.png.3b3332cc2256ad0edbc2fe9404feeef0.png)
lomatopo
-
Posts
11,396 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Downloads
Posts posted by lomatopo
-
-
Hmm.. Im confused either I have spent every Monday for a year with my eyes closed (quite possible) or I have never noticed that this policy has been in existance. I usually eat everyday at food stalls and so would have expected to have picked this up
AFAIK this new policy was put into effect on 11 July 2005 so it's only been the last three Mondays. It will be interesting to see if this 'sticks' come high season?
-
7/7/70 - Bill Graham's Fillmore East at Tanglewood (Lenox, MA U.S.A.), box seats inside the shed. The Who played many songs from "Tommy" and Pete Townshend trashed a guitar or three along with a few amps. Evidently someone audio and video taped some or all of this concert as the Jethro Tull and Who tracks are readily available, according to a quick Google search.
It's a Beautiful Day
Jethro Tull
The Who
7/7/70 Tanglewood Music Shed, Lenox, MA: Heaven And ######, I Can't Explain, Water, I Don't Even Know Myself, Young Man Blues, Overture, It's A Boy, 1921, Amazing Journey, Sparks, Eyesight To The Blind (The Hawker), Christmas, The Acid Queen, Pinball Wizard, Do You Think It's Alright?, Fiddle About, Tommy Can You Hear Me?, There's A Doctor, Go To The Mirror!, Smash The Mirror, Miracle Cure, I'm Free, Tommy's Holiday Camp, We're Not Gonna Take It!, My Generation, See Me, Feel Me. "Heaven And ######," "I Can't Explain," and "Water" can be seen on the home video release Thirty Years Of Maximum R&B Live
-
...lost the phone numbers though
This is one of the two big problems:
1. Losing all your contacts
2. Not retaining your old number so people can contact you.
Fortunately, "2" above is not a problem if the company can issue you with a SIM having the same number.
But "1" is a real pain. I kept all my numbers on my computer, but they weren't up-to-date. My friend also lost all her numbers.
The only way to prevent this is to write them down somewhere - like in an address book - and don't assume that you will never lose your phone or SIM card.
Some phones allow you to synchronise data with your PC.
On some mobile phones you can copy your contacts between the phone's memory and the memory on the SIM. I did have an obsolete Orange SIM which I used to back-up my contacts. I also use Nokia PC Suite to regularly back-up contacts with Outlook. I also have a T-Mobile pre-paid SIM for use in the USA and I copy numbers onto that phone and SIM, from my Thai SIM, just to be sure.
-
There was a recent thread with some relevant information.
-
Mahidol University is currently looking for English Instructors in their ICT (Information and Communications Technology) Program. I think this an "International" program so all subjects are taught in English.
Is anyone teaching there currently, or do you know someone who is teaching there? I am curious about the working conditions and environment.
Contact hours are 15 ~ 20 per week; work hours 09:00 - 17:00 Mon-Fri with daily transport provided between the Rama 6 campus and the work location at the Salaya campus.
-
Rain, pot plants cause havoc
BANGKOK: -- Bangkok traffic was mired in chaos yesterday morning following hours of widespread rain throughout the capital.
Floating potted plants, which had been used as traffic-island decorations, became another obstacle in the already slow-flowing traffic, and a source of amusement for onlookers in an otherwise stressful situation.
--The Nation 2005-07-14
At first I didn't know what to make of the headline in today's The Nation...I was trying to figure out how "pot plants" were related to the heavy rains here yesterday. Maybe an editor was having a bit of fun?
-
As far as I know, any regular US Treasury payment (Social Security, VA Pension, Civil Service Pension, etc.) can be deposited via EFT (electronic funds transfer) to any financial institution with a US routing number. So, any US bank will work.
Bangkok Bank happens to work for Thai based accounts because their New York branch has a US routing number. I believe the Treasury funds are sent to the New York branch and then on to the Thai branch via SWIFT transfer.
If it helps:
Intermediary Bank Information:
Bangkok Bank PLC
29 Broadway, 20th Floor
NY, NY 1006
Telephone: +1 212 422 8200
ABA Routing No. 026008691
Beneficiary Bank Information:
Bangkok Bank PCL
add branch address here
add account number here
SWIFT Code: BKKBTHBK
-
My recent experiences:
Mailboxes, Etc.: 3rd Floor/Big C (EGV Metropolis across from WTC) Ratchadamrii Rd. b1,600 for six months for a smallish post office box (3"x5"). Seems reliable, at least so far. Mail gets delivered once per day shortly after 12 noon. Like MBE/The UPS Store in the U.S., your address looks more like an office suite (MBE Suite No. NNN, 89/36, 97/11 No. 307 Rajdumri Rd. Lumpini Patumwan Bangkok 10330 Thailand).
Thailand Post: Nana Post Office south side of Sukhumvit near soi 4. Enter the left hand door and head upstairs. Apply for a post office box (two copies of your passport required); the total fees for 12 months came to b481.50. Today they had ~ 50 boxes available; they show you a list of available numbers form which you can choose. The address here is quite simple: Name, Post Office Box NNNN, Nana Post Office Bangkok, 10112 Thailand).
* How big are they: MBE's are 3"x5", Thai Post are more like 5"x5"
* How long does it take to get one: 10 minutes
* Do you get a key and just go in and open up when you go to the post office: Yes
* How secure are they: Not sure how to answer? Obviously employees have total access.
* What is the process to get one: Fill out a form, passport required, pay money, get key.
* Is there an application form: Yes.
* Are there good places/bad places to have them: No experience.
* Would it be possible to have one say in bkk and khon kaen: I would say yes.
* If you dont empty your box for a while - what happens when it fills up: Not sure? Expect they would hold you mail?
* Anyone have any further experience with Thai Post Offive PO Boxes: Other than what I posted above, no.
-
Hi all,
I want to start investigating the option of getting money to Thailand from the UK. I know many of you have raved about the free free Nationwide ATM account for withdrawls outside the UK.
However, I am a bit cynical, I have never known a bank to be out-and-out generous. So I am wondering, what are the exchange rates like for cash withdrawls when in Thailand with Nationwide? Have they merely given with one hand and taken away with another by dropping the withdrawl fee, but fattening up the spread they charge on the exchange rate.
Would you consider opening a bank account in Thailand, say at Bangkok Bank, where they will give you an ATM card. Then you could wire transfer money from the UK to your Bangkok Bank account, and use your BB ATM card for local withdrawals.
At GBP20+ per wire. Plus pre arranging wires if you are in Thailand.
The way to go is to keep your money in a Nationwide E savings account getting 5% (gross), linked to flexaccount fully manageable on the internet, then transfer whatever you need to draw out through the ATM in Thailand from E savings to flexaccount whenever you need it, no penalties, in internet cafe or wherever, and then draw it out, all for nothing earning 5% til required.
Money in Bangkok Bank =0%interest (or thereabouts).
Good points.
Wire transfers for me (U.S. based, Bank of America, via Bangkok Bank {intermediary} in NYC to Bangkok Bank in Thailand cost 10USD per and are easily pre-arranged. The resulting exchange rate is always quite acceptable. I think Bangkok Bank does apply a slight charge for incoming wire transfers. Bangkok Bank does pay interest, something along the lines of 0.75%?
For an U.S-based folks I can recommend a Fidelity fund, in a brokerage account, linked to a Visa/debit/ATM card which can be used in Thailand as an ATM card without fee and a competitive exchange rate. I use a Federal Tax-exempt fund which nets ~ 3% interest. I am certain other financial firms offer similar services.
-
Have you considered asking your bank these questions?
Beauty. I can see the blank stares and hear the, "Ah-lai-wa?" Just drop a few into beggars' cups now and then. Problem solved.
No blank stares at the bank (Bangkok Bank). They require 1 and 5 baht coins bagged in 100 baht lots, and deposited into my account. I did that today without a problem. I''ll be more careful about accumulating so much change in the future.
-
Hi all,
I want to start investigating the option of getting money to Thailand from the UK. I know many of you have raved about the free free Nationwide ATM account for withdrawls outside the UK.
However, I am a bit cynical, I have never known a bank to be out-and-out generous. So I am wondering, what are the exchange rates like for cash withdrawls when in Thailand with Nationwide? Have they merely given with one hand and taken away with another by dropping the withdrawl fee, but fattening up the spread they charge on the exchange rate.
Would you consider opening a bank account in Thailand, say at Bangkok Bank, where they will give you an ATM card. Then you could wire transfer money from the UK to your Bangkok Bank account, and use your BB ATM card for local withdrawals.
-
FWIW, I did notice that when I bought duty free on arrival at BKK using a credit card there was a separate slip, in addition to the credit card receipt, on which the clerk had written or typed details like name, passport number and the full credit card number. They kept the original and gave me a copy. I assume it was some sort of government/tax/VAT/customs form? Personally I try to avoid using my credit card here in Thailand. A few months ago a friend had his card copied and they rang up ~ b40,000 in just a few days. He was not responsible but he is still trying to sort out the problems.
-
Have you considered asking your bank these questions?
Yes, as it was Friday after they closed I thought I'd ask here. I'll check with them tomorrow. Thanks.
-
I have about 2,500 baht in one and five baht coins (accumulated change over the year). How are these best returned to my bank for paper notes? In the U.S. I would get paper coin roll wrappers from my bank and then return the assembled rolls. Do they use rolls like that here in Thailand? If so are they available from my bank?
-
At this One-2-Call (AIS) website it says...
"Lost your SIM Card? No hassle. We can activate a One-2-Call! SIM Card replacement while keeping the same number."
I am under the impression that you have to request a replacement within 30 days. This is a very handy feature as I would really like to keep my number in the event my mobile is stolen or lost.
When I call the One-2-Call Call Center (1175, press 2 for English CSR's), they usually try to verify ownership by asking me questions about my top-up history. I can answer this question as I only use 500 THB top-up cards and I save the most recent top-up SMS so can provide the date. BTW, they are extremely helpful and repsonsive, as they are in the Telewiz shops and email ( [email protected] ).
-
I am US-based and educated, and plan to teach in Thailand.
I would recommend digitally scanning all these important documents and storing them on CD, your PC and even your website. I have scanned all my diplomas (high school, undergraduate and graduate) along with unofficial transcripts (and baptism record, birth certificate, driver's license, passport w/visa, credit cards, etc.) I also plan to bring my original diplomas along with certification letters from the colleges/universites and unofficial copies of my transcripts.
I think the transcripts (that document which shows which courses you took and what grades you received) might be the most challenging? In theory and "official" transcript is sent directly from the educational institution to the prospective employer without the candidate/graduate touching or viewing it. This could take a few weeks, and most colleges/universities require payment in advance. I think I can do this via email and with a credit card? I recently requested unoffical transcripts, just as back up, and while they are signed and embossed, they still say, "issued to student", rather than "official".
-
I have a 2 1/2 year old IBM Thinkpad (26474MU). Can anyone recommend a place to sell this in Bangkok? Should I just go to Panthip/Fortune and slog around the shops to see who is interested? TIA.
-
A book that has been turned into a movie as well would be good if you have movie facilities
one flew over the cuckoos nest
A great novel and movie no doubt but not really applicable to the age group of my class.
"The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe." was on BBC back in the late 1980's and should be available on video. Also, filming has wrapped, in NZ, on a major motion picture version due out in 2005. Eleven months of post-production means the film is slated to open in December, 2005!
-
I'd recommend $1,000 dollar denomination Traveler's Cheques, or wire transfer.
Check around as you may be able to get Traveler's Cheques for free, I got my Visa-issued TC's from AAA, and as a member I do not pay any fee. There is a 33 baht fee for cashing TC's but you do get a good exchange rate, a tad higher than $100 bills.
I also had good luck with a wire transfer from my U.S. bank to my account at Bangkok Bank.
This thread has some relevant information.
-
I used this Bangkok Bank International Funds Transfer FAQ to successfully transfer funds from my bank account in the U.S.A. to my bank account at Bangkok Bank, Bang Kapi branch.
Here is part of that FAQ:
1. What is Bangkok Bank’s SWIFT code and when should I use it?
Our SWIFT code is BKKBTHBK. This is the one and only code for every Bangkok Bank branch. You can give this to the bank where the funds transfer originates from. It will save the search fees and time.
2. When sending money from overseas to a Bangkok Bank branch in Thailand what information should I give to my bank?
The bank will ask you for the name of the person receiving the money and their account number as it appears in their Bangkok Bank passbook.
My transfer took ~ 30 hours, my bank charged me $15 USD and Bangkok Bank charged me 500 baht (the maximum fee). I received the median interbank exchange rate for the date of my transfer.
I used Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited, 29 Broadway, 20th Floor, NY, NY 10006 as the “Intermediary Bank”. So I guess my bank sent them USD and then they sent THB to Bangkok Bank in Thailand?
I used my Bangkok Bank branch as the “Beneficiary Bank”.
As mentioned, I am certain Bangkok Bank can identify your branch from the account number.
-
Such a convoluted way to avoid having a visa. One can only wonder why you'd go to so much trouble. A Thai visa is seriously easy to obtain.
Sorry you found my comments convoluted. Hopefully the OP found them helpful?
-
A couple of comments/thoughts:
I think that proof of an onward ticket might be required, rather than a return ticket, if arriving as a tourist without a visa? Many times I fly into BKK from FRA, but depart to NRT.
One can secure a fully refundable ticket for say BKK-SIN, and use this as proof of onward travel. Whether one decides to use that ticket or return it for a refund is of course an open question. Or maybe one of the LCC (low cost carriers) can be utilized, although these are typically not refundable.
You should be able to find BDL-BKK return on UA for ~ $800. One can always pay a fee to change the return. You probably will have to return to the U.S.A. at some point to apply for a visa?
I believe the airline will be your first, but possibly not last, hurdle? They may deny boarding unless you have a valid visa. One time at FRA I was questioned by the TG gate agent, I was connecting from LH and did not have a boarding card for my TG flight, about my return flight as she could not see my onward flight in her view of my passenger record. I showed her a printout of my itinerary which satisfied her.
A one-way ticket may cause you to be flagged for additional security scrutiny, which will lead to further questions about your itinerary.
Not sure what will happen on arrival at BKK. The tourist visa form is two-parts, arrival and departure. I always have the departure form filled out with my onward flight details. I would imagine leaving this blank might be cause for additional scrutiny?
One last thought, maybe evidence of an onward rail ticket, say from Bangkok to Kualu Lumpur would solve the bulk of your problems? I imagine these might be relatively inexpensive, and refundable if one decided not to make the journey.
Have a safe and enjoyable trip.
-
Random thoughts on this topic/thread
I haven’t seen the movie, “Hollywood Buddha”, but did notice that, “…The unanimous verdict of representatives of Sri Lankan Buddhist temples in Southern California who have seen the controversial movie Hollywood Buddha is that the movie is not disrespectful to the religion and does not pose any threat to Buddhism.”, so perhaps the OP is somewhat relieved?
I happened to be in Bangkok when this issue broke in the local media, and was making my way to the United Airlines ticket office on Wireless Road (Sindhorn Building, just south of the U.S.A. Embassy). Not knowing which side of the street I was supposed to be on, I did notice a large crowd in the annex looking for visas to the U.S., an even larger crowd of Thai Police on the opposite side of the road (in front of the U.S. Embassy), and a small number of protesters. Perhaps the big crowd was protesting at the French Embassy?
I loved the Thai movie “Ong Bak”, but it did seem disrespectful to images of Buddha, what with all the desecration of Buddha statues?
Did anyone see the movie “Little Buddha”? I really liked this movie, OK maybe Keannu Reeves is pretty bad as Siddhartha?, But it was quite entertaining, thoughtful and respectful. And on a similar note, I loved Ang Lee’s mini-film for the BMW series, “The Chosen”.
-
Just to answer my own question...
I bought a KSC WiFi HotSpot pre-paid card, 20 hours for 1,359 THB, from a shop in the Fortune IT Mall. It works quite well, I've used it at a number of Starbucks, and also at EGV Grand Metropolis. If you are a dTAC post-paid customer you can get a free account, they send you an SMS with your password, your user name is your dTAC nine digit phone number.
Lastly, I noticed a free WiFi hotspot outside/near the Apple store in Siam Discovery (fourth floor) adjacent to the Starbucks. There were three people hanging about using that network.
Web Site For Thai Consulate/embassy Houston?
in Thai Visas, Residency, and Work Permits
Posted
Does anyone have any experience applying for a multiple-entry non-immigrant B visa in person at the Royal Thai Consulate in Houston? That is, could you show up in the morning and drop off your paperwork/passport/fee, and then possibly pick up your passport that same afternoon or the next day? (I obtained my current multiple-entry non-immigrant B visa from Houston via FedEx but am thinking about making a trip to Houston coincidental with my application for a new visa.)
I have spoken with the legal assistant there who seems to handle all the paperwork. She is incredibly helpful and responsive. I will also call her when I return to the U.S.A. next month to ask about applying in person, and post back here if no one has any first-hand knowledge or experiences.