dolvitius

Many thanks to all for your valuable input ! I think I have a few tracks to explore now...

Thank you all for your input.

@ robertthebruce : yes, I agree there is a better choice for architects and designers in Bangkok. However, I imagine that, usually, furniture is ordered from catalogue, and that any designer would have access to the same products, regardless of weather they are Bangkok or Phuket based. Yes, lots of furniture made in Thailand is manufactured in the North or Bangkok area, and, as you said, transportation is not a problem.

On the other side, I have asked a few quotations from Bangkok based designers. Most of them charge, on top of their professional fees, a significant amount for "on trip allowances", because they will have to spend some time, or send their team, to Phuket, in order to make regular inspections during the construction phase and also check the delivery of the goods and supervise their installation. This is in addition to their trip expenses which are also charged separately.

All those additional charges due to location being in Phuket can add up to 50-80% to the professional fees. This is the reason why I thought that, for a small project like mine (only 1 house), it would be more cost efficient to find a Phuket based interior designer.

With all the development taking place in Phuket now and over the past few years, I would think that there must some locally based local, young (!) Thai designers with creative skills and who could do the job for me.

Any additional input will be welcome !

I have purchased an off plan villa in Phuket, and I am looking for a professional Interior Designer to perform works such as: interior design (including choice of materials and furniture/decoration) and landscaping.

I have searched through the Net, and I found several furniture shops in Phuket that claim that they can do the interior design. This is not what I am looking for as I believe that a reputable Interior Designer should be independent from equipment and furniture vendors. However, he should have the right contacts: I believe that, in my case, most of the furniture will need to be custom made.

Of course, my Developer has connections to an Interior Designer and I could ask them to do the entire job. But I do not wish to do this as I wish my villa to look different from the others in the estate and so I am looking for fresh ideas.

I have my ideas on the concept of the design that I wish for my villa. However, I need to find someone who can translate my concept and transform into reality, and also give me some new ideas.

Any recommendations ?

Is there anyone here who could share his good (or less good, bad stories can be shared, too, since they can help others) experiences with Phuket based Interior Designers ?

Why didn’t anyone tell me ?

Probably because in post 3 you said your visa expired in 10 days.

That's correct. And so what ?

In fact, I was thinking (after reading some misleading info) that the expiry date of the visa was crucial, that the extension of stay should be done a few weeks before, and that it could already be too late for me.

But, in reality, it was just the opposite : I was too early, because what counts is the expiry day of the last entry stamp.

I went to the Immigration today, and I was turned away ! Reason : I was too early to apply for an extension of stay given that there is more than 1 month to go before the end of the entry stamp in my passport. I was told that an application for an extension of stay should be done only within the last 30 days of your permission to stay given at your last entry, and not before. My entry stamp expires on 6 August and so I should apply between 6 July and 6 August, and this despite the fact that my current visa expires on 27 June. I didn’t know about this rule ! Why didn’t anyone tell me ?

OK, so I am bound to make another trip to Immigration in 2-3 weeks. Not a big issue…

I took the opportunity to ask about the transferability of the re-entry permit. I was told that, yes, a re-entry permit, just like an extension of stay, can be transferred to a new passport. This would make it more relevant for me to ask for a multiple re-entry permit once I get my extension of stay. Anyway, I will ask again once I am back at the Immigration Centre just before I select the kind of re-entry permit I wish to have.

To continued in around 2-3 weeks ……

I was thinking of doing exactly what Lopburi suggested : request for a single entry re-entry permit for peace of mind after getting the extension. I am almost certain I will use it, and this will save me another trip to the Immigration.

Now, since both of you (Lopburi and Ubonjoe) seem to have diverging views on whether a re-entry permit is transferable on a new passport or not, I will try to ask the question to an officer when I go to the Immigration Centre.

Just got the letter from the bank today. I am all set to pay a visit to the Immigration tomorrow.

@digitalchromakey

Thanks for the useful feedback.

Regarding the re-entry permit options, I understand your point on whether obtaining one multiple entry permit vs. several single entry permits money wise. But the practical aspect has to be considered too : I would rather like to minimize the number of visits to the Immigration Centre.

A question : is it possible to obtain a re-entry permit (whether single or multiple entry) at the airport (Bangkok) upon departure ? Or is the Immigration Centre the only place where to get this important document ?

Being able to get it at the airport would make things easier for me as my international travel plans for the coming months are far from being finalized at this time. In fact, as of now, I don't even know if I will travel before October-November 2012, when I will certainly need to get my passport renewed.

@ lopburi3

Many thanks for your answer, Lopburi.

When I wrote my OP, my concern was that :

• either my non-B visa would expire too soon (10 days from now) : I have time to go to the Immigration but they might reject my application
  
• or my passport would expire too soon (11 months from now) : Hull Consulate website seems to indicate here (http://www.thaiconsu...=20110922090441) - at paragraph 1) - that the passport containing the non-Imm Visa should be valid for at least one year.
  

However, in your answer, you seem to suggest that this should not be an issue.

As for the re-entry permit, you say that it will expire once my passport expires (or gets canceled, if earlier). Now, given that my passport will expire in May 2013, I will have to renew it in October-November 2012, since a passport valid for at least 6 months is required to travel about anywhere. So, once I get a new passport, I will have to get my extension transferred, no problem with this. However, you say that the re-entry permit can’t get transferred and I will have to get a new one at that time. If I get a new re-entry permit in October (or November) 2012 on my newly issued passport with an extension of stay which will expire in June 2013, how long will this new re-entry permit be valid for ? Is a re-entry permit normally linked to an extension of stay (meaning that when an extension expires, the re-entry permit will expire too ?), or do they work independently ? Is a re-entry permit valid for 1 year too ?

Sorry, it’s a little tricky, but I would just like to optimize things in order to avoid to waste time and to make unnecessary trips to the Immigration. At the same time, I need to learn on extensions of stay and re-entry permits since this is the first time that I will apply for those papers.

I would really enjoy your clarifications ! Thanks !

Please allow me to ask a question which might have been asked before, but I usually find it confusing to deal with Thai immigration and visa matters, as rules change from time to time.

I wish to apply for an extension of stay based on retirement. I have not done that before.

• I hold a French passport
  
• I currently hold a Non-Immigration B Visa (1 year - multiple entry) which expires on 27 June 2012
  
• I live in Bangkok
  
• I am just over 50 years old
  
• I have about 1 million THB deposited in a Thai bank account. The funds have been in this account for over one year. I have the bank passbook which shows the balance and dates. I do not have but I can ask for a letter from my bank stating this if necessary.
  
• My passport expires on 18 May 2013
  
• My last entry in Thailand was on 9 May 2012
  

In my situation, can I apply for this extension of stay with this non-B Visa ?

I also wish to apply for a re-entry permit as frequently travel out of Thailand. Can I do that at the same time ?

...

For Hulu, Pandora, Netflix and a whole lot more channels I would recommend a Roku XDS.

...

And could you (or someone else) kindly indicate where to find the Roku box in Thailand ?

mkawish, I like your culinary report on Chinese delicacies in Hat Yai !     

Never hear of "bear paws" before... The rest sounds yummy. Will see and try...

OK, I am off now, as I will travel tomorrow. Will report on how the trip went, when I am back. Should be next week.

Wish me "bon voyage" !

The clock tower is about the same distance from HDY airport to HaadYai city.

The clock tower is situated in front of the new Fresh Market, TarLardMai, and is on the road to SongKhla.

There are several destination minivans to various places.... including ParDaeng BaySar and DarnNork, SarDao....

It is cheaper.... but it won't be as comfortable, especially if you are 6 feet or taller....

If anyone travels cheap.... that is the way to go....   Enjoy....

No, I am not that tall. Usually, minivans are OK for me, as long as the trip is not too long (~ 1 hour). But I don't think I will opt for the local non AC bus to go to the border.

Anyway, I think I will just go to this clock tower next to the market, see how those vans look like, and subsequently decide either to use them, or to hire a taxi.

If decide to lodge in HaadYai....

First choice--Central Novelta โรงแรม เช็นทราน, Lee Garden Plaza (across from Central).  There are other less expensive hotels around the tourist areas costing from 350 to 600, whereas Central would cost around 1,400 and Lee--1,100 respectively.  Or you might opt for Pink Lady, also very closeby Central, consists of night entertainment and other single person vices....

Enjoy....

You have anticipated my next question : the hotel in Hat Yai !     What would I do without you ? ....    

Yes, I will stay one night in Hat Yai before leaving by VIP bus towards the north. By the way, I have changed my programme: I will not go to Phuket, but decided to spend a few days in Krabi instead, before flying back to Bangkok. Of course, that does not change anything to the visa run issue.

OK, back to the hotel. I could not find any 'Central Novelta'. Did you mean the Novotel Centara ? That seems to be the best hotel in Hat Yai. I like the idea of the Pink Lady.      But I think that I will really need a good night sleep after the visa run...

In fact, before reading you, I was considering either the New Season Hotel (they quoted me 1,000 THB per night), the Golden Crown Plaza (950 THB), or the Diamond Plaza (890 THB). Well, if you have any feedback on any of these hotels, don't hesitate ....

In addition, since you seem to know Hat Yai quite well, would you have a suggestion for a good Chinese restaurant where to have dinner ? 

#2: How to go from Hat Yai airport to the Malaysia border? Any bus? Or do I need to take a taxi? Price I should expect to pay?

Thai airways has a minivan service which runs as and when planes arrive.  If you contact Thai airways at Had Yai they will give the details.  Cost circa THB80 and will leave u in town.  They may drop u at the bus station.  Local non a/c bus to boarder every 30mins, circa THB40 or take a mini van.  

#4: Same question than #2 for the Malaysia border to Hat Yai city?

When u arrive back to Thai soil, cross over the road and wait at the obvious bus shelter or where u see Thai people waiting -- Just hail a mini van or if u want to travel with the locals, the bus as it passes

That's good feedback !  In fact, I think that I have seen those Thai Airways minivans in operation in other provincial towns. I will ask when I arrive. I will fly to Hat Yai with Orient Thai, but I guess it does not matter.

I've also read somewhere that the place in Hat Yai where to find the minivans going to the border (either Sadao or Padang Besar) is near the Clock Tower, on Phetkasem Rd. Can anyone familiar with Hat Yai confirm ?

To the OP, how many days does this give you? as it seems a lot of bother for 15/30 days

It gives me 90 days, since I have a 1 year multiple non-Imm B visa.

In fact, it's not a bother at all: it is just a way to combine a short holiday trip in the South and a visa run which I have to do any way. And I did not have enough time to plan an overseas trip to a neighbouring country.

Thanks again, mkawish. And to you too, phuket Mike, for bringing the alternative through the Padang Besar checkpoint (this is apparently the correct spelling, it means 'large field' in Malaysia language). :jap:

Done some more research, and I found 2 interesting forum threads, including one in ThaiVisa, which mention Padang Besar as a possible alternative to Sadao. Reason mentioned is that PB is less crowded. In addition, the distance between the Thai and Malaysian checkpoints is 500 m at PB, while it is about 1 km at Sadao.

http://www.thaivisa....aipadang-besar/

http://www.lonelypla...hreadID=1881090

Looking at the map, it looks like the distance to these 2 checkpoints from Hat Yai is the same. However, PB seems to be on a secondary road, while Sadao is on the the main road which gives access to the North-South Malaysian highway. That could explain why less people at PB.

The more I think at it, the more I feel like going to Hat Yai city first after landing at the airport (my plane is supposed to arrive at Hat Yai at 12:30pm), drop my bags at the hotel. And then, do the visa run to either checkpoint and back to Hat Yai. Distance from Hat Yai to either checkpoint is 60 km (one way). Is it reasonable to say that 3 hours should be enough to complete the whole visa run ?

mkawish, do you actually live in Hat Yai ?

mkawish, thank you for your detailed feedback. Really appreciate it !

#2:

I am still unclear about whether there is common transportation (such as buses) from the airport to the border, and from the border to Hat Yai city. I might well do what you did: hire a private car with driver to take me to the border and back. One more question : from what I read on the Net, at this Sadao border, there is a distance of about 1 km between the Thailand and the Malaysian checkpoints. Did your driver take you across the Thai checkpoint all the way to the Malaysian checkpoint (no need to go further, of course !) ? Or did your driver stopped at the Thai checkpoint and then he waited for you there while you did go to the Malaysia checkpoint and back on your own ?

#4:

Of course, I understand what you said. I was just asking if there are buses/vans from the Sadao border to Hat Yai city.

#6:

I think this should not be a problem, especially as I intend to stay overnight at Hat Yai. I plan to book for a seat on a busHat Yai --> Phuket the day before.

I live in Bangkok, and I plan to do the following Visa run :

1. Fly from Bangkok to Hat Yai

2. Travel from Hat Yai airport to the Malaysia border

3. Thailand --> Malaysia --> Thailand

4. Travel from the Malaysia border to Hat Yai city

5. Stay overnight in Hat Yai

6. Travel by bus from Hat Yai to Phuket

7. Stay a few days in Phuket

8. Fly from Phuket back to Bangkok

As I am not used to Hat Yai and the Malaysia border, I need help for #2, #4, and #6.

#2: How to go from Hat Yai airport to the Malaysia border? Any bus? Or do I need to take a taxi? Price I should expect to pay?

#4: Same question than #2 for the Malaysia border to Hat Yai city?

#6: How to travel from Hat Yai to Phuket? Any VIP buses available? Any recommendation for any bus company/service? Price?

I would really appreciate if someone who knows this part of Thailand could help me on this.   :jap:

 Just in case anyone is interested, I have a few units left : IPhone 4, 32 GB, factory unlocked, never used, sealed in the box.

In Bangkok only. PM me for details.

If u are a techie like me and like to customize, tweak, and run lots of applications on your phone then you probably won't like the Iphone.

You don't know what you are talking about, I am afraid. If you are a modder and tweaker, the iPhone offers endless possibilities once jailbroken. There are apps out there that do all sorts of insane hacks.

I just recently downloaded iBlacklist (free of course). It can turn off the "call forwarding" notification, which is my only gripe about the stock iPhone user interface. No more call forwarding pop-up! (it's the pop up that appears when you make a call, happens on Nokia too BTW, except there you can't turn it off).

It also allows to selectively block SMS and calls from people and organizations. Get a marketing call? No problem, add the number to the blocks, set it to ignore, and done. Same for marketing SMS - never see them again, they get deleted as soon as they arrive, no notification no sound. There are also settings for "privacy" in case you don't want anyone to know you got an SMS from somebody (hmm... what could that be useful for? can't think of anything ).

It's just one example, but there are a plethora of tools out there that expose basically the entire functionality and unix underpinnings of the iPhone. If you are more ambitious you can get the unofficial development toolchain and program the thing yourself. If you want to join the official developers, there are the official tools and frameworks which are better than for any other device - though the official tools don't allow you to do crazy stuff like hack into the phone application

This device is a hacker's wet dream.

Several posters here have mentioned that one the greatest interests in the iPhone is its ability to be customized.

Could those experienced iPhone users indicate some Internet links to where to find some basic or useful "must have" add-on applications to install on the Iphone? I think that would be useful for all iPhone beginners or iPhone "users-to-be". Sure, searching the Internet is the way to find this, but it would be nice to have some pointers to where to start.

Thank you for your prompt answer, anothertorres.

However, I am still not entirely sure to understand...

* Did you get a multiple entry visa valid for 30 days or for 12 months ?

* for each entry, how long are you allowed to stay in China ?

Thank you !

anothertorres,

Your information is much appreciated and comes just at the right time as I am right now planning a trip to China.

Could you indicate what exact type of visa you refer to with the 5600/5200/4800 baht one? What validity length, and is it single or multiple (how many?) entries?

And I agree with you: Beijing is a very interesting city to visit. So much to see...

If you have a choice, DON'T SELECT TRUE under any circumstance.

They are a bunch of sempiternal liers and gangsters, and I can promise you disappointment, anger and frustration if you do business with them. They deliver nothing of what they promise.

Trust me, we have been in business with them for 4 years, and we have canceled all out contracts with them one by one. Right now, we have banned this company from our list of suppliers.

And, if you still consider selecting them, make sure you read what other forum members think of them (in this forum and in others). You have been warned!

I had some luck in a local Phuket shop, made one cable to connect a helix antenne for some wireless hacking fun.

But the connector on the PCI card is male, so probably you need a female connector for a coax cable.

Can mail you one.

KJ, how long is the coax cable you made?

Can you describe more precisely the "helix antenna" you use?

Yeah, I personally don't care too much about 1000 or 2000 its just a shame that they don't deliver.

I smiled while reading this! Well, if you don't mind paying 2,000 every month for something worth a mere 500, it's up to you!

I'm just worried that if we go for any lower package the download rates will be even worse.

Here is your mistake! The speeds will be as bad but not worse. Trust me, my experience with True dates back from 2005 (I have since then resiliated all the contracts I had with them). They never deliver what they promise. They keep lying, and their Call Centre is one of the worse I have ever encountered in the galaxy. All their business rational is made out of 2 realities:

#1: Customers have no choice

#2: Customers are  stupid (or ignorant)

Since you have no choice where you are as for an ISP, at least, get the cheapest package from them (not sure what it is now, probably around 500-600 THB a month): you will get the same and, subsequently, the best value for money. Just like you, I don't care much about the monthly amount I pay (within a reasonable range...), but I hate to be cheated.

Let me explain briefly the different ADSL packages offered by True and what they correspond to:

500 THB/mth: customer with no choice

1,000 THB/mth: stupid/ignorant customer

2,000 THB/mth: very stupid/ignorant customer