pollyog

I have a large collection of books, in English, mostly fiction, that I want to offload and don't know where to go now that the South Winds bookshop in Phang Nga Road has gone. Anyone got any suggestions?

Interest earned in Thai bank accounts is automatically taxed at source regardless of whether the account holder has a Thai Tax Identification Number.. How do the authorities assign this regarding TIN? Also, all the information does not make it clear regarding the necessity of a TIN for those of us who are here on 'Retirement' Visas, who are not allowed to work in Thailand and hence have no 'income' other than the interest earned in our Thai bank accounts, and who come from a country with a double taxation agreement such as the UK. Is there anyone out there who can clarify this matter?

Hi My daughter will be flying London Gatwick - Swampy - Phuket in April. She wants to bring her dad a bottle of duty free whisky purchased at Gatwick, but is worried that the Thai authorities might take it away from her at Bangkok where she has to change planes. Does anyone know where I can find out about the chances of this happening?

Thanks, I will ask the bank for further information when I get a new card and change the PIN. The bank when I called them within minutes of getting their warning email said something about it being to do with Facebook - which I rarely use and certainly never buy anything from. What other precautions do you suggest I take regarding securing my bank account?

Yesterday afternoon I got a message from SCB saying the limit on my debit card had been changed and to contact them if it wasn't me who changed it. It was not. So I have had to cancel the card and today must go to the bank and get a new one - at a cost, of course! How can some unknown person change the limit I can spend on a transaction on my debit card without my knowledge? The card is with me in my purse 24/7 and the app on my phone is also with me 24/7. This is most worrying. Fortunately I read the email within minutes of it being sent so was able to cancel the card before someone stole my money, but I wonder how on earth can this happen? Comments please.

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Hi There used to be a used book shop in Phang Nga Road, Phuket town, which closed a few months ago. I've heard that there is a new shop opened somewhere else. Does anyone know where?

Having lived in Thailand for 14 years I have been a regular purchaser of both Schweppes Tonic Water and Manao Soda, usually in the 6-can packs, never individually. Recently I am finding cans either almost empty or leaking after a couple of weeks and making a disgusting mess in my cupboard. Never had this happen before about 4 months ago. In the UK you'd simply take the faulty product back to the store where you bought it and get a replacement but in Thailand this is not usually the case. Just wondered if anyone else has had a similar experience recently and if so, what did you do about it?

Thank you everyone who posted a sensible and helpful reply to my question. I will check googlemaps and make a note of the address.

Hi, A while ago someone in a post said there is a good used book store just off the Khao San Road. Doing a search on the Asean Now site is hopeless, cannot get anything relevant to come up, so am asking if anyone knows the place. I thought I'd made a note of it but am unable to find it now. Thanks in advance to anyone with info.

Interesting that the last item in the list (copied from the original article) says legal services are not permitted by foreigners, yet there are definitely foreign lawyers working here, in Bangkok, Phuket, etc. and have been for years. Occupations completely restricted for foreigners: Wood carving 2. Motorcycle driving, excluding forklift operation 3. Auction 4. Gem cutting/polishing 5. Hairdressing/beauty salon services 6. Hand-weaving fabrics 7. Loom weaving or manufacturing using straw, bamboo, chicken feathers, yarn, etc. 8. Handmade paper production 9. Traditional lacquer making 10. Thai traditional musical instrument making 11. Thai niello making 12. Gold/silver/platinum smithing 13. Stone carving 14. Thai doll making 15. Alms bowl making 16. Hand-woven silk fabric production 17. Buddha statue making 18. Paper/fabric umbrella making 19. Agent/broker services 20. Thai massage 21. Cigarette rolling 22. Guide services 23. Street selling 24. Thai alphabet arranging services 25. Silk thread spinning 26. Secretarial services 27. Legal services

Re. the reference to Toms Guide, will this work if the old phone's number is moved to the new SIM card?

I have today been to the two bank(Bangkok Bank and SCB) where I have accounts, and both refuse to act as witness to ID for the compulsory Life Certificate to continue getting my pathetic frozen pension. This must be a new tightening up of bank restrictions for foreigners as I have had no previous problems during the 14 years I have lived here. Bangkok Bank told me, after telephoning their head office, that I have to take the form to Immigration or the British Embassy. Just a heads up for other UK expats.