welo

As far as I understand the problem is that the 30-day pass rides are only valid until On Nut. From there on one has to pay 15 Baht extra (flat rate).

Awesome. Great job!

Example: Let's say I go from Bang Chak to Thong Lor: this now costs me 1 ride (from the 30-day pass) plus 15 Baht. One ride with the 30-day pass costs between 20 and 25 Baht (50..15 trips).

In my case (15 rides @ 25 Baht) the total costs are 40 Baht. The standard fare (cash ticket) is 35 Baht.

Also, for students this will dramatically increase travel costs on the bts if they want to go further than On Nut. Until yesterday, they paid 18 Baht flat with the student 30-day pass. Now they will pay 18 + 15 Baht = 33 Baht (Assuming that the student 30-day pass is only valid until/from On Nut).

Awesome. Great job!

Thanks for clarifying!

I am still interested where the OP picked up this rumor (?) - let's see if we hear from him again..

thanks mario. I think I rather send them to the Pattaya immigration office since nobody says anything horrible about it. The location of the Chiang Rai immigration office seems a bit off the grid

Sandman, Google might have served you outdated information - Thai visa regulations changed quite frequently over the past view years.

Wasn't there a limit of 6 visa excempt entries (aka entering Thailand without a visa) max a couple of years back when one would still get 30 days at land border crossings. Thai immigration first introduced a limit of a maximum of 6 times per year (or similar). Later they cut down the granted stay permit from 30 days to 15 days at land border crossings - however the limit of how often one could do that was never re-introduced or ever mentioned again.

Haven't followed discussions closely over the past months, so moderators should know more. If there are no reports on Thaivisa then I would rather think you have just been reading an outdated article.

Of course we are all assuming that you have a Non-O visa for MULTIPLE ENTRIES and not a single-entry which is void after entering Thailand once. I guess due to the long validity of the visa you have very likely a multiple-entry, but I thought it is worth mentioning.

Also Mario asked two short but good questions. You might have other, better options than 15-day border runs.

thanks, LiteBeer.

Concerning Chiang Rai - do you think they will do the extension even 15 (or more) days before the end of the 60 days?

To everybody:

Any other comments on Pattaya immigration?

Thanks naam for going all the way and doing the maths! I appreciate the 'courage' to actually assume/guess specific figures. The 30% is something that I can work with.

I will now wait for my first electric bill

I might also run some measurements on the actual consumption of these units - I have two identical rooms, one equipped with an old unit, the other with a brand new one. Location in relation to the sun is different so I'll have to do consider that (maybe do comparisons in the time between 12:00pm to 6:00am?

Well, I don't even have a power meter yet, so will need to do more reading here on thaivisa...

I have a group of 10 friends (from Western Europe) who are currently staying in Thailand on a Tourist Visa. Their return flight requires them to stay 15 days longer than their 60 day stay permit allows.

Originally they planned to go for a border run to Cambodia, but I advised them they should rather get a 30 day extension at the immigration office. During the last two weeks of their initial 60 days they will stay in Pattaya. Before that they will be in Chiang Rai.

I am quite familiar with the process of applying for an extension from personal experience (mostly in Bangkok), but I have never done it in Pattaya.

I am also not sure if all ten of them will have to go to apply for the extension themselves or if the process could be streamlined.

So does anybody know...

1. whether the immigration office in Pattaya handles tourist visa extensions similarly efficient as in Bangkok? In Bangkok it took me between 1hr and 1,5hrs (travel time excluded) to obtain an extension. How long does it take in Pattaya (approx.)
   
2. should they rather try to extend at the Chiang Rai immigration office (viewer tourists?, less busy?, more friendly?)
   
3. whether it is possible to apply 15 days before the end of the 60 day stay in Chiang Rai
   
4. in Pattaya or Chiang Rai, is it possible to streamline the process for a travel group of 10 persons.
   

Thanks to everybody for sharing their experience

I've read a view threads here on Thaivisa where members fixed high electricity bills by replacing an old aircon unit.

What I wonder though is whether those units are so ineffective because of their technical design, or just because they are old and/or broken. I guess both.

Meanwhile we decided to move into a different place which luckily doesn't have those very old units. However, two of the units have a design similar to the one on the center-photo above. Brand is Mizu. No idea about age, BTU or Watt - couldn't find any sticker or plate with details.

The landlord had a technician over who cleaned and checked them, and will also replace the 'engine' (compressor?) on one that seemed broken.

I guess I just have to run some tests once we moved in and/or see what the electricity bill will be like.

If anybody could give a basic overview of the different generations of aircon units in Thailand over the past 15 years and how much more effective they have become (roughly), I'd still be interested. But I don't think this is going to happen

cheers

Is there any way that I run these aircon units (pics) at night and keep a sane electricity bill?

I am thinking about moving into a town house that has those installed. Plan to use them at night (3 bed-rooms).

My goal is to strike a deal with the landlord to share costs on having new ones installed. But if the deal is bad I wonder if I could replace the old units and take them with me if I leave (and the landlord doesn't want to buy them). I plan to stay 3 years but who knows for sure.

I only did a quick check, and the air was still cold, the noise level was moderate (no rattling, etc), and they didn't have a bad smell.

Two of them don't even have a thermostat, but the newer one does. I just spotted the power ratings label on the photo, but forgot to look at it when I was there.

I know those things are bad energy wise, but how bad is 'bad'? I remember seeing (and running them) in a Thai hostel - and now I wonder why they didn't have them replaced because it would probably pay off for them very quickly.

Is it worth to keep the newer one?

I've read several other threads but I would still appreciate opinions and feedback on my specific situation.

thanks!

As it applies to the DSL situation here in Thailand, I would say no; an ISP-supplied modem/router will not perform better than one you might source yourself.

OK, one less reason to keep the Billion!

However, I guess I have to apologize to Billion. I actually confused this brand with another one TRUE used to use: 'nlink'. My experience with the latter was subliminal.

Talking about Billion, they do have a proper website and also offer firmware upgrades. Not too sure what to think about them. As to my knowledge they are *not* one of the better-known companies - for instance, checking the openWRT website, I couldn't find an entry for them neither in the supported nor in the unsupported section.

Also, they offer firmware upgrades but don't even provide a changelog what they fixed. Sloppy.

I think you need to narrow down the possible issue(s) and then address that (or those). You've mentioned "WiFi instability", and then further mentioned a gaggle of other problems. Making the leap from having issues connecting PCs via WiFi to firmware instability seems like a stretch, unless this is a documented issue with that specific model. There are so many security-related connectivity issues I have run into: AES or TKIP or both being one of the more challenging to trouble-shoot. I always turn off all WiFi security just to verify connectivity, then start to re-enable that, first on the AP then on any devices. Maybe just swap in a known good working unit, after which time you might be able to make a diagnosis or disposition on the Billion unit?

Well, I am quite a bit computer-savvy, and the fact that I had two laptops failing to connect via WiFi until I restarted the router unit, *IS* reason enough for me to worry about the robustness of the router firmware.

My friend reported of general instabilities, but the truth is that - just like you said - it might be a myriad of different problems. TRUE's routing/proxy problems, general service instabilities, WiFi range problems, etc.

The weird crap out, though, that I could experience myself might be reason enough to dump that router.

I am thinking about getting a model that is supported by openWrt. As I just realized, this would have to be a router only device since I think router/modem devices are not supported.

I like both TP-Link and D-Link, they are cheap and usually of good-enough quality.

@negreanu

Linksys E4200 is too pricey though!

Thanks for all the feedback! You are awesome!

The problem with the Billion router at my friend's place was that it didn't allow two different PCs to connect via WiFi. After a router restart both these PCs connected fine. For me this is a typical sign of firmware instability.

That day I had disabled the channel bonding mode for wireless-N (20/40Mhz) because it had caused troubles with yet another PC. However, from what I've read on the internet this is not uncommon and I don't blame it on the router (alone). The problem that was solved after restarting I DO blame on the router though.

I am not sure yet if I will recommend my friend to dump the Billion modem. If the firmware supports it I could use it either as a modem only (bridge mode) or as an access-point only.

I guess it should work stable as a modem, and depending on which part of the firmware causes the instabilities it might also work as a AP only. I assume that most often it is the router part (connection handling, firewall, maybe plus a weak CPU) that causes issues.

That is something that I'll have to test out I guess.

However, whether I keep the Billion as a modem really depends on my original question - whether ISP-specific firmware in modems yield better results than what a stock firmware can achieve.

I remember reading people talking (not necessarily related to Thailand ISPs though) about that some modems yield better results on troublesome lines (with a lot of noise) than others. And I always wondered why TRUE actually bothers to provide a custom firmware.

Otherwise I share lomatopo's view and I would get one, stable router/modem - just because it is slightly more convenient.

Maybe I could get TRUE to replace the billion with a Zyxel. However, I dislike that they all come with their customized firmware that is never ever being updated (and is locked to upgrade with stock firmware).

At home I still go with my TRUE Zyxel and this model actually allows to disable that stupid landing page feature, so I am happy. And I don't do gaming or torrents anymore which require multiple simultaneous connections and often caused routers to crap out.

welo

I wonder if this isn't just a technical glitch. Why would this website be blocked? Can anybody enlighten me?

The price difference is about 500B, and not really a concern.

Good to hear about your positive experience with different modems.

I guess in most setups it shouldn't be a problem, but I've remember reading that in rare cases where the line is problematic some modems achieve better results than others. I guess I should check the line quality at my friend's office.

Still hoping for feedback from others, just to be sure.

I need to upgrade a friend's router due to stability problems with the WLAN/router part, and I wonder if I should get him a router with ADSL2+ modem built-in, or keep the router provided by the ISP as a modem (bridge mode).

The ISP is TRUE, the router/modem is a Billion Wireless-N - it's not the typical home user router that I've seen so far, but looks like a tit more powerful device (he has a small office for maybe 5-10 PCs). Still, it doesn't seem to be very stable.

I've heard that sometimes ISPs will customize the firmware in order to work better with their equipment (on ADSL level).

Does anybody know more?

@23962323

I guess this is a newer laptop that takes DDR2 or DDR3, isn't it?

Btw, win7 has no problems with 4 gigs. You might see only 3.5GB with the 32bit version of win7, but other than that...

@bangkokburning

thx, but I really need 1xGB... only 2 sockets available, one is built in with 512MB, the other one is empty.

@crossy

might do that since I actually have never been there... do some sightseeing

thanks to all of you for the responses!

I want to upgrade the RAM on my old HP Compaq Tablet PC so I don't have to ditch it (yet).

Can anybody recommend a place where they sell old stuff like this at reasonable prices? At Pantip I've been quoted 900B for 512MB!? Looking for 1GB though.

EDIT: I really do mean DDR PC2700 (166Mhz) laptop RAM (that is DDR 'one')

A distorted web page is often the sign of a partially loaded page. In Thailand, most often that is due to the browser not being able to download required additional files that are part of the website, e.g. images or CSS stylesheets.

My experience with Facebook (in Thailand) is that every now and then one of the additional Facebook domains/servers where those resources are located (hosted) are not being able to load and time out. These resources are not located on the main domain/servers (www.facebook.com) but on content delivery networks, having URLs like static.ak.fbcdn.net.

The reason for these servers not being accessible could be a DNS issue (in that case jpc's fix would help), but my personal experience is that more often it is a routing issue somewhere on the line between your computer and the target server. I had success reporting issues like that to the TRUE support but you would have to track down technical specifics of the problem (specific domain that is not reachable with tracert log) beforehand.

Usually these problems get sorted out within a day or so even without reporting it yourself.

In the case of Facebook, it might help to use a secure connection (https://www.facebook.com) to avoid the problems with FB's content delivery network. The website might load slightly slower, but at least it will load

While it was not possible to disable the 'landing page' in older TRUE routers, the two most recent models I encountered both had the option to disable the landing page. The two routers are:

Zyxel Wifi Router 1.3

Wireless-N 150 Mbps ADSL2+ Router

If you know how to access your router's administration interface (mostly http://192.168.1.1), then search for a menu entry 'landing page' (maybe under 'advanced options').

If you can't find it, then either you didn't look well enough, or your model/firmware does not offer the option to disable that yet.

I guess that their automated verification system should call you.

My experience with a similiar service (from Google) is that it does work to Thailand just not very reliable. Interestingly, the service works much more reliable to my wife's phone (we are both on 12call).

Just google "ebay confirm phone number" and you will get an idea of how it is supposed to work and what problems other people have.

Just a short note: if it is a 'Wireless Broadband *Router*' then it is a *Router* and not a *Modem*.

It says 'Broadband' because it knows how to do PPPoe and similiar 'broadband' protocols that are needed on top of an ADSL modem.

To find the IP of your router, follow one of the zillion tutorials on the internet: http://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+find+my+router+ip

However, your setup might be problematic because the SpeedTouch is not only a modem but a router as well. From your screenshots I can tell that it is still in router mode - as opposed to 'bridge' mode where it only works as a modem and the router part is disabled.

If your SMC is in router mode as well (as opposed to 'Access Point' mode where it only acts as a wireless hot spot) you have two routers in a cascaded setup. This is not a good thing.

You will have to dedicate some time on your end if you want your problem sorted out guided by the forum only.

welo

The problems I had with some domains during the past week seem to be resolved today. (true adsl)

if you get a E-Visa you can use it in PoiPet only.

Ban Laem does not accept E-Visa.

Good point!

Out of all the Thai/Cambodian land border crossings, only Poipet (Aranya Phrathet) and Koh Kong accept the eVisa.

There is a detailed list on http://www.mfaic.gov.kh/evisa/

Interesting !! whenever i have gone to a Cambodian border without the aid of a visa run company, i have had a constant battle with those scamming _ _ _ts over the correct visa price and all the other add ons you can think of,

Like I said: they seem a lot more relaxed now. And if you give them 20 USD plus 100 Baht they don't even blink once.

(2) re: eVisa vs Visa On Arrival (Aranya Prathet Border)

eVisa

25 USD (20$ for the visa plus 5$ fee) charged by credit card

No 1-page sticker in the passport (saves pages)

Usually issued within a couple of (business) hrs, also on weekends (officially its 'within 3 business' days though)

no (printed) passport pic required

Saves 5-20 minutes at the border

No worries with touts that charge overpriced visa fees

Some people are worried about credit card fraud - billing is done via 2 companies in *Singapore*

Visa On Arrival

20 USD (~620Baht) official fee (usually asked for 1000 THB or 20 USD plus 100-200B extra)

Bring USD (or change at Kasikorn Bank opposite 7/11 next to the border entrance)

Refuse to pay extra fee - they used to be a lot more demanding than nowadays

Usually issued within 5 minutes (whether you pay extra fee or not)

One passport pic required (can be any pic in approx. the correct size)

Make sure you find the correct visa office (AFTER Thai immigration, next to the big stone arch)

visa sticker requires one full page

(3)

Transport/Parking

Minivan from Victory Monument (next to Century The Movie Plaza) 230B 4hrs

Bus from Mo Chit to Aranya P. 4-6hrs 220B (?) plus 50B Tuktuk to border

Casino Bus from Lumpini Park 3.4-4hrs 200B straight to border

Car 2.5-4hrs Parking 100B per day (right at the entrance to the border/market area, cannot miss)

Taxi (roughly 3000B to the border, 2000B back, estimated)

If you go to Aranya Prathet, you might want to check out my other posts on that topic for (even) more details (use search by username)

Maestro, I think you misunderstood. Alizzara was referring to the Entry/Exit stamps since they already had the eVisa and were charged for getting the stamps.

Alizzara, you get the stamps when you just keep walking after you pass the stone arch. It is maybe 150m straight down the road. Just follow the flow of people.

Sometimes officers will sit on chairs shortly after the arch and try to sell you the 'VIP' service. Just decline friendly but firmly.

You will end up in a small building where you retrieve your arrival/departure card, fill it (also fill the departure card, but leave the return date open), then pass it to the officer at the counter (together with your print of the eVisa). Nowadays they have finger print scanners there.

You will eventually get your ENTRY stamp.

I've heard stories that they might ask for 100B here if you tell them you go back the same day. I personally have never been asked. If I were asked I would tell them I go to the Casino, possibly maybe stay there a night, or something like that. But I think they rarely bother westerners.

After retrieving your ENTRY stamp you exit the small building and proceed towards the roundabout. The free shuttle bus to the bus terminal leaves here. There are touts waiting because they want to sell you a ride to Angkor Wat.

However, you want to cross the road to the opposite immigration booth for going back to Thailand. Be confident. There is NOTHING illegal or irregular about doing that. I have never been bothered doing that even with an elderly officer sitting on a chair right in the middle of that road.

At the immigration booth you hand over your passport with the departure card pinned into it (completely filled and signed), your second copy of the eVisa (albeit my guess is that they won't ask for it if you don't have it), and then retrieve your EXIT stamp.

Occasionally if a tourist bus from Angkor Wat has just arrived, you might have to queue. VIP service for jumping the queue was offered to me for 200B. Personally I don't think it is worth the 20minutes.

There you go! On your way back to Thai immigration.