jjczap

Another one is in places like 7-11 they will overcharge you then after you leave, do a return and fix the price, pocking the extra change.

What a load of bullshit, all objects are scanned so how do they change the price ?

I have read all the comments and they all focus on the potential for fraud by the human at the register - does anyone whatch the price that is scanded versus the the price on the self?? In the US there are many rules/laws to protect the consumer from the retailer who is responsible for maintaining an acurate price data base - to make it simple with out an hour of discusion if the price at the register is different then the self -- the product is FREE!! This past week I was at one of the big box stores - I have been looking for a small bench that I can sit on when gardining - wow a stanlees steel one for 109bht !! When I got to the register guess what ?? 320bht! The only thing that made me question is that I always keep an approx running total - every thing on the register is in Thai so I keep an approx - this time I said it should be between 2200 and 2300bht -wow 2500 plus - when checked 201bht difference on the bench - just some different perspective on the topic

This will probably be my last entry on TV -- I spent a lot of time talking about my experinces over the past 7 years and how much Thai Immagration has improved ! How on average no more than 45 min for 90 day reporting and how the last time they put a bar coad into my passport and I asked for what - the answer was next time I will not have to copy all the info just the 90 day form and done -- I said I will report back on my experience - I also said that I hope they will recieve the budget that will help them continue to do the good job that they are doing and that sometimes to spend an extra 1 half hour to be in the country you want to be in -- RELAX -- I was asked to go under my bridge

yup, had similar experience 2 weeks ago. Took over 2 hours. Im used to bangkok where its more like in and out.

To my knowledgre the forum dosnt allow you to post a comment to the original poster once a reply has been made - you have to follow the flow from there -- my origanal post was dirrected toward the OP if you read it toward the OP - again you took it as negative and it wasnt directed toward you!!

So superman had it wrong....There is no such thing as Strength Justice and the American Way in the USA...it must refer to Chile.

It Is --- Truth Justice and the American Way

I have always thought the odds of a terrorist attack on Thailand carried out by groups from outside of Thailand to be relatively small

I guess you don't know about all the bombings in the south that happen almost every month. I think Thailand is a prime target.

Did you actually read what you quoted? Are the 'insurgent' attacks in the South carried out by Thais or foreigners? I wrote my comments very deliberately to avoid the debate about the problems in the South as it is totally unrelated to this thread.

Are the 'insurgent' attacks in the South carried out by Thais or foreigners? -- ( or both? )

Do you know the answer to this ? I'm sure the Thai Gov knows many things along with input from the CIA but none of them are talking. So do you know the answer to your own ? is it all connected somehow?

lo-so white trash developments -- you still haven't explained your chose of these words - the saying of the term " white trash " in the US is the most demeaning - it is a racial term - it is a code word that says you are included with all the negativity and slurs that are pointed to the black community - again can you please explain to the thaivisa community your decision to use these particular words - you could have said anything but you chose these words again please explain

You may take life (and my posts) far too seriously. It seemed like a funny reference to apply to foreigners living in developments in Chiang Mai. I think we all know that you'd have to be somewhat normal and sensible to live in a development in Hang Dong, no matter which one it is. This opposed to folks existing in one-room guesthouses in the Thapae area. But those don't drive Zafiras, so let's get back on topic.

thank you for your explanation that YOU think this term is FUNNY

I haven't found any definitive evidence, but as far as I know Volvo never 'made' cars in Thailand (or anywhere outside of Sweden and Belgium). What they did in Thailand, Malaysia, South Africa and possibly elsewhere was assemble cars from CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kits. This means that all the components came from Volvo's normal supply chain. I think that you would be hard put to find any quality difference between Volvos assembled in different locations.

/ Priceless

Agreed. Speaking of Volvo, I just fell in love. Saw the new S60 on the road in Chiang Mai in the Chotana area. Wow. And it's relatively affordable too at 1.9 MB. http://www.headlight...iland&Itemid=55

On the bat-crazy Zafira woman, I wouldn't recommend trying to take pictures, especially not if that means having to keep up with the same break-neck driving. Better to follow at some distance and then slip a note with the URL to this topic under the windscreen wiper. Or just express concern in person, of course.

lo-so white trash developments -- you still haven't explained your chose of these words - the saying of the term " white trash " in the US is the most demeaning - it is a racial term - it is a code word that says you are included with all the negativity and slurs that are pointed to the black community - again can you please explain to the thaivisa community your decision to use these particular words - you could have said anything but you chose these words again please explain

I also live in the area and seen her a few times. I just stay clear. As well as any foreigner driving a black fortuner.

What constitutes a "loso white trash moo ban"?

I just want to make sure I'm not in one of them.

.

I to am waiting for the definition of this from WinnieTheKhwai as to this attitude and an explanation

Now that I think of it, this same horrendous driver came up in a thread from a few years ago. Someone gave her name. Was it Audrey perhaps? I forget. So she hasn't killed herself yet. Not to say she hasn't possibly killed others. Probably a Home in Park or Lanna Pinery resident.

Must be; likely not Ban Nai Fun anyway, it would have to be one of the more lo-so white trash developments. I guess that means Koolpunt is also a likely candidate.

Anyway it's a small town; just a matter of time before one of us gets a firm location, then we can give her the URL of this topic so she knows people notice, and are concerned. Could very well end up saving lives.

Well, I came out of Ban Nai Fun and she almost ran me off the road, so that's why I guessed it was someplace further south. Wasn't implying anything about the caliber of those other developments at all.

Wasn't implying anything about the caliber of those other developments at all. lo-so white trash developments ------ do you live in a dream world or is this your corrector?

Now that I think of it, this same horrendous driver came up in a thread from a few years ago. Someone gave her name. Was it Audrey perhaps? I forget. So she hasn't killed herself yet. Not to say she hasn't possibly killed others. Probably a Home in Park or Lanna Pinery resident.

Must be; likely not Ban Nai Fun anyway, it would have to be one of the more lo-so white trash developments. I guess that means Koolpunt is also a likely candidate.

Anyway it's a small town; just a matter of time before one of us gets a firm location, then we can give her the URL of this topic so she knows people notice, and are concerned. Could very well end up saving lives.

lo-so white trash developments -- whats with it with you guys??!! I don't understand - is it that your jealous because you live in a 5k bht one room guest house? please enlighten all of use

Now that I think of it, this same horrendous driver came up in a thread from a few years ago. Someone gave her name. Was it Audrey perhaps? I forget. So she hasn't killed herself yet. Not to say she hasn't possibly killed others. Probably a Home in Park or Lanna Pinery resident.

Just interested in why on a topic like this you would chose to belittle these two developments -- what is your point?? What do you have against them - please enlighten us ! seems like nice places to me

Stocks of everything except large Leo, large Chang and Archa are in short supply. Tesco and 7/11 have a 'just in time' delivery policy (as Tesco do in UK) so they had very small buffer stocks and ran out quickly, Makro were'nt far

behind. As HeyBruce says their buying policies are inflexible. Rimping whose owner is on hand and able to buy from whoever can supply him, has the highest stock levels and of course the highest prices!!

Makro Mae Rim has now run out of San Mig Light in small bottles (I know because I bought the last 3 cases yesterday), but it still has a dozen or so large San Mig Lights.

Draught Chang which had disappeared was restored to us yesterday (but we're rationed to one barrel at a time!). Singha's main brewery is, I gather under water. I bought a dozen cases in Lamphun on Sunday,

so we're OK for a bit.

The Leo brewery in Khon Kaen, I gather only produces large Leo, again our friendly bottle shop in Lamphun came to the rescue! The latest problem is Coke. They didn't deliver yesterday and we had to go to a bottle shop in Saraphi to get it! Things aren't getting any better, we're Ok for most things for about a month, but I hope the trucks start rolling soon!

but I hope the trucks start rolling soon! --- Not so quick!! I for myself will not drink any Thai beer ( or drinks ) that is not produced in the North or Northeast that were not effected by the floods for some time -- can you imagine the pollution , where do they get there water from - I'm going to wait and see as to how this unfolds!!

That is correct that if you follow certain arcane rules to the letter, you CAN withdraw from the IRA before age 59 1/2 penalty free. However, it is my opinion that most people doing that get (expensive) expert tax advise for that, because if you mess up even one time with following the rules, you are liable for ALL penalties retroactively. I thought about trying that but market conditions in my IRA made me decide not to. It may be a real option for the OP and he should consider it based on his own specific situation.

Relevant link but not updated since 2007 --

http://www.retireearlyhomepage.com/wdraw59.html

Again, I totally agree, for most people, it is smartest to start collecting social security at the earliest possible age.

Thanks for the confirmation -- but not expensive - I have all my IRA money with Fidelity investments in the US - when I did this I took 1/3 of my IRA money and set up this type of

account and took my yearly distribution and as long as you don't add to this acct or take out more , you just sit back and wait for 5 years - didn't cost me a penny

8 million baht invested in a term deposit in australia for 5 years @ 5% (until you get your pension) will yield 400,000 baht per annum. Plenty to live on in chiang mai and you will still have your 8 million baht at the end. No sleepless nights worrying about generating income or security of your money.

All my funds in China. What is the rule for opening an account for USA citizen in Australia? Sounds like it's an option I should look into..

Hopefully I can help you with some real numbers on SS and help you with your IRA. First if you were born in 1957 you have to wait till you are 66.5 to collect 100% of your SS. They changed all the rules of collecting SS based on the year you were born. You can collect sooner but you will take a certain % discount. I just applied for early SS at age 62 and my discount is 25% but if you did the numbers it would take me till I was 76 before it would have been better to wait till 66 which is my 100% year. Give me the money now , who know if I will make 76. The following site from SS will show your discounts based on 1957.

http://ssa.gov/retirement/1957.html

Concerning your IRA you can take out money without paying the 10% penalty anytime if you follow a certain process and do it for a minimum of 5 years. It is basically setting up your IRA as an annuity where you have to take out an MRD minimum required distribution based upon your age like you would have to do at age 70.5. I did this from age 54 and stopped at 59.5 and now take out what I want when I want. Here is one site that talks about options - the IRS site has all the details

http://www.smartmoney.com/retirement/planning/tapping-your-ira-penalty-free-7958/

My attitude is who knows what tomorrow is - give me the money now don't make me wait!!

Hope this helps you some

The greatest nuisance is you must clear BKK immigration and customs PLUS none of the other airlines will check the luggage through!

Certainly a reason not to fly TG to Europe at all.

Not true -- I flew from LAX ( Los Angeles, USA ) a few weeks ago VIA EVA air to BKK and I checked my baggage at LAX thru to CNX thru a flight VIA TG to CNX ( they are not even an alliance partner with EVA ) - I went thru Immigration at BKK and customs with my carry on baggage - at arrival at CNX went thru customs for my checked in baggage - very simple

Sure, but only because you took TG BKK to CNX, so you are stuck with TG if you want to be checked through.

Or will any other airline ,Bangkok Air, AirAsia be accepted at point of departure for luggage check through??

Happy to learn if I'm mistaken, if..............

As you can see I have made very few reply's because mostly of the negative non open mindedness , I know more than you attitude --not doing any research before you make comments of an expert! you have clearly missed the point that TG is not even an Alliance member and they checked thru - if you did your homework you would know that Bangkok Airways is an alliance member of EVA and check thru!! many other options -- just wanted to help

The greatest nuisance is you must clear BKK immigration and customs PLUS none of the other airlines will check the luggage through!

Certainly a reason not to fly TG to Europe at all.

Not true -- I flew from LAX ( Los Angeles, USA ) a few weeks ago VIA EVA air to BKK and I checked my baggage at LAX thru to CNX thru a flight VIA TG to CNX ( they are not even an alliance partner with EVA ) - I went thru Immigration at BKK and customs with my carry on baggage - at arrival at CNX went thru customs for my checked in baggage - very simple

I have been depositing personal checks into BKK Bank for many years from my Fidelity acct in America and have immediate access to the funds. If you are a customer in good standing they have a process that is basically filling out a form in which you guarantee to pay back the funds if there is a problem with the check and of course the manager has to sign also. The key is being recognized as a good customer by the manager. Also when I check Fidelity as to the status of the check on average the funds are deducted from my account in 3 business days. Very easy efficient process.

I'm looking for some place in Chiang Mai with a good selection of seeds for vegetables and fruit trees. I'm also looking for fruit trees such as yellow lemons, avocados, oranges, etc. I did check out most of the Kamthieng Flower Market next to Tesco, but it was mainly flowers, plants and decorative trees. Didn't see what I'm looking for. Thanks in advance.

Did you check out the whole place ? Even the shops on the left hand side (when coming from the back entrance of Lotus) ?

Because they've got lots of fruit trees. Moreover they can order what they don't have.

Checked most of the place, but of course I probably missed the one spot where they have the stuff. Thanks

Be careful when buying garden supplies there. Very expensive compared to other places you can save thousands of baht by shopping around. A local thai friend put me in touch with some smaller nurseries in the Sansai area one 3rd of the cost and better quality.

Thanks for the tip Marsteele -- do you have a name or tel # or location for these nurseries? Thanks