PattayaDavid

Thankyou all for your comments.

Though I wireless problem free normally, at just one place I spend time there is a very distant wireless signal. I believe with the new N card I would receive OK there. That's my only reason to change, and he nearest N upgrade is to white ( ) at 48,900.

You may want to keep your Macbook.  I may be mistaken, but I think I have read several posts on thaivisa.com indicating that there are no wireless sites in Thailand providing w

ireless N services.  It's my understanding that most sites use wireless B with Wireless G as the fas

test available.  

My ThinkPad has wireless N capability, but I have yet to encounter a wireless N 

connection.  

I observed last week on Windows Updates that Vista SP 1 was available for installation. My question, should I install the update or not? Has anyone experienced or does anyone know of any reported issues associated with SP 1? What are the Pros and Cons of installing Vista SP 1?  I have Vista Ultimate installed on my computer and overall it has performed ok without any serious issues. Thanks. 

I bought a new 2007 Toyota Vigo Exclusive 4-door, 4x4 etc. last February.  I received Viriyah 1st class insurance through Toyota at the time of purchase.  I received a renewal contract from Viriyah last

 month and the insurance charge totaling 24,284.84 baht.

This cost is higher than last year while offering less overall coverage, 670,000 baht versus 700,000 or so last year.  I know I have read many times on the TV website of people paying much less for their 1st class insurance, some as low as 14,000 baht.  Has insurance prices gone up or am I just mistaken concerning the lower quotes observed?  What are you guys paying for 1st class insurance for your new or year or two year old trucks and what agency are you using?  I want quality insurance, but don't want to pay an arm and leg for it.  By the way, I have a perfect driving record here in Thailand for the past 3 years so bad driving, accidents etc can not  be considered as a factor in determining the higher cost.

Thanks,

Pattayadavid

I've experienced the same slowdown problem for a few weeks now, primarily when viewing international websites.

Not required. I just renewed my Retirement Visa in December. Actually, it wasn't required for my previous year renewal either. The only thing that I noticed that was different, if you use an outside income such as a pension and obtain a notary signed form from your embassy (United States in my case), you can no longer show immigration the original then they take a copy. You now must provide an original notorized statement of income at each year's renewal.

Thanks guys; I will check out some these places tomorrow. Heck, if I can buy a Tux for the price of renting one in the US, it's a no brainer. Again, thanks.

I also have Banglamung Cable versus Sophon Cable. I wish I had Headline News instead of CNN International which I already get on UBC. I also wish I could get the new Fox Business Channel, direct competitor to CNBC.

To kick this off, I needed a jacket in a hurry a few years back and used "Classic" tailors for the price and what jacket was needed for it was ok.

Location for Classic tailors please?

I have the understanding that the ATM/credit card requirement still exists and was only for people showing monthly income, not for full money deposited in a Thai bank. They did not require a Atm/credit card last month for my renewal with a full deposit.

I've always presented my monthly pension income statement and copies of my Thai bank book and letter from the bank although I don't use my Thai bank deposit as part of the 800K requirement.  I've never had to provide any ATM

or Credit Card information ever.  I just renewed my Retirement Visa last month.

Following my success with buttons, here's another stupid question.

I was in PIH today and they have "CNN Headline News" Channel on. This is the only place I have ever seen it.

I have 2 satellite systems, and a cable system but none of them carries this channel.

I'm not desperate to have it - just curious about who is transmitting it.

Anyone?

CNN is channel 71 on True (UBC) and as another member stated, on Sophon Cable too.

I've got UBC, but have only seen CNN International, not CNN Headline News which covers United States news primarily similar to that of Fox News.  Of course, I could be mistaken, that's my disclaimer and I'm sticking to it.

I'm leaving in a week to attend my daughter's wedding.  I was just informed that I will need to wear a Tuxedo.  The going rental price in the United States is approximately $160.  I had one made years ago in Thailand that costs somewhere in the vicinity of this price, maybe a little more, however I no longer have this Tux.  Could anyone recommend a quality tailor shop in Pattaya with fair prices that uses good quality materials? Time is short.

Thanks,

Pattayadavid

Thank you all for your input. I think I will have to wait until after New Year to book my flight as I'm sure that all of the agencies are closed until at least January 2nd. I wish you all a "Happy New Year" and good health and prosperity for the upcoming year.

Pattayadavid

I tried to book online, but since I will have to make a connecting flight in Los Angeles using a different airline to fly to Charlotte, NC, I couldn't seem to make it happen on the online EVA Air website. Am I doing something wrong? When they give me a pulldown menu of destinations, they don't list Charlotte (CLT), I guess because EVA Air doesn't fly into Charlotte so I must make a connection in LA, makes it more complicated.

Also, I went to the Bangkok Air office on second road to book my flight to Koh Samui next week. Does anyone know if EVA Air has an office in Pattaya?

Pattayadavid

When I had a problem with my old Canon G1 digital, I was told to take it to the Canon Repair Service Center located, I believe at the front on the 3rd floor at TUKCOM in Sri Racha. I took my camera there, filled out the form describing the problem and received a receipt from the lady. She said that it would be sent to Bangkok, no charge for transportation or estimate of repair. I received a call from the technician a week or so later. Luckily, there was only a minor battery connection problem with my camera and it was fixed quite easily. The camera was sent back to TUKCOM, Sri Racha and I was called when it arrived to come and pick it up. My camera was fixed for no charge even though it is an old camera years out of warranty. I would recommend you to give them a try. Worse case, the estimate of repair will be more than you wish to pay and you will get your camera back at no charge.

PattayaDavid

I'm planning a flight in February to the United States to attend my daughter's wedding.  In the past, I've always booked my flights from travel agencies in Bangkok.  Does anyone know of a travel agency (name and location) in Pattaya that they have used frequently, have received fair prices and are generally happy with the service they provided?

Thanks,

Pattayadavid

The New Bangkok airport has long term parking, but there is no shade at all. For some reason they don't have those poles with netting that seems to be used just about everywhere to protect your car from the sun.

If I were to park my Toyota Vigo there each time I go to the UK for 2 weeks, would the sun damage it. As I write this I think I am being a bit too 'protective' of a pick up truck, but still I like to look after things if I can and the saving on parking fees for the covered short term parking over 2 weeks is only about 2000 baht!

I don't think two weeks in the sun will cause any immediate damage to your vehicle, but could reduce the effect of the protective UV properties in today's clear coat paint over the extended life of your vehicle.  Put a good coat of UV protectant polish on your vehicle periodically and I think you will be fine.

Changing the subject for a moment, how much does it cost per day for the long-term parking in the sun?  in the shade?  I'm going to Koh Samui for 4 or 5 days and was thinking about leaving my vehicle at the airport during my absence.

Pattayadavid

I've been trying to locate a restaurant that grills a good steak over actual charcoal brickets versus the usual cooked on a metal plate. I long for the taste that the charcoal brickets impart on the meat. Yeah, I can do it myself and I do on occasion, but I could like to find a good restaurant that cooks steaks in this manner.

I've passed by El Toro's on second road many times, but have yet to give it a try. Has anyone eaten at El Toro's? Any great steak restaurants which charcoal grill their steaks?

Thanks,

Pattayadavid

I bought mine several years ago at Home Pro in Carre Four.

One of the new flyovers has now been opened and some parts of the additional lanes on the way to Bangkok making the journey less tiresome.

On the way back there's no diversion and u-turn at Ping Thong any more.

It's less hassle than going along the 3 with all the traffic lights and the congestion at Sri Racha and that market before Bang Saen.

Thanks, I believe I will go ahead and take Motorway 7.  I'm glad to see that there has been some improvement since I last travelled this road back in August or early September.  A friend of mine left Pattaya for Bangkok this past Friday driving up Highway 3 then taking Highway 315 over to the motorway.  He said that he saved 20 to 30 minutes over taking the motorway.  I'm not sure what time he left Pattaya; maybe early morning or at night would carry lighter traffic and save some time.  Anyway, I'm going to go ahead and take the motorway, thanks for your input.

PattayaDavid

Will the Vista SP1 Service Pack download automatically in Windows Update or do I have to visit the Microsoft site? The Microsoft Office 2007 SP1 automatically updated back on December 13th. Also, has anyone had any difficulty getting Vista Update K942763 to install? The update fails to install each time I have tried.

Update for Windows Vista (KB942763)

Update type: Important! Installing this update enables your computer to automatically adjust the computer clock on the correct date in 2007 and 2008 due to revised Daylight Saving Time laws in many countries. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.

sorry to jump back into the thread I started, but I was also told that there was no English version of the owners hand book available in Thailand. I now find that this maybe a bit far from the actual. Anyone know where I can find one?

Hi Aussieladdy

Toyota definitely produce a owners handbook in Engrish. Ive met at least two people who said they have them and going back some time on TV, I'm sure someone even quoted a Toyota part number for one. Iv also seen ads on the Interweb selling them in CD format. Sorry I cannot be more specific, but I think its a case of you trying to find a salesperson with more braincells than a goldfish

Good Luck

Dave

Toyota does indeed publish an owners manual in English, at least they do for the Vigo trucks, however they are not published with the intent of satisfying us English speaking customers.  They are published for their export models; this is why they don't generally have them in stock at the dealership and have to order one from Toyota at the time of purchase.  I had mine included in the purchase price of the truck, otherwise they will charge you for the English manual.  It took almost 3 months for my manual to arrive primarily because the one ordered in my name had been given to someone else.  Someone had signed for it next to my name so the dealership thought I had already received it, however they were surprised and apologetic when I inquired as to it's whereabouts and promptly ordered me a new one which arrived in about two weeks.

PattayaDavid

Its every 7 years that you will need to check. The owner of the car will be notified. It used to be 10 years, somehow its now 7 years. Not sure what they check. Emission for sure, rest from your list I cant answer

Are you sure that it is every 7 years?  It was my understanding that an inspection was required at 7 years then every year thereafter due to the age of the vehicle.

Both cars in fully enclosed garage, electric door openers, electric gate.

exit in banbueng (in sukhumvit road, turn right at the traffic light if you are coming from pattaya) and go directly to the motorway but it has to be at night when traffic in chonburi is less.

I have a hospital appointment in Bangkok next Thursday and will have to leave Pattaya between 6:00 AM and 6:30 AM to make my appointment.  I should finish up around mid afternoon.  I guess I will probably take my usual routing going to Bangkok, but I may try the banbueng exit coming back.  How is this exit marked when driving south out of Bangkok?  Does it have a road number?

Thanks

I don't travel to Bangkok very much these days, but I know that there are those who make this trip frequently.  I generally take Sukcumvit north to highway 36 then eastward over to the expressway.  A friend of mine told me last night that he drives nort

h on highway 3 to the Chonburi bypass then exits to join

highway 7 expressway avoiding the major construction.  He couldn't remember exactly which exits he used to avoid the highway 7 construction either going to or coming from Bangkok.  I would like to hear your recommendations as to the most efficient or best way to transit, under the present road construction effort, to and from Bangkok from Pattaya.

Thanks,

PattayaDave