curtklay

Maybe if Thailand legalized or de-criminalized pot, they could reduce the horrible meth problem that currently exists.

My party of six just returned from The Dukes at Promenada. Absolutely fantastic Thanksgiving spread. The staff were great; friendly greetings, super service, and the food was among the best I've had anywhere. Not only were our plates full, but they brought out extra portions of potatoes, gravy, stuffing, and side dishes. Topped off with pumpkin pie and gourmet coffee. Very impressive, and exceeded my expectations.

Thank you, David! Your crew at Promenada are doing a doing a great job. We traveled 3 hours from Phrae, and it was well worth it.

Good one, Crossy! I'm still laughing.

Fred:

All your photos are very special. I always look forward to seeing your posts. Absolutely the best thing on TVF!

Samtam:

I think you have found the problem; True is not accepting foreign cards even though they have a drop down menu to select issuing countries and the bank names. This is the only explanation that makes sense. It is not the foreign bank blocking the transaction, as I have spoken with my bank and confirmed that is not the case. My bank firmly stated that True has never attempted to make a charge, even though they have my authorization on file. And as said, the same card works fine with TOT online payments. All my banks know I live in Thailand, and all my cards work online and in person. My problems with True started in August, just like yours. It is enlightening that they told you of their new policy. They have told me nothing, and in fact they offered to set up autopay with a credit card, and also said I would receive a 2% discount on my monthly bill using autopay! If they changed their policy, I can't understand why they haven't changed their online bill pay page, but I am convinced that what you are saying is the real story. Is it legal? I don't know, but if that's the way they want it, I will simply go back to paying in cash at 7/11 or their shop. I'm not going to give them access to my Thai bank account.

All of this is just more evidence of what a crappy company they are. Oh, and by the way...despite their rep's "PROMISE" to call me back, no one did.

True sucks.

I am having the same problem with True. 2 months ago, they offered to set up "autopay" for my monthly TV bill with a credit card. They said everything was set to go. I even called my US bank to tell them a monthly bill would be coming from True, and that I authorized payment. It has never worked, and rather than calling me, they turned off my service when the bill became overdue. I called my bank, and was told that True never even attempted to make a charge. They also said they had my authorization noted, and there was no reason the charge would not go through if they attempted to process one. I went ballistic, paid my bill in cash, then called them to find out why their auto pay system wasn't working. I could not pay the bill online manually either, getting the same page as your screenshot. Strangely enough, I use the same credit card to pay my TOT bill online with no problem, and TOT uses the same "gateway bank" and verification process that True uses. True apologised profusely, and assured me that the system will work for my next bill. My bill was due yesterday, and the autopay did not happen, nor could I pay online. I called them again, and was told the billing department would call me back. I told them "that's what you said last month, and no one ever called me". The service person said, and I quote, "Sir, I promise you, I will have the billing dept. call you back shortly". Need I say it? No one ever did. So, off I went to the True shop to pay in cash to avoid them pulling the plug again. I have no clue what their problem is. Like I said, the same exact process works with TOT, but not with True, and all I get is lip service. I have no problems using my US credit cards in Thai stores or online. True is the only merchant that I have a problem with, and even they can not tell me why.

I am sorry you are having a similar problem, but I take comfort knowing it is not only me that is struggling with them. If i ever get an expanation or remedy to this, I will post it here.

I live way up north in Phrae, so I know it can be difficult to find the right products here. My advice on chemicals comes from my prior life in the US, where I worked in the business for many years. I'm not familiar with pool stores in Pattaya or Bangkok, but would guess that there are larger stores that carry a good line of shocking products. The trick is finding them. Online shopping could be the best route. I'd give Pool Doctors a call since their website isn't working. With 2 stores (Bangkok and Pattaya) I would think they would have a full range of chemicals.

Just another day.

Thailand...land of ambiguity.

I asked at my bank if I could fill out a beneficiary form so my wife could access the funds in my retirement extension account in the event of my demise. They said there is no such thing. However similar to what Nancy said, they told us since they know us, there would be no problem. We also have a joint account at the same branch. I also have a US will that specifies my wife as the beneficiary to all bank accounts. The "Ask A Lawyer" service here on TVF stated to me that an additional Thai will would not be necessary. Just in case, she also has access to my ATM card and PIN.

Craig: My thoughts are with you during your struggle. You are one of the good guys.

It's the cyanuric acid in stabilized chlorine that can cause problems if the level gets too high. You should be able to find sodium hypochlorite (liquid) or calcium hypochlorite (granular) at any pool store. Neither contain stabilizer and are the standard for shocking with chlorine. If the water is clear, you can also use non-chlorine shock (potassium monopersulfate) commonly called "oxidizer" that will release combined chlorine without raising the chlorine level too high to swim.

Dave: Can you clarify for me? Your Facebook page says there is 4 seating times at Promenada. But if I understand your post here, anytime is OK? Are you accepting reservations, and are you serving the full Thanksgiving turkey feast in addition to your regular menu?

We will be a party of six, coming from Phrae, so I want to be sure I have the information correct.

Hi Craig,

Like Joe says, I have a regular savings account with Kasikorn that I use for my retirement extension funds. ATM card is 200 baht per year, and online banking is available. Never had any problems.

The solution for me was to close my US PayPal account, and open a new Thai PayPal account. I could link my US credit cards as long as my Thai address was the same on the credit card and PayPal account. Never had a problem since, and it's been 5 years.

Lumigan was the brand prescribed by my US Ophthalmologist.

Pay ASAP. They are the least forgiving utility by far and will literally cut your cable withing a week, as they have done with my tenants in the past.

They also charge exorbitant late fees.

You have my sympathy. This is a very hard choice to make, even in the US where there is no problem with a vet euthanizing a sick or ancient dog. I have had to face it 3 times. But for God's sake, do not consider any of the horrific suggestions made on this thread. Go back to the vet and get the proper dose, or pay him extra to do it. Otherwise, go to every vet you can find until you find one that will do it properly and humanely. In a country where people routinely poison neighbors pets for barking too much, I can't believe that there is no vet that will perform his job. The hypocrisy in this country is hard to believe. It isn't murder or a sin; it's an act of compassion and love. Surely, there is a Western trained vet somewhere that will understand.

I know of a shop where they say "mai mee" before you even tell them what you want.

We are all one.

Everything you want to know can be found at Trip Advisor, Agoda, and numerous other websites.

How long have you been waiting to use that Rattlesnake Creek analogy?

I'm sure she will be greatly relieved to know that the old farts from TVF won't be stalking her.

Mmmmm...Now you've got my mouth watering.

In fact these rice weevils are as small as ants.

They way to go is to microwave a kg at a time.

When they are dead they are too tiny to even notice it when you see the rice moving that is alarming.

No different to drinking coffee with ants in it.

No big deal....if you are so concerned even buying another 30kg is only 750bt for piece of mind.

You drink coffee with ants in it??

Looks like I'm the only one going?

Parking should be a breeze.

Ebay sellers can post replies in a negative manner to a buyer who gives them negative feedback. Just read the profiles. Same, same, only different.