gerry53

It sounds like there may be more to this story? Did you request from the motorcycle driver that the BIB not attend because you may have been over the Thai legal alcohol limit? If the BIB attended and determined you were over the limit are they trying to "extort" money from you? It is very unclear.

Out of curiosity, what do typical condo units (say the 48 sq meter Viewtalay one) in a somewhat downtown (incl. Jomtien, or in between Pattaya and Jomtien) go for? Two million or so?

My friend has 2 x 48sqm condos in view talay 7. Both are high floors with uninterrupted panoramic views. His personal condo owes him 4 million. He bought it as an empty shell but fitted it out with 5 star fittings. The second condo he paid 4 million as well for it, he currently rents that one for 22,000 baht per Month. It is the views and plush fittings that bring up the price, there are cheaper ones in the building. To be honest, when I visit him there I don't feel like leaving it's so good there. Has a really nice pool and restaurant also, 2 laundries downstairs, small shops etc. He is very happy living there.

If your friend is happy with his condos that's great. The rental condo will take 15 years to recoup the 4 million baht not including interest, other costs, unrented months or upkeep. If he paid cash he could have collected 15 years on another investment. My choice is to rent because I can leave if terrible neighbors move in, I need a change of scenery or location, the condo association runs the project poorly or any number of other reasons. I never know what I am going to be doing in 6 months never mind 15 years and with the Pattaya area market saturated (and many more being built) I would not want to have to sell.

Investing in Thailand?

What about the corrupt realtors, property managers, board of directors, building staff, repairs men, and dodgy customers?

NEVER invest here unless of course you plan on walking away from it all.

What's wrong with investing in Thailand? Have you seen the results of the stock market performance in many western countries compared to the Thai SET (stock exhange Thailand)?

I can't disagree with your real estate assessment at this point in time - too many people trying to get rich from a market that has put too many poorly planned units onto an already flooded market.

who cares, i am not defending myself, btw, go to sleep, you have to go to work in the morning, ha ha ha

i am making 3k from internet dude, working 2, 3 hours per day, you wish you could do that, yes special people can do that and not leech from a fat boss who eats all the profits and leave them with bare minimum, good luck

Radiola - with your self acclaimed ability to make 3K baht a day (in 2 - 3 hours) and not working for "the man" why don't you just work an extra 30 minutes a day and rent or buy a fantastic condo or house in a really nice area??? It sounds like you have been very successful with your degree and many other things. I think you deserve it. If the stress of working 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 hours a day is too much please advertise for a helper.

Since you are in Pattaya, you can get one at Jomtien Immigration for 200 THB. Fill out the form, provide additional proof of residence location (utility bill, lease, etc.), copies of your passport face page, visa or extension of stay, entry stamp

The form you need is here:

http://www.thaivisa....te-in-thailand/

300 baht if you need it the same day.

200 Baht even for same day pickup. Just did mine last Tuesday (needed for driving license renewal) got at Immigration at 10am and had to pay 200 Baht. Had to come back at 1pm (the same day) to pick it up.

That's not my expereience last month. I paid 300 baht to pick it up the same day plus I gave her a 500 baht note to pay for it at 8:30 in the morning. As usual I got no change then and when I picked it up later and she claimed I paid with 3 - 100 baht bills (which I did not have). So my residency permit cost me 500 baht - I love Thai immigration!!!

But JT you have produced more posting on his topic than he has I believe - please tell us more.

Aw shucks. What would you like to know? I'm here to serve.

Could this be a delusions of grandeur issue?

But JT you have produced more posting on his topic than he has I believe - please tell us more.

JT please tell us more of Mexican food and Sunrise Tacos (ST).

Leave Jingthing alone. He writes very worthwhile restaurant reviews and is one of the few members who does.

As you have stated many times before on these forums, you are a good side kick! Whoever got JT back on the Sunrise bandwagon should be banned or shot!

They obviously think she's not going to leave after her stay.

- Did you apply for single or multiple entry? Also, 90 days may be too long for just a first time visit if she's never been out of Thailand before. How much travel has she done?

- What did you provide for financial support evidence? Just your bank balances? It's good to show both your T4 and bank account balances. Did you sign an affidavit indicating that you would cover all expenses?

Probably the best evidence for her leaving is her return plane ticket. Did you purchase them and provide a copy in your application? When you apply again, apply for a shorter period of time and purchase the return tickets.

1) The application was for a single entry and leaving less than 90 days later. I never heard of a graduated visa system in Canada - it's long way and there is lots to see.

2) She has not travelled outside Thailand due to work and family commitments.

3) She submitted a return plane ticket reciept to support proof she was returning.

4) I was willing to guarantee her return if needed.

5) I submitted 2 years income tax statements, 40 years of CPP statements, investment porfolio statements and bank account statements. (about 1 mil CDN)

Why would a person reapply after satisfying ALL of theit requirements. It seems my Canadian gov't has a new cash cow? I understand keeping out undesirables but this is far from the case.

When they don't even bother to interview any of the parties you have to wonder if the care to get the real story.

My Thai girl friend was refused a 90 day visa to visit me in Canada this summer. We have been living together for 1 year and had a 1 year friendship prior to that.

Reasons for refusal

- lenght of stay in Canada? 90 day visit

-purpose of visit, even though a well documented full itinery was given with maps. A letter to the Embassy was submitted outlinning the circumstances, invitation and my financial support backed up by my financial statements (a substantial amount).

Her current employment, she works full time in the construction trade and graduated as a civil engineer. Her employer gave her a 3 month leave of absence with a return to work date and this was translated and certified for the Canadian embassy.

Her personal assets and financial status. She supports her 2 kids upcountry and does not have much cash but I indicated to my Embassy I was paying for flights, and her expenses while we were in Canada.

I am not just whining but want to know if others have run into this? Our age difference is just under 20 years. The hoops she jumped thru to complete this as they required and be unsuccessful makes me wander if they will allow Thais to visit Canada at all. The other odd thing is they never even requested any interviews from either of us?

If anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate it.

Thanks

I just did my renewal this past week plus a new multiple re-entry permit.

In your case a letter from the bank saying the 800K has been in your account over 3 months. They must photocopy or provide statements for the full 3 months, immigration made me return to the bank!

TM7 filled out correctly

Rental agreement, bills or other supporting documentation proving residence.

1 Photo

Copies of passport, visa, & last entry stamp.

They made me return the next day to aquire my multiple re-entry permit as they were too busy???? (should you need one)

I hope that helps - Arrive at 8 am. I was at the desk at 8:20 and was #38!!!

I am selling a vehicle and was told as the seller I need a residence certificate to proceed with the sale. I imagine the buyer (farang) will also need one? I got some conflicting advice about if a medical certificate is also needed for a residence certificate - I know it is when applying for Thai drivers licenses and that makes sense but it doesn't if selling a vehicle.

I just want to get this correct the first time because I spent 2 days in immigration earlier this week renewing a retirement visa and a multiple re-entry permit.

Thanks

.

I was only there twice but, as a short-order cook for almost 20 years, I think have a valid opinion.

The father/son/falang wife/thai girl friend combination of principals is three too many bosses.

The father guy was far too gushy and trying to please all the people all the time. He quickly lost credibility with me. While it's good to have ambition, business has to be based in reality.

Not in a good location.

Pricing wasn't accurate. I bet a thousand baht they lost money on every item. There was already half a dozen guys on here complaining about their high prices.

The menu was too extensive. They should have concentrated on doing 4 or 5 things really well. Corned beef - pastrami - rye bread - pickles - potato salad and STOP. To add on pizza, pies, baked goods, desserts, etc. etc. is too much.

It could cost between 8 and 10,000 a day to maintain such a big menu. You would have to have 20 customers a day spending 500 baht each TO BREAK EVEN. Both times I was there, I was the only one in the joint for the entire hour. While I did spend 500 baht, it was because I got stuff to go for lunch the next day.

So..... delete the deli-zza.

'nuff said

~

I won't analyse why they shutdown, menu choices or their business arrangements but I do think the location on a poorly lit side street was horrible and the interior was not much better from a customers point of view. Only 100 metres away there are brightly lit restaurants on Beach Road with views and a nice cool breeze. I liked the food but found 300 baht for a nice sandwhich on the high side for many people here, my Thai lady would prefer to spend 300 baht eating the Shabushi buffet at Central Festival Mall which includes dessert, drinks and air conditioning. It was nice to have this speciality food available here but I don't think 20 - 50 TV readers eating there occassionally is going to make it a viable restaurant. I wish them well and hope they have other options as their meats were great.

Jayman - the times I have eaten at Mikes he usually sits on at the elevated table right near the road using his computer? It may be coincidental I have never noticed him smoking either. I talked with him a few times about his touch screen computer so I know I got the right guy. I enjoy the garden setting, seating and service in that restaurant as opposed to a fast food type of arrangement.

I am so glad there is no shameless promoting to skewer the poll results!!!

Whatever. In any case, the poll and results are for entertainment purposes only.

BTW, congratulations to Mike's Mexican as the probable winner of this poll. Maybe some people who haven't tried it before will try it. Heck, I may even give Tequila Reef another try for their chile con carne dishes. Hope springs eternal.

That said, I still suggest y'all check out the CUSTOMIZED burrito option at Sunrise.

Kinda confirmed the shameless promoting aspect JT!!!!

Umm, so what? It's no secret that I think Sunrise Tacos is the best Mexican restaurant in town. Not anywhere near perfect, and the competition isn't stiff, but again, no secret.

Some things about it would even be remarkable if they were competing in a really competitive Mexican food market:

-- the vast salsa bar including ones made from fresh mango and fresh pineapple

-- the distinctive in-house made tortilla chips

-- the distinctive in-house made soft corn tortillas

-- the taco promotion days

-- the beef birria, it ain't authentic to use beef instead of goat, but it IS different

-- the American pie menu (not my thing at all but it is different)

No, honestly, I wouldn't eat there (or any local choices) in a big American city, but still I think they are doing great things ... for being in Thailand.

Sorry JT - you are too funny!!!

I am so glad there is no shameless promoting to skewer the poll results!!!

Whatever. In any case, the poll and results are for entertainment purposes only.

BTW, congratulations to Mike's Mexican as the probable winner of this poll. Maybe some people who haven't tried it before will try it. Heck, I may even give Tequila Reef another try for their chile con carne dishes. Hope springs eternal.

That said, I still suggest y'all check out the CUSTOMIZED burrito option at Sunrise.

Kinda confirmed the shameless promoting aspect JT!!!!

Pass by this "restaurant" and eat next door.

We have just updated our hours. We are open Mon - Sat from 11am till Midnight. We are sometimes closed to replish stock...usually 4-6 pm.

Timbos is a fixture in our condo...and have great breakfasts too. They also now offer taxi and bike rentals too....if interested.

I think he means the popular "Honey's" - it is often very busy and hard to get a table.

You won't find one for 50 baht.... They are 150 baht.. so pay 150 baht at ANY clinic or do without.

Bullsh*t, I already know where to get then for 100 baht but have heard many people say on Thaivisa where they are available for 50 baht. Thanks for nothing rmicheald

Good luck on your search to save 50 baht. For me I would just pay the extra money - it is incredibly inexpensive by western standards considering the doctor has an office to run, nurses to pay and had many years of education. The aggravation, time and effort of searching for a discount Doc is just not worth it IMHO. I agree the form is a waste of time but when in Rome?

Can anyone tell me if they are getting good results with Sophon Internet, there was an old post but are you still happy with the service? A friend was told their office was on Pattaya Tai near Tukcom, any other landmarks?

Thanks

If its a lot more expensive than View Talay 1 or 2 better buy at VT1 or VT2 which are good and cheap...

Better go look at VT 1&2 first to compare quality. If "Cheap" is the defining word, then VT 1&2 probably fit the bill in all aspects.

Already lots of excellent posts above in this thread. After reading my own post I see it could be a bit confusing to the reader. VT 1&@ certainly are cheaper. But I'm not sure I made it clear that if cost is not the only, or primary, consideration, then cheaper is certainly not necessarily better.

If comparing the VT 1 and 2 to Jomtien Complex Condotel you have to take into consideration the difference in square metres. If the usually larger JCC units are 50% bigger you will be paying more usually.

The rudeness goes both ways...anyway, it will get less crowded in a month or so. I guess when you throw in a bunch of people from all over the world and cram them into the back of a covered pick-up truck, that's what you get.

When they leave from Pattaya Tai and Second Road they will still cram people in until it is FULL before allowing the baht bus to leave - same problems and rudeness, just a longer wait!!!!

Pros

- Good location close to the beach, many bars and restaurants, on baht bus route.

- Studios generally are spacious at around 68 sq. metres including large balcony 3.3 X 5 metres.

- Only 1 room deep so you can get a good breeze going thru the units.

- All units have views but Tower A had VT 7 built in front of it, now Tower B has better views.

- Decent pool, spacious gym and rec area but older equipment.

- Good management and security.

Cons

- Getting older so maintenance may increase.

- Some noise from the surrounding bars - normal?

- In high season it gets crowded around pool but the rest of the year is fine.

- Usual noisey uninsulated concrete floors!!

- Ongoing upgrades to elevators.

Maybe the mayor could get some assistance from the pattaya jet ski operators to ferry him across the pond?