MickeyM

Tried to do a Swap yesterday; was told it would cost 50b additional deposit, but when they saw I had 400b+ balance on the old one, was told that was too much - 300b maximum. Another 'rational' policy. I give up.

Plenty of taxi's at Udom Suk BTS

I have investigated CitiBank options for their CitiGold (Premier) account. Not even close to HSBC services. Fees charged for most everything, including transfers from other Citi banks. Only 2M baht qualifies, but not on a combined International basis as HSBC. Forget maintaining a US$ account locally - they charge .5% on all deposits into such, including transfers (1% for US$ cash deposits). They quote offering 'Global View' but only for information, not transfers.

Former Deputy PM, not PM as the article states.

His platform is always consistent with whatever party is in power!!

From my experience, It will not be 13 months; it will be 12 months, for both, from the date you apply.

Good stuff.

Where was this and who are these guys ???

Check out www.thebetters.com for more info

Not the same group - two similarly named groups in Thailand: The Better and The Betters.

I have noticed a small upholstery shop on Petchburi Rd., near Soi 7 (North side of Petchburi).

Excellent discussion, especially by the OP. I am 68 years old and made the same decision to self-insure years ago, after 10 years with NZI, using pretty much the same thought process as the OP. NZI is a broad policy, with good coverage caps internationally, but gets terribly expensive as you get older. (I found the payout caps for BUPA to be inadequate outside of Thailand). I am now well covered in the USA (home), and self insured here, with a good accumulated reserve account.

There is a used guitar shop in the Coco Walk complex on the East side of Ratchavee BTS station.

Nothing but a 'self promoter' to enhance his business.

I'm surprised to see HSBC do this, it kinda screws things up for folks who have a string of HSBC Premier interconnected accounts, doing away with of them means that the rest serve little purpose, for my part I think I'll probably just move to Kasikorn or similar.

Note: The original post indicates that only credit cards and loans are involved. Not Premier accounts.

Indeed, but I sent an email to HSBC to try and clarify this aspect, their reply was that their is still uncertainty as to whether retail accounts are included also. I for one cannot see how they can sell credit card and consumer loans and possibly retain current and savings accounts. But equally as confusing is the last line of the Bangkok Post article where it states that HSBC Thailand will continue to grow its branch network here (even if sold?)!

Just visited HSBC (Rama IV) today; they confirmed the issue is with credit cards/loans only and not retail banking overall. They had no further details as of now.

I'm surprised to see HSBC do this, it kinda screws things up for folks who have a string of HSBC Premier interconnected accounts, doing away with of them means that the rest serve little purpose, for my part I think I'll probably just move to Kasikorn or similar.

Note: The original post indicates that only credit cards and loans are involved. Not Premier accounts.

Thai web site has had unpredictable performance (usually poor) over the 16 years I have been using it.

Bug & Bee - Saladaeng BTS

Bug & Bee - Saladaeng BTS - Silom

Have not been recently, but SeEd and Book Shelf (??) at Pantip (Bangkok) has some.

Normally play every Friday night (9PM+) at O'Rielly's Pub on Silom - Bangkok.

FOX consumes 20 minutes per hour with commercials and, often another 10+ minutes with teasers and book promos. AJ gives you almost a full hour of news and insightful documentaries.

All the Skippy I have bought in Thailand is manufactured in China.

T-House at K-Village.

For Seafood, Somboon Seafood is great. Also, Laem Chareon Seafood (Central World and Paragon) is quite good.

<br />In my opinion, the best restaurant next to the Saladaeng BTS would have to be the Beirut restaurant.   They have great chicken, lamb & beef plates and the prices are quite cheap (190thb - 290thb a plate).  Its in the same plaza as KFC and Subway.  You cant see it from Silom rd as it is located in the back left section on the ground floor directly across from Subway.  Just look for the KFC or Subway signs and you wont miss it.<br />

Agreed - Beirut is great.

Banana House is also a good Thai restaurant; 2nd floor - near Beirut, closer to Soi 4 (look for the green sign above).

3 French Restaurants:

4 Garcons in Thonglor area

Bon Jour in Ekamai area

Le. Beaulieu - Suk 19

HSBC Works fine for me - they will issue the required verification letter.