Finlaco

THANKS

the manual is both in Thai and thing'lish - the schematics don't actually point back to the individual keys - Not overly serious, just wondering if others had any input

Thanks for the replies

Hi

A friend has recently purchased a new aircon but the instruction manual is poorly written.

Anyone have an idea what these buttons are for

Middle Ages ignorance and superstition is alive and well, and living in Thailand.

SADLY not just in Thailand. Imagine if one of the potential candidates in the US Election was not to claim a belief in 'Middle Ages ignorance and superstition ' -- end of their campaign

I come from a country where 82% of people believe a holy man (and it has to be a man) doing incantations in Latin (and it has to be Latin) turns bread and wine into the body and blood of a dead king (who isn't really dead, yet died for all our sins (real and imaginary) for a whole three days), and his followers regularly (at least once a week) participate in a cannibalistic ritual (eating and drinking his flesh and blood) as they celebrate a Human Sacrifice. Many believe by doing this they will know morality and mortality (will live forever in a paradise after death). Many believe that he will also ward off evils including real illness and imaginary illnesses (gayness). Strange beliefs some people have.

It has absolutely nothing to do with being liked more or otherwise. I say, the private owner of the temple has come up with a business model that involves who he charges and how much, I look at that model and I think it's not unreasonable. I am not being forced to go to the temple, I go to the temple of my own free will in the knowledge that it will cost me 50 or 100 baht, that's my choice, I do it because I think it represents good value for money to me. I spend not one iota of time thinking or being concerned that a native Thai got in for free, that's not my business whatsoever and does not interest me.

I also accept that a feature of the landscape for foreigners in Thailand is the dual pricing system, every time I encounter it I make a decision, do I want to pay what's being asked, is that good value for money for me, if it is I pay if it isn't I leave. Once again I don't spend a moment thinking about how much other people are or are not paying, that's not my business and doesn't interest me. Being liked more or less is of zero relevance.

Maybe you could give a few examples where in your home country you act similarly and gladly pay more without concern what other pay? or does this only happen to you when you are in Thailand and have you ever pondered why and equally important what locals think abort your generosity?

Why? Why is it necessary for me to do that, does there really need to be a precedent for this, it's a private venture!

I don't know what point you want to try and make here but if you disagree with my view simply say so and we can agree to disagree. I accept that Thailand takes a different approach to many things than my birth country does but this is now my home and I am willing and able to go along with the differences between the two, if others cannot they shouldn't live here. Dual pricing is a feature here that doesn't cause me the same distress it causes you, if I want to pay I pay, if not then I don't, I mean, it's not as though the things that are being dual priced include food, water and air, they're all just tourist attractions and I don't feel the need to explain my logic behind paying or not, it's simply personal choice!

Why? Why is it necessary for me to do that,

because it would be nice to see if your position is based on reason, logic, facts and common sense. You seem to realise that its not how you ordinarily behave in your own country, nor is it how Thai people behave in their own country (never met a Thai who sought to pay extra) - I and others are trying to understand your 'logic and reason' and how you imagine Thai people judge your kindness and generously.

I always think such a tread gives a good insight into the various types of farang who live in Thailand. Before any of us arrived in Thailand we all lived in a society when the concept is/was ‘it’s not the money but the principle’ prevailed, and where it’s not normal to self justify why one should pay more for a product or service. We’d also be aware that a fool and his money are easily separated.

The same concepts/principles apply in Thailand. No Thai person seeks to pay more for a similar product or service. Many Thai in the service industries (broad meaning) will attempt to convince the recently arrived Farang that Thai people like kind and generous foreigners (aka naive and innocent). I suggest you people watch at a Thai border market with Cambodia, Laos or Myanmar and decide whether Thai people are kind and generous with their less fortunate neighbours, or whether they bargain to the nearest bath.

When I was new to Thailand and family or friends were visting for the first time, I'd forward article like this (dual pricing) for them to read to get an idea of how Thai people might perceive foreigners - Kind and Generous or Naive and Innocent.

Thailand is not a poor country and it’s interesting to see how many foreigners self justify why non-Thai (only) ought to pay for the upkeep of Thai buildings etc...or pay xx times local rates ...

If you think you know Thailand then you must have an idea of what Thai people perceive farang to be and strange that many seem to think that by paying more, a local person might, just might like you more.

It has absolutely nothing to do with being liked more or otherwise. I say, the private owner of the temple has come up with a business model that involves who he charges and how much, I look at that model and I think it's not unreasonable. I am not being forced to go to the temple, I go to the temple of my own free will in the knowledge that it will cost me 50 or 100 baht, that's my choice, I do it because I think it represents good value for money to me. I spend not one iota of time thinking or being concerned that a native Thai got in for free, that's not my business whatsoever and does not interest me.

I also accept that a feature of the landscape for foreigners in Thailand is the dual pricing system, every time I encounter it I make a decision, do I want to pay what's being asked, is that good value for money for me, if it is I pay if it isn't I leave. Once again I don't spend a moment thinking about how much other people are or are not paying, that's not my business and doesn't interest me. Being liked more or less is of zero relevance.

Maybe you could give a few examples where in your home country you act similarly and gladly pay more without concern what other pay? or does this only happen to you when you are in Thailand and have you ever pondered why and equally important what locals think abort your generosity?

Kasikorn is one of the better banks in Thailand and yes they sometimes do things 'Thai way' - Its annoying to have to go to the bank to set up ur mobile number but play along and u will get excellent on line banking

The app on your smart phone initially requires access via your mobile number. It needs to be activated at an ATM and initially when you do transfer, the first time will need to be via your mobile network. You have the option to save the transferee as a favourite and then can make transfer in future via wifi. I just tested now via my wifi

My suggestion is to go to the bank with a smile on your face. If you are closer to old than to young, make out that you are not quite sure what is going on and in my experience the staff are more than happy to assist. Just remember it will involve, initially, Customer Service at the bank, then ATM access to initiate your mobile app (you will need to have phone data package)

I always think such a tread gives a good insight into the various types of farang who live in Thailand. Before any of us arrived in Thailand we all lived in a society when the concept is/was ‘it’s not the money but the principle’ prevailed, and where it’s not normal to self justify why one should pay more for a product or service. We’d also be aware that a fool and his money are easily separated.

The same concepts/principles apply in Thailand. No Thai person seeks to pay more for a similar product or service. Many Thai in the service industries (broad meaning) will attempt to convince the recently arrived Farang that Thai people like kind and generous foreigners (aka naive and innocent). I suggest you people watch at a Thai border market with Cambodia, Laos or Myanmar and decide whether Thai people are kind and generous with their less fortunate neighbours, or whether they bargain to the nearest bath.

When I was new to Thailand and family or friends were visting for the first time, I'd forward article like this (dual pricing) for them to read to get an idea of how Thai people might perceive foreigners - Kind and Generous or Naive and Innocent.

Thailand is not a poor country and it’s interesting to see how many foreigners self justify why non-Thai (only) ought to pay for the upkeep of Thai buildings etc...or pay xx times local rates ...

If you think you know Thailand then you must have an idea of what Thai people perceive farang to be and strange that many seem to think that by paying more, a local person might, just might like you more.

Hi

The visa states 'enter before' 9 Feb 2016. Does that mean I can use it on the 9th or on the 8th at the latest?

Thanks

Why cant the majority of TV memebers be more like you. Thanks for the informative reply

Hi

Any suggestions/recommendation of Happy Hours preferably wine based and in a 4 star plus setting? More interested in ‘buy one get one free’ as opposed to all you can drink for xxx baht, but appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks

Maybe it's their day off work, just like how all the domestic workers from the Philippines meet up on Sundays in Hong Kong and Singapore e.g at Lucky Plaza.

was thinking the same (used to live in Singapore) but that doesn't explain the flags painted on their faces and bandanas etc...

looks like i'm gonna have to repost later when the kids are in bed - probably best moderator to close this posting now

For the last year or so, at the weekend (especially on Sunday), the park beside Mor Chit BTS is full of Cambodians (circa 18-22 years old), sometimes with flags painted on their faces or wearing bandanas/tshirts in their country colours. It appears that they congregate at the Railway Park opposite (Sanam Lot Fai). Any one ‘knows’ what’s going on? Looks a bit like a political rally except its Thailand and I would assume not allowed. Just curious .....

thanks

much appreciate

always a nice idea to provide a link to the form that was 'printed off'

Does anyone know if its possible to print off the Visa Application on line or only available at the Consulate?

I know I can buy the 'free' form from the touts next door to the Consulate.

Thanks

I just emailed them (http://www.interacti...and.com/notary/) - to notarize a single page plus a copy of my passport is 2k €50

Do you need your signature witnessed, or notarised ?

Notarised but as I am sure ur about to tell me, Notary Public Or Commissioner For Oaths don't really exist in Thailand, hence my use of 'witnessed' via a Notary Public Or Commissioner For Oaths, as opposed to witnessed by a friend or colleague

Hi

Any member's know of a Notary Public Or Commissioner For Oaths in Bangkok and the associated costs?

I just need my signature witnessed

Thanks

Much quicker than my previous visit in May which at that time was taking +15 minutes to initially process an application for a 30 day extension and I was there for over six hours.

Arrived today (Aug 18^th) at 13:45 and one person in the queue in front of me and at 14:50 got my passport back

Took a minivan from outside Mor Chit BTS/MRT ( signed Pak Kret in Thai on a green sign, #10), 25 baht (sometimes 20 baht, depends on the driver, some drivers charge the full Mor Chit to Pak Kret rate, others pro rata- If the Thai passengers are insistent on the pro-rata fare, then I pay 20). A motorbike taxi from main road to Immigration is THB10 but if you can't speak Thai they'll try for THB20 (both riders very polite)

Hi

Anyone know the current cost of a minivan from Mor Chit BTS to Chaengwattana Immigration

and

Cost of a motor-taxi from main road to the Immigration Complex

Thanks

Thank you for posting this very much needed info.

Seems like a great option for double entry considering the costs and logistic dramas in Vientane, not to mention the touts.

cheap bus from mochit2, the bus at border and walk to and from consulate sounds good.

any reccomendations on accomodation nearby?

Savan Phatthana Guesthouse newly refurbished fan room Kip70k, negotiated to Kip60k and well worth it. Best Hot water shower I've had in Laos and I was the first guest in this room and for the first few days the only guest.

Its located on Senna street beside Savanbanhao Hotel . The owner doesn’t speak English and she was overly nice to me when we chatted in Laos/Thai. Even got a free lift to the Consulate on Monday (not sure if she thought I was a Travel writer)

Most backpackers prefer Leena Guesthouse (google it), but not my type of place.

Savannakhet Consulate New Location

Moved a few months back and is now around 1km from the bus station. As you exit the bus station, turn left and it's just past ITEC (Conference Centre and Shopping Centre - not fully completed but already looking ten years old and neglected), on the same side as the bus station, just past a Honda Dealership.

From downtown Savannakhet's main drag is about 3.5km walk, pleasant but hot.

The new Consulate is an impressive looking new building if you don't look too closely at the craftsmanship or ponder what it will look like in two years.

It was a Friday so just 2 Farangs. I arrived at 08:45.

I was in and out in 12 minutes and number 6 in the queue.

I had a Visa Application from previous visit so I completed it the night before. If you don't have a form, I suggest joining the queue first, there's a 100 meter long table that you queue up parallel to. When the queue is sorted, simply make your way to the front and the forms are in the basket on the counter and rejoin the queue. It takes less than 5 minutes to complete as the queue moves forward.

No fans in the courtyard and the security guard (partly out of uniform) was making the Laos line up in the sun.

Returned on Monday at 13:50, gates open 2pm and hassle free Double Entry TV (not my first from here but never done back-to-back, not sure if that matters)

Took the 14:30 International bus to Mukdahan 13.000kip. Not overly comfortable or well air conditioned but hassle free (no need to deal with tuk tuks). Also wasn't in a hurry as my bus to BKK departed 19:30.

At the border, this time, Laos Immigration was not trying for THB40 (on previous occasions I have declined to make a donation).

Ten minute at Laos Immigration, thirty minutes at Thai Immigration as most Laotians had to get Thai Immigration to complete their Arrivals card in English and you need to carry your bags through Customs where the bags were X-rayed.

Departed Savannaket at 14:30 and arrived Mukdahan bus terminal at 16:00

PM if you have any questions.

Update - Just back from Mor Chit and no problems, they will wait as you apply for the Visa at the border. VIP32 bus, direct

If it causes you so much anxiety why don't you simply go to the embassy and get the Visa before you leave?

I assume that means u dont know - Thanks for your advice about going to the Embassy - I'm still confused why u sent the link? Its it just spam, marketing or you didn't understand the OP?

I've taken a bus from Ubon to Pakse, and yes, they do wait for you to get your visa at the border. Presumably the Bangkok-Pakse buses do the same.

(I nearly missed the bus at the border by going to the very distant toilet, though)

careful please when giving advice - 'presumably' is scary when dealing with something as important as this

i've done the Ubon to PAkse bus several times and yes, no problems waiting at the border.