stevenl

Are his ashes and bones even welcome here? Would cause too much unrest IMO, better stay in Dubai or Cambodia.

The best place for you certification dives is IMO not the overnight trip. Most of the dives on that trip are too difficult to start with.

Racha Yai is the best place to learn, and the comment about 'just the sandy bottom you get during beach dive or at Racha Yai' is totally unjustified IMO.

For a good course, count on around 13 K.

One persons 'well balanced facts' is anothers 'negative anti phuket vibes' ?!?!

Are there no Thai people with a sense of shame at these disgusting set ups.

"My reference was to Thais who participate in these setups. Of course I was not implying that the entire Thai race are shameless. "

Well, looking at both your quotes you are trying to wiggle yourself out of something you can't get out off.

Just for the record, I would be really happy if Thailand went back to the way it was when it was given the title, "Land of Smiles." We all know it has changed and you now have to be on your guard. We have all seen the decline in friendliness and tollerance on the island, and Thailand in general, and the increase in collusion, price fixing, theft and violence. I certainly don't want to be scammed, or see anyone else scammed.

I concede, there will always be scams and the criminal element in society, but, if by gaining extra knowledge on these scams you can avoid them, well, that's a good result.

Woohoo is absolutely right in (at least) one aspect tho.. That is none of us can assume or speak for another's life and lifestyle.. If hes having a great time and not seeing any issues its not for anyone else to say hes either lieing or wrong. Its his opinion and hes entitled to it.

I fail to see why it has to be such wild swings on the pendulum.. Theres good and bad like everywhere, its about finding out how to minimize what troubles you most and maximise the parts that bring the most satisfaction.

Yes, totally agree with you on this.

Its so wonderful to hear that everyone I know is entirely wrong - Phuket is great and those that think otherwise are deluded.

I'm still waiting for someone who's been here a few years to tell me how great everything is.

Woohoo, like many posters, needs to justify their decisions - anyone who so vehemently insists that Phuket is perfect have their own reasons for refusing to accept any criticism. They automatically associate this (understandably) with the known stereotypes of Thailand.

i have not read anybody saying phuket is perfect.

I have read though reality depends a lot on ones perspective, and there seems to be quite a few different views there.

A discussion is a discussion.. I totally accept that woohoo lives a very happy life up north on the island, hearing his opinions and experiences is really good for people like me who might feel a bit jaded.. It reminds us theres options and we are in the driving seat to control those options. It cheers me to hear that parts of the island are free of the problems that I enounter even if its a balance of services also.

I live the same happy life in Rawai and Kata. The only difference is I'm a working man.

Most of the time there is more to these stories than told intitially, especially with second hand stories.

Secondly: if this happens to you, you're being ripped of by a group of people. Of course you call the police straight away. Chalong police is good with these things IMO.

Yes, I agree that he's getting ripped off by a "group" of people.

"Call the police straight away" ..."Chalong police is good with these things"...

Please inform us as to your personal experiences or information that this advice is based upon? First-hand stories only please... 

Yes, i have first hand experience where after hitting a thai motorbike with my car the bikerider was blamed. He had to pay 3000 baht a month out of his 7000 baht salary for 4 months to pay for the damage to my car.

After the accident i called chalong police and my car insurance.

There are some waves at the moment because we have unseasonably strong winds. Nothing to do with a tsunami.

And the warning system is operational.

and that, mate, always makes me reach for the bucket.

Could happen here, could happen anywhere.

I hate to repeat myself but.... for those that are complaining about those of us who have the outrageous nerve to say anything bad -

The sub heading of the original post was "Why all the negatives from the local expats?".

The expats are telling you why - coming here for a holiday is entirely different to living here.

It has also been pointed out to you that this expat forum is a great place to talk about the realities of life here (generally not seen by tourists staying for a few weeks). Its not a PR site to encourage tourism!

Having said that, even the most jaded expat will tell you that there is a lot to love here (the scenery, weather etc.).

Those few of you that have been here a few years and are still convinced Phuket is heaven on earth - OK, but try to understand that others don't see it that way anymore (you must have met them and understand why!) - but still have their own reasons for staying here.

In stead of 'the expats are telling you' correct would be: 'some of the expats are telling you'.

Many expats will have a view on Phuket that is completely different from the sentiment that seems to dominate this forum.

Not my kind of thing, but my wife loves it.

he, it a week a year, get over it. Living in the area you know this will be held this time of year.

Personally I think Mares is overpriced.

A thai went into the back of my mums car at Xmas at the traffic lights. The policeman was very helpful he sprayed the road, pulled the thai over made him ring his insurance, helped me ring my insurance he basicly sorted everything out for us . what a nice chap! Maybe theyre not all bad or maybe i was Lucky...

No, that is the way things normally go. But one can't complain about that, right?

What do you want from the guy? He is only trying to make a living...

DOUBLE STANDARDS is a National policy of Thai Govnt. Go to many national parks with paid entries, and you will see: ENTRY FEE: 20bt (Thai), 200bt farang. Big black on white board SHAMELESS RACIST note.

Nearly always anybody working in Thailand will get the Thai price BTW.

Take a meter taxi, charge will be 100 baht for the airport and around 400 to the driver.

When you exit the terminal turn right, you'll find them after 50 meters.

Fly Bangkok-Chiang Mai with Bangkok Air or Thai Air and yes, you can check through at Heathrow.

Fly Bangkok-Chiang Mai with Air bAsia, and you have to collect luggage, clear customs and recheck in at Suvanabhumi

Fly Bangkok-Chiang Mai with Nok Air, and you have to collect luggage, clear customs at Suvanabhumi, and move to Don Muang for re checkin.

Try Luang Prabang (Laos). Nice, relaxed, friendly, and for 3-5 days an excellent destination.

Agree with mark. We have a tendency in modern society to blame others, especially governments, for everything. Taking own responsibility is getting less popular by the day.

We also can not accept mishaps as part of life anymore, and want to avoid them at all cost.

Most of the time there is more to these stories than told intitially, especially with second hand stories.

Secondly: if this happens to you, you're being ripped of by a group of people. Of course you call the police straight away. Chalong police is good with these things IMO.

140 kph is nothing - just ask the bus drivers.

When i drive this route i drive 110-120 km per hour. No bus overtakes me at this speed.

Phi phi and phang nga are seperate tours.

Pick up is from yiur hotel.

Phuket fantasea is worth a visit, imo just don't do diner there.

Just booked the last table for next weeks Sunday Brunch at Indigo Pearl:

They will have a Michelin star Chef from France and he's cooking "life" the famous

<h1 id="firstHeading" class="firstHeading">Bouillabaisse </h1>

they will have: french cheeses, huge freshly baked bread selection, salads, french oyster, wagyu beef from the grill etc.