degodasilva

Yes, it looks like it started in 2006. Wow, time flies.

20 years, are you sure about that?

And this is exactly what I have a problem with. Come on, we're all sensible adults here: why have an added charge for service? It's a restaurant, of course I expect to be served - it's all part of the same dining experience and should be all inclusive, so why not incorporate this supposed charge (and VAT) into the price of the food on the menu? I also don't appreciate the arrogance of being told I've received a certain level of service. Surely I'll be the judge of that, and if I feel the service has been good then I'll tip accordingly, and if I don't then I won't, and perhaps then the standards of service might improve. Regarding not paying the service charge, I believe that in the UK you can dispute it and aren't legally obliged to pay, although I imagine this doesn't go down too well, unless of course there was a very obvious problem.

Can somebody tell me whether immigration in Jomtien, Pattaya will except a screenshot on my phone or laptop of my TM30, or will I have to print out a hardcopy? Many thanks.

Maybe this place: A Vegan in Government Complex Line ID: a_jfood Phone: 092-5381918 Found on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DdacoVeWDWbM2MAcA

Looking at this logically, I'm pretty sure it would've been June when the OP entered and not July. There's a big difference in knowing you've been in the country for 30 days vs 60 days.

Sorry, very late response, but it was within five working days, including their request for extra information. Bear in mind it was the low season, if that makes any difference.

Gotcha. Thanks for the summary.

I'm interested in having the Wise card. So what are the advantages of using one here over other 'foreign' cards? Also, as ATMs here will still charge you for using a non Thai card, is it not better to just use Wise to transfer money from outside of Thailand into your Thai bank account (assuming you have one)?

Yep, that makes sense, but I actually meant where do the British expats tend to live, not hangout. Sorry, wasn't very clear.

The reason I'm asking is because I'm not all that familiar with anywhere outside of central Pattaya. For example, I've never been to the Darkside, only visit Jomtien very occasionally, etc Interesting about the comment above regarding Naklua being German orientated because I got the impression it was more Russian than anything else, but maybe not.

There's a high number of British expats all over Pattaya of course, but I'm interested in whether or not there's any one particular area where Brits are more prevalent. Anyone have any idea about this?

I applied for a METV at the end of last month, and for the 'Document indicating current residency' requirement I uploaded the biodata page from my passport as this was accepted for my visa application the previous year. I received an emailed saying "With regards to your e-Visa application, the Royal Thai Embassy/ The Royal Thai Consulate-General would like to request for additional documents as follows: Document indicating current location: - Utility bills eg. Electricity bills/ Gas / Mobile phone / Rental agreements/ Bank Statement or UK/Ireland Driving licence.”" Unfortunately I wasn't able to provide any of the above so instead uploaded a recent tax statement from HMRC showing my name and address, and this was accepted. I can only comment on the METV not SETV but as stated above, the application process is so much easier these days. Good luck.

I successfully applied for and was granted a METV in the U.K. last week through the eVisa website. I can confirm that I only provided proof of travel into Thailand, so no onward ticket. The process has indeed been made much simpler than my previous application back in 2023. Hope this helps.

For the Euros specifically, I believe all games will be shown on either BBC1 or ITV (possibly C4) in the U.K., all of which are available on TeeVeeing. As noted in my above post, there's no catchup feature available, so programmes must be pre-recorded in the TV schedule. Also consider that due to the possibility of games running into extra time, it's a good idea to also record the following programme to ensure the full game is recorded. Good luck.

Yes that's correct, you choose whichever programmes you want to record then watch back at a time of your choosing. No catchup feature unfortunately so you have to plan ahead, but apart from that it suits me needs perfectly.

That seems ridiculously cheap, or do you mean U.S. dollars?

It's my understanding that the incident was recorded on camera, either by CCTV at the property or by the man himself using his phone. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Hi Can anyone suggest a pharmacy in central Pattaya stocking and selling Diazepam? Many thanks

He probably means Mr. DIY. They sell all kinds of things (cheap).

The fact that I can normally correctly guess that you're the poster of a topic simply by reading the topic title suggests that you do indeed have your own (unique) writing style. However, GG, if you genuinely want to find out how welcome your presence is on here then why not put it to a vote with a simple poll? Go on, I dare you!

Regarding the speed issue, my understanding is that when you make a transfer from, say, America to Thailand, your money is actually only going into Wise's American account. There's then a second transaction from Wise's Thai account to the senders Thai account, so no international transfer has even taken place (at that time). Of course, the main reason why banking's now so much quicker is due to greater digital automation, with much less reliance on physical human intervention. Like you, I'm certainly not complaining.

You do realise that many of the things expats enjoy only exist - or only exist to the extent with which they exist - because of all the tourists that visit the country. You can't have it both ways I'm afraid.

I have no real interest in bikes but I've gotta say I really enjoyed seeing the great photos.