johnnort

TAT seeks budget increase to strengthen crisis center

I think the first question is -- where r u having them done?

I just had the most complete physical you can get at Bumrungrad, and I was quite impressed. First, they were very thorough and found two things...one of which they would not be expected to find (it's a long-term somewhat hidden condition that is USUALLY not looked for and not discovered...I already knew about it); the other...well, I was surprised they found it, again, long-term and in other physicals it has not been noted as often as it has been noted...in the States.

A doctor sat down with me after the physical and discussed the results with me. He pointed out areas of any concern, and although -- other than losing weight!! -- there were few red flags, discussed with me anything that was not in the normal range.

Then I was emailed a complete report -- color coded -- and went through all the numbers and compared them with normal ranges that you should be able (in most cases) to find on the internet.

That's my experience at Bumrungrad. It may come down to where you are having the work done and how unusual what you're looking for is.

This sounds most interesting. Could you please inform me as to what to ask for to enable me to undergo the same tests and an indication of the costs involved. Thank you.

Ok thanks, I will. Actually I've thought of another way - I can transfer money to an online casino(legal as coming from UK bank) and then they send me a cheque - might save a lot doing that.

Can you supply further details of this please?

"delivered 200 relief bags".

Would somebody explain what a 'relief bag' is; Size, contents, etc..

The television program 'Destination Thailand' just featured this topic. They interviewed the owner of a shopping complex that was about to open. Their trading hours were in the region of 20.00hrs to 08.00hrs [open all night]. It is within central Bangkok , but sorry, I do not remember either the name nor location. At least now you know that such an area seems to exist. Good luck in your search.

Before I sign off. Individual farangs do not just find places such as this willy nilly. There is a company of such, that must have been set up to bring these people over, and yes they are paying for the privilege. It is this [lets call it a company for the want of a better term]company overseeing the do-gooders that I am refering to. To have to explain that is beyond words.

Jasreeve17, you are getting yourself into knots without reading the posts properly. You are EITHER one of these do-gooders OR you have never been to the sactuary. The simple matter is, the Tiger Temple is NOW a rip-off, whereby once it was not. The only visible difference between then and now is the influx of farang do-gooders. An observation jasreeve17!

To jasreeve17.

Firstly, I thought it was against the TV rules to change someones post in any way.

1. There WERE young do-gooder farangs working everywhere. Must be charity people as they would not have been allowed to work there.

2. They, HAVE, muscled in on the op.. They are there. In my opinion, they more than likely influenced the Abbot.

3. Those were the statements given to us by the farang workers.

4. As the experience has changed out of all recognition, leaving visitors unhappy. the last of your red highlighs speaks for itself

Have you, jasreeve17, visited this establishment with an agenda just to enjoy, more than one time?? Can you compare??

I think it is the 'do-gooder' expression you do not like; but that would be based on wild, irrational and baseless speculation on my behalf.

The first time my wife and I visited the Tiger Temple, a while back now,we had a good, cheap experience. The last time, Thai families were turning away, being asked to pay 500 Baht each person. Up from, if I remember, 50 - 120 Baht. If it was not a rip-off, they obviously could not afford or thought the entrance fee was not value for money. Even though we could not believe the huge hike in the price we did enter and immediately realized why this had happened. Young do-gooder charity type farangs everywhere. These people have muscled in on the operation and, I believe, forced the Abbot to raise the prices. It is a rip-off, BIG TIME.

You will be told that it is for the welfare of the tigers. Very expensive to keep etc.. They will also indicate that money is required to build new enclosures - the farang do-gooders that is. That will turn the place into a zoo by any other name. A zoo without the diverse animal attractions.

What with the exhorbinant entrance fee, charging 1000 Baht for photos and expensive 'tiger tooth' trinkets, the tiger experience has gone.

Another example of 'Farangs know best' bulls_it.

Your sister will not appreciate being treated like an older sister. Think young and give her experiences to remember.

I personally don`t like Songkran, but give your sister the option. She may only visit the Country once.

If the directors of this video making company are prosecuted, let us hope that the full proceedings, and outcome, are broadcast throughout the World. Adding, of course the comments made by the Chief of the Tourist Police.

Let prospective visitors, before they book their vacation, speculate on what other wrong doings are taking place and not allowed to be told outside of Thailand.

"Good old days"?? When there were no restrictions on elephant kill. Good old days indeed.

No signs of a struggle!!!!

And how much of the posted reasoning, do the Up-country Thais know anything about to give a just answer to survey questions?????

Looked after until the courts have time to prosecute them. Poor girls. My heart aches. And yes, the real perps. will remain free - they are Thais after all.

If you are anywhere else in Thailand right now, you can go to any railway station and purchase said ticket. Not necessary to go to Hualampong, unless you are in Bangkok that is.

Surveys in Thailand???? The huge divides between the Thai classes make surveys less than useless. What cross section of people do they talk to??

Wedders. PM sent to you. Regards.

In my experience, providing you can vouch for your gf financially, and prove you will be traveling together throughout your stay, she does not require either an income or a sum of money in the bank.If you take the itinerary of the tour with you to an embassy, I think you will have few problems. You can apply for a Schengen Visa at any of the member states embassies, but it is usual to go to the one that you shall be either, entering into the EEA via or staying the greatest amount of time in.

Note. A Schengen Visa does not allow you to enter the UK. A seperate UK visa is required. Probably better to obtain the Schengen Visa first [easier to obtain] and include that with the docs. you will present to the British Embassy for that countries visa.

I am also a Brit with a house in France. Although we stay approx 6-7 months in our home in Thailand my Thai wife has a Carte de Sejour enabling her to stay in France without further applications for visas. She does not speak or read French. Will this affect her in any way??

Also would you please furnish details of the two French courses [DELF and DILF] that are available here in Thailand. Price and location etc.. This may be just what my wife requires as she wishes to learn French. Thanks.

Is it not strange, that only after someone has passed away, you realize you have liked them and will miss them. RIP Keith.

Anyone know when the free wi-fi becomes operable??

For some reason I have a trust issue here. Baggage check-in??? I would not be able to relax on my flight!!

Mostly the Expat info is correct. However exit the Sky train at Saphan Kwai [sic]. The Land Transport Offices are then a 4 minute walk. You can also get a bus to Mo Chit bus station then take taxi to Chatujak Land Transport Offices [Khon Som]. Driver will know and cost 60 Baht.

The photos have to be passport size and NOT Thai driving license size. Those taken at photo shops are usually too glossy and are rejected [the ink stamp put over the top rubs off]. Better to have photos taken at the offices [ground floor].

Must be done in person with 5 year license NOT 1 year.

The Chonburi offices are geared up to issue these International Licenses but have not started doing so just yet. Bangkok is the only place to go.

The morning before the official Roundup weekend is when the elephants have their 'breakfast'. There is a parade that starts from the Railway station and progresses up the road to where a kilometer of tables are set up with fruit etc. - the elephants breakfast. At the train station you can pay a mahout 200+++ Baht to ride on the back of their beast actually in the parade. Although the spectacle of the roundup is very good, this breakfast morning is also a not to be missed memory. For some reason this day is not publicized. Have fun.