Bucko

A buddy of mine who stays there on a regular basis has heard this----it was closed a couple of years ago for some months for a face lift--been there for decades- I used to pay 450 baht before the reno's---it was sold to chinese--price last year was 700- so I went elsewhere--down the road to the Inntown.

Did they cut their own throats---as is still is really a budget hotel-a lick of paint and new carpet or tiles did not disguise this---suited me fine at the time

Just curious---Bucko

Ps -- I meant Soi 11---or also named Soi Honey

Some drunk puts your wife in the hospital, spits at her each day, and yells foul language ? How about growing a pair and standing up for your wife like a man ? If you don't it will probably get worse.

I rather expect that behavior from a neanderthal, but not a man. A man has superior reasoning faculties and is a member of a group or society with clear rules. A neanderthal breaks out his club and acts on emotional impulses. Fair play to stand up for a loved one and prevent violence to them - when there is an immediate threat. That is called self-defense. Otherwise it is simple vengeance and rather cowardly IMO. Much more brave is to swallow the emotion and determine the appropriate course of action to ensure that justice is served through legal maneuverings - to act ethically and morally under difficult circumstances.

My suggestion is to play it smart. Encourage the police to handle the matter appropriately. Several suggestions have already been made for how to accomplish this. A word to immigration might be in order if you can determine that his business is illegal or that he is illegally working.

--------------------------

yes--I quiet agree--that's the way to play it---Also many people are not built for-or incapable of violent actions---and would only end up injured-or dead-themselves---leaving their wife far worse off than before

Bucko

Good Idea, if he is bigger than you leave it like this, maybe you can also start blaming your wife and offer the guy a meal and a beer and become best friends with him.

Lucky i didn't fight with you in the second WW, if so we probable speaking German in London.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Bit of a stretch I feel ---comparing this case with ww2 ? ---I say again ---there are people in this world--big or small---who are not capable of doing a violent act for many reasons-----

Bucko----

ps - re " Lucky i didn't fight with you in the second WW "---------did'nt say that I could not !

Some drunk puts your wife in the hospital, spits at her each day, and yells foul language ? How about growing a pair and standing up for your wife like a man ? If you don't it will probably get worse.

I rather expect that behavior from a neanderthal, but not a man. A man has superior reasoning faculties and is a member of a group or society with clear rules. A neanderthal breaks out his club and acts on emotional impulses. Fair play to stand up for a loved one and prevent violence to them - when there is an immediate threat. That is called self-defense. Otherwise it is simple vengeance and rather cowardly IMO. Much more brave is to swallow the emotion and determine the appropriate course of action to ensure that justice is served through legal maneuverings - to act ethically and morally under difficult circumstances.

My suggestion is to play it smart. Encourage the police to handle the matter appropriately. Several suggestions have already been made for how to accomplish this. A word to immigration might be in order if you can determine that his business is illegal or that he is illegally working.

--------------------------

yes--I quiet agree--that's the way to play it---Also many people are not built for-or incapable of violent actions---and would only end up injured-or dead-themselves---leaving their wife far worse off than before

Bucko

If you are going to have slaves then manage them accordingly, bring back an overseer with a whip.

Remember that scene from Ben Hur where Judah is in the slave galley and the overseer says Ramming Speed and the drummer picks up the beat? Those boys were lashed and off they rowed. You didn't see those Romans passing out refreshing beverages, or leading a robust sing song did you? No molly coddling and the job got done. --------

The galley slaves had a loathing for Sundays-----thats when the Captain liked to Water Ski

[Came across this article. Thailand is not even mentioned and Malaysia is the only Asian Country mentioned. So why do so many of us retire or try to retire here. Maybe it is the female connection. I think not many retired faring couples choose Thailand to retire. Single men or men with a Thai wife would dominate that statistic. and of course the ease of obtaining proper visas may be a factor. http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Retir...-to-retire.aspx

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thailand has got a mention---comes in at 65 points out of a possible 100---just below my home country --- not that I would take this survey as reason to pack my bags and move to Ecuador

Bucko

I am looking for someone to finish building a house. We live in Ubon and the house is around 10 kilometers outside of the city. The walls, roof, and such are done. I need someone that can finish the electrical, the tile, plumbing, finish installing windows and such.

Any help is appreciated.

Tim

If you want agood farang builder, then alan thebuilder is your man. If you want a Thai builder, then you need along list of builders to put right the previous ones cock-ups. Alan is not cheap,( and not that expensive) but very good. For details see link on my web-siteor go to http://www.alanthebuilder.com

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am a registerd builder here in N.Z----question----can I get a work permit to do same in Thailand ?? - I thought that would be one of the " not needed here " answers ??? would be taking away Thai jobs.---or is it something to do with providing the cash and employing Thai labour ?

Just curious----- Bucko -----

I assume that the term " airside " means after you have passed through immigration----it seems that these lounges are all just that - what about if you want to check baggage in early - and relax in a lounge with a friend who is there to wish you Bon Voyage---are they not availible " land-side " ???

Bucko

I am currently renovating an older house in Chiang Mai. I have currently got the Burmese builders in plastering my previously painted walls. Before work started we tried to strip the paint however this wasn't so successful, being concerned that the new plaster will not gain a bond with the old painted wall surface we then proceeded to run horizontal cuts into the wall at 2 inch intervals so the new plaster would at least have something to get a grip onto. Anyway the inside of the house is now nearly finished and my worst fears are coming true the new plaster has started to crack and come away from the walls.

Any help or advice will be appreciated. Most of the plaster will have to be scraped off and I guess I will have to start again. Maybe I should have PVAed the wall first. Anyone know what the local brand is and what I should ask for at the hardware store??

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When I have had to do that sort of a job here in NZ---I hire a small electric jack-hammer that can have a small steel " comb-like " tip fitted--and rough up the whole area.

Then got a decent plasterer who did not have a problem----should be done in 2 coats---- cover/render coat first to iron out all the lumps and bumps---then when dry-a skim/finish coat to get it up to a paint finish---never seen PVA used as a key---but suppose it would help the cause.

The render and skim---are 2 different plaster types

Also it may be possible that your guy put it on far too thick---and is falling off under it's own weight.

Hope this helps------Bucko

^yes I can confirm this. 1Liter is the max.

Good grief, the wife is not going to be pleased.

Just have to tell her good thing they never looked before

Thanks, britmaveric.

I thought it was one liter everywhere just not LOS

May well be, but we don't go anywhere else. Family

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

N.Z is pretty generous by world standard ??? anywhere better--??? >>>>

Into New Zealand per adult:

Not more than 3 bottles of spirits (up to a maximum of 1125ml each)

4.5 litres of Wine, port, Sherry, Champagne (six bottles) or beer (12 cans).

200 cigarettes or 250 gms of tobacco or 50 cigars

NZ $700 of other goods purchased Duty Free or overseas.

I dont know is the OP serious?

I think so...... .....The OP may also may be shocked to know, that that a lot of cosmetics sold in Boots in the UK and Thailand contain placenta, and they sell Cod liver Oil....!!!!...oh no.....the poor cods....stuff the sharks, they dont make good fish and chips...

Think the OP has far too much time on their hands...

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mmmmm---Rock Salmon---Lemon fish etc = Shark----very nice with my chips and Jumbo gherkin

Thanks for the information. I guess those are day trips.

Unfortunately my layover is 1.00 am-7.00 am. What to do?

Check-in side is pretty depressing 1.00am-7.00 am.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Syd -If you are up for it---there are always some bars open Soi Nana- Sukumvitt area ?

But be " carefull out there " ----have to get back-- collect luggage etc in good time

But being realistic--what time will you get out of the airport ? say approx 2am --allow 45 min each way--plus 2 hr checking in again as normally required. Thats 4.5 hrs---Gives you approx 1.5 hrs in town---??

Just an exercise on time req. etc

Bucko

[

may well have to pay the 700 baht per person departure tax---????

[/i]

What year do you live in, when did you last fly out of BKK???

Airport tax included in ticket since last century I think

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The way I read it Mr tartempion is that they are IN TRANSIT----i.e would have paid departure tax for return from their ticketed destination---so if you leave the Airport for a short while and return to continue on----may well be up for Thai Tax--unless there may be a stipulated time frame that it will not apply to ??-- any one else read it that way ?? maybe mr Barret can verify what ticket he/they have

Bucko---Feet Firmly in the 21st Century----In and Out of BKK 3 times a year--last time last month

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

just spotted this

TAT launches Bangkok tours for transfer tourists

BANGKOK: -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) yesterday teamed up with state and private organisations to launch a special tour programme for transfer passengers at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The scheme targets transfer passengers with layovers of less than 12 hours. There are 15 packages with prices starting at 1,850 baht. The programme will run until May 31, 2011.

Passengers who go on a tour will not have to pay an additional 700-baht airport tax when they check in.

The project is supported by the Association of Thailand Travel Agents (ATTA), Airports of Thailand (AoT), the Immigration Bureau, and Thai Airways International. It will give transfer passengers a chance to enjoy a brief tour of the Thai capital and nearby provinces, such as Samut Prakan and Chachoengsao, said Weerasak Kohsurat, the TAT chairman.

"I strongly believe that this project will be welcomed by international tourists. This will help the tourism sector and some operators, particularly small firms, survive the downturn," he said.

Tour information will be provided to all transfer passengers at the airport through brochures provided in-flight and in the transfer hall.

Transfer passengers at Suvarnabhumi Airport numbered 3 million per year between 2005 and 2008. The TAT forecasts more than 1% of total transfer passengers, or around 37,000 people, will try out the tours this year, generating 95 million baht in revenue.

TAT said the campaign should net 191 million baht by the end of 2011 and could be extended if successful.

Tour packages include boat trips along Thonburi's canals, visits to the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and a shopping tour covering Siam Paragon, MBK, and the CentralWorld shopping malls.

ATTA is confident that the packages will attract tourists thanks to their low cost and value. For example, the weekday golf tour starts at 5,000 baht, with an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking guide, plus green and caddy fees.

-- Bangkok Post 2009-06-12

may well have to pay the 700 baht per person departure tax---????

What year do you live in, when did you last fly out of BKK???

Airport tax included in ticket since last century I think

The way I read it Mr tartempion is that they are IN TRANSIT----i.e would have paid departure tax for return from their ticketed destination---so if you leave the Airport for a short while and return to continue on----may well be up for Thai Tax--unless there may be a stipulated time frame that it will not apply to ??-- any one else read it that way ?? maybe mr Barret can verify what ticket he/they have

Bucko---Feet Firmly in the 21st Century----In and Out of BKK 3 times a year--last time last month

no problem what so ever

-------------------------------------------------------------

may well have to pay the 700 baht per person departure tax---????

Now before I tell the story I will first tell you all that I travel very frequently and have never been robbed pick pocketed or scammed anywhere in the world. Unfortunately on this occasion I had been on an all night flight and had a few hours to kill in BKK airport before my connection. Obviously I was a little tired and my guard was a little relaxed.

Anyway, I had just taken a little cash from the ATM (just 2 or 3,000 Baht) and put my wallet back in my bag before going to S&P for a spot of breakfast, placing my bag right next to me in plain sight. The next I knew an old guy attracted my attention and pointed out to me that my wallet was on the floor! Grateful to the old guy I picked it up and noticed that it was completely devoid of cash, not only the Baht but a few dollars, pounds and bits and bobs of various other currencies. Fortunately all my credit cards etc were still present.

I know 100% that this was my own fault for letting my guard down and not securing my wallet better, but the point is that these guys must have already scoped out the tired looking guy with his guard down who had just visited an ATM. They were also pretty good to have unzipped my bag at some point to remove my wallet without me noticing. I am not angry with these guys as the cash was a relatively small amount and they found some way to actually return my wallet with the cards intact. I am angry with my self for being stupid, it could have been far worse.

Beware, there are always lots of people milling around in the airport (especially the level with all the restaurants) who look like they don't really have a genuine reason to be there.

I assume that you were in transit " Airside " Yes ?----must have been staff or passengers on the make then--- ????

Bucko

another person spelling QANTAS as Quantas!! it's outrageous

I always thought it is spelled 'Quaintos'...

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Has been known as " Quaint-Arse " in the past

Bucko----guilty as charged

1.Jetstar promotes itself on Cheap flights. What did you expect for something that sells for around 2600 baht roundtrip?

Well, I've travelled on other low cost airlines like Air Asia and Tiger Air, and they are generally reliable. When my first flight was delayed, I was kinda pissed off but brushed it off as one-off bad luck. The delay in return flight just 5 days later can only suggest operational issues with Jetstar. The only other time I've delays of 3+ hours was more 20years ago with a Quantas flight... i refused to fly with them after that too

Did you realise that Jetstar are a subsidiary of QANTAS?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This info below is from the Quantas Web Page---

I am looking now at booking my next trip in December--

Why should I fly with Jetstar from Auckland- Sydney--Bangkok return---When I can go with Big Brother Quantas and get full service --fare is EXACTLY the same --.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Qantas

Information for Passengers travelling on Jetstar

Flights Product offering on Jetstar operated flights.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jetstar International

(QF 200-299)

Meal Pack (meals and non-alcoholic beverages)

Blanket Pack (blanket, neck support, eye shades and ear plugs)

Headset for audio and in-cabin movies

Limited number of video-on-demand units available for hire

Alcoholic beverages available for purchase

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jetstar Cairns-Darwin-Singapore

(QF 271/272)

Meal Pack (meals and non-alcoholic beverages)

Blanket and neck support

Limited number of video-on-demand units available for hire

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jetstar Trans Tasman

(QF 201-214)

All food and beverages available for purchase

Guilty shoplifting tourists being offered freedom for a price.

I have been through the airport 10 times in the last few months. I was never scammed. How many others have also passed through without problems?

I have met many prisoners who declared they were not guilty.

So, what do we have? I guess that they got caught stealing, thinking that an hour later they would be untouchable as they were flying out of the country. Then they get caught. They then have a choice, wait until the case comes to court or pay up to get away. I agree that the amounts asked is extortion though.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Just at thought--not sure if anyone has mentioned this.

Guilty or not--What about the baggage that may have already been loaded on ?---would have to be unloaded again ----delays cost money I assume if the flight misses it's taxi for take off slot.

Make them as popular as a Pork Pie in a Synagogue

Aw, mate - it's not the accent, it's the clothes; makes you look like a Yank to those Thai ladies - y'know, a walking ATM, eh.

As far as the airforce goes, unless I'm mistaken, they still have 2 Hercules transports. Problem is, of course, once they get one to fly someplace, something goes wrong and it can't fly home. So they send the other one with the parts and engineers; now the first one can fly home, but the second one is grounded.

Makes you wonder why they still advertise openings in the air farce.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Why do you mention the " air farce " noavai ??--have I met you ? I spent 12 years flying out of Whenuapai and Hobsonville

one question for you >> jandels +shorts + t shirt + = yank ?????????????????----I'm guessing you are from our Penal Colony across the Tasman

Bucko

ps where are you in Issan ?

I head that laid-off staff of Triumph (textile company) went to protest at the Swiss (?) embassy and that this caused the traffic jam.

Strange that--on a number of occasions when I have mentioned to thai people { ladies } that I am from New Zealand--it has often been passed on to other people in the bar that " he is from Switzerland "--maybe it's the sheep shagger accent

Bucko

Hi all----Later this year I will be travelling in and out of bangkok airport 3 maybe 4 times over a period of 3 months.

My question is----will this back to back visa or 3 stamp rule apply to me--as I will be flying overseas on each trip ---and if so--what length of time is required before it is deemed to be not back to back.

I have looked for the answer on TV..but could not see it here.. can some-one help or point me in the right direction if the answer is on this forum

I am eligible for the 30 day visa on arrival stamp

Thanks--Bucko

There is no limit. obnly the consul in Penang and Khoto bahru will not give tourist visa's back to back, others will.

Each time arriving by airplane you will, depending on your nationality, get a permission to stay for 30 days. (If you arrive by land transport only 15 days). So if you are from a western country and don' stay longer then 30 days, you don't need a visa.

But you do need proof htat you wil not stay longer than 30 days in the form of a ticket out of the country. If you stay longer than 30 days you will need a tourist visa.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Many thanks Mario---Thats so easy compared to the Nightmare stories/problems that I have been reading up on

Hi all----Later this year I will be travelling in and out of bangkok airport 3 maybe 4 times over a period of 3 months.

My question is----will this back to back visa or 3 stamp rule apply to me--as I will be flying overseas on each trip ---and if so--what length of time is required before it is deemed to be not back to back.

I have looked for the answer on TV..but could not see it here.. can some-one help or point me in the right direction if the answer is on this forum

I am eligible for the 30 day visa on arrival stamp

Thanks--Bucko

The Thais aren't too worried about Western tourists because they've got the "CIA." CIA reference meaning "Chinese, Indians and Arabs." Just take a stroll down Walking Street, Pattaya if you don't believe me .

YES Lancelot I agree---They will fix the economy in no time---I just cant compete with the way they spend-spend -spend in the shops- bars- go-go's--etc etc

Bucko

Going by their web-sites---U.O.B bank seems to offer the best rates at the moment----I will be taking my FX to them shortly --after one final check on Monday.

I have heard from many people that claim to have opened a bank account with no more than a passport. I have heard the passport and a letter from the embassy. I got denied at Siam Commercial Bank in the mall with a current non O visa, a letter of employment (not in thailand), Thai drivers license, a letter from the embassy, and my wife standing there with her account book from that bank. I have come to the conclusion that it is only the branch you go to as to weather they will give you an account or not. It has been about 2 years since I tried last. I am coming home in a couple of weeks and want to try again. Can everyone who has a bank account in BKK please leave me some info so I can make a list of places to try.

1) Branch name and location that let you open the account.

2) What documentation you had to provide to open the account.

Thanks guys,

Bernie

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted this recently---somewhere ??---it was the Patong branch Phuket in 2007

Re--the post below----That seems a lot of shagging around for a Savings Account----easier to do what I did --walk into the Ayudhya Bank with passport---mine had the 30 day visa on arrival stamp ---fill out the application--I gave my TgF address--deposited 5000baht--walked out with a passbook and ATM card----Simple ?---or did they just like my face ? --also got online access--- so I can transfer funds into the account from overseas.

Bucko

QUOTE (pkrv @ 2009-04-30 18:20:43)

I thought this may be a good place to post information on opening a Bangkok Bank passbook savings account. My experiences are logged here and are valid only for Bangkok Bank's head office near Soi 3 Silom Road.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Open-Bank-Account-t154359.html

Note: Critical to this information is we opened a (in our case joint) passbook savings account, the only account I am aware you can have on a TOURIST VISA ONLY. This information is quite old (2007) so fees may have changed. But I can assure you that I tried everything, and lots of banks, wasted lots of holiday time, and got nowhere. IMO Bangkok Bank has the best ATM's, passbook update machines (available everywhere), machines that credit cash to your account, you get interest and an international direct debit and cash point card (for which a fee is charged, they show up as two ATM charges on the 31st December, a bit confusing). You can also set up automatic (direct debit) payments of utility bills at counter 54.

You will need the following:

1) Time! - Assign two half days to the task.

2) Proof of address – I used my blue book and property (condominium) registration documents.

3) A letter from your embassy a.) Certifying your passport, b.)Provide proof of address in Thailand, and c.) no record to your detriment has been logged with the embassy. A link to an example of the letter for British passport holders provided by Bangkok Bank is here: (but none the less gives a general overview of what is required).

LINK to example letter is at end of post...

4) Money (or credit/debit card) to pay the fee for the required letter. This was 2,448 THB (per letter) at the British Embassy

For a British passport Holder:

Step 1 - Simply download the sample letter print it out and take it to the British Embassy (whose address is shown on the sample letter) along with the other documentation (take everything!). Here is a link for the opening times:

http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/servlet/F...d=1065714376732

Step 2 – Ask for the passport (and notarisation) section. You need to go up the stairs on the left just after the entrance door that you are shown to.

Step 3- Take a queuing ticket by pressing the top button – take your seat and wait to be called. This could be 1-2 hours.

Step 4 – Present the sample letter, documentation etc and explain what you need. You will be asked to return the next day to pick up the letter.

Step 5 – Return to the same department the next MORNING but this time press the second button on the queuing system as there is a dedicated pick up counter operating in the mornings only. This is a quicker process (if you get it right).

Process continued below….

Non British Passport holder

To get a sample letter from Bangkok Bank for your particular embassy, go through the revolving doors and walk straight ahead. You will come to a lectern in front of a dividing wall. To the left is a ticket queuing machine. Select the green savings button for opening a savings account with an English speaker. Proceed on and wait for your ticket to be called (note the screen is separate and to the right at the back of the room). Once you have your example letter you can go to your embassy. BTW It is very possible someone at Bangkok Bank may simply just offer a helping hand if you look unsure.

Note you may be able to use the UK Embassy letter, because it is the generic text that counts.

Generic steps at Bangkok Bank

1) Return/Go to Bangkok Bank head office fully armed with all documentation, 500 THB opening credit deposit and 600 THB for an international cash point card and separate debit card.

2) At Bangkok Bank's head office go through the revolving doors and walk straight ahead. You will come to a lectern in front of a dividing wall. To the left is a ticket queuing machine. Select the green savings button for opening a savings account with an English speaker. Proceed on and wait for your ticket to be called (note the screen is separate and to the right at the back of the room). After that just be polite and courteous and you will get a passbook cash and debit card BUT sadly no internet banking. This is pretty much the only account you can open on a tourist visa but it does help when it comes to paying local utility bills by direct debit.

NOTES:

I did ask Hemaraj a .SETI 30 listed company to see if they could help. Much to their embarrassment they could not assist in making the process any simpler. They kindly provided a letter stating I was a good client and could the bank assist, but how much this helped I don't know. I understand that this has changed but have no personal experience of this.

YOU MUST have the letter from your embassy FULL STOP.

IRRITATINGLY Bangkok Bank will keep the original, a copy is not enough. I did not know this at the time but consider the embassy letter to be a useful document in its own right. Just a thought but it may be prudent to ask for several copies to be produced by your Embassy as this may save time in the future.

Sorry I can't help with other banks or other Bangkok Bank account branches.

PKRV.