Notariousus

Ideally, try and borrow both these cameras for a day. One from each camp if not the exact models.

I'm having a similar dilemma. I need to replace My Leica M6 for which I have a couple of superb prime lens.

So far, I'm erring towards the new Canon 5D.

Why not go for an M8, so you can use your M series lenses.

Many of you have probably heard of the roughly 70,000 baht car now available in India:

http://tatanano.inservices.tatamotors.com/tatamotors/

I was wondering if it was available in Thailand or something similar? It seems like a really great way to get 4 people off of motorcycles and into dry shelter... and stylish enough to where I don't think I'd get laughed at for driving one in Isaan.

Funny enough very small cars are not sold in Thailand like the 3 Cyl Toyota or The Nissan Micra. The are graet seller in Europe. Also Economical small Diesel cars like the 3 Cyl Skode. The smallest you get here is the Honda Jazz or Toyota Yaris.

I agree that one Tata Nano is better than two Honda dreams.

I had a Diahatsu Mira for 12 years, great little car 3 Cyl 666 cc. Not sold in Thailand any more, every body’s car in Malaysia.

Can foreigner open a baht account in the major banks in bangkok? which one? what sort of documents are required?

The Law say : "NO"

Kaisakorn Bank and some Bangkok Banks say : "OK"

Bring your passport and and address where you stay in the area of the bank. They need no proof of the address, just have an address handy, like the house or room you rent.

Kaisakorns and Bangkok Bank card can be used overseas. I have used mine in Vietnam and Europe. They did not work in Laos.

Only Kaisakorns Card can be used for online shopping as this card has the little numbers on the reveres side. Bangkok Bank card do not.

You need an opening balance of some 10.000 Thb. Tell you need the account for some money transfer from you home country, they like that.

I am seeking some advice again from all you helpfil characters.

About 8 years ago I bought a house using the comapny method, I have now sold the house to Thai who did not want the company,(obviously), so my question is how do I dispose of the company now in a clinical (or not so) way , my accountant is quoting me some ridiculous figures to close it down, etc, etc.

Can I sell it, give it away (any takers) or let it die a natural death?

Thanks in anticipation

Think twice before closing down you company. If you really do not need a company again, try to sell it. It has thise days become very expensive and complicated to establish new Limited companies with foreign share holders. I know people who has paid some 200.000 to get a new company set up. And it took half a year.

I am hoping to drive from Khon Kaen to Pattaya (shortly before Songkran).

Anyone have suggestions for best route?

Thanks

Start Google Earth

Click the "directions" Tab

Type in from : "Khon Kaen, Thailand "

Type in to : "Pattaya, Thailand"

And Google Earth will show you on the map excactly the route and the distance .

has anyone used this seating on Kuwait air ?

Care to comment ?

Some years ago I did quite a lot of travels Riyadh-Bangkok. I Used Kuwait Air as they sold the Business Class tickets very in-expensive, A round trip was some 35.000 Thb.

Service on the plane OK, no alco-drinks, but I prefer that.

The Kuwait Airport takes however first price, if competing to be the lousiest International transit Airport in the World

I have been into photography since the early 70’thies. At that time using a Nikon F2 of witch I had two. I sold them 2001, hence using the same two bodies for 30 years. Only adjusting the shutter timing once.

Totally I have used the Nikon Film Cameras: F2, F601, F90x, FM2A,F5

Nikon Digital Cameras: D100,D1x,D80,D200

I never had a problem with a Nikon Camera or a Nikon Lens of which I had an extensive arsenal, A, Ai, AF, AF-S, Ranging from 14mm/f2.8 to 400/F8 mirror.

About two years ago, I changed my whole set to Canon, with a Canon G7 and Canon 5D and a heap of lenses.

GREAT mistake, I regret my change. The G7 sacked and needed repair at coast of 50% of purchase price. The Canon 24-105mm/F4 L IS lens had problem focusing. The camera could not detect the lens was mounted. The Canon 70-200mm/F2.8 L would stuck in infinity focus, - need for repair.

Generally I find the menus better and easier on the Canon, but the controls not as logic as the Nikon.

The view finder if far clearer and brighter on the Nikon than the Canon, the info in the Canon is very hard to see, the text is too small.

The 5D need often cleaning of the CCD, it is not sealed very well regarding dust. Canon say this can only be done at a service center, but I do it myself anyway with a cotton butte and lens cleaning fluid.

Also have in mind if you go for original lenses, Canon is more expensive, but I find them no way better than Nikons.

Nikons flash technology is ahead of Canons, both in actual work and in the menu control.

I agree that model and fashion photography get better result with a Canon due to the better presentation of skin tones.

Also Nikons PC software Nikon View & Nikon Capture NX is better than Canons Digital Photo Professional

So, my conclusion is simple, stick to Nikon D90, I suggest you to start with the 18-70mm/F3.5-4.5 AF-S DX and if you are on a budget Sigma 10-20mm plus Sigma 70-200mm/F2.8 a good flash plus Nikon Capture NX, and shoot in RAW file format.

I have used the Nikon VR lenses as well, but do not consider them to be worth the extra money. That goes for the Canon IS lenses as well.

Look up www naturfotograf com for a very comprehensive test of Nikon lenses.

I'm looking too fly from Australia to Singapore then Thailand on Jetstar. They seem cheap enough, but is there leg room and interactive movies/music like Qantas/BA etc?

Is the food <deleted>?

Or is it worth paying a bit extra to fly with someone else?

You might try Singapore Airlines or Malasya Airlines as a better alternative, These two Airlines are the only two with 34 inch distance between seat in Y class. BA/QF/TG/LF and most others has only 31 inch.

JetStar has no food at all, you have to order and pay that extra.

Hello there ...

I just did a visa run a couple of days ago to use my second entry of a Thai visa I received in the US. I am planning to go back for another 2-entry around the end of May while they are still free. Could anyone please tell me a good service, such as an "Agency" to use, making this process less stressful.

I went from Nongkhai to immigration, stood in line for an hour before they opened early in the AM to discover I had to move to the back of another line just to get through. Had to pop out 1580 baht for a Laos visa and fee because I didnt have a picture/copy of passport. (I was told I didn't need it before). Then, on the way back, stood in the sun for 2.5 hours before making it through back into Laos. I'd really like to have it easier next time.

Thank you so much in advance for any helpful replies to this ...

J

Your mail is somehow confusing me. You say “ You went from Nong Khai to Immigration “

Are you living in Nong Khai and went to the Nong Khai Immigration office, or the border crossing at the bridge to enter Laos.

Well, If you live in Nong Khai there would be little timesaving travel to any other crossings.

Else the crossing in Mukdahan is fairly easy, there is a Thai Consulate in Savannaket, they will issue you a tourist visa overnight.

My apology if this has been discussed before but can anyone shed some light on the fees involved in using one of the Foreign Currency accounts offered in some of the Thai banks? I believe it is $500 to open and then $500 min balance, but what about monthly fees, ATM fees, incoming wires to the account and so on? The information sheet is a bit confusing. I have been round and round with the reps at the banks and can not get a straight answer from any of them other than "yes" and a smile. :-) God bless them.

Also, do you know of any banks in Thailand that have a Foreign Currency account option and allow banking in Yuan?

Thank you.

You must transfer the foreign funds into the account from overseas. You cannot walk in with a pocket full of cash Dollar and deposit them. You can however deposit a foreign bank draft.

I am a reasonably affluent man married to a Thai, whos extended Thai family say i need to think about purchasing a fire arm for protection,due to the fact i have several new motor bikes and a top of the range Hilux and which hasnt gone unoticed ( what does ) when travelling around the Pattaya and Sakeo areas.My home is on a secure comunal estate so it would be for traveling around with, especially in the car. Ive been told it is really easy to purchase said item, any advice as i feel this is not really my cup of tea..

I had a burglar in my house lately. The police caught the fellow fortunately while trying to break in. This is the second rubbery in less than a year.

I asked the police if it was possible to get a gun license. As my wife or I are not Thai, it is not possible. The law has been restricted to only issue gun licenses to Thais nationals.

You could of cause purchase a gun on the ’black market’, but being caught by the police with that gun will be a serious offence. Using the gun, even if you consider your life being in danger will as well not be considered as less offensive.

If your wife is Thai, she might be able to get a license, but you are under no circumstance ever allowed ever to hold that gun in you hand.

I know Thais loves their guns. Thailand has one of the highest murder frequencies in the world using guns, only overtaken by South Africa and some south American countries.

I agree; if you cannot get a gun license, stay away from it.

On 2 Octorber 2008 ( State run Thai News Agency (TNA)) and refered in the Phuket Gazette:

It was annonced by Immigration Police Cheif Pol Gen Chatchawang Suksomchit;

That those traveling frequintly in and out of Thailand for three to five times a year shoul be issued an ' Immigration Card' to easy the procedures regardless of their nationality.

According to Pol Gen Suksomchit, it was in the effort to

1. Easy immigration procedures, such as fast establish however the immigrrant is criminal.

2. Promote tourism and investment in Thailand

3. To prevent exploitation nationalwide of foreing labor and flesh trade

Has Anybody got such a card, and can give info about the actual procedures to get one.

Been married to a Thai lady for 7 years moving to Thailand. Should I register my marriage and how do I do it? We live in USA now. Will live in Phitsanulok in Thailand far from Bangkok.

Yep. She should register her marriage at the District Office. It is actually illegal for Thai citizens to marriage abroad and not register the marriage within three months. The fine 10.000 thb, though seldom enforced.

It takes a while as all marriages thai/non-thai is going to central office in Bangkok to assure the Thai is not already married in Thailand. Or the non-thai is going around marring several Thais.

(which was usual in the old days, before computers took over)

Notariousus

Yes ..... Where did you read/see this announcement??

mr newbie .

Please enlighten us.

im waiting with baited breath for your source of this ( load off #rap ) info !

dave2

It was published in the Phuket Gazette.

On 2 October 2008 Phuket Gazette writes:

http://' target="_blank">Thursday, October 2, 2008

'Immigration Cards' coming by year end

BANGKOK (TNA): A new immigration card will be introduced for Thais and foreigners who frequently enter and leave Thailand, the state-run Thai News Agency (TNA) has reported.

The agency quoted Immigration Police chief Pol Lt Gen Chatchawan Suksomchit as saying holders of the “Immigration Card” will include those who travel in and out of the country three to five times a year, regardless of their nationality.

Immigration Card holders will bypass some Immigration procedures such as being screened for being a criminal suspect or being on a police or immigration watch list.

The Immigration Card is part of the efforts to promote tourism and investment in Thailand, TNA reported.

Meanwhile, Immigration Police will open a 1178 call center early next year to provide tourism-related information in eight languages.

In addition, Immigration Police will take part in the nationwide crackdown on the exploitation of foreign labor and the flesh trade throughout the country, Lt Gen Chatchawan was quoted as saying.

The report set off a frenzy of speculation and commentary on web forums, where many people posted comments such as “I’ll believe it when I see it”. Others called for more details – such as how much the card would cost and what the procedures might be to obtain one.

Notariousus

Yes ..... Where did you read/see this announcement??

mr newbie .

Please enlighten us.

im waiting with baited breath for your source of this ( load off #rap ) info !

dave2

It was published in the Phuket Gazette.

Good afternoon,

does anyone know a shop selling photo equipment in particular I am looking for a specific objective and could not get it in central/big c.

Thx in advance

Maybe it is a lens you are looking for, the objectives are all up to you

Look up this link www fotofile net (add the dots youself)

Last year it was announced by the Immigration that Long Stays and Expats should be issued/could apply for a Thai plastic card (ID card) with all their details.

This should (according to the Immigration) ease the immigration procedures when leaving /re-entering Thailand.

Has anybody got one of these cards, or does anybody know anybody who has got one??

In Krabi town a fine, clean and not expensive restaurant, CAfe Europa, Ownded by 2 friendly Danes who've been here for 18 years.

Good Western food and great Danish sandwiches. Really worth stopping by when in Krabi town.

Café Europa is in my opinion a rip off. The portions are small and expensive and lack of taste. The mashed potatoes taste like a banana composite or maybe made of sweet potatoes. The Salmon Sandwich (with 25 grams Frozen Salmon) taste like a water melon.

- Clean, Yes if you like two dogs hanging around in the kitchen.

- Friendly, Yes if you just pay and don’t remark on the louse food.

- Great Sandwich, Yes if you don’t mind frozen bread being quickly defrosted in a microwave.

I only agree , - yes it was better 10 years ago, now it’s a down the sues.

My insurance policy is about to expire and I am wondering if anyone can recommend a basic health/accident policy that covers one not only while living in Thailand but while travelling within the southeast Asia region? I may have to fly quite frequently back and forth to Hong Kong and Singapore....

Also is there any that would cover me if I flew back home to the States for a couple of weeks too?

I prefer Bupa for traveling outside Thailand. Some 7000 thb for a full year with a maximum of 60 days per trip. I do a lot of short trips to Laos and Vietnam. Also an occasional trip to Middle East and Europe.

You can also just make a one month travel insurance for you US trip at some 1500 thb. You get a plastic card to present to the hospital in case. And a Bupa Rep. will sort it out for you.

What’s the point of an insurance where you have to ‘foot’ the bill.

I use Bupa for my long time stay in Thailand, same you get a plastic card to present to the hospital.

Bupa also have a complete list of hospitals country by country with whom they have agreement to assure you the best service.

I've had 2nd class insurance the last few years but never used it. This year, I think I'll save 5,000 baht or so.

But, is the compulsory enough?

On reading my insurance, there seems litle difference between the two.

I would not dare to save the 5,000 Thb on the third party coverage. The compulsory insurance covers ONLY personal injury/death made to a third person.

The 5,000 third party covers any damage made to a third party’s property/motor vehicle etc.

A fully comprehensive insurance covers also injury/hospitalization made to your self and your passengers as well as damage made your own vehicle.