universe2000

Is it possible to know where the Baht Bus (Song Thaew) is going without asking the driver? I noticed there are some numbers such as 300, 400 and 500 on the side of the trucks, but I don't think this determines where it goes.

As an example:

A Baht Bus goes from Beach Road in Pattaya to Jomtien Beach (via Thappraya road). How is this different than the Baht Bus that goes from Beach Road to South Pattaya Road to Sukhumvit?

About Naklua Beach.

I think its "Wong Amat", ask for this.

Looks like this, a part of Wong Amat: Not great, not bad, good for a swim.

Thanks. I found Wong Amat beach on the map. I drove in that area a few weeks ago but didn't know where to park. Is there a parking area for the beach or is it safe just to park on the soi?

I would like to know where some nice beaches are in the Chonburi and Rayong Province. I have visited the main beaches in the area.

Pattaya Beach

People: very crowded

Food: since it is right across the bars, hotels and the Central shopping center, food is in abundance.

Chairs/Umbrellas: abundance

Activities: pretty much all the water sports

Notes: good place for first-time tourists to visit

Jomtien Beach

People: crowded

Food: Since it is right across some hotels and restaurants, food is in abundance.

Chairs/Umbrellas: abundance

Activities: pretty much all the water sports

Notes: the north end seems more crowded than the south end. Quieter than Pattaya beach.

Ko Lan Island

People: very few to very crowded depending on which beach

Food: Some restaurants and people walking around with food for sale

Chairs/Umbrellas: abundance

Activities: pretty much all the water sports

Notes: the water is much cleaner than Pattaya or Jomtien. A 20 baht, one hour boat ride from Pattaya.

Naklua Beach

I looked for this beach but couldn't find it. Someone mentioned there were umbrellas that could be rented. If anyone has directions to the beach, please include. I did find the Naklua Market but they were doing construction on the coast (maybe that was the beach?)

We talked with the manager and he just stood there and assumed that we would pay the higher price. Basically he knew we would not return so he tried to get the most out of us while we are there. I think it is bad business practice and a customer will not return in most cases. Maybe he assumed we would not notice the different price.

As for the food stand, I think the price varies based on who is ordering the food. If it is a local, than they will more likely get the lowest price. If it is a foreigner, than the owner feels they can charge a higher price. I think the owner understands that the person will not return if they find out, but in most cases, the foreigner may not know what the real price is, unless he or she sits around and listens to what others are being charged.

I have decided that acceptance of the two price tiers is needed and just not return to the same place if its bothersome. It is part of the culture.

I went to a restaurant in Pattaya off of Thepprasit Road and ordered three dishes with two bottles of water. One dish was 80 baht, one was 60, and one was 40. The water was 15 baht each. When I got the bill the total was 250 baht. I look at the bill and noticed that the 60 baht dish (stir fry vegetables with fish) was written for 100 baht. I asked the person that brought the check over why the menu shows 60 baht. He said that the cook used a different fish which was more expensive, so he charged me 100 baht. What?

The manager came over and said the same thing. He said that he will lose money if he charged me 60 baht. Is this a cultural thing I am not aware of? Is it ok for someone to have a menu with one price listed, but when the bill comes over, the price is different?

Here's another one. I went to a food stall and ordered a dish for 30 baht. The next week I go to the same food stall, same dish, and I am charged 40 baht. Is inflation really happening that fast?

You don't happen to stay at Viewtalay condo 5 in Jomtien, as the prices you quoted are the same there.

I own condos in various buildings and the prices are all different depending on the ammount of profit the management want to make on top of the initial water board charge, which is 21bt per unit for all condos in Pattaya and 9 or 10 bt per unit for private houses.

Interesting information. I assumed the increase in water price was related to the profit the owner would obtain. So I would expect the big complexes or owners with multiple complexes will start to slowly raise the water rates since it is a variable profit. Since temporary occupancy is going lower, that means profit is also dropping, unless rates are increased to compensate for the loss profit.

If January is the high season, than that means water rates should increase steadily through the lower seasons. Or maybe the profit on the electricity bill makes up for that in the hot months. The amounts are small enough per condo so most owners/occupants will not complain.

Thanks for the information, ubonjoe. I think immigration is really interested in where I am living at now, not in a couple of years. That is why the condo photos are more pertinent.

I have a few steps still to take. I need to convert my visa to a non-immigrant O which will provide 90 days. I can than apply for the 1 year extension which has the 30 day waiting period, as mentioned. LiteBeer mentioned that these processes are done at the same time, though I would think that they just need the paperwork for converting to a non-immigrant O first. I will bring all the paperwork just in case.

I spoke to a few people about their water bill at different complexes. The place I stay at is 27 baht per unit. They recently raised it to 33 baht per unit. Another person my wife works with is at 50 baht per unit.

Is the price of water really rising? Some complexes are saying they have to truck in water. I think it may be another reason. Are other people having this problem?

What do you pay?

Any comments on windsurfing in Pattaya or Jomtien? I saw a few people out on Jomtien beach. I stopped by and the guy said something like $30 US per hour. It seemed kind of high (maybe he was including lessons ). I am an average-intermediate windsurfer but haven't tried it out in Thailand.

1) Any good rental places that are cheaper. I would like to stay out on the water for a few hours, maybe 4 or 6 times a month.

2) What is the typical season for Windsurfing in Pattaya/Jomtien.

3) Any horror stories about jetski incidents or boats running reckless.

3) What's the typical windsurfing sail someone has used in Pattaya/Jomtien. Maybe a 7 or 8.

Thanks.

A few updates:

1) I stopped by Kasikorn and they said I can get the letter for immigration from that branch even though my account is in Bangkok. This puts Kasikorn at the top of my list as one of the best banks in Thailand. The staff is friendly and their online service is very good. The manager also mentioned that I could invest my money in a mutual fund (money market type) and get better interest than just the savings account.

2) I went to the immigration website and put the information below. The 'for supporting Thai wife' category doesn't mention about the 400,000 option. Maybe the website is not updated yet?

3) I thought I read on another post about pictures of the place we are living at now (which is a rented condo in Pattaya) rather than around her house in Bangkok. Do I need both?

3) One more question. Is there an immigration office in both Pattaya and Jomtien? A map I have shows an immigration office in Pattaya around Soi 7. If so, which immigration office is recommended for handling a change in visa.

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List of documents for extension Thai spouse visa

Application form T.M. 7 with one photograph size 4x6 cm. and Visa Fee 1900.-Baht

Copy of passport ( with certified true copy )

Required documentation for applying visa in case of

For supporting Thai wife

Marriage Certificate

Child's birth certificate (if any)

Wife’s house registration

Wife’s identity card

Incase of Working

A copy of work permit or receiving work permit form ( WP.2 )

The letter from the applicant’s company to certify salary that the applicant receives not less than 40,000 baht per month (identifier position and salary) or husband or wife working has Income including at least 40,000 baht/month

Personal Corporation income Tax (PND.1) in latest 3 months and personal income tax for previous year with receipt

Recording interviewing the husband and wife for confirming status of husband and wife

House’s map

Other such as Registration Company

Picture of house and family

To be supported from Thai husband

Marriage certificate

Child’s Birth certificate

Husband’s house registration

Husband’s identity card

Recording interviewing the husband and wife for confirming status of husband and wife

House’s map, picture of House’s and family

I copied the list below from the Thai Immigration website. This is to change my visa status to Non-O. I couldn't find information on the website for extending my visa but I have a question about that also.

1) Copy of I.D. card and house registration papers of the Thai national.

If my wife and I are renting a condo, do I need to submit the house registration papers (she owns a house in Bangkok)?

2) When I apply for the one year extension, do I need to show photos of the house, or the condo we are renting?

Thanks

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To change visa to non-immigrant-O

Application for Visa Status Alteration. (TM.86)

Application for visa. (TM.87)

Copy of passport entries.

4 X 6 cm. Photograph.

Application fee of 2,000 baht.

In case of, marriage registered in Thailand

- Copy of marriage Certificate(Kor Ror.2)

- Copy of marriage Registeration Papers (Kor Ror.3)

A copy of the letter form The Embassy or Consulate certify in that the applicant is single.

Copy of I.D. card and house registration papers of the Thai national.

Birth Certificate or medical letter certifying pregnancy, or pregnancy report booklet.(Showing parents๏ฟฝ name)

Wedding ceremony picture.(if any)

Went there today and picked up two customers card, both free of charge :

1.-) Central Food Hall card : you obtain 5% discount at Central Food and Tops.( At Customer Service)

2,-)The 1 Card ( Expatriate and International Visitors Card) : All over Thailand : 5% discount at Central Department Stores, Zen Central World, Robinson Department Stores, Power Buy, Supersports, B2S, Homeworks ( A counter on first floor ) plus :

Voucher of 100 Thb Cash Coupon B2S ( Minimum purchase of 1.200 Thb)

Voucher of 100 Thb Cash Coupon Central

Voucher of 100 Thb Cash Coupon Zen Central World

Voucher of 200 Thb Cash Coupon Robinson

Voucher of 10 % Discount Digital Photo

Voucher of 10 % Discount Supersports

all these vouchers valid thru 31 December 2009.

Do you know if the customer cards, 1 and 2 are going to be available for a few more days....or a few more weeks? The Cash Coupons seem like free money.

Since the mall is so busy I was thinking of waiting a week or two, but I don't think these promotions will last.

The comments sounds good. I'll deposit some money with Standard Charter. I can than withdrawal money from any ATM anywhere in Thailand. Its convenient since it doesn't matter which ATM (Kasikorn, Bangkok Bank, Siam Commericial, etc). And there is no fee to withdrawal and no fee to sign up.

I'll test it out and add comments if I have any problems.

Thanks.

Is Standard Chartered safe to deposit money into? They currently provide 2.5% interest on savings from 5,001 to 75,000 baht. Above that, the interest rate is 1.5%. They also offer free ATM use throughout Thailand and free iBanking (internet banking). Sounds too good

Thanks.

So the more money you keep in your account the lower the interest rate??? Are you sure that it isn't the other way arround?

Its not that I doubt you, it just strikes me as odd, its usually the other way around... the higher your balance the higher the interest rate.

I think this is how I should reply. If not, my apoligies.

The interest rate is some kind of promotion they are doing. The 2.5% sounds nice but it only applies from 5,001 to 75,000. This is for the free account with ATM access throughout Thailand. They have different promotions based on how much you want to deposit. I think there is a promotion to get a tiered interest rate if you pay to use an ATM outside the home branch city.

They had one promotion that was tiered from 2 to 4% last year. I assume they will do it again sometime in a month or two.

Is Standard Chartered safe to deposit money into? They currently provide 2.5% interest on savings from 5,001 to 75,000 baht. Above that, the interest rate is 1.5%. They also offer free ATM use throughout Thailand and free iBanking (internet banking). Sounds too good

The headquarters is in London, so I am not sure how they will be affected by the financial crisis there. I think most banks in the US and UK are broke and need government help. I don't think the Thai government will guarantee any money with Standard Chartered since they are a foreign bank.

Any information will be helpful.

Thanks.

Seems strange I would have to get it from my original branch in Bangkok if I am living in Pattaya. Do you think there is a way of having the branch manager fax the information or does it have to be an original signed document? I'll stop by the local branch here and see if branch has any idea about this new requirement.

Thanks.

I am looking for some good thai restaurants or markets in the Thepprasit area. Anything off of Thappraya, Jomtien, and the Soi's off of Sukhumwit (Soi Khaotalo, Soi Norng Kraborg, etc).

I don't want to drive into Central Pattaya during the weekday and want to find a few places nearby. Anything south of South Pattaya road will do. I enjoy the market on Thepprasit which is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday. A lot of good food selection at very reasonable prices (under 50 baht). The open market on South Pattaya is also good. Your welcome to recommend a specific dish that you have tried at the restaurant/market.

Thanks

Checking to see how early my wife can apply for the US Visa. If I travel in May, can she apply for a US Visa now, or is there a 60 or 90 day expiration date.

Thanks.

This is a late response for Allen400.

One Asset Management does have an LTF. It is called the '1am SmartLTF'.

They hedge against the market so the return should be better during market downtrends (like 2008). The return for 2008 was around 5% whereas the market was down somewhere around 30 or 40%. If the market increases in 2009, expect the fund to underperform the market (due to the hedging).

The benefit of the fund it the tax deduction. Without the tax deduction, it is better to choose other hedge funds that have lower management fees.

I guess I will find out next month when I convert my tourist visa to a non-immigrant O. I already have the 400k in the bank.

I read on another post that I need some letter from the bank that shows when I deposited the amount. I have an account in Bangkok, but will visit the immigration office in Pattaya. Is the bank in Pattaya (Kasikorn) able to write a letter or do I need to request it from my branch in Bangkok?

If I file seperately, I would just show my US income and any income I make in Thailand. Even if I have a joint account with my wife, and my income goes into the joint account, as long as I can show my portion of the account, this is all the US government would need.

Would it be easier to just have a seperate Thailand account which my Thailand earnings go into and than I manually transfer that money into a joint account? Than it would be clear what portion is my income?

I think I have been in that area. I believe it is still part of Jomtien. The place I went had an abundance of seafood. We just picked out what we wanted from the tanks. The prices were definitely reasonable (for seafood). I'll stop by Tone Haat and see if the same place I ate at before.

Also sounds like Ban Amphur has a few choices.

Thanks for the info.

I wanted to visit a few restaurants in the Pattaya/Jomtien area that have an nice ocean view. Nothing too pricey, nor does it have to be fancy. Actually, if I can get good food, I really don't care about the environment as much. I've been to Mum Arroy and the food was just ok, but definitely worth a visit. I'll stop by Rimpa Lapin in Ban Amphur which sounds nice. But those are places I might go just once every month or two for the environment.

Looking for a place with dishes under 100 baht and dinner under 300 baht for two. Just a place to visit each week to enjoy the sunset. I could just stop by Jomtien and sit on the beach and order food from across the street, but I thought there might be other solutions.

Thanks

I was looking for a general overview of the US tax law. I am a US Citizen married to a Thai. There is a foreign exemption amount, but I think I still need to file a joint or seperate tax form. She is working and thus I probably need to show that income, even through it will not be taxed.

I stopped by a bus stop by Thepprasit/Sukhumwit Road. A high school student was there and helped me get on the bus. She mentioned that some buses stop frequently and take a long time to get to Chonburi. I was on a bus that said Sattahip/Chonburi. She mentioned that the Pattaya/Bangkok bus stops a lot.

I was going to get off at Nong Mong market but the bus attendant forgot that I wanted to get off there (I had a general idea of where it was at). So when we stopped at the traffic light, I just got off. It was a 40 baht trip. It took about 1 hour, 15 minutes. The truck was 10 baht. I think there are trucks at Nong Mong market, so I am not too concerned if I get off the bus at Nong Mong market.

On the way back, it was somewhat of an adventure. I was on Sukhumwit and just flagged down a bus that said Chonburi/Sattahip. There was a teenager that jumped off and got me on the bus. Once on, there was no air conditioning. And the bus was full with about 10 people standing. The attendant came by and charged me 60 baht. I think he was a little upset because I stepped on his foot when the bus slowed down. The next guy in line also stepped on his foot when he went to get his fare. I think he will wear shoes next time. The bus was very slow and stopped frequently.

I guess I'll have to just gamble when I get on those buses. It not clear which ones are fast and which ones are slow. Or which ones are air conditioned. I'll have to write down the bus number...maybe that will help.