mhortig

Thank you all for your feedback. It's always interesting to see such varied response from the falang community. There was no misunderstanding, I would never complain casually, and on our previous visit we were suspicious of the check but paid it. This is most certainly not about the money, it is the principal, but also 79 baht in this type of restaurant is way out of line. I simply wanted to make other falangs aware of their business practice. I've been cheated for a few baht at other places where the guy right next to me has exactly the same thing as me, he pays 15 baht and I'm charged 20. I will never return to such a place. Complaining will not yield a satisfactory response, very unlike our falang bossiness practices.

The Taiwan restaurant at it's new location still one of my favorites, especially for a change from Thai food. Unfortunately the elderly owner and his Thai wife are both ill and the the restaurant is run adequately by the owners sister and family. The Jausa (dumplings) and hot and sour Taiwan soup are my favorites. The prices are reasonable and the staff are friendly, definitely worth a try. remember this Not Chinese food per se.

At Huay Kaew falls (near Sivichai shrine) there is a local style barbecue restaurant. Please avoid eating here on "general principal" because if you are a falang they will find a way to cheat you.

I've eaten here several times over the last few years and apparently repeat patronage means nothing. When we went there today I mentioned to my wife to be careful about the prices as the last time we were there, there seemed to be something "fishy" about the bill. There is no written menu. She asked the young lady there the cost of a 1/4 chicken thigh and was told 40 baht. Sounded fair so we ordered and ate. When we went for the "check" the owner was now there. Off the top of her head she gave us the bill total, and it seemed very high, so my Thai wife asked for an itemized bill much to the displeasure of the owner. She had to run the total twice on her calculator to get it to add up to the quoted total. The 40 baht chicken was now 79 baht. My wife told her the young lady had told us 40 baht, to which she replied that that was not possible, all the while the younger lady was silent. Though this does happen occasionally it never ceases to infuriate me. This practice is despicable.

More unfortunate is that their food is excellent and the place though very "rustic" has an impressive view of the lower falls. I will never go there again. I suggest that if you go to the falls, please boycott this place.

I know I must "tham jai" and write it off as tambon, but it still bothers me when Thais treat us in such a fashion.

Thanks to all for your feedback. Perhaps I am a little careful to confirm visa information as you often get many conflicting responses both from falangs and immigration staff.

Thanks for the info. Is this from your own experience when extending visa?

Can anyone tell me from PERSONAL EXPERIENCE if Chiangmai Immigration now requires a medical certificate for retirement visa extension .

When I lived in CM a few years ago they required it but I heard they were going to stop the requirement. The last time I extended I was in Phitsanulok and they DID require it. When I was at CM immigration last month for 90 day, I asked at the counter and was told that I did not need a medical certificate. However the officer looker harried at the time and I do not trust the answer completely.

if you have personally extended a retirement visa this year please tell me if you needed the certificate. It's easy to get, but I would like to avoid the hassle if it's not required. Thanks for your help.

THANKS to all for your very, very useful information.

I am considering having a procedure to correct a cataract problem. This was reccomended by Dr. Kessara at Chiangmai Ram hospital. The procedure is called Phacoemulsification and Intraocular lens. I was told the cost woul be between 35,000 and 40,000 per eye.

1. Can anyone reccomend another clinic or hospital in Chiangmai that would be less costly.

2. Has anyone had this procedure done, were you happy with it?

Any other insight into getting this done would be appreciated.

Hi,

I've just come back to Chiangmai and need to find an Internet Provider. I have a low level of computer literacy, but I know what capabilities I want. I plan to do a lot of downloading, movies,books,TV etc. I want unlimited time access and fairly fast speed, balanced by reasonable cost. I want to keep it under 850 baht mo. if possible. I want a reliable provider who has customer service available in English. I have a desktop computer. I am located in Hillside 4 condo, and signed up and bought a TPLINK for their in house wireless internet service with NIT. To my surprise I cannot download utorrent for my downloading, because the provider has BLOCKED it, because they do not want users doing extensive downloads as it slows down their system. This is a fairly slow connection, so is not very desirable anyway.

I would appreciate any recommendations but please keep it simple. Thanks.

I will be renewing my O-A retirement visa soon. I have done this 4 times in Chiangmai and Nan, now I will do it in Phitsanulok. I've been to this office for 90 day report and to ask some questions. Compared to my previous experience they seem like they can be arbitrary about requirements.

Has anyone actually done a retirement visa renewal in Phitsanulok? Any problems?

What did they require? Did they require medical exam form?

Has anyone there asked you for a "gift"?

Let me know about your experience. Thanks.

I am looking for a thorough, capable Urologist who speaks English well. I have seen a few doctors in Chiangmai and in Phitsanulok and am not comfortable with any of them. They all say something different, and do not seem to be thorough. One doctor even recommended prostrate surgery without even doing a simple prostrate exam.

I live in Phitsanulok but will travel to visit him if necessary. Possibly Bangkok or Chiangmai. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

After one year we took our new Yaris into Toyota for service. They convinced my Thai wife to spend 2,000 baht to have the air conditioner serviced. They said it was recommended. Unfortunately they could not give me an English service manual so I don't know if its recommended or just a good idea so they could sell some service. I suspect the latter. I have had cars in hotter climates than this, and never had the air conditioner serviced, nor did I ever have any problems. Can one of you car experts out there shed some light on this. I really do not want to spend 2,000 baht every year as they recommend, if its not really necessary. I do not object to spending the bucks for legitimately necessary preventative maintenance.

.

tTHANK YOU FOR THE UPDATE

Can someone reccomend an English speaking dentist in Phitsanulok? Please provide a telephone number and location if possible. Thanks for the help.

The simple fact is that the majority of Thai owners do not control their dogs. I am an avid walker and am constantly harrassed by gowling, teeth barring dogs of all breeds, and often the owners are in the background finding this to be humerous. This is extremely irresponsible. I'm pleased that the police took action with the Rotweilers owner, but it is incredibly sad that the poor woman was mauled in the first place.

Yesterday I was in Nan office to renew my reitrement visa. They spoke confidently that there would be an office in Phitanulok opening this month. They acknowledged that there had been some delays but it looked like a sure thing now.

I just renewed my O-A retirement visa in Nan. Please see my new topic in Central Thailand forum of Sept 4, title Nan immigration Non immigrant 0-A retirement visa information, for full details of requirements.

M Hortig

You may leave the country and return prior to VISA expiry, providing you do have a multiple entry permit (If not you can get a single reentry permit) prior to your departure.

You must apply for the retirement visa extension within 30 days prior to the date of expiry. If all is in order you should be able to get it same day and not have to reapply for 12 months.. Make sure you go to the Immigration office which covers the area where you live. You cannot go to just any office.

Also do not forget that you must report your address every 90 days. Some offices will tell you that the 90 days starts NEW automaticaly when you reenter the country, but others require you to report 90 days from last report, regardless of leaving the country. Check with your immigration 0ffice to be sure.

Yesterday I renewed my Non-immigrant O-A retirement visa in Nan. I went there anticipating hassels due to the many "technicalities" discussed in this forum.

I arrived on a Wednesday at 10 am, there was no waiting. The entire process took under one hour, I was not asked any questions about any documents, I was not interviewed and was not asked for any additional documentation. The staff was cordial. They simply reviewed everything and processed the visa promptly. I was very relieved.

Here is the documentation I provided:

-Application form-original only

-1 passport size photo

-Passport with 1 copy of each of these pages: Photo page, my four previous visa issues and renewals, most recent re-entry stamp and

stamped (used) renetry permit, departure card, and 90 day letter. They do make copies upstairs if you forget anything, but it is 2 baht

per copy.

-Medical certificate-original only

YES they require this. I called in advance. You can download form at http://www2.thaiembdc.org/form/1a004.pdf Any hospital will

complete the form for about 100 baht. Take your own form to the hospital as it is unlikely they will have it. My certificate was 10 days

old.I know that CM and BKK do not require this any longer but it appears to be an idiosynchrosy of Nan-just do it!.

-Bank letter-original only

My bank will ONLY provide date of account opening and current balance. They will not provide information about origin of funds or state

that the funds have been in account over the required 3 months. My letter was completely acceptible and it was 3 days old. I do have

in excess of the required 800,000 baht in a fixed account and a smaller amount in a savings account.( For your information only

fixed deposit and savings accounts are acceptible, an investment unit type account (even though the bank gives you a bank book and

its liquid), is not acceptible).

-Bank books-original book and 1 copy.

I have read concerns about the timeliness of having your book updated. I was very worried because to my dismay, my new banks

(UOB) computer can only show an update for date of activity. They cannot show the date of update and balance for that day if no

activity. My Fixed accounts last balance and date was for term renewal in JUly and my savings showed last balance date of Aug. 25.

The book did not show current entry date to correspond with the letter. This was NOT questioned-no problem!.

-Fee of 1,900 baht (not including any re-entry permits)

It probably did not hurt that my Thai lady friend joked with the staff about my anxieties and created an atmosphere of "sanuk"

I was fortunate that I was the only one there. The staff said that occaissionaly they get a busload of Japanese toruists seeking visa extentions and that can involve a significant wait.

I asked about the possibility of an office in Phitsanulok. They spoke confidently that it should open this month (September).

You can call them in advance if you have concerns, I called about Medical certificate and spoke with a man who spoke very good

English and was quite helpful. 05477 1075

On the downside, weeks ago I sent them (EMS) a stamped return envelope with a request for medical form but they did not send it back. I also emailed them with questions and got no response.

Hopefully everybody will have an easy straight forward experience like me, but never forget T.I.T. (This is Thailand)

GOOD LUCK TO ALL, WE ARE FORTUNATE TO LIVE IN THAILAND!!!

M. Hortig-Phitsanulok

Where is the nearest immigration office from Phitsanulok for renewal of O-A non immigrant retirement visa and for 90 day reporting. I am moving to Phitsanulok from Chiangmai. In CM they told me to go to Mae Sot. Has anyone actually done this? Does anyone know the address for mailing 90 day report to Mae Sot? Are they helpful and speak English in Mae Sot?. Where in Mae Sot is the office for visa renewal? I have always done this in CM and the service is great but I am apprehensive about changing. I would appreciate any insight.

Hello, you have been given some good advice. Here's some alternatives. When you first come you willl want to get the feel for the City. I suggest staying near the old city. Lots of falangs in this area but it is a good place to start. You will probably not want to live in this area after you get to know the city. Try the Veerachai court ([email protected]) Its quiet and friendly and just 5 minutes from the old city. It's not fancy but you can get a simple, clean large room for about 5,000 baht a month, or upgrade to a fancier room for about 8500. I strongly advise that you do not rush to buy a motorcycle or car. Songthaews (red truck taxis) are very plentiful and inexpensive. Much of Chiangmai is very walkable too-great way to learn the city.

When you arrive go to a meeting of the Chiangmai expats club. Great way to meet many farangs and get great useful information about living here. See their website for meeting detatils: (http://www.chiangmaiexpatsclub.com)

As suggested it is best to go to a bank that has many falang customers. I suggest the Bangkok bank branch in the Central (Huay Kaew not the airport) shopping center. The staff's English is limited but the manager(Malai) speaks very good English, just ask to see her. They have numerous branches and ATMS throughout Thailand. I hope this is useful. Good luck. Chiangmai is a great place to live.

The title says it all.

I just love ice-cream.

So where is the best place for a smooth and creamy ice-cream in Chiang Mai?

I hope this hasn't been covered before.

Try Swensens or Baskin Robbins at Central shopping mall on Huay Kaew. Also, Thai ice cream is available from street vendors...it is usualy offered on a bun.

Where is the NEW location of the Indian consulate in Chiangmai. The previous office at Charoenraj road and the superhighway has been closed. One travel agent thought it was on Tung Hotel Rd, but had no details. Can somebody provide a street number, or landmarks? Thanks.

Awesome hambuger at the Pasta Cafe. This also an excellent and reasonable Italien restaurant. But the ever accomodating owner recently added the hambuger. 140 baht including pickles and greens, and french fries. The bun is not white bread but whole wheat with crunchy grains, and they cook it to your preference. I've tried a lot of CM burgers (Mike's is passable) but this is exceptional. The atmosphere and Italien food here is outstanding. This is dining, not just eating.