winner

You simply must be American with that attitude. It may suprise you to know that many countries have navys, so stating 'the navy' doesn't actually clarify what countries navy is in Thailand.

What this nasty attitude and the grammar in some of your posts, you must be French. Please clarify what you mean by an "American attitude".

Only a fool does drugs! Only a bigger fool does it in Thailand. They will get what they deserve. It doesn't matter how they got caught. Bootleg DVDs have nothing to do with this nor does prostitution. This is true all over the world. The drugs were and are illegal and the crime is considered a serious one in almost all countries.

I hate to see this. Apart from the human suffering it causes it will also destroy the Tourist Industry for another year at least unless the perpetrators are caught within the next 24 hours. Face it, despite some people acting macho, only a fool would take a holiday in a place where bombs are going off! There are plenty of alternative places to go to.

How bombing will help the TRT is beyond me? Logics says it won't and hurts it.

Anything that happens that would discredit the current government and its ability to handle internal problems would help TRT.

I bet you that Thaksin's family, and his money are out of Thailand by now. What do you think?

I had a bad attack the other night and the doctor came and saw that it was stones in the gallbladder.  I am heading out to check on my options for surgery.  Has anybody had it here in Bangkok?  Where?  Were you happy with the facility and (since I am paying for it) How much did it cost??  Any help--even second hand information will be appreciated!

Mike

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

take a look through previous threads. There are alternatives to surgery and shock treatment to eliminate the stones. They worked for me and I posted them for the benefit and relief of others. Sugery for me was out of the question. If you can't find the thread pm me and I'll let you know how to gid rid of the stones, naturally.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) has become one of the most common procedures performed to treat kidney stones. An external device is used to generate high energy sound waves aimed at the site of the stone to shatter it. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and may need to be repeated several times before the stone is completely shattered. Internal bruising is common and blood may appear in the urine. Doctors also warn of internal injuries that can occur from the shattered fragments. (this treatment is available in Thailand for approx. 60,000 baht/4 years ago)

Ureteroscopic Stone Removal is another common procedure that attempts to physically capture the stone through an invasive technique. The urologist inserts a tube up the urethra, through the bladder to the actual site of the stone. At that point the doctor may use laser to break the stone apart of simply capture the stone with a basket device. Patients describe this procedure as extremely uncomfortable. Risks from this procedure include punctured urinary tracts and tissue damage. Stones that do not break up may even require more aggressive surgery.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PNL) is a more invasive and risky procedure that involves making an incision in your back and tunneling to the stone within the kidney. This procedure permanently damages kidney tissue to some extent and cannot be performed many times. Recovery time is a lot longer than other procedures and this type of surgery has a higher chance of post-surgical infections.

Expectant Management (Wait-and-See) is probably the most common approach and relies on misinformation that if you wait long enough the stone will pass. Research shows that this rational leads to thousands of emergency room visits every year. A stone is a rapidly mineralizing clump that grows as more urine pours through the kidneys. By waiting longer you allow the chemical process to keep pace and proceed to grow the stone. The result is either a stone that is extremely painful to pass or too big to move

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Guys thanks for the helpful replies. I think the one above is thinking of kidney stones not gall stones. Any more information out there would be appreciated!

I had a bad attack the other night and the doctor came and saw that it was stones in the gallbladder. I am heading out to check on my options for surgery. Has anybody had it here in Bangkok? Where? Were you happy with the facility and (since I am paying for it) How much did it cost?? Any help--even second hand information will be appreciated!

Mike

I never sign up for anything without knowing what it is! Some questions:

1. What the hel_l is SMS?

2. How does it work?

3. To contact in some way the US, it costs three credits? What does this mean?

4. Is that per minute?

5. What does a credit cost?

Please expand on these questions.

Thank you.

I have English Lan, Lit GCSE Grade A, Maths B, GNV Business STUDIES Grade Merit this is the same as 2 A levels back in England and I speak French as had to take language with it I also have other 6 other GCSE but not relevant to me finding teaching here. I never taught before but been told i would be able to do it here quite easily. I worked in England as an IT consultant.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Based on my experience the Thai head teacher would ask you what the above means. They don't know an A level from a Q level. (I don't either) Are you a high school graduate? Or University? You can always get an in- house job in one of the language schools like ECC (for bad money) but to get into the good Thai schools they would prefer a TEFL. Well worth the time and money from my experience.

About the situation for a person who is black or asian. My school recently hired a black teacher and got such bad feedback from the parents that they have to let him go at the end of the term. No complaints about the quality of his teaching! Nice guy and dresses extremely well.

I want to download movies from Newsgroups. Usenet looks good price wise. Has anyone used them? What about others? Thanks OOOPS! I should have said Newsgroup Server. By the way--does CSLOX have one built in?

Vic, I repeated what was on the MTT website re A/C noise.

How is it that you get noise from A/C if the runways run N to S?

What's the cab fare like from say Phrom Phong / Emporium to the "Popular" blocks after 0100.? 

Thanks to Toasty for the tip-off abt MTT.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The noise isn't too bad as the aircraft are broadside to you from there.

For some unknown reason I can't recall the cab fare from entertainment venues but the airport is less than 200.

cv

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

How about the taxi fare to MoChit BTS? Also , does the BTS free bus run out that far?

I am using a dialup and modem but it is much too slow for my needs. I tried true but they don't have any available lines in my area. I have a TOT phone and met with them but service is still 2 Kilometers from my apartment. What other options do I have with my direct dial TOT phone except waiting for TOT to get here?? I don't know who else to check with.

Thanks for any help.

That's an average price for that area mate.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think that it is still a little high? If the foreigners ever stand up and say NO WAY! prices would come down. I just hate to see us all being seen as suckers. The Thais laugh about our willingness to be taken. It is starting to get to me. Guess I shouldn't get on my soap box. Before anybody says otherwise, I could afford to pay this price but I would never live in one room where I could cook and lay in bed at the same time. If I wanted one room I would get a deal in a hotel where everything is included in the price and even on Sukhumvit there are good deals to be gotten. People who want to live in the Sukhumvit area mention that they like being in the Falang area--just like home. My question would be that if they want to live like at home would they be living in one room and paying twice (or more) the price that their friends who live in 4 or 5 rooms pay. For some it is nice to be near the play-for-pay area but the girls in those places love to get away from them when they have the opportunity. I just don't understand any other reason to live down there and be taken!

Small addition: the condo is for long term rent only. Cant be rented for less than one year contract.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

17000 for ONE ROOM!!!! It does have a white door though! Does this price include all utilities including electric, water, internet and phone lines and of course cable TV? Is laundry service and maid service part of the deal? I would also presume that VAT is included. You can't do much damage in one room so will you consider just 17000 to move in?

I was down on Sukhumvit yesterday and saw the new building going on.  I also looked at yesterday's BKK post and saw the sale prices and the rental rates there.  We are being ripped off particularly in the white ghetto area!!!! Thais don't pay what we do--nowhere near it.  They are taking us for suckers.  I live in a nice furnished apartment in the Chatujak area.  2 bedrooms and a living and dining room with one bath and a small kitchen and a balcony.  I pay 7000bht per month.  Why should things cost so much more in the area that they think all farangs want to live in.  I know---location, location, location.  Don't be sucked in!! If people refused to pay these inflated prices, they would come down fast. 

Billy

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi,

We're looking for a condo at the mo and have considered Chatujak as a possibility. Can you tell me more specifically where you live as this sounds perfect. A road or building name would be great.

Thanks!

Jez

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Try the Paholyothin Road area near Ratchada--Rathayothin, in the neighborhood of the Major Ratchayothin Movie complex. There are plenty of apartments and good Condos in the area off Soi 33 to 39.

Billy

The Dude thinks "the ghetto" rules. He would never live anywhere else regardless of price. The Dude likes his people mix he gets there and feels that living in scum low rents areas totally blows. Can you dig that with a shovel? Oh yeah BTW, nosepicker dude, congrats on your new pad. You did the right thing; you rule. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hey Dude,

Glad to see that you agree with the gentleman! I really like your third person referencing and your use of California style colloqualisms from the 80s (" ghetto rules...The Dude...totally blows...dig that with a shovel... nosepicker dude...you rule). Don't see much of that in written English anymore. Hope that you outgrow it! LOL

Billy

The condominiums sized 37 square meters in a beautiful garden surrounding. There are a nice park, pond, standard swimming pool with sliders fitness, and sport center. This gated community with 24 hour security located in Bangna km.5 rd. which is very close to department stores (Central, Seacon and Seree Center), Suvanabhumi New Airport. There is a taxi stand located outside the main entrance, and it takes about 15 minutes to On Nut Station. From the condo, there are many accesses to express way, Sukhumvit rd., Srinakarin rd.

The fully furnished condos come equipped with all new appliances including refrigerator, stove, microwave, TV, air conditioning, and utensils. Each unit is comfortable, convenient, and completely for you just like your home.

Rent 12,000 baht/month

Deposit 3 months

High Speed Internet 660 baht/month

Contact: Nanthanut by e-mail  [email protected]

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Seems like too high a price. In that area I would expect a one bedroom apartment for that price. Wouldn't want to live in one room anyway. How much do you charge for apartments?

Its a strange market thats for sure. I have looked at over two dozen places in the past week. The quality of the supply varies immensely, but you quickly work out whats value for money in your price range and what is not.

We settled on early Sukhumvit, a place which I swore I would never live, mainly as it was close to work (I can walk) and K. Wife can be near other English speaking mothers when the baby is born.

One of the main reasons why prices are probably higher than they should be is due to the fact that the places are owned outright by rich Thai's, who have no real pressure to get any sort of return on their rental. As such, many are happy to keep their places empty for a year rather than rent it out. We saw many places like that and the owners wouldn't budge on price.

The other problem is that the owners themselves don't know whats out there. As someone told me recently, there is not an estate agent on every corner like there is in London, and hence no open market to compare prices. Someone I saw wanted 40K (down from 55K) for a old 2 bedroom 110 sqm place in Silom. She didn't beleive me that someone was also offering me a modern 115 sqm place in Suk, 15 mins walk from work, with a u-beat gym for 38K.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yeah, you can see that imperfect market information for just about every single product out there. Prices (not displayed) fluctuate for everyone and a lot of customers simply don't have the patience or will to survey the market. Foreigners who aren't accustomed to spending hours in traffic and perhaps on the verge of heat stroke, even more so.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Part of the problem is that prices as advertised in the BKK Post are the inflated ones and people unconsciously look at them as sort of a guideline. You seldom see reasonably priced places advertise. Even on here you see one room apartments (if you would want to live in one) advertised at foolish prices (17000??) Once again this gives you a guideline.

Looking at your post, the part about walking to work is nice but you are probably paying somewhere in the neighborhood of 20000 for the privilege. That pays a lot of BTS fares. Can't dispute the needs of the wife. That is the advantage of living in the ghetto. The Villa market is the other one!!! Beyond that--why live there? I can think of a few reasons not to:

1. Where is the only place in the city that I have ever had a taxi driver not turn on the meter? The ghetto--numerous times!

2. Where is the only place where the taxi driver trys to take me to a massage parlor instead of my destination? The ghetto

3. Where is the only place in the city that I see 40 year old plus shaved headed, tatooed, drunk white men in the daytime wearing shorts and tank tops? The ghetto!

4. Where am I overcharged for everything? The ghetto!

Sorry--I am on a soapbox, but I didn't move to Asia to live around the same people that I could have at home.

Billy

Those who are inapt or too lazy to compare prices vs. value for money and the overall market will always get ripped off. However, if someone believes he/she needs to live in downtown Sukhumvit and is willing to come forward with the money asked, fine with me. It's the same thing with cars, mobile phones and other "must-haves"

Just one thing is totally incomprehensile to me: Why are condos always more expensive than houses? Markets aside, shouldn't it be cheaper building a condo unit than a house?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Condo's are priced in function of the minimum 3.5 mil required for a farang to invest if he wants to stay here. I went shopping for a condo around my place. Asked 4.2, haggled a bit down to 3.5...then send the wife to go for it. Asked 3.5 haggled it down to 2.9.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Erwin

That is a great example. The price went down from 4.2 million to 2.9 million. You better believe some foreigner has payed the 4.2 or "beaten" them down to 4 mill and is walking around saying that he got a great deal and that it would cost twice or much more than that that in London or New York. Even my apartment where I pay 7000, the few Thais here pay 6500. When I first moved in I was paying 8000 but when I found out what the Thais were paying got it reduced to 7000.

Condos should be cheaper than houses if only for the saving in land costs. They also use materials that are pretty cheap and labor costs are minimal.

Billy

The "best", most convienient locations are always expensive, everywhere!

I'm afraid that these prices will continue to rise as long as people want to make their lives easier. 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Judge

I agree that you pay for convenience but there is a limit to a fair differential. I am close to the BTS also and have everything that I need except for the Villa Market in my immediate neighborhood. I just feel that too many foreigners still compare pricing to their home countries instead of the local market. I just hate to see us seen as fools by the local landlords.

Billy

I was down on Sukhumvit yesterday and saw the new building going on. I also looked at yesterday's BKK post and saw the sale prices and the rental rates there. We are being ripped off particularly in the white ghetto area!!!! Thais don't pay what we do--nowhere near it. They are taking us for suckers. I live in a nice furnished apartment in the Chatujak area. 2 bedrooms and a living and dining room with one bath and a small kitchen and a balcony. I pay 7000bht per month. Why should things cost so much more in the area that they think all farangs want to live in. I know---location, location, location. Don't be sucked in!! If people refused to pay these inflated prices, they would come down fast.

Billy

Roger

Korean Air?  I thought that I could check in two suitcases and carry on a small plus a briefcase.  Am I wrong?  Thanks

Greg

Thanks for the information.  One point of clarification.  After I get my work permit and eventually they extend my visa for the full year which I understand takes a few months do I still have to leave the country every 90 days?  Thanks