KED

Many thanks for all your assistance. She is overwhelmed and I am also trying to help her.

She is at Saint Louis Hospital and the care has been good so far. They are advising that she needs a whipple procedure and have advised they have a Chula specialist who would perform the operation.

Both of her parents are alive and live about 2 hours from the Mayo Clinic and they are trying to get her admitted there. The big issue is insurance since she is covered in Thailand from her employer but her husband in the U.S. is self-employed and she has no insurance there.

I also have read about pancreatic cancer and am saddened by the poor survival rate.

Thanks again to all, if we come across other hurdles I will check back and I will also advise if she continues her care here or back in the U.S.

Many thanks

I have an ex-pat friend who has been teaching English in Thailand for 1 year. She is in her early 50's.

She does have insurance through the international school that she teaches; however, her financial savings are limited.

Recently, she returned from a 7 day trip to India and not long after her return she contracted jaundice. She went to a local hospital on Sathorn for a Hepatatis test but it came back negative. The hospital then did an ultra sound and found a growth on her pancreas.

So far, the hospital has been very attentive and informative and all the procedures have been professional. But, should she be diagnosed with cancer - is there a major difference between Bangkok hospitals for cancer treatment?

Obviously, she does not want substandard care since her life is involved, but she doesn't have the financial resources for treatment at a more expensive hospital if the care is the same.

She is an U.S. citizen and doesn't have any health care there - so Thailand, with her local insurance, is the best option.

Many thanks for any comments and information.

A Thai friend was trying to translate the information given from the BTS about their new "Rabbit" Card. Apparently the card will be good on both MRT and BTS; however, there is still no discount for transfer between the two. My first question, is if I buy a 20/30/40 trip pass - can I then use this pass to travel on the MRT?

Secondly, my friend was advised that even if you purchase the trip package - there will be a 15 baht surcharge if you travel on the On Nut-Bearing extension.

I tried looking on the BTS website, but the only possible information page won't load.

anyone have any details?

I would like to participate, also.

I would like to hijack this thread just a little. I don't want to get into the fray about Air Asia's advertising; however, I do want to question why Air Asia feels the need to present add-on after add-on to their booking website.

When I am booking a flight, I always check many websites (e.g. Kayak / Air Asia / ITA / etc) to find the best price for what I am looking for. If I am booking far enough in advance, Air Asia is often the best bargain. I am not so foolish to just look at the initial price, I also go through the booking and verify the Air Asia price after all the add-ons.

My question is, does Air Asia really need to present it's product in such a negaive way - I don't mind the baggage fee or food fee as a separate charge because some people don't need these amenities when traveling. However, I do find their insurance option to be counter-intuititve for those who don't want to purchase this product. Also, I really don't like the final add-on when using a credit card of a "convenience" fee.

My point is, Air Asia has a fairly good product and their prices are often lower than Thai AIr and Bangkok Airways, but I do feel that they detract from their product when they have page after page of internet gymnastics add-ons throughout the booking.

I think they could do a better job of representing what they offer and people would feel bettter about booking with them.

Clear as mud?

I am assuming that you and your partner are currently in your home country; if so, then I strongly suggest she check with the local Thai Embassy/Consulate in your country to get either a one-year "O" visa if your embassy approves or else at least a double-entry tourist visa. Should your partner not find work, it is far easier to get a visa in your home country than in countries bordering Thailand.

Regardless of volunteering or working, Thai law requires a work visa - if she does find an organization or an employer - it is possible to ge a work visa from the Thai Embassy in Laos, Malaysia or Cambodia - as long as all the paperwork is in good order.

I will let others address the marriage options.

I believe that the initial use of the A380 on the Bangkok-Hong Kong route is just a temporary familiarization for the airlines. In the same way, ANA first flew their 787 Dreamliner from Tokyo-Hiroshima for a few weeks before changing to Tokyo-Frankfurt.

One TG has their staff acclimated, it will begin long-haul service.

Just to clarify one point. When you check-in with your airline, show them the passport that you will be using in Singapore (UK). When you leave Thailand, present the passport that you arrived into Thailand (NZ).

Rather sad that some ferangs have to mention Hi So,when a word of sympathy is all that's needed.

No one is wishing any social group to be affected, but I think many of us are wondering how many deaths it takes before the government regulates the safety of these buses for ALL.

A friend needs 15 more days in Thailand before he goes back home and has already extended his tourist visa for 30 days. He has a car and wants to drive to Cambodia, park his car, cross the border and return without staying in Cambodia for any length of time.

I did some searching but most of the Cambodia and border searches discussed taking a car into Cambodia and continuing on.

I have a couple of questions.

1). If driving from Bangkok what is the best border to cross? Aranyaprathet / Poipet or Ban Laem / Duan Lem or another? I read that Poipet tends to be more corrupt is Ban Laem a better bet because of this?

2). I read about getting an e-visa for Cambodia versus paying at the border - what do you advise?

3). My friend will park his car for the exit Thailand / enter Cambodia / exit Cambodia / enter Thailand process - where is the best place to park the car in Thailand?

4). When doing a search for "Cambodia Border Crossing" - the response was that "border" was an unsearchable word - what's up with that?

As usual, many thanks to everyone for the information.

I gather you mean an Indonesian arrival visa...yes, as an American once you exit the aircraft and follow the immigration signs...there is a desk to purchase a visa on arrival just before the actual immigration agent. I believe the charge is US 15 for 5 days or under and US 25 for over 5 day stay or the Indonesian Rupiah equivalent.

Definitely no need to get an Indonesian visa in advance; however, be aware that your passport must be valid for at least six months from date of arrival.

going back to the original thread..i renewed my retirement extension this week with a U.S. passport and notarized letter from the U.S. embassy at the Suan Plu immigrations. I was not asked for a bank statement or any other verification.

were you asked for any sort of residence verification? ie., utility bill, lease agreement, etc...

i was not asked and even though I had several substantiating documents... I only showed what was requested and that was only the U.S. Embassy notarized letter of income and photocopies of my passport. Nothing else requested, nothing else presented.

going back to the original thread..i renewed my retirement extension this week with a U.S. passport and notarized letter from the U.S. embassy at the Suan Plu immigrations. I was not asked for a bank statement or any other verification.

Yes, as confirmed above, re-entry permit can be obtained at Suan Plu - my confusion was that there was also a queue area "Tourist Visa" and I wasn't sure if that was just for exteneded tourist visas or what...but either way - all can be done at Suan Plu for now.

My one year retirement extension was due to expire Nov 10, so I was watching the news about Chaeng Wattana Immigrations and the flooding situation. Luckily someone posted that Suan Plu Immigrations is temporarily re-opened for all nationalities during the flooding problem (well, at least unless Sathorn floods also).

I went there today and understandably it is very chaotic and I was braced for a long long wait; however, I managed to extend my retirement visa and get a multi re-entry permit within 2 hours.

The area was crowded but not nearly as crowded as before it closed and not nearly as many people there as at Chaeng Wattana.

The busiest area was the Tourist Visa queue - not sure if that was for extending the visa or what.

There were queues for 90 day reporting / Visa exstension / Re-entry permits / Tourist visas - not sure if you can do everything there that you could do at Chaeng Wattana.

A double bonus for me that I only live 2 km from Suan Plu so I was able to walk there. Thanks to Thai Immigrations for being pro-active.

On a side-note, for the retirement extension (year 2) as a U.S. passport holder, they accepted my notarized letter from U.S. embassy and the photocopies from my passport. They did not ask for a copy of my Thailand bank book nor for any proof of residency. Perhaps this was because they were in temporary mode and not looking to cause any hassles or bottlenecks.

Another strange thing which I attributed to the temporary situation. I was asked to fill out two additional forms - not sure what both forms were about - one just asked my name / passport info / date and then there was a check box that I understood what the extension entailed (alhtough it didn't list any requirements like 90 day reporting or anything. The second form was even more confusing - the first half asked for my name / passport info / address in thailand and then the second part was asking for another name of someone who was guaranteeing me - i filled out the first half but then told the agent I didn't understand the second half...she simply stapled this uncompleted form with the other 10 pages - strange.

Yes, I remember the grand times for Double Six in the 90's prior to the Bali Blast. However, over the last few years, double six was really quiet and so many locals trying to sell drugs. In the early years, I went 3-4 times per week, but over the last 5 years - not once.

good memories, nevertheless- good music - bungy jumping and a swimming pool were drunken guys and girls would strip to their underwear and swim - so free and decadent.

Although I live in Bangkok due to work, I often visit Bali because I really like it there (thanks to Air Asia sales, also). If you think Bali is cheap - you should travel to Java - Yoyga / Solo / Semarang - even cheaper than Bali. I think the main thing is to stay away from the really touristy areas and eat at the warungs where the locals eat - food is great and less than RP 20,000.

Alcohol (besides local beer) is more expensive in Indonesia than Thailand. Both at a club or bar and at the stores as well. In Bali, depending on the area you live, if you are obviously, non-asian you get a constant cat-call for "transport" or other services from locals which can really be unnerving after the 1,000th time.

I enjoy Bali because it has a nice balance between western tourists and Balinese and Javanese who come to the island for work. However, I also enjoy traveling in other areas of Indonesia in both Java and Sumatra where tourists are fewer in number but locals are still very friendly.

Your suggestions would be convenient and user friendly for the retiree; however, Thailand is interested in the retiree's money but not so much their ease of renewing their visa.

I have never used the Airport Train and do not contemplate doing so in the future , but I have had two sets of friends who have holidayed recently in Bangkok and both sets complained about struggling up stairs with their luggage - Surely it makes sense to make usage easier if you are trying to extend that usage .

I think up is not a problem - escalators do go up. However, when you go down from the airport link at Phaya Thai you face only stairs with your luggage - agreed, very poor design.

I have two very different suggestions for nice, but reasonable hotels in Chiang Mai. Baan Orapin is located just on the other side of the Ping River from the Night Bazaar. The rooms are really fantastic as is the breakfast they prepare - there is a pool also, but no balcony. The property has a really unique personality and the staff are pleasant and knowledgeable. http://www.baanorapin.com/

A more, low-key (and less expensive - around THB 1,000 per night). Portico 21 is located near Taphae Gate . The rooms are super modern with wifi. Breakfast is simple but adequate. The staff is very efficient and pleasant. http://www.portico21.com/

Definitely a good idea when renewing your passport to ask for the 54 page even if it is slightly more expensive than the standard passport.. I travel often to Indonesia, Laos and Vietnam - all use a full page for visa - although I heard Indonesia is using a smaller version now.

Some of this is OK but most bonkers. Look, anybody who thinks theyh need to make a 90 early because they are leaveing Thailand can't read. Tis are report of staying longer thaqtn 90 days. Go out and the clock doesn't start again untill you return.

I think that the previous comment was that he would be out of town, not necessarily out of the country.

I also fly Air Asia regularly and although I understand how to decline the travel insurance and to correctly choose the baggage i need and to choose a seat assignment, it is aggravating that the website is so unfriendly. I don't mind the actual travel on AA; however, if Thai or Bangkok Airways or other airlines are close to the same fare, I book them.

Unfortunately, I find that Thai is rarely competitive. I have noticed lately that Bangkok Airways has had similar prices in the Bangkok - Chiang Mai market.

I appreciate that Air Asia has mostly lowered the prices for regional flying, but I don't see how their incessant add-ons contribute to costumer loyalty.

No one can accurately answer your question as we all have different views and preferences.

By the way, Bangkok is no more expensive than CM. (Yea, I'll get hit for that one, so what.)

Good luck.

While it is possible to live frugally in Bangkok, I think Chiang Mai and other areas of Thailand are much less expensive than Bangkok. The cost for similar housing outside of Bangkok gets you much more for your baht.

I do agree that with the skytrain and mrt, transportation in Bangkok cannot be beat.

First, many thanks for everyone's comments. No one has been critical or snarky - which is rare on this platform.

I have been living in Thailand for 5 years now and one of the biggest surprises about unrealized expectation is the few thai and even farang friends I have here.

The lack of Thai friends is definitely my poor Thai and their poor English along with a big disparity in income.

I'm not sure why I haven't struck up more farang friendships. There are so many common experiences about living in a foreign land. Maybe it is just easier to keep my old friends via the internet. I do attend some of the FCCT (foreign correspondents' club of Thailand) meetings here in Bangkok because they are informative, and I have met some interesting people..but more acquaintances than friends.

I always imagined that with unlimited free time that I would do more volunteer work, but I have found it difficult to find many opportunities to offer my time.