joefarang

hello tv forum members,

would anyone know where i could have an old stamp collection appraised here in bangkok?

your wisdom/experience/knowledge would be greatly appreciated.

regards/joe

Some people, who live downtown, of course, found it very convenient to go to the Suan Phlu office, if convenient at all.  But those same people are now inconvenienced by having to come out to Chaeng Wattana (CW), either by plane, train or automobile etc. Why not take the express boat and get off at the last pier, which is Nonthaburi pier and then get in a taxi. Tek in the river views!

But those who live near CW are now more fortunate. Things change and such is life. Sometimes they work in your favor, sometimes not. But, it depends on how you look at it, doesn’t it? Perhaps it’s good to use the trip out to CW to go to Koh Kret, Central CW mall, Makro, or even to sample some of the great restaurants that are out here: Que Pasa Tex Mex, BBQ Sandwich King, New York Diner etc. Use it as a springboard for some new experiences here in Thailand. 

FWIW, most hospitals which cater to foreign clientele will do the 90 day reporting for you as it doesn't need to be done in person.

I just called Bumrungrad as they used to charge 200 baht to do the 90 day reporting for you, when Immigrations was at Suan Plu. The lady at their visa services office said they have raised their price to 500 baht given immigrations has moved.

Still for those bitching, pissing and moaning about making the trip out to the new office, it's probably 500 baht well spent.

i have recently been out to the new govt. center on chaeng wattana and i generally agree with most of the comments and i'll add some of my own.

i live near chaeng wattana and always get around with taxis, so i can give directions in a taxi if you're coming north on vipavadhi rangsit road. just turn left at the laksi intersection and proceed until you see the big CAT building. just go past it a tad and then turn left into the new govt complex. you can't miss it. in thai it's called the "suan ratchakan mai ti chaeng wattana." this translates as "new government convention center".

then you have to go past the buildings that you will see on your right hand side as you enter the complex: a roundish decorative structure and then the big hotel and convention center. there are some smallish green signs with white letters in thai and english that say immigration, so just follow those. they lead you all the way to the back of the complex and then you'll turn right and then right again into the back of the complex, where the immigration service office is. the taxi will pull up into the drop off area, as you would a hotel. you enter and the office is just at the right before you enter the huge atrium. compared to the suan phlu location, this office is tiny and is about 1,000 times smaller than the whole place that it's housed in. see the attached pic.

the hours are : m-f 8:30 - 12:00 & 13:00 – 16:30

it's easy when you know how.

How many months validity left on WP?

i had 7.

but i don't know what the minimum is without facing any problems with that issue. i would guess 6.

How many months validity left on WP?

i had 7.

Dear TV Forum Members,

Here is a report on my non-immigrant, multi-entry ‘b’ visa run to KL.

I left on 14/9/09 and returned on 16/9/09. This is the third year in row that I have been there for this specific purpose. I’d rather go to Penang, but my company only has 2 million Baht in registered capital. Penang requires 8 million, but the relevant documentation needed is the same. I already have a work permit, but not 4 employees.

Here are the docs needed:

• Passport w/ validity not less than 6 months.

• Completed application form.

• Recent passport-sized photograph (1)

• Company letter to facilitate the need of this type of visa

• Employment contract

• Copies of all pages of my work permit

• Business registration and business license

• List of shareholders

• Company profile & details of business operation: articles of association

• Map of the company’s location

• Balance sheet, statement of income tax and business tax (Por Ngor Dor 50 and Por Ngor Dor 30) of the latest year

• VAT registration (Por Por 20)

You have to sign each page of all docs submitted.

Apply for your visa and turn in the docs from 9:30-11:30 and pick it up the next day from 14:30-16:30. The cost for the visa is 5,500 Baht. Even though I came early, there was already a que.

I flew Air Asia (AA) (roundtrip, of course & booked it on-line) for approximately 5,200 Baht, leaving at 7 am, to avoid Bangkok traffic. Good move. AA are what they are: no frills. If I weren’t on a budget, I’d fly another carrier, as they land in the LCCT (low cost carrier terminal) at KLIA (kuala lumpur international airport), which is separate from the other terminals and they are almost always late.

You then have to get from KLIA to KL Sentral (transport hub) which takes you into the city center. You can jump on a bus as you exit KLIA for about 80-90 Baht. The touts are there to direct you and take your money. It takes about an hour. Or you can upgrade to the KL Ekpres train, which is cleaner, cooler (style- & comfort-wise) and more civilized for about 340 Baht. It takes about 30 minutes. In any case, you will then be dropped off near the KL Monorail system, which is about a 5-10 minute walk. There used to be a relatively straight shot to the monorail, but there is some construction work going on and you are now diverted to the left and around it, but it’s no big hassle.

I stayed at Tune Hotel (for the third time), which is related to Air Asia in some way, shape or form. I booked a room (on-line again) with a queen-sized bed for about 1,300 Baht, 650 per night. Again, they are no frills. They pride themselves on a great bed and a great shower. They deliver on this.

In the lobby, there is a convenience store that sells all the basics, including beer, an unlce john’s kopitiam (coffee shop), a subway sandwich shop and an Internet café (hotel guests only, 30 minutes’ time, as a courtesy to others). Whether you book on-line or not, there are add-ons such as A/C and wireless Internet service (both for 12-24 hour increments). The rooms are very small (10-15 sq. m.), but clean. There is a floor towel, a safe, toilet paper and hangers in the room, but you have to provide everything else. You can buy a kit at the counter which includes soap, shampoo, shower gel and a towel (minimal cost & deposit for the key card and towel is also minimal). The types of guest you will encounter are small groups of young backpackers, other single budget travelers and locals visiting the capital. The staff are efficient, helpful/knowledgeable and speak English. Directly outside the hotel’s door to the right is a large city map too. You can catch a taxi to the Thai embassy (located on Jalan Ampang) near the hotel’s intersection. The typical taxi is an old beater box Proton model and the meter starts at 30 Baht. The trip to the embassy costs about 60-80 Baht, depending on traffic. Or you opt for the executive taxis, which are double the rate, but more modern and cleaner. As is always the case, you get what you pay for.

I converted everything into Baht by multiplying by 10, so if it’s 10 RM, then it’s approximately 100 Baht.

Hope this helps.

Regards/JF (American)

Thank your for your report, 2007nomad. This is the first report I have seen of getting a double-entry tourist visa in Kuala Lumpur.

--

Maestro

Dear TV Forum Members,

Here is a report on my non-immigrant, multi-entry ‘b’ visa run to KL.

I left on 14/9/09 and returned on 16/9/09. This is the third year in row that I have been there for this specific purpose. I’d rather go to Penang, but my company only has 2 million Baht in registered capital. Penang requires 8 million, but the relevant documentation needed is the same. I already have a work permit, but not 4 employees.

Here are the docs needed:

• Passport w/ validity not less than 6 months.

• Completed application form.

• Recent passport-sized photograph (1)

• Company letter to facilitate the need of this type of visa

• Employment contract

• Copies of all pages of my work permit

• Business registration and business license

• List of shareholders

• Company profile & details of business operation: articles of association

• Map of the company’s location

• Balance sheet, statement of income tax and business tax (Por Ngor Dor 50 and Por Ngor Dor 30) of the latest year

• VAT registration (Por Por 20)

You have to sign each page of all docs submitted.

Apply for your visa and turn in the docs from 9:30-11:30 and pick it up the next day from 14:30-16:30. The cost for the visa is 5,500 Baht. Even though I came early, there was already a que.

I flew Air Asia (AA) (roundtrip, of course & booked it on-line) for approximately 5,200 Baht, leaving at 7 am, to avoid Bangkok traffic. Good move. AA are what they are: no frills. If I weren’t on a budget, I’d fly another carrier, as they land in the LCCT (low cost carrier terminal) at KLIA (kuala lumpur international airport), which is separate from the other terminals and they are almost always late.

You then have to get from KLIA to KL Sentral (transport hub) which takes you into the city center. You can jump on a bus as you exit KLIA for about 80-90 Baht. The touts are there to direct you and take your money. It takes about an hour. Or you can upgrade to the KL Ekpres train, which is cleaner, cooler (style- & comfort-wise) and more civilized for about 340 Baht. It takes about 30 minutes. In any case, you will then be dropped off near the KL Monorail system, which is about a 5-10 minute walk. There used to be a relatively straight shot to the monorail, but there is some construction work going on and you are now diverted to the left and around it, but it’s no big hassle.

I stayed at Tune Hotel (for the third time), which is related to Air Asia in some way, shape or form. I booked a room (on-line again) with a queen-sized bed for about 1,300 Baht, 650 per night. Again, they are no frills. They pride themselves on a great bed and a great shower. They deliver on this.

In the lobby, there is a convenience store that sells all the basics, including beer, an unlce john’s kopitiam (coffee shop), a subway sandwich shop and an Internet café (hotel guests only, 30 minutes’ time, as a courtesy to others). Whether you book on-line or not, there are add-ons such as A/C and wireless Internet service (both for 12-24 hour increments). The rooms are very small (10-15 sq. m.), but clean. There is a floor towel, a safe, toilet paper and hangers in the room, but you have to provide everything else. You can buy a kit at the counter which includes soap, shampoo, shower gel and a towel (minimal cost & deposit for the key card and towel is also minimal). The types of guest you will encounter are small groups of young backpackers, other single budget travelers and locals visiting the capital. The staff are efficient, helpful/knowledgeable and speak English. Directly outside the hotel’s door to the right is a large city map too. You can catch a taxi to the Thai embassy (located on Jalan Ampang) near the hotel’s intersection. The typical taxi is an old beater box Proton model and the meter starts at 30 Baht. The trip to the embassy costs about 60-80 Baht, depending on traffic. Or you opt for the executive taxis, which are double the rate, but more modern and cleaner. As is always the case, you get what you pay for.

I converted everything into Baht by multiplying by 10, so if it’s 10 RM, then it’s approximately 100 Baht.

Hope this helps.

Regards/JF (American)

Nobody can renew a visa at Immigration. You extend your stay one year at a time with school paperwork/work permit. Is this what you have? Or do you have a mutli entry B visa from outside Thailand and have to leave every 90 days?

I do not believe degree is a requirement for extension of stay. Can not answer the Penang question as teachers may be exempt from some of the general rules - suspect the teaching forum is best for teacher specific questions at times.

Thanks for the pointers.

Actually I work as a non-teaching staff in a school. Do you have any ideas on how the visa rules apply to foreigners who work as non-teaching staff?

as of september 2009, does anyone know if the consulate in penang will issue a non-immigrant, multi-entry b visa provided that the applicant has all, and i mean all, the necessary documentation and work permit? i have been going to kl the last 2 years, no problem at all, but would like to go to penang this time around.

any news would be greatly appreciated.

Don't understand your question...

What do you mean "burger bar", and what is spurring your question???

Maybe that would help with finding some better answer....

everyone keeps talking about burger bars, so what constitutes a real bona fide burger bar? please define it.

i've been to tequila bars where all they sell are various tequilas and you sit at a bar, drink them and appreciate them etc.

so is a burger bar similar to that?

1. what exactly is a real burger bar and does one actually exist in bangkok?

2. and is this an american concept?

Even though the Mrs family lives up that way< I don't get there as often as I probably should , it's too bad that if this place is as good as it sounds why wouldn't they consider opening something up in the CBD where the majority of farangs live?

Dotcom, if you don't mind, just bring back a load of those ribs and I will come by and pick them up. We can call you deliverydotcom or something seeing as Chefsxp wont bring em.

hi bkkjames:

my biz plan's strategy was to open outside the big mango to fill a niche market and to source locations with low overheads.

this is a brand new food and beverage concept and this was the test location. bbq sandwich king works. we are less than one year old and don't know exaclty what the future holds for us here in thailand, but we have an excellent f&b concept to run with.

i think you should just come out here and give us a shot: <snip>

regards/mark

I have to check this place out, just might become a regular if the food is as good as everyone here says.

hi pampal: all i can say is, "ya'll come on in!" have you checked out our web site bbqsandwichking.co.th?

Next time you're up there, can you ask him to sign on with ChefsXP?

have communicated w/ chefsxp. we are too far away from the city center. they say they plan on expanding services out here in 09, but that remains to be seen and, if so, will it be in jan or dec.?

we definitely need a good burger place - which one i don't really care. A 24-7 place would be nice. A good sandwich restaurant would be nice too.

then why don't you try this place: <snip> but it's not 24/7.

The Triple O double double (White spot is pretty good) Central world...

actually, one of the very best burgers in bangkok is not in bangkok at all, but approximately 20-30 minutes north of the big city in nonthaburi at a place called bbq sandwich king: <snip>. it's a true, classic, american-style burger, called the metro burger, and it simply rocks! but don't take my word for it. venture out there and try it yourself. you simply don't know what you're missing.

Looks good, but is it worth the drive? Run by another Texan transplant. Is it any better than Bob's BBQ in Pattaya?

well worth the drive. but how can you take it from a complete stranger in an online forum? just get up a little gumption and go for it. you won't be disappointed.

actually, one of the very best burgers in bangkok is not in bangkok at all, but approximately 20-30 minutes north of the big city innonthaburi at a place called bbq sandwich <snip>. it's a true, classic, american-style burger, called the metro burger, and it simply rocks! but don't take my word for it. venture out there and try it yourself. you simply don't know what you're missing.

Dear Forum Folks,

Would someone be so kind as to point me in the right direction where I could find a complete list of border crossings in Thailand and a list of companies that offer the visa run service (perhaps with some prices, schedules, details etc).

Thank you and best regards,

Joe

So The Office Bar in Soi 33 used to do a great burger? You mean they don't anymore? I have had some decent Aussie-style burgers, but never a great one.

Meaning i haven't been for a while wise guy..

You haven't lived until you have had a true Aussie burger.. Snap frozen yankee stuff just doesn't do it for me.

Now that I think about it, when you write 'used to' in that sense, it could mean the last time you were there, so I apologize for that.

I assume a sanger is a sandwich, and if you use the adjective 'ok' that spells death in the restaurant biz. 'Good' is better, but owners really want to hear marvelous, outstanding, fantastic etc. That's what brings people back and spreads the word.

I don't know if you clicked on that link, but those burgers are definitely not frozen and you can know from what I have written that I do not like the global American fastfood burger franchises that use frozen 'food'.

I think I had a real Aussie burger here, with a slice of beet on it, and didn't like it. Or what's a real Aussie burger and where can I find one here in the 'Kok?

But since you're Aussie and were raised eating burgers prepared in a certain style, I'm sure you like them that way, and that's fine.

There are LOTS of really good sandwiches in Bangkok including overly expensive ones at Starbucks and more reasonable ones at the sandwich shop in front of the Marriot.

The best burgers for the money are at The Big Mango in Nana plaza and they go down great with a Beer Lao. Tony Roma's burgers are 300 baht and I can a decent steak for that elsewhere, so I haven't tried them.

So The Office Bar in Soi 33 used to do a great burger? You mean they don't anymore? I have had some decent Aussie-style burgers, but never a great one.

As I'm a Yank, and without being patriotic, I know that Americans do the best burgers and sandwiches. If you'll click on the link below, you'll, hopefully, understand what I mean, although you can’t physically see the burgers unless you physically have the magazine. I think it’s from June 2005.

http://men.style.com/gq/features/full?id=content_2526

The article was originally written in GQ Magazine in July of 2005 I believe. At the end of the day, there’s no way of saying what the best burger is, but it’s definitely possible to know the difference between quality and crap. Quality wins ever time. All burgers are different: some have different-sized meat patties, different meat-to-fat ratios, some use different cooking methods, construction methods, some add spices to the meat etc. But some people just aren’t real foodies, so they’ll never really know. That’s ok.

As far as Starbucks goes, why would you want to have sandwich there? They specialize in coffee. I don't know exactly what to infer from your mentioning them, but if you think those are good sandwiches, then all I can say is that I respect your right to have an opinion.

As far as the sandwiches go at the Bangkok Baking Co. in the M hotel, or whatever it's called, I still consider those &lt;deleted&gt;-&lt;deleted&gt; sandwiches. They have a European flair to them and they all seem to come with butter. Again, I think Americans make the best sandwiches. It’s like this: The English invented sandwiches, but Americans made them better. And Americans invented rock ‘n’ roll, but the English made it better.

If you go to Tony Roma's Express in The Emporium, the burger is a little over 200 Baht. The other burgers that I have mentioned are very expensive (300 ++), but you get what you pay for in life, at least for good farang food here in the 'Kok. I have had the burger at The Big Mango Bar and consider it mediocre at best. If you have those burgers that I have mentioned, you'll notice a higher level of overall quality of all the ingredients: bun, meat, condiments, and you'll notice the method of its construction.

I don't know about you guys, but I live to eat, and I'm always searching for F&B establishments that make me come back either the next day or at least once a week; places that are consistent, value for money, etc. and make me want to tell other people about them: word-of-mouth. They don’t even have to have great service or ambience, although that definitely helps. I find this to be rare here in the 'Kok, but easier to do regarding Thai food, for obvious reasons of course.

I mean there are govt fees = 3,950, Permit-to-Stay = 1,900 and optional re-entry permits (single or mutliple) = 1,000 or 3,800 respectively. So what will Sunbelt Asia want on top of that?

In Bangkok, if you were to meet the criteria to obtain an extension of stay based on business. Our professional fee for the initial application is 6,500 Baht. Government fee of 1,900 Baht for the visa.

The multi entry visa for the government fee is 3,800 Baht. Single is 1,000 Baht.

The second year, our professional fee for the renewal would be 3,900 Baht and the government fee would be 1,900 Baht.

The work permit professional fee is 6,500 Baht. The government fee would be 3,100 Baht for the one year.

The second year renewal would be 3,900 Baht and government fee of 3,100 baht.

While your application is under consideration, the government fee would charge 850 Baht for each work permit application, till Immigration approves your extension of stay. Our professional fee is 1,600 Baht for each extension. They are currently averaging one extension at Immigration until they approve the application.

On this basis. Our professional fee the 1st year would be

6,500 wp

1,600 30 day extension

6,500 extension of stay

1,600 30 day under consideration extension

------------------

16,200 Baht

2nd Year

3,900 wp

1,600 30 day extension

3,900 extension of stay

1,600 30 day under consideration.

----------------------

11,000 Baht

If you are a start-up and cannot meet the criteria for an extension of stay based on business.

1st year

6,500 wp

1,600 Baht every 90 days

----------------

11,300 Baht

2nd year

3,900 Baht

1,600 every 90 days

---------------

8,700 Baht

Government fees would be 850 Baht per application or 3,400 Baht for the year.

We look forward to meeting with you.

www.sunbeltasiagroup.com

So when I call SA, who should I ask to speak to? I mean the person who has been answering my forum questions.

This ought to be interesting, so where can you find the best sandwiches and burgers in Bangkok?

As far as sandwiches go, I'm almost clueless, but the Garden Cafe (or whatever it's called) in the Landmark Hotel does a semi-decent Reuben. That's it. Please don't say Subway. Subway is to the sandwich as Burger King or McDonald's is to the burger. And I don't like what I call '&lt;deleted&gt;-&lt;deleted&gt;' sandwiches like those served at Snax in Amarin Plaza or even snobbier at The Oriental Hotel Shop.

The Hard Rock Cafe has some decent ones, but it's a tourist trap and has the stench of the party the night before as well as jaded staff.

As far as burgers go, and I've been just about everywhere, my top three are (in no particular order): Tony Roma's, The Londoner Brew Pub and The Outback Steakhouse.

11 years in the 'Kok and still searching.

Thank you SA for your reply; much appeciated.

All the info on the laws that I have read say that I do indeed need to have a minimum of 2 million baht in my company's current account (paid up), a minimum of 2 million baht (registered)employ 4 Thai employees at a minimum of 7K baht per month, SS paid and me at a minimum of 50K baht per month PI taxes paid to get a work permit. It's a Treaty of Amity-protected company.

Why do you tell me otherwise?

Your choice. Believe the other misguided articles you've read or us. If what I wrote was incorrect in any way, we would be ridiculed and blasted for not having a clue and giving out bad advice. The fact is we did over 5,000 work permits last year, with a good number of them being Thai visa members. None in Bangkok ever had those requirements you mentioned to get a work permit.

As a Amity Company in August 2009, you will need to have a three million Baht registered company and you will need to show three million Baht in a bank to get any foreign employees a work permit. But as stated this is over 2 years away.

My accountant does all the monthly taxes VAT etc. and I have audits from 05 and 06. But the compnay hasn't started trading yet. Everything is currently on paper, 100% legal and above-board. It's just that I'm having trouble getting the rest of the money out the USA and into Thailand. In the meantime, my accountant has prepared the docs for the WP application

Is there still time left on the clock re: my visa expiry date, which is the 1st week of June?.

In Bkk, you would have time. I have heard of some Labor Depts upcountry that needs 20 days left on the visa stamp to get a work permit.

What do you advise me to do?

Apply for the work permit.

www.sunbeltasiagroup.com

From start to finish, what are the total fees to get the work permit?

I mean there are govt fees = 3,950, Permit-to-Stay = 1,900 and optional re-entry permits (single or mutliple) = 1,000 or 3,800 respectively. So what will Sunbelt Asia want on top of that?

Thank you SA for your reply; much appeciated.

All the info on the laws that I have read say that I do indeed need to have a minimum of 2 million baht in my company's current account (paid up), a minimum of 2 million baht (registered)employ 4 Thai employees at a minimum of 7K baht per month, SS paid and me at a minimum of 50K baht per month PI taxes paid to get a work permit. It's a Treaty of Amity-protected company.

Why do you tell me otherwise?

Your choice. Believe the other misguided articles you've read or us. If what I wrote was incorrect in any way, we would be ridiculed and blasted for not having a clue and giving out bad advice. The fact is we did over 5,000 work permits last year, with a good number of them being Thai visa members. None in Bangkok ever had those requirements you mentioned to get a work permit.

As a Amity Company in August 2009, you will need to have a three million Baht registered company and you will need to show three million Baht in a bank to get any foreign employees a work permit. But as stated this is over 2 years away.

My accountant does all the monthly taxes VAT etc. and I have audits from 05 and 06. But the compnay hasn't started trading yet. Everything is currently on paper, 100% legal and above-board. It's just that I'm having trouble getting the rest of the money out the USA and into Thailand. In the meantime, my accountant has prepared the docs for the WP application

Is there still time left on the clock re: my visa expiry date, which is the 1st week of June?.

In Bkk, you would have time. I have heard of some Labor Depts upcountry that needs 20 days left on the visa stamp to get a work permit.

What do you advise me to do?

Apply for the work permit.

www.sunbeltasiagroup.com

From start to finish, what are the total fees to get the work permit?

there is large scope for an enterprising individual to set up a GOOD mexican restaurant in BKK, but I don't see it happening in my lifetime...

I've always wondered why this is. I'm from Texas, home of the world's favorite variety of Mexican food (and Houston no less, where we invented it), so your opinion and mine on what constitutes good Mexican food will differ, but surely we could all come together on some decent chips and salsa. I am frequently amazed in Thailand that no one can get this right. I freely admit that I haven't eaten everywhere, but I've tried the Mexican at a lot of places - some of them highly recommended - and everything's been (even the chips and salsa) really poor so far. Expats here do so many other cuisines pretty well - I've had great Shwarma at the Lebanese place, pretty decent Italian and Indian, but never Mexican. Maybe one day when I open the bar (a regular bar) that I am forever mentally planning to open I'll see if I can conquer the challenge of chips and salsa in Thailand. I already make better salsa than anything I've had in Asia, so the real challenge is the chips. They'd be a pain in the ass to hand-make, though it could be done, but I have yet to find any truly decent ones (Tia Rosa por vida!) off the shelf in Bangers, so I don't think there's any other option.

On a side note, I used to also miss BBQ being from Texas. Now, the stuff they serve at The Great American Rib Company is a completely different variety than we cook in Texas, but Goddamn it's pretty good. They're friendly guys to boot, met them at their HH location when it was new. Anyway, hats off to Robb and Wes and the guys there who have allowed me to scratch BBQ (real smoked barbecue, not cooked on a grill like the rest of the world thinks is barbecue) off my list of stuff that you can't get an edible version of in Asia.

So far, for Mexican, there's Senor Pico's, Charley Brown's, Patty's Fiesta, El Gordo, Sunrise Tacos, Coyote, Que Pasa - all in Bangkok. In Pattaya, there's the Blue Parrot and Tequila Reef. That's all I know.

For bbq, there's Bob's in Pattaya, as well as The Great American Rib Co. In Bangkok, there's The Great Amweican Rob Co., Tony Roma's and Roadhouse. There's also a Great American Rib Co. in Hua Hin.

Of course, you know of some of these already.

But I truly think that you'll enjoy BBQ Sandwich King when the first branch is opened in Bangkok later this year, from what I've heard.