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craigt3365
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Posts posted by craigt3365
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Have a blast! It is quite an adventure. The people are wonderful. We had about 250 people there. Most come for the food, and to drop off a present. We had the actual ceremony inside her house. Could only hold 50 people or so. My wife was great...got the guy doing the ceremony to cut it short. Only lasted about 30 minutes. But it was an all day and all night party. Absolutely one of the best times in my life. Only 4 or 5 people spoke English, but that did not matter. It was a blast! Enjoy!!!!!!!
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Interesting...I just read this thread...and then saw this:
Thailand's 'Iron Lady' Pressured to Resign
And Thaksin says he needs trust? He should start at home first...
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I agree with you on Pattaya, but like others have said, it is not too hard to avoid the parts you don't like. Even Jomtien is not bad. I stayed at Mountain Beach Resort. Not a bad place, and cheap. It was a short walk to this cool little beach. Really nice.
But I have to admit I love Koh Chang and Samet. Hua Hin is nice also. I have stayed at the Hilton. Nice and very convenient. But very big. Great pool!
My friend recently went to Koh Si Chang. He said it was pretty nice. Has anyone else ever been there? It is VERY close to BKK.
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Which is just my point.
I don't think it's condescending to wonder out loud why a farang would give up a relatively affluent and comfortable lifestyle in the west, with all its attendant advantages and safety nets, to live in squalor in Thailand. It's just not rational behaviour.
It's not as if Thailand welcomes people with open arms, is it?
I hear ya Bendix. But let me throw this out. I live a relatively affluent and very comfortable lifestyle here in the west. I have everything I need. Live right in the middle of one of the best entertainment capitals in the world (1KM from Times Square, and right next door to Lincoln Center).
But, I have had it here. And I am giving it up to live in Thailand. I lived there for 2 years and loved it. When I was there, to help stretch my money, I lived in some very cheap places. Once stayed on Koh Chang for 100B a night (OK, so I could only handle one night...at least I tried it!). What living cheaply allowed me to do was to live there, sometimes on a beautiful island, and not work...for 2 years!
Let's see...live in LOS, understandably in cheaper surroundings, and not work. Or live in NYC and work like a dog...in the freezing rain, snow, and incredible crowds (try and cram yourself onto the 1/9 train at 8am...you will understand what I mean). Have a quick, and cheap lunch for $15. And head out after work and have a beer for $10 or more. Dinner for two will set you back around $100.
I stayed in one of those 2500B rooms near Soi 50 for a few weeks. It was not really that bad. Marble floor, air con, restaurant down stairs with cheap and awesome Thai food...and they even brought up huge bottles of beer for only 50B. Man, that was paradise! No work, sleeping in, eating great, etc. Paradise. Ok, except for only being able to see Thai TV. Took me some time to break my TV habbit!
OK...sure...I would love to be in a villa over looking the ocean on Phuket. But that would mean 10 more years here. I think I will settle for something less so I don't have to do that. And the apartment I was in was not squalor. It was OK.
Now I will have to say, if I had to work like a dog AND live in one of those places...I don't think I could do that. I would stay where I am...totally agree with you on that one.
My wife lived in one of those places TTM describes. 4 girls in one room, no AC, next to freeway, etc. She did just fine. But she sure does enjoy her king size bed and big screen TV now!
Just some randon thoughts coming from NYC at 7 in the morning....as I read TV and plan for my upcoming trip to LOS!!!!!!
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Spare us all from your liberal tree hugging bull*hit.
I dont need to justify anything to anyone, you can hold your own opinions.
thats fine by me "chicken soup"
just so as we know exactly what your views are.
you are free to hold them. however pathetic and stupid they may be. they are your views and make sure you look after them , views on anything are probably a rare occurence in your little world.
however if you are unable to back up your views and opinions with fact or put some meat on the bones of your statements when asked then perhaps this forum is not for you.
perhaps you should be posting on dogsbollox.com or a similar kind of forum where your intellect is not taxed beyond its limited abilities.
if you wish to criticize the behaviour of israeli or any other national group of tourists then by all means do so , positive or negative criticism is welcomed.
but the undercurrent of hatred that came through in your post marks you as a true "glomp" as the israelis might say.
im always pleased when racists full of ignorance and hatred talk straight , now those on this forum know just where you stand , and even though you stand up to your neck in dogsh!t , we appreciate your honesty.
Tax: Excellent. We can all easily dig up dirt on every nationality. British, German, Chinese, French, Japanese, American, etc. Easily done. Unfortunately, they are generalizations. And don't hold true for all individuals. What this helps feed is stereotypes and racism. And that is not a good thing.
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When I stayed in Chiang Mai, the guest house next to me was 100% jewish. And as you travel around, a fairly good percentage of the backpackers are Israeli. So, there has to be options around. I saw quite a few places catering to them.
How did you know?
I am not sure I would want to stay in a place that advertised that it was for Israelis.
Too much of target for the muslims.
Mind you muslim food will also covers the same rules as kosher,
though I cannot see your friends being too popular in such places,
just as they are not popular in the Arab world in general.
My guest house did not have a restaurant. So, I ate there and met many people during my one week stay. Great travelers, interesting to hear all their stories. All the signs were in Hebrew, the food was ethnic, and the tours they offered were also in Hebrew. I guess I was a little nervous about being next door...just glad I was not in the south!!!!
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When I stayed in Chiang Mai, the guest house next to me was 100% jewish. And as you travel around, a fairly good percentage of the backpackers are Israeli. So, there has to be options around. I saw quite a few places catering to them.
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Jockie- normally use the Majestic Suites between soi4-6, 1295BHT a nite. Clean/Comfy!!!
I will never forget my first night in Bangkok. Booked the Majestic off the internet based on recommendations on a travel web site forum. Checked in, and opened my curtains. WOW! What a view looking down onto NEP. I hit a home run! Didn't get back to the hotel until about 5am and had an awesome time. Majestic is a great place...and has fond memories.
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Interesting note: Just spoke with my wife. She reminded me of something I had forgot. At most of these cheap places you have to rent the furniture. Like 300 Baht for a fridge, 300B for a dresser, 200B for a bed, etc. And the utility rates tend to be outrageous...that is how they make their money...
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As many have, I to deciding to move to Thailand.
Now also at the same time come to the conclusion after reading many posts here, and reviewing condos / service apartments, that I think best for me is a hotel.
I like in general the noisier atmosphere, like a decent size lobby with people coming and going. Restaurant / bar off to the side, room service, daily house cleaning, etc.
I have not made up my mind entirely, and understanding the cost factor, I might just wind up buying a condo or renting a service apt at that.
For now however my question is this:
Dose anyone know of some decent (3, better still 4 star) hotels in Bangkok or Pattaya, that might give decent discounts for long stays and / or even paying in advance?
Typing this out now, this just popped up in my head. How about a combination building if any, when there is hotel and Service apartment?
That type building might satisfy my (I won't say needs but) wants.
Appreciate any leads.................. DJM
Did you look at the Evergreen serviced apartments near Asia Hotel? I checked them out one time and they looked quite nice. Near BTS, malls, etc. Just a thought.
Also, I stayed at Patumwan House for some time. Half hotel, half furnished rooms. They will cut you a deal if you stay for a month. Nice location.
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For that much you would like to pay, you wouldn't find a decent place in BKK. Not even the urban area.Pretty self-explanitory. Something near public transport, somewhere you have personal experience with, possibly? I don't care where in BKK, as long as it's a relatively quiet area. I've found a bunch of places on MrRoomFinder but I figured personal references would be invaluable. Thanks in advance!My friend lived about 1km from Onnut station and paid 2750 per month. No kitchen, but nice building. If you went without AC, it was 2250 per month. I stayed there a few nights. Not bad. Lots of expats were in the building.
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A friend of the missus is comin to town and wants to stay around Sukumvit Soi 2,3 or 4. Budget 1200 max a night. Anyone know?
I use to stay at the Park Hotel. That was 2 years ago. The price was about 1000 Baht. Not sure now. But it was clean, quiet and convenient!
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I saw this article and thought it might be interesting to some of you. Also, notice the link on the left about expats and property in Bangkok. FYI!!!
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I have been back and forth many times. Usually looking rather ragged from the long flight and too much partying in Thailand! I never got checked. Even when coming back from Cuba...man, I was really nervous those times. Had a depature stamp from either Mexico or Jamaica and then a rentry into that same country...with no other entry/exit stamps. Looked pretty bad. But, got through.
Glad they did not search me last time as I was carrying about 300 Pantip DVDs! Whew!
I think they should do it like in Mexico. You hit a button and it either turns red or green. Totally random. Green, head straight through. Red, you get checked.
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'Even if you retire, you still pay taxes...what did somebody once say...the only thing certain in life is death and taxes...'
Well, true Craigt, except for a certain sum profit on the house we (yours and mine) just sold. Now that was a deal, yes? I guess we did really pay taxes on it all ready, just the amount was tax excempt.
That is true! Gotta love some of the tax breaks. Though all the realtor fees, etc. were enough!!
Now...where to stash that money so I can live off the interest! And of course pay taxes on it...
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er..? people. maybe we should close this thread. logic dictates that if we want to be able to receive social security payments when we reach age 62, someone has to work their buns off so we will get it.
right??!???
I'm glad so many people like their work. thank god!
Even if you retire, you still pay taxes...what did somebody once say...the only thing certain in life is death and taxes...
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Great thread. I got caught up in that internet bust a few years ago. Headed to Thailand to take a little break...2 years later found myself married. So, I thought it was best to try and work for a few more years and build up the nest egg a little more. Unfortunately, I have found out I am just not interested in high tech anymore. But fortunately, the real estate market has gone crazy and my nest egg is good enough to retire on.
So, at age 48, I have decided to retire. While I was in Thailand I had no problems finding things to do. It is amazing how little you have to do in a day to feel like you have done something. And how nice it is to take a day or two break after those "hard" days.
My wife loves living here, so I think we may split our time between the LOS and the US. I think that will keep us pretty busy!
I was fully in the rat race and was amazed at how easy it was to get out of it. And how crazy it really is. Americans work too hard. Just too focused on work. That is one thing I really like about Thailand. Family is more important (to most, at least).
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my thai wife was/is a qualified english teacher, however, after 9 years in the uk she still cant spell and has no idea whatsoever about grammar lol.
I had a friend whose wife was a Thai English teacher. I could barely understand her! Just relied on my wife to speak to her in Thai and then translate to English for me. How crazy!
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Jai Dee: Went there a few years ago by road from Bangkok. I was warned the road was tough, and was warned they tend to switch vehicles on you. Well...all I can say is I was warned. I would never do that again. Flying is the only way to go.
We got to the border and had a 3 hour wait until pickup trucks came to take us to SR. Yes, 12+ farang stuffed on top of our gear in the bed of a truck...and it already had some stuff in it.
At the river crossings we all had to get out, in knee deep water, and help push the truck to get it across. We were filthy when we got to SR.
Heard from some other travelers that their bus had tried to make it. One group spent the night in the middle of the river. And I heard of one Japanese girl who fell off the back and cracked her skull. Had to take a helo back to BKK.
But, once we got to SR it was awesome. Got a great guide from our hotel for 3 full days. SR is not that great, but the ruins are incredible. You can also take that boat to PP. Not a bad ride. And then fly back from there....
FYI!
Craig
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Was there for a month 2 years ago. Went with high expectations, but headed out in a hurry and back to LOS, cutting my trip short. Had a guy try and pickpocket me. Actually caught him, but he was in cahoots with the police...so they wouldn't do a thing...as I stood there holding this guy and fending off his fists.
Caught an immediate flight to Cebu to get away from Manila. Not much better. Horrible air, crazy traffic, and not that safe. Left after one night to a small village on the other side of the island. Now that was nice. So were a few of the other islands I visited. The girls approach you everywhere you go! The attention was great.
Heading to the airport on Cebu for my flight to Davao, I heard it got cancelled due to a bombing. One American killed, along with some others. Pretty much total chaos. Couldn't get out on a plane for 2 days. So, took a boat to Manila and then flew immediately back to LOS. Though I did meet a bunch of great women on the 24 hour boat ride!
Food is horrible, but most (not all) can speak English. So that is a huge help.
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I have to agree with Ajarn. No nutritional value in heavily washed, white rice. Only calories. In my wife's small village there is NO access to fast food...and most don't have the money to drink sodas, etc. very often. But, many of the folks there are quite large. Can only explain it on a bad diet and no exercise. But hey, when it is hotter than ######, and no AC, what else can you do but lay around and try and stay cool! ;-)
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I don't think it is worth it for only 4 nights. I have been there many times, never wore repellant, and was OK. Did the same in Cambo, but then met a guy who got malaria. So, ya never know...
The other question is, have you ever used the medication before? Some of them can be pretty tough on you. Crazy dreams, etc. I met one guy who actually liked the dreams! Of course he was smoking a bunch of pot along with it...so who knows what caused the dreams!
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Congrats! That will help to pay for a few beers at the local pub!!!!!!
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Moreover interest at banks in Indonesia are higher.
Bank Mandiri
http://www.bankmandiri.co.id/english/resource/suku_bunga.asp
USD savings deposit:gross 4% pa (net of tax: 3.2% pa)
USD 1-month Time deposit: gross 4.25% pa (net of tax: 3.4% pa)
Bank BCA
http://www.klikbca.com/website/english/pri...erest_rate.html
USD savings deposit (BCA Dollar): gross 3.25% pa (net of tax: 2.6% pa)
USD 1-month Time deposit: gross 3.50% pa (net of tax: 2.8% pa)
Versus
0% for many banks in Singapore for any deposit below $50,000 such as DBS bank.
Why would anyone want to deposit money in Singapore?
Those rates are for USD based currencies. I was amazed at the rates for their local currency. 9% is pretty amazing. Too bad it is a losing proposition.
Dogs Puppies And Expats
in Plants, Pets & Vets in Thailand
Posted
For many years I was involved in dog rescues. Mainly Bouviers. You really have to keep the upper hand on breeds like that. I learned a bunch from a trainer after I had major problems with one of the rescues. One thing we had to do was keep her in a cage for most of the day. I can't believe it, but they actually do OK in cages. Makes them feel safe. Especially when they are in new surroundings. I couldn't do it very long, but took care of the chaos she created.
Other rules we learned. NEVER feed them table scraps. Or as we were told, never feed them unless it is in their dish. Never let them jump on you. Be firm and push them down. Get them lead trained real fast. I know you won't have the issues we had, but the "training" we got was awesome. Worth the money.