Green19

I'm living in Laem Chabang municipality and cant wait to get out... by the end of the month I will be.

Forget it...its the industrial capital of the country. Dont waste your time if there are other options.

I've been looking around serviced apartments in the Naklua area today. A few good finds but a bit over my budget. Can anybody recommend something in the B15,000 per month range? Looking for 3-4 months rental, maybe more. I need parking, internet and ideally close to affordable eateries. Will pay a little more if there is a pool.

Thanks for any suggestions.

I've just come back from looking at a few netbooks in the local mall. The two that have my attention right now are the Toshiba NB200 and the HP dv2. The Toshiba is along the same lines as the Asus thats proved popular, its about B2,000 more than the Asus but the quality of finish is exceptional.

The dv2 is a bit bigger than the netbooks but smaller than laptops at around 12". Again, great finish, currently around B20,000.

There are many reviews on U-tube....worth checking to help us decide.

Ocean Lab.... Sirens of the Sea.

Trance around the world with Above and beyond. Available free on i-tunes podcasts. Loads of good free podcasts on i-tunes. Try and see. (or listen I should say).

The best attendants are on thai airways very friendly. Qantus would have to have the worst in the world and you pay more for the honour.

I became a mile high member on a qantas flight, London to Bangkok, the flight attendants had offered several bottles of wine which ultimately led to the new membership for me and the fine lass sitting next to me. This never happened on Thai airways, I havn't flown them for years now.

Ok, what if you are involved in an accident on Sukhumvit for example, say a small prang with one of the lunatic weaving motorcycles.... anybody know what is the procedure (besides doing a runner) where the cops are concerned? I imagine you stop and wait for cops with their white spray paint right?

Anyone with first hand experience?

As of a month ago, there is a waiting list for berths at the marina, about 15 or so potential new members on that list. For dry storage I did not enquire though there appears to be available space on the racks.

Thank you Flash for your comprehensive report. It is appreciated. I have to go and get my license any day now having finally secured my work permit so you information is timely.

Is it possile to transfer money out of the country with Kasikorn Bank at this time does anyone know? I went to open an account with SCB yesterday... very unhelpful and wanted more paperwork than they had originally requested.

Is it so that the 'Bank of Thailand' dont allow telegraphic transfers out of the country?

I've just received my work permit today...brand new. Page 7 has it valid until 13/05/2553 therefore good for one year from today. No notations, either typed or hand written on Page 5 under 'work period' and 'valid until'. Will this be good for a 1 year Non B multi-entry from KL? I dont yet know my employers registered capital... is 2 million Baht adequate for KL?

Yes, thanks for your advice Ubonjoe.

It maybe be better to get a new passport now, transfer the current stamps at the local immigration office and then go to KL to get the new Non Imm B multi entry. Seems like a more appropriate action do you think?

Ubonjoe, just reading the link you provided; if I obtain a Non-Imm B visa in the Thai embassy KL for example, will the immigration dept here transfer said visa to a new passport and if so, would a local Immigration office do that, or in Bangkok only?

I have 3 blank pages left but will be looking at a multi-entry non B which will fill up quickly given the size of the stamps/visas here.

Thanks for everybodies replies, good info. And Ztoo, great info about the ASEAN licenses, it turns out I have my Philippine license with me, so in theory I'm covered for a temporary stay. Philippines is another country whereby 3 months on a foreign license is generally considered acceptable.

What's the issue with security, and why is it not advisable to park next to other cars? I need to leave the pickup for 6 days, how's the covered parking area, are there security guards on duty 24hrs does anyone know?

I'm on a non-imm 'B', single entry valid for 3 months. I have learnt on these pages that a re-entry is possible with the extension but don't see anything about obtaining a re-entry permit prior to applying for the extension. Is this allowed since I may need to make an unforeseen trip abroad. I have been here one month. and plan to return after only 5 days.

I'm still awaiting my work permit, I dont think this would have any relevance to me leaving for 5 days but if you know any different, please advise.

Thanks in advance.

The PI is gaining on Thailand every day.

At the moment, the Thai government makes Arroyo's gang look like a role model.

Lodging/housing is more expensive in Phil, but everything else is cheaper.

Texpat

I normally live in the Philippines but I'm over on the eastern seaboard to work for a few months. I worked in Thailand both 15 and 5 years ago, sure seemed a nicer place back then.

I've known Phillipines for about 13 years now...its definately my choice. Stay out of Manila and Cebu and find a laid back island town like Dumaguete, Panglao Island, Puerto Galera. Dumaguete is getting all new concrete roads right now so its a bit of a mess but when complete it will be fine. Its a university town with quite a few but not too many expats. And the housing.... I've been looking for places in Pattaya area to rent.... Philippines is definately cheaper as of this weekend. Cost of living is currently cheaper in Philippines.

Paperwork and legal stuff is equal....both as frustrating as each other, but the all important beer....almost can't afford it here. Philippines wins hands down.

I've been here in Thailand a month now. I have a British driving license but no international permit. Is this legal or not? Some countries allow you to drive for 3 months on a foreign license before getting a local one. I will apply for a Thai license just as soon as my work permit is sent to me. Just concerned about the regular checks I see the BiB doing in my area.

Thanks in advance.

Is it possible to show up at the airport and buy a standby ticket? Are there ticket agents outside the terminal building. I'm thinking of Philippine airlines and Cebu Pacific.

Thanks, and appologies if this question is asked frequently, it did'nt show up on a search.

Thanks for your help and insight, very useful to get me started. I'll head down Pattaya this w/e to check it out.

I'm currently in the Si Racha area, my family should join me shortly. I'm looking for an english speaking kindergarden for my 3 yr. old daughter and a family oriented sub- division/housing development with a pool. Anybody know if this is available here or will I be better off looking in the Pattaya area and driving the extra distance to work each day? Thanks for any local knowledge.

Yes, no problem. Both countries are ASEAN members and share similar entry terms.