steffi

Just saw a commercial for a herbal medicine that features an animated female takaap. You think that if a child sees this commercial they will think it's fun to play with takaap whenever they see one for real and since they are quite common here they will see one for real.

What type of phone is it? Chances are you can get it unlocked at MBK. Also consider whether it's a triband phone as that will give you more choices than dual band phone here. You can get it unlocked at MBK or Chinatown. Ask for someone who has a JAF box. I have one myself but I won't have a cable for your phone. Also if it's a really common model you'll find unlock codes on the internet that you can key in yourself.

I know there are people selling iphones at MBK for a very high premium but are they working with either AIS or DAC yet?

I'm sure indexed voicemail won't work. For instance at MBK it's about $1300 USD for the 8gb model.

I just returned from the a short U.S. trip where I had to buy a "pay as you go" sim card phone. It is just an inexpensive Nokia but I thought I could use it here by putting in my Thai sim card. I found the "enter unlock code" message instead.

I was not familiar with this problem so I will add myself to the OP's questions, though not for I Phone. Is it possible to unlock these phones and use here??????

What I need is basically a way to email my own phone but not pay anything to do so.

I have a perlscript that parses all incoming mail to my domain and I'd like operate my own push delivery by using SMS to my phone as the mail arrives. In the states I simply email to the address and it's free. If I sent via email here I'm not going to be charged because cannot bill the sender but you're saying they do or don't bill the receiver? I'm currently an unlimited GPRS customer using Mobile Life with One-2-Call.

Q. does it cost to receive SMS to one-2-call number then?

Lot's of mixing and mashing of applications in this thread; I'm basically sticking to the OP's specific issue.

I do not believe there is open free access to originate an email and have it delivered to a One-2-Call handset as an SMS. I think this service did exist ~ 3 years ago.

For general One-2-Call pre-paid accounts one does not pay to receive a voice call, an SMS, an MMS or an email EXCEPT for EDGE/GPRS charges, or minutes used, if that access is utilized.

One-2-Call pre-paid subscribers can register for the "EMAIL 2 MMS" program, whereby emails addressed to [email protected] will be delivered to the handset as an MMS over the GSM or GPRS networks. I believe you will have to pay per MMS based on whatever promotion you currently have, maybe 5 baht each? (I am not sure what happens if the handset is not MMS-capable, nor am I sure what the maximum message size is for MMS'es.)

I'll request the EMAIL 2 MMS program details and follow up here.

There are many other applications that can be supported; originating email, accessing POP email, etc. I have reasonably basic handset (Nokia 3110 Classic) which has a email application and I can pull emails down from any POP/SMTP server, for free except for the GPRS call time, and I can originate and send emails, again for free except for the GPRS call time. I have a monthly GPRS package, 25 hours for 107 baht.

Q. does it cost to receive SMS to one-2-call number then?

AFAIK all mobile service providers here severely limit access to their email <--> SMS gateways, for obvious reasons (no need to make it easy for competitors to market directly to your customer base, no need to generate more non-billable network traffic, etc.)

Further, I believe all do offer the service but you must register for it, and possibly pay on a per msg basis. For One-2-Call/AIS subscribers the default addressing scheme is [email protected] but this will only work if the subscriber is registered for the "EMAIL 2 MMS" service. Once registered you can create an alias email address, like [email protected], which would be associated with your telephone number.

Yes i've used this in the past in order to operate my own push delivery service. ie. chunk up the message content into separate SMS messages and send as it arrives to my phone. I'd like to be able to do the same in Thailand but I don't

think it's free to receive SMS here and I suspect they are going to have captchas on their website when you want to send.

I once used LWP Perl code to automate the form sending process but again captchas defeat that.

I'm using 1-2-call so if a way exists I'd like to know about it.

In USA, you can easily send email to any SMS mobile phone, using the following format for the main cellular phone carriers:

T-Mobile: [email protected]

Virgin Mobile: [email protected]

Cingular: [email protected]

Sprint: [email protected]

Verizon: [email protected]

Nextel: [email protected]

where phonenumber = your 10 digit phone number

Does anyone know what the format is for sending email to a mobile phone using the True/Orange carrier in Thailand?

I tried contacting the True service department, but they seemed to have no idea what I was talking about.

PS This is a serious request - please hold any flames about the Thailand phone services.

Nils

Virtual PC emulates in software and doesn't see the intel hardware. I suspect it runs under Rosetta on intel hardware.

Virtual PC is history as far as I'm concerned. I myself using VMWare Fusion and I find it to be pretty much flawless. Only

when I need access to all the hardware for games 3d accelleration with DirectX 9 so I have to use bootcamp. Both the

products mentioned can boot your bootcamp partition. Consider making 10-15 gb available to Windows in the bootcamp partition and boot that in VMWare or Parallels depending on your needs.

When I'm flashing my phone. I typically boot directly into a bootcamp instead of running any virtualization software.

both of the posted solutions need an installation of Windows but he OP is looking for an solution without installing windows.

For that you can also use Virtual PC from Microsoft which is Freeware and downladable from MS Website.

I think you are mistaken on that - VPC from MS also requires a windows install, it's a virual PC like the two others. Maybe MS includes it but I have used VPC on Windows and most certainly had to install Windows on it. As far as I know VPC on Mac is not really a contender - it grew out of the old PowerPC era VPC which would run at 1/10th native speed. Sloooooow. Parallels and VMWare run at near native speed.

So there is no way to run Windows without installing Windows.

Parallels or VMWare are the way to go. I haven't used VMWare but heard good things about it. I am using Parallels and find it pretty good - you can try both they have a 30 day trial license. Windows where it belongs, in a little window on my desktop

Parallels coherence mode makes it so the Windows desktop is hidden which is pretty interesting. It looks like you are running Windows applications right on your Mac. There are still some minor glitches and the task bar is showing too but all in all, it's fantastic. The only downside is that you have to allocate a lot of memory to Windows to make it fast so better have 2GB or more.

VMWare has a similar feature. I have heard VMWare is able to use both processor cores on a core 2, Parallels can only do one. But both are evolving rapidly so I'd think they will be neck to neck for a while to come. Parallels has better support for 3D graphics so you can play games with Parallels, not quite as fast as running Windows natively via Bootcamp but acceptable. Or so I hear, I haven't been able to try this out yet...

No I don't mistaken because I was meaning that you can also use VPC from MS and I do believe that everybody (may I mistaken here and NOT everybody) knows that you need to install an let say "Guest-OS" under Virtual PC same as VMWare and so.

Excuse me that I may confusing a bit!

Is Thailand the most expensive country in Asia for brand name merchandise?

For instance an Armani Suit here will cost in the region of $4000 USD. Suit choice here is quite limited as well.

I've been following the prices of some brand name merchandise in my travels and noticed that Thailand is right up there when it comes to price.

It seems most designer goods at near 20-30% more expensive in Thailand than the same store elsewhere.

Recently returned from Singapore where my wife purchased a Mont Blanc wallet for her father for 7800 thb

but here it's 10700 thb. The 7800 thb was sans GST which is only 7%

It seems wherever the gap b/w rich and poor is the largest the higher end merchandise will be more expensive.

Zegna Tailored suits run about $2500 USD here.

Needless to say Thailand is not the place to buy designer goods and like Stickman said in this weeks weekly most Thai's travel to Singapore to pick up cheaper goods.

No wonder Jae Leng's so rich.

Hmm. did you do Thai Buddhist cermony yet?

If you haven't I suspect that's the first thing you'll be doing or encouraged to do when you return to LOS. Eventually the question of Sin Sot etc will be brought up. Presumably only after you have this emotional attachment.

Did anybody here attend the open source expo 2-3 August?

This was excellent advice and allowed me to be prepared when I got there. I signed up with both Qmax and icell but Qmax never sent me a password before arrival. Anyway, I was able to use my icell account all over Orchard Road and even made a truphone call with it. The only thing I didn't understand was that I couldn't get online at the airport via "Local" with my icell account. Just wouldn't let me in. Did that work for you with your Qmax?

there is free wi-fi access in most popular public places in Singapore via the government sponsored wireless@sg program - google wireless@sg or visit the IDA web site

http://www.ida.gov.sg/Programmes/200610271...?getPagetype=36

you need a free account from one of the major providers - QMax, Singtel or ICell - can apply online before you travel, the links are all on the IDA web site (the links on the provider web sites are harder to find, they want you to buy their "premier" accounts instead!)

I got a free account with QMax and used it extensively around Chinatown and Orchard Rd last year

bkkguy

well the point is that the E90 is a Series 60 and not 80 device so it using a mature platform and one that more developers seem to support than the Series 80.

Software seems stable. Haven't tried GPS yet. Worked fine on my N95 though. Haven't seen the 9500 but you can find comparison photos online.

I have had my trusty Nokia 9500 for almost 3 years. I may switch to the E90. But for a 3mega camera, the price is too high.

Is the software more stable in the E90? GPS works fine in BKK? Slimmer by how much?

Range is from 28500 to 30500 thb.

also i'm using AIS Mobile Life. anybody got Truphone working on an e90 yet?

There's apparently some bug that prevents some providers receiving the reply SMS.

that said it worked fine thru AIS Mobile Life with my N95

How much are the E90's in Bangkok?

Well for Singnet's Service validation image doesn't display in Safari nor Firefox so they can't be too serious then.

Also didn't get any SMS reply back from QMax.

there is free wi-fi access in most popular public places in Singapore via the government sponsored wireless@sg program - google wireless@sg or visit the IDA web site

http://www.ida.gov.sg/Programmes/200610271...?getPagetype=36

you need a free account from one of the major providers - QMax, Singtel or ICell - can apply online before you travel, the links are all on the IDA web site (the links on the provider web sites are harder to find, they want you to buy their "premier" accounts instead!)

I got a free account with QMax and used it extensively around Chinatown and Orchard Rd last year

bkkguy

Is the wi-fi in Singapore free? I'll be at the Phoenix Hotel but not sure if there's wifi there or not.

Was this during the NeXT period? I was programming NeXTSTEP in Tysons Corner at this time.

BTW: Nokia realized that Symbian 3rd edition is the way to go with communicators so that's what the e90 is

running. True about the weight it's pretty heavy but it's tollerable given the functionality it packs.

I just wish I could get truphone to install on it but there's an issue with that at the moment.

BTW: there is a world of difference b/w the e90/e61i battery and the N95's.

LostInBKK when were you at Apple? I was there (Cupertino) in 1996/1997 & then went off to a startup founded by all Apple employees...

I'm a mac guy so I'm never interested in anything that runs Windows Mobile.

I just got an HTC Touch which I am rating very highly

I just want to state that the consulate in Chicago won't give you multi entry non-immigrant type 'O' based on marriage. They just won't do it. This is an absolute pain as being married to a Thai you should be able to get one. Secondly

other consulates will tell you that you have to go thru the Chicago consulate and that they cannot process an application. They will also tell you that in most cases they do give multi entry non-immigrant type 'O' visas.

Many are now asking for some evidence that you have sufficient income/funds to take care of yourself in Thailand. The Royal Thai Consulate-General in Amsterdam is considered very reasonable. Give them a try, but avoid the Royal Thai Embassy in the Hague.

Thank you sir for the swift reply.

The Royal Thai Consulate-General in Amsterdam it will be.

Grtz

Well I figure the e90 will be reved a lot later than the N95... I don't much like the quality of the N95 but the e90 reeks quality construction. I was tossing up b/w E61i (which also has good build) and the e90 and the wider screen of the e90

won out. But largely because of the battery life which is orders of magnitude better than the N95's. I got sick of T9 that I decided I needed querty. The camera on the e90 isn't too bad but the shutter button is poorly designed.

given that the price difference b/w the N95 and the E90 the E90 is very reasonably priced but you could say the N95 was overpriced at launch.

Interestingly they even have iphones at MBK and sell them for a pretty high premium even though you cannot use them as a phone here in Thailand.

Can somebody help me with my addiction ;-)

LOL

I've been seriously considering it!! I want one of the new windows powered, gps enabled pda's so bad, most of them now are the same size or smaller than the N95, with the added fact that I can do SO much more with a Windows powered device....though the 5MP camera would be hard to give up.

What made you do it?

Can somebody help me with my addiction ;-)

I have to ship something expensive to either US or Japan.

Can the big names be trusted?

I'm told it's better to use third party insurance.

Is it possible to book flights to Singapore returning same day? ie. thus avoiding an overnight stay in Singapore?

I did this trip once but I flew when my wife worked for an airline so it was cheaper tickets.

In my case my wife has a US greencard and we've lived together since 2004 having been married since 2001.

Are you saying that she would have to endure a wait in Bangkok before she could also settle in the UK?

How long is this wait typically?

A visit visa can't be converted into a spouse settlement visa within the UK save in the most compassionate and compelling circumstances. I'm afraid your wife will have to bite the bullet and apply for a settlement visa at the embassy in Bangkok.

Moved to the visas for other countries sub-forum.

Scouse.

I'm in a similar predicitment in so far as I have to leave by the 2nd. I think north bound buses leave from Morchit Bus Terminal. That's where the Khon Kaen buses leave from and I suspect Udon too.

Thanks Billrose, that sounds very encouraging. Do you happen to know where I might catch one of these Agent trips from BKK that I have heard about? I would prefer to accompany an agent on my first visit so as to learn the ropes so to speak.

Thanks.

Scout666,

It's not difficult to obtain a visa in Vientiane on your own. Here's a link to my first time visa run to the Thai Embassy in Vientiane:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...p;#entry1376715

Also,

1. No evidence of income required.

2. Do have a copy of your wife's ID, signed & dated.

3. Copy of passport information page (including copy of page with last visa issued)

4. Copy of marriage certificate

5. Download the application, fill in the required information & attach two recent passport pics.

6. It's a two day process, submit application & PP before 1130 one day, next day pick up passport after 1300 (If the 31st is a holiday, you'll be ok submitting on the 1st).

If you hop a flight to Udon, there's taxi/bus service to the border from the airport. Not sure for return trip, but Nong Khai isn't very big you can take tuk tuk to bus/train station.

And if you're interested I can recommend a hotel for under 800 bt.

Here's a link to a map of Vientiane:

http://www.udonmap.com/images/Vientianemap.gif

Good luck...

Hello Rito; brilliant, absolutely brilliant - thank you. I have read the post at http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...p;#entry1376715 and found it to be informative and definitively written. The compliments within the thread were fully justified and I too, wish to add mine to that list.

As a result of reading the information provided I feel much more comfortable and confident in venturing out on my own (7 years of being mollycoddled can have its drawbacks) and I thank you sincerely for your interest and assistance. My thanks go also to Billrose, Lite Beer, Lopburi3, TerryLH, and Ozzydom.

One last question: Where in BKK can I board a bus to go to; would it be Udon Thani or Nong Khai? Presumably, an overnight bus trip so as to arrive at a similar time as you did at the border would make sense. As for recommending “a hotel for under 800 bt” – please do. Actually, one more last-last question: Does Thai language documentation (marriage certificate and ID card) need to be translated into English language and certified in addition to being signed by the spouse?

Thank you once again – much obliged.

Well you're either liable for Tax or you aint under the law. I mean the law wasn't changed any after the coup. Why do you think the revenue department didn't collect tax before? Surely there's only one way to interpret that law.

It is amazing that the extrajudicial stuff gets overlooked so often when claims of "he was no worse than the PMs before him" are made

Even more amazing is that the extrajudical stuff is the only accusation against Thaksin that is NOT investigated by the present government, and known culprits of such extrajudical stuff are even made special advisers to ISOC...

Not even talking about extrajudical stuff committed by our present PM himself while commanding general of special warfare command.

Why do you think that may be so?

Hi Colpyat

Yes it sadly seems everyone including many of his opponents wants to ignore what I think we agree is the worst allegation against Mr. T. I think we know the reasons.

It still disturbs me though that some posters on here, yourself not included, overlook these serious allegation that can be seen on many human rights groups websites.

Hammered,

It still disturbs me though that some poster on here, yourself included, overlook the serious fact that this thread is about one young man's not giving statements to an anti-corruption examiner and that this topic has nothing at all to do with his father's allegged involvement in extra-jucicial actions of any kind......i.e....you are off topic. Please try to avoid this gaff in the future.

Thank you,

Chownah

Why don't you post the wealth appreciation by the Shinawatras during the time Thaksin was in office.