mauiguy90

A tired looking Venus Williams beat Tammie Tanasugarn in straight sets 6-4,6-1. The first set was closely contested with Tammie breaking Venus in the first game only to have Venus come back and take the set. The 2nd set was not very close but Tammie did make a good showing!

Link for Friday's Order of Play:

http://www.pentanglepromotions.com/PTT%20B...%2012%20Oct.pdf

P.S. The Bangkok Open is not very easy to find since the courts are about a mile or so away from the Impact Arena and not well marked. Best to find a taxi from the Impact Arena who knows the way or bring the contact number for the tournament with you (02-382-3491-3) and have the driver talk to the office personnel. Probably due to the location, the event is not well attended (saw maybe 10 or so non-thais). Consequently, I recommend buying the cheap seats in the mid court area (its a very small facility) and take your pick of seats once you get inside.

Wow,big upset!! Jelena Jankovic, the #1 seed, forfeited her 1st round match after coming back to win the 2nd set in a tiebreaker. She lost to the Chinese girl, Yan Zi, 4-6, 7-5, Ret'd. These Chinese girls are very tough.

Apparently, Venus got rained out last night. Called Pentangle Promotions yesterday and they indicated that the courts are outdoor, part of the court is covered. Interestingly, some of the contestants have already played 2 matches and are into the quarterfinals.

Here's the link to the singles draw and the results:

http://www.pentanglepromotions.com/PTT%20B...TAII_LS_SMD.pdf

Here's the link to the general website:

http://www.pentanglepromotions.com/PTT%20B...07_mainpage.htm

You can use this link to check the latest results. If you are going to the matches, good luck! Hope you get to see Venus play. She has a tough draw even though Jankovic has lost/dropped out. Shahar Peer is in her quarter of the draw, as well as Flavia Penetta who beat her in the last tournament. In addition, if she makes the final, she needs to play 5 matches in 4 days and that's assuming good weather. Should be interesting! Here's hoping she doesn't pull an Andy Roddick!!!

1) There's a web site called www.mrroomfinder.com which lists a large number of condos and apartments. The list is pretty comprehensive, however, a bit outdated at times.

2) The Thailand Yellow pages has a large listing of condos and apartments. If you don't have a copy, call 1188 and they can send you a copy for 120 baht and a delivery charge (about 30 baht). 'Couse you could always "borrow" one from the hotel you are staying at.

Good luck!

Just an update for Wednesday's order of play. Venus William's is scheduled to play at no earlier than 6 p.m. Jelena Jankovic, the 1st seed, is scheduled for the 2nd match of the afternoon session (1st match scheduled at 3 p.m.)

Here's the link for Wednesday's order of play for all 3 courts:

http://www.pentanglepromotions.com/PTT%20B...%2010%20Oct.pdf

No, you only have to show 800K in the bank, you do not have to spend it. I don't need to spend nearly 800K a year largely because I own my place. There is such a thing as being frugal for a rainy day.

Sure, if that's all you have, then by all means, living on 30,000 baht a month, or less is a necessity. However, if you make more and have significantly more, then maybe it is more a matter of being frugal. Remember, you can't take it with you!

My question is, how do you qualify for a retirement visa on $1080 a month, Australian, US or otherwise?

If you don't have the income, you must have the cash to justify a long term visa, right? If that's the case, then living on 30,000 baht is just an exercise in frugality rather than necessity.

Apparently, Venus is in town! Although the Bangkok Post reported that Venus was scheduled to play today, the schedule from the website shows otherwise. Shahar Peer is scheduled to play, as well as Tammie Tanasugarn from Thailand (not before 6 pm) on center court.

Here is the link for today's order of play:

http://www.pentanglepromotions.com/PTT%20B...%2008%20Oct.pdf

To those Sania Mirza fans, sadly, Sania is not in the draw.

Here is the link for the draw:

http://www.pentanglepromotions.com/PTT%20B...TAII_LS_SMD.pdf

To get your balance, press "#123#" then enter. Its free and you don't have to listen to the recording. If you think that recording is bad, try calling the Major Cineplex, at 02-515-5555, to get the current movie schedule. I understood about half of the recording after listening to it about 4 times.

Venus & Jankovic join PTT Bangkok Open 2007

The US$200,000 PTT Bangkok Open which will be staged in Bangkok from 6 -14 October 2007, has attracted leading women's tennis stars to its line-up as it makes its debut at the new National Tennis Development Centre in Muangthongthani.

The tournament, which is the biggest women's tennis event in Thailand is in its 3 rd year on the Sony Ericsson WTA tour calendar. Included in the field for the PTT Bangkok Open are some of the big names of women's tennis. Newly crowned Wimbledon champion Venus Williams heads the list. The former World No 1 has a total of 14 Grand Slam titles to her name and her powerful performance at Wimbledon indicates she is back to her best form. Her win at Wimbledon catapulted her back into the top 20.

Venus will face some tough opposition, none more so that Serbian star Jelena Jankovic, who was voted most improved player on the WTA tour in 2006. This year she has proven to be the hottest player on the tour, and is the only player to have won on all 3 surfaces: a win on hard courts in Auckland , on clay in Rome and Charleston and on the grass in Birmingham have confirmed Jankovic's all-court status. Her quick rise up the ranking to No 3 has established her as one of the superstars of the WTA tour.

The third top twenty player to have signed-up is Shahar Peer of Israel . Peer who enjoys playing in Thailand scored her maiden success in Pattaya last year and went on to win a hat-trick of titles. She has consolidated her position in the top twenty this year and will be an extremely tough competitor to beat on hard courts which is her favourite surface.

Mr. Suwat Liptapanlop, President of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand commented that " we are really excited to have attracted the players of the calibre of Venus Williams and Jelena Jankovic to play in Bangkok this year. Venus's win in Wimbledon has proved that she is still a force to be reckoned with in women's tennis, whilst Jelena has had an amazing year and I am really looking forward to see them both in action in October."

The qualifying rounds of the PTT Bangkok Open will be held on 6 - 8 October, whilst the main draw will start from 15.00 daily from 8 - 14 October. One semi-final match and the final will be televised "live" on local TV and throughout the Asian region.

Tickets are available for the PTT Thailand Open at the following prices:

Saturday 6 October - Sunday 7 October: Admission Free

Monday 8 October - Thursday 11 October: 300, 500 & 800 baht

Friday 12 October - Sunday 14 October: 500, 800 & 1,000 baht

For further information and ticket bookings, call the ticket hot line: 02-3823491-3

My question is: Will Venus actually show up or is this going to be a repeat of the no shows at the Thailand Open?

Date: 27th Sept 2007

Tennis fans to get discount tickets

Visitors to the Thailand Open 2007 this week should hold onto their tickets, as they are eligible for a 25 per cent discount on next year's 2008 tournament.

Thailand Open organizers today announced that ticket-holders for all matches would be eligible for the discount.

The announcement follows the unforeseeable last-minute withdrawal of crowd favorite Andy Roddick, citing a left ankle injury. The withdrawal took place moments before his scheduled match on center court on Wednesday night.

This year's Thailand Open has been hit by a number of withdrawals, including top seeds Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

Chaiyapak Siriwat, chairman of the Thailand Open Organizing Committee, said such withdrawals were an unfortunate reality of world-class professional tennis.

"Tennis is a tough game, and injuries do occur," he said. "We have been relatively lucky in past years not to have had any major pull-outs at the last minute. This year that has not been the case."

In keeping with tournaments all over the world, there is a no-refund policy for tennis fans who have already purchased their tickets. However today it was announced that as a goodwill gesture, ticket holders for this year's tournament would receive a 25 per cent discount on the price of next year's tournament tickets.

ATP International CEO Brad Drewett praised the Thailand Open for this move, saying such withdrawals were beyond the control of the organizers.

"The Thailand Open remains a premier event on the ATP calendar. Such withdrawals will not tarnish the reputation of this event that has had consistently great players participating for many years," he said today.

ATP Tournament Director Allon Khakshouri added that despite the withdrawals, the Thailand Open still featured a stronger field than many other ATP events. "We expect many more exciting matches this week," he said.

The Thailand Open 2007 is currently being held at Muang Thong Thani until this Sunday.

For further details on the ticket discounts, please go to thaiticketmajor.com

Update: Nadal out of Thailand Open

By Tor Chittinand

The Thailand Open tennis tournament suffered a blow yesterday when world number two Rafael Nadal of Spain pulled out because of a knee injury. Nadal, who has won three grand slam events, is at home in Mallorca receiving treatment for tendonitis in his left knee, which he suffered from in the recent US Open.

See the Bangkok Post for the rest here

Andy Roddick is still in, although not on top form, still a good player and worth seeing. Although I see Paradorn isn't even playing, anyone know why?

Paradorn made a showing at the Thai Open last night. He just got married so I expect that he will just wait till the next season to make a comeback.

If you haven't heard by now, the Thailand Open 2007 has been plagued by widespread withdrawals from the tournament. The three top seeded players have dropped out including Nadal, Djokovic, and Roddick. There also have been a number of other dropouts including Thomas Johannsen and Joachim Johannsen, as well as other advertised players such as Jose Acacuso, Carlos Berloq and others. The draw was filled with players who lost in the qualifiers, including one guy(Thai) who lost in the 2nd round of the qualifying tournament.

Roddick's last minute withdrawal was the worst since people attending the Open had to watch two very low level players, in place of Roddick's match. It was a rip off for all concerned!

I suspect Roddick took one look at his quarter of the draw and realized he might not even make it to the semis since Tommy Haas is slated to play him in the quarters. I don't believe his excuse about an ankle injury. He chickened out! Roddick sucks!

I am thinking of attending the Thai Tennis Open later this year for the first time. I am looking for advice from those who have attended before on what's the best way to approach this. I live in LOS so don't need advice on accomodations or things like that. What I want to know about is any tips on geting to the venue, Muang Thang Thani, what might be the best days to attend, and what seats to get.

Also, how does it work? THe Thai Ticket Master site has prices listed at like a daily entry ticket price and then another price "per session." What does this mean? Do you add the prices together to get the ticket price and does this mean that you are buying a ticket to a specific match or what?

I am already planning to most likely only attend nite-time matches to avoid the sun and heat as it is my understanding that the matches are played at an outdoor venue. Is that correct?

Also, any tips on getting out to MTT from the central Bangkok area would be appreciated. Is it best to just cab it out there and back or some combo of skytrain/subway/taxi?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Just a few observations about the Thailand Open. I just came back from watching the day session at the Thai Open today. Saw a good match with Canadian Dancevic and Argentinean Del Potro. Del Potro is an up and coming player, as are most Argentineans and looked unbeatable in the 2nd set. Dancevic looked like he was beaten after almost losing the 2nd set 6-0 (lost it 6-1 eventually) but then he proceeded to make a good effort in the 3rd set. Again looked done when he lost serve at 2-2 but finally came back to tie it at 4-4 then later won the tiebreaker.

A funny but probably irritating thing for players (I would think) happens when the ball boys do give the players their towels between points. Its not their fault but after the ball boys collect the towels, they immediately throw them on the ground until the next point. Don't think the players are thrilled to wipe their faces with dirty towels. Rather absurd for a tournament that has hopes of being a highly regarded tournament which could be simply resolved by sticking a stool or something else to place the towels on (as happens in most tournaments.)

Thanks for the efforts....I'll check them out when I'm there.. Cheers.

Hey Rhys,

Just got back from the Thailand Open. They have a big display for Fisher rackets there and lots of alleged discounts. Think you will be the best judge of whether the rackets are actually discounted or not. They also have Wilson, Yonex, Amerisports and a bunch of other concessions. Happy shopping!

Mauiguy: Thanks for the info...

Further...how long does it generally take to get to the MTT arena? Also, what are the start times for the day and evening sessions?

To Johnnie B. and any others attending the Thailand Open,

Just made a quick trip to qualifying tournament of the Thailand Open. FYI, there is a shuttle service from Mochit BTS station, which can be found in the parking lot next to the station. It is called the IMPACT link, costs 30 baht a trip and takes about 30 minutes to get to the arena in good traffic. You need to buy a ticket from the BTS platform (Ladprao side) at an office called Total Reservations, which is located close to the bakery Yamazaki. FYI the bus drivers will not accept cash so make sure you buy the ticket before going to the shuttle in the parking lot. The shuttle runs only until 10 pm so you will probably have to take a taxi or find another shuttle service(on the main road leading to the IMPACT arena) to get home.

Enjoy the tournament!

I have just returned from attempting to extend my permission to stay for another year, based on owning a condo worth more than 3M baht. As everyone probably knows, this was abolished for new applicants last year and intially it was stated that existing aliens in this category would also not be given any further extensions. However, after a lot of panic, this was changed and existing users were "grandfathered" in. Subsequently, I extended my permission to stay by one year.

Today, I was not expecting any trouble, but I was refused an extension. I was told that the law has changed and that they no longer consider the price you paid for the condo, but instead look at a price which is assessed by the government. On my receipt from the Land Registry these figures are given as ราคาทุนทรัพย์ 3,500,000 and ราคาประเมิน 2,270,000. Effectively, they now consider that my investment is 730,000 baht too low. If I put this amount in a bank account, they would give me permission to stay (initially they said I would have to put 3M baht in a bank account, but then one of them produced a procedural manual and decided that the investment does not have to be in one unit). They emphasised that this amount would have to stay permanently in the bank, and produced a letter in English to this effect.

I pointed out, and they agreed, that I have had four previous extensions granted on this basis but they stated again that "Immigration has changed the law" (this was said in English, twice).

Needless to say, I do not have a spare 730,000 baht which I can put in a bank and not touch for ever, so I now have 26 days left in Thailand to sort this out.

Has anyone encountered this problem or does anyone have any ideas?

Probably cost you a bit but cheaper to contact Sun Belt Asia to see if they can help you out. Nothing like getting legal help for legal problems. Their main office number at Rachadapisek Road by Fortune Hotel is 02-642-0213. I've talked to Andy before although you probably need a Thai attorney to address this problem. You could also call the Asoke office. They can probably fix this problem up. Good luck!

For those who are interested, California Wow is running a special offer on their membership, with pretty big (and bargainable) reductions. I got a membership for 1,600 Baht a month - they have people hanging around right by the enterance to the Siam Center waiting to sign you up.

True Fitness charges the same price for a year's contract and is a much nicer club. Let me know if you want a trial membership.

Second Kata Noi. Try getting into Kata Thani Hotel, or the Boat or Beach hotels on Kata - these hotels are fairly upmarket and right on their respective beaches. Personally, I'd give Patong a very wide berth although it's worth seeing as a first-timer... just don't stay there if it's relaxation you're after

Kata Noi:

Patong:

I'd agree that the Kata Noi beach is the best! Its not a huge beach but the water is clean and the beach is basically uncrowded. Only problem being that Kata Noi is a bit isolated... The Kata Thani Hotel is fine. There is a cheaper motel type place on the hill called the Orchidae or something like that. Inexpensive and just a walk down to the beach. At the end of Kata Noi, there are a couple of small places that feature cottages that are reasonably priced, as well. The choice is up to you but I'd agree that almost anyplace in the Kata Noi Beach area is great!

Malaysia Aunty South Indian Restaurant is a live and well just off Suriwong Rd. Same staff (family) & menu from soi 8 location. Veg Thali 8othb,

to get there proceed down suriwong rd to expressway, about 100 meters before turn right on Thanon Mana Set, proceed 100 meters to 1st small soi on left (look for Love me Tender sign) turn left 50 meters on your right. closed on sundays, open 1100 to 2100.

Buses 1, 16. 35, 36, 75, 93

Have had many a good meal at Malaysian Aunty. Also kind of miss the owner, who is a big Indian lady, I think born in Malaysia, consequently, the food is Indian with a Malaysian twist, according to my Indian friend. The food is very tasty and i particularly love the dal makani, which is a black bean dish which you eat with naan. Great stuff!

Any chance of getting a phone number in case I get lost?

Mauiguy: Thanks for the info...

Further...how long does it generally take to get to the MTT arena? Also, what are the start times for the day and evening sessions?

Johnny B,

Tickets for the Thailand Open apparently went on sale last week. I just picked up tickets the other day from the thaiticketmaster location at Central Chidlom 6th floor. You can order tickets online at http://www.thaiticketmaster.com/sport/atp2007_eng.php . Tickets for the first 3 days are cheap 500/800 baht per ticket. Tickets for the quarters/semis/finals are a bit higher at 1000/1500 baht per ticket. You can also get more detail at the Thailand Open website, which should be listed on the ticketmaster website. See you there!

They carry a full line of Fischer frames at FBT Sports out on Soi 71 right

across from Ramkhanheng Uni. It is a bit of a ride [from Prakanong BTS a

taxi will be about 60B] out there but they have 7 floors of nothing but

sports, all sports, equipment, clothes, etc.

I doubt the Toyku sports dept is that good but I confess never having

seen it. Sports Dept at Chit Lom Central is quite good but expensive.

FWIW I do think Roger is the greatest of all time given the level of modern

competition with Laver a close 2nd.

Budge, Vines, Kramer, Riggs all played when there were

fewer competitors and it was easy to dominate.

Rod's record of 2 GS's is still formidilble and can not be ignored.

Cheers

The Tokyu Dept store sport department is not huge, however, there is a wide range of Fisher tennis rackets. It is worth checking out.

In regards to Roger, he is definitely the greatest of this period, as Pete Sampras was a few years ago. (And a few years ago, many were saying Pete was the greatest....) However, until he wins a calendar year grand slam, he is not the greatest of all time. At the very least, he needs to win the French at least once. This year was probably his best chance, but going 1 for 17 in break chances doesn't do it.

Update:

Billboards collapse, injuring 10

BANGKOK: -- Advertising boards collapsed and injured more than 10 people in two accidents during a heavy storm in Bangkok Wednesday afternoon.

Krit Watcharasiritham, Bangna district chief, said a 4x24 metre board in front of Sukhumvit Soi 105 collapsed during the storm, injuring 10 people, two of them seriously. All were rushed to nearby hospitals.

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin later inspected the scene of the accident.

In a separate incident, another billboard at the head of Sukhumvit Soi 70/4 collapsed and seriously injured a passer-by. The storm uprooted trees and power poles, and damaged a satellite dish for TV Channel 7.

Governor Apirak said the collapsed billboards were not among the 28 to be demolished within this month at the order of the BMA.

City Hall surveyed the capital's big billboards in Bangkok, blacklisting 28 of them after a giant one fell down in the June 27 storm, killing a woman.

Meanwhile, the BMA flood prevention centre reported that the volume of rainfall in Bangkok on Wednesday afternoon was recorded at 30-40 mm., causing flooding in five areas.

--TNA 2007-07-25

Sounds like there is a will but maybe not a way... It appears that the government wants to take action but seemingly does not have the manpower and perhaps the expertise, to check if all billboards are strong enough to withstand severe weather. One of the factors which would increase accountability would be increased liability of the owners of the billboards, as well as the companies who pay for the advertisements. In cases where people are seriously injured, the injured should be able to sue for pain and suffering, as well as lost wages and long term medical care. Increased liability of the responsible persons is the only way gross negligence of this sort will be remedied. Perhaps the newly elected government will address such liability issues with new legislation. (Of course, I am not holding my breath...)

does any body know any cheapish vietnamese places around suk or siam sq that do a big bowl of pho with all the trimmings.i used to have it for breakfast every day in vietnam and would like to sample when i come to bangkok soon.

thanks

The farang food court at the Emporium has pho for about 100 baht a bowl. Its not top quality pho but it is decent and conveniently located.

The bakery's in the Foodland chain do a pretty decent pumpkin pie.

You can check their locations to find the nearest one to you.

"Nearest" me is not too close as I'm some 25 km east of Future Park Rangsit. Anyway, had to head on down Vibhavadi-Rangsit today so on the way back wandered in to the Foodland at the IT Plaza (?) there on the corner with Chang Wattana.

Found the bakery section, had cut up apple pie at baht 48/slice, but didn't look all that great.

Also had pumpkin pie, already cut up, at baht 24/slice, bought five of those. Not too bad, not great, needed more cinnamon I think.

Still looking....

Mac

25 km from Future Park Rangist is pretty far away. I would think that if there are any hotels in your area, possibly by the airport, they may have apple pie. Otherwise, getting apple pie in your area is a tough order.

I stopped by Bourbon Street yesterday and asked about their apple pie. They wanted 110 baht a slice and 1000 baht for the whole pie. In other words, they want an arm, a leg and all the money in your wallet. Nana Hotel has apple pie for 35 baht a slice, if you get to that area. Wonder if McDonald's has hot apple pies locally. Good luck!

meanwhile , those in power to whom we bow as ever knowledgeable ............

While several parties have confirmed to the Bangkok Post that the incident did take place, THAI executive vice president Narongsak Sangapong yesterday flatly denied that it ever took place.

''There was no such incident. I have not received any reports about it,'' he stated, insisting the story was based on ''imagination and hearsay''.

''The pilot would have certainly reported to the parties concerned if the incident had really occurred,'' ACM Narongsak said

cite

The Post Publishing Public Co

It is both alarming and disappointing that the executive VP of Thai Air would coverup such an incident. I could understand it if he were to say that the reported incident was being investigated. Making a flat denial smells of an airline which does not want to admit responsibility for an incident which may be just the tip of the iceberg. It shows a defensive attitude which reflects a reluctance to accept accountability for the incident and the further well being of passengers. I will think twice before booking with Thai Air in the future based purely on the administrative response of Thai Air.

Well Roger the Doger made it 5 in a row... now he rates in the same rank as Borg..By the way it was a great match..Both had let downs..Too Bad Nadal had his in the fifth set..

So...the money is on Roger now.. he has the opportunities to do it.. However, I don't think he will ever match Laver's triples Grands...

By the way, does anyone know where to buy a FISHER BRAND Tennis racquet? I'll be up in BKK in a month..

Cheers..

Finally found your post again. There are loads of Fisher tennis rackets at MBK in the Tokyu Department store. The sports department is on either the 3rd or 4th floor. Happened to be at MBK and by coincidence, the only tennis rackets they seem to carry are Fisher's. Best of luck!