InterestedSugoya

3 hours ago, KannikaP said:

Well do not run!   LOL

Don't want to get hit by reckless drivers who may not exercise basic safe driving practices.

On 2/1/2022 at 4:44 AM, KannikaP said:

Why do you want zippers?

Zippers keep things from falling out as you run across the road.

On 2/1/2022 at 4:32 AM, scubascuba3 said:

The only place is decathlon, check online, other sport shops tend to be more expensive than back in farangland. Markets don't seem to sell that type of thing

I will check them out. The fact that they have a website means they might be more expensive than what I was expecting to pay. I'm not looking for anything fashionable. I was just looking for something cheap with zippers. I'm not in Thailand right now, but it would be good to know. For example, prices between 5 and 15 USD is what I had in mind.

Edit: I'm looking at the Decathlon site now, and I do see some for $400 bhat, so that does fall into my price range.

Is it easy to find light shorts or gym pants with zippers?

I have been buying shorts and pants with zippers off of Amazon for a few years now, but if I can get them cheaper in countries like Thailand and the Dominican Republic, then I'd rather do that. I've seen them for pretty cheap in the Dominican Republic recently, but can anybody on the grounds in Thailand give me a good source location and price-wise so that I can compare. Thanks.

P.S.- It can be anywhere in Thailand, not necessarily Bangkok.

23 hours ago, steven100 said:

The thread means very little as both were severely affected by Covid-19,   economically, socially and restrictions applied.

You cannot compare one to the other in a pandemic.

23 hours ago, KhunLA said:

So you want people to simply repeat everything you've already read.

Thanks for participating in the thread. I know that there have been many threads on here comparing the 2 countries, but I want to know specifically if anyone can comment on which of the 2 countries was better during the start of Covid-19 until now.

I know that both places were restricted due to Covid-19, but, in spite of Covid, which of the 2 places was better in terms of: Nightlife? Access to Vaccines and Tests? Household supplies in supermarkets? Regular massages and Happy Ending massages? Amount of restaurants and food stalls closed? Locals willingness to comply to Covid-19 rules? Public services such as visa and licenses? Local reaction to expats? etc.

I'm just trying to gauge if the people that were heavily championing one country over the other, and decided to move from one to the other slightly before Covid, regret their decision or consider it a fantastic decision made just in the nick of time?

I know there are many posts on this forum comparing Vietnam and Thailand, but I specifically am curious what people here would say was the better country (in every aspect) in 2020 and 2021, and why?

I'm not sure if the thread starter ever took any lessons, but I hope he did. I am 35 years old and never swam one day in my life. I am afraid of the water.

I could take lessons here in New York, but they are kind of expensive. I can use an upcoming Thailand trip and take more lessons, practice swimming in pools/beach, and enjoy warmer weather during a span of 2 weeks.

I'm comfortable in Chiang Mai and Bangkok, but if there is somewhere better in Thailand where I can maximize my swim lesson potential (like Hua Hin for example).

I'd probably be going back in March 2020. Any advice appreciated. Thanks. 

Thanks, that website is not super active, but I found the kinds of things I'm looking for in the "Others" section.

Besides Craigslist, is there a place where foreigners in Thailand sell or swap items? Any reputable Facebook groups where people coming in, going out, and just passing through go to before considering spending full price in a store, or having something shipped all the way from the West? 

If so, please post or message me that info. Thanks.

P.S.- mostly interested in things like a voltage converter, couch, toaster (for ex., things that I could use while in the country, but that I wouldn't be taking with me once I leave the country.).

21 hours ago, Tanoshi said:

The Visa is valid for 6 months from the date of issue.

Each entry gives 'permission to stay' for 60 days, but that can be extended for a further 30 days at your local Immigration office for 1,900 baht. If you exit re-enter the day before the Visa expires (enter before date) you will receive another 60 days, which can also be extended by another 30 days, so you could stay for almost 9 months on a METV.

 

The letter should contain the fact your employer is aware you'll be spending time in Thailand - approved absence, and your position will remain open.

Your math is throwing me off right now. That is only 180 days (90 + 90). 9 months will be 270 days.

What am I missing here? Does a multiple-entry Visa only allow you to enter 3 times (and your aim is to get 90 days out of each time?)?

Appreciate the replies. My plan overall is to spend 5.5 months in Southeast Asia with the majority of that being in Thailand.

My plan is to go to Chiang Mai mid-October, rent a condo (try to set it up so that rent can start from November 1st), then travel to Japan and Vietnam before returning to Chiang Mai at the beginning of November.

It would be pretty easy for me to just get a 60-day Visa here at the consulate in New York. I hadn't considered that option, but I may do that just so I don't have to deal with the hassle while already in the country.

Since I plan on staying for 5.5 months though, I know that I will have to make probably about 2 Visa run trips (if I don't want to pay for the 30-day extension each time). That's okay with me though, because I would like to see other countries in the area.

UbonJoe, the truth is that I was a little bit confused by your reply, but I appreciate you taking the time out to clarify it.

Thank you all for your replies.

What is it that is stamped into my passport upon arrival? Would I have to go out of my way, or pay extra to get a single-entry tourist visa? 

As an American citizen, would I need some sort of Visa in order to rent a condo for 3 months? And I mean rent it legitimately through a real estate agency and all that.

I believe that I'll have temporary visitor status which is sort of like a tourist visa. I also do hope to take summer classes while in the country, but just in case I become disenchanted with them, I didn't want to rely on them (the school) for a visa.

I already spent about 18 days in Thailand in March of 2018, so I hope it's not the sort of thing where they say you're only allowed 90 days in the country without a visa.

Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

43 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

49 minutes ago, InterestedSugoya said:

What do the Thais wear whilst on scooters?

You've not been to Thailand before? Flip flops, tee shirts etc, normal day wear, never armour or protective coat or trousers or boots

I only rode on the back of a motorbike once, and that was being driven by a girl that's about 5 feet 2 inches ( sounds about right). I thought maybe you guys were going to tell me that they wear arm protectors or something. And there is way too much dirt, in Bangkok at least, for me to walk around in slippers outside.

What do the Thais wear whilst on scooters?

Did you guys ever try mosquito-proof clothing, or do you just spray repellent on top of your clothes ?  I see this Permethrin clothing online, but I don't want my fashion options to be limited.  What do you all wear when you get on motor bikes or scooters?

On 8/2/2018 at 3:09 AM, CLW said:

If you keep it dry without any standing water you won't have much problems with mosquito.
If there seems to be a infestation I light a mosquito coil occasionally with closed balcony door.

Many years ago when I first visited Thailand, I lit a mosquito coil or 2 in my room at the Miami Hotel. I was woozy.

Anyway...if I can buy 1 or 2 lemongrass plants from a local market and keep them from dying, that would be ideal.

Any of you growing plants on your windowsill or on the balcony of the condo? If so, what kind of plants are you growing?

Bonus question: Any of you place anything on the balcony to keep away mosquitoes?

In a river, and I will ask my question in the fishing section now. Thanks.

Is there anywhere close to the railway station, or any chance Big C will have some bait for sale?

That is the question. I would appreciate whatever legit answer you can provide. Thanks.