craigt3365

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Here’s some news for those who make idiotic comments like packing their bags and going or that Thailand is driving away Quality European tourists! According to eHoteler ( 21st May 2015),"The world’s biggest spenders dish out $3,252 on average, per person, during trips. In total, these spenders spent a record $165 billion abroad last year (a 28% increase from the previous year). The number is growing annually. Who are these big spenders? They’re Chinese tourists who should be the number one demographic to keep your eye on this year".

Furthermore, Travelers from China spent $11.36 billion more overseas than foreign tourists last year.

Australia’s largest arrivals currently is from China.

One Chinese incentive group spent 14.5Million dollars early this month in France and Monaco.

So, if you guys who think that this is a Thailand specific issue, you are wrong. Western countries, EU, UK, USA and Australia are wooing the Chinese by hundreds and thousands as they need the tourist income as much as Thailand does.

This is an interesting take on their spending habits:

http://www.cnbc.com/id/101843609

Around 15 percent of respondents said they spent 10,000 renminbi ($1,619) a day, while 2 percent spent 50,000 renminbi ($8,095) a day.

But the bulk surveyed were at the lower end of the scale, with 28 percent spending between 2,001 and 5,000 renminbi ($324-810) and 36 percent spending between 500 and 2,000 renminbi ($81-324).

Another article spoke about the 2 types of Chinese tourists. Ones who go to the west for shopping and gambling...and spend big money. And the other type who are on a bus tour and mainly interested in getting their pic taken in famous places (I.e. Grand Palace, Walking Street, etc.). They tend to spend very little money. I doubt rich Chinese come to Thailand for shopping. And for sure not for gambling! LOL For shopping, they head to France, UK, the US, Italy, etc....

Based on how many tour buses I've seen here lately, I think we're getting the lower end of the spending scale here. Tourists with big money would never do a bus tour.

Changing tickets is almost always a problem. And almost always a costly endeavor. One reason I tend to book direct and not with 3rd parties. Easier to go to the source if you need help.

The store-owner, Mr Thitikul Lertwattanarak, 39, claimed that the store had been in the business of printing car license plates for 20 years without any problem from the police. He said he was totally unaware that such activities were a crime.

This is the problem we are having now. Crimes have been ongoing for so long, they think they are entitled to continue their actions. Very difficult to change things here due to this. The sense of entitlement is well cemented into their mindset. And for good reason.

We've had great luck with our dog there after several visits. The vet we've seen was very professional and knew her stuff.

Also, don't have to see the vet to buy something at the store in back. It's relatively well stocked. About as good as you'll find in the area anyway.

P.S. there are actually 2 places right next to each other. The one I'm talking about has a pool in back for dogs.

Food posioning is possible anywhere. And the places with the most amount of tourists will rank high.

I'd hate to think of how many countries I've been sick in. Lots....

Yes, on Suk, past Makro and just before the Texaco Station. Eastern Pet Hospital or something like that. Pretty decent pet store in the back.

There is a pretty big pet shop just south of Tesco South Pattaya. It's just before the Texaco gas station on the left as you are headed north. They speak good English also.

Sad news! Means more tour buses and more crowded tourist attractions. I hate large tour groups. Of any nationality.

He added that students should be taught to have a better understanding and acceptance about people with different backgrounds or believes.

Well put.

Have you tried doing it online? How are you going to call that number? From your cell phone? Skype?

Fares are getting cheaper and cheaper and options seem to be opening up now. I just got a one way ticket from Stockholm to BKK for $350. Checked bag, meal, reserved seat, etc, all included. Middle of high season. A buddy just got Amsterdam to Chicago for $600, one way.

You should price this both ways. With an agent and by your self with online tools. A site like rome2rio.com is very useful.

What was your one way? Norwegian?

Yes. I know it's a budget airline. Most complaints I've read about them have to do with the add on charges or those related to changes. I'll let you know in a month or so how it works out!

I got a flight to Kiev on Ukraine Air for a bit over $400. All in, one way.

The dealerships rarely just change oil. They tend to go through a check list of things, which depends on the mileage of the car. Some are relatively minor (but still more than just an oil change) and some are relatively major. Include the great car wash/interior cleaning and you're going to be there for more than an hour. Appointment or not.

Let's move this over to the Insurance forum.

Topic Moved.

Let's see if you get more replies over in the insurance forum.

Topic Moved.

Please remember this policy is now being strictly enforced. Especially with regards to discussion of the Monarchy.

I use DTAC. 299B and if you go over it is still fine for navigating. Using it for that now in Bangkok.

Let's move this to the Internet forum.

Topic moved.

If you have a young and strong back, or are doing a bit of island hopping, a backpack is fine.

Be careful of the knockoffs. You will be buying a new one shortly if you stress it a bit.

Not sure if there is a super sports in phuket. If so, that is a good place to start.

Let's move this to the phuket forum for some local advice.

Topic moved.

Fares are getting cheaper and cheaper and options seem to be opening up now. I just got a one way ticket from Stockholm to BKK for $350. Checked bag, meal, reserved seat, etc, all included. Middle of high season. A buddy just got Amsterdam to Chicago for $600, one way.

You should price this both ways. With an agent and by your self with online tools. A site like rome2rio.com is very useful.

Best bet is to call the airline directly. Or email them. I have found they are pretty good about replying.

We have a live in and a full time maid, and my wife and I still have to step in and help out from time to time. The Z Breeze facility does 2 shifts of 12 hours each.

The place I listed does all of the above for the same amount.

Interesting video on how ISIS makes it money:

http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2015/04/01/isis-animation-with-audio.cnnmoney/index.html?iid=HP_LN

Please stay on topic, respect other members, and NO use of the term "Dear Leader". Please.

Please abide by forum rules. We just lost one member due to this.

In using Thai Visa you agree to abide by the following terms:

1) You will not express disrespect of the King of Thailand or any one member of the Thai royal family, whether living or deceased, nor to criticize the monarchy as an institution.

By law, the Thai Royal Family are above politics. Speculation, comments and discussion of either a political or personal nature are not allowed when discussing HM The King or the Royal family.*
Discussion of the Lese Majeste law or Lese Majeste cases is permitted on the forum, providing no comment or speculation is made referencing the royal family.

To breach these rules may result in immediate ban.