Bucko

Thanks OJAS ????

Thanks Richard--I will keeping a keen eye in the future--do you know if it could it be corrected at another Immigration office ? or only at the airport ?

On a recent trip to Uk via Thailand for 10 days --I noticed when I was waiting in the baggage hall that my passport had only been stamped for 14 days--and not the 30 ---- did not bother about it as I was covered--but what would happen if I did not spot it and stayed my usual 4 weeks --when I got to check in to leave-- a problem ? or just a bit of paperwork at immigration ?--checked it again on my return trip for 12 days  ---30 days ????

Just filling in my 60 day Tourist Visa Application here in NZ ---a few things have changed _just to make applying a bit more difficult  -- main ones are -- have to go to the bank now for a print and  stamp to prove your  funds -- before an online copy was Ok -- also Now have to send copies of hotel booking --before just have to state hotel staying on arrival --not sure  how that works for me yet -as I -like other tourist do just that - I Tour -and arrange accommodations as I go---also states  must have a return airfare --cant remember that being there before?  always thought you could enter on a one way with T.V ??  but that does not bother me.

http://www.thaiembassy.org/wellington/contents/files/services-20180214-040324-230864.pdf

Often wondered --what if you arrive at a hospital unconscious -- no wallet with your insurance card -or that has been lost in an accident-- how are you supposed to pay upfront first --and claim back off your insurance later  -- even if you had your wallet & card with you --would the hospital take that as proof and start the medical help ?? 

22 hours ago, Lokie said:

I only parasailed once, years ago in Marmaris Turkey, you went on back of speed boat with around five other punters, the boat had a full sound system inbuilt in it, was pretty cool and a top end speed boat (think Miami Vice type mega thing) on back of speed boat was like a chrome railed launch/capture area, the person who was to go first was put in harness and two guys double checked each others work (they solely looked after the parasail part of operation the boat was driven by another dude who just concentrated on handling the boat) the canopy was then wound out on an electric winch, the person attached and then just fed out to parasail (SOLO) after about 10 mins they were retracted back in safely to the landing area at back of speedboat, and the next person then went, It was safe as houses and you not only parasailed but enjoyed a good half 45mins cruising around the bay of Marmaris with cool tunes playing, having a beer after you had done the parasail, watching your mates/peeps enjoying themselves safely...

 

Years later I came to Thailand and thought Wow I would never go near any of these scabby parasail outfits operating on any beaches, never seen a safe one yet. (no normal country would allow operators to run Parasailing as it is done here, with an operator riding on top, no harness, no life jacket no nothing!) Take it these harnesses are specced for two people and the canopies? Obviously they are also fully insured being a bonafide tourist business licenced by the beach authorities etc??

 

RIP to the poor guy

They have this system  at Lamai Beach Koh Samui Lokie-- watched it every day for  couple of weeks---seem to work great --cant say about the safety harness tho-- salt water does take its toll -- i'e corrosion and deterioration -- anyone know if there are rules  about changing the gear - i.e  so many flights - or months ?  in other countries--along with official safety checks  -- I would think there must be .

Tragic --RIP Aussie

18 hours ago, Bulldozer Dawn said:

 

No they are offering them online as well.  A few months back, admittedly not yet high season, my girl and me stayed in a 5 star (maybe 4 star not sure) hotel on the beach in Patong.  Lovely room, with studio style sofa area and massive bathroom.  Valet park the car (free parking) access to a nice gym and big swimming pool, and a free full western/thai fusion buffet breakfast including bacon, milk, fresh juices, brewed coffee, pastries, cut fruit...etc.  Booked via agoda website.  Total cost for room including free buffet breakfast for two: 632 Thai Baht.

 

They are losing money hand over fist at this rate  but I suspect that they endeavor to keep rooms occupied so as to not have to let staff go and then be faced with the problem of rehiring for high season.

can you post the hotel name please Bulldozer---as madmitch  says --I could just arrive and look around --but I would prefer -now I am knocking on in years to avoid that-- with Luggage and Taxi to contend with --Thanks

18 hours ago, Bulldozer Dawn said:

 

No they are offering them online as well.  A few months back, admittedly not yet high season, my girl and me stayed in a 5 star (maybe 4 star not sure) hotel on the beach in Patong.  Lovely room, with studio style sofa area and massive bathroom.  Valet park the car (free parking) access to a nice gym and big swimming pool, and a free full western/thai fusion buffet breakfast including bacon, milk, fresh juices, brewed coffee, pastries, cut fruit...etc.  Booked via agoda website.  Total cost for room including free buffet breakfast for two: 632 Thai Baht.

 

They are losing money hand over fist at this rate  but I suspect that they endeavor to keep rooms occupied so as to not have to let staff go and then be faced with the problem of rehiring for high season.

14 hours ago, billythehat said:

"too many Thai's here that feel they are entitled to an easy tourist baht"

 

Yep, that's the bottom line now. 

 

Talking  to some of the traders in JC’s they are having a very tough high season with some claiming trade down some 40% from last year...looking at the near empty malls (for high season) and a number of closures I suspect this figure may actually be higher.

When I was in JC last July it was like a Ghost Mall --the centre of it where the boat and water feature are--were closed off because  the concrete beams below were showing signs of stress--maybe the weight of water wasn't calculated ?? --has that been fixed up now ??

The big increase in Hotel prices over the last couple of years don't help --an example- the C&N where I always stayed has priced me out of that hotel--Standard room was 900-1400b depending on the season now 1900 low season---2450b right now  --

2 hours ago, cumgranosalum said:

PS - that is where the charge was levied - normally as part of the Ferry crossing....

Maybe it wasn't the main pier ??   certainly never paid the Longtail Boat Driver a fee for landing --nor on the Island--

 We had to climb over all the waiting Boats to the last one on the rank I remember

On 11/08/2016 at 7:26 PM, cumgranosalum said:

Koh Samed is a National Park and you pay to go on the island - as far as I'm aware the National Park on KC doesn't cover all the island and the PUBLIC ARE NOT ADMITTED - so tell me I'm wrong but at present I can only conclude that this is a barefaced scam.

Have'nt been to Koh Samed for some time  --there was no charge at the main pier--has that changed ??

in Thai baht or home currency ?? never bothered too much about this one before -as I did not use credit cards much--next time I will be--So whats your advice please --and a brief explanation for my old brain-- & wallet --thanks

When this this happens---Anyone know what happens to your luggage IF you have a connecting domestic flight ? which I have-- 2.5hrs from landing to check-in--will the luggage be sent on to your Hotel if it doesn't arrive in time ??---Just wondering

Not sure why you had to go 15 km to Nana to go see a movie. Holiday Inn Express at Soi 22 or 24 also. There must be 10 other malls closer to your home. I see everyone complaining about Nana area. If you are a long time resident ( over 5 years) it is easy to get bored of the Nana scene.

Nothing has changed. Same types of bars, Same types of working girls. ( some girls still there just older), I would think that you guys ba-ged some of the same girls 10 years ago.

Same snack (bugs) cart, Same indian dudes saying" you are lucky man " Same Taxi drivers, who don't want to drive to an area with alot of traffic,sitting 45 minutes to make 60 baht. Same old drunk Farang wasted on the sidewalks. The only thing different is you or us !

You like the rest of us ( 12 yrs me) have partied there with 100's of girls ( or Guys ; not that there's anything wrong with that ); and see things differently. I bet everyone of you on Thai Visa today, felt like Brad Pitt, when they first arrived at Nana. Loved the girls and atmosphere.

So now there are new guys, who want to be like Brad Pitt, party enjoy the sights and sound of the Big City. Yes, dirty, yes crazy, etc. etc.

I bet everyone of you when you first came to Nana , could not wait to tell your friends about the great time you had. Most of the bars at Nana

have been renovated of the past two years, but still not beautiful. But who cares ! You go there for 2 reasons. 1. Party, drinking, have fun. 2. Find a smile Thai girl for 2 hours.

For me, I still enjoy going with friends 3-4 times a year. But I go there to have fun; not as a Grumpy old man.

There is someone else sitting on your bar stool, and looking ( or more) at your girl.

And you know what, he does care !!!

Enjoy your weekend.

Well said -- I still " pop in " when I am over that side of the world---as a NOT so Grumpy old man

Thanks Guys---very helpfull

Anyone ever done the Ferry and Bus trip ??---Its a 6hr Bus trip from the mainland- is it a V.I P bus with toilet on board ??--I have tried contacting FerrySamui.com--still waiting for an answer

Just for comparison--the latest N.Z Application Form & Guide

I do not believe that document has been updated for the METV. Note the funds required for "multiple entries" are about USD-$3400 - implying to me this relates to the now-defunct doubles and triples - and no other METV-specific language or conditions.

December 2014 Application & Guide from Thai Embassy Wellington.--

For some more comparison

Thai Visa DEC.2014.pdf

Just for comparison--the latest N.Z Application Form & Guide

latest Thai visa.pdf

Can anyone advise if they give their normal Bangkok rates --or more closer the much lower Airports rates ???

Thanks

In Bangkok I have seen these wires crossing and actually tied to the metal handrails on the pavement side overbridges--

Welcome to Pattaya ..... such a lovely place ....

Welcome to Pattaya ..... such a lovely place----You can check-out any time you like,

But you can never leave

Why not try this alternative?

http://www.airportpattayabus.com

Goes every hour.

Only disadvantage under the current chaotic road construction:

it goes up Sukhumvit from Thephrasit to the motorway ramp which cost me 25 mins last time in seemingly "light traffic".

Yes a good alternative if Bell does'nt suit---only drawback it can take about 3hrs--as it go's the back route thru Laem Chabang Chonburi-Si Racha etc--Bell takes the Motorway---also no pick up at hotel

http://www.belltravelservice.com/pages/PageHome.aspx

Book online or go to bus station-- Bell is down and around the right hand corner --

good service--pick up at hotel in mini bus to take you to the bus station

When I was back in Thailand last year-- I noticed a lot of Markets like " Made in Thailand " in Pattaya and Phuket have been taken over by Indian.

Also noticed there were no prices on their stuff --- so gave them a miss to buy my suitcase and went to Thai stall next door -- all prices were marked

A speed limiter is perhaps a first step in the right direction with a maximum of 90km/hrs, also for busses and trucks.

A tachograph with strict control will be a second step.

I used to drive a truck with a speed limiter fitted----can be VERY deadly when overtaking--and easily be caught in " no man's land " if the vehicle on the inside decides he doe'snt want to be overtaken---and you are stuck out there with rapidly aproaching oncoming traffic--soon learnt my lesson -never bothered to overtake unless on a motorway going downhill !!