Keeps

Have been to Koh Chang (twice) and Koh Lanta and much preferred Samui. Haven't been to Koh Samet so can't really comment although, reading up on it and speaking to others, it doesn't really sound like my cup of tea. Each to their own.

Totally agree. Had my first visit to Lamai in 1998. Have visited every year since (except a brief blip for Covid) and have stayed for 2+ years on three separate occasions. Have made many great friends there over the years, both Thai and foreign. Wonderful place IMO.

Compared to where?

I use Barclays online banking to send money from my account to Kasikorn Thai bank account. Always send sterling and let Kasikorn do the conversion. Barclays have zero charge for my online transfer (not sure if that is because I have Premier Banking?). Kasikorn take (I believe) 300 baht their end for the transfer. For amounts of a few thousand £ I find very little in difference in the amounts received between using Barclays and Wise due to Barclays not charging me. Wise probably just edge it though.

Good luck to you all for your next chapter in life.

I seem to have an increasingly frequent problem even logging on to my Wise account. On average, 1 in 4 attempts successful. The problem is always trying to get past the 'Captcha' when trying to log on. It won't load in most instances. This is using a small laptop. Have zero issues with any other sites. Anyone have any ideas what may be causing this? Even when I clear my cache it is still an issue.

Stop moaning you old fart. 555

I wish @Harrisfan was the online equivalent of a hermit.

I appreciate you say you are 'going for good' but I would be tempted to keep an account open. It seems to be incredibly difficult to open a new account these days. You never know what is 'around the corner'. Do you plan to return for holidays? Would you possibly need to transfer money in the future to somebody else's Thai account? I personally would leave an account open with a few thousand baht in it (to cover any fees that may be charged) until you know 100% that you will never need a Thai bank account in the future.

All these Aussie criminals are starting to make the Brits look like model citizens.

Likewise, I use the same taxi company for every trip:- https://www.thailandtaxitransfer.com I have found them to be excellent on every trip. I use WhatsApp to contact them (or the occasional email). The boss, Chok responds very promptly. I have used them for BKK-JOM-BKK and also for longer journeys from BKK to Saraburi. Even arranged a 6 person VIP van a couple of weeks ago to transport the family from Saraburi to Jomtien for a mini break. The cars are immaculate and the drivers speak perfect English. They always send a message around 30 minutes before departure to notify you that they are on their way or already waiting at departure point. I also found their prices to be very competitive after having a look at a few firms. In two instances they were circa 30% cheaper than Nam's taxis. Also provide female drivers if preferred. Like @VBF there is no financial benefit to me sharing this contact. I just find them to be a very reliable company.

Whats the first 2 rules? RULE 1 - ignore everything @Harrisfan says and do not believe a word. RULE 2 - see RULE 1

That is why I pre-book. Guarantees the price and someone waiting for you when you arrive. Little chance of being mugged off as you were.

You was robbed. Should be 1,300 baht tops.

So, if a Thai visited England they would only be 'allowed' to eat English food? Not the occasional Thai meal? Dummy.