VBF

ALL foreigners have a choice - even those who CHOSE to retire in Thailand!

By being there - simple. If you're a foreigner you have a choice which is why I CHOOSE to not be in Pattaya between April 12-20. Been there, done that!

If you take the bulb out and examine it, it may have the wattage printed somewhere. If it's something in the region of 5-12 Watts,. it's likely an LED bulb; if it's 25W or higher then it's an old-style filament bulb. Another indication is old-style bulbs get too hot to touch - LED bulbs do not. Regarding the dimmer, it's the SPECIFICATION that matters not the brand name as several companies may make similar equipment.

Not sure which one is the bigger waste of my tax £££ ????

I would suggest all you're saying is reinforcing my point that it's a minority of weak-minded individuals who succumb. Like you, when at college I had acquaintances who smoked dope, and a few who took (much) heavier stuff. I don't smoke but I have eaten cannabis (in cookies and curries) and also tried speed in my youth. I like a drink too but am not addicted in any way (I can go into a pub and drink soft drinks without craving alcohol, especially when driving.) Let people do as they please as long as they're "consenting adults" - a bit like sex really ????

The key word here is "some". Like alcohol it's a minority of users. Why spoil the enjoyment for the majority because of a weak-minded few? And anyway....the USA proved prohibition didn't work in the 1920s - from that POV, nothing has changed: all that happens is that the gangsters get rich! Of course, one needs to ask exactly WHO the gangsters are. In Thailand, some of them are alleged to be dressed in brown, but i couldn't possibly comment. ????

Just did a Google search for " western companies leaving china " and most of the results date from 2021-22 when the Covid stupidity was in full force. I wonder if that's still the case Covid: China economy rebounds after pandemic measures lifted

I guess he's a newbie to Pattaya 'cos swimming in that water might make him WISH he had drowned ???? Still, if anyone wants to find him, it'll be easy....he'll be the one glowing in the dark ????????

I've heard that said too. Was told the same thing in Saudi at the end of my First Aid / CPR course in regard to the "locals". In Thailand, even if I felt intervening was the right thing to do, i would mind my own business knowing that I would likely be blamed and / or set upon by a mob! Telling the police would like as not be a waste of time too! Sad but true ????

Mine's the same...maybe i should have said "Whilst i was away, i received NOTIFICATION of my annual Pension increase...." IE, the letter was awaiting me on my return. Sadly, the DWP don't offer the option of email over paper. I shall actually get a partial increased payment on 19th April (same as you) with the full amount payable 19th May...again same as you. The "more money in current a/c" remark was just that I'm now receiving my pension, whereas my last trip to Thailand in 2020, i was not.

Interesting thread - especially @spidermike007 comments most of which i agree with. However, the comments about health costs obviously apply to the US, but when one is from UK that changes dramatically. Despite what one may read about certain parts of the NHS, in my area it's excellent and I've had some superb treatment completely FREE for 1 or 2 major issues. Only yesterday I contacted my GP who arranged an X-ray for me in 2 hours - this is to be followed by a CAT scan later this week or next. Both those procedures would be very expensive in Thailand and ridiculously expensive in US. As I'm nearing the age of 70 I realise that this situation isn't going to get better, so shall continue doing what Mike mentioned - 2 to 3 months a year in Thailand (the UK winter!) and rest of the time UK and short term travel to other places. The other issues about whether Thailand is "better" are, of course subjective and personal but as I'm in the fortunate position of having enough disposable income to enjoy myself I think I've made the right decision. I came back to UK from Thailand 2 weeks ago and, for the first time, due to my now being a Pensioner, had more money in my UK current account than when I left! ???? Whilst i was away, i received my annual Pension increase - if I lived in Thailand, this wouldn't happen of course. Actually a good friend of mine, who lives in Loei told me, only last week, that he wishes he'd done what i do instead of moving and burning all his bridges. I suppose we all make our beds and lie in them - no one retirement plan fits all but sadly changing horses mid-journey is both difficult and very costly. Just my 2 pence worth ????

Spot on - that was exactly what I was thinking as I read what @piston broke who i rather think is wearing rose-tinted specs (The red rose of Labour?) posted.

civil and service - the very definition of an oxy-moron! ????

Assuming one is a UK resident planning to ride a bike or drive a car when a tourist, it's reasonable to assume that one HAS a UK licence. Given that, it's sensible, possibly even essential, to get an IDP, which, as I said earlier is very easy and cheap in the UK. Driving abroad That definitely covers you for your stay in Thailand, as long as you are a genuine tourist, which is the subject of this thread.

I am pedantic, some would say to the point of OCD Overview - Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) inasmuch as I check contracts, policies, tickets, doors and many other routine items. I'm NOT ashamed of it - I'm actually proud of my attention to detail. If a job is worth doing, it's worth doing properly and thoroughly and it's interesting how often my approach pays off. This is "IMO" - my opinions are never humble ????

Luckily, I've so far (!) never made a major claim for sickness, but over 20 years, I've made 5 small ones, all paid in full - things like ear infections, pickpocketed (in my early naïve days) but I DO tell the insurers that my trip is over 30 days (and pay the extra premium); I DO tell the insurers about my medical condition (and pay the extra premium) and I DO avoid things like bungee jumping (terrified anyway!!!) and DON'T ride motorcycles. I'm surprised that elephant trekking would be regarded as too dangerous to cover and I always thought that a UK driving licence was good for one's FIRST 30 DAYS in Thailand. If I'm going to drive (a car) I get an IDP anyway - very cheap and easy. My last claim was for a Business Class flight from BKK to London in 2020 when the UK went into lockdown. My airline had stopped flying and UK Gov told all British travellers to return home. As the policy stated that one must comply with FCO advice, they paid without a murmur - including my bus and Uber fares from London Heathrow to home. ????

Thanks. I think I'll stick with my present approach - a combination of a Thai a/c with SCB and cash. I credit the Thai a/c from UK using Wise which IS cost-effective and use my SCB ATM card which is free in both SCB AND Bangkok Bank's ATMs. Bring cash as a "backup" Sometimes...if it ain't broke, don't fix it! ????

Does the Wise card also attract the ATM fee (220 Baht per transaction)? I've asked in different places and got conflicting answers and am considering getting a Wise card (I already have an account) for my next trip.

Well it WAS originally reported in the Daily Mail. I thank you for your description which perfectly matches the right-on, PC, "woke" morons who write for and read that so-called publication!

Just to update.... I got to SUV 5 hours before flight time - check-in opened 4 hours before fight time so i sat waiting. Checked in - Fast Track through Immigration - there was ONE person ahead of me (!) so it took about 5 minutes. So my precaution WAS unnecessary but as I was travelling Business class, i simply enjoyed the comfort and food in the lounge. I'd actually rather do that than fret in the taxi and /or at the airport in case there are delays ????

My friend left for UK last night and called me from the lounge, apparently there was only one person ahead of him in the Priority (Business class) queue and he got through in 5 minutes! I'm hoping for the same experience tonight but am still arriving at the airport 5 hours ahead of departure time. Happy to spend a bit longer in the lounge rather than fretting in the taxi or at immigration!

Anyone got an update on outgoing delays? I'm leaving April 6th and would appreciate updated info. TIA

If he's in the sun too long, a Sore Kraut perhaps?????

This appears to be one of those "YMMV" situations. ???? No idea WHY Ding behaves as it does but I just do 2 topups at a time with them.

Careful! I did exactly that on one occasion and Ding blocked me after 3 top ups. When I contacted them, I was told that multiple identical transactions get blocked. I was told to try again next day.... I did and it worked.