happyaussie

The Hotel is owned by Minor Corporation, Bill Heinecke. He owns all Thailand 4 Seasons properties, Anantara, Marriot Pattaya, JW Marriot Phuket, Pizza Co and many more.

Couple of years ago he kicked Marriot out of Bangkok Riverside, closed, major refurb and reopened Anantara Riverside. Maybe he'll do similar in Hua In. Which of course will make 2 Anantaras in Hua Hin

What a yawn. Go and hug a tree.

Looks old already. Give it 2 years and it will look like all other CRV's. And contrary to what someone else said. The latest Korean SUV's are a better package. Only problem is they don't appear to be competitive or readily available in Thailand.

I can only assume it's to protect local manufacture. Hence the reason most Toyotas and Hondas in Thailand are expensive and low spec compared to US or Europe.

Having done several long haul bus trips in Thailand in recent years. This is no surprise. I have had many a white knuckle ride.

Buses go way over the speed limit, especially at night and overtake over hills around corners and any other crazy place.

Drivers work long shifts and no doubt many rely on certain substances to keep them awake.

The tires are a fair point and possible.

And it's not the roads. Thai roads are not European motorway standard, but they're not bad at all. Even B roads are in pretty good nick. I just hate the way road works is never signposted.

Condolences to all involved.

I know it's subjective. But my god, the Freed has to be one of the ugliest cars on the road, especially from the rear. Maintain some dignity and buy Jazz or City.

Just past the airport take turnoff 9 to Sara Buri. Be careful, it's JUST past airport turnoff. And remember the turnoff goes both ways so make sure you head in the right direction. You can also go via Chachoengsao which is a nicer drive, but a little trickier. Enjoy your drive.

Maybe they've been given the opportunity to trade out of their financial predicament. And I wish them well.

But this membership model of business has a definite leveling out phase. The company reap a fortune during the early days, but once they've milked the area for memberships their cash flow becomes non existent.

Just this week I saw an article about Fitness First close to collapse in Australia. They're closing down many centers.

I wouldn't touch a membership with a ten foot pole. And life time memberships can't be taken seriously.

Does the owner still have his mansion north of Phuket and stable of Ferraris?

Just make sure you have the right personality for this life. As attractive as it seems when visiting for holidays, it's a totally different thing to settle their full time.

Until you are snagged 100% (built the house and bought a motor bike or car in GF's name) your family to be will be very hospitable. Your GF will probably also change. Some of the things you may enjoy with her will invariably stop...wink wink.

Boredom and lack of communication will be another large hurdle. Sitting around smiling and nodding with people who have no intension of speaking English. Which of course is their right. And you will probably experience some alcohol fueled fights. Which can be very nasty.

This may get me shot, but I also find Thais not particularly house proud. Inside the house maybe, but outside rubbish everywhere. I suppose it's because the villagers work hard and see no value cleaning after a day in the paddie.

With this said, you maybe the perfect guy and love it. Your GF might be a star. I'd suggest spending 3 months there without going for a sanity check to a city and see how you feel.

And yes, I do live in the country, but not in a village.

Have I missed it in any of the posts? Was a device actually found on/in the ATM and if so, by whom?

If it was inside Tesco then surely hundreds of more people must have lost money and the store should be responsible for the security on their premises.?

Very good point. There's also the factor, which I didn't want to mention about the credibility of the lady who had the card. Sorry no offence meant. But I've heard of several stories of GF's and wifes who say they were robbed, ATM fraud etc when in fact they spent the money or had a gambling problem.

In my mind it's not who has the card which is the issue. It's the fact that the bank allowed someone to extract your pin number without your permission.

If you were issued one ATM card it should be pretty easy to prove that neither you, nor your in law was in the US etc.

Your money was fraudulently removed whilst in their care.

Yell loud enough and frequently enough and I'd imagine they'll relent.

You entrust your money for safekeeping to a bank. It is THEIR responsibility to ensure your funds are secured. If their ATM machines can be tampered with to extract YOUR confidential information it is their responsibility to ensure this can't happen under all circumstances.

Sorry, but I simply hate banks and insurance companies. They take everything and give little in return. And they accept no responsibility for their actions.

Remember it was banks and insurance companies greed which put the world into the current financial situation.

I think buses leave up top of Pattay Klang (RH side). 100bht should do you for baht bus. Not sure on price, but you may scratch it in.

I'm no expert, but wouldn't the bank be liable as it was them who accepted a fraudulent transaction. It's easy enough to show that you weren't in the locations and if only one card exists it's obviously a fraud.

Why would you want manual in such cars. In fact any car. Even the exotics don't have manual anymore. They use paddles with no clutch.

My only problem with Jazz is that it's essentially old dynamics which has been face lifted several times. Still a good car though. I recently bought my wife a City and it's great. Two gripes 1) Gear ratios are too high 2) Noisy on open road (maybe the tyres). Some people say the City is a Jazz with a boot.

Aren't Fiesta and Mazda the same car? Just some styling tweaks. If so, I would imagine it comes down to price, quality of dealership and service, and bang for your buck. Resale maybe worth considering. For some reason Ford aren't as well regarded as Mazda in Thailand.

Your hands reached out and hit his window...hmmm. Sounds like you got angry and smacked his window. People don't just get out of their cars and deck someone for nothing. I'd say there's something your not telling us and I like to hear the other side of the story.

Sorry Ed can't remember. The guy worked t Kubota Loei.

Last year there were none. I reverted to renting a private car. Not the ideal scenario. Check Loei hotels on Agoda.com. Things may have changed.

Mate you have been spoilt in the USA. with car prices and fuel.

You pay half price from this part of the world, including OZ. Just lucky we're not in Singapore. $60,000 for micro cars.

I saw a review for a 2012 Porsche 911Carrera. I think it was about $70,000 in the US. Same car in Australia $210,000.

If I were you I'd rent a car for a few months or until you get a handle on things. A lot of people lean toward utes/pickups in Thailand. Unless your a tradesman needing for work (which they're not) or a farmer. I don't understand the need. Their noisy in the cab and bouncy when empty. Then again F150's were Americas number one seller for years. Not a criticism, just an observation.

Too much service - whinge, Not enough service - whinge. Some people are never happy.

Go to OZ and you'll see what crap service is all about. No one to service your enquiry and never would staff assist with larger items. Bunnings try, but they're miles behind Thai service.

I've shopped in HomePro a lot and never had a bad experience. My only beef is that the staff have zero technical skill, especially electrical.

Next I suppose someone will complain about the kids who fill your tank at the petrol station.

Having lived and worked in Thailand for several years in the luxury hotel industry of course expats can get employment.

But you won't find expat waiters, barmen (unless upscale cocktail mixologist), low level cooks, chefs, room attendants, drivers or any rank and file positions. Some hotels may get a special concession for foreign language. Or you might find some on placement from their respective hospitality course. But other than that, no way. Especially in a free standing restaurants.

Judging by the original posters question it sounded like he was looking for some casual work while on vacation. That's why I said no.

I meant to say low level chefs. Sous, exec or specialist chefs can get permit. Also remember you cannot arrive in Thailand and get a permit. 3 month immigration B visa must be obtained outside the country first.

Having lived and worked in Thailand for several years in the luxury hotel industry of course expats can get employment.

But you won't find expat waiters, barmen (unless upscale cocktail mixologist), low level cooks, chefs, room attendants, drivers or any rank and file positions. Some hotels may get a special concession for foreign language. Or you might find some on placement from their respective hospitality course. But other than that, no way. Especially in a free standing restaurants.

Judging by the original posters question it sounded like he was looking for some casual work while on vacation. That's why I said no.

Airport to Nong Khai is about 50/60klms. Or about an hours drive. Depending on your size, but 4 of you in a taxi maybe a bit of a squeeze.

He used to have Pizza Hut franchise. But after they screwed him he started Pizza Company on his own.

I'm pretty sure that is was the other way around on the screwing part - but I do not really mind.

Maybe your right, but the real question is, who came out on top? As far as SE Asia is concerned Pizza Co has slammed Pizza Hut. But please don't get me wrong. I don't like these type of pizzas. Give me classic Italian style any day. It's time for a burger.

I often wonder how A&W and KFC can afford the rental in the prime locations at Central. they never look busy (too many other choices) and the quality at any A&W in Thailand is substandard (they should have their franchise licence provoked). So does the "corporation" of Central also own these franchises which entitles them to prime locations?

Central Plaza Hotel has theThai master fanchise for KFC, Pizza Hut, Mister Donut, Baskin Robins, Auntie Anne's pretzels and Segafredo.

I don't think so. Central group family do own a lot of outlets and franchises - Tops, Big C, HomePro, Super Sports, B2B bookstores, Centara Hotels, SALA resorts and more. I maybe wrong but I think the franchises you mentioned are owned by the same family who own 7/11 franchise.

As a point of interest most others are owned by Bill Heincke from Minor group; Garden Plaza, Pizza Company, Burger King, Swensons, Sizzler, Giordano, Tumi, Marriot, Four Seasons, Anantara.

Bills an American whos lived in Thailand for more than 35 years. He began his empire cleaning office windows and was a Pattaya tourism Pioneer, he ran a small resort where Marriot stands today. The other interesting thing is that he actually owns all his hotels. He used to have Pizza Hut franchise. But after they screwed him he started Pizza Company on his own. Now has over 600 shops. A bit of a tyrant, but can't take away his success.