jfchandler

As an American who sold his home in L.A. and got out before the recent economic fall, I think it's hard to assume too much from the Thanksgiving shopping report.

Generally, in recent years, those are the days that U.S. stores offer some of their biggest discounts, trying to get people into shopping to start the Christmas season.

So, it may also mean simply that people, feeling the crunch of high gas prices and everything else, are keenly looking for bargains at what they perceive as the best time for sales, instead of waiting until later and spreading out their shopping during the broader season.

In the end, when the holiday season is done, I'd be amazed if overall U.S. holiday sales are up this year over last year. Nothing I've been reading of late from my former homes suggests that is likely. But..time will tell...

Hehehehe....sure glad I left when I did... Haven't bought a gallon of gas since I arrived in LOS... Thanks BTS.

John.

This is a really good question and issue. I've been a DTAC pre-paid customer for years, but never tried to use their IR, because I always had a USA mobile number (which I've now surrendered because of moving here, and not wanting to pay a monthly charge for USA phone service that I'd almost never use, considering all the U.S. carriers want $1.50 to $2 per minute for roaming service in LOS).

Lately, for other reasons, I wanted to change my DTAC service from pre-paid to post-paid, for other reasons. But when I went to DTAC, they said as mentioned above, I needed to show passport and work permit, the latter of which I don't have. And, despite cajoling, they remained consistent and firm in multiple calls and contacts -- no work permit, no postpaid service.

BUT....lately, I'd also subscribed with TRUE for UBC cable and DSL internet, with a bit of help from a Thai friend who used his Thai ID to help me open the cable account for my home (they too wanted a work permit, if I signed up alone). So, I thought I'd try post-paid with TRUE. Called and went to their shops and got the same answer, need work permit for their postpaid service.

But then finally, not to be deterred, I went to one of their mobile service shops carrying in hand my latest billing invoices for TRUE from cable and DSL, and basically said to the staff... HEY...I'm an existing customer. You already have approved me for cable and DSL. So how about adding post-paid mobile service based on my passport and multi-entry business visa. And after a bit of cajoling and smiling and conferring between the service ladies...they finally agreed...and voila... now have True post pay service for the mobile. So it can be done...sometimes...without a work permit, if you weazel a bit!

However, in doing so, I also looked at TRUE's roaming rates for service in the U.S., which are OUTRAGEOUS, not because of True, but because of the U.S. mobile carriers and their service monopolies. Basically, using anything IR in the U.S. would cost more than 40 baht, and close to 50 baht, per minute depending on the carrier. Thai IR in the U.S. through ATT was higher, and T-Mobile was a bit lower, but still a RIPOFF.

Given the prices, I'd opt to use my existing GSM unlocked phone and just get a pre-paid SIM from T-Mobile when I occasionally arrive back in the U.S. Rates are far lower, and you can top up online, as well as through other means. Of course, when I call the U.S. from Thailand now, I use my computer and Net2Phone (a flat 5 cents per minute to any mobile or landline) or sometimes Skype Out. No reason someone cant do the same when traveling abroad, providing you have net service.

John, formerly from LA

OK... this is going a bit off my post, since my intention was about discount deals that don't carry a fee or pricetag.... But since the prior poster asked about the Marriott Gold Thailand Discount Card, I had checked about that lately with the JW Marriott on Suk Road and received an e-mailed package of very good info.

I'll share it here for everyone's info. (The prior posts on this subject seemed a year or so old, in terms of describing their changing benefits offerings. So, this is the latest of their official 2007-08 Benefits Document. It has some really nice benefits for both dining and free or discounted stays, BUT, it now carries an annual pricetag of 6500 BAHT. So it really depends on if you'll use their services enough (travel and entertain enough) to at least recover your investment in the card. Now that I LIVE here, I'm not such a big foreign traveler and hotel dweller anymore..... Bon Appetit!!!

? Five (5) certificates for a Preferential “Marriott Gold” Fixed Rate (see attached MRG Thailand Fixed Hotel Rates) Each certificate is valid for up to 7 consecutive nights.

? One (1) certificate for a Baht 2,700++ Special Midweek Rate, valid Sunday - Thursday at Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa or Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa Valid for a minimum 3 night stay, maximum 5 night stay.

? One (1) Courtyard City Pass certificate for a weekend night (Friday or Saturday at the special rate of Baht 499++ Valid for 1 night at the Courtyard Bangkok only.

? One (1) Courtyard Resort Pass certificate for a weekday night (Monday through Thursday) at the special rate of Baht 499++ Valid for 1 night in the Courtyard Phuket at Patong Beach, or Courtyard Phuket at Surin Beach, or Courtyard Phuket at Kamala Beach, or Courtyard Hua Hin at Cha Am Beach.

Accommodation certificates are subject to availability and not valid during periods of high hotel occupancy therefore advance reservations are required. Members must state that they wish to utilize the certificates at time of booking. The certificates will not be honored in conjunction with discounted rate or special program, e.g. conventions, packages, tours or weekend special rates.

? Unlimited membership card usage in all hotel operated restaurants, excluding “New York Steakhouse”. Membership card not valid at the Marriott Executive Apartments Mayfair-Bangkok

? Membership card usage at “New York Steakhouse” and at the restaurants of JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong will be limited to a total of 8 visits only

? Dining discount applies as follows: dining alone = 35%, 2 people dining on one table = 50%, 3 people dining on one table = 33%, 4 people dining on one table = 25%, 5 - 15 people dining on one table = 20%, 16- 25 people dining on one table = 15%. This discount applies to all food and non-alcoholic beverages

? Dining discount is maximized at 33% (minimum 3 diners on one table) for the purchase of Sushi and Sashimi at the Japanese restaurants and bars at JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok (This represents a change/downgrade of service from prior benefits, which is why they've highlighted in in their document. I read that some card holders got caught midyear by this change and were none too happy, because it essentially means a couple (two) can no longer get any discount at their Japanese venues)

? Membership card is valid for a 15% discount on all alcoholic beverages

? Membership card is valid for a 50% discount on the corkage fee in hotel operated outlets, excluding “New York Steakhouse”, JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok and the outlets at Marriott Executive Apartments Mayfair-Bangkok

? Membership card is valid for a 20% discount on pastries

Valid in “BBCO” (Bangkok Baking Company) - JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok, “Siam Deli” - JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, “Numero Uno” - Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa and Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa, MOMO Bakery in any participating Courtyard property. Not valid in conjunction with “Happy Hour” specials

? Membership card is valid for a 20% discount at “Ginja Cook - Cooking School”, JW Marriott Phuket Resort& Spa, only one discount per visit

? Not valid for Room Service

? Membership card valid for a 20% discount on Business Centre Services, excluding all Courtyard

? Membership card valid for a 20% discount on Laundry Services, excluding all Courtyard

** Membership card may be used in all restaurants year round. Not valid in conjunction with any discounted offers or special promotions **

** Only 1 Marriott Gold membership card may be used per table per visit and the membership card may only be used once per meal period **

? One (1) certificate for a 50% food discount when 6 – 12 people dine on one table in the hotel operated restaurants **

? Three (3) certificates for a 50% food discount when 4 people dine on one table in the hotel operated restaurants **

(**The certificates are not valid in “Trader Vic’s”, “The New York Steakhouse” and the Japanese restaurants. Not valid in conjunction with Marriott Gold dining card or other Marriott Gold certificates**)

? One (1) certificate for a complimentary set dinner for 2 people or buffet for 2 people (food only) Valid for set dinner at “White Elephant Thai Restaurant” or “Man Ho Chinese Restaurant” at JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok. Valid for buffet at “The Market”, Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa (lunch only) or “Marriott Café”, JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok (Monday to Thursday, dinner only)

? One (1) certificate for a 50% food discount, when 3 people dine on one table

Valid in JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa, any participating Courtyard property and in the “Marriott Café”, JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok (for lunch only, Monday to Friday)

? One (1) certificate for a complimentary bottle of house wine when 4 or more people dine on one table in any restaurant at Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa, Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa or Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa

? One (1) certificate for a 20% discount on “The Manohra” Dining Cruise at Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa Valid for any number of people

? One (1) certificate for a complimentary set dinner for 2 people (food only)

Valid at “MOMO Café” in any participating Courtyard property

? One (1) Happy Birthday certificate for a 500 Baht discount on food & beverage

Valid at JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok or Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa (excluding “Numero Uno”). Valid 3 months from the date of birthday

? One (1) certificate for a 500 Baht discount on food & beverage

Valid at JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok or Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa (excluding “Numero Uno”) – for Renewing Members only

Local Spa/Fitness Club/Health Club Benefits :

? Membership card valid for a 20% discount on the regular menu price of any spa treatments (excluding retail) at JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok, Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa and Mandara Spa at: Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa, Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa, Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa, JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa and JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai at Tomorrow Square. Not valid in any Courtyard properties

? Membership card valid for a 10% Discount on the annual Fitness/Health Club membership fee, valid for new Fitness/Health Club memberships only, excluding all Courtyard properties

? One (1) certificate for a 50% discount for 1 person on the regular menu price of any spa treatments (excluding retail) at Mandara Spa - Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa, Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa, Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa, JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa and JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai at Tomorrow Square

? One (1) certificate for a complimentary Day Pass for 2 people at the Health Club, JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok & Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa Subject to advance reservation

? One (1) certificate for a 30% discount for 2 to 6 people at “The Mandara Academy of Spa Cuisine”, Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa

Regional Asia-Pacific Benefits for participating Marriott & Renaissance Hotels & Resorts

? One (1) membership card with 16 discounted meals (food only) in any of the hotel operated restaurants when dining with at least 1 other person, excluding the restaurants at JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong (maximized at 8 visits)

? Five (5) accommodation certificates for a 50% discount on the rack rate. Each valid for up to 7 consecutive nights

General Terms & Conditions :

Local benefits are valid in all participating Marriott Hotels and Resorts in Thailand unless otherwise stated. The accommodation certificates are subject to availability during periods of high occupancy, advance reservations required. Not valid Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day & Loy Krathong. The member must state that they wish to utilize the certificate(s) at the time of booking. The certificate(s) will not be honored in conjunction with discount rates or special programs, i.e. conventions, packages, tours or weekend special rates. The Marriott Gold Thailand membership is available to Residents and Expatriates of Thailand only. Membership card and certificates must be presented at all times for discounts. All membership benefits are fully transferable and valid through the expiration date stated.

I have an HSBC account based in the U.S., and originally thought I could use their HSBC Branch here in BKK for my local and international banking, but that turned out to not be true.

It was a choice between two bad alternatives with HSBC:

1. If I opened either a Thai baht or U.S. dollar HSBC account based in Thailand, they'd be happy to do funds transfers and everything. But, they'd charge me a fortune in fees to move funds from the U.S. to Thailand. And, their Thai accounts had pretty steep minimum deposit amounts (especially when I'm keeping most of my funds in U.S. interest-bearing accounts) in order to avoid a raft of local account fees (both monthly and transactional) for almost everything under the sun.

2. The alternative was to shift the status of my U.S. HSBC account to HSBC Premiere status, which requires close to a $100,000 cumulative balanceamong all your HSBC accounts, regardless of country. If you go that route, supposedly they will waive all the account based fees as well as those for international wire transfers. But once HSBC dropped the interest rates on their U.S. online savings and other accounts to pretty well below the market leaders in the U.S., I wasn't about to park $100,000 with them at a low interest rate just to save on a bunch of bank fees that I shouldn't be paying anway.

So in end, I didn't use HSBC at all, and went for the combination of fee-free U.S. ATM card withdrawals for daily cash needs, and various American bank to Bangkok Bank in New York online funds transfers for larger amounts. There have been a lot of threads and posts on this later approach.

John, formerly from L.A.

As a recent relocatee, I've opened new Thai accounts with both Bangkok Bank and Siam Commercial, including online banking and local ATM cards.

The customer service from Siam seems a bit better especially for English language phone calls to their call center. But BKK Bank has been OK also. Both have pretty good English language capacity in their online banking functions.

One important difference for U.S. natives. BKK Bank has a branch in New York, which has a U.S. ABA number. That means, as other threads here discuss at great length, that you can use online banking in the U.S. to transfer U.S. dollars to the New York branch of BKK Bank, using their ABA number and your own BKK Bank account number here. The funds then are routed from New York to your local BKKB account here, fairly inexpensively and quickly, and all done online. It seems to be much easier and less costly than intl wire transfers.

I have yet to learn of any other Thailand bank that has this same online ABA funds transfer capability.

Siam Bank and BKK Bank ATMs seem to be pretty omni present all around Thailand. Though, Siam Bank is a bit better in not charging ATM fees no matter where you use their ATMs, while BKK Bank is free in the Bangkok region but charges some fees once you start using their ATMS in outside areas, beyond a few times per month.

For all the above reasons, I opened accounts at both banks, mainly BKKB for handling U.S. to Thailand fund transfers, and Siam Commercial for handling my local day-to-day banking needs here. Plus, Siam gave me a clock when I opened a new account there, while BKKB gave me a windbreaker type jacket.

Welcome to Thailand!!!! hehehehehe

Duplicate posting deleted

Re arranging online transfer of funds from U.S. Banks to Bangkok Bank in Thailand via BKKB's New York branch (as discussed at great length above)....

I've just finished successfully linking both my Bank of America and HSBC checking accounts to my Thailand-based Bangkok Bank savings account. In both cases, it involved using the normal trial deposits method at the U.S. end, and then waited for the funds to arrive in my BKK Bank account. A quick call to BKKB customer service to get the original U.S. $ amounts for the trial deposits, since they show up here in baht, and then back online to my U.S. accounts to confirm the trial deposit amounts and finalize the online bank account linking.

Having done that, I also just did a successful online transfer of U.S. $ from my BofA account to my BKKB account, just a few bucks to make sure it really worked. And it DID... in just a couple of business days.

As previously mentioned in earlier posts, BofA charges $3 per online transfer transaction, I think the New York branch of BKK Bank charges a similar amount, and then BKKB in Thailand charges between 200 min. and 500 max. baht, depending on the size of the transfer. So in general, that is a better financial deal than a $40 (more or less depending on the bank) international wire transfer.

Now that I've also linked my HSBC account in the U.S. to my BKKB account, I'll also be trying a trial run actual funds transfer there soon.

As guidance on this, for anyone who hasn't read ALL of the prior posts in this thread, prevailing wisdom is to keep any single online funds transfer (amount and fees combined) below $5,000 U.S. as larger amounts seem to trigger bad reactions, such as BofA disconnecting/voiding your transfer link.

John, formerly from L.A.

I heartily endorse the comments of the OP, re Bank of America. I've used them in the U.S. for decades as a very happy domestic customer. But they SU

CK royally for those of us living abroad, and specifically here in LOS.

Now BofA has a 3% foreign currency transaction fee (same at HSBC) plus a flat rate surcharge if you try to use your BofA ATM card to withdraw cash abroad, including Thailand. That adds up to a LOT of BUCKS in stupid fees.

By the time I moved here, I found a great alternative in a U.S. based-bank. the EOne checking account from (New England-based) SalemFiveDirect at http://www.salemfivedirect.com/

The best thing about this checking account, apart from being free, is they give you a SalemFive Visa logo debit/ATM card that you can use in Thailand or elsewhere abroad to access your SalemFive account for NO fees, and unlimited numbers of ATM transactions per month (not limited to 3 or 6 like many money market accounts). The checking account also pays better than 4.5% interest now, depending on your level of deposit.

With the EOne account, no foreign currency % transaction charge and no out of network ATM charge from Salem 5. In fact, they also will reimburse you for other banks ATM charges, such as you would likely incur in the U.S., though Thai banks don't assess those kinds of charges typically.

Details of EOne checking include:

No monthly fee No minimum balance Free use of any ATM, anywhere, anytime* Free online bill payment Unlimited checking, debit card and ATM transactions One time $25 bonus when you enroll in direct deposit*

The only downside, and it's very small, is Salem 5 doesn't have a very useful ACH transfer system of their own, compared to some other banks. But, you can always initiate deposits or withdrawals into or out of Salem5 using the other bank's ACH system. Countrywide and their Online Savings acccount are great, in that they have a next business day free ACH transfer system.

I've used EOne Checking for months ever since relocating here, and couldn't be happier. They also have good and helpful telephone customer service staff in the U.S. reachable by a toll free phone number.

BTW, IndyMac Bank in the U.S. also has a comparable, fee-free ATM card associated with their accounts. But they've really whacked their interest rates lately and also have significant exposure to the mortgage disaster in the U.S.

John, formerly from L.A.

OOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can barely stay upright!!!!!.... Hehehehehe

Thanks to the posted recommendation of jbowman1993, I just came back from a GREAT Thanksgiving Dinner buffet at the Landmark Hotel's Atrium Cafe (Suk Rd. between Sois 4 and 6). After living on much-loved Thai food for the past two months, it was time to binge eat on the best American holiday for this.

Ate so much, I can barely stand, much less type.... hehehehe.... But, it was my first visit to the Atrium, and I must say the service and staff were absolutely first-rate EXCELLENT. I only wish everywhere was so professional, gracious and attentive.

As for the meal, the turkey was particularly good (very tender and moist), though some of the supporting cooked dishes (such as baked fish and salmon fillets) seemed a bit dry as if they'd been sitting around for a while. But the selection of choices was outstanding, too many things to even begin to try all. Four soups, probably a dozen salads, fresh seafood, freshly cooked pastas to order, fresh cut fruits, countless deserts, and on and on and on.

But, since Thanksgiving is now done, I should add a correction and update to some previously posted info re discounts at the Landmark's Atrium cafe.

Their 40% meal discount for their lunch and dinner buffets during the month of November is being given to everyone who pays with a Platinum OR Gold credit card, not only Platinum cards. This was explained to me by the staff upon my arrival, and confirmed by an item the hotel's monthly dining newsletter that I found while there.

I'm not sure about the regular pricing of their day-to-day lunch and dinner buffets. But my Thanksgiving buffet dinner had a posted price of 750++, which got knocked down to 400++ after a 350 baht discount. (I should note, the discount is only off the meal price regardless of the size of the party, but not beverages).

All in all, I can recommend this place as a wonderful holiday meal choice. The setting in the restaurant is first-class and upscale, the service is terrific, and they did a great job of keeping all the food refreshed and available -- unlike some of the complaints that have been lodged here against past holiday buffets at places such as Bourbon Street.

One thing hard to figure... when I called early afternoon for a reservation, the manager told me their first seating starting at 6 pm was full, but that I probably could get a table around 9 pm, which was fine for me. But then, he called about 5 pm to say he had just one table available at 6 pm, if I wanted it, which I did. But then when I arrived and stayed from 6 to 8 pm, they always had open tables in the restaurant. The entire experience was pleasantly relaxed, uncrowded and enjoyable. No waiting in long lines or having to elbow with folks.

I'd give them a big thumb's up for Thanksgiving (and any other day). And the 40% discount makes a great buffet dining experience an even better deal.

John, formerly from L.A.

Forgive me if this has been addressed elsewhere..but a search online here didn't find it.

Seems to me we ought to have an ongoing post that can be updated regularly with the various GOOD restaurant and bar deals that are happening in town. Best to include the name, location, details and duration of the deal. That way, others can share in enjoying.

I'll make the first contribution: Just came back from a wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner at the Atrium Cafe at the Landmark Hotel, Suk Rd between Sois 4 and 6.

In the course of talking to the staff there, discovered the Atrium restaurant is offering a 40% discount off their lunch and dinner buffets during the month of November, provided you pay with any Gold or Platinum credit card. The same deal apparently does not apply to their breakfasts.

Thus, my 750 baht++ Thanksgiving buffet dinner got knocked down to 450++, a great savings of 300 baht. The buffet was first-rate, the selection enormous, and the staff and service was first-rate. The restaurant, located on the lobby level of the hotel, also is a very pleasant, comfortable, upscale setting. Tables either look out from glass windows into the interior atrium of the hotel or outward over Sukhumvit Road.

Obviously, their Thanksgiving dinner is special in terms of its offerings and presentation. But I'm sure their regular nightly buffet would be great, especially with a 40% discount. And, I use a Capital One platinum credit card (U.S. issued) that has no foreign transaction fee, so I don't get hit with the 1-3% surcharge that many credit card co's now do for foreign currency transactions.

Hope we can keep this post alive, so others can alert to deals as they come and go, month to month.

Thanks, John (formerly from L.A.)

in the mall that sits in between Siam Discovery and Paragon, there is a glasses shop on either the second or third floor, that as of about 18 months ago, sold hard lense solution.

Thanks to Samran for the tip on this... As promised in my prior post, I went today and checked out Siam Center with good success in finding Boston solutions for hard (gas permeable) contact lenses.

On the second floor, as promised, there is a Paris Miki Optical shop that carries Boston cleaning solution for 330 baht and Boston soaking solution for 370 baht. The Thai staff lady I met there today spoke English, and suggested calling them first to make sure they have the desired product in stock. Today, they only had a couple bottles of each on the shelf. Their phone is 02-658-1187.

While browsing nearby, I also came across the Eye Club shop on the second floor of Siam Center. They had Boston cleaner on the shelf for 350 baht, and said they could order the soaking solution (though they didn't have any on hand today). Their phone is 02 251-2795.

If anyone else knows of any other outlets around BKK for hard lens solutions, please chime in. Both of the shops I mentioned above have other locations around BKK, but the two staff ladies I spoke with were less than sure than their sister stores carried the same products. Some, they said, only sell soft lenses and thus wouldn't stock the other kinds of solutions.

Any further information, much appreciated. --John, formerly of L.A.

OK OK... A lot of smarties here... but remember... the OP is a newbie....

So...since no one else said it clearly...I will...

That's a bad sign, kid... Might want to look to find yourself another lady....

Or, if you're really hooked, just nicely tell her... $0... and see what happens... (If you want to do it politely, just point out...you're an American/British/Aussie etc etc...and we don't do that kind of thing in our country...until divorce time comes!!!!

And, if you end up looking elsewhere, try to find one who at least waits until she's known you a few weeks/months/years... etc etc etc...before popping that infamous question.

John, formerly from LA

Passing by last night, I saw a sign in front of Bully's Pub (Suk Road between Soi 4 and the JW Marriott, advertising their Thanksgiving Day turkey buffet dinner. Sign said 1 - 10 pm, for 490 baht, I believe.

Never eaten there and have no connection. But I've seen comments here in the past about their food in general being good.

John, formerly L.A.

Must say, GF and I went last night for dinner to Via Vai on Soi 8, just a few blocks off Suk Road. Overall, it's very pleasant restaurant with a very nice upscale setting inside (air conditioned, cloth tableclothes and thick, crisp cloth napkins), and a patio outside as well. The staff is good and attentive, and the food quality is very good based on our choices, even by Western Italian standards (and I don't mean Dominoes or Pizza Hut!!!). The prices are OK, not cheap, but not overly expensive, especially for the quality. Figure about 300 baht per food entree.

We shared a pizza with black olives, mushroom, ham and a fourth topping I can't recall now, which was baked nicely in a wood fired oven with a thin, slightly crisp crust at the edges. No pastry dough like some Thai shops. But real authentic pizza dough. All their pizzas at VV come in one size, a large circle that has about 8 pieces, plenty for two people. Though, I was a bit surprised they didn't have any more than one size available, for any of their pizzas. But the taste was good, the crust was done perfectly, and the cheese layed on just right-- all in a thin crust style.

But the real killer was a basil pesto lasagna they offered, also about 300 baht, which was great and something I would have expected only from the best gourmet Italian restaurants in L.A. Absolutely perfect dish, a heaven of melted cheeze and tender pasta and basil pesto rolled together into a log shape, absolutely delicious...asssuming you like basil pesto. Enough for three servings, and very rich.

Haven't made it over across the road to Limoncello yet, but that's on the agenda. We went to VV for early dinner about 6 pm on a weeknight, and were the only ones inside. But by the time we finished an hour or so later, there were probably a half dozen other tables occupied. But it's a large place inside, with lots of table seating. So they had plenty room for more. Interestingly, almost all the other tables were farang-farang couples. So, where are you guys?????

Final tidbit - When our pizza arrived, they had taken the four toppings and divided them each into covering just one quarter of the pizza -- instead of mixing them all together. So later, I asked the lady manager about that, and she said that is their practice, explaining that some people don't like some toppings, so that way they don't have to eat something they don't want. Unfortunately, I had NOT asked them to do that, and wanted a pizza with everything mixed together. So, now I know next time, I have to tell them to fix it mixed. Otherwise, you'll get divided toppings. Never seen a place before that fixed their pizza that way automatically, but VV does...unless you say otherwise.

Good eating... John... formerly from L.A.

I try not to eat KFC or McDonalds in ANY country.... home or abroad.

But...for the posts above that like KFC or Mikkie D's in China, can you order the burgers or chicken there that come laced with the date rape drug.... same as the kiddy toys the Chinese imported into the U.S. lately??????????

I think they call it.. the McComa... right???????????

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/r...ce_N.htm?csp=34

I recently opened new savings accounts with both Siam Commercial Bank and Bangkok Bank, and obtained ATM/Debit cards for each using my American passport and business visa (no work permit yet).

As to the limits on daily ATM withdrawals, the standard setting on my Bangkok Bank account when established (which I found by checking the settings in online banking) was a whopping 500,000 baht per day and the same for debit card purchases. (And no, I didn't put a ton of money into the account). I had the bank pull that limit way down to a more reasonable amount. I could choose any daily amount under that limit (of course, subject to the amount of available funds in my account).

At Siam Commercial Bank, the original daily ATM withdrawal limit setting was 50,000 baht per day, but they said they were willing to increase that up to 200,000 baht per day upon request.

I believe what others have said is correct in that, regardless of those limits, Thai ATM machines will only dispense 25 notes per transaction. So if the machine has 1,000 baht notes, and your limit and account balance allows it, you can pull 25,000 baht in one transaction. If you need more than that and your daily acccount limit permits it, it's just a matter of starting again with another (2nd transaction).

BBK Bank has a 500 baht minimum savings account balance, whereas SCB says their minimum is 2000 baht. But in talking with an agent there, they said that only becomes a problem if your account remains below that amount for a very extended period of time.

Both banks have free (no surcharge) ATM withdrawals in the BKK area from their own ATMs, and both give several free withdrawals per month from other Thai banks' ATMs in the BKK area, before they start adding small surcharges for additional non-home ATM use per month. However, SCB also has free SCB ATM use everywhere in Thailand (including areas outside of BKK), while BKK has more transaction surcharges when you're outside BKK and starting using either BKK Bank ATMs or those of other Thai banks.

Interestingly, I've never yet had a Thai bank charge a direct transaction charge when I'm using my American ATM cards to pull money here. That's in contrast to some of the major U.S. banks, which on their end are charging anywhere from 1 to 3 percent foreign currency transaction fees on ATM use abroad, plus a couple bucks per transaction fee. (Bank of America is particularly bad about this).

By avoiding those and using non-VISA system bank ATMs, I've been getting a net exchange from ATMS here of about 33.7 lately (though dropping with the dollar). There are a range of smaller U.S. banks that have free ATM use linked to their accounts and no foreign currency transaction fees, thus they are great to use here in LOS.

John, formerly from Los Angeles

After 5 years of staying periodically in Thailand (now permanently) and flying to and from the U.S., I have two observations:

For hotels, I almost always have had better pricing booking through Asia and/or Thai based online travel agencies compared to booking direct with the hotels. Until a year or so ago, it seemed asiarooms.com would have the best pricing on hotels in Thailand as a general rule. But lately, passionasia.com seems to be beating them every time. Also, their pricing includes all taxes and fees, and typically includes breakfast as part of the hotel rates. I'd say this situation certainly applies for Western-service-level hotels, though not so much for Thai-market based properties.

For airfares, especially between LOS and the U.S., EVA Air has super saver fares always available direct from their web site, which seem to regularly be the best I can find anywhere. They also have a nice frequent flyer program that allows members to use their accumulated miles to purchase further discounted tickets. And once you reach silver level (the second highest of four tiers), you're entitled to free Internet use on their computers and very nice free food and drinks in their airport lounges, which are very good in both BKK and their hub in Taiwan.

JAL sometimes advertises better special fares to Los Angeles. But after one trans-Pacific flight on a JAL 747 where I couldn't fit into the economy seat, and had to sit in the cabin crew's pull down jumpseat in the back of the plane, I banished JAL from my travels. But, I'm 6-8, so I have some unique travel challenges not faced by most.

John, formerly from Los Angeles.

Bad news, as I believe, has lately been suggested lately re Bangkok Pizza Co.

I tried calling all their listed phone numbers today (Nov. 12) (both locations), and all had telephone company "out of service" recordings.

I didn't visit their Emporium-area location today. But having no phones is not a good sign.

Anyone go by there lately to see????

John, formerly from L.A.

Bad news, as I believe, has lately been reported elsewhere.

I tried calling all their phone numbers today, and all had "out of service" recordings.

Elsewhere in posts, others recently talked about the place either going out of business or being up for sale.

I didn't visit their location today. But having no phones is not a good sign.

John, formerly from L.A.

To JR who thinks everything is "crap".... lighten up a bit...learn to be happy in the LOS. No one ever said, or should think, Thailand is Mexico, Texas or So Cal... If we wanted to still live there, we'd be 8,000 miles away. But we don't, and I presume we are here because we WANT to live in Thailand.

Given that, there are at least a few passable Mexican food options here that can at least keep the hunger pangs at bay until you or I make the next trip state-side. Then we can indulge to our heart's content. But to call all the Mexican food offerings here in BKK "crap" isn't fair or decent.

At least, the folks running the best of these restaurants are trying, and recognize there's really a market for that style food here. If Americans and others here patronize the best of these places, it'll help show there's a market and demand for the food, and chances are the options will improve as time passes. Five years ago in BKK, I don't there there were anywhere near the Mexican food choice that exist today. That's a good sign the situation is improving, and will continue with time.

So, instead of blowing everything away as "crap," pitch in and lend a hand to make thing better. Swallow your pride, and an enchilada or two, here and there. :-)

John, formerly from Los Angeles

Kamillosan steam treatment and the saline "up your nostrils" (nati) have been mentioned already - works wonders for me - stay away from mucus producing foods - dairy products - NO iced or chilled drinks!

And have a check if you are penicillin allergic!

About the dairy issues and allergies, I've received very mixed advice from my sinus docs in the U.S., and partly it led me into a big problem.

Originally, they also told me to stay away from dairy products because of their supposed mucous producing effect. So I switched to soy milk as an every day breakfast substitute, and things got much worse. Turned out, I had or had developed a major allergy to soy products, and not only had more sinus trouble but also had developed skin sores (that I'd never had before, and that didn't go away), until I dropped soy. So now, back to dairy and rice milk, wherever possible (and the sores are gone!).

Much to my chagrin, another sinus expert I later consulted in Los Angeles, before I relocated here, told me the story about dairy products producing mucous is NOT true. And instead, he wanted me eating a cup of yogurt every day as supposedly being good for my sinuses.

I can't honestly say which version is correct, Except in my case, it certainly turned out to be better to stay away from soy and at least try to be modest about milk products, just the yogurt and rice milk (which is non-dairy) on cereal.

Another piece of advice for sinus sufferers: a lot of times, the sinus problem can be at least a partial reaction to food allergies. I knew I was allergic to cat dander and dust and roach stuff, etc, since I was a kid. (Those things you can eliminate or minimize in your surroundings).

But a year ago, my sinus doc had me do a full-blown allergy test cycle for food and environmental stuff. And it turned out, much to my surprise, that I was pretty allergic to a number of different food products, such as soy. Now, no more soy sauce and edamame.... Ohhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Some common food allergies, I learned through that process, are things like soy, wheat (which is in almost everything baked), eggs, nuts and barley malt, the latter which gets used in a LOT of food products (check the labels). When my doc first suggested the allergy testing, I told him I already knew I was allergic and almost didn't go. But the food alllergies turned out to be a real surprise. Now, at least I can also try to minimize those things in my diet.

John from Los Angeles.

From another thread:

2007-10-31 23:20:43

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As a longtime sinusitis sufferer, and veteran of three laser sinus operations, I think the medical community, especially in the U.S., is terrible about this. The surgeons only do surgery, but seemingly will do little else, except prescribe antibiotics. And every doctor seems to have their own different diagnosis and different remedy, which is hardly reassuring or helpful. From this painful maze of experience, a few simple things seem clear:

1. Steaming your nose a couple times a day is good, either with straight clean water or with added pure oils like eucalyptus. A sinus specialist at Bumrungrad Hospital in BKK I saw recently prescribed Kamillosan, which is easily available at drug stores (about 140 baht per bottle) and is a mixture of various oils. She recommended a half capful in 200 ml of water, about 10 minutes of inhaling the steam per time. I just heat 200 ml in the microwave, and then add the oil and inhale. It does help.

2. Also good is the recommendation for rinsing your sinuses with warm saline solution. There are several ways to do this. One is the Neti-pot referred to above. Another is with a specially designd (and simple) plastic squirt bottle specially designed to fit into your nostril. See www.neilmed.com for more info.

A third way (and one that I use) is a Water-Pik unit with a specially designed tip also specially designed for nasal rinse. The pulsating effect of the Water Pik device is supposed to be good for your nasal cilia, which help clear mucus. You can buy a regular Water Pik unit at the store, and then buy the sinus tip separately. Or you can order a combined unit together. See the following as an example:

http://www.allergybuyersclubshopping.com/h...-irrigator.html

In general, doctors recommend using about 16 oz of water per session, half into one nostril and the other half in the other. (The water drains out the other side, each time). You usually want to add a mix of non-iodized salt (or sea salt) and a bit of baking soda to pure water, to get a saline solution, which matches your body's fluid Ph. A teaspon or so of salt per 8 oz is normal, though people adjust that up or down depending on their sensitivities and preferences. More salt tends to have a greater drying effect, but it can also cause stinging for some people.

The sinus doc I saw at BH hospital also presscribed Maxiphed, which is a version of pseudoephedrine, as a decongestant (two a day), Zyrtec as an antihistamine (one at bedtime), and Danzen/serrapeptase as an anti-inflammatory (3 a day) to reduce sinus swelling/inflamation. The combination of the above seemed to work nicely, without any side effects that I've noticed.

--John in BKK

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Have you tried Loratadine? works great w/ little side effects it was a real miracle for me and really cheap in thailand (claratin in usa). I had bad sinus (headaches) propblems for years then it just all went away???

think about these:

radically cut down on the spray (only emg)

food alergies

dirty bedding, esp pillows

dirty room (dust)

dirty aircon unit

dusty roads or crap stirred up in the environment

dontuse psudephredrine - its really crap and will speed you out. its old medicine. its also whats used to make yah-bah

ps: i get a crap head and stuffed up in the rainy season when the air is stagnant and high humidity - headaches and all stuffy. also when its very dry and dusty - maybe similar to yor problems. claratin did it.

This post has been edited by luumak: 2007-11-02 13:00:40

As lifelong Mexican food afficionado and recent relocatee from Los Angeles, I must say I was reasonably pleased with my recent visits to Sunrise Tacos (Suk Rd near Soi 12) and Charlie Brown's (side soi on Suk Soi 11 near Sabbai Sabbai Massage).

Clearly, everyone's preference is a personal thing, and the Mexican food here surely isn't the same as my former home. This is BKK, so I'm not expecting that, to be fair. But I'd opine that Sunrise Tacos and Charlie Brown's come close enough to at least satisfy that craving for what we miss. ( I joked to a friend the other day that good Mexican food from home is the ONLY thing I miss so far after having left L.A.)

Some things I really liked: the frozen, blended mango margarita at Sunrise, 79 baht for a 20 ml glass, cold, fruity and tasty. Surprisingly, a darn good regular blended regular margarita at Charlie Browns, I think 150b but nice with a salt rimmed glass and lime slice, very refreshing. Kudos to Sunrise on Suk Rd. for staying open 24 hours, and they're expanding from just a counter operation to having a larger sit-down dining room (already open) across the parking lot in the same small shopping complex.

As for the food, Charlie Brown's did a very nice Nachos supreme, which surprised me a bit arriving as a literal tower of stacked corn tortilla chips nicely covered in cheese and frijoles, some canned jalapeno slices, and I think some sour cream. It's listed as an appetizer, but easily could double as a meal alone for one. That's a nice touch in a town where restaurant portions often lean toward the smaller side, at least by Western standards.

I also tried CB's two pork tacos dinner (225b I think) with soft flour tortillas, which was OK. But the tortillas came out a bit thin and literally fell apart in my hands with the moisture from the food. (At the outset, I asked them not to fix the tacos at the start, because the pile of nachos wase going to take some time. But now in retrospect, I wonder if they just let the prepared tacos sit, hence the sogginess problem.) Overall taste was OK, but a bit on the bland side for me. Accompanied by OK Spanish rice and decent frijoles. Can't quite figure out why folks here seem to want to add mucho corn to Spanish rice.

As for the food at Sunrise, I tried their Carne Asada plate for 169 baht, which was both filling and tasty, courtesy of my choosing their hottest salsa (John's Red Hot), which has a nice flavor, but hardly sets anything on fire by Angeleno standards. (By comparison, the salsa that came with the complimentary tortilla chips basket at Charlie Brown's (nice they do that) tasted more like a can of stewed tomatoes that had been purreed in a blender (heavy on tomato and not much else).

On another recent visit to Sunrise, I tried a couple of their burritos (109 to 134b), which were pretty good. For some reason, exactly the opposite of Charlie Brown's, the flour tortillas at Sunrise came out a bit thick and long on chewiness, but at least they didn't fall apart in my hands. Sunrise also has the option to upsize their burritos to "giant" for an extra 69 baht. But having tried both versions, I can't say I noticed such a great difference in quantity between the two, at least for the ones they served me. I'd stick with the regular size, or maybe order two regulars instead!!!

Early on, and on their printed menu, Sunrise was offering a couple nice specials, any three regular burritos for 299b, or any 10 tacos to go for (I think) 500b+. But when I went the other day and asked for the burrito trio, the staff had crossed that special off their menu board in the restaurant and said those specials were only during their opening - no longer available.

Likewise, their printed menu now only mentions the one location on Suk Road, but I could have sworn I came across a different Sunrise Tacos outlet in the Emporium Food Court (5th floor) the other day. Couldn't stop to eat then, but noticed a menu there that seemed a bit different from the Suk Rd location, in that everything seemed to be offered in combination plate variety (entree plus beans and rice), whereas the Suk Road shop leans more toward entrees only. I wish the Suk Road shop would make their burrito and taco offerings available via combination plates, as well.

Anyways, haven't gotten around to trying Senior Pico's yet. But even if it's a bust in terms of food (as some posters here have suggested), I think the combination of Sunrise Tacos and Charlie Brown's can at least keep me alive, when I need to take a break from the Thai food I truly love so much. PS - at present, Charlie Brown's is only open for dinner, starting at 5:30 pm I believe, so no lunch options there.

Happy eating... --John.

I went thru this turmoil recently as well in BKK. As anyone who reads all the posts here can tell, there IS a TREMENDOUS amount of variability among banks, and even within banks among their different branches. But success can be had.

In my case, Sept. 07, I went to the Siam Commercial Branch on Suk Soi 11 near my home with my Non Imm B Visa and was flatly turned down, with them telling me I needed a work permit. The manager there told me they'd been having problems with farangs and money laundering....and it was bank policy.

Later, I heard the supposed rule about requiring a work permit might only apply in BKK, not outside. So I called Siam Bank's call center to ask, and they told me any branch should open an account with a Non Imm B visa and passport, regardless of WP.

When I told them what happened on Soi 11, and asked, the Call Center suggested their branches in Siam Paragon or Siam Square. I ended up going to the Siam Square branch, where the original customer service woman had to call over an asst. manager. They seemed to be looking for a work permit also.

But after I explained repeatedly what their own Call Center had said, and was politely and persistently firm, they agreed to open a free savings account, issue an ATM card and set up Internet banking. They did also ask for a copy of my lease agreeement for my apartment, which I didn't have with me then, but promised to provide later. They opened the account anyway that day.

So, wherever you try, be sure to bring your original passport preferably with a longer term visa and anything like a lease establishing your residence here. I also pulled out all my American ATM and credit cards for them to see, which seemed to help move the process along.

To whichever bank you intend to apply, I think the advice above about consulting with their Call Center first is well-put. That way, if you get a different answer at the local branch, you can always tell them what the Call Center said and/or call them from the branch to get the same answer.

There may also be something going on about the actual practices used in the branches being tougher in BKK than in the outlying cities/provinces. One of the SCB people (rightly or wrongly) told me they have tougher practices for branches in BKK than outside.

But obviously, I was able to prevail with Siam Commercial, and various posters above seemed to have pretty good success with various branches of Kasikorn Bank, under similar (non-WP) circumstances.

John (formerly) from Los Angeles.

I very much concur with the above comments about the Honorary Consulate in Houston Tx. I got my multiple entry, non-imm. B visa through them a few months ago, with help from Sunbelt Asia. I transacted with the consulate from Los Angeles by mail, and they were fast and efficient. Everything went smoothly as promised. I'm glad to hear they also can do retirement visas...for my time will come in a few years. --John (formerly) from Los Angeles