE POST

What is the best method of shipping some credit cards and important docs from USA to Thailand? I originally thought FEDEX or global express mail (the USPS uses FEDEX to transport and deliver and $10 cheaper than FEDEX).

Also thought of using regular air mail with one card or doc in each letter. Try to pack the letter so the card is sandwiched between cardboard or docs. The card would not be obvious.

However, I have read that personal mail (hand addressed) that is over one ounce (thick letter) is an invitation for postal theft. These letters have the highest percentage of cash or something of value. Never had a problem with the Thai postal service but all I get is bank statements and internet bills. I have only received 2 personal letters in my stay in Thailand.

How do most members get important docs to Thailand? Is the true that most hand addressed mail that looks "attractive" is lost by the Thai postal service? How do I make a letter look unattractive to postal thief? Any experiences with the Pattaya postal service?

The baht looks like it will break below 30 to 1 USD.

The baht was around 35 (I think) about one year ago.

If current trends continue, next Christmas will bring 25 baht to 1 USD.

Most of the Euro Currencies seem on the same downward trend.

This certainly effects my lifestyle.

How low can it go before it has a major lifestyle effect?

Recently had a health emergency.

Got me to thinking. How old is too long for Pattaya?

When, or if, should a person plan on returning to his country primarily for free??? health coverage?

I think I will hold the garlic.

Never had garlic on a pizza.

I am afraid the garlic would over power the taste of the taste of the sauce and toppings.

It might be OK to add a little garlic to the sauce but that is all the garlic I want on a pizza.

I am never up in Naklau.

Maybe in Nov or Dec I will visit Naklau when the cool weather arrives.

Will try.

Unfortunately, I live to far away for delivery.

Delicious! Open 3pm to 1 am (per the door). Tel 0800 611711.

To locate the soi without the map, look out for a motorcycle rental shop labeled with a black & yellow sign ("Mai Thai Complex") at first floor level on soi Bukaow 100 metres south of the soi Diana/soi Bukaow junction.

A tourist

I think they are open to 3:00AM in the morning.

Ordered a large pizza Monday. Delivered in about 30 minutes. Tasty and Hot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Too bad they don't have an eat in location for those who live far away and can't assure that delivery pizza will still be fresh.

have used delivery many times, pizza always warm to hot. you would not burn your tongue or month. good taste, zesty pizza sauce, tasty pepperoni.

if you want hot-hot pizza forget delivery and go to rest. and watch kitchen for immediate delivery.

Bangkok Koh Chang charge 4,000 baht for a Consult with a Junior Doctor for tourists, as opposed to 500 baht for Thais and WP holders. I seriously can't see how they can justify charging 8 times the price. The head Nurse even commented to me that she gets loads of complaints about the price, but it is the Hospitals policy. Certainly has put me off using Bangkok Hospital, even though I get the 500 baht price.

same price for expats?????????

bumrungrad makes discount card available to residents only. have to show passport with a one year visa

Do patients have any rights in Thailand?

I imagine it is like most things purchased in Thailand the service after the sales in minimal or none.

I have never heard of a medical malpractice suit in Thailand.

P.S. suggest you also get a price quote from Vejthani, the following doics there specialize in shoulder surgery 9altho not necessarily total replacement):

Dr.Bavornrat Vanadurongwan

http://www.vejthani.com/web-english/pop_en.php?id=508

Dr.Bancha Chernchujit

http://www.vejthani.com/web-english/pop_en.php?id=325

Dr.Teeratcha Wuthiphan

http://www.vejthani.com/web-english/pop_en.php?id=535

All 3 of these have had some training abroad but not, evidently, biard ceritfication outside Thailand. the first one trained in shoulder surgery in the US (Mt Sinai, NYC).

Thanks for the info. Surgery can probably wait until Obamacare comes in 2014. I like the doc at Bumrungrad (Dr. Mason) and he had done about 100 of the surgeries. He seems to be the only shoulder specialist in Bangkok with a very good rep.

Thinking about some surgery at Bumrungrad. Need physical therapy for one to two months after operation. Also nice to be close to doc and hospital if any problems.

Looking small room. Small pool would be nice for in-pool physical therapy.

Budget 15 to 40K baht per month. Hoping not a pay over 20 to 30K baht per month.

Any recommendations on hotels or short term apartment rentals?

I am flexible on time frame for surgery.

Talked to one of the docs at Bum. about an orthopedic operation. Doc highly recommended on this board.

Quote was 400K.

Optimally, operation should be done within the next couple of years.

I am an expat living in Thailand over 10 years.

Bum. discount card would save 15K baht.

Any suggestions for getting a better price?

Most docs in Thailand do not perform partial shoulder replacements because most Thai people are not effected.

Talked to two surgeons in Pattaya area. Both suggested the same operation. Both indicated little knowledge of the procedure and they have never performed.

Another alternative is to return to USA and join pre-existing condition insurance pool and get operation. That would cost about 700 USD per month in insurance premiums and 5000 USD in deductibles before 100% of all costs would be paid.

Any method of getting a better price at Bum.?

Thanks

I have read conflicting times for the last bus. Some say 8pm or 10pm or midnight?

When is the last bus from Etakmi station in Bangkok to Pattaya?

Thanks.

I never purchased individual insurance in Thailand because the insurance companies can hassle you without recourse.

For example, if you have a !00K hospital bill, it would cost you more to litigate than the original bill.

If its s small bill and you are a long time customer, it is in their best interest to pay. If you have cancer and it is going to cost the policy limits, the insurance company will definitely claim some sort of pre-existing condition or exposure.

Insurance is just a contract and if you do not trust the other party and the courts do not offer cost effective relief, you are stupid buying such a product. The only exception maybe is a group policy to an association. The insurance company may value the association relationship. But if you are an individual buyer watch out.

1850 Baht (approx $58) for an office visit with a specialist to include X-rays. I'm guessing such a visit in the U.S./Europe with no insurance coverage would cost a LOT, LOT more thatn $58.

Last time I checked I was in Pattaya not USA/Europe.

Also I found the specialist not very knowledge.

Would expect higher level of knowledge in USA

Some hospitals in Pattaya have discount cards. I suppose it encourages loyalty.

Usually pay 1 or 2 thousand B and get a free physical and 10% off rooms, procedures, and drugs.

Does Bumrungrad or any of the big private farang hospitals have discount mechanisms?

I see many Arabs with Thai girls and wonder what it would be like for them if they were seen walking around their home country with a girl on their arm. After seeing how they treat women in their own countries I

As for the Indians, many girls will not go with them. Too many instances of someone going back to a room with an Indian and finding a couple of his mates there as well. All wanting their turn.

Similarly, I have personally seen Indians try to book one hotel room then several turn up and want to share the room. I have also seen them turn up, one person goes to the room and tries to let the others in through a different entrance.

Most Indians seek good value. Witnessed a group on WS negotiating with one of Pattaya's young hostesses. Price was agreed for services but the Indians thought it was for a group rate as opposed to single rate. Very wily negotiators.

Saw a specialist at PIH.

800B for visit and 550 for xrays AND 500 For Nursing and General Supplies.

A nurse checked BP and weigh and I used 2 paper cups for water.

I will avoid if possible in future.

Friend needs medical insurance and has attended two hospitals in Thailand.

He want to go no pre-existing conditions route.

If he avoids the hospitals he has already visited, is he safe?

Does anyone know if there is any sort of data bank in Thailand that insurers use to verify pre-existing conditions?

Recently injured my shoulder. Currently in physical therapy.

Looking for a good ortho. surgeon with knowledge of shoulder injuries.

Looking for someone to evaluate situation and make alternative recommendations. Have found most Thai docs want to maximize income and that would suggest surgery.

Any recommendations for well established ortho. surgeons that explain the risks and rewards of all the treatments available and is a excellent surgeon if you decide on the surgery alternative.

Thanks.

Tried new Chinese restaurant on Walking Street in front of Living Dolls and across from Happy.

Had beef with spring onion. Beef tough and low grade and regular onion. Serving small for 190 baht price. Rice extra.

Most items 190 to 250 baht.

Will not return again.

US postal services look good but I would like to track package. Global express by US post delivered by FEDEX is about same price as FEDEX.

I prefer to avoid the Thai post office for really important material.