HalfSquat

Thanks again, especially IanForbes.

I have an electric toothbrush so will get some heads. Will be looking to play tennis out there so will have a look in Tesco when I arrive.

I've got flip flops but don't think I will be riding a motor bike! I've got a North Face rucksack which I think is ok. Wouldn't mind one with an air vent at the back to stop me getting a sweaty back! Got a camera but not really a proper mobile at the moment. How much is an Xbox 360 out there?

Interesting kyb, I'm happy with basic t-shirts from GAP or Marks and Spencer and they are about £5 which is about 280THB. How much would a plain cotton t-shirt that won't shrink cost in Bangkok?

I was thinking of getting some Nike Dri-fit t-shirts before I came out as I imagine I will get a bit hot over there. I guess Nike stuff will be cheaper here in England.

Don't they have socks in Thailand? Oh dear. Will bring some bathroom products then. I can always get stuff sent over it I get stuck I guess.

I hear what you are saying about clothes but I've already bought them so might as well bring them. Most stuff will be going to the charity shop though.

My suitcase is already over the 20kgs though so gotta cut back a bit.

Is sun cream expensive over there? I have lots but its quite heavy. All music and DVDs have been digitised and are on my computer. Books are going to the charity shop too.

I don't think I could afford new clothes each time I make a trip back to England or back to Thailand but it would be nice to travel that light!

I've read my books so will give them away. It would cost a bomb to ship them I would imagine. Will probably get an ebook reader out there to save on space.

I like Thai food so not too bothered about leaving English food behind. They do have ketchup and Heinz beans though?

I've heard Nike trainers cost the same over there as they do there so will bring mine with me.

I'm coming to Bangkok soon and staying for a good few months maybe a couple of years.

Is there anything I should bring with me I can't get over there?

I guess most things can be purchased in Bangkok - they have Tesco don't they?

I'm bringing lots of t-shirts and shorts and some trainers and shoes so that should be ok.

I hear protein powder is hard to come buy but not sure if I want to bring that through customs!

Thanks.

I will be in Thailand soon where I will be living in Bangkok for a year, possibly two.

I will also be doing the odd weekend away in neighbouring countries.

Had a look at health insurance but not sure which to get.

Should I get a one year policy for Thailand then other shorter ones for when I leave the country or can I get a multi country one.

I will be doing a bit of Muay Thai and maybe some other sports. No car or bike though.

Anyone got any recommendations, the cheaper the better!

Cheers

Thanks people. I am flying with Thai Airways so have already booked. Not sure how much they charge for excess. I have an allowance of 20kg but would probably need 32kg altogether.

Will have a look at those two sites.

I am after some cheap shipping from London UK to Bangkok.

It will be two boxes of approx 15kg each and with dimensions of 48 x 32 x 48 cm.

I've had a look at some sites like DHL but they quote around £200.

I was wondering if anyone know of any slow, sea shippers that charged less than that?

There is no rush when I get them by.

Thanks

Are there any good beaches with faranags that are not too dirty and noisy?

I think the only surefire way to avoid this is to hire a yacht for your trip.

Even then you may find some stoned sweaty kids sharing a bottle of singha at your favourite island hideaway.

Good luck to 'em I say!

Sorry, I meant beaches that are not too noisy and dirty but still have farangs going there. Not dirty and noisy farangs!

I am doing my CV like this:

Profile: bit about me and my situation

Then straight into my employment history with is all in the field of IT.

Then I am listing my qualifications including my degree and TEFL cert.

Is there anything I can add to it to make it more teacher-y or do they expect this type of CV from people with no relevant exerpeince?

Also, should I put a photo in my in the Word document?

Thanks.

Are there any good beaches with faranags that are not too dirty and noisy?

Cheers people.

I am coming on a non-imm o visa. Will they let me have a bank account?

Not sure if I will be working or not. Hopefully but you never know.

Travellers cheques sounds the most cheapest with a small wedge for early days spending money.

Is there a limit to the number of non-imm o visas one can get in a row?

Do they have kebabs out there?

Donner with chilli sauce my fren?

Cool. Good excuse to go to Oz.

I am coming to Thailand (Bangkok) for up to two years.

I have some money in my UK bank account that I will be spending during my stay (about £2.5k).

What is the best way to bring or use this money into Thailand?

Should I change it all to bhat before I come?

Should I setup a Thai bank account then transfer it across?

I read that withdrawing money on my UK cash card at ATMs will incur quite a charge.

Would a pre-pay credit card be any use out in Thailand for making purchases and withdrawing cash or will they too incur a charge?

I will also be getting the odd payment from relatives etc, is it best they transfer the money into my UK bank account then I move it on from there or should they do a Western Union type thing?

edit: also are travellers cheques worth a punt?

I'm not sure if where I am staying will have a safe or not so storing cash might be risky.

Any tips much appreciated.

Thanks.

Thank you. I guess I will go home to England and re-apply after the 15th month.

don't forget that teaching three or four days a week but for a couple of hours will be far less of a strain on you.

That is true. Was attracted the thought of having lots of days off but if its more work then perhaps its not a good idea.

Got my passport back and it is stamped with a multiple entry non-imm O which is what I applied for.

It runs out on the 22 July 2010. Is that when I have to leave the country or if I do a border run on the 21 of July I get 90 more days for the 21st?

I got it from Birmingham and the turnaround was about 3 days.

You shouldn't have much trouble finding part-time work. The problem is that a lot of the work is on weekends or evenings. If you don't mind that, it's not too difficult.

Don't mind a couple of evenings a week but probably won't do weekends.

Will I get that? 2x5 hour shifts would be perfect.

If you work part-time in a language school in Bangkok without a work permit, it is highly unlikely you will experience any problem with the authorities here and you will be joining thousands who do the same. It's tolerated and is normal practice in most Thai schools. It is illegal though.

So do you think there is much chance of me finding part-time positions teaching English? Two days a week would be ideal.

Don't suppose iphones are spectacularly cheap out there?

Thanks for the replies. Seems like opinion is divided on this issue.

Will just have to take my chances. I eat the odd doner here in London and have been lucky so far so fingers crossed.

google the Bangkok Fight Club on Soi Thonglor , Sukhumvit Soi 55 .

Muay Thai classes every Monday , Wednesday and Friday starting at 6 pm. beginners friendly. you should check it out

Thanks, looks good. More expensive than London though! Not sure I will afford it on a farang wage.

Do they do the classes in English or in Thai?

Thank you, will have a butchers.

Hello,

I've been reading up on my Thailand and Bangkok guide books and they all speak highly of the street food stalls that serve up dishes for a few quid.

I'm really excited to try the food from them as I love the Thai food that is served here in England.

But I've been reading a few posts here and now I'm starting to get put off what with the high fat content, fake chicken and poor hygiene.

So what do the locals say? Would you eat from them or are they like the street hot dog vendors we get here on Friday and Saturday nights selling dog meat sausages to unsuspecting drunks?

In the books it says the fresh meat and veg is piled up and cooked before your eyes to order - this sounds quite healthy to me. Is it really like this? How can I spot fake chicken? Which stalls or areas should I avoid? How much should I expect to pay for a safe, healthy(ish) Thai meal like a green curry with chicken or beef and rice or noodles or a rad na or a massaman or similar?

Thanks.