Komerican

Phil, corruption in South korea used to be totally out of control, they implemented a huge policy change where they "retired" any cop with X number of years on the job, and hiring in all new recruits with new training that made them a more reliable police force. If its still got elements of corruption it cant be anything like it used to be. And racism amongst the Korean police force isnt really an issue, getting them to properly police their own people was the main concern... its been my experience that Koreans are pretty racist so wouldnt expect them to act properly when involving foreigners.

I would say that in some ways the country is regressing. First off, dump this stupid law about not being able to buy a beer from between 2 and 5p.m. It's just ridiculous - I can't buy a bottle of beer in a supermarket but I can buy two boxes of 12! Duuurrhhh!

Secondly, go back to the 24 hour service in the night entertainment industry - life was so much more fun in those days. Some nationalities like the spanish don't even start thinking of hitting the town until late in the evening!

thirdly, dump the 90 day reporting crap. It's just a pain and exposes us all to one more extra dose of negative/rude immigration officials

Ya thanks buddy, those are truly important issues... nobody should impede your drinking and buying of women... please just go away.

Now who is a racit, you just called the whole nation a racist. As a person who was born and raised in Korea I would take exception to your notion. Granted, Korea in 70s and 80s were like what it is in Thailand right now. But to think that corruption is only limtied to Asian Coutries, you are way off base. As a businessman in the States I gave my share of kick backs to your average Caucasians, too.

I opened my K-Bank savings account at the Siam Square Branch after turned down by the Paragon Branch. It differs from branch to branch and day to day.

I was just doing the same.

Considered many models and although I have always preferred Toyota in the past and at first glance it seemed that the Toyota was priced a bit better, to me the Honda products just seemed to have better fit/finish and a quality feel. Also that they were slightly better equipped.

In the end selected the Civic Navi, partly to do with price over the Accord, but also thought that the extra size of the Accord might be that much harder for the GF to deal with

I am also considering the Civic. The Accord is a nice car but at $40,000 USD I wonder if it's worth the money.

I am shopping for a new car and it's between Accord and Camry.

If anyone has either one I would like to hear what you like about it and why you decided to buy your car.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Has anybody made the non-stop flight to Los Angeles via Thai Airways. Was it just too long in the air?

How was the plane and service?

We are planning on going with our kids next month and usually fly EVA, but are thinking about the non-stop run instead to avoid the tedious plane change <deleted> in Taipei. Both airlines have Deluxe Economy, though I've no idea how it is on Thai Airways and on this particular run.

Any experiences would be appreciated.

Thanks,

David

I just flew into L.A. on Thai Airways last Friday. I used to fly Asiana but as you said changing flights was pain in the butt. Last few trips I only flew Thai and it take about 14hrs to get to L.A. I paid 60,200THB for Premium Economy and it's well worth it especially if you are flying with your children. As far as food and service, I always thought that they are above average.

Fourty something.

Mentally 10, physically 65

Back to the food, gentlemen. I just flew into L.A. on Thai 5hoours ago and there Food were better than I expected. I had Salmon for dinner and Thai Omelet for breakfast at 5:30 p.m. L.A. time.

I would have paid to eat both meals. Good for airline food, I thought.

I have been snorkelling around Similan Islands which was great, but the best I've seen is around Koh Chiang it was fantastic more fish and anemonies absolutly brilliant.

Good luck

Never been to Koh Chang. But if it's better than Similan then I should defnitely give it a try.

i have had it on good advice that for diving Soi Cowboy is the place

I wish I could but my girlfriend is with me 24/7.

koh tao is also great for snorkeling

I heard Koh Tao is beautiful, any recommendation for where to stay?

I just came back from a trip to Khao Lak area and went to Similan Islands and Surin Islands. Snorkling was excellent in Surin and I was wondering if there are any better islands to snorkel in Thailand. If there are, can someone recommend where to go, how to go and where to stay?

You've probably been to one of if not the best snorkeling areas in Thailand...

Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta also have great snorkeling.

If possible, making the upgrade and going scuba is well worth it. All of the above are great places to dive.

I was here for 10 years before taking this step and can't believe it took me so long. I thought I could see everything from the surface, but I was quite incorrect. It is so relaxing and there is so much more to see at depth.

I've been to Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta. They were nice places to snorkel too.

I also thought about taking up scuba when I was in Koh Phi Phi but I chickened out at the last moment. I am still not too comfortable in the ocean. But I am definitely going to try scuba one of these days.

i Know it's a little bit different but i went scuba diving in Krabbi, there were tonnes of people snorkeling, it was amazing, so many fish ! if it helps i got a Thai guide from Ralai beach (or however you spell it) on the west side, highly recommended !

Thanks for the info, bailly. Krabi is one of the destinations that I am looking into.

I am not selling my property in Samui but think that if I did put it on the market it would not sell whatever the price , because of lack of investors at this time - What is the solution ? if any - rentals ? less tourists so unlikely -

For those forced to sell - perhaps 50% discount or more ! - Are there any web sites for distressed sellers who need to sell - That might attract investors ?

Try prakard.com. It's a Thai web site but you see a lot of English post there too. I found my condo from one of the post.

I just came back from a trip to Khao Lak area and went to Similan Islands and Surin Islands. Snorkling was excellent in Surin and I was wondering if there are any better islands to snorkel in Thailand. If there are, can someone recommend where to go, how to go and where to stay?

Rather than snorkling in the islands, try it in the sea, that way you can see fish and things.

How far off the islands are you talking about? I didn't snorkel by the beach if that's what you mean.

I just came back from a trip to Khao Lak area and went to Similan Islands and Surin Islands. Snorkling was excellent in Surin and I was wondering if there are any better islands to snorkel in Thailand. If there are, can someone recommend where to go, how to go and where to stay?

The clubs I had joined in the States have men's club. Basically, club within the club to have regular tournaments and anual club championship. I was wondering if the club have tournaments for the members. I am not a great player, by any means, but I enjoy playing in a tournament.

I am heading back to the States on Friday and will be back in 2weeks. I hope to, at least, stop by at the club to ckeck out the course and chance to meet you.

Thanks again for all the information and your offer.

So they go by the calendar year not by the 365 days cycle. Do all the clubs offering one year membership go by the calendar year?

Thanks for the location, tgeezer.

I don't know. The Army is probably unique in that it doesn't need us, non commercial, there are two courses better if you are booked in a group. I play there on Mondays and Thursdays if you want to give it a whirl I can try to get you a game. I play in a group of six so we are full but I can ask around they like farang mostly. We play at around 0730 but it seems quiet some afternoons, I have seen small groups so you may not need me.

Thanks, tgeezwer. I just got back from Phuket this afternoon and I might have to go to the States nextweek. If I do, I will probably won't be able to start playing until mid March. I am looking to play Wed and either Sat or Sun in the morning. Do you know if they have men's club and if they do, do you know if they have weekend tee times for men's club? Again, thanks a lot for the info.

So they go by the calendar year not by the 365 days cycle. Do all the clubs offering one year membership go by the calendar year?

Thanks for the location, tgeezer.

What is the best golf course to play in Bangkok which has an one year membership?

I live in Suhkumvit area and I am looking for a place to play couple of times a week.

I prefer a course that is close to the city, well conditioned, well layed-out and not too busy.

Any suggestions?

Bangkok Golf Course in Pak kret is the best choice...tough very fast greens though

Thank, I heard good things about Bangkok Golf Course and I enjoy putting on fast and true greens.

But are there any courses that are closer to Bangkok and in same conditon as Bangkok Golf Course?

I live on Soi 26 and I walked home filthy drunk one night and didn't have a single problem. There are few Irish and Japaness pubs and karaokes around.

You don't need 4x4 to get to golf courses in Thailand. Any car will do. Indeed unless you plan to drive cross country, where there are no roads, 2 wheel drive will get you everywhere you need to go including along all the gravel routes in remoter parts.

I do plan to drive cross country but I also plan to stay on the road.

What is the best golf course to play in Bangkok which has an one year membership?

I live in Suhkumvit area and I am looking for a place to play couple of times a week.

I prefer a course that is close to the city, well conditioned, well layed-out and not too busy.

Any suggestions?

Just for information, it is too late to join now, the Army at RamIndra costs 20700 to join for a year and 520 per round with caddy. normal price is 1120 per round, you recover the joining fee after four months, then play for 520. But it is busy at weekends.

If you don't mind me asking why is it too late to join and how far is the course from the city?

What is the best golf course to play in Bangkok which has an one year membership?

I live in Suhkumvit area and I am looking for a place to play couple of times a week.

I prefer a course that is close to the city, well conditioned, well layed-out and not too busy.

Any suggestions?

Thank you, kiakaka.

You are right on the button. I bought a condo and on a student visa, very perceptive.

I live in Khlong Toei District and I would like to apply for the Yellow Book.

Does anyone know where it is?