chicowoodduck

With all that said, I'd just like to warn other potential "Farang Sin Sod ATM Machines" to take it slow and hang onto your dough! Thank goodness I'm not out my life savings, but I'm certainly a bit more dubious of that lovely Thai smile and the "It's up to you" mentality. When left up to me, I was always informed that that's not what they want to hear.

Life goes on........

Unbelievable - you meet a girl in Pattaya and trusted her!

Well, she wasn't trying to sell me the Brooklyn Bridge at the time.

How long had you know her before arranging mariage?

One year, but who is to say how much time is adequate?

My last posted thread concerning my Sin Sod saga went like this.........

I was informed today that for the most part the guest would not be giving anything to us, but rather we should be treating them? Also, when I questioned my GF about the return of the Sin Sot, she said that anything returned would be used for the honeymoon and such. As for the ring thing, she asked and received an engagement ring and a wedding ring and also said she needs to get some "gold?" My response was "Are we getting close to the end of all the things you need?" Her response? "That's the Thai tradition." Actually, it was A LOT more than that, but since I don't speak Thai, just suffice to say I got an ear full!

Yesterday it went from bad to worse, if that's possible, and I reached the "tipping point."

It seems as though the closer the wedding date became, the more the Sin Sod request increased (1 million to maybe over two?). The local monk jumped in with his request for 30,000 THB, the Pattaya apartment needed a new AC unit (28,000 THB), some more gold had to be purchased, etc., etc. When I said the money train was at an end, my GF stormed off and sent me a text message saying that it was too much drama and that I should not have lead her on? I just said fine, just return the wedding ring and keep everything else. She said that I get NOTHING back and that I wasn't getting <deleted>**ed for free. Yikes! Wake-up call down on Soi Bua Khoa for the big boy! I was out of our apartment and checked into a new place before 7 AM this morning.

With all that said, I'd just like to warn other potential "Farang Sin Sod ATM Machines" to take it slow and hang onto your dough! Thank goodness I'm not out my life savings, but I'm certainly a bit more dubious of that lovely Thai smile and the "It's up to you" mentality. When left up to me, I was always informed that that's not what they want to hear.

Life goes on........

Good that you saw the light, Sin Sod has its place in Thailand but not between a Falang and a (bar girl) ? sorry if i'm wrong there ! Its an old tradition the highest sums paid for and to a NEW girl and its down in value from there, good job you didnt spend the 1millon baht on 30 Buffalo. A handfull in Patters

Just an FYI - my now "ex" was/is the owner of two bars, a tattoo shop, a three story building with attached restaurant, and an internet shop in and around the Pattya City area. If anyone called her a "bar girl" she popped a cork! As for the 1-2 million baht Sin Sod, she said because of her upbringing and "status" in her hometown (Udon) that was the going rate? Status or not, I'm not about to change my name from Billy to Silly. To me, 2 million baht can buy alot of other things to be happy with besides "status!"

Asian men seem the worse for comb-overs and other anti-balding solutions. At least they don't do the shaved head that seems so popular with westerners these days.

TH

And worse than a comb-over are those who go with a poneytail. Geez, grow-up and look in the mirror......YOU'RE bald, not ugly!

Check out my new thread on this topic caled Sin Sod Part Deuce, it just keeps getting "gooder and gooder!"

My last posted thread concerning my Sin Sod saga went like this.........

I was informed today that for the most part the guest would not be giving anything to us, but rather we should be treating them? Also, when I questioned my GF about the return of the Sin Sot, she said that anything returned would be used for the honeymoon and such. As for the ring thing, she asked and received an engagement ring and a wedding ring and also said she needs to get some "gold?" My response was "Are we getting close to the end of all the things you need?" Her response? "That's the Thai tradition." Actually, it was A LOT more than that, but since I don't speak Thai, just suffice to say I got an ear full!

Yesterday it went from bad to worse, if that's possible, and I reached the "tipping point."

It seems as though the closer the wedding date became, the more the Sin Sod request increased (1 million to maybe over two?). The local monk jumped in with his request for 30,000 THB, the Pattaya apartment needed a new AC unit (28,000 THB), some more gold had to be purchased, etc., etc. When I said the money train was at an end, my GF stormed off and sent me a text message saying that it was too much drama and that I should not have lead her on? I just said fine, just return the wedding ring and keep everything else. She said that I get NOTHING back and that I wasn't getting <deleted>**ed for free. Yikes! Wake-up call down on Soi Bua Khoa for the big boy! I was out of our apartment and checked into a new place before 7 AM this morning.

With all that said, I'd just like to warn other potential "Farang Sin Sod ATM Machines" to take it slow and hang onto your dough! Thank goodness I'm not out my life savings, but I'm certainly a bit more dubious of that lovely Thai smile and the "It's up to you" mentality. When left up to me, I was always informed that that's not what they want to hear.

Life goes on........

Shrubbery contact this member he sells them

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showuser=28071

Thanks, seonai. I'll give them a shout.

Probably not as good, but an alternative is Makro in packs of about ten.

Thanks,

I've already had a few packs from Makro, but they already had designs on. That was 6 months ago though. Have they plain ones now ?

I'm wanting to get plain ones so that I can get my own design printed on them.

Call 081-175-1798 and ask for Pu or Dave. These is a Pattaya City number, but they might be able to help you out as they have a wide variety to choose from WITHOUT any designs.

The cost of a wedding ceremony is usually covered by the cash given in envelopes by guests, so there is seldom a real or significant cost in the ceremony itself.

Costume hire in Thailand is cheap. Many wedding / photography studios do deals where they photograph you before the event and at the event as well as hire you the wedding gown and what not. Deals vary but for sure, you can get a very nice package for about 40,000 baht. You could pay much more - or a bit less.

Rings are much the same the world over. It is to be expected that you will buy a decent ring.

That leaves the sin sot. If you're uncomfortable with the idea of paying it, be upfront about it. Offer it as a goodwill gesture with the proviso that it will be returned immediately after the event. If they scoff at this, I would run.

I was informed today that for the most part the guest would not be giving anything to us, but rather we should be treating them? Also, when I questioned my GF about the return of the Sin Sot, she said that anything returned would be used for the honeymoon and such. As for the ring thing, she asked and received an engagement ring and a wedding ring and also said she needs to get some "gold?" My response was "Are we getting close to the end of all the things you need?" Her response? "That's the Thai tradition." Actually, it was A LOT more than that, but since I don't speak Thai, just suffice to say I got an ear full!

Only 10,000thb per light.

Sounds about right.

And 20,000THB for a toilet seat? Perhaps they could do a lend/lease with the US Air Force?

Quite so, that is the tradition here. You can negotiate all of this, its best done in a polite manner so everyone comes out looking like they have won.

Guess it's best just to "bite the bullet" and keep repeating, "I'm in Thailand, I'm in Thailand."

Oy, in Minnesota at the moment so I'm pretty familiar with cold weather. Of course, it's supposed to hit 6 Celsius tomorrow with a 40% chance of rain (unusual for this time of year), so I'll be packing my umbrella =).

There's probably been a few occasions where I've woken up and cursed the cold, but I can't ever recall waking up in a warmer place and hoping it was -41.

Eh, at least I have it better than the Russians =)

Born in Minnesota, but told my parents I was going out to build a snowman one c-c-c-old and dark January night and never came back!

For the past six months I have been involved in the Tong Mun (gold engagement) and Sin Sod (riches stored away) marriage process with my Thai girlfriend who runs a couple of very successful businesses. I fully understand the need for the engagement ring and the wedding ring and have made those purchases with the usual "yes dear." It's all the "tack on" things that make me wonder? There is the pay for the wedding dress, the new clothes, my ring, the after wedding clothes, the invitations, the dinners for the whole family, the honeymoon, the million dollar Sin Sod request, etc., etc. It seems that for the most part, I'm just the side-line ATM machine. When I have stated that we should have some sort of budget and that we need to save some money for a "rainy day" situation, I'm met with "You have money coming in each month, that is enough, you won't be any happier with lots of money in the bank."

I know that the Sin Sod is suppose to be a gesture of good will, and that her family can use part of the money for cost of the ceremonies, but from the sounds of it, if any money remains it will be used for anything but the new couple. I've let my GF know that I'm concerned that if something should happen to her down the road, I'm left with whatever is left in my bank account after the wedding and the mercy of the Royal Thai government (I'm on an O-A Retirement Visa). If something happens to me, she is still left with her businesses, assets, and pretty much all that she started with in the first place. Hence the "Is It Just Me?

Just had a call from a California Fitness sales rep offering a lifetime membership for 12,000 baht with yearly membership renewal of 999 baht (waived for the first 3 years).

In addition, as part of this promotion they offered an additional full membership (for a friend) for one year for free.

What do you think? Sounds like a pretty good deal to me.

Unless "discipline" is your middle name, forget it! Most people who go in for any form of gym membership quit going on a regular basis after the FIRST full month.

I'm looking to get a tattoo in Pattaya.. not bothered about the cost, but want a really good artist... and clean!!

There is a little hole in the wall place called Pim's Tattoos off of Pattaya 3rd Road (Soi Chaipoon). I think it's directly across from the World Pub? At any rate, it's clean and neat and the guy has all his recent work posted on the walls for a good visual. Maybe worth the "look and see?"

1. Pet Sounds -- Beach Boys

2. Highway 61 revisited -- Bob Dylan

3. What's Going On -- Marvin Gaye

3 (tie) Dark Side of the Moon -- Pink Floyd

Substitute number 2 with Hotel California -- The Eagles and we've got my music mojo a working!

I never respond to anybody who approaches me unsolicited in Thailand be it farang, Thai, Indian etc

It is always a scam and I can't bothered responding to them.

I could make a list of lines but whenever i hear the words 'Do you speak English' I know it is someone trying to scam me.

'

My standard reply to those who beg? "I'm sorry, but I gave in another life." Just try to mix a little sympathy with a little humor and keep on truck'n.

Now a days I am like Cinderella. Nothing good comes after midnight.

My advice is to drop it. Nothing to be gained in pursuing it further, just lost money and increased frustration, maybe worse.

I'm thinking that if you really what to do something at 3AM, go turn on the TV to watch someone get mugged in the comfort of your own condo.

One reason we forget things, is that we have so many memories!

Now that is a good one.

It's so good that I was going to repeat it to an "old" friend of mine, but I forgot what the exact quote was! Old? The only thing that word reminds me of is dirt.....as in dirt nap, of which I hope is a loooong way off for me. 60 is the new 40 is my motto!

Has anyone ever seen a ghost?

i have never seen any but i read postings of ghosts in TV-Forum every day. hence i can confirm that ghosts do exist

My GF has a family home up near Udon that she swears has a ghost (her father) roaming around inside. NONE of the family has been in the house for years and it is up for sale. One family stories goes that the ghost trip my GF's "ex" and he broke his leg while staying in the house. Shades of Ripley's, but I'm not one to challange the reports or sightings!

It works sometimes, because Bangkok Bank has an ABA number - but if it gets reviewed it is not allowed from reports we have had by users.

A normal SWIFT wire transfer should not cost that much - I called my US bank Tuesday night at 11:05 and made a $9,000 transfer to my Bangkok Bank account (cost 9,000 plus $45 fee) and had 296,883.90 baht credit to my account before noon on Wednesday. Your ATM seems like a decent rate; if there are no later fees involved.

Obviously that orderwires is not what anyone would want to use.

To your question on the ATM fees? I got the answer today from my B of A internet banking statement for the withdrawl of 9,000THB on Friday from my TMB debit machine at Carrefour on Central Pattaya Road. Although my account was debited for $272.42 USD, I got charged almost $8 USD to do the transaction. Still a good rate, but not worth doing over the long haul.

01/18/2008TMB ATM WITHDRWL 01-18

#000177047 CUSTOMER... -$2.7201/18/2008NON-BANK CARD ATM FEE

ON 01-18 #000177047... -$5.00<A class=linknormal id=di2 onclick="sendDataToServer(2,'45');return false;" href="https://onlineeast1.bankofamerica.com/cgi-bin/ias/2x1mrWWhiB22EwmkJPQaSlQyT32GfgvzSFdHYg0g96846/3/AccountDetailsControl?bofaAction=45&txnID=2#skip2">01/18/2008TMB ATM WITHDRWL 01-18

#000177047 CUSTOMER... -$272.42

What in the he-ll is wrong with "lady"? I find it rather strange that someone would object to the term lady. I use the term quite often and have never felt it was derogatory in any way.

And what's the movie were "the lady was a tramp?"

I have been a customer of Bank of America for over 30 years with no problems while living in California.

However when I tried to initiate transfers to Bangkok Bank the troubles began.

I cannot tell you the time I have spent attempting to untangle the mistakes, misunderstandings, and outright carelessness of Bank of America when it comes to international banking.

My trusted accountant in California tells me that B of A is simply not attuned to international banking and that almost any other US bank will do a better job.

I now use Citibank, initiate transfers online sending DOLLARS from Citi to Bangkok Bank and obtaining a favorable exchange rate (the "real" rate, i.e., the onshore rate). The cost is $35 US per transaction.

The last and final episode with Bank of America involved their security department placing a "stop" or "hold" on my ability to make ANY transfers outside the bank, even to another bank in the U.S. After three months of emails and telephone calls I was told by an indifferent, rude, and officious individual (undoubtedly trained by the Dept. of Homeland Security) that the hold could not be removed, that I had been judged as engaged in money laundering and had no recourse. What? They blamed Bangkok Bank, BB said they knew nothing of this, I called BB New York office which handles wire transfers and also talked to the appropriate people at the main branch in Bangkok. I reported this to B of A and they said "nothing we can do".

Throughout all of this I was treated as if I were a criminal, no apologies, no real explanations. My transfer history never involved wiring more than $5,000 US per month. How on earth could that we construed as money laundering?

Fortunately I had an account at Citibank and was able to extract funds from B of A through them. And my relationship with B of A is sooooo OVER.

Geez, your account of the mis-treatment and continuous inability to do the "right thing," by the Bank of America is spot on! I can remember them taking over three weeks just to figure out how to do a VOA (Verification of Funds) for my O-A Visa last year. As for B of A Customer service? For the VOA foul-up it took 11 DIFFERENT individuals to finally figure out how to get a signed copy to my front door. As I told my bank manager, they could &lt;deleted&gt;**-up a one car funeral.

Earlier this week, I stepped into the dark and murky currency exchange world and bumped into it's second cousin, the wire transfer service empire that stretches from the US to Thailand. Talk about currency exchange sticker shock! Thinking I would by-pass my Bank of America pay through the nose wire service ($75 processing fee, $25 service charge, etc.), I opted to use Orderwires.com which had a mimimal $25 set-up and processing fee. The shock came when they quoted my an exchange rate of about 25THB per USD versus the 32/33THB I can get here in Pattaya. Since I was talking about moving $30,000 USD to my THB account, we are talking about a swing of upwards of 150,000THB difference, and NOT in my favor.

For now, I'm thinking I'll wait until I hit the bottom branch while falling out of the "dumb tree" before proceeding. I am researching to see if Bank of America tacks on a service charge when I make a withdrawl from my TMB account with my US Bank oF America debit card. Today I withdrew 9,000THB and it cost me $272USD and change. If I did the wire service routine I would only be getting 6740THB for my $272USD......a difference of 2,260THB!

Just wondering if anyone has a found a better "mouse trap" to control the rats that lurk in the currency exchange world?

For me, the problem isn't so much in the wire transfer process, it's in the exchange rate that is being quoted. If your Interactive Brokers account is competitive, that sounds like the ticket. As for doing the TMB and Bank of America hook-up, I'm not able to do that process over the internet.

Earlier this week, I stepped into the dark and murky currency exchange world and bumped into it's second cousin, the wire transfer service empire that stretches from the US to Thailand. Talk about currency exchange sticker shock! Thinking I would by-pass my Bank of America pay through the nose wire service ($75 processing fee, $25 service charge, etc.), I opted to use Orderwires.com which had a mimimal $25 set-up and processing fee. The shock came when they quoted my an exchange rate of about 25THB per USD versus the 32/33THB I can get here in Pattaya. Since I was talking about moving $30,000 USD to my THB account, we are talking about a swing of upwards of 150,000THB difference, and NOT in my favor.

For now, I'm thinking I'll wait until I hit the bottom branch while falling out of the "dumb tree" before proceeding. I am researching to see if Bank of America tacks on a service charge when I make a withdrawl from my TMB account with my US Bank oF America debit card. Today I withdrew 9,000THB and it cost me $272USD and change. If I did the wire service routine I would only be getting 6740THB for my $272USD......a difference of 2,260THB!

Just wondering if anyone has a found a better "mouse trap" to control the rats that lurk in the currency exchange world?

I broke up with a american gal about 2 years ago and I'm still hurting pretty bad. I know that thailand

is the one place that will help jolt me out of this emotional quagmire.

Turning up in Thailand with un resolved emotion problems has to be at the top of the 'Set yourself up for a crash' list.

Closely followed by unresolved debt and outstanding legal issues.

I'd sort your head out before you get to Thailand if I was you.

Geez, if you really are from Minnesota, I think your head is already on straight because it's got to be -30 below zero and snowy there right now and you've got the good sense to move your butt to a warm climate. As for your emotional baggage? You WILL get over it, unless you are planning on starring in the Titanic II movie where love NEVER fades away.

Hi.

Just joined the forum, although been living in Thailand on and off for several years.

I'd just like to post a comment about the recent passing-away of the the eldest sister of King Bhumibol.

The Princess was a much loved member of the Royal family, giving much of her time to attending to the needs of others, especially the poor and needed people in Thailand. She will be missed by the many people she assisted and befriended during her long life.

Long live His Majesty King Bhumibol!

Just a sidebar....my GF had to make a trip to the local police station and they sent her out because of her dress, seems it did not meet the prescribed mourning dress code. Also, they questioned why she looked so happy!