bdevaux

I can personally recommend AbsoluteYoga. I have a six month membership and go almost daily. They offer thrice daily Hot yoga classes as well as Hatha, Vinyasa, Astanga, Yin, Anusara and Pilates programs. Hot yoga is a good place to learn various postures; then you can "graduate" to the more advanced styles. Their website has all the pricing info as well as profiles (with pictures - I don't think you'll be disappointed) of all the instructors. In addition, they have six studios in BKK plus one in Pattaya and one in Koh Samui.

I've read thru the forum threads and think I know the answer but, since this is immigration related, I want to make sure.

I'm an American who was living in Sri Lanka prior to coming to Thailand. I arrived in Thailand March 1, 2007 on a 60-day tourist visa (issued in Columbo) and received a 30-day extension at the end of April. At the end of May I went to China for three weeks and got another 60-day tourist visa in Beijing. I just got another 30-day extension which expires on Sept. 1st. I plan to return to the US in the middle of September and get a Retirement visa.

My issue is the two week period from September 1st, when my current extension expires, and my planned departure for the US on September 14th. What I think is true from reading the forum is that I can leave Thailand on September 1st (taking advantage of the cheap airfares to Singapore or KL) and return immediately getting a visa on arrival to cover the Sept. 1 - Sept. 14th period. Having the tickets for my flight to the US will help if there are any questions when I go through Immigration at Suvarnabhumi.

Am I correct? Is there anything else I need to consider?

Thanks.

Both GNC and California Wow sell Whey protein powder. Don't know the price, though.

Hi Dog,

Without getting competitive, I could suck even more than you. I'm a Unity Thai Language School dropout because of my inability to master the tones.

But, I'm determined. So, I'm taking private lessons with a patient and talented teacher. I haven't mastered them yet but I feel like I've made significant progress during the six sessions we've had together. If you're interested, she has an ad in the Commercial Ads sub-forum as khroojee.

Good luck; if you find the magic solution, please share.

Bill

I went in for lunch today. I had to go to Immigration this morning and on my way up the escalator returning to the Sala Daeng BTS station I saw the sign for Mike's on my right. I immediately looped around via the stairs to investigate. Sure enough, there it was and it was open. Since it was only 11:15 am I went across the street and poked around the golf shops until I couldn't stand it any longer. I walked into Mikes at 11:30.

It's a well-lighted, super-clean, inviting place. (It reminds me of Johnny Rockets in Philly.) Good menu and they serve breakfast, too. Since it was a bit early there were only a few people in the place. I took that as a sign that I'd get a very good sample of the food. I also had the cheeseburger combo. The price was right and it was a good burger (the meat was a tad dry but, with the tomato, mayo and grilled onion it came with and the ketchup I put on, it wasn't a problem) and the fries were excellent (well cooked, thick but not mealy/mushy.) A nice touch was the single, fat onion ring that sat atop the fries. Plus all the condiments you expect (plus a few you wouldn't) were on the table. For 170 baht, it was excellent.

Mike, AKA Brian, was in the shop and I spoke with him for a while. He's moved to BKK from Chiang Mai to oversee the expansion. He has plans to open eight more in BKK. I hope one will be near my apartment.

As an aside, I've been working my way thru the list of Burger joints mentioned on various TV threads. So far, I've been to Big Mango, Triple O, Piri Piri, The Garage and MOS Burger. Mike's is the clear, overall winner, so far. I've only been at this a month so it will take a little time to hit the rest of the places.

I just started private sessions with a woman named Khun Jee. She spent 5 years with Jentana Associates before going out on her own so she has a very good background. She was recommended to me by someone else on Thai Visa. Her rates are 6,500 baht for 10 lessons of 90 minutes each; she comes to my apartment so I don't have to travel. I was attending the Unity Thai Language school but it wasn't working for me. I've only had 2 lessons but, so far, I'm very pleased; she is willing to go at a pace I'm comfortable with plus she has the patience of a saint given my ability to repeatedly mangle the tones.

If you are interested, send me a PM and I'll give you her phone number.

I've been to both Fortune Town and the Hi-Fi building recently (looking for an integrated amp) and can second the recommendations for both. Fortune Town seems to be better for analogue equipment with some good vinyl shops as well.

There is the Bangkok Dance Academy which has several branches. They have Ballroom-Latin which should help you at a large function. Their website is bangkokdance.co.th

Dear Friends ,

This time you all must have o help me,no matter what.

Regards/Rasel

Thanks for the responses.

Sabaijai - I have the zafu type so that's what I was thinking about. But, it looks like I'll have to consider alternatives.

Thanks,

Bill

I'm looking for a meditation cushion since I left mine in the US. I went to the shop at Wat Pathum Wanaram today and, while they had a couple, the choice was slim. Does anyone know of a place with a wide (wider) selection?

Thanks,

Bill

looking to buy a pair of mountain climb helmets, haven't seen them in the sports departments of the malls, has anyone seen them in BKK ?

There is a climbing store in Siam Discovery. I think it's on the second floor but the name escapes me.

I'm a 56 year old American currently living in Sri Lanka on a Resident Visa. I will be moving to Bangkok in early February with a Non-Immigrant O-A visa issued by the Thai Embassy in Colombo. I have looked at old threads and visited the Thai Customs website but I'm still uncertain - very uncertain - about what personal effects I can bring without having to pay duty. Some of my belongings will be checked baggage on my flight and the remainder will come as "unaccompanied baggage" the following day via Sri Lankan Airlines. Most of my stuff is clothes, books, etc. but I do have 300+ cds and some hi-fi equipment.

Will I have any problem bringing these items with me and/or is there anything I can do to minimize the chance of problems?

Astral - thanks for the reference. I didn't search other sub-forums; I'll expand my search next time.

Lopburi3 - thanks for the unambiguous response.

I looked at the Customs website and it appears to be a "crapshoot" as to what I'll pay in Duties my belongings. Does that seem accurate?

I'm a 56 year old American currently living in Sri Lanka on a Resident Visa. I will be moving to Bangkok in early February with a Non-Immigrant O-A visa issued by the Thai Embassy in Colombo. I have looked at old threads and visited the Thai Customs website but I'm still uncertain - very uncertain - about what personal effects I can bring without having to pay duty. Some of my belongings will be checked baggage on my flight and the remainder will come as "unaccompanied baggage" the following day via Sri Lankan Airlines. Most of my stuff is clothes, books, etc. but I do have 300+ cds and some hi-fi equipment.

Will I have any problem bringing these items with me and/or is there anything I can do to minimize the chance of problems?

Originally from New York, USA; currently living north of Colombo, Sri Lanka

Well, I woke up to the sight of the clouds atop Doi Suthep, out my window, for about the 700th time this morning.  I'll miss Chiang Mai.  I'm not asking for an outpouring of farewells here - you folks outdid yourselves when I had my big wreck ten days ago.  Just want to say thanks, and goodby.

I just realized that almost my entire two years in Thailand has been in Chiang Mai and Lamphun.  So, living in Hua Hin will be very different.  Those words of northern dialect that I learned may not come in handy. 

As we say in Texas, "Now, y'all come down and see us, hear?"

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Good Luck with the move and better luck getting settled in Hua Hin.