GypsyT

The reason is they have business accounts and they make company to pay... A friend of mine runs titty bar in EU's town X and told "Japanese can spend 3000 Euros a night. Easily." Then pick up the hostess of his choice and spend an other 3 Gs on her... Not surprised smart Thais go there, like Billy The Kid did the banks - "Because the money was there!"

You are very weak person. Those were YOUR items - why not to stop them f...n with YOUR stuff! Those people following you? That I have no advice. They are not train at all or wrong. I let them follow, doesn't bother me.

OP - try this: When I didn't get room first at Jomtien I tipped 1000 THB and I got what I wanted... Suddenly plenty of rooms came available 🙂 This is Thailand.

My Chase Credit Card is hacked - again. Same happened last year. Crooks charged $ 791 and it took 3 months to clear by Chase. I didn't need to pay. I was in the US to clear it. Now I'm in Thailand and don't plan to return until Early April. Chase card is "Locked" by me. Charges are still happening! Chase answered via "Safe Center" message they can't stop the card. I NEED to call and TALK to the card issue which is Chase! Crazy.... So, now I need to find SIM I can call 30min or more calls to them. Free or cheap. That's what it took last time in the US. Loooooong wait every time. Many transfets to there and here, new persons, etc etc. A real big mess. They also tell; Use the "Toll Free number". They think rest of the world works like the US. Some say "Call collect". That's a system in the US for inmates... who can't have coins in cells. I'm "Cash man" but can't use cash to make many trip and hotel reservations. BTW - the charging company is Probiller,com (a major billing agent for Porn sites...No, I didn't order or used any!) Watch out if you see it! They are in Austin TX and Cyprus. Many complains against them. Very shady and aggressive group of pros... They plant $ 1 charge first, then bigger ones are coming daily! How and where they got my CC number I don't know. I'm very careful. I keep it "Locked UP" and open only to make bookings for major airline and hotel reservations. Nothing else. Maybe same as last year? Last year Chase investigator said; "Somebody in hotel reservation company stole my CC number and resold it to International crooks". So, where to get SIM? Thanks.

Are you member of AARP? There are some sharp people to help in many issues. https://community.aarp.org/t5/General-Help/Last-will/m-p/2524072

Just got informed of letter to my US address that my lost $ 600 Covid payment will be paid after all! Nice surprise. They went trough all payments and those, like me, who didn't cash the payment card will get 2nd shot by calling them. Dead line in generously June 30, 2025. I didn't cash the card because I never get one! Like other millions? $ 600 may not sound much but it makes me multi millionaire in Vietnam; 15,2 million VND.

I have notices Thais count prices with fingers at market. There's no 30+ fingers - simple as that. Go by the wall calendar, month by month, no problems.

Mine broke after only 25 years of use.... they don't make them like they usd to 😞 Where to buy a new one fast? I don't like to order by mail. Lazada has one for cheap; https://www.lazada.co.th/products/cammuo-600w-220v-electric-water-heater-high-power-water-heater-electric-immersion-element-boiler-for-travel-i697312864-s1336080125.html?from_gmc=1&fl_tag=1

Lui, when you were working on your PhD we unwashed worked on USD 🙂 That's why we can take 5-6 month vacations.

That BS. Lots of happy tenants and owners in all of them! VTs have been great investment and are well know worldwide. Prison block? So what? The best security there is! My land lords at VT2b are from Sicily - can't get more secure than that... 🙂 I am one of your "certain person". I don't have any serious problems according my parole officer and my government supplied and paid shrink....

I think same. May be last chance to see it before China start take over. Thank you!

OP - Sorry to hitch hike but this guy knows Taiwan. So, I'd like to ask, 1. Do they speak English in Taiwan? I red they wanted to make English official 2nd language while back. 2. How is traffic? I know it's RHD but how's driving in countryside? Friendly? A mess? - Taiwan is still on my bucket list.

How's the memory?

...and still valid! So, here I am, deep in the boonies near Sisaket. Quite happy high up in a teak house on stilts. Like Noa, waiting water level to raise and only me to survive. Then yesterday at midnight, The Hell breaks loose; Music blaring 120 Db at least. Western and Thai POP for 4 hours. I wish to know who was playing so I can send "Thank you!" note. NO farm for me. NO country life for me. I rather enjoy listening a few motobikes on Jomtien blvd after this 🙂

Dunno what's going on but I red "most girls leaving home and marry farang come from Isan! Maybe THEY too got same services as you and voted with their feet?

Strange thing in Sisaket; So hard to find grilled chicken! It's 90% pork like in Vietnam. PS. I eat always street food. That way my body gets tough against bugs. Not once sick yet.

I like role plays and now she's The Boss!

I'm confused as well! All weather channels are saying it's not COLD - but it IS! We're sleeping parkas on.. under two thick blankets. PS. Norwegian National source has closest real temps. Still to high but within 3 deg of real. https://www.yr.no/en/forecast/daily-table/2-1595025/Thailand/Si Sa Ket/Mueang Si Sa Ket/Sisaket

I remember when AOL (America On Line) was the biggest and had 4 (!) choices to get into The Net 🙂

Thank you! Yes, looks like it's an AIS Center problem. I just don't know what they say and what I should do, it's all in Thai... I gave up and enjoy "Hi Tech Free" vacation 🙂 PS. My Thai woman figured out how to use her phone as Hot Spot to my laptop. Internet works fine even in the boonies. Now she has full control of my social life..

I red this: "SMS messages are sent and received using the cellular network's infrastructure, which means they can be sent and received even when you don't have an active data plan or internet connectivity on your device." And agree, and that's the way it works in EU & US. However, my Thai AIS SMS doesn't work to send or receive. When I send SMS I get message in Thai, which I can't read. It shows only funny squares... I use old style analog phone. No internet. I tried to ask many AIS sellers. Nobody could give an answer. Calling works OK.

Sisaket 14 C last night

Last night 14 C at Sisaket. Too cold... but Ok with live heater turned "ON"

I think airport control is very good now! No waiting. The other sucks... and may never get sorted out.

Why not in Thailand?