FATNAPPY

Anyone need to go to the border ( Pong Nam Ron ) tomorrow. i will be driving down in the morning.

Just been to immigration with my non "o" visa to get an extention as my leave date is the 4th and I have a flight booked for the 18th, only to be told I can only get 7 days, so its off to the border to give the Cambodians the money instead.

Can leave at any time so let me know

I have seen the nice new looking Swampypoom airport busses a few times around town. They look really nice and comfortable. Saw the schedule at the North Pattaya bus station too...every couple hours basically from 6 in the morning till early evening. My question is: Does this bus go directly from Pattaya to the airport or does it make stops in other towns along the way (ie Sri Racha, Chonburi)? How long is the actual trip from door to door?

Jonnie, sorry to cloud what may have been (up to now) a clear image of the bus situation, but...

There is another bus service from Jomtien to Suvarnabhumi airport, and they use "nice new looking Swampypoom airport busses" -- bright yellow in color. The Bell Travel ones are a bit older, although still clean. The yellow Jomtien buses also serve a snack en route, I believe.

Bell Travel will pick you up from your hotel or condo in the Pattaya/Jomtien area included in the B150 fare, as well as mentioned above they will deliver you to your hotel or condo for the same B150.

I think the Jomtien bus service, which leaves from the Soi Chaiyapruek and Jomtien Beach Road intersection is B106, but you need to arrange your own transportation between that point and your condo/hotel.

I've used Bell Travel four times now, as recently as this afternoon, and can recommend them. Even though I live fairly close to the other yellow Jomtien bus station, getting there with luggage is a hassle compared to Bell Travel who pick me up from, and deliver me to, my condo building front door.

Both of these services -- the new yellow Jomtien bus, and the older North Pattaya Road station bus -- are nonstop to/from the airport.

i HAVE USED THE JOMTIEN YELLOW BUS MANY TIMES AND IT IS FIRST RATE....LEAVES ON TIME, CLEAN AND YOU GET A BUN AND A BOTTLE OF WATER TOO....WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR 106 BAHT...TIMINGS ARE A BIT RESTRICTING BUT HEY IVE GOT TIME !!

I want to send a small amount of money to my Thai lady for her up coming birthday and was wondering if anyone knows of a cheap,preferably free, way of doing it,

because the last time I sent money by Swift my bank charged me £20 and her bank also charged £20 making it a very expensive transaction.

I have had problems with the Thai postal service before when greetings cards and small parcels have been mysteriously lost,so I am a bit wary of sending cheques or the like by post.

All positive suggestion appreciated.

Thank you.

Try and get together with the rest of her boyfriends and all send together....save on the commission charges

I thought the nearest was Ban Laem, where (most) of the visa-run companies go. The trips I took (with a company and on my own) went from Pattaya to Rayong, then towards Chanta Buri. North to a little past Pong Nam Ron, then east at Pakam to the border.

Go due north from Chanta Buri until you see Khao Soi Dao (waterfall), then look right and you'll see the highway sign "3405", and Ban Laem is right below that.

There are obviously other border crossings in the area. Can't remember how far it is, but with the visa run company and private car, it was maybe 2 1/2 hours from Pattaya (taking off a 1/2 hour pit stop along the way).

Nice trip too, as you head up into some low mountains, then some rural countryside.

(if the map is hard to see/read, there is a link under the scale to the site I think I got this from).

Dead right ....this crossing is 250k from Jomtien....

It includes Naklua and a lot of Jomtien: www.pattayaphotoguide.com/?yfkRUvXmkcTC

The pc wont start anymore, probably the power units is fuc_ked with all the electric up and down in the wonderful city. Anyone can recommend a good PC technician in TUCOM or other place? Trustful and fast service needed, as that comp is used for work. Thanks for your input.

Pattaya 2U in Tuk Com 3rd floor. You will never hear a poor review of the place.

http://www.pattaya2u.com/

Couldnt agree more....the best in town....and by the way I am not their friend nor did I join yesterday !!!!!

Eeeeeeessss not a Rat, Mr Fawlty, Eeeeeeees a Siberian Hamster

www.fawltysite.net/episode12.htm

mmmmm.......I smell a rat .......and what day is it today ??????

How did this accident happen? Someone been drinking or what?

I'd be having issues with the car manufacturer about those airbags, sounds very dodgy that they didn't work.

I have no recollection of what happened. The few minutes before the accident are a complete blank. The other driver says I swerved into his lane. However the crash happened just after after the sharp left bend near the entrance to Siam Country club golf course. Many Thai drivers have a habit of cutting off this corner when they come the other way, so it is possible he was on my side of the road. But we'll never know for sure, as there were no witnesses and the position of the vehicles was inconclusive.

I will certainly be taking up the failure of the air bags with Toyota.

You still havent answere one of the questions....someone been drinking ????

source: http://www.pattayapeople.com/default.asp?F...IdArticle=10647

Few things worse than coming home and finding your place broken into. Knowing

that foreigners are high on the list of possible targets, you have to lock-down your

residence like a bank-vault. I think CCTV systems are also a good deterrent. Or

maybe a big dog or maybe one of those Nepalese Gurkha's with their kukri knives.

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Swedish Tourist's House Robbed

Pattaya Police received a report that a house break in had occurred on 15th March

in Soi Gorpai.

Officers went to the scene to find that the thieves had entered via the back door.

A number of items were stolen including 10,000 cash from a safe. Fingerprints

were found around the door frame and were taken away as evidence. The Swedish

owner of the house stated that he found the house burgled after returning from

a night out in Pattaya.

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mmmm..safe eh....unless you know the combination

my house....free beer, free food !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

<br />Hello,<br /><br />I'm fairly new around here. I have a ailment some might call "large head" syndrome. This is a physical ailment, not bred of ego. <br /><br />I need help!<br /><br />I'm looking for a shop in Pattaya that sells helmets for farangs like me. Maybe I should change my name to Big Head instead of Saam Baht.<br /><br />Anyway, despite my flippancy, this is a serious request for those in the know.<br /><br />Thank you ahead of time. <img src="style_emoticons/default/smile.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="smile.gif" /><br />

hoping for some replies on this as i struggle to find a helmet to fit also....replies please

does anybody else understand or can see the point of this ?????

i am currently renting from q cars in the jomtien beach condominium complex

I have had bad experience with this company on short term rentals. They refused to return the deposit for just normal wear and tear.

Since my bad experience I have heard similar stories from others that say they would never rent from them again.

Can we have a few more details about that.

What's normal wear and tear.?

rented from them once....never again...car was terrible, brakes metal to metal, didnt run properly...took me 3 attempts to find a car that was passable and safe...and if you are unlucky enough to have the old woman *take care* of you...she is rude and ignorant

the thought of that woman made me forget !!!....as previously mentioned the one at the beach end of threppasit road is very good....one stop i think it is called...recommended

i am currently renting from q cars in the jomtien beach condominium complex

I have had bad experience with this company on short term rentals. They refused to return the deposit for just normal wear and tear.

Since my bad experience I have heard similar stories from others that say they would never rent from them again.

Can we have a few more details about that.

What's normal wear and tear.?

rented from them once....never again...car was terrible, brakes metal to metal, didnt run properly...took me 3 attempts to find a car that was passable and safe...and if you are unlucky enough to have the old woman *take care* of you...she is rude and ignorant

This news clipping has a headline that should generate lots of views......

my first thought when reading the headline was "where the eff can i buy a wooden penis?"

Get me one while you are there at the penis shop.

better still why not wittle one of your own if you have a spare 5 mins. nothing like wittling a penis !

There is a "street party" tonight, Thursday July 26 for the Pattaya Gay Festival 2007, 8 pm to about 11 pm ish. Lots of entertainment and shows... it costs 300 baht for a ticket, includes one drink, and money goes to charity. It is in the notorious and so-called "BOYZTOWN" area, Pattayaland.

Weho will be there "workin' the room". Be sure to look for me and say "hi".

CANT WAIT !!!!!

HIRED GUNMAN SHOOTS EX-GERMAN COP; POLICE SUSPECT HIS FORMER WIFE

A former German policeman was shot dead on the road by men on a motorbike. It is suspected that a gunman was hired to kill the man over properties worth more than five million Baht. Police are investigating his present and former wives.

On 25 June 2007, at 2 AM, Pol. Sub. Lt. NitiPhum Butr-wong, Investigator, Banglamung, Pattaya, was notified that a foreigner was shot dead on Soi Suksomboon (Nongket Yai), Moo 8, Nongplalai, Banglamung, Chonburi. A team of police officers, with Sawang Boriboon Rescue and a doctor from Banglamung Hospital, rushed to investigate.

At the scene was the body of Mr. Heinrich Hermaan Friedrich (63), an ex-policeman from Germany, who was shot dead in front of house No. 27/2 , Moo 8, Nong Plalai, Banglamung, Chonbori. On his body was a gold necklace, a gold watch, twelve baht in coins, a mobile phone, as well as, a pair of glasses at the side of his body. Mr. Heinrich was shot in the head, back, chest and knee. Police found four 9 mm bullet casings on the floor.

Miss Nantha Lukdee (25) address 70/1, Moo 9, Songchin, Grasang, Burirum, Mr.Heinrich's current girlfriend, arrived in a black Ford automobile, license 8715, Chonburi. She was distraught and said that she had been living with Mr. Heinrich, as husband and wife, at house No. 40/1, Moo 8, about one hundred meters from the shooting. The marriage was unregistered. She said that Mr. Heinrich had bought a house in his ex-wife's name (who he was now divorced from), worth about five million baht. The house, car and motorbike were all in his ex-wife's name. His ex-wife sued Mr. Heinrich to get the properties, but was unsuccessful because Mr. Heinrich had the right to reside in the house as per a thirty year lease.

Miss Nantha, his current wife also said that Mr. Heinrich was a friendly person, who never had problems with his neighbors. Mr. Heinrich told her that he was going to the 7-Eleven store, about one kilometer away on Sukhimvit Road, to buy beer. She was not concerned until her neighbor shouted that her husband had been shot. When she went to investigate, she found her husband had been murdered. Police were unsure as to the veracity of her account and are conducting an ongoing investigation. The body was sent for autopsy.

Pol.Lt.Col. Somchai Yotsombat, Deputy Superintendent, questioned the neighbors around the area. Many of them said that Mr. Heinrich left the house, presumably to get a beer. They heard some arguing and shouts for help before hearing four gunshots. The neighbors saw two men on a motorbike drive quickly to the front of the soi and go back to look at the body to make sure that Mr. Heinrich was dead. They then drove away.

Police are investigating several possible motives for this murder. These include adultery; that his ex-wife wanted to get back the properties; and robbery. However nothing seemed to have been taken from the body, but police still do not rule out the robbery.

Pol.Lt.Col.Somchai said that this is a very serious case and the police will try to solve it expeditiously. The ex-wife and the present wife will be closely scrutinized. He believes that the murder was carefully planned and the gunman was very skilled. A police artist will develop sketches of the killers based on witness descriptions.

Source: Pattaya Daily News - 25 June 2007

going to 7 eleven to buy beer with 12 baht in coins in his pocket ???????

ANYBODY KNOW THE COST OF LONG TEM PARKING AT SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT. I KNOW THAT THE SHORT TERM IS 250 BAHT PER DAY TO A MAXIMUM OF 7 DAYS. I AM WONDERING IF THE LONG TERM CHARGES ARE CHEAPER AS I AM AWAY FOR 12 DAYS. WILL IT IS CHEAPER THAN A TAXI BOTH WAYS? NO CHEAP TAXI THREADS PLEASE

THANKS

Here are a few things going on this month

PCEC TRIP TO UBC/TRUE STUDIO/BROADCAST FACILITY IN BANGKOK – UBC/True is unable to provide a speaker in the near future, so a Board member will visit their facilities in Bangkok to see if they are worth organizing a trip to see, and report back to the Board and the members within the next two weeks.

FIRST AID CLASSES – At our May 20th meeting, we will have one or more Emergency Room Doctors from Bangkok Hospital Pattaya (BHP) as our speaker. This is a lead up to the First Aid Class, which BHP will provide at our June 17th meeting.

NEW PCEC CLUB SLOGAN – At last week's meeting, PCEC Secretary David Meador handed out a paper with the short list of the 5 top slogans, boiled down from a list of 78, and asked those present to mark their preferred choice and return to him. He will be presenting the results to the Board at their meeting following this week's Sunday meeting. So, the suspense will soon be over with an expected announcement of the winning slogan at next week's meeting.

LAST WEEK'S MEETING - Never believe any war will be smooth and easy, or that anyone who embarks on the strange voyage can measure the tides and hurricanes he will encounter. (Winston Churchill). This apt observation was confirmed when a panel of our members discussed their experiences during the Vietnam War. Four of our members formed this panel. They were Roger Fox, an Army "Chinook" helicopter pilot; Jim Jones, a Marine amphibious tractor operator; Al Serrato, an Army lieutenant with varied experiences; and Paul Back, although a former Marine, he spent his time in Vietnam as a civilian.

They provided individual accounts of their differing roles in the Vietnam conflict, and each talked about their lasting impressions of the war, the Vietnamese people, the conduct of that war, and how that experience affected their future lives. Al Serrato, currently the Deputy Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Pattaya, provided some particularly harrowing details. They agreed that at the time there appeared to be no end to the Cold War, and that the so-called domino effect, wherein neighboring countries could, in turn, fall to communism, was seen as a real threat. Also the politicising of the conflict by the powers in Washington, and the comprehensive television coverage around the world, increased the unpopularity of the war amongst world opinion. They saw many parallels with the current Iraqi conflict. The speakers comments were very personal - the audience felt that, and were very quiet during the discussions.

WHAT'S HAPPENING - A listing of upcoming events in Pattaya, Bangkok, and elsewhere during May, June, and July 2007 of interest to Pattaya's Expat community. Inclusion of commercially sponsored events does not mean that the PCEC endorses the companies or their products. Any event that is sponsored by the PCEC will be clearly identified as such. Please help us learn about forthcoming events or activities. If you know of any events you think would be of interest, please let us know by emailing [email protected].

EVERY MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, & FRIDAY – THE PATTAYA BRIDGE CLUB meets at the Tropicana Hotel, Beach Road at 1:00pm. For more information go to their web site at www.pattayabridge.com.

EVERY WEDNESDAY – BUDDIE GROUP MEETING at the Redemptorist Centre on Sukhumvit. BUDDIE stands for "Building Understanding and Developing Dignity in Everyone." At the BUDDIE group meetings men talk about the challenges, disappointments, pleasures and pain that come with starting life over in Pattaya. The meetings provide a safe place for discussion, and all matters discussed are kept in complete confidentiality. For more information, Buddie moderator Lynda can be contacted on 084-132-7086, or by email at [email protected].

EVERY SATURDAY – IAN TAYLOR'S BOAT 'PATTAYA BAY' will be cruising around the islands and coasts of Pattaya, Jomtien, and Naklua, stopping for swimming and snorkeling activities. The Pattaya Bay is a 57 foot long and 11 foot wide boat. It has a sun deck and dive platform at the rear. The cost of this venture is 500 baht per person with a 50% reduction for your partner (750 baht for two). The trip leaves at 11:00 AM from next to the Julie Hotel, opposite the Soho Square Development on Walking Street. For more information, contact Ian Taylor at 087-137-1529 or E-mail him at [email protected]

NOW THROUGH SUNDAY, MAY 6 – DUTCH ARTIST LEA LAARAKKER DINGJAN WILL EXHIBIT her paintings on silk. The Exhibit, entitled East and West – How Beautiful the Twain Meet will be at Ursula's Antiques on Third Road. For more information, call 038-415-431 or email [email protected].

NOW THROUGH MONDAY, JULY 30, 2007 – A PHOTO CONTEST SPONSORED BY CITY HALL with categories for the contest of: "Visiting Pattaya, Impressionable and Unforgettable" and "Amusement in Every Square Inch of Pattaya". The winner will receive 70,000 baht, 2nd-place will get 50,000 baht, 3rd place is worth 30,000 baht, and there will be ten consolation prizes worth 5,000 baht each. Anyone interested can submit their photos in person or post them to the Tourism Development and Promotion Section, Tourism Section of Pattaya City Hall For more information go to www.pattaya.go.th .

THURSDAY TO MONDAY, MAY 3 TO MAY 7 – THE THIRD TOP OF THE GULF INTERNATIONAL REGATTA with a fleet of over 250 international and local yachts sailing off the Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Jomtien Beach. The 500 sailors from six countries, including Thailand, Australia, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore and the Philippines, will be competing for three trophies: HM The King Royal sponsored 'Platu Coronation Cup,' the event's 'TOG Regatta Trophy' and 'Optimist National Championship' for young sailors aged between 8 and 15. Registration will be on Thursday, May 3rd and the races will begin on May 4th. For more information visit: www.topofthegulfregatta.com.

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, MAY 5 AND 6 – PATTAYA RUGBY tournament will be staged at Horseshoe Point Resort from 9am on Saturday and concluding around 5pm Sunday. This is the eighth staging of this event. There will be 16 teams playing in the main 10's tournament. Last year's champions the Royal Thai Navy will be defending their title. There will be some ladies teams playing along with teams from the Philippines and Singapore.

SATURDAY, MAY 5 TO SATURDAY, MAY 26 - EXHIBITION ENTITLED A PROPOS 2550 will be presented at Gallery Opium located on Thepprasit Road. The Exhibition is about a casual bringing together of two artists in 2007. Gallery opening hours are Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm.

MONDAY, MAY 7 – BOAT TRIP TO KOH SI CHANG on Rod's big boat the Edina, is scheduled to depart Bali Hai Pier at 9:00 am (sharp) and return by 6:00 pm. This is a trip planned by the lessors of his boat. For 1,000 baht, you get to be whisked around the island by Tuk-Tuk, visit a venerable Chinese temple and it's grotto, give a few alms to the old people, followed by a seafood lunch, a visit to the old palace grounds for coffee, and libations (you pay) as you relax on the beach. Interested - get your name on the sign-up sheet this Sunday.

TUESDAY, MAY 8 – The INVESTMENT GROUP MEETING at 1:00 PM in the Mark-Land Hotel Conference Room (downstairs on your right as you enter the building). Our own Capt Cliff Hagerman has some new tips and will be giving the presentation, while Sig will present his timely bits of information. Of course Dave Dunbar will give us the latest from Vector Vest, with the assistance of the Wi-Fi available in the Mark-Land Conference Room and Coffee Shop. Please bring anything you have learned that will be of interest to the group.

FRIDAY, MAY 11 – THE FINALS OF THE 10TH MISS TIFFANY UNIVERSE will be at Tiffany's on 2nd Road. This is a beauty pageant featuring women of the "second category" and is a popular attraction. Contact Tiffany's on the Internet or by phone for more information.

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, MAY 12 AND 13 – PATTAYA DOWNTOWN 2007 MOUTAIN BIKE EVENT will start from Pattaya Radio 5 Station, passes Chalermprakeit Park, and finishes at Pattaya City Viewing Point. It will have 7 categories: Under 15, Down Hill group A, Down Hill group B, 30-39, 40+, Free Ride and Hard Trail. The Pattaya Downtown 2007 planning consortium comprises the Pattaya City Council, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Running and Cycling Club for Health.

MONDAY, MAY 14 – COMPUTER GROUP MEETING at 1pm in the Conference Room of the Mark-Land Hotel. The Mark-Land now has Wi-Fi in their Coffee Shop, with reception extending to the Conference (Common) Room. The last meeting covered using Microsoft's new operating system, Vista, and some exposure to Microsoft's Office 2007. We will answer questions about Vista, Office 2007, and your personal questions about Windows XP, plus a review of the suggestions from Database. Our meetings are primarily to answer your questions, and present some current programs & suggestions for improved computer use. If you wish to receive a meeting notice with directions to the Mark-Land Hotel or need any additional information, please contact Richard Smith at 038-412-197, 089-244-9523, or by email at [email protected], or [email protected].

FRIDAY, MAY 18 TO THURSDAY, MAY 24 – ROYAL ORCHID PARADISE contest will be sponsored by Bangkok's Siam Paragon. The winner will receive a crystal royal trophy from HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Applicants are required to send nine groups of single orchids such as Vanda and Cattleya to the Department of Agriculture, Chatuchak, during office hours. The deadline for applications is May 17.

SATURDAY, MAY 19 – CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT & SUMMER DANCE sponsored by The Rotary Club of Taksin-Pattaya and the German-Swiss Golf Club. This big event is taking place at the Eastern Star Golf Course and then the Amari Hotel. All income will go to the charity projects of both clubs. For more details please email [email protected], or visit their website at www.rotary-pattaya.org.

FRIDAY, MAY 25 --- AMERICAN CONSULAR SERVICE (ACS) VISIT TO PATTAYA will be from 8:00am to 12:00pm at the Dusit Resort on Beach Road. The ACS announcement states that this will probably be the last Consular visit until August or September. The following services will be provided: (1) Passport renewal applications ($67.00 or Baht 2,546 for adult passports, and $82 or Baht 3,116 for a child's passport); (2) Notarial Services and Certified Copies ($30.00 or Baht 1,140); (3) Absentee ballot application and voting abroad information; and (4) Social security, VA or other federal benefits question. The ACS request you bring exact change and that due to an ACS systems software upgrade, applications for adding extra passport pages to the passport can be accepted, but the passport will not be available for pick up in Bangkok until the next day. If you have any questions, please e-mail: [email protected] or call the ACS Unit at: 02-205-4049.

SATURDAY, MAY 26 – LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL GOLF TOURNAMENT at Burapha Golf Course. The English speaking Lions Club will be holding their annual golf tournament with, amongst numerous other prizes, a brand new BMW for a prize. This event is for experts and amateurs alike and money raised will go towards the Lions hearing scheme for the disadvantaged. For further information please call Graham at 081-703-6150 or Joe at 081-338-5315 or email: [email protected]

AUGUST – THE PATTAYA CARNIVAL – City Hall postponed this event originally scheduled for May. We will provide the details as soon as soon as we get them.

WHAT'S INTERESTING AND HAPPENING WITH CLUB ACTIVITIES - Information on what is going on in your PCEC Interest Groups. The PCEC offers an opportunity for everyone to become involved in mid-week informal groups covering many interests. If you have an interest or idea to start a new group, please discuss it with a member of the Governing Board and we will help you publicize it.

DISCUSSION GROUP - Weekly on TUESDAYS 10:30am to 1:00pm - Your Host is Thor Halland – This group meets at the Shagwell Mansions, across from Carrefour, in Soi Arunothai. All subjects are open for debate.

THE GRANNY GROUP - Weekly on WEDNESDAY'S starting at 10:30 AM - Your Host is Marjorie Blissett. They meet at Oliver Twist's restaurant on Pattaya Central Road, on the first (ground) floor of the Ali Baba Indian Restaurant. Marjorie says they have decided to make their meetings a "breakfast" meeting since breakfasts are available at Oliver Twists. We are also told the conversations are lively and with no limitation on the matters covered.

TOUCHY TOPICS - Weekly on THURSDAYS 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM - your Host is Terry Garr. The format includes current topics of the week as well as a discussion on a controversial topic selected by the host, a member, or a guest. The topic is always thought provoking and subject to lively discussion. They meet at Shagwell Mansions, across from Carrefour in Soi Arunothai. For more information call Phil at 086-035-4183.

WRITERS CORNER - Weekly on FRIDAY from 1:00pm to 3:00pm – Replacing John Lynham, who will be sorely missed, is your new host Roger Fox. Our erstwhile writers meet at Shagwell Mansions, across from Carrefour in Soi Arunothai. For more information, contact Roger at 084-073-1270 or by email at [email protected].

BOOK EXCHANGE - Weekly during the PCEC Sunday meeting. A popular service started by Roger Fox. The book table seems to change weekly. Keep your eyes open for a pile of books - you may find the one you have been looking for. Also, on occasion members bring in video disks (VCD or DVD) to exchange. If you have a book or video disk you are finished with, bring it to the exchange pile for others to enjoy, and pick up something new while you are at it. If you need more information you can contact Roger Fox at 084-073-1270 or by email at [email protected].

COMPUTER GROUP - Host is Richard Smith. The group meets monthly, usually on the first MONDAY of the month. The next meeting will be at 1pm on Monday, May 14th at the Mark-Land Hotel. See the "What's Happening" section for details. Although Kilin's computer shop where previous meetings were held is closed, Kilin will still be available for all computer work through his cell phone number 081-295-3860. For more information about the Computer Group, or to receive a meeting notice with directions to our location, contact Richard Smith at 038-412-197, 089-244-9523, or by email at [email protected], or [email protected] ..

INVESTORS GROUP – This group meets periodically as speakers for interesting investment ideas become available. Your host is Sig (Harry Sigworth). The next meeting will be on Tuesday, May 8 at the Mark-Land Hotel. See "What's Happening" section for more information. If you have any helpful presentation suggestions for speakers, or feel you are experienced enough to give a talk let Sig hear from you. For more information contact Sig at 086-157-3739, or by email at: [email protected].

HOW DO THEY DO IT GROUP - About forty folks have signed up for opportunities to visit nearby facilities where stuff is made, manufactured, prepared, assembled, discovered, destroyed, cooked or concocted. So far the only visit has been to the house of 'empty promises'. Finding worthwhile places to visit hasn't been easy. Stewart checked out Ford and they are booked until next year. He is now working on Triumph Motorcycle. David has a lead at Emerson Electric. Several have expressed interest in visiting the Port at Leam Chabang, but how? If you have ideas about places to visit, contacts at places of interest or want to join the list of people waiting for something to actually happen, contact David Meador, [email protected] to be placed on the group's list or get on the sign-up sheet at the Sunday meetings.

MEMBERS DINNER – Is monthly, and usually on the first Thursday of each month. Cliff Hagerman is your Host. The last Members' Dinner was on Thursday, May 3rd, at the King Seafood Restaurant on Walking Street. To offer suggestions for our next members' dinner or gain more information, please contact Cliff at 086-036-6753, or by email at [email protected].

BANGLAMUNG DISTRICT CROSS CULTURAL VOUNTEER GROUP – Organized by Richard Smith. The next Conversation sessions for new and returning Thai participants will begin on Monday, May 14, 2007 at the 8th floor of the Mike Shopping Mall, with classes Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6pm to 7:30pm (or later if the class wishes). For anyone interested in the program, please feel free to visit us during the class periods. You can observe, or if you wish, join us in our conversations with Thais who are very anxious to speak better English. If you would like to be part of our Volunteer Group, please complete an application and have two pictures (which we can take) to register you as a volunteer with the Banglamung District Cross Cultural Volunteer Group, and with the Banglamung District Office. For more information, please contact Richard Smith at 089-244-9523, 038-412-197, or by email at [email protected] or see Richard or Khun Sermsakdi anytime during class hours at the Mike Shopping Mall.

DRIVING LICENSE ASSISTANCE – The host is Hans (or John) Stroosnyder. Generally, a trip is arranged when there are a sufficient number of persons wanting to obtain their license(s). The date of the next trip will be announced at the Sunday Meeting, and in the Newsletter. The club web site at www.pattayacityexpatsclub.com has information on what is needed to obtain a Thai driving license along with the latest information we have on the subject – such as need for International Driving Permit to avoid the written and driving tests, and how to avoid problems with your picture (wearing the same shirt/blouse you wore for your last license picture is definitely a "no-no").

BOAT GROUP – This group, hosted by Rod, was very popular with weekly meetings on Wednesday at 11:00am on Rod's boat at Bali Hai Pier. The group became inactive after Rod leased the boat out to another party. However, he has announced that he is in the process of making arrangements with the lessees to use the boat when it is not chartered. Every THURSDAY, there will be a deep sea fishing trip departing at 6am and returning 5:30pm. The cost is 3,000 baht, which covers equipment, bait, and lunch as well as tea, coffee, and water. At last week's meeting, Rod announced that the Koh Si Chang trip was postponed to May 7th. For more information, contact him at 087-039-9353.

INFORMATION OF INTEREST – Valuable information for or of use to our fellow Expats.

RECENT VISA RENEWAL COMMENTS – For comments about visa matters, please click on the following URL - http://www.pattayacityexpatsclub.com/modul...r=0&thold=0

FEED BACK FROM THE Open Forum and Other Assistance – At last week's Open Forum, a question was raised, but there was no one present with a complete answer. This question and the results of our inquiries follow:

QUESTION: Are there any businesses available for moving and storing furniture and other items?

ANSWER: At the meeting, Paul Back suggested going, with a Thai speaking person, to Sukhumvit where there are a lot of trucks parked, which can be hired to move anything you need. We also found there are several companies available for moving, and a few advertising storage – visit the PCEC website for a listing: http://www.pattayacityexpatsclub.com/modul...cle&sid=900

GROUP MEDICAL COVERAGE - Group medical coverage through the PCEC is available. There are forms on the Information table, and a description of the policy, coverage, cost and application process on the website at Topic "Group Insurance for Pattaya City Expats" at

http://www.pattayacityexpatsclub.com/appli...ce_coverage.pdf .. You will need a current PCEC discount card to obtain this coverage. A representative (Khun Neng – in a bright red shirt) of AA Insurance will periodically be at our Sunday Meeting to discuss the group insurance program, and the FAST family alert program, with you. You may also contact AA Insurance at 038 415 795-6 for detailed information.

DIALING FOR INFORMATION OR ASSISTANCE – 1337 for Pattaya (dial 1337 and then 9 for English), and 1111 for the Thai Government Ministry of Information – please see details on our website at http://www.pattayacityexpatsclub.com/modul...cle&sid=877. If you have tried either of these numbers we would like to know what you think of their service - please email [email protected], or leave a message at 038-412-197.

PCEC DISCOUNT CARD – See Max Rommel, Treasurer, during the meeting at the table near the door for renewal or new discount card. For renewal, just give Max your expired card. For a new card, get the application form from Max – he will also need two driver's license size pictures. The card's fee of 300 baht will entitle you to discounts at restaurants listed on our website under Members' Discounts, obtain Group Hospitalization Insurance coverage for yourself and your extended family, qualify for a 10% discount on the FAST card, and obtain discounts of up to 10% on services at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya.

THE PCEC DISCOUNT AND SPECIAL BENEFITS APPLICATION FORM FOR BANGKOK HOSPITAL PATTAYA (BHP) is on the Pattaya City Expats Club website at http://www.pattayacityexpatsclub.com/modul...cle&sid=871. If you already have a BHP card through earlier application as a PCEC member, you need not re-apply. See the information at the internet address above to apply. The BHP ID card alone will greatly speed up your check-in to the hospital (especially helpful when you are hurting), and the verification of the cardholder as a PCEC member will get you the 10% discount on room rates, medication and prescribed drugs, and 5% off on dental work, plus notices of discounts on special services offered throughout the year.

PATTAYA CITY EXPATS CLUB WEBSITE – There is a wealth of information at our website - www.pattayacityexpatsclub.com. We are constantly adding new information to all the Topics on our website. So, please visit often. The easiest way to get the information you want is to click on SEARCH, enter the word or word that describe what you are looking for, and click on Search in the box, and review the articles that show up. Americans will be interested in the availability of income tax preparation service. We were recently apprised of a firm in Bangkok that provides this service – see http://www.pattayacityexpatsclub.com/modul...cle&sid=887.

PICTURES OF PAST EVENTS - You can view the photo album of the PCEC's trips and activities over the last two years on the Webshots website at http://community.webshots.com/user/rick2d1 (copy the address to your address box, or hold down the Ctrl key and click on the address). Photos may be viewed, seen as a slideshow, or downloaded from the site. This year's photos of club activities can be viewed, copied or downloaded only at Picasa Albums (we changed because it is so much easier to upload pictures to Picasa Albums) at http://picasaweb.google.com/rick2mail.

I THINK YOU MISSED OUT THE KNITTING CIRCLE AND FRIDAY NIGHT BINGO.....BORING....GET OUT AND HAVE SOME FUN ...THIS IS PATTAYA....AND REMEMBER THERE IS NO "EXTRA TIME" AT THE END OF THIS MATCH...LIVE EVERY DAY ETC.............

he looks like denis wise !

THERE IS OBVIOUSLY NOTHING WISE ABOUT HIM !!

GREAT ADVICE FROM ALL OF YOU BUT YOU HAVE ALL MISSED THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR....GIRLFRIEND/BORED.........BIN HER AND START ENJOYING YOURSELF AGAIN !!!

Am I the only one noticing a pattern where people post in the Chiang Mai forum to rave about eating establishments and people posting in the Pattaya forums to complain about them?

You're not the only one Vic...

been there once....the fish had more personality than the guy that runs it !!!!!

CORNISH PASTY......CRAP ....I BET E DUNNOW WHAT A PROPER OGGY IS..SWEET I ONE END AND SAVOURY IN THE OTHER....CRUST JOINED ROUND THE OUTSIDE NOT ON THE TOP ( SO AS THE TIN MINERS DIDNT HAVE TO WASH THEIR HANDS BEFORE EATING...THE CRUST WOULD NOT BE EATEN )....PROPER JOB A DECENT TIDDY OGGY MMMMMMMM

IMAGINE IF THEY WERE LOSING AT CRICKET ????

why do they make them point at them....who else is there