jfchandler

thanks for this. BTW, I think True is having some of the games on TS 3 so watch for this. Their switching of channels tripped some of us up last year.

Ya...I was a bit confused about that... I've seen some mention about TS3...and other mention about TS4, re NFL football.... I just got my Sept. True magazine the other day, so I'll be looking more at their schedule now... Either way I'm OK, because their Gold Package includes TS1-4, ESPN, and a couple others.

About the TVU programming schedule... not much to offer there, based on my experimenting the past several weeks...

Once you install the software, they do have a very rudimentary channel guide built into the software module...but it doesn't work for all channels...and isn't always accurate. They do, however, have a component that allows you to see only sports channels (or English or other program categories) and then save those to a Favorites list.

So I've taken the opposite approach in two ways... 1.) I look at what channels they actually have and get some sense of what kinds of games those are likely to show... and 2). I check the days/times/teams of the games I'm interested and then check their sports channels at that time.

TVU, as best as I can tell, is NOT a great resource for NFL football broadcasts. They do seem to have the 49ers...by virtue of the San Francisco CBS affiliate, which seems to be available pretty consistently. And likewise, the same CBS affiliate sometimes is showing other NFL games. They also do sometimes have an ESPN and Fox Sports feeds...but those seem a bit more hit and miss...

Now that the NFL season is getting underway...I'm going to be watching their offerings more closely...as well as other offerings available thru a similar free, streaming service called TVAnts... Both are free, so it's no problem to download, try, and keep or not, depending on if they have anything you want.

I'm originally from California, so I'm backing up the TV broadcast issue by locating the streaming radio broadcasts of both the Raiders (KSFO-AM) and the 49ers (The Bone 107.7 FM)...which I've used here the past couple weeks and both have worked fine via my True 2 mb connection.

Lastly, I bit the bullet this weekend, and upgraded from my True UBC to Gold Package in order to get the few measly NFL games they'll be showing on True Sports 4 (which isn't offered in any of the lower packages beneath Gold).

Just wanted to mention, for S.F. 49ers fans out there, I seem to be having pretty good luck watching 49ers games live here in LOS.

The way to see this is to use the free TVU software/service, and then choose their "CBS" channel, which happens to be the feed from San Francisco's KPIX station, which airs 49ers games.

The quality, audio and video, comes thru fine here in BKK via a True 2 mb DSL connection.

And if your "business visa" comes with 10 million baht invested in Thai stock market, 2 accounts with Internet banking are peanuts you got in return and even that did not come trouble-free.

Think.... sorry...but you seem to have some misunderstanding about business visas...which are technically known as Non Immigrant B visas... Obtaining them has nothing to do with having large amounts invested in the Thai stock market or anywhere else, for that matter. Many farang stay in Thailand on "B" visas, provided you obtain the proper sponsorship documents from some source, because they provide one-year stays (with required visa runs or trips outside Thailand every 90 days).

Actually, he OP didn't talk at all about being here for two weeks on holiday. And, it was you and other subsequent posters, in responding, who repeatedly said, can't get Internet banking in Thailand without a work permit. It was those comments I was responding to, not the OP... The WP issue indeed is sometimes/often requested for Internet banking access in Thailand. But you give misleading information to tell people that it is ALWAYS required...when in fact, it is not. My own experience and that of others here, if you bother to read the many banking threads, proves that.

My apologies to all... I'm a bit embarrassed to confess...I had some Thai street food a couple days ago which I eat all the time, but this time, came down with a bad case of food poisoning... Kept hoping I'd get better in time for today...but it just didn't happen. Still a bit woozy and... well... you know what happens in such circumstances... Not exactly in the best shape for socializing. Hopefully I'll feel better in a few days...and promise...to do better next time... --John.

Reviving this older topic, I'm in need of a solution similar to a couple of posters above...regarding extending an existing UBC cable TV signal in my living room to a second television in my bedroom.

I have a two bedroom apartment in BKK...with a UBC cable outlet in the living room, and then a second TV in the bedroom, maybe 30 feet away, that currently is only using an over-the-air rabbit ears antenna. There is no current UBC cabling or connection in the bedroom.

I'd like to be able to split my current UBC feed and bring it into the bedroom. Just one channel, whatever's tuned in the living room would be OK, but a separate tuner would be better -- without having to pay a fortune to UBC in both set-up costs and additional monthly fees.

From what I know, there are a couple of ways to accomplish this, but I don't know how to execute them....

1. would be to run cable from the back of my living room UBC box to my bedroom TV. I have my landlord's permission to do that (they didn't want me to install a UBC Freeview small satellite dish that I'm entitled to from UBC). But the physical route is a bit contorted, and I'd want the cabling to be done neatly/professionally/permanently. So, I don't know who I could contact in BKK who could do such installation work.

2. there are RF transmitters for this purpose, but I don't know where to shop for them, or what model to seek, in BKK. One problem I also noticed, shopping for such models in the U.S., is there was a lot of talk about people's wireless computer networks (2.4 GHz) (which I have at home) creating interference on the commonly sold 2.4 GHz TV RF transmitters. So I see they also have some 5 GHz models in the U.S. now, but no idea about finding them here.

Any recommendations for WHO could do the cabling run for me in BKK, or what model and where to find 5 GHz RF transmitters, would be much appreciated.

One of the things about banking in Thailand that has been made very clear, through the experience of many TV posters here, is that the policies applied by Thai banks -- both at different branches of the same bank, and from one bank to another -- are HIGHLY variable...

There are countless reports here of people in varying circumstances getting a NO answer at one branch of a Thai bank, and then going to another branch of the same bank with exactly the same request/particulars and getting a YES. Read TV postings on banking and you will be buried with those kinds of experiences.

So, for someone in your situation, if you really want to pursue it, the first step would be to try other various branches of the same bank (presumably to open a new account with Internet banking, not trying to add it to an existing account), and if that fails, you could consider opening a new account with a different Thai bank such as Kasikorn.

I had to go thru that same experience myself when first setting up my Thai bank accounts. I got turned down at branches of both banks I currently deal with. But I did my research, checked around, went to other branches, did some persuading and finally had success. So both of my Thai bank accounts have had Internet banking since the beginning. And I never used a work permit, just a business visa, in opening them.

Regarding accessing your U.S. funds other than via ATMs (if you need larger amounts at some time), you have to be careful about wire transfers.

Many U.S. banks (but not all) typically will want you to initiate an international wire transfer from their branch in the U.S., -- and not allow those to be initiated online or over the phone. Others will allow you in advance to fill out paperwork in the U.S. that will allow you to initiate transfers without going into the branch. A few banks and brokerage account DO allow online wire transfers. (Citibank MAY be one of those, though I don't have any Citibank accounts). Also, all the banks also have different fees. So for whichever bank you're dealing with, you need to find out their procedures and fees.

For example, Washington Mutual advertises a benefit of some of their accounts being free international wire transfers. But, what they don't proclaim so loudly, is you have to physically go into their branch in the U.S. to initiate such a transfer. And they don't have any offices in Thailand. So, unless you are going to be back in the U.S. periodically, that benefit is pretty useless living here.

I think you need to think more carefully and educate yourself better about your financial planning in Thailand... You seem to be unaware/mistaken about a variety of things...

1. You don't need to keep $50,000 in a Thai bank account. You do need to keep 800,000 baht (nearly $25,000) in a Thai account for three months prior to your retirement visa application, or obtain documents to verify monthly income of 65,000 baht, or a combination of the two.

2. It's probably a smart idea to keep the bulk of your available funds in U.S., FDIC insured accounts. But, where you keep those funds and how you access them is a very important consideration. Some U.S. banks charge up to 3% fee on all foreign ATM transactions, some charge 2%, some 1%, some none.

If you're planning to use an ATM for your ongoing funds needs, which probably is the best way to go, it would be smart of you to keep your routine spending funds in a U.S. account/bank where the foreign fees are low or free. I'm not sure where Citibank is on that subject, but I don't think they have among the better rates.

The Thai banks in general don't usually assess their own fee for U.S. ATM card transactions, except for the recent move by Siam Commercial Bank to impose a 20 baht per transaction fee on the use on non-Thai cards. BKK Bank or Kasikorn Bank are good alternatives, depending on where you plan to live here.

One of the nice things about having a BKK Bank account in Thailand is that they also have a New York office with its own ACH number. Therefore, you can ACH transfer funds from your various U.S. accounts via online banking to the BKK Bank branch in New York, and then they will forward the funds onto your Thailand account with them.

Also, regarding Citibank, or any non-Thai bank for that matter, they are limited under current Thai regulations to only having one branch each in Thailand, typically BKK. So if you happen to live near where that bank's office is, you might be fine. But if you're not living nearby, it will be a pain.

You want to find out what Citibank's foreign transaction fees are when you either a) use their own Citibank ATMs in BKK and/or use any other bank's ATMs in a foreign country. Then you can decide whether you want to use a Citibank ATM card, or more likely, use another U.S. bank with better fee rates for foreign transactions.

I had a different experience with this...

I was able...in the past year...to open a savings account with online banking thru BKK Bank. I did have a business visa...but did not have a work permit then. So I don't think it is correct to say you always need a work permit for getting online banking.

Also, by many reports on TV, Kasikorn Bank is reputed to be pretty good in terms of new account opening.

I wasn't under the impression that private jail cells were the norm in Thailand's fine custodial establishments, especially for drug dealers, or anyone else for that matter...

I also couldn't quite figure out the meaning of the final sentences of that report... I'm just guessing here...but I think...it may mean something like.. "We're going to take a very "thorough" look at how a guy managed to 'hang' himself while in police custody...."

Of course, they wouldn't want that happening again in Pattaya...to be sure...

Just wondering.... anyone have any experience with how Asiabooks.com compares to Amazon in terms of pricing and availability for Western titles???

If Asiabooks had the same item available online here, I'm wondering how its pricing would generally compare vs. ordering from Amazon in the U.S. and shipping here....

I think these two have been mentioned before on another similar thread but:

The Good View and that place on the corner of Thong Lor 13 (the food is better at the latter, but you'd be hard pushed to beat the Good View for general ambience).

The big outdoor place on the corner of Soi Ekamai (opposite the bus terminal) is also very good - great food, service, atmosphere, people, particularly on a Friday night. And it's open 24 hours...

Re Ekamai, assuming you mean the Banrai Coffee Shop....

I would NEVER sit alone for 30 minutes at Gulliver's.......for sure...

Protesters use toilets of Command Centre

BANGKOK: - Protesters now have access to toilet rooms on every floor of the five-story Command Centre.

Signs were put up, telling the protesters to use toilet rooms of every floor of the building.

Several of them also took a rest inside air-conditioned rooms on the fourth floor. Offices on other floors remain locked up.

-- The Nation 2008-08-28

PPP MP deplores senators for siding with PAD

Certain senators might have committed contempt to the judiciary by showing moral support to the People's Alliance for Democracy inspite of its defiance for arrest warrants and eviction order, People Power Party MP Wisut Chainarun on Thursday.

Wisut was reacting to the news that 10 senators paid a visit to the PAD's rally inside Government House and that some 30 senators cast doubts on treason charges filed agianst the nine PAD leaders.

"These senators have been the advocates for the judicial review but are acting curiously when the PAD is being targetted for the judicial proceedings," he said.

-- The Nation 2008-08-28

PM calls off plans to disperse demonstrators

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej has abandoned plans to disperse congregation of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) this morning (August 28th) in an effort to avoid possible confrontation between protestors and police officers at the Government House.

The premier mentioned he did not lose credibility for calling off the plan to chase protestors away, adding that his action aimed at preventing serious encounters.

At the same time, appointed Senator Warin Thiamcharas personally viewed that the recent arrest warrants for core PAD leaders is too much. He added that PAD core leaders’ allegation of state rebellion leveled against them was not precise as they did not adopt a conduct to topple the Government or abolish major national institutions, which would have resulted in the destruction of state sovereignty.

Senator Warin claimed if accusations failed, PAD core leaders would likely sue the premier. At the same time, Bangkok Senator Rasana Tositrakul called for the withdrawal of state rebellion accusations from the Royal Thai Police who received the case as the move is not in compliance with the constitution.

-- Govt. Public Relations Dept. 2008-08-28

Boonsang urges all parties not to use force

(BangkokPost.com) - Supreme Commander Boonsang Niampradit said Thursday that political unrest should be solved through talks, not violence.

Gen Boonsang said the government may ask for help from academics and thinkers in order to help find solutions.

He also called on all parties not to use force in solving this problem, adding that prolonged problem is better than violence.

The Supreme Commander added that the situation is not yet considered as 'crisis', and that soldiers will stand on people's side and will not stage a coup.

-- Bangkok Post 2008-08-28

7 pm or 7:30 pm start????

GirlX originally had said 7.... and I didn't see anything after that????

Police say PAD leaders may appeal warrants if they wish

Deputy Spokesman for the National Police, Police Major General Surapol Tuanthong stated that the People's Alliance for Democracy may file an appeal against the Civil Court's injunction if it wishes, but it must accept the court's decision on the matter and comply with it once it is issued.

The deputy spokesman stated that a problem at the moment is that many protesters are not aware that their actions are in violation of the law. Civil Court employees have been dispatched to distribute notices of the matter in the demonstration area.

Police Major General Surapol also stated that despite arrest warrants out for the 9 leaders of the PAD, police have realized the volatility of the situation and have decided to proceed with the matter with finesse. He also admitted that the PAD leaders can seek to challenge their arrest warrants through the legal system but stated that ultimately it would be in the hands of the court.

Only moments ago an attorney for the PAD heads traveled to the Metropolitan Police Headquarters to begin legal processes in response to the warrants.

-- Govt. Public Relations Dept. 2008-08-28

So it seems, Samak has pulled back from the brink... yet again....

Yet.... from what I've read of history here...there's certainly nothing much in his personal background to predict this would be his current approach.

How long can it last? And is Samak really setting the tone here...or is it coming from elsewhere???

Either way, democracy always has the potential to be a messy business.... Whether PAD is right or wrong, it's kind of refreshing to see these things play out thus far (pretty much) without violence. That's a hopeful sign for Thailand.

Civil disobedience against court is legal: Sondhi

(BangkokPost.com) - People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leader Sondhi Limthongkul took the stage on Thursday morning at the Government House, reiterating to his supporters that they can launch the movement of civil disobedience against the court, claiming that it is not an act of rebellion.

Mr Sondhi said the key members of the anti-government group are ready to follow the court’s order and get arrested, but insisted that he did not commit severe offences including rebellion and overthrowing the constitution, as accused by the Royal Thai Police. He threw the allegation to the People Power party, and criticised the government for its handling of the Thai-Cambodian border dispute around Preah Vihear temple.

Mr Sondhi also called on the protesters to keep hold of the Government House until Sunday.

-- Bangkok Post 2008-08-28

PAD to file appeal against warrants and injunction

People's Alliance for Democracy Liaison Suriyasai Katasila revealed this morning that the PAD will file an appeal against warrants issued by the Criminal Court against him, the 5 PAD leaders and 9 other PAD protesters. The group will also seek to end an injunction from the Civil Court which has barred the PAD leaders from the Government House.

The liaison affirmed that the demonstration would continue at the government house until the resignation of the current administration. He asked that the administration not use police as an extension of its authority.

-- Govt. Public Relations Dept. 2008-08-28

Transport company provides 800 buses to assist PAD protesters wishing to go home

Managing Director of the Transport Company Limited, Wutichart Kalayanamitr stated that his company has been contacted by the National Police and has prepared vehicles to assist in the transport of People's Alliance for Democracy demonstrators who wish to return home.

The Transport Company has diverted vehicles typically used for routes throughout the nation to assist in the matter, totaling 800 vehicles as well as shuttle buses for minor destinations. The company is also ready to work with 3 other transport firms to assist in the situation if its fleet is not enough.

-- Govt. Public Relations Dept. 2008-08-28