sketcher

There is a warning sign downstairs just before you get to the lifts, warning about the use of agents and also showing what VFS uniformed staff should look like. It is in both English and Thai. Once you get up to the second floor there are VFS 'footprint' stickers on the floor to step on that lead you direct to the VFS office. It was probably a bad choice of office location by the VFS who didnt forsee the likes of the agents next door moving in.

Another word of warning, we were approached by someone downstairs near the coffee counter, I can only presume it was one of them so they are operating downstairs as well as upstairs.

Maybe try contacting the harbour master at Ocean Marina (South of Pattaya) he may know of something. (Google Ocean Marina Yacht Club) It would also depend on the type of boat, different shaped boats need different shaped trailors!

Arkady, your right the official invitation letter is not required if travelling with a EU citizen spouse, The Spanish embassy have asked for a letter from my hosts and proof that they live there and copies of their passports.

Even though they don't provide much information on their website they do seem to be very quick and informative in replying to any e-mailed questions about visas, you do of course need to know which questions to ask first!!

Sounds like a bit of a munchie attack Big C! As you say at least there is some crack on the market!

Thanks robbiecia, just what I was after. Good luck with the app!

Does anyone have a definitive list of what documents are needed when applying for the above. We both live in Thailand and will be applying in Bangok. Will hopefully have a UK family visiting visa for her already before we apply for the schengen but will be going to spain before the UK. I see that less information is required on the application form as she is married to an EU citizen, does that also mean the documentation required is less?

Its near the temple but on the other side of the road, there is a sign on the road for it so quite easy to find.

There is a court open to the public in Khlong Prao opposite the builders merchant place cost is around 200 baht per hour or a little bit more if you want the floodlights on (opens till around 10pm). Weather for this new years eve is looking good, gentle breeze and blue skies. Happy holidays!

There is one in Maenam 0856995034

I purchased a new Honda city, not top model but next one down and paid for a couple of optional extras, the one in question is the folding electric wing mirrors. These were fitted at the Honda dealership before I took ownership of the car. At its first service I asked them to re-glue the 'leather' bit on the inside of all door panels as they were not stuck down properly. When I picked the car up everything was done and no problems, but when I got home and tried to close the electric mirrors they would not. Back at the showroom they said they could fix it but would need a new 'switch' which would cost me about 700 Baht. I questioned if I should actually have to pay as 1) It worked perfectly before they removed the panel to fix the other problem and 2) the car is only 7 months old and surely that should be covered by warranty. Apparently as it was an extra the warranty does not cover it (Even though it was a Honda part fitted by a Honda technician before the car was purchased) Has anyone else heard anything else like this?

I would'nt recomend Trat over Chantaburi, Trat doesn't really cater well for the western taste and there are far better beaches near Chantaburi. Have a look at Laem Sing and the beaches around there.

^^^^^ABSOLUTE RUBBISH^^^^^

While the landslide and flood did occur (a month ago yesterday) all the repairs were made weeks ago. A worker died when one unfinished bungalow collapsed--unfortunate in any case but certainly less than "a few deaths". The weather has been fine for 10 days--not a drop of rain. The landslide damage to the road (2 places only) has long been repaired. Many nice resorts have bargain prices.

Visit several websites--www.iamkohchang.com is a good start--and you'll have a plethora of choices.

Methinks the above poster has his own agenda...

Spot on kloghead

Bedrockguesthouse before spouting that nonsense perhaps you should get your facts right, or leave it up to people who know what they are talking about.

OP - as said before look on iamkohchang many options. I would say white sand a bit touristy, kai bae difficult for parking so make sure if you stay your resort has a car park. Khlong Prao good, many resorts to suit all budgets and reasonably central for driving around the west coast. As for snorkelling Koh chang rarley has good clear water, if your here long enough try a snorkeling boat trip to some of the island further south, the water tends to be a bit better there. As you have a car I would recomend a trip round to the east coast to see the old fishing villages, you'll be amazed at the differences between the two sides (dont forget there is no road across the bottom of the island between Bang Bao and Salak Phet!)

Consider buying a GPS for your car, if you can see where you are supposed to be going at a junction 500 meters ahead it gives you time to plan. Also no real need to be constantly staring up at signposts trying to work out where you are or where you are supposed to be going. Best thing i ever bought for my car really took the hassle and stress out of driving through Bangkok.

I don't live there but have been many times, what exactly do you want to know?

I did exactly that, got my police report, went to Transport office with Passport and a copy then was told as it was a different office and I had moved I needed a copy of my landladys tabien ban and a copy of her id card. At which point i gave up. As was earlier said I think it depends on who you get at the counter. Think I will just try a different transport office!

Many thanks Onlooker I'll try and track it down.

Already have a license - well did have till i lost it, i'm just after a replacement!

Does anyone know where the nearest transport office to Koh Chang is for issuing driving licences?

Is there one in Trat?

If so does anyone know the address / phone number?

Has anyone ever tried replacing a lost license from a different transport office than the one it was issued? I have since moved and now lost my 5 year license!

Try Mr Keats boat shop just before Big C on right hand side if coming from Bo Phut to Chaweng, have some speed boats outside and also a small blue plastic boat. No idea of cost but i would have thought cheaper than a kayak and drier too!

Have a look at View Rock resort in Hin Wong. Its on the other side of the island. This may be a bit too isolated for you ie no nightlife but the resort is great, very chilled, excellent food very friendly staff and they have a PADI dive school there too. Ting the owner can organise a taxi over the island in the morning. There is no beach in this bay. Or maybe have a look at Chalok Baan Kao on the south of the island many different types of accomodation and a bit more life too. Have Fun!

Do we need half a page of quotes for a one line answer?

No, but if Sketcher took the time and Googled Jeanneau, he wiuld discover that the Jeanneau 39, 42 & 43 all draw over 2 m. and a good skipper would want another i m. under him to make sure. Suggest he sticks to armchair cruising with his books.

Sketcher doesnt need to google Jeanneau as Sunsail and Gulf Charters do not have any in Samui. Not sure on the Catalina 39s draft that Gulf charters has here so you may have a point in that one. Sunsail has Beneateau 39s and 43s none of which have a draft of 2m. Google away my friend.

Evening all

A marina on Koh Phangan is fantastic news (if true)

Thailand has an acute shortage of marinas, in all but a few cases the existing ones are full to capacity with a waiting list for berths, Well considered marinas are money spinners, why Thailand has been dragging its feet when it come to building more is completely beyond me,

If Koh Phangan has pulled this off, and it actually happens, then who ever is behind it deserves a huge pat on the back, and a new S class Mercedes for him, his wife his mia noi or mia nois, it has the potential to bring a lot of prosperity to the Island, There is no shortage of clients, I am sure alot of boat owners in Samui, would prefer to see there boats safely berthed here rather than at anchor in Bang Rak, at certain times

Koh Phangan / Tong Sala is a great location for a marina, berthing facility, Anthong National Marine Park and surrounding Islands are brilliant cruising territory.

However I am totally sceptical, originally the only talk was of an old warship called "Koh Phangan" retiring here as a museum / tourist attraction, in the bay to the north of the Songserm pier, work on this has almost ground to a halt this last 10 days, Natives tell me the company behind it, have always been looking for a grant from the public purse, so why not propose a new pier , or even marina, as they cost more to build than a cradle for a veteran war ship.

Who knows next week there might be Asia's tallest tower being built in Tong Sala, especially if they cost more than marinas, and are eligible for government grants.

Why we need a second marina is completely beyond me, the existing one is more than adequate. http://www.phanganyachtclub.com/

Night All

So with a maximum depth of 2 m. the marina is limited to 25 - 30 foot yachts. To be halfway serious the depth should be at least 3.5 m. as is the proposed Samui marina otherwise none of the charter yachts operating here can use it and how protected is it from strong Westerlies ?

What charter yachts operating in this area have a draft of over 2m?

Sunsail and Gulf Charters operate Jeanneau 39's and Jeanneau 42's and 43's. These are all over 2 m. draft and just to make sure, a good skipper will want water at least as deep as his draft under his keel !

Complete rubbish do your research

Evening all

A marina on Koh Phangan is fantastic news (if true)

Thailand has an acute shortage of marinas, in all but a few cases the existing ones are full to capacity with a waiting list for berths, Well considered marinas are money spinners, why Thailand has been dragging its feet when it come to building more is completely beyond me,

If Koh Phangan has pulled this off, and it actually happens, then who ever is behind it deserves a huge pat on the back, and a new S class Mercedes for him, his wife his mia noi or mia nois, it has the potential to bring a lot of prosperity to the Island, There is no shortage of clients, I am sure alot of boat owners in Samui, would prefer to see there boats safely berthed here rather than at anchor in Bang Rak, at certain times

Koh Phangan / Tong Sala is a great location for a marina, berthing facility, Anthong National Marine Park and surrounding Islands are brilliant cruising territory.

However I am totally sceptical, originally the only talk was of an old warship called "Koh Phangan" retiring here as a museum / tourist attraction, in the bay to the north of the Songserm pier, work on this has almost ground to a halt this last 10 days, Natives tell me the company behind it, have always been looking for a grant from the public purse, so why not propose a new pier , or even marina, as they cost more to build than a cradle for a veteran war ship.

Who knows next week there might be Asia's tallest tower being built in Tong Sala, especially if they cost more than marinas, and are eligible for government grants.

Why we need a second marina is completely beyond me, the existing one is more than adequate. http://www.phanganyachtclub.com/

Night All

So with a maximum depth of 2 m. the marina is limited to 25 - 30 foot yachts. To be halfway serious the depth should be at least 3.5 m. as is the proposed Samui marina otherwise none of the charter yachts operating here can use it and how protected is it from strong Westerlies ?

What charter yachts operating in this area have a draft of over 2m?

How much are you paying?