Mark79

I Used Xendpay for the first time last week.

I sent 3k Euros via Xendpay and 3k Euros direct from my Lloyds offshore account to my Bangkok Bank account so I could compare the two.

With Xendpay I received 114,135 THB and with the direct bank transfer it cleared as 111,463 THB, the direct bank transfer arrived 1 day earlier than Xendpay.

The XE mid market rate was around 38.05 when I did the transfer and Xendpay gave me 38.045 which is the closest I have ever gotten to the mid market rate on a transfer. The whole process with Xendpay took 2 days.

I had read some bad reviews for Xendpay and was a little dubious using them but thought i'd give it a try with a low amount. Some people stated they had been waiting over 2 weeks for their transfer and complained of poor customer service.

All in all I was happy with the service and by far the best rate available.

I noticed a shop yesterday as I drove past had a selection of Oil Drum BBQ's out side. It was on Prapokklao (the road that runs along the train tracks), I didn't notice the exact Soi numbers but somewhere between soi 84 and 88 on the right hand side if heading South. It was just before Hangover Bar.

I stayed at Centre Point Thonglor for a few years when it was new, monthly rates were around 75k short term and 65k longterm for their 80 sqm apt with large balcony. Maid service daily, good location, decent pool and gym. I think it was built in 2005 so decor maybe a little dated now, I always enjoyed my stay there though.

http://www.centrepoint.com/centrepoint-group/thong-lo

I ate at a place called the gardens recently and really enjoyed it. It's just off Sukhumvit down a small soi between Thonglor and Ekamai, lovely setting, good food and reasonably priced too. I had the ribeye and missus had the lamb chops, both were excellent.

http://www.thegardenspalace.com/

I have recently moved to Hua Hin after several years living in BKK and used to swear by the El Gaucho Burgers but was a bit disappointed the other week when I went in. If my memory serves me right they used be 450 or 550 THB ++ which wasn't too bad. I still think the patties are really good but now at 790 baht ++ it is a bit high IMO, especially with the frozen chips as pointed out....no excuse for frozen chips when its so easy to get a few spuds and make some decent ones. I still bough a few of the burgers from their butcher shop to take home for the BBQ which were bloody lovely, but again price had gone up from 280THB to 320THB per patty.

I'm up in BKK again this weekend so will have to give the New York Steak joint a try on Suk 22.

I don't think there is much difference between the meat quality of both places....NYS&B is easier to eat and has far better chips....and of course considerably cheaper!

I tried the Bacon Cheeseburger at NYS&B on Friday and thought it was very good, I actually prefer the thicker patty at Gauchos as thought the NYS&B beef taste was overpowered a little by the sauce, bread, salad etc. I still enjoyed it though and would definitely go back again, Gauchos definitely does not warrant the extra 400baht in price for their burger.

I have recently moved to Hua Hin after several years living in BKK and used to swear by the El Gaucho Burgers but was a bit disappointed the other week when I went in. If my memory serves me right they used be 450 or 550 THB ++ which wasn't too bad. I still think the patties are really good but now at 790 baht ++ it is a bit high IMO, especially with the frozen chips as pointed out....no excuse for frozen chips when its so easy to get a few spuds and make some decent ones. I still bough a few of the burgers from their butcher shop to take home for the BBQ which were bloody lovely, but again price had gone up from 280THB to 320THB per patty.

I'm up in BKK again this weekend so will have to give the New York Steak joint a try on Suk 22.

There is a cake shop / tea room near my old condo Millennium Residence on Suk soi 20, think it was called "let them eat cake" it was more focused on the cakes but did do a pot of tea also. Prices were astronomical but it was quite a pleasant place to sit for a cuppa.

There were often Lambos and Ferraris parked outside and it was very popular with the hiso Thais.

I've seen those TWG tea stalls in Emporium and Paragon too which often look to be doing good business.

When making the international payment there is a drop down box labelled "Currency your payment will be sent in" which needs to be switched to GBP. A warning will then pop saying this may increase cost and time etc.

I use Lloyds UK to BKK bank in Thailand quite often and it seems to work well and is in my account within 2 days max, for some reason it is faster than when I transfer from my Lloyds offshore to Thailand which often takes several days.

Thanks, would it be better to exchange at Heathrow airport

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No, they will give you a terrible rate exchanging Baht to Pounds in the UK, best bet is superrich.

There is a Yamaha shop on Rama IV, about half way between Phrakhanong and Klong Toei which is close to Sukhumvit, they have a few bits and pieces on the shelves.

One of my best friends in Thailand is a Maltese fellow who has gotten many Thai visas in Malta. I just asked him about this and he confirmed that he got his at the address given by ubonjoe above. He did, however, suggest a different phone number: +356 213 24261.

Thanks for that, sounds like I should be able to get a visa there before flying back to Thailand.

I shall report back how I get on in a couple of months time.

Thanks ubonjoe,

I had tried emailing them on two different addresses but not had any reply.

I am not due to fly to Malta until next week so I will call them once there. I am working 10 weeks on followed by 10 weeks off so don't plan on getting the visas issued until mid/late December. Providing that 2nd entry visa is valid for 6 months, with the 30 day in country extensions this will sort me for my 10 weeks leave in Jan and again in May.

Has anyone obtained a Tourist Visa or any Thai Visa from the Thai Consul in Malta?

I am a UK citizen but will be working in Malta for 10 weeks, If possible I plan on getting a 2x entry tourist visa before I fly back home to Thailand from Malta.

I was in pretty much the same situation as yourself last month but flying into Thailand and worried about entry with my ED extension of stay. I contacted Thai Elite about 7 days before I was due to fly but they informed me that it was too short notice, they said that would need 10 working days. Luckily I had no problem entering with my ED extension and re-entry permit and got stamped in until Feb 2015. I will still probably join Thai Elite next time I leave and re-enter Thailand. 500k is a fair bit of cash to pay out for a visa but I am tired of messing around with ED visas and will be nice to have no visa worries for the next 5 years.

Being under 50 I'm considering joining the Thai Elite 500k card when my current extension of stay runs out in the New Year.

I can only really see the visa itself being of any use to me though, I usually fly in and out with Emirates which gives complimentary chauffeur service and fast track for business class anyway.

Does the elite fast track differ in anyway from what you get with business and first class, other than being met at the plane? and do they have the golf buggy service in Swampy?

here is my story of what happened at Immigration today, thankfully written from the comfort of my condo in BKK;

I work 10 weeks on, 10 weeks off on a ship and spend all my time off here in Thailand. I am British and have a 1 year ED extension of stay with re-entry permit. I was a bit worried about re-entry today having been away for 10 weeks and reading a few stories online, so I decided to try and enter with just a visa exempt stamp.

I filled out TM card, ticked holiday and left visa section blank.....walked up to desk, officer asks how are you, sabai dee krup lao khun la? I reply, sabai dee ka she says, smiles and looks at my TM card, scans my passport on computer (not sure if it flagged something up), she then flicks through my passport and asks why I don't use my visa? (extension of stay with re-entry permit). I told her I am not going to school and only on holiday......mai phen rai she says, use visa can stay longer! smiles, stamps my passport and writes entry permitted to Feb 2015, she then asks what is my work? to which I reply phom bhen wit sawagon ubon rua (engineer on a ship) don't know if she was just making conversation or questioning me as she had already stamped and wrote permitted until date in my passport. She hands me my passport back and i'm on my way.

I was flying Business so through the fast track...don't know if it is just my imagination but immigration always seem to treat you a bit better.

I am in a similar situation doing 10weeks on/off and due to fly back in on the 13th August. I have an 1yr extension of stay based on ED at the moment with multi re-enty permit as there was no other real option for me.....getting a bit worried reading the stories online at the mo! I've printed out my contract, bank statements payslips etc so can hopefully prove that my earnings come from offshore and not illegally working in Thailand if questioned.

I shall post how I get on.

You may be questioned about your Thai knowledge level, where do you go to school, and why you have been away so long.

Working abroad is clearly contrasting with studying in Thailand, so be prepared for that.

Better would be you obtain a Tourist visa to avoid any unpleasant situation.

It is very difficult for me to get a tourist visa as when I get off the boat I just fly straight back to Thailand. I may just not mention my 1yr ED extension of stay and re-entry permit and just pass through swampy on a visa exempt stamp. Just sat in the lounge in Dubai waiting for the last leg trying to decide which option to use. I read in another thread that the 1yr ED extensions obtained through agents are exactly what they will be clamping down on.......Think I might just bite the bullet and go for the Thai Elite card when I get to Thailand.

is there not a thai embassy/consulate in dubai?

Yes, probably could arrange a day stopover in Dubai for a tourist visa...i'm always eager to get home after 10 weeks work though!

Anyway, here is my story of what happened at Immigration today;

I filled out TM card, ticked holiday and left visa section blank.....walked up to desk, officer asks how are you, sabai dee krup lao khun la? I reply, sabi dee ka she says and smiles looks at my TM card, scans my passport on computer (not sure if it flagged up something), she then flicks through my passport and asks why I don't use my visa (extension of stay with re-entry permit). I told her I am not going to school and only on holiday......mai phen rai she says, use visa can stay longer! smiles, stamps my passport and writes entry permitted to Feb 2015, she then asks what I work as to which I reply wit sawagon ubon rua (engineer on a ship) hands me my passport back and i'm on my way

I was flying Business so through the fast track...don't know if it is just my imagination but the immigration always seem to treat you a bit better.

I am in a similar situation doing 10weeks on/off and due to fly back in on the 13th August. I have an 1yr extension of stay based on ED at the moment with multi re-enty permit as there was no other real option for me.....getting a bit worried reading the stories online at the mo! I've printed out my contract, bank statements payslips etc so can hopefully prove that my earnings come from offshore and not illegally working in Thailand if questioned.

I shall post how I get on.

You may be questioned about your Thai knowledge level, where do you go to school, and why you have been away so long.

Working abroad is clearly contrasting with studying in Thailand, so be prepared for that.

Better would be you obtain a Tourist visa to avoid any unpleasant situation.

It is very difficult for me to get a tourist visa as when I get off the boat I just fly straight back to Thailand. I may just not mention my 1yr ED extension of stay and re-entry permit and just pass through swampy on a visa exempt stamp. Just sat in the lounge in Dubai waiting for the last leg trying to decide which option to use. I read in another thread that the 1yr ED extensions obtained through agents are exactly what they will be clamping down on.......Think I might just bite the bullet and go for the Thai Elite card when I get to Thailand.

Surely it's risky asking these questions to immigration officers though as that may point them in the direction that you're not a tourist which will lead them to further questions to then face possible deportation no?

I don't know. I would have possibly kept quiet about it all. For most people it's time to leave and get the right visa.

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I don't agree. I'd much rather hear it for myself than rely on the words of other people and message boards. (no offence to TV or anyone that has posted) It's their job to inform us of the situation. I don't see Thai people in a bad light like many do, especially those online. I've never had an issue with a Thai offical when i have asked a straight forwards question.

The FOUR different officials i asked about me returning after the 12th were all very helpful

Hi Bear

Thanks for the info, I am in the same boat on 6 x 6 rotation like lots of other expats ,just seem to have got caught up in between renewing my Retirement visa, was meant to do it last month. Lets hope I can get a sympathetic ear(or one of them 4 officials) when I arrive home, I can not get a visa in the country I work in ,

Hope some one can advise me on the following dilemma , i am married, have two kids been in Thailand a far while mostly on non O to start with, then the other year on retirement visa multi entry.

My retirement and multi entry ran out in may , but i entered before the visa run out date so had the xtra time on the visa to run, but during this time i had to go back to the UK, got a new passport and returned to Thailand ,fully intending to re new my Retirement visa ,how ever i got a call to do some work and left the country on the 16th July.

I am due back to Thailand on the 27th Aug ,i have already one VOA in my passport ,will i be refused entry.

I have a copy of marriage and kids birth certificates with me plus my bank books will this help ? May just have to wait till after the 12th Aug to see if this will give a problem getting back in.

I am in a similar situation doing 10weeks on/off and due to fly back in on the 13th August. I have an 1yr extension of stay based on ED at the moment with multi re-enty permit as there was no other real option for me.....getting a bit worried reading the stories online at the mo! I've printed out my contract, bank statements payslips etc so can hopefully prove that my earnings come from offshore and not illegally working in Thailand if questioned.

I shall post how I get on.

Palm Bistro is the best i've had in Thailand by far......I've lived in BKK for around the last 10 years and paid way more for lunches no where near as good. Moving to HH in a few months time so looking forward to my weekly visit there.

Got to find a good place for a full English Breakie next.

My Mum was visiting me a few weeks ago and we tried to use the Asok Elevator from street level as she was suffering with Sciatica. There is a call button with intercom at the elevator but we waited at least 5 mins and nobody answered so gave up in the end and slowly took the stairs.

I do tend to agree that the quality of Western food in BKK has slipped over the last 10 years but I am still pleasantly surprised by some restaurants. There are some good high end restaurants in BKK, but finding good value decent quality pub grub that is consistent in quality is very hard to come by.

I have ate at Giusto on Sukhumvit Soi 23 quite a few times lately and have been really impressed by the food and service.....Decent value in my opinion too for the quality, the bill usually rolls in around the 3k mark for 2 mains, shared mussels starter and a bottle of red .

I have had some good meals at Napa on 26 lately too but it's a little more pricey there, their pork loin and pork belly is lovely though! I did their 5 course chefs surprise meal with wine paring too, which although a bit of a sting in the wallet was still a good evening and the food was excellent......even the Thai Missus enjoyed it, and she normally complains about overpriced food!

I still enjoy El Gauchos for a decent steak on suk 19 too, or New York at JW Marriott if I feel like spending a bit more.

I have rented from Budget, Avis and Sixt in the past. Avis and Budget were both fine with my 1 year Thai License and recently I used Sixt with my 5 year Thai License. I think I may have used my UK license (not international) once to rent from one of the big name companies in Phuket a few years ago too, think it was Avis at the airport but can't remember for certain.

Recently when I used Sixt at Rama IV BKK, they would only take debit or credit card for payment of the rental fee. They insisted on credit card for the excess deposit of 20k baht, but it was then explained that I could pay it with debit card if I wanted, but it could take upto 6 months to be returned to my account.

Most Full Englishs at the expat bars tend to be very much one and the same though the Londoner's on Suk 33 was a real stand out for a long time. Not been there for a long time mind you...

What constituts a full English breakfast?

Back Bacon (not the frazzled streaky stuff, or lump of processed ham), proper sausages (not the rubber like hotdogs often served for breakfast over here), baked beans, fried eggs, toast, fried mushrooms, hash brown, tomatoes, black pudding and a pot of tea.

The Queen vic and the Sportsman do the best quality and value for money brekkie in bangkok. The Sportsman Pub is located at the end of Trendy in Sukhumvit soi 13 and does a great breakfast for 225 baht with fresh coffee or pot of tea. 2 English back bacon, sausage, 2 eggs, hash browns, black pudding, beans, tomato & 2 toast. Open from 11am till 2am! They said from next week they open at 9am for breakfast

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I'll have to give the Sportsman Breakie a try, I always liked their food when they were at Washington Square but not tried them since they moved to Soi 13.