RBWilson

Has anyone also noticed the near absence of anything to hold on to near the doors on the Subway (as compared to the Skytrain)?

"Roughly 10:00PM" for channel 11 English news is correct: sometimes 9:30, sometimes 9:45; sometimes 10:00; and often pre-empted. Nation Channel has a better English program at 8:30PM (and on time) 7 nights a week.

You might do best to wait until you arrive in BKK and then visit travel agents here - BKK is a major hub and many discount options exist from agents here. (i.e Hong Kong 3day/2night RT including hotel for about $300). Many agent options - one is TV AIR on Silom Road (near Soi 15). To get some idea of non-discounted prices, see onetravel.com (supposedly a discount site but prices are high compared to agent prices here).

There are several shops in Pratunam (on Petchburi - North Side, opposite Grand Diamond & Pantip) selling only linen products - inexpensive (not great patterns, however).

Fees and conversion rates vary considerably from bank to bank, but use of a Debit or Credit card is not generally a problem.

I have not tried them, but have been told that the new Tony Roma's counter in the Emporium Park Food Hall has good burgers.

Tee Sud gets my vote also - Owner's Thai wife was fomer chef at Oriental Hotel; she is pleasant and keeps her Husband under control when he has had too much. Good Service overall and great Western food choices in addition to good Isaan food.

Try to call Khun Somkid 09-525-4700; a small, independent AC service - dependable for me so far.

Last time I checked, the Los Angeles Times daily edition was still 25 cents (10 baht). This increase only accelerates the demise of printed media.

Another near Pantip - South side of Petchburi Rd. about 50 meters East of Phayathai.

Limoncello on Suk 11.

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The billing was out sourced and a total mess. They have recently changed and I have not had any problems the last couple of months. Before statements would be late every other month.

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I believe I would dispute that - went to a TRUE office to pay my bill today and was simply told 'system error' (as they attempted to apply my payment) and handed everything back to me. No manual system as a backup - "come back tomorrow".

The process for BofA reuires that the destination bank has an ABA routing/transist ID. Since this is a US based sytem only, it follows that the destination bank has a US office which will accept transfers for their Thai based customers. Apparently Bangkok Bank supports this (via New York). An inquiry to HSBC resulted in a negative reply - no such service offered via their US branches (HSBC - "your global bank" as their ads claim).

It may be of interest to acculumlate a list of other Thai banks offering an ABA routing transfer.

FYI: There are no more Customs declaration forms as of late last year.

SCB Will normally not give credit cards to foreigners - they sometimes offer a secured credit card where you must maintain a secured savings account equal to your credit limit.

HSBC - Only one branch (Rama IV) but universal Thai ATM access. If you want a Thai Credit Card, SCB is not a good choice.

It is my understanding that TV Air at Emporioum and Central are franchises and individually managed. May explain why the Silom branch operates more satisfactorily.

You might try Duang Prateep Foundation (www.dpf.or.th)

Try applying for a Credit Card once you have your account well established with SCB. You will not get very far as a foreigner (with or without a WP).

Bug & Bee Cafe (at Saladaeng BTS); 4 floors - quiet (Some background music) and free Wi-Fi. Many folks there looking for the same as yourself.

TV Air at Silom (Near Soi 15) has a good Hotel/Air package (Avoid TV Air branches at Emporium and Central Chidlom - rude and unhelpful staff)

Thanks much for the input - very helpful.

Some additional comments:

1. My assets in the US consist of Investment Accounts and Bank Accounts only with a 'pay on death' designation. It is my understanding that in this situation a 'living trust' is not nesessary and probate would not be involved; anyone know differently?

2. I have no prenuptial agreement as there is no marriage involved.

3. Sounds like an additional Thai will is in order - does the US Embassy ACS offer any consultation on this issue?

As I have property in both the US and own a Condo in Thailand, would a single USA drafted will cover the condo property adequately in Thailand, or is it best to have a separate one for that property? (The beneficiary would be a Thai).

It is my understanding that yellow/green are individual owner operated (or individual owner has rented it out).

There was an article in the BKK POST about 2-3 years ago that said the Govt. would require ALL new taxi's to be BLUE/RED from that day on. Guess that went by the wayside like so many other 'rules'.

I don't know all the details about the SIC, but basically I think it gets you into the Thai retirement system and it gives you benefits at, I think, gov't hospitals. It may not be important to you, but even if not it's annoying if they don't want you to have it. They are probably already paying into the system in your behalf, though how much they are paying is questionable. I don't know when exactly you are eligible to get the card, but I think it's less than 1 year of employment. Perhaps someone more knowledgeable will weigh in here.

I don't know if foreigners can get the Thai social security but as far as I know there are few if any retirement benefits for foreign teachers in Thailand...unlesss of course you were granted citizenship. Getting permanent residence is a daunting task and citizenship would make getting permanent residence look easy! Just as where I come from (USA) social security will simply not be there when folks my age retire someday. I don't really see the difference here in Thailand except to say that most foreigners will never have retirement benefits to begin with. Any savings/investments you have will be your bread and butter when you're older.

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I work for a Govt. school and have a Thai Social Security card (and a monthly deduction/contribution from my pay). There is an English web site explaining details at: http://www.sso.go.th/eng/services_en/social_en.html