TravelerEastWest

I live in Maerim and use the internet extensively. Exactly where you live makes a big difference to which provider to use. I found that both f the TOT and TTT shops were helpful once I told them where I lived, however I use TOT business tariff because I found the normal tariff massively affected once the kids were not in school and in the internet shops.

I agree - If I use TOT I would want their business plan.

You might enjoy speaking with Khun Dao at Elite Property. Her English and knowledge of the area is very good.

http://www.eliteproperty.co.th/

Thank you it is always good to get more resources.

When in-country I just drive down the mountain into town to the Red Seat Internet shop which is run by one of the most attractive, enagaging, and just plain delightful Khon Muang woman in Mae Rim. Those who prefer women half their age need not apply.

Sounds good for an emergency - thank you. However, I need the internet for business so it won't work on a daily basis.

Closest Real estate agency to Mae Rim?

In Mae Rim would be great but close by is fine. English speaking is a plus but not important.

I looking for an agent that really knows the area well.

I suggest that you contact another 3BB location; there are about 17 in the Chiang Mai area. I, myself, have not found the one in Mae Rim to be very helpful at all. There's a 3BB desk at both Tesco Lotus locations, but I'm guessing that for those of us who prefer to discuss details in English, the ones with the most exposure to foreigners such as at the bottom level of Kad Suan Kaew might be most helpful. Here's a list of their shops: http://support.3bb.c...&province_id=13

A very good idea- thank you!

Mae Rim Internet Details?

Last month I posted a question about the internet in Chiang Mai with some great answers.

I thought Mae Rim was too far out but I have fallen in love with the views just outside the town and the house prices are reasonable.

I spoke to the 3BB shop in Mae Rim but they were not very helpful in terms of showing me a map with their premier 2500 baht 5 down 1 up coverage etc..

Basically I will have to ask neighbors their experience and give the 3BB shop telephone numbers and addresses to check.

Now I am just generally wondering is there any chance at all of 3BB on country roads 5 to 15km outside of the town?

So far from what I have heard after about 5km outside of Mae Rim TOT is the main option. This was from a teenager at an internet game shop so I am not sure how accurate the info is...

I need to use Vonage VOIP telephone to call my father quite often and I upload photos for a business website quite often - so the 3BB premier service is the only thing that has worked for me so far.

I can pay perhaps 5,000 plus per month or a one time fee of 30,000 or so for a new line/wire if this would help.

Any thoughts?

Thank you - it sounds just as easy as in Bangkok.

that's not what I get.

To TravelerEastWest, who started this line, if you take the address from the Chiang Mai Immigration web site, that will be the only thing different, I think, from what you did to mail your report in Bangkok. You can send me a PM if you have any questions I might be able to help you with.

MSPain

Do I need a jacket in Chaing Mai Jan 1st thru 5th?

From the official weather reports it does not look like it and I am currently in Bangkok where I certainly don't need it but my wife says it will be cold....

Yep

Good news - thank you.

I was puzzled when I did a search by all the references to people doing there reports in person.

I could never understand this unless the office did not accept mail reports....

Thanks again.

Chiang Mai Immigration 90 day reports - Mail OK?

I currently live in Bangkok and always mail in my 90 day report.

I am planning a move to Chiang Mai next year and i am wondering if 90 day reports are OK by mail?

Thank you!

Severance pay when a company moves for employees who don't move?

I understand that after 120 days a business basically must pay one months severance (with a few exceptions crimes etc) and after longer time periods more severance pay.

What happens if an employee is given one plus month notice of the business move and invited to move with the company (moving expenses paid plus bonus etc) and the employee does not want to move - so they lose their job?

Reading the labor law it seems like there is a special 50% severance pay - is this in addition to or instead of the regular severance pay?

Most AC units have a "dry" setting specifically designed to dry out the evaporator coils (your inside unit) This just runs air over the coils to dry them out before turning off.

I would clean the evaporator coils as best you can (you can get spray foams to do this) then run it on the dry setting or just turn up the temp so the compressor doesn't kick in and run it for a couple of hours so it can dry thoroughly. You can also put the evaporators in the sun for a while as well once you have them removed.

The compressor will be fine, just get the AC man to disconnect them ensuring the valves are shut first trapping the gas inside. When you recommission them they will need to be topped up with the correct gas. the evaporator doesn't need gas in it. Store them upright so the oil in the compressor doesn't leak into the valve head above it.

Just dry them like I said and you will be fine. But make sure any mould on the evaporator coil is cleaned of as best you can and make sure the gas lines are sealed.

Bung,

What a great post - many thanks!

How long can the ACs be stored? 2 or 3 years OK?

Best way to dry/seal an AC when moving?

An AC service person told me to remove my AC units (Carrier split inverters about 2 years old with newer 410 fluid and 7 year compressor warranty) about one week before moving to let them dry before packing them for storage - which could be for a couple of years.

The problem is that we need our ACs both for sleeping and to run a business during the day so a week in the hot season won't be a realistic option.

1) I wonder if this is a good option: Remove units one day before moving - pack and then when arriving a couple of days later open the boxes for a week and let them dry and then repack them.

2) Also I wonder how long can you store ACs with fluid in them?

3) Any other advice?

As a side note before we bought these ACs we had older ACs and we noticed a reduction in our electric bill of about 50% over the last two years.

4) We run the ACs at least 8 hours a day sometimes 24 hours, is 24 hours a problem?

When is your 90 day report actually due?

I ask as in the past they have waited until the due date to process mailed reports

Assuming that they are actually late. You should simply mail in the EMS receipt number with a polite request for a followup. Give them a chance to find it.

Your 90 day report will not effect your renewal so you can relax at worst you have to go to the 90 day report window and have them take care of it.

Good luck - let us know what happens.

They received my report a few days before it was due.

I am concerned about what the process is for someone that didn't receive the receipt by mail. A few years ago when the receipt fell out of my passport I had to go to a police station, pay them and it was a hassle.

I will never send another 90 day report by mail, very irritating.

Actually your case is very rare - I have never had the slightest problem reporting by mail nor have I heard of any other cases - although I am sure it happens as you report.

Meanwhile - what is the big problem? Just mail a quick request for a trace and or take care of it when you do your extension by waiting on the 90 day report line for a few minutes no big problem as these things go....

If everything goes wrong for you and they are in a bad mood it will cost you some money and 15 minutes - thats the worst case. and then the odds are it will never happen again.

Everyones situation is different but time and transportation costs for me are higher to file in person compared to paying a fine.

Once I moved provinces and Bangkok and did not have my receipt as I had lost it when moving they wanted me to pay 2000 baht as a fine - i politely insisted that I had filed on time and they called the other office and apologized to me - no fine.

So stay calm and all will be well - probably...

When is your 90 day report actually due?

I ask as in the past they have waited until the due date to process mailed reports

Assuming that they are actually late. You should simply mail in the EMS receipt number with a polite request for a followup. Give them a chance to find it.

Your 90 day report will not effect your renewal so you can relax at worst you have to go to the 90 day report window and have them take care of it.

Good luck - let us know what happens.

I went to the club more than 15 years ago for a short time while visiting Chiang Mai and they were very friendly.

The training was easy going not very rough as I recall.

Interestingly Bangkok Air was the least expensive as they had discounted rates for kids.

Now I am looking for a good driver/car so far I have found one for 1800 per day that speaks English 8-6pm anywhere gas included.

I wonder if all things being equal that is a bit high or normal?

I use a Police driver, 3rd. Generation Chiang Mai family. Very nice guy. Trained driver. Some English. His sister is a police translator. Let me know and I'll introduce you.

Sounds interesting

How much does he charge per day with a car and gasoline included?

Chiang Mai is pretty small, so it is probably worth just dropping your luggage at your hotel.

Dont miss the night safari, it is definately better for kids with more animals, less distance to walk and lots on. It is getting very busy at night, so better to try the afternoon times.Iain

Thank you, but the kids really want to see the Pandas and our hotel is outside of Chiang Mai perhaps 30 minutes south of the airport so it is not an easy option.

Perhaps we will also go see the night safari - sounds like fun.

Chaing Mai Zoo Luggage drop off possible?

I will take a plane to Chiang Mai on a Sunday and go directly to the Zoo with 2 small kids - before we check in to our hotel.

1) Do they have a place to leave a couple of back packs while we visit the Zoo at the entrance?

2) What is the easiest way to go from the airport to the zoo?

Thank you for the warnings - very interesting.

If my children went there it would be as day students so the distance is a factor to be considered...

.

American Pacific International School

I have seen dozens of school threads that briefly mention American Pacific International School but not much more.

Any current experiences good or bad?

Thank you!

The real question is not why do they do this as the answer is simply poor management... instead what is the better alternative?

Thai Air is typically more expensive, Nok was more recently when I priced a trip for a family of 4 and AirAsia was about the same but has a bad reputation for service and no kids play area as Bangkok Airways does.

I remember American airlines causing me a whole series of problems on a flight and when I called them they couldn't care less of course they are currently going bankrupt..

1) Bangkok Air for the flights - by far the best airline BKK to Chiang Mai.

2) Lai Thai or Top North Guesthouse both have pools and both come in at under 1000Baht a room (I assume that's what you meant by not needing luxury).

3) It depends on which schools you're visiting. American Pacific and Prem (sorry, can never remember its new name) are both a long way out of town in opposite directions. If these are on the list, a lot more expensive, if not, then a passing Song Taew would come in under 1000B. Personally, I'd rent a car and find my way around. Air Conditioned taxis in Chiang Mai are very expensive. There are a few ads on ThaiVisa classifieds that advertise daily rates plus fuel with a driver.

Best of luck!

Naboo,

Thank you - I will take a look at the two guest houses. I meant whatever is clean and safe with two large beds in a room.

PTIS (Prem) looks like a very nice school but too far out. We have a small craft business with workers who need to have apartments and a Big C and market etc nearby as well as lots of songtaews and small Thai schools for their kids.

American Pacific has a kindergarten campus which is not as far out i think that looks very nice.

3BB premium is available in Mae Rim, which is a good bit out from the city center, but that may not be true of every place.

KayCee,

Good to know - thank you.

Mae Rim is probably farther than we can consider so places closer in should be good.