maxjay

So far, this is all I've come up with:

There is a bus company called: "999 VIP". They have an overnight bus from Udon to Swampy and an overnight bus from Swampy to Nong Khai. Along the route it has short pick up stops in Korat, Khon Kaen, Udon, and the final destination of Nong Khai.

They operate 24 seat VIP buses. Their telephone # in Udon: 042-221-489. I don't have their # at the airport or their schedule yet. But I have heard they are reliable.

I'm thinking it would be easier, more convenient, and less time to get from Pattaya/Jomtien to Swampy, than from Pattaya/Jomtien to Mochit???

Please tell us when you find a bus ?

Seems a lot better to go to take it in Bangkok.

So far, this is all I've come up with:

There is a bus company called: "999 VIP". They have an overnight bus from Udon to Swampy and an overnight bus from Swampy to Nong Khai. Along the route it has short pick up stops in Korat, Khon Kaen, Udon, and the final destination of Nong Khai.

They operate 24 seat VIP buses. Their telephone # in Udon: 042-221-489. I don't have their # at the airport or their schedule yet. But I have heard they are reliable.

I'm thinking it would be easier, more convenient, and less time to get from Pattaya/Jomtien to Swampy, than from Pattaya/Jomtien to Mochit???

Has anyone taken a VIP direct bus from Pattaya to Udon Thani?

I know most buses bound for Issan leave from the depot on Sukhumvit near Pattaya Klang (or they used to). But are there other private companies that leave from other locations in Pattaya or Jomtien?

Does anyone have the contact details for any of the VIP bus companies? Can bookings be made in advance?

Are there both day and night buses?

Thanks in advance.

Has anyone taken a VIP direct bus from Pattaya to Udon Thani?

I know most buses bound for Issan leave from the depot on Sukhumvit near Pattaya Klang (or they used to). But are there other private companies that leave from other locations in Pattaya or Jomtien?

Does anyone have the contact details for any of the VIP bus companies? Can bookings be made in advance?

Are there both day and night buses?

Thanks in advance.

Thank you mrtoad.

Thanks hhgz.

Where exactly is JJ Market?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_tags

A dog tag is the informal name for the identification tags worn by military personnel, because of their resemblance to actual dog tags. The tag is primarily used for the identification of dead and wounded along with providing essential basic medical information for the treatment of the latter such as blood type and history of inoculations. Dog tags are usually fabricated from a corrosion-resistant metal or alloy such as aluminum, monel or stainless-steel, although during war-time they have been made from whatever metals were available. In the event the member has a medical condition that requires special attention, an additional red tag with the pertinent information is issued and worn with the dog tags.

I've been thinking that some type of personalized medical emergency/accident dog tags could be life saving for we farangs here in Thailand. Especially if we are alone and have an accident or other type medical emergency.

I've heard quite a few stories of farangs getting into an accident and their wallets are stolen, they're taken unconscious to the hospital, and they don't receive treatment due to the fact the hospital can't verify who they are, if they have insurance, or money to cover the bill. A few people have died.

Remember here in Thailand, hospitals will not treat you, unless they know they will get paid. Even if you have insurance and/or money in the bank, if you are unconscious, and the hospital can not verify insurance or money you are SOL. TIT.

Information could include: Name, Insurance #, emergency contact telephone #'s, etc. Worn around the neck on a cheap chain.

Anyone out there know where one can get personalized dog tags made here in Thailand?

My favorite family style restaurant in Udon is Meh Yaa: 042-223-889. Excellent food, A/C, parking, and reasonably priced.

Easy to find, but difficult for me to give you directions in writing. Best to have your wife telephone and get directions from the staff. If your wife is from Udon, she may already know it.

Thanks for the detailed report. A refreshing change from some of the vague posts posted by other members on other threads & forums.

I saw some like the ones pictured at Tops Supermarket here in Udon.

Check with your local Tops. Perhaps they'll supply you with the name of their distributor?

We do have a warden here in Udon, but he can't perform any of the following:

The following consular services will be available during our outreach

visits:

* Passport renewal applications ($75.00 or Baht 2475 for adult

passports, and $85 or Baht 2805 for a child's passport).

* Notarial Services and Certified Copies ($30.00 or Baht 990).

This includes income affidavits for retirees in Thailand.

* Extra visa pages. Note: we can accept applications, but the

passports will have to be brought back to the Embassy for final

processing the next day. The passports will then have to be picked up

in person (or by a friend upon presentation of a letter of authorization

signed by the applicant) at the Embassy.

* Social security, VA, or other federal benefits question will be

limited, but we will try to provide forms and answers.

(Please bring exact change!)Read more: U.s. Embassy 'outreach' Consular Services - Thailand Forum - Page 2 U.s. Embassy 'outreach' Consular Services - Thailand Forum - Page 2

He mainly acts as a liaison to the Consular Service of the Embassy, reporting deaths of Americans, assisting widows, etc.

I think once a year he gets invited to Bangkok (he's responsible for his own transport & accommodation), for the annual "Wardens Dinner".

At one time he was looking for someone to take over his position. He's been doing it for years.

PM me if you would like his contact details.

Having no response from the Embassy to my post above, I drove the 1400 kilometers (R/T) from my village to Pattaya and then to BKK to get my business taken care of. I did this some three weeks ago when it appeared I would not be able to get anything done in the time frame I had to live with.

Alas, I will not be able to show up and provide my thanks for a job well done.

PS: I registered with the Embassy (as they suggested) and still have received no response to my earlier message nor have I received any travel warnings or Warden's notices nor any notification of their outreach program, as they advised would be forthcoming upon my registration.

Their outreach doesn't reach far enough, it seems.

ACS's announcement was sent via e-mail on June 3:

Dear Pattaya, Phuket, Udon, and Khon Kaen Area American Citizens,

The Consular Section of the American Embassy in Bangkok is pleased to

inform you of a consular outreach visit to Pattaya, Phuket, Udon, and

Khon Kaen in June 2010. Please come if you can!

Consular staff will be available to provide services at the following

dates and locations:

PATTAYA:

Tuesday, June 8, 2010, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Dusit Thani Pattaya,

at 240/2 Pattaya Beach Road, Pattaya City, Chonburi, 20150, Thailand.

Telephone: 03-842-5611.

PHUKET:

Monday, June 14, 2010, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Hilton Phuket Arcadia

Resort and Spa, at 333 Patah Road, Karon Beach, Phuket, Thailand, 83100,

telephone: 076-396-433.

UDON:

Tuesday, June 15, 2010, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Centara Hotel &

Convention Centre Udon Thani, at 277/1 Prajaksillapakhom Road, Muang,

Udon Thani, 41000, Thailand. Telephone: 04-234-3555.

KHON KAEN:

Wednesday, June 16, 2010, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Pullman Khon Kaen

Raja Orchid, at 9/9 Prachasumran Road, Nai Muang, Muang, Khon Kaen,

Thailand, 40000, telephone: 043-322-155.

The following consular services will be available during our outreach

visits:

* Passport renewal applications ($75.00 or Baht 2475 for adult

passports, and $85 or Baht 2805 for a child's passport).

* Notarial Services and Certified Copies ($30.00 or Baht 990).

This includes income affidavits for retirees in Thailand.

* Extra visa pages. Note: we can accept applications, but the

passports will have to be brought back to the Embassy for final

processing the next day. The passports will then have to be picked up

in person (or by a friend upon presentation of a letter of authorization

signed by the applicant) at the Embassy.

* Social security, VA, or other federal benefits question will be

limited, but we will try to provide forms and answers.

(Please bring exact change!)

Consular Reports of Birth cannot be processed during consular outreach

trips.

If you have any questions, please email [email protected] or call the

American Citizen Services Unit at 02-205-4049.

We look forward to seeing you.

Sincerely,

American Citizen Services

U.S. Embassy

Chuckd, I suggest telephoning ACS directly and find out what happened with your registration, or have a fellow American forward you ACS's messages, or check on Udonmap periodically, ACS's messages are always posted on that forum.

If you are close to Khon Kaen, stop by tomorrow, and talk with ACS.

Dear Udon, and Khon Kaen Area American Citizens,

The Consular Section of the American Embassy in Bangkok is pleased to

inform you of a consular outreach visit to Udon, and

Khon Kaen in June 2010. Please come if you can!

UDON:

Tuesday, June 15, 2010, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Centara Hotel &

Convention Centre Udon Thani, at 277/1 Prajaksillapakhom Road, Muang,

Udon Thani, 41000, Thailand

KHON KAEN:

Wednesday, June 16, 2010, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Pullman Khon Kaen

Raja Orchid, at 9/9 Prachasumran Road, Nai Muang, Muang, Khon Kaen,

Thailand, 40000

A bump-up reminder for tomorrow in Udon and Wednesday in Khon Kaen.

And remember:

When they visit Udon and/or KK in the future I encourage all to attend and sign in. The more that attend the more justification they have to make these trips.

Even if you don't require their services this visit...show up, sign in, and thank the consular officers.

The more people that do this, the more the Embassy can justify future visits to Issan.

Let's hope all members of Udon and Khon Kaens's American ex-pat communities, show up, whether or not you need their services this particular visit, sign in, and thank the Consular Officers.

Remember, the more people that show up, the more the embassy can justify further visits in the future. Plus it is a good opportunity to meet and talk with other fellow Americans.

Just wish I could source somewhere for some team sports here, i.e football (soccer), Rugby, cricket etc...seems that with the age of the expats here, (no offence), they are all into golf and I left my clubs back in the UK.

There is a group of guys who get together a couple of time a week at Sukasam Village to play cricket.

Sukasam Village is about 7kms from Big C on the Sakon Nakon Rd.

P.M. me and i will give you the telephone # of one of the players.

He called for the reds to start dispersing and leaving the rally site via routes leading to the National Stadium, where the government had busses waiting to take them home.

It ain't over till the fat lady sings !!!

There are a lot of very unhappy Thai people now.

I wonder what will happen next.

Well, for one thing...Udon Thani Provincial Hall is on fire.

Udon Thani Provincial and City Hall on fire.

Saw video on Udon Home Cable and photos on Udonmap.

Thai Baht, Stocks Decline, Bond Risk Rises as Clash Worsens

May 17, 2010, 5:10 AM EDT

By Yumi Teso and Anuchit Nguyen

May 17 (Bloomberg) -- Thailand’s baht fell to a seven-week low, stocks slumped and bond risk climbed after at least 36 people were killed in fighting between the military and anti- government protesters.

The baht declined 0.3 percent to 32.49 per dollar as of 3:48 p.m. in Bangkok and touched 32.50, the weakest level since March 26, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The cost of credit-default swaps insuring government debt rose the most in more than a year, while the benchmark SET index dropped to a two-week low following the largest withdrawal by foreign funds from stocks in almost three years.

“The situation is getting worse than expected and it will definitely have a negative impact on the economy,” said Emmanuel Ng, a strategist at Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. in Singapore. “The political situation is probably going to add to arguments for a weakness in stocks. We will look for the dollar to move higher against the baht.”

Foreign funds were net sellers of 14.7 billion baht ($453 million) of Thai equities last week, the most since the five days ended Nov. 23, 2007, as the nation’s worst political clash in two decades escalated. More than 255 were injured since the military moved in last week to seal off an area as large as New York’s Central Park occupied by demonstrators. Among those killed include Major-General Khattiya Sawisdipol, an active-duty soldier supporting protesters, who was shot in the head.

Hurting Earnings

“The political unrest has severely affected the economy and consumer confidence this quarter, hurting earnings of companies such as banks and property developers,” Sasikorn Charoensuwan, the head of research of Phillip Securities (Thailand) Pcl, said today.

Thai credit-default swaps jumped 23 basis points to 170, according to BNP Paribas SA, suggesting deteriorating perceptions of creditworthiness. The increase is the biggest since March 2, 2009, according to CMA DataVision in New York.

The SET dropped 2 percent to 753.26, the lowest since April 29. The stock exchange closed at 3:30 p.m. Bangkok time today, about an hour earlier.

The benchmark measure may fall to 720 this week as the death toll from the political clash rises, said Win Udomrachtavanich, chief investment officer at Asset Plus Fund Management Co. in Bangkok, which oversees about $700 million. That would be lowest level for the gauge since March 9, three days before the start of the anti-government protests in Bangkok.

More Selling

“Foreign investors will sell more Thai shares as the political unrest worsens,” said Win, whose fund beat 97 percent of 234 Thai equities funds tracked by Bloomberg in the past year. “They will stay out of the Thai market for some time because the confrontation will continue for a couple of days.”

Protesters failed to disperse after Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva offered to cut short his term, prompting the military action last week. The government’s first attempt to disperse the protesters on April 10 killed 25 people.

Thailand’s investment may slow as prolonged political tension hurts sentiment, Kim Eng Tan, a credit analyst at Standard & Poor’s, said today. The rating company has a negative outlook on its BBB+ rating on Thailand, he said. S&P’s forecast for 3 percent to 4 percent economic growth this year takes into account a 2 percentage-point drop due to the turmoil, he said.

Fitch Ratings may review the country’s debt rating if the political crisis worsens, Associate Director Vincent Ho said.

Losses in the baht may be limited because the central bank controls speculative trading and limits transactions from corporations and investors, according to Tsutomu Soma, a bond and currency dealer at Okasan Securities Co. in Tokyo.

Daily Cap

The Bank of Thailand sets a daily cap of 300 million baht for trading accounts held by non-residents, such as overseas corporations, funds and banks, for investments in securities and other financial instruments. A similar limit is also set for non-investment accounts.

“The authorities’ way to control speculative trading is working quite well under this kind of conditions,” Soma said. “Still, this kind of violence is definitely negative for the baht and stocks because that will further damage tourism, which is an important sector for their economy.”

The protesters, drawn mostly from poor rural areas and support former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, say they are ready to die in a fight for democracy. They have defied a state of emergency since April 7. Pro-Thaksin parties have won the past four elections. Abhisit took power in a December 2008 parliamentary vote after a court disbanded the ruling party for election fraud. His Democrat party hasn’t won a nationwide vote since 1992.

“Of course, you don’t want to buy the baht under this kind of serious crisis,” said Daisuke Uno, chief strategist in Tokyo at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp., who expects the baht to trade between 32.30 and 32.50 over the next few days. “The baht market is dominated by domestic players who are facing a crisis situation and so we don’t know how much they will aggressively trade under this kind of situation.”

--With assistance from Katrina Nicholas in Singapore, Sophie Leung in Hong Kong and Daniel Ten Kate, Supunnabul Suwannakij and Suttinee Yuvejwattana in Bangkok and Katrina Nicholas in Singapore. Editors: Linus Chua, Sandy Hendry

To contact the reporter on this story: Yumi Teso in Bangkok et [email protected]; Anuchit Nguyen in Bangkok at [email protected]

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Sandy Hendry at [email protected]; Linus Chua at [email protected]

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-05-1...sh-worsens.html

The American Embassy outreach program gives you notice by E mail as long as you are registered with the Embassy

They usually give more than a few days notice. Usually, two-three weeks advance notice.

They are normally in Udon, or KHon Kaen the months previous to the Pattaya Visits. So that would put them in Udon, or Khon Kaen in June.

Well if you look at my last post...it gives their previous schedule from 2008 to present:

Ah yes. The "mysterious" February visit. What did they give? A weeks notice? I was out of town . I didn't know they had visited until after I returned to Udon.

Why did they visit so soon after the October 28, 2009 visit?

I expected them to return to Udon or KK in May, about six months, as they have done in previous years:

April 2008: KK

October 2008: Udon

May 1 2009: KK

October 28 2009: Udon

Hey, I've got an idea. Perhaps, now that our Embassy has closed temporarily...and all our Consulate Officers in Bangkok have short break, with nothing to do...send 'em up to Issan for a day and service their citizens.

Anyone tried the RIO Grill in asia hotel RECENTLY

For us up-country bumpkins , where exactly is the Asia Hotel located?

ACS visited Udon in Feb. 2010.

Ah yes. The "mysterious" February visit. What did they give? A weeks notice? I was out of town. I didn't know they had visited until after I returned to Udon.

Why did they visit so soon after the October 28, 2009 visit?

I expected them to return to Udon or KK in May, about six months, as they have done in previous years:

April 2008: KK

October 2008: Udon

May 1 2009: KK

October 28 2009: Udon

Max, What is your source as to "informed" on the use of a Laos issued US Embassy letter as proof of income ?

I started a thread on the subject of ACS visits on udonmap.com, in the "Notice Board" section of the forum, one of the responders wrote:

I asked the same question, re: an income letter from the Oz Embassy in Vientiane.

The answer from Thai Immigration was an unequivocal No!

I don't which immigration office he asked at, but I have a feeling it was at Nong Khai. I hope he is wrong, however, until I receive a definitive yes answer on the acceptance of a letter issued at the American Embassy Laos for Thai Immigration purposes, it will be off to Bangkok next month.

And yes, every office seems to interpret the immigration laws differently...except for the fees.

Here is a recipe for "lazy persons gazpacho":

Take the left-overs of a large mixed tossed green salad-any kind dressing (except the sweet Thai stuff) & veggies will do.

Put the left over salad in a blender, add an equal amount of tomato juice. Blend. Chill until the next day.

Here is another recipe (a bit more complicated):

Cold Vegetable Pasta Primavera

Description

Cold pasta dishes are often overlooked, perhaps because we are used to seeing them looking tired in a deli counter. When the noodles are made fresh and tossed with seasoned, grilled vegetables and homemade sauce, it makes all the difference.

Ingredients

SEASONING

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon coarsely cracked black pepper

GRILLED VEGETABLES

1 zucchini, cut lengthwise into slices 1/2-inch thick

2 summer squash, cut lengthwise into slices 1/2-inch thick

4 Japanese eggplants, cut lengthwise into slices 1/2-inch thick

1 onion, cut into 1/2-inch slices

1 red bell pepper, stem and seeds removed, cut lengthwise into 3/4 - inch slices

PASTA SAUCE

1 tablespoon minced garlic

3 tablespoons finely minced shallots or white onions

Juice from 1 lemon (about 1/4 cup)

1/4 cup balsamic or red wine vinegar

4 tablespoons olive oil

6 cups peeled, seeded, and diced tomatoes

1 teaspoon salt

20 fresh basil leaves, shredded

1 pound fusilli

1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 cup sliced green or black olives

1/4 cup capers

1 cup cubed feta cheese

Instructions

1. Mix all the seasoning ingredients together in a large bowl, then put in the sliced vegetables and toss until all the vegetables are completely coated. Spread out the vegetables on the grill and cook over medium-low heat for 1 1/2 minutes on each side.

2. Make the sauce: Mix the garlic, minced shallots, lemon juice, vinegar, and 3 tablespoons of the olive oil together in a bowl. Place the tomatoes in a blender or food processor to purée, then add them to the bowl. Cover and refrigerate.

3. Bring a large pot of water and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt to a boil and cook the pasta until it is done. Drain through a colander. Transfer the pasta to a large bowl and toss with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the grated lemon zest, pepper, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and the grilled vegetables and toss again.

4. Remove the sauce from the refrigerator just before you are ready to serve, and mix in the shredded basil leaves until they are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.

5. Pour the sauce over the pasta and grilled vegetables, add the olives and capers, and toss until all the strands of pasta and the vegetables are evenly coated. Top with sprinkles of feta cheese and serve.

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/RCP02080/Cold-...-Primavera.html

I've been informed that Thai Immigration will not accept a income verification letter from Laos.

Well, I guess that's that for that plan.

Sure hope enough Americans e-mail the embassy: [email protected] and request a consular visit to either Udon or Khon Kaen...sometime between now and mid-June.

Remember, a income verification letter dated anytime in 2010, is valid for your visa renewal, whatever date you need to renew in 2010. So, even if you don't need to renew until later on this year...if the letter is dated 2010...it will be valid.

I need to renew by June 24.

Help us out here...my fellow Americans. Send those e-mails out. I don't want to spend the money to go to Bangkok.

The most frustrating thing about this is, last year (2009), I got a new income verification letter. When I renewed my visa extension in June... The immigration officer in Nong Khai stated to both me and my wife that the income verification letter would be valid for two more renewals.

Now it seems that the new Udon office is requiring a new income verification letter .

Hmmm, wonder if some of the same Consular services might be obtained in Vientiane? A tad handier in some ways and more fun.

Good idea Mac.

Here is their website: http://laos.usembassy.gov/information_for_travelers.html

Reads like they perform all the same services:

The American Citizen Services (ACS) Unit of the Consular Section assists American citizens in Laos. The unit provides a variety of services including: passport and citizenship services, registration of births, assistance with Federal benefits, notarial services, voting and tax information