Benjie

And if you never went back to the store then it would have just been another ripoff.

Perhaps the OP refers to his pension rights.

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<br /><i>Anywhere in Pattaya sell Sonos?</i><br />

<br /><br />I have no idea.<br /><br />Anyone in Pattaya selling that amp brand (which I have never previously heard of)?<br /><br />At least the Sonos stuff is at an accessible price and could be imported by the end-user.<br /><br />I think that it is quite good value for money, given the facilities and quality it offers. We saved quite a lot (USD3000) simply by being able to control it with free iPhone/Android apps rather than buying the specific remote controls. It really does work very well.<br />

<br /><br /><i>Is it possible to run your TV audio thru it as well? I have read there website but nothing about TV's so i'm thinking probably not?</i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><i>JH</i><br />

You can plug any stereo input in via the inputs on the back, that input can then be played in that zone or indeed over any other zone as well.

Have you considered Sonos units for the multi-room functions?

I put these into a large house (8 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, 8 living rooms, 2 kitchens, various outdoor areas) and it all worked very well indeed.

Nothing stopping you from using Lexicon equipment as amps, if you like it, but I dont quite see the point of having a centralised amp system without the per room control.

Perhaps more to the point to have individual amps but centralised music distribution, as Sonos offers. For example, in some rooms (bathrooms) I hooked up the Sonos units to simple amps and ceiling speakers. In the bedrooms we had better amps with AV functions, for viewing TV also, and both ceiling and standalone speakers. In the living rooms we had very high quality AV amps for home cinema. In all cases Sonos did the distribution.

Anywhere in Pattaya sell Sonos?

JH

No one official, H3 Digital is the Thai distributor we are based in Phuket.

Certainly hasn't affected current prices.Both 2TB and 3TB external hard drives are under $100 and wil be lower on Black Friday IMO.

2Tb drives have doubled in price in Thailand and in some of the local shops they wouldn't even sell you one unless you bought a motherboard, graphics card and memory as well. Nothing like a disaster for some price gouging.

Is this a joke? how would you be able to take 3 kids out of school in england for 6 months+ including a daughter who is nearly 15 and will have her GCSE's next year. Your telling me you would disrupt your whole family just so you can go and sit on a dirty beach in pattaya! You dont care your wife doesnt want to go, you dont care old falangs will be perving at your daughter, this cannot be for real.

Quite a rant.

He's not in the UK, his daughter wouldn't be doing GCSE's and even if she was there aren't many jobs in the UK nowadays. Probably going to be far more going on in this side of the world for the near future,

Sounds about right if it's Chanote.

<br />Hi,<br /><br />Craving for a good pizza, I went to this Canadian Pizza joint at Petchburi Road.  They're a new setup - very curteous and friendly staff.  They served me a drink whilst I waited for my pizza order takeaway (about 15 mins).<br /><br />I ordered two of their Party sets for the gathering with my friends at my place.  Each set consists of 2 x 10" pizza, chicken wings, onion rings and a free btl of coke.  I went for their Hawaiian Classic and Meat Lover.<br /><br />My verdict-<br />-  Their dough which is sof and light just the way I like it.<br />-  The two pizzas has generous toppings with the taste of authentic gourment pizzas unlike some of the derivates in the market.  <br />-   The party sets (499 bath each) was pretty good value for money - enough for the 8-10 persons.  All of them say that this is one of the best pizza they had for a long time.<br /><br />Overall positive experience so I'll try them again.<br /><br />I gather that they specialise in delivery rarther than sit-ins.  Their number is 02-872-4141.  Next time I'll call them.<br />

Only a marketer for a pizza company would say 2 x 10" Pizzas are enough for 8=10 people, that would work out to just over a (thin) slice each.

<br />I guess "they" isn't the United States Food and Drug Administration, the World Health Organization, the International College of Nutrition, the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the American Dietetic Association, the American Heart Association, the (UK) National Health Service, or Dietitians of Canada.  All of these warn against coconut oil because <font face="sans-serif"><font size="2">of its high levels of saturated fat.</font></font><br /><font face="sans-serif"><font size="2"><br /></font></font><br /><font face="sans-serif"><font size="2">In fact, the supposed health benefits of virgin coconut oil are simply a marketing ploy playing on the gullibility of a certain sector of society.  With the right marketing you can make people spend a fortune on products with no scientifically demonstrable health benefits such as ginseng, goji berries, acai &c. &c..</font></font><br /><font face="sans-serif"><font size="2"><br /></font></font><br /><font face="sans-serif"><font size="2">But to answer the original question:  most midmarket shopping malls have stalls cluttering the corridors, some of which sell virgin coconut oil.  In Fashion Island, for example, it's on sale on the lowest level.</font></font><br />

All of whom are the same organisations who came up with things like the food pyramid that led to 34% of their country being obese.

It sounds like actually you are the one who has been hoodwinked.

Natural saturated fats are actually healthy, whereas something like sugar is not.

Again, everything in moderation but I cook with either coconut oil, rice bran oil or Olive oil - I eat a lot of saturated fats and my cholestorol levels are all normal/optimal.

As an American,this post caught my eye. However, what really got my attention was the persecution of this individual by Thai Visa members. In America he has not been convicted, he remains only a suspect of two crimes. In America the burden of proof is on the prosecution. Remember it is innocent, until proven guilty. In America being arrested does not automatically equate to being guilty.

I have no personal knowledge of this individual. Those that know him in Thailand, do not truly know what he did, or did not do in America. All they know is via hearsay. The pompous attitudes and reactionary opinions of some of the Thai visa members can be irritating. I guess their ignorance remains blissful, or they have divine guidance when it comes to guilt and innocence.

If that were really the case what is Bail for?

Innocent until proven guilty but arrested and detained in Jail until they go to court, doesn't tally.

Sounds like someone has learned a valuable lesson, perhaps had you asked the same question you would have been spared all this angst and the loss of your 5B.

Sounds like someone didn't actually read the thread before commenting; I didnt pay the extra 5B.

So there was no loss and no angst, not that there would be about 5B any way. Some people really don't seem to understand the notion of "principle" at all. The actual 5B would not be worth commenting on. The underlying principle is certainly worth commenting on.

In fact I found the experience very amusing, as I clearly mentioned. It also speaks volumes about the basic brainlessness of some Thai shopkeepers.

And the insight into the minds of some TV posters is the icing on the cake.

I wasn't talking about the 'extra' 5 baht but you having to give your hard earned 5B of money over to the fat brainless shopkeeper.

I don't know how it's principled in any way, from what I understand you didn't inquire about the price to use the computer, then stole 5 baht from a 3rd world shopkeeper who you then went on to call fat and brainless a number of times, doesn't seem morally correct (or principled) to me in any manner.

I didnt text the whole internet; I just looked it up on wikipedia.

Just out of curiosity, on my way back from supper earlier, I called into two other similar internet shops and asked whether they did printing without a surcharge over and above the print cost. They both said that they did. So at least I now have a choice for next time.

Sounds like someone has learned a valuable lesson, perhaps had you asked the same question you would have been spared all this angst and the loss of your 5B.

I have used several shops in central Pattaya over the years for printing. They have all been of the internet/print/fax/telephone type: indeed I've never actually seen any other type of shop, except photo printing shops of the Kodak type, which are much rarer than the standard do-it-all shop and are not the place I would go to print a paper document anyway. The shop I generally go to, in Soi Post Office, closes at 6pm though so I was just too late to go there. I go to that shop because I know it does everything; print, fax, calls, internet etc. etc.

None (except this one) has ever attempted to make any sort of extra charge for printing, above the cost per page.

The sign on the wall was extremely clear: print/copy 5B. There can be no discussion about this.

Would I also have been charged extra for making a copy? On what grounds?

I find it extraordinary that anyone should even attempt to defend this sort of blatant rip-off. Though it's true that some misguided people here have been known to defend estate agents and jet-ski operators also.

You weren't charged extra for the printing, you paid 5 baht as per the sign. I've printed things off before in internet cafes and have always just assumed I will be charged for using their computer in addition to the copies.

What if it took you 1/2 an hour to load the document and eventually print it for whatever reason, or your USB stick contained viruses (pretty common).

The printing is a service for the people who are paying to use the computers, you couldn't print the page without using the computer so why shouldn't you have to pay to use the computer?

Because no other print shop I have ever been to has charged any more than the printing charge. And normally they do the printing for you: you just give them the USB key. They dont make you DIY it.

Print shop or Internet Shop?

Also, This is one of the weirdest things that's ever happened to you in Asia in 35 years?

The printing is a service for the people who are paying to use the computers, you couldn't print the page without using the computer so why shouldn't you have to pay to use the computer?

What you are talking about isn't a superficie, usufruct etc... though is it.

You are saying if I buy Plot X from you then you must not do this list of things with Plot Y, The only thing that would cover that would be a contract between the two parties.

Who's going to enforce it?

I'd say not a chance if they have proper ownership of the land next door they can do what they want with it.

They have been there for many, many years. Now with the new Centara Grand there the management/owners of that resort did not like it that their guests went to dine outside for far less than half of what they were charging for better quality food. So Centara got their way. Would be nice if they were to use their power for more pressing issues like the taxi's/tuktuks.

So one minute these guys are all Beach Mafia and the next they should be protected. I'm pretty sure they didn't get knocked down because of the cheap delicious food they offered.

....and I bet a pound to a penny the vast majority of the ink scribe on his face was done by Brits!

Is there any lower life form on this Earth than your Pattaya residing Brits?

(Before anyone cries "Brit hater!" I'm English myself).

This is the only country in the world where I feel ashamed to call myself English.

I assume you will be handing back your passport then?

Servicing and mechanic confidence for working on a 250cc motorcycle is still something what needs to step up, not only for Lifan – you can find enough postings on Thaivisa of Honda dealers and CBR250's.

The rims and the spokes come from Union, and are of the same quality used on Honda, Kawasaki, or Suzuki motorcycles (as Union Autoparts makes also the rims and spokes for them). Maybe you unlucky, or the misalignment of the wheel had something to do with it – as it can stress the wheel unnaturally. I hope that the you bike gets fixed correctly, I would appreciate it if you can keep me informed.

For the link from the guy who surely doesn't like Chinese motorcycles, the Lifan LF250-B uses many of the same parts as the Yamaha V-star 250 – both use the exact same Mikuni BS26 carburetors, both use the same specification of compression, bore and stroke. Basically the Lifan and Yamaha V-star 250 have the same engine. The Lifan produces about just under 19 horsepower, and the Yamaha V-star 250 does exactly do the same... Sure other dyno settings and some will report 20 or 21 horsepower, but with the same settings and conditions the Lifan will produce the same power. (a 250cc V-twin cruiser engine producing 62 horsepower... nobody should believe that)

Also the picture used on the website is not a Lifan LF250-B, it's an older Lifan LF150-14 (a single-cylinder 150cc)

If, and that is a big IF, Yamaha Thailand should ever import the Yamaha V-Star 250 from Malaysia – it will likely cost a bit over 130,000 THB. What is near twice the price you pay for a Lifan LF250-B...

Why are you making more excuses.

Made to the same specifications and 'basically having the same engine' are pretty different things

I'll say it again, What goes up will eventually come down....sometimes slowly and other times quickly.

Unless of course, what you are measuring "up" against eventually becomes worthless.

Theres oscillations in the trend sure.. But gold ownership is more like land ownership than financial instrument ownership.. Its hard to make more of it..

Like land, it goes up, and it goes down.. But it doesnt go to zero, its 'value' remains.. And will be a good hedge while governments keep printing, while interest rates are below where they should be, while these effects create excessive risk and speculation in ALL markets (as savers cannot simply get 'safe' returns). When those things change, its haven hedge aspects will diminish.

'value'

You can't grow food on it, or live on it, someone could find a ton more of it tomorrow and supply is constantly increasing, I don't think it's like land at all. I understand people panic and buy it but it's value is certainly less apparent than owning land that can produce something or house someone and who's supply is fixed.

Sounds lucky rather than professional.

Luck? Only of geography.

Many farangs living and working here just aren't very decent people, that's all. In some other places people are still perfectly decent. My clients came from such places. I wasn't the only person working like that, in fact it was the norm not to ask for money up front.

As for not being professional, is it now "professional" to have to distrust people?

I suppose that here, it is, and that's another reason why I'm delighted to be retired and not having to do business with anyone here.

Still sounds lucky, 2,000 clients who you have bought equipment for without any money upfront and none of them change their mind, find it cheaper elsewhere, decide against it or simply find themselves in a position where they cant go ahead or their circumstances change etc... I'm only speculating since I don't know what business you were in but for some business people it would only take 1 or 2 clients to change their mind for whatever reason after they have made a purchase without a deposit to put them out of business. It's probably a major reason for cashflow problems and the majority of new businesses going under so quickly.

Why would anyone start work without receiving a deposit? It would just mean they would be succeptable to not being paid and a client who can't afford a deposit is someone who can't afford the work. Choose a reputable company is surely the simplest solution.

I did jobs for other people in Europe for over 20 years until last year. I never asked for any payment in advance, even when ordering expensive equipment for them. Many of them I worked for at a distance, and many I never even met as they lived in other countries.

In that time I must have had getting on for 2000 customers. They all paid, and only one ever ripped me off, and that wasn't for much at all, just about 50% of the labour part of the bill. So I didn't really lose anything, just worked for less than normal. Put it down to karma or whatever: I've certainly never lost any sleep over it and in all that time have never felt the need to ask for a deposit.

Interestingly, since being in Thailand, I have been ripped-off twice in under one year by farangs who "work" here, both with "reputable" companies. Luckily in each case it amounted to under 2000Baht, which, I suppose, just goes to show just how small the brains are of farangs who have to work here. Had they had a bit more imagination they might have got something worth having out of me.

I don't lose any sleep over that either (2000B may be a big deal to them, but not to me), but I have learnt not to trust any farang in Thailand, and as of now I wouldn't give any of them 1 satang, or offer any help at all to them, or trust them in any way. Nasty, dishonest, grasping lot they are.

Sounds lucky rather than professional.

A little bit off-topic, but maybe you can share with us who is selling Isan/Northeast-style tuk-tuk motorcycles for 55,000 THB...?

They start at that and go up to about 85k baht depending on engine size and carriage design.

the benjie i know has never owned a big bike, what do you care you only drive 100cc, or maybe a 110cc - - ha ha

I wouldn't think that the Issan Tuk Tuk engines (not really tuk tuks but motorbikes with an extra seat at the back) would be something they were particularly proud of, the idea was that they were so basic that anyone could fix them and they were dirt cheap to buy, not that they were bulletproof or as reliable as honda, yamaha, kawasaki etc engines. The price of the 'tuk tuks' is circa 55k baht, for a bike plus passenger bits, are you saying this isn't cheap, or that the Lifan crosser isn't around 1/3 of the price of say the KLX 250?

I dont know you.