terrier123

Where is best place to live in Thailand if money not an issue. I would prefer a coastal region. Not concerned about housing costs or job availability. I am not sure I want the head ache and huddle and bustle of Bkk. Thank you.

Cha-am better than Hua Hin in most cases. If you have the resources, try driving around the Kingdom with a friend and sample different areas. My opinion is to avoid BKK, Pattaya, Phuket, Korat. Udon, Ubon etc. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I have been 6 years in Isaan on the Mekong River and it is fabulous in every way. DRIVE AROUND AND LOOK/SAMPLE the delights available.

If it's too far to travel to Pattaya and the bars there, almost every Thai town has them available. Best time to look is after dark. Look for the places with coloured lights outside, often they are to be seen outside sitting on stools and chairs smoking, drinking and chatting with each other. I'm told that two work better than one. Cheap to run but I don't advise keeping one for very long, it can be stressful, and for some even fatal !! Best idea is to replace them regularly.

Good Luck, keep warm!

Thanks for that -- very drole. It was late on Sunday night when I submitted the posting. I must be losing my touch when I didn't see the OBVIOUS interpretation or ambiguity of the article. However, it was intended to mean I need an electric room heater (like a small Philipps) not the ATM variety which run both hot and cold. Anyone know of an outlet.

6 years in Isaan and looking forward to the winter months. However, if anyone knows where I can buy a little room heater it will make the evenings more comfortable.

Seven years ago I took a journey through Isaan and along the Mekong by public transport; then 6 months later a similar journey by car. A few months later I moved to Isaan on the Laos border and never regretted one minute. Best climate, food and people in Thailand. There are many reasonable sized towns along the river and your girl can be over in Laos with 15 minutes.

I have found the pollution in BKK at times to be unbearable. I often have trouble breathing and constantly have a sore throat. I have some reservations about Thailand but overall really like it. My health and the pollution are the key drivers here.

Second issue. My girlfriend is Lao. We would like to get married but unfortunately I recently found out I did not properly divorce my Thai wife over 2 years ago and am trying to get her to come to BKK to register it appropriately. Hopefully this can be taken care of soon but there is no guarantee she will be willing. In lieu of her cooperation I may have to wait a year or more to petition to have our divorce finalized without her.

I would simply return to my home country the USA but I want to be with my girlfriend. I cannot yet marry her or start any visa process to take her with me. I am thus looking for alternatives in Thailand or near Thailand that may be suitable. Wherever I go I need fast internet and clean air. I have been considering Singapore but don't know all the visa laws there. I would also like the ability to telecommute if possible to earn some money. I would like to go somewhere, where I could stay at least a year without too much visa hassle. I am willing to go anywhere in the world that my girlfriend can go too. Her Laotian citizenship makes staying in SEA most likely the best option.

Me and the GF are getting hitched in October. The Thai Consulate in Hull have confirmed they will translate my affirmation of freedom to marry (for a fee), prior to me travelling. We intend then going to the UK consulate in Chiang Mai to get it signed and then going to the Amphur. Has anyone done this themselves? I cant see any impediment to doing this, but if anyone can see any problems I would be grateful to hear.

cheers

Never heard of a consulate office translating before as it is usually done by an independent office. This must then be notarised as a true translation at the Ministery of Foreign Affairs in Wattana BKK or equivelant in CMai. Either way, be sure to have all the necessary official embossed stamps or the registrar will not accept it. Documents only valid for 6 months after issue.

The magic 7 years -- yep, generally the more you give (donate, help) the more is expected. Yet it seems to last shorter each time. Alongside this (naturally) ANY original gratitude vanishes and the greed machine kicks in. Then too much is not enough and they help themselves in various ways. Happened to me and countless others.

Why try to be devious when the best way also complies with the Immigration requirements. Just have your UK bank transfer it to your Thai bank account. Barclays will send the lot within a few days for 28 quid -- cheaper that SWIFT.

Hi, we live in Isaan and our monthly electric bill is about 1,600b. From the bill itself we use only 300b of electric and the rest being standing charge. Anybody know why we are paying such a high standing charge? Typical Thailand there is no telephone number on the electric bill for us to call................any help would be great, thanks

We also live in Isaan in a 3 bed detached. No air but computer, fans, lights and a TV are on nearly all day - every day. We rarely get a bill over 700baht. The comments about your landlord doubling up is probably the main reason. Check if your meter is direct to your supply.

Some good replies to the same old story told with a slightly different slant. The best advice (as the one from Chiang Mai) WALK AWAY. It will save you a lot of money AND heartbreak when the inevitable happens. Some of us older ones get caught more than once but now there are forums/stories like this we should ALL be more careful. Since my most recent loss I have been more aware and find I have quite a bit more money left at the end of each month and still having as much fun.

Even in the Provincial towns 500 miles from BKK and even further from Pattaya etc., it is easy to lose EVERYTHING. Our kindly smiling hosts are taught from an early age to bleed every emotion and penny from us fellahs who are looking for a relaxed, happy and better life -- the same as they are. But these are greedy types and sometimes the cost is just too high.

Good 'uns are extremely hard to find and even then they will still find some way to punish you after years "taking care". It would be better for all if we thought a little more about the ridiculous things such as sin sot and refused to keep paying. I agree that a reasonable monthly amount is far better for everyone. Some amongst us are wealthy but a lot live on pensions and are not millionaires as the locals think. As they say, there are thousands of pebbles left on these here beaches.

AFTER ALL'S SAID AND DONE LIFE HERE IS STILL FAR BETTER THAN IN THE WEST.

AND they grow a long finger nail (usually goy) to assist in this disgusting habit.

AND it is done by ALL classes/age groups.

AND in a country where no-one can point with their feet 'cos they go BERRRRRSEEEERRRK.

All that said, after 10 years, I only want to be here especially Isaan.......

To previous posters who write about being bored --- Did you buy a one-way ticket??? Try people watching and look at the nose-pickers and a thousand other traits which WE find entertaining/amusing/disgusting or just DIFFERENT.

This fly looks very much like a Tsetse Fly, but can you get them in Thailand. It landed on me this morning.

In Thai language ginglee (or similar). Will not harm you and the Thais eat them -- definitely not of the tsetse or mozzie type !!

I am in the market for a new sim card and was looking for the board's thoughts on mobile services. (Did a search for this, didn't see anything newer than 2 years old)

I have two phones, one with true and the other with 1 2 call.

1 2 call seems to have better service (I'm in BKK) but they send waaaay too many advertisements to my phone. (As in, every 20 minutes my phone screen lights up silently with some ad in Thai)

True has fine service and sends me an audible advertising text every three days or so.

I will be replacing the True sim card.

So...what are everyones thoughts on DTAC?

Should I stay with True?

Which service has the best promotion?

What about the least amount of text ads?

Any other thoughts are appreciated!

1-2-call (AIS) best for national coverage. True, DTAC, Orange may be OK for Bangkok but not so good in the provinces (if you intend to travel). All not too good towards the 3 bordering countries, especially Laos. All CAN BE contacted through their web pages. All providers will stop the adverts, MMS, change languages etc if you contact them on-line. Hope this info is useful.

I went on a long journey the other day and had to run the gauntlet of up to 4 police road blocks. Odds were against me and I got caught in one and was asked for 200 Baht. I agreed, as I was doing 100 km when stopped, but I wanted a receipt. The officer said that I would have to pay 400 Baht in that case. I told him I'd give him no more than 100 Baht, no receipt, he accepted.

On the return leg same again. Got pulled in and I was told I was speeding. Once again I was doing 100km. This time I argued that I wasn't speeding. The officer then dropped that and said I was driving in the right hand lane on a dual carriageway without returning to the nearside lane. Once again I argued that he was wrong, which this time he was. He gave up and let me on my way. No payment.

My question is. Does anyone know the legal on the spot financial penalties for motoring offences ? Plus in the worst case senario what can a police officer do if I stand my ground on either a legal fine or a back hander (bribe).

Another time a police officer asked me for 100 Baht for speeding, which I gave him. I asked for a receipt and he told me to go to Buriram police station to get one. 60+ km away. Is it worth the hassle to report the officer ?

Having been in Thailand 10 years I usually resist responding to this common type of complaint against the BIB -- but they are a thieving bag of bas...ds. I have been stopped so many times and (as the poster writes) even with correct paper work, Thai driving licences and year's visa, the Police lie and cheat like hel_l to extort money from foreigners. If not guilty of one trumped up charge, they invent another.

Recently, a Police Chief said that foreign motorists should report these thieves direct to his office and those offenders would be disciplined. What a load of bull. As I see it, in Thai culture, their worst crime is calling themselves The 'ROYAL' Thai Police.

Previously I was in Law Enforcement uniform for almost 30 years and these guys are an absolute disgrace and should be ashamed of their tactics. But we are all in Thailand ----------------.

Hi Guys, not sure where to post this so I thought here! My Thai wife should be coming to UK next month(we already have SV) However I live and work in Cumbria, UK I have no family or friends near to me. I'm trying my best to find any Thai shops/people/communities or anything else Thai for that matter in Cumbria, but cant!! Can anyone help or advice, anyone else live with their Thai partner in Cumbria, I'm just trying to find her some friends so she doesnt feel too alone when she gets here.

Many thanks in advance

Newstart

Two families Millom Cumbria. One husband works at Sellafield. Has your wife ever seen a sheep (in wellies) ?

My man - thanks for the info. My plans are still very much in the air. I will try to find your e-mail address and contact you again that way

www.zone.com, microsofts game site. Lots of online games for free.

Most Fun Game Player are totally free without time constraint. Download then play off-line. RealArcade are good with up to date games. Most have a 1 hour demo limit but if you don't close down can sometimes last all day

Pm me your phone number and name. I'll put you in contact with my ex sister in -law in Samut Sakorn , still good friends.

The family is into real estate and allways have some rentals. She at at least can get you more current info on the area.

Her name is Khun Dia. She went to school in Switzerland so she speaks pretty good English...

Thanks for your help - yours was the only reply. I have sent you 2 e-mails via the TV system. If they do not reach you please e-mail me direct on [email protected] and I will send the info again. Once again, thanks for your help.

I know Satut Sakorn very well What are of the world are you living now?

I am in North East Issan. I would welcome any comments about price and availability of houses to rent -- how many farang in the area, shopping and entertainment.

Can any foreigners living in the general area of Samut Sakhon/Songkhram give me info on house rents, farang population, entertainment, shopping etc. I hope to move to this area around August and will be looking for a long-term let. Replies via the forum or direct [email protected]

thanks

Can any members give me an insight of what it's like for foreigners living in Samut Sakhon/Sonkhram. I am considering a move to that area around August and would like to know about house rental prices, shopping, nightlife etc.

I need a New Bank Account at KasikKorn as the old one has been suspended by Paypal, can i apply for another and should I close the original account first ?

Does Anyone know of any other bank give a card that can be confirmed by Paypal without a workpermit ?

thx in advance..

SIAM CITY BANK will open an account for foreigners. Smaller but friendly bank who also have promotions