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racyrick

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    Tantiwit school Cherngtalay

    in Phuket

    Posted

    Thank you for your answers. I assume you are happy with the school then smile.png

    Was basically looking for any general good or bad experiences,

    So far, I had only heard good things about Tantiwit, so we signed up our son, he started English Program P1 just a couple of days ago.

    We we´re told that it would be 70% English and 30% Thai. Looking at the class schedule, I noticed that 9/30 classes were written as Math EP1, English EP1 etc, and the rest in Thai, So was wondering if we had been misinformed, and it is actually only 30% English and the rest Thai? I have been unable to get hold of anyone in the administration office that speak English, and when my wife inquire about it, the answer is along the line of "yes yes, 70/30 no problem".

    It is 70% Thai and 30% English. Remember, this is a Thai public school.

    The Thai education system is one of the worst but this is the best school in the area.

    If you have the money, put your son in a private school!!!!

    Phuket Immigration Nightmare

    in Phuket

    Posted

    Following are all of the details from my visit to Phuket Immigration earlier this month to obtain an extension of stay based upon marriage (2nd extension, using monthly income method).

    If you're not interested in the blow-by-blow details, just skip to the end for a list of the documents that were ultimately required and accepted.

    To prepare all of the documentation, I used the printed "card" that was provided last year, listing all required documentation for a marriage extension. No such "card" is available this year. All documents were provided in duplicate.

    Doors were opened at 8:40am (10 minutes late). About 10 people waiting on the 2nd floor terrace outside. There are now large signs posted in the 2nd floor windows noting which services are performed in each room (floor). Despite the fact that it clearly says that Retirement extensions are processed on the 1st floor, about half of the people were in the wrong place, and sent downstairs when they reached the volunteer.

    Volunteer reviewed paperwork, and noted a copy of the 1st page of a bank book should be used instead of a copy of an ATM card (as opposed to what's listed on the "card"). Also, I was missing a copy of last year's extension stamp. (I took the info on the card literally, where it says copy of "visa" is required). My bad, I should have known that they want a copy of the most recent "extension to stay" stamp, and not the original visa. Strangely enough, the volunteer insisted that the prior extension stamp is a "visa" and not an "extension of stay". OK, whatever - I wasn't about to argue the definition of a "visa" versus an "extension of stay". He stated that I was missing a KorRor 3 form from the Amphoe, however I knew this was wrong as the KorRor 3 does not apply to marriages (such as mine) that occur outside of Thailand. Only 2 "house" photos were required, so he selected one outside and one inside from our stack of photos for each set of paperwork, and stapled them to a piece of paper. So down to the copy center to get the required copies, and back to the volunteer to re-check the paperwork. The volunteer's queue was empty, so this was very quick.

    Next, my paperwork was passed to the I/O sitting next to the volunteer for further checking. The I/O shuffled through all the documentation numerous times (at least 6-8 times) while another officer entered some info into a terminal to check Address Registration and 90 day report status. My wife and I had done my address registration over a year ago downstairs, and my most recent 90 day report was done online 2 weeks ago. There seemed to be some sort of problem popping up on the terminal screen, and after bringing in a couple of other officers, it was determined that an error had been made when entering the Address Registration over a year ago. Some updates were made, a serial number on my Address Registration receipt was corrected, and a new 90 day report receipt was stapled into my passport. Apparently, this error wasn't caught during last year's extension processing, or the past 4 or 5 90 day reports. While all of this was going on, the I/O continued to shuffle through my paperwork checking, and re-checking multiple times. During this time, they gave me a couple of new forms to complete and sign (permission for police check, and something else).

    Next, waited until an I/O was available to begin processing my application. This turned out to to be the same I/O that did the initial checking (he moved from his seat next to the volunteer, to his desk). After a lengthy ritual of assembling pieces of paper to form a desk blotter and laying out all of his rubber stamps, inkpads and pens, he began to shuffle through the documents again. I was given a couple more new forms to complete, and my wife was also given a form (exclusively in Thai language) to complete and sign. At this point, the same I/O that had already inspected my paperwork at least 15 times, now determined that he didn't like the way that my wife's Tabien Baan, and my last entry stamp had been copied, so back down to the copy center for new copies. (The issue with the Tabien Baan was that the copy included the inside cover page. The orientation of the entry stamp copy was in "landscape" mode, and he wanted "portrait mode", if that makes sense. These were the same copies that were acceptable last year.)

    With all paperwork acceptable, now, he collected the 1,900 baht application fee and told us to go to the waiting area until called. After 15 or 20 minutes, I was called to have a digital photo taken near the waiting area, then told to go to the waiting area again. After 15-20 minutes, the I/O called us back to his desk. There he gave me a receipt for the application fee, and I needed to complete and sign yet another form. Then told to go to the waiting area again.

    After another 15 minutes or so, the I/O calls me to his desk and hands me my passport, and I see that the "under consideration" period lasts for almost 60 days (30 days after my current extension expires).

    All in all, the whole process took over 2.5 hours, and the office was not busy at all. There was never more than a handful of people in the waiting area, and much of the time the I/Os were idle. Since the office wasn't busy I'm not sure what all of the wait time was about, but I suspect that it has to do with some other officer (maybe the boss) checking things every step of the way.

    Here's a list of the documents that were required/provided (in duplicate). All are photocopies except one original and one copy as noted by (*):

    -TM7 Application form w/photo

    -Passport ID Page

    -TM6 Departure Card

    -Current extension stamp

    -Most recent entry stamp

    -Tabien Baan - all pages, excluding inside cover

    -Wife's ID card

    -KorRor 22* (newly obtained from the Amphoe)

    -Foreign Marriage Certificate (in English) (I/O discarded the Thai translation and MFA certification copies)

    -Income Verification Letter from Consulate*

    -ID page from a Thai bank account

    -Hand-drawn map to the house

    -2 photos of myself and wife (one inside, and one outside of the house)

    How recent was your income verification letter?

    Did you obtain that from the US Embassy in Bangkok?

    Thailand Medical Insurance, April International, Bupa ? Any other one ?

    in Insurance in Thailand

    Posted

    MSH International has great rates and coverage.

    However, I have never had a claim, so I can't comment on that.

    Your view on great rates may vary depending on your age. Get an online quote - and make sure you are sitting down when you read it.........

    Only others you may want to look that I am aware of and not mentioned are ACS (underwritten by Allianz but not the same) and Thai Health

    I already have a policy with them for several years.

    Their Vital Asia policy is $2249 US-per YEAR for ages 50-54 years old and $2527 US -per YEAR for 55-59 years old

    I pay $3280 US per year and I am 62 years old

    Health Insurance Advice

    in Insurance in Thailand

    Posted

    MSH International has great rates and coverage, but I have never had a claim so I can't comment on that.

    Great rates..........Their Pearl policy for mid 50s was over $1700 US - per QUARTER!......bah.gif

    Don't know what you where looking at.

    Their Vital Asia policy is $2249 US-per YEAR for ages 50-54 years old and $2527 US -per YEAR for 55-59 years old

    I pay $3280 US per year and I am 62 years old

    Best cheap smartphone

    in Mobile Devices and Apps

    Posted

    Asus Zenphone 2. I just picked up the ZE550ML for 8000 baht. Intel quad core processor, 2.3GHz, 64GB internal user memory, 4GB system memory, full HD 5.5 inch display. Dual SIM, microSDXC card slot (takes up to 128GB). 13/5MP cameras. Easily rootable.

    32GB version 1000 baht less. Other models with smaller (5") displays even less.

    I am quite happy with it. The GF now has her eye on it.

    Where did you buy the phone at that price?

    International Calling on Computer with New Phone Number

    in IT and Computers

    Posted

    What site or company will allow me to make international calls cheap AND give me a phone number or have unknown shown in the other person's caller id?

    I only need Voice calls, I do NOT need video.

    I heard Google hangouts gives a phone number, but you can't use this service in Thailand. Is that true?

    I need to make calls only using my computer which is an HP Windows computer.

    Thank you for your help.

    How Can I Learn to Use a Smartphone

    in Mobile Devices and Apps

    Posted

    Thanks to all for the comments, help and most of all, the laughs.

    Us "old" people were once "young people" and guess what, young people become old people one day.

    Didn't your parents tell you to respect your elders?? :)

    Anyway, I am married to a Thai woman for 11 years, so the bar girl help scenario will not work for me-that was my "young" people days, but you are sooo right.

    My son is very bright, so you are spot on as to not giving him enough credit-will probably want to play games all the time.

    Heck, I'm probably not giving myself enough credit.

    Can't afford Apple, so that is why I never considered buying one.

    The Asus has a fast 2.3 processor, 4gb of RAM and 64gb of storage. Seems like overkill to me, but a great price for the specs.

    Lastly, to Tonray-beware when you go outside, my super charged wheelchair might run you over!!! lol

    How Can I Learn to Use a Smartphone

    in Mobile Devices and Apps

    Posted

    I am 62 years old and will be buying my first smartphone.

    I will probably purchase the Asus Zenfone 2 as it seems to have the most bang for the buck, although I will only be using the phone for basic things like making calls, sms, internet surfing, pictures and maybe some gaming for my son.

    My fear is that I will not be able to learn how to use it.

    It comes with no manual or start up guide.

    How can I learn to use the phone? Will it be easy?

    All suggestions appreciated.

    Thanks in advance

    Simple Term Life Insurance

    in Insurance in Thailand

    Posted

    I have never seen an annual renewable term policy advertised on any Thai TV station, nor anywhere in Thailand for that matter. I am also looking for an annual term policy for my Thai wife, but we need something in the 10 million baht range.

    As she is a Thai national in Thailand, none of the expat coverages apply, and Thai insurance companies seem unwilling to write this kind of policy. Frustrating in the extreme really.

    So I will repeat the OP's question and hope to get a response. Does any insurance company in Thailand write annual renewable term life insurance policies?

    Try FWD

    They are a good company with great service.

    I have a good policy for me. I am 62 years old and have a small 500,000 baht policy. Costs 2,350 baht a month. Can withdraw cash if need be.

    HP Pavilion-Good or Bad?

    in IT and Computers

    Posted

    Do you know approx. what the cost will be for a 500GB SSD?

    Someone recommended a Samsung SSD with at least 500GB, do you agree?

    In Thailand a 500GB costs around Bt9K, give or two a few thousand depending on the manufacturer. See below snapshot from the JIB Price list. JIB is a large computer equipment chain at least here in Bangkok. SSD are significantly cheaper if you have a way to buy them from the US/Europe without the associated customs/mailing charges to Thailand.

    I would definitely recommend Samsung SSDs. I've had one for about a year now...a 840EVO 500GB...love it....and it has a great little utility program that comes with it called the Magician provides additional feature like SMART, Rapid Mode which makes a SSD even faster, Firmware Update, just a bunch of features. I bought mine from the U.S. at a significantly lower price that I could get it in Thailand...and a friend passing through dropped it off. Since the 840 is now an older model you are probably looking at getting a 850 or later model which goes for around Bt9K in Thailand.

    Thanks for the info, but like OP said, I had a budget of 25,000 baht and already went 3,000 baht above my budget, so an additional 8,000 baht for a SSD is not something I can do now. Maybe replace in the future.

    I will save info.

    HP Pavilion-Good or Bad?

    in IT and Computers

    Posted

    It is a laptop I will be purchasing.

    I guess I need to ask HP if the warranty will be voided if I replace the hard drive with a SSD.

    I get a 2 year on site repair warranty with this laptop.

    No it will not. All computer manufacturers, especially for laptops, know that customers routinely upgrade RAM, Drives, etc, during the warranty period. Now if the computer stops working, it goes to warranty repair and they determine the SSD you installed has failed, then they will not replace the SSD...they just give the laptop back unrepaired and tell you the SSD is the problem and you have to contact the manufacturer of the SSD since that SSD did not come with the HP computer you bought. But SSDs are very, very, very reliable; more reliable than HDDs.

    http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Hardware/Hp-Laptop-Installation-of-SSD-Disk/td-p/2278187

    So, what to do if you computer fails at some point with the SSD you installed...but you don't know why the computer failed...could be anything...a dead CPU, dead motherboard, dead video component, dead RAM, etc...not a SSD failure. And did you know that many returns are nothing more than a corrupted/malware infected system caused by what sets between the computer screen and the chair...has nothing to do with a hardware failure.

    Anyway, since you'll probably keep the original hard disk drive (HDD) that came with the laptop, just put it back in the computer to see if the computer failure/problem disappears. Of course you have needed to ensure you didn't overwrite any data on the hard drive once you removed it. You could still use it for a backup without overwriting original data on the original hard drive since backup programs usually create a new, separate folder to store the backup/image in and doesn't mess with other files on the drive.

    Or if you already have/use a backup external drive just do a image backup of your HP laptop to that backup drive so you could reload the image to that original HP drive that came with your new laptop if you wanted to reinstall it for warranty work. Then while not in the HP laptop you could completely wipe off all the data/free up all the space from that original HDD for whatever use you wanted...but since you got an image backup on another backup drive you could always put the HP drive back into your HP computer and reload the original image. If the computer is still broke after doing this...then call for warranty repair. And then there are the cloning options. But if you are not a backup or cloning person (easy processes with numerous backup programs), then maybe you don't want to consider these approaches. And if you don't do image backups you are really setting yourself up for not being able to quickly and easily recover from computer failures caused by corrupted software or hardware failure, but that's a different subject.

    Personally I'm looking to buy a second laptop right now in the Bt15K ballpark to replace and old and slow 8 year old laptop. I know I will also want to put a SSD in the laptop and probably upgrade from 2GB or 4GB that most laptops usually come with to 8GB. So, in my searching I'm pay extra attention to the HDD and RAM that comes with the new laptop because for example a new laptop that comes with a 1TB HDD vs a 500GB will probably cost a little more since it's got a larger drive...but I'm just going to replace the HDD from the get-go so I would prefer to buy the laptop model I want with the smaller HDD just to save some costs. The great majority of laptops you buy off the shelf down still only come with a HDD vs SSD simply due to cost competition between the manufacturers. However, you can buy a laptop tailored to the hardware you want (like getting a SSD vs HDD) from the manufacturers website stores but that will be more expensive unless they have a good sale/promotion going on.

    P.S. By the way regarding warranty repair, my primary laptop is a Lenovo that came with a 2 year warranty...bought it here in Thailand at BananaIT....the keyboard malfunctioned at the 22 month point into the 24 month warranty....some of the keys became intermittent/non working. I had long replaced the original HDD with a SSD and also upgraded from the original 4GB RAM and 8GB RAM. Took the laptop to warranty repair with the SSD and extra RAM still installed. Lenovo replaced the keyboard/did the repair without question...free of charge...didn't care it now had a SSD and extra RAM in it.. Repaired here in Bangkok at a Lenovo service center.

    Thanks for your post.

    Do you know approx. what the cost will be for a 500GB SSD?

    Someone recommended a Samsung SSD with at least 500GB, do you agree?

    HP Pavilion-Good or Bad?

    in IT and Computers

    Posted

    The HP Pavilion looks okay but a new i7 should really be paired with 8GB of RAM. Also the hard drive is 5400 which is painfully slow. Fortunately both of those can be upgraded later by adding another stick of RAM and a SSD. The RAM would probably be okay as is unless you're planning to do Photoshop or video editing etc but for basic use is adequate. I would definitely recommend the SSD though.

    Just because it's got a 6th generation chip does not necessarily mean better, faster, etc. Yes, almost for sure it will use less power but it may not be as fast/powerful as a 4th or 5th gen CPU.

    For example...my two year old Lenovo Z510 laptop uses an Intel i7-4702MQ CPU...it's a 4th gen CPU but has 4 physical cores/8 threads (like having a CPU that is really 8 CPUs) compared to the i7-6500U CPU which has 2 physical cores/4 threads (like having a CPU that is really 4 CPUs). But I will be the first to admit that a 2 phyical core/4 thread CPU is all the great many people need in a laptop or even a desktop. If they are gamers then they probably want to go with a desktop since desktop CPU have more horsepower and you can add a powerful GPU to run games faster/smoother. But for me, I'm not a gamer....I want the mobility of a laptop.

    Below are some links comparing my Lenovo's 4th gen CPU with the HP's 6th gen CPU. In so many cases the new generation mobile/laptop CPU have not got more powerful, they have just got smaller, run cooler, and use less power...and generally got cheaper. Using less power is good thing for mobile devices when operating off battery power, but if your laptop stays plugged in most of the time it's really no advantage. And when it comes to heat generated my 4th gen CPU runs very cool...no noticeable heating affect on the laptop case like older 3rd and earlier CPU generations would cause.

    I'm just pointing out the CPU thing since that will be one of the most important hardware choices in a computer since that's your laptop's engine. Will also have to say the great majority of 5th and 6th gen laptop CPUs are dual core/4 threads CPUs since they are cheaper to make and really meet the needs of the great, great majority of laptop users. Below are some comparison links for the two CPU mentioned above.

    http://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Intel-Core-i7-6500U-vs-Intel-Core-i7-4702MQ/m36930vsm2674

    http://cpuboss.com/cpus/Intel-Core-i7-4702MQ-vs-Intel-6500U

    http://www.cpu-world.com/Compare/936/Intel_Core_i7_Mobile_i7-4702MQ_vs_Intel_Core_i7_Mobile_i7-6500U.html

    Thank you for the comments.

    I guess the main question overall is if this is a good laptop for me based on price and usage.

    I only plan to use this for pretty much basic things like surfing the net, watching movies, listening to music and mild gaming.

    Based on that, is this a good computer and value or do you recommend another brand and/or model.

    It's fine for your needs but the first thing I would do is replace the hard drive with a SSD. A SSD will provide a very noticeable "speed of use" boost. It sure did with my Lenovo laptop and some older laptops I have.. Recommend a Samsung SSD....get at least a 500GB SSD. I replaced my 1TB HDD with a Samsung 500GB SSD. The hard disk drive you remove can be used as a external backup drive. 8GB vs 4GB of RAM would also be recommend although there only may be a few applications where you notice that increased RAM benefit if just an average user.

    It is a laptop I will be purchasing.

    I guess I need to ask HP if the warranty will be voided if I replace the hard drive with a SSD.

    I get a 2 year on site repair warranty with this laptop.

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