offset

can't see why anyone bothers with this stuff anymore...can download it all free off the net and often better quality and more timely as well

Yessss, bittorrent is such a bliss when it comes to my favorite TV shows that they dont show on any of the 200 channels here :-D

Yes...between Mininova and EZTV, I hardly ever watch the TV anymore...can download whatever I want...watch it when I want...on the device I want

I agree. I really don't understand how these businesses are still running when people can DL from the same (and often better) sources that these people do. Why the heck am I going to pay even 100 baht for something I can get without visiting the shops (and I pay a fraction of their price)?

You seem to forget that not all people are computer illiterate or even own a computer 100 baht is not a lot of money if you have something better to do with your life that sit at a computer for most of the day you also need a good Internet connection to make downloading worth while

http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/atoz/a...cy-increase.asp If you have a look at this web site it will tell you all you need to know about your pension rights. The Uk state pension is paid by you for you & your spouse so its your money. This is not a benefit its your pension rights and until the law changes you can claim for your wife even if she is not from the uk a lot of posters on here have done so even if its a difficult process. Now the fact that someone who is retired in a country that has an agreement should get his pension increases and other don't is very unfair and in time this will also be changed in the future. The pensioner living here in Thailand will save the uk government a load of money as they are not entitled to claim cold payments or use the NHS or use the free bus service or claim any other benefit but they still pay UK income Tax on there pensions. If you claim something your not entitled to then its only a matter of time that they will find out.

Regards

Scotsman

I think that it is possible to use the NHS if you have a UK pension and have lived in the UK for 10years in the past it can only be used for current illnesses while on a visit

This might help anybdy over 65 if they return to the UK and are taken ill

Visitors who can receive NHS hospital treatment free of charge

You and your dependants are entitled to free NHS hospital treatment if your need for it arose during your visit to the UK. A medical opinion may be needed in order to decide if treatment should be provided free of charge. You have the right to free NHS hospital treatment if:-

you are a national of an European Economic Area (EEA) country, living in an EEA state or Switzerland, or a refugee or stateless person living in an EEA state or Switzerland, or you are a non-EEA national who lives in an EU state and pays national insurance contributions there

you normally live abroad, and are receiving a UK state pension, and have lived in the UK in the past for at least ten years

you have lived in the UK for at least ten years in the past, but now live in an EEA state, or in a non-EEA state with which the UK has a reciprocal agreement

you are a national, or a resident of certain non-EEA countries, with which the UK has a reciprocal agreement.

EEA countries are the European Union countries and Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway.

To find out which countries are in the European Union, go to The European Union.

In addition, people from some countries can get free hospital treatment if they have been referred to the UK for that treatment, under the terms of the reciprocal agreement. There are also special arrangements with certain countries which enable people from outside the UK to get free treatment. The Department of Health can give details of countries with which the UK has a reciprocal agreement and for which there are special arrangements

I did not come on an O-visa I came on a Tourist visa which according to my passport was stamped NON"O" RETIREMENT (not shouting as in passport) for 3 months then stamped for RETIREMENT for one year by immigration at Jomptien which give me a stay of 15 months sorry if I got confused

If you came on a touriost visa you must have gone to immigration to convert to a non-immigrant visa, this would have cost 2,000 baht and give you 3 months. Next you would have had to pay 1,900 baht for the 1 year extension, making it 15 months.

Otherwise the consulate or embassy was very nice or made a mistake and gave you a non-immigrant instead of a tourist visa.

Yes it cost me 3900 Baht on the day

No, not exactly. The O-A visa (commonly called a retirement visa) is ONLY available OUTSIDE Thailand, usually from your home country. The method you used (very popular and easier) is to either come to Thailand with a regular O visa (not an O-A) and obtain an O visa in Thailand if you can qualify for a retirement extension. The O visa you can get IN Thailand is NEVER an O-A visa. The only retirement thing you can get in Thailand is an annual extension based on retirement. I realize some people will think this is pedantic but if we don't keep these terms straight, it just ends up being more confusing for people.

I did not come on an O-visa I came on a Tourist visa which according to my passport was stamped NON"O" RETIREMENT (not shouting as in passport) for 3 months then stamped for RETIREMENT for one year by immigration at Jomptien which give me a stay of 15 months sorry if I got confused

I think that you will find they do not make much money on the sale of the printers it is on the replacement ink that they make most of there profit

There seems to be a new treatment called Neuromonics System which is said to help some people it talks about getting your brain not to hear the sounds of your Tinnitus. I noticed that Bangkok Hospital Pattaya were advertising something like this the last time I was there

Emails are all fine, official looking and anonymous but ultimately deniable in a court.

What court are you talking about?

Not only are e-mails as admissable as any docements, they also have a definite "time stamp" and cannot be altered upon reception or remittance.

E-mails have been used in every kind of court, in every kind of case.

Not only are e-mails admissable, other thinhs like personal website (myspace, facebook) and even entries in chatrooms and discussion forums.

Please observe that I said emails are DENIABLE in court, I did not say they were INADMISSIBLE in court; a subtle difference.

The respondent only has to say, he didn't get the email or didn't see the email and the burden of proof would rest only on the "definite time stamp" on the senders computer. All the recipient has to do is delete an email to deny it's existence. Also note that emails can be altered including the embedded header information so they are not, never have been and never will be a secure method of communication. Using EMS or courier will provide proof from a 3rd-party enterprise that a letter was actually received and signed for. The recipient will find it harder to deny the existence of such a communication.

That is why lawyers, creditors, etc., ALWAYS send registered mail letters for time-sensitive and important documents and not just emails.

The way I have always dealt with problems is to write a letter scan it then e-mail it and follow it up by recorded delivery that way the time allowance can start from the e-mail date and you have no problem with them saying that they did not read it (which is no defence in court they could say the same about a letter)

The poster should be OK because they seemed to have replied to by saying that he will get his money

I used VFD both as a prophylactic (when I had to take a tube ride or other crowded environment) and at any hint of symptoms and I managed to stay cold-free for about two years. Brought several bottles with me this trip but didn't unpack it in time and came down with something, however it only really lasted a couple of days once I got the VFD on the job.

It's pretty brutal on the nose (you don't spray it into the throat but rely on some of the nasal application reaching there) especially the first few times you use it - expect some major eye watering, but I'd say it does the job.

For those times when it looks like last night's barbecue is about to have it's revenge I use Immodium Instants ( 2mg Loperamide Hydrochloride) - again I brought a stock over with me but haven't looked for them over here yet (just a mo. while I put it on my shopping list for tomorrow 8^) )

The only other thing I miss is 2 in 1 shampoo+conditioner rarer than hens' teeth for some reason

Boots sell Immodium not sure they sell instants

I've been doing some research on the internet for the Nokia E71 mobile phone, but I prefer to hear from actual users or those who either have some hands on experience with this phone or know someone who has. Anyway, I welcome any reviews, comments or opinions of this phone, particularly as to how it performs here in Thailand, ie phone, wi-fi, email, push mail, camera etc.

Thanks,

Pattayadavid

If you go onto the Nokia web site there is a forum for the E Series but be careful there are always more people ready to moan about things than bother to praise, one word of warning the camera is not that good they also do a scaled down version E66 I think

Samitivej definitely has started taking a more intense "pad the bottom line" approach, at least in the Ob/Gyn department. Just about every available test that plausibly would have some benefit is recommended, and I'd imagine that patients who didn't take much basic biology/life sciences etc. in high school or college (or even those who take the time to read up or at least Google) are buying into a good number of these options (not unlike options at a car dealership). Overall still very happy with the service, but the total cost will definitely be pricier: likely around 49,000 vs. around 39,000; than the delivery cost of our first child at Vejthani before Bangkok Hospital took it over. But x 1,000's of patients, that adds up.

To be expected now that they are governed by the Bangkok Hospital board.

BHP are charging for a C-Section all in package 39900B (I think normal delivery was about 32000B) which included everything even any drugs to be taken at home clothes and covers for baby to go home in and about 4 bags of free samples supplied room was very good couch for me to sleep which was made up into a bed

How did they know beforehand what drugs you would need/run out of, etc.? Or if the doctor would be of the opinion to have your blood sugar monitored because your wife's weight gain was over the recommended range by one kilogram?

Anyway, if you got that deal (which is the advertised deal), and paid only that, you got away more fortunate than many. We have a nurse and doctor in the family there (and get in house rates for all the little things... vaccines, dental, minor patch ups, etc.... just not major care events) and the game plan they use is more often than not to hit you everywhere else if possible. Just IMO/IME.

As I have said in another thread got an estimate for C-Section 39900B and to have Cyst removed at the same time 42000B paid total bill of just over 82000B (had ear test done that was extra but they asked first) paid the bill 30 minutes later had a phone call from Hospital they over charge by nearly 26000B can I go back for refund

An estimate is only for a guide they should include for some small extras over and above that you pay

In England normally if you get an estimate for anything the bill should not be more than about 12% over without approval first I guess it is not like that in Thailand

Samitivej definitely has started taking a more intense "pad the bottom line" approach, at least in the Ob/Gyn department. Just about every available test that plausibly would have some benefit is recommended, and I'd imagine that patients who didn't take much basic biology/life sciences etc. in high school or college (or even those who take the time to read up or at least Google) are buying into a good number of these options (not unlike options at a car dealership). Overall still very happy with the service, but the total cost will definitely be pricier: likely around 49,000 vs. around 39,000; than the delivery cost of our first child at Vejthani before Bangkok Hospital took it over. But x 1,000's of patients, that adds up.

To be expected now that they are governed by the Bangkok Hospital board.

BHP are charging for a C-Section all in package 39900B (I think normal delivery was about 32000B) which included everything even any drugs to be taken at home clothes and covers for baby to go home in and about 4 bags of free samples supplied room was very good couch for me to sleep which was made up into a bed

I need to get my baby registered and a UK passport can this be done at Jomtien with the one man consular service or do I need to go to the Embassy in Bangkok

A good business will charge as much as they can and if they get enough customers through the door why should they reduce their prices. The more they can charge the less customers through the door they need to make a profit which means that they are never over stretched and can keep on time with there appointments giving better service which is why people pay extra

Last month I took my daughter to the Bangkok Pattaya Hospital for her immunization injections which cost 1,800 Baht; I was told she must have the same injection again next month.

I returned and saw the same doctor for the same 10 second chat, the same nurse that gave the last injection; but when I went to pay the cost was 2,500 Baht. I questioned this and showed them last months invoice; they charged 650 for the doctor 300 baht more and another 400 baht more for the drugs.

I refused to pay the extra; and after great discussion they discounted the invoice to the same price as last months. They then stated next time asks the price before you come. I was very angry and told them you can not cheat the people by just charging what you think.

I assume the doctor gets a % of what they charge, and I know very well they double the cost of drugs. I also assume most people will never question their cost, but for me this kind of cheating is a disgrace and needs attention.

I am sure I am not the only person that have been cheated, but to what extent are they cheating?

Quite a lot:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bangkok-Hosp...63.html&hl=

Bangkok [Pattaya] Hospital, Over charging?

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Pattaya-Hosp...32.html&hl=

Which Pattaya Hospital Won't Rip Me Off ?

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Hospital-Pri...96.html&hl=

Hospital Prices For MRI Scan

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bangkok-Patt...74.html&hl=

Bangkok Pattaya Hospital

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Dental-Clean...49.html&hl=

Dental Cleaning For 1350 Baht At Pattaya Hospital, Reasonable Fee???????????????

sorry, I'm wearing out my mouse with the cutting and pasting... there's a bunch more

Did you read these posts that you quoted I guess not the first one on your list was not a complaint about being overcharge but a comment on there honesty at BHP it also shows that the medication that was received was not expensive at all.

Read the comments after the OP....

I just have read it again as the O/P I suggest you look again at the posters and I think that you will find it very balance except for one poster that might have a justifiable complaint but I think might be exaggerating a little bit (may be a bit more that a little) if what was supposed to of happened to him happened to me that hospital would not have heard the last of it and not just on Thia Visa

Last month I took my daughter to the Bangkok Pattaya Hospital for her immunization injections which cost 1,800 Baht; I was told she must have the same injection again next month.

I returned and saw the same doctor for the same 10 second chat, the same nurse that gave the last injection; but when I went to pay the cost was 2,500 Baht. I questioned this and showed them last months invoice; they charged 650 for the doctor 300 baht more and another 400 baht more for the drugs.

I refused to pay the extra; and after great discussion they discounted the invoice to the same price as last months. They then stated next time asks the price before you come. I was very angry and told them you can not cheat the people by just charging what you think.

I assume the doctor gets a % of what they charge, and I know very well they double the cost of drugs. I also assume most people will never question their cost, but for me this kind of cheating is a disgrace and needs attention.

I am sure I am not the only person that have been cheated, but to what extent are they cheating?

Quite a lot:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bangkok-Hosp...63.html&hl=

Bangkok [Pattaya] Hospital, Over charging?

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Pattaya-Hosp...32.html&hl=

Which Pattaya Hospital Won't Rip Me Off ?

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Hospital-Pri...96.html&hl=

Hospital Prices For MRI Scan

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bangkok-Patt...74.html&hl=

Bangkok Pattaya Hospital

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Dental-Clean...49.html&hl=

Dental Cleaning For 1350 Baht At Pattaya Hospital, Reasonable Fee???????????????

sorry, I'm wearing out my mouse with the cutting and pasting... there's a bunch more

Did you read these posts that you quoted I guess not the first one on your list was not a complaint about being overcharge but a comment on there honesty at BHP it also shows that the medication that was received was not expensive at all.

Insurance is very important everywhere but not everybody is insurable also people with existing conditions have to cover the cost of these conditions themselves and once you are past 70 the cost goes up quite a bit you have to consider if it is viable

As a Thai Visa member you can access the Thai Visa Insurance services.

Please send in your requirements :

http://insurance.thaivisa.com/quote-form

Sent you PM

Just back from hospital for here final checkup and to have stiches out when I check the bill 2 tubes of ointment was 640B check prices on internet the cheapest I could get them for was 700B plus delivery

30 paramed tablets cost 30B I cannot find a price for them on the Internet but I do not think they can be making much profit on them

May we suggest you go with an insurance company based in S.E.A. if you need 'International' cover as they will be easier to deal with the hospitals in Thailand ?

Yes I can understand what you say but I am having trouble with Language problems while I might do this for my Thai G/F and baby I am finding it difficult to get an efficient agent in Thailand or it might be just that they do not understand me and what I require

Does anybody have cover with HealthCare International I am thinking of using them and just want to know if anybody can recommend them or have had trouble with them

All I can say is that I was not insured I was asked for a deposit of 75% which was asked for after the operation to deliver baby I did not have to show what I had in the bank (incase of any emergencies) I was not treated as a poor relation at any time I can only talk about what happened and what I saw which I was happy with. Price is subjective what a poor person thinks is expencive a rich person might think is cheap

The only reason somebody should go to a hospital in Pattaya is for emergency services or care. Other than that, you should go to Sathip (Spell Wrong) Navel Hospital. It is a huge complex that is a 45 minute drive from Pattaya.

You will receive excellent care at approximately 1/20 of the cost of the care in Pattaya. That is correct, you read that right, and the cost at this hospital is 5% of the cost of a hospital in Pattaya.

They offer a full service of service, have first class doctors, (Many of them are the same that will be treating you at Bangkok Pattaya Hospital) and exceptional range of up to date medical technologies.

I was just wondering if you use Sattahip because it is the best that there is or because it is cheap I guess that it must be because it is the best after reading your second reply it cannot be because it is cheap I would guess that if you employ all these people and do so much for the Thai economy you cannot be short of money I would also like to ask how many hospitals in Thailand you have had to stay in for a few days

The other thing that you do not take into account is time and convenience a 90 minute round trip plus any waiting time which I have read here that happens at this hospital could mean up to half a day wasted (which I would have thought would be important to you being a business man) may be OK for a one trip complaint but for ongoing care which sometimes means weekly visits I have better things to do in my life than sit in any hospital

I had an operation a few years back in BPH. The surgeon told me roughly what it would cost, and the hospital charged my credit card with that amount. Once the operation was finished (successfully, I'm glad to say), they could then calculate exactly how much it had cost and how much the medications would cost, and it was less than the original estimate. They refunded the difference in cash on the spot.

I'd assumed that this was a general policy, overcharge people a bit up-front in case of complications, then give them a refund when the dust has settled?

The heading was a bit "tongue in cheek" against a thread a few weeks ago that was implying that this was one of the hospitals that very often came out much more expensive because they always had extras to add on and I just thought that my experiences even things up a bit I know to some people the price they charge is excessive when you see the room that we had which was in my opinion was as good as a hotel like the Woodlands Hotel and the service just as good I did not think so

I do not think it was a case of overcharging in my case I think that we were charged as 2 separate operations where in fact it was only 1 cut but two separate things done so we only needed to be charged for extra theatre and doctors time

The only reason somebody should go to a hospital in Pattaya is for emergency services or care. Other than that, you should go to Sathip (Spell Wrong) Navel Hospital. It is a huge complex that is a 45 minute drive from Pattaya.

You will receive excellent care at approximately 1/20 of the cost of the care in Pattaya. That is correct, you read that right, and the cost at this hospital is 5% of the cost of a hospital in Pattaya.

They offer a full service of service, have first class doctors, (Many of them are the same that will be treating you at Bangkok Pattaya Hospital) and exceptional range of up to date medical technologies.

Thanks for you advice but you always have to take in the whole picture being that this was an ongoing thing I wanted the same doctor to see the whole thing through I do not drive so if she had a problem during pregnancy it meant a long drive which i did not want also if you think that was expensive compared to England it is oh so cheap I had a Carpal Tunnel operation in England 2 years ago, 15 minute in operating room (not theatre) bed for 4hrs which cost 10% more than both having a baby and a cyst removed with 4 days in hospital where they made up a bed for me to stay there as well the total cost was just over 52000B including extra hearing test I think that Sataship (spelling) would of struggled to do that for 2600B