Aza90

which resturant and where abouts ??

Right side when coming from Chaweng, 100 meter before road to HinTa - HinYai

Directly opposite the entrance to the old Nice 2 Resort (where CP is on the corner).

Very sad. I heard about it shortly after it happened. Have been in to see Jun and good that she has re-opened the restaurant and her sons are helping. She is an amazing cook, great Thai food.

RIP Peter.

The only solution should be to cancel the Express link and operate the City Line on a frequency of about 3-5 minutes.

Agreed. I use the City Line everyday and it is certainly the exception rather than the rule when there is anymore than a handful of people on the express train. Meanwhile the City Line is rammed during the rush hours and used by many throughout the day. They should add the Express train cars to the City line trains and increase the frequency.

Thanks very much for the replies so far. What worries me most about the Passat is reliability as if anything major goes wrong then its going to be very costly. I always thought that VW had few reliability issues and in the UK my Golf gave me no problems so maybe I just need to be very thorough with the "book service" info. I appreciate that the cars are different but cos the residual is crap for both of them here in LOS, they both seem to offer excellent value for the cost. Am going to take a looksy at two Passats and maybe a Focus ghia tomorrow and then off to the motor show Sunday. Thanks once again, Paul

Hello

I am in the market for a new (to us) second hand car. I like the Ford Focus and was thinking of a 3 yr Focus 2.0 ghia for around 500,000 baht. However, looking around yesterday Myself and the Wife came across a VW Passat 1.9TDi. Very nice 2004 model and ended up taking it for a test drive. I like the idea of a diesel car and was very impressed. Since then I have been looking around and am now thinking of a 2.3 V5 model (petrol) as well as the TDi. I used to have a Golf VR6 in the UK and I have driven a Golf V6 4 motion in the UK. Now I know these two models are 2.8 but I would like peoples opinions as to the Passat generally and compared with the Focus. Would people go for the TDi or the V5? I know the Passat is bigger but what about reliability and running costs.? I like the idea of many airbags (8 in newer Passat models) compared with 2 in the Ghia and a pi__taking 1 in some Focus's. I do however like Ford's too and think they offer great value for money in LOS compared with the usual. Peoples opinions would be greatly appreciated. Also, any idea of a service cost for VW here? Many Thanks.

SRT has stated that they will finally have the ticket machines operating from Dec using smart cards and single trip tokens similar to those used on the MRT.

Ridership now around 43 000 a day. http://www.railway.c....asp?idnews=680

The introduction of tokens has made ticketing a little quicker and ridership is about the same although the Express has increased a little to around 800-900 a day.

For those that don't know full fares commence from the 4th of Jan which will mean for Cityline a fare of 15-45 baht and for the Express Line 150 baht. It will be intersting to see what the pax numbers are after full fares esp on the Express line.

Also, check-in at Makkasan (CAT) will start from the 4th for Thai, Lufthansa and Bangkok flights - the SRT was going to contract it to TG. I don't see much value in using the check in given that there will be a minimum time period but for some it may be useful.

If you do want to use it I would suggest waiting a few weeks as no doubt there will be some teething problems.

I use the Airport Link daily and quoting the above figures for the Express being between 800-900, that means that an average ridership is approx 6 persons per trip made both from and to Suvarnabhumi (on average)! I don't personally think that the current 100B fare is excessive but its a matter of fact that the Express service currently just isn't used much. The vast majority of peoples journeys seem to be to Phaya Thai for a hop on the BTS or from Phaya Thai BTS. Obviously now we are in the 'high' season so the ridership should increase and hopefully, with the opening of baggage check - in for the three quoted airlines this will be a positive also. That maybe against the fare increase from 4th Jan. Should the current usage continue however, it would be nice to see an extra carriage from the Express trains be used to service the commuter trains at least during the rush hour periods as on more than one occasion, many people inc myself and my wife have not been able to board at Makkasan going home (Lad Krabang). The trains are rammed!!! I have actually started using the cho choo train in the evenings which is a lot less busy than it used to be!! On the whole though, the Airport Link has been great for us and also many other thousands who seem to use it daily.

Myself and my Wife have had this place for some time now. It needed a lot of work so the options were to either renovate and restore or knock it down and build new. We decided on the former as I very much like traditional wooden shophouses and thats the reason it was purchased in the first place! Structually it was sound so all the wood was replaced, new roof, windows, electrics, plumbing, bathrooms etc. The first thing that was done was to increase the height of the roof by 80cm. This transformed upstairs and made the rooms a lot more usable and airy. We also incorporated a balcony on the first floor to look out over the bay. It has two large bedrooms, living and kitchen area downstairs as well as a bathroom. In addition we built a self contained maids quarters at the back which can also be used as storage. It is located in the beautiful village of Chaloklum in Koh Phangan. It is now rented out and is a restaurant and jazz bar. Hope you like. Great topic and some beautiful houses shown.

This meal is one of my favourites. First tried it in Chiang Rai. The Loft in Central Chidlom has it. Same counter that sells the Malaysian food.

There is parking at and right next to Lad Krabang station but it gets very very busy. Fortunately an area next to the station has now been tarmaced as it was just mud before but after 9am you have to search around a bit. Don't know about Ban Thap Chan.

I purchased a 16g wifi model for 20,000 thb 2 weeks ago at MBK.

Makkasan station to open Monday 23rd as full service begins. No check-in of luggage though till year end apparently. I'll be using the Express train for sure as it will initially cost 100 baht for a return ticket, brilliant!

There is a train that arrives at Lad Krabang train station (under the Lad Krabang airport link station) at 7.42am. This will get you to Hua Lamphong at 8.35am. However, this train will be quite busy and as a previous poster has said, very unlikely you'll be out of the airport in 20 mins. Another option is to get the 8.14am train to Hua Lamphong from the same station. This will not be busy as it starts just two stops back and it will cost you a whopping 7 baht. However, this will get you to Hua Lamphong at 9.20am so you'll be passing the train your wishing to catch. Best option, this train and get train 171 leaving Hua Lamphong at 13.00 which gets you to Hua Hin at 5.10pm.

Try Praht Thai School in Minburi -- new and very different...exciting too.

Very low fees for what you get.

www.prahtthai.com

sounds interesting. especially as i'm sitting at home in england and my 11month old daughters with her mother in minburi. came outta work 3 months ago and its looking bleak. . . any idea on the fees.

Sounded interesting to me to but they are now closed. We live in Lad Krabang and I read about Praht Thai School about 18 months ago on this forum. Went to see them and whilst the premises were small, they were due to move into a newer and larger campus last year I think. Very impressed with the facilities they had and also spoke to a couple of teachers there. About 3 months ago, went to go and see them again but the school is no longer there. Have tried to find out where they are now located but the numbers on the website don't work and cannot find out any information about the school, not even that it is closed. Very disappointing as we had earmarked this school for our Daughter to attend. Due to where we live, there is not, it seems, a huge choice. We are now looking at the Prawet area where Charter, St Georges and Berkeley are located but prices, I find are expensive. A very pleasent pre-school called Talents is located in soi Pattanakan which is also a consideration for us and whilst I have some reservations, this is looking the favourite. Good luck in your search, Paul

Went there last weekend with the family. Very nice inside, good selection of shops and good food hall downstairs along with the food market like the old Seri. Nightmare driving out the car park though. We were only 1 floor above the entrance/exit and it took 45 minutes to get out. <br>

In summary from official SRT site

FREE Trial since June 1.

Monday to Friday (only) between 7-10am and 4-7pm for every 20 mins run during these times.

They are not stopping all station at the moment and will be stopping 2 more staions in July.

In service

Phaya Thai (Yes)

Ratchaprarop (July)

Makkasan (No)

Ramkhamhaeng (Yes)

Hua Mak (Yes)

Ban Thap Chang (July)

Lat Krabang (Yes)

Suvarnabhumi (Yes)

Enjoy your ride

As of today the train is now stopping at Ban Thap Chang and Ratchaprarop. Come on Makkasan!!!!

As per a previous poster, there is no one working on the construction of the walkway to the Phaya Thai BTS.

Very impressed with the service and I now use it 3 or 4 times a week. Hope Makkasan opens soon being that I go to Asoke!

Can someone please tell me what times the ferry leaves from Donsak to Thong Sala and how many there are? I think the first one leaves 7am but I would be grateful for any clarification.

Many Thanks

I was looking at the Mazda 3 but was a little concerned about poor fuel economy. I found that Ford is selling the Focus model here in Thailand. If you go to the Ford WEB site in Thailand, they have information on all the Ford Focus models they are selling in Thailand along with prices. You can even download brochures.

The model that catches my eye is the Focus TDCI which is the diesel version. It gets excellent fuel economy. I have been looking for a small diesel vehicle in Thailand but they are very hard to come by.

A family down my Soi has a new Focus and it looks similar to the Mazda 3 (about the same size) but definitely has the "Ford" look that tones things down. It is not really a sporty looking car.

If anyone has driven or bought the Ford Focus TDCI, I would like to know your impressions.

Was back in UK last year and hired a 2009 1.6 TDCi and was very impressed with it all round. Great handling and plenty of poke if needed. It was a manual (my personal preference) so not quite the same as what you'd be able to get here as I think they are selling just with the new Powershift transmission (dual clutch) and with a 2 litre engine but I am sure a lovely car. It would be my choice.

Ive just again applied for my One year Visa extension based on marriage to a Thai , this is my 6th year I have renewed it and this is a list of what I had to submit ...this time.

1. 2 x TM7 application forms

2. My passport and 2 photo copy's

3. Two Passport size photos

4. A letter form my bank confirming that I currently had in excess of 400,000 Baht ( 3 Month's )

5. My bank book plus 2 photo copy's .

6. My wife's Blue house book and 2 photocopy's

7. My wife's ID card and 2 photo copy's

8. Our original marriage certificate and 2 photo copy's

9. 2 photographs showing my self and my wife out side our house , with the house number in the shot

10. 2 photographs showing my self and my wife in side our house together .

11. 2 hand drawn maps showing directions to our house.

My wife was asked to fill in an extra form that she was given by the Immigration officer , which was completely

in Thai , a list of questions , including when and where did we originally meet . I went with all the above forms

all ready filled in ( not signed as they want to see you sign them there ) all neatly clipped together in separate

sections. The Immigration officer commented that it was very helpful to have the paper work all ready filled in

and sorted beforehand .

TL

First of all great info.

I am due to renew my permission of stay for a further year which is due on the 11th Feb (my address notification is the 22nd Feb). My question is that in my passport I have the stamp which says that I must leave the Kingdom before this date etc etc etc.

My questions are can I renew my permission of stay without going out of the country? If yes, can I do this at the new Patumwan office or do I have to go to the new Government complex at Cheang Wattana?

I am wanting to do this on Friday with my wife and maybe our Daughter.

Thanks

Hi there:

First of all Amata Industrial Estate in closer to Pattaya than Bangkok.

As for housing, most expat families live in houses / housing type estates.

Perhaps take a look in the Pattaya forum for more guidance on the area re schools, housing, shopping etc.

regards

Amata Nakorn is sort of between the Bangkok and Pattaya but I would say it is easier to get to from Bang Na using the elevated tollway above Bang Na Trat. It takes me approx 30 mins. Amata City is a lot nearer to Pattaya so Pattaya a better option if its this one.

Just moved house and had our hot water shower (Astina 450E) installed in the new bathroom. There was a wire hanging down from the ceiling (looked thicker, maybe we call it 3 core in UK) which was obviously used to fit another unit for the previous tenants which the Sparky has used. I know nothing about electrics but I wondered if it needs a breaker switch or whatever outside the bathroom, as this is what we had in our previous house. The Sparky who fitted the unit said to the MIL that this wasn't required as the main electric board downstairs has a breaker as standard. Is this correct? The earth wire has been put through the window and I assume is attached to the house but I will check this. Is this correct?

Any advice much appreciated.

Kan Win, I always check google before I ask a question. Unfortunately, in some cases you get outdated information, which easily can ruin your plans. Finding some controversial answers I decided that it's better to ask in this particular case. This is why forums exist IMHO. Thanks for the link.

ddavidovsky, Thanks a lot, mate!! You helped A LOT supplying the recent info I've been looking for! The problem is that I arrive to BKK at 10:30, so I miss them both. It seems that the only way is to get a cab to Morchit station...

If anyone can suggest a better way forward, please do. Thanks a lot in advance!

Have Fun! Stay Safe!

Another alternative may be the train from Lad Krabang station (this is the station/platform under the new Lad Krabang airport link station and the train that runs under the airport link, but going the other way). According to my schedule there are two trains per day. The first train will be to early for you at 06.55 but the next train at 13.42 may well work for you. The timetable shows it arrives at Aranyaprathet at 17.35 and the train no looks to be 279. You'll need to get a taxi to the station which I would estimate at about 70B (on a meter). The fares on the train are heavily subsidised at the moment (free for Thai's and nominal charges for Farangs). I don't know what this fare will be but I only pay B5 to get into Asoke everyday from Lad Krabang so would be substanitally cheaper than any other form of transport IMHO.

Enjoy your journey with whatever you decide.

I have permission to stay until the 13th August but I leave for 2 weeks to the UK on the 11th August. I understand that I have to get a re-entry permit but do I have to go and report as usual to Suan Plu before I leave as well?

Advice much appreciated, thanks.

If your permission of stay is until 13th August and you are leaving on 11th August a Re Entry Permit would be of no use to you.

EDIT

Did you apply for a 12 month extension early in February/Late January?

If you did you are a little confused. You are probably referring to your 90 day report. Nothing to do with your permission to stay.

Yes you still have to do it. The 90 day report clock will start again when you return.

Yes a Re Entry Permit will be needed and will enable you to keep your permission to stay date in February alive.

Why not do your report and apply for the Re Entry Permit at the same time.

Yes sorry I mean my 90 day report.

I will go and do both at the same time then.

Many Thanks for your help, Paul

Yes. A single Re Entry Permit will keep your current stay alive. It does not add any time.

Example. If your current permitted to stay stamp is November 19th and you leave in August. When you return you will be admitted until November 19th.

I have permission to stay until the 13th August but I leave for 2 weeks to the UK on the 11th August. I understand that I have to get a re-entry permit but do I have to go and report as usual to Suan Plu before I leave as well?

Advice much appreciated, thanks.

She will get 30 days on each entry - just as you get on entry into Thailand without a visa. It will be a new 30 day stamp on your return trip. Your trip time has no significance.

Thanks Lopburi3 for that. I have just booked and with all the extras (seat alloc, 20kg x 2 baggage, bus transit and comfort packs) its come in at 48000 baht (4 flights). Still happy with that. Just need to check in the golf clubs and purchase some food on the day! I know Etihad were 59000 baht but haven't been able to access their website for 2 days so will try, and look forward to, Air Asia. Nothing ventured..............

Just about to book Air Asia to Stansted with the family.

Thinking of going straight through on the outbound flight and staying overnight in KL on the return.

I have read that we need to go into Malaysia even when connecting but does my Wife need a visa for this, and for the return too? My Daughter holds a Thai and UK passport.

Thanks in advance.

I have found the answer to my above question. Thai's get 30 days on arrival which suffices as our trip is for 16 days. Also for anyone interested, I am about to pay 3674 MYR which I believe is 35500 baht for the LH trip and 5859 baht for the flights to/from Bangers. 41400 baht total! Happy days and I'll make sure I buy plenty of food before and have the laptop charged for movies!!

Just about to book Air Asia to Stansted with the family.

Thinking of going straight through on the outbound flight and staying overnight in KL on the return.

I have read that we need to go into Malaysia even when connecting but does my Wife need a visa for this, and for the return too? My Daughter holds a Thai and UK passport.

Thanks in advance.