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Yeah, a goldfish memory (3 seconds) helps not being bored, no matter how many rounds you do in your glass.
Yep. Wonderful disease. I get to hide my own Easter Eggs.
There's a lot of Visa info on the board lately.
Most important is that you will only get 15 days on arrival if you enter through a land border.
30 days are only given on arrival through international airports.One data point from October.
I'm American and arrived from the USA on October 8, 2008 and received the normal 30 day visa. On October 28 I traveled to Aranyapathet Thailand by bus and walked across the border to Poipet Cambodia and stayed there for 3 days. I walked back across the border on October 31 and was given another 30 day visa. Was not asked any questions or to see my airline ticket.
Since I was only going to be in Thailand for a few more days, even if they gave me the 15 days that I had read on the Thai government web site it wouldn't have mattered to me for this trip. If i needed more than 15 days I don't think I would have risked the crossing even if it were at the beginning of my trip and my total stay would have been less than 30 days.
There is a growing trade in medical tourism in BKK and other places. I thought this ad from the front page of todays Bangkok Post was interesting.
I hope this does not break any rules Jackson
Interesting, I haven't seen the exchange rate of $1=40 Baht in quite a while!
Rockabilly77
01-31-09, 17:46
There is a growing trade in medical tourism in BKK and other places. I thought this ad from the front page of todays Bangkok Post was interesting.
I hope this does not break any rules JacksonThe Phratnum polly clinic is a whole in the wall clinic that you would not want to go to. i freind of mine came to get some breast work and i went with her and the clinic was dirty and not the type of place you would want to have any medical done. She ended up paying double at a real clinic and had her surgery at a hospital instead upstairs on the poly clinics dirty sheets.
New rules came into effect from December 2008, so yes, in October you would have got 30, but now in January 2009 you would only get 15.
One data point from October.
I'm American and arrived from the USA on October 8, 2008 and received the normal 30 day visa. On October 28 I traveled to Aranyapathet Thailand by bus and walked across the border to Poipet Cambodia and stayed there for 3 days. I walked back across the border on October 31 and was given another 30 day visa. Was not asked any questions or to see my airline ticket.
Since I was only going to be in Thailand for a few more days, even if they gave me the 15 days that I had read on the Thai government web site it wouldn't have mattered to me for this trip. If i needed more than 15 days I don't think I would have risked the crossing even if it were at the beginning of my trip and my total stay would have been less than 30 days.
Just heading back home after great trip to Thailand. I'll write various bits up separately, but just thought I would give an outline here to show what is possible with a little planning.
Day One - arrive BKK in evening (Tulip)
Day Two - depart BKK for Pattaya (Tulip, FL)
Day Three - Pattaya (Hell Club take-out)
Day Four - Pattaya (Bar girl, fall in love)
Day Five - depart Pattaya, for BKK airport to Krabi, pick-up gik (the Shrimp)
Day Six - Krabi, forests (Shrimp)
Day Seven - Krabi, islands (Shrimp)
Day Eight - Krabi, temples (Shrimp)
Day Nine - back to BKK (Tulip)
A bit of variety, enough to please anyone.
mouse
Cunning Stunt
02-01-09, 16:35
Just heading back home after great trip to Thailand. I'll write various bits up separately, but just thought I would give an outline here to show what is possible with a little planning.
Day One - arrive BKK in evening (Tulip)
Day Two - depart BKK for Pattaya (Tulip, FL)
Day Three - Pattaya (Hell Club take-out)
Day Four - Pattaya (Bar girl, fall in love)
Day Five - depart Pattaya, for BKK airport to Krabi, pick-up gik (the Shrimp)
Day Six - Krabi, forests (Shrimp)
Day Seven - Krabi, islands (Shrimp)
Day Eight - Krabi, temples (Shrimp)
Day Nine - back to BKK (Tulip)
A bit of variety, enough to please anyone.
mouse
Sounds like you had a blast!
Probably need a holiday after that tight schedule :D.
Look forward to reading your reports.
Tomten1234
02-03-09, 01:23
http://pttaxiservice.com/
Looks like a nice price to me but ofcourse bell`s bus service is cheaper.
For those who have often wondered what was going on on Thai language web sites, you will be pleased to know Google now has the "Translate this page" option for Thai language web sites.
Simply search for the web site with Google, then click the "Translate this page" link on the search result you want to view.
Iwannahumpalot
02-10-09, 09:27
The few times i have stayed in BKK i have wandered down to Players Pool Hall (between Soi 14 and the Sheraton) and had some great nights playing pool with the ladies.
Just wondering if there are any other places to play pool that are worth a mention in that area.
Im looking to play against the girls and have some fun trying to beat them - not that i have much success!!
BTW has anyone barfined any of the girls from Players ?
Thanks
Member #3428
02-10-09, 19:14
The few times i have stayed in BKK i have wandered down to Players Pool Hall (between Soi 14 and the Sheraton) and had some great nights playing pool with the ladies.
Just wondering if there are any other places to play pool that are worth a mention in that area.
Im looking to play against the girls and have some fun trying to beat them - not that i have much success!!
BTW has anyone barfined any of the girls from Players ?
Thanks
To play pool or to get women or both? Most bars have tables and can grab ladies...
Besides almost all bars on 33 are... Ball in Hand soi 4 I think 10 tables, After Work used to have 4 tables, Bamboo Beer Bar had a few on soi 3, Bully's, Brunswick Pool Bar, Country Road didn't they have 4 tables?, Country Road II, Factory across from landmark I think, Flyers , Gullivers, Hillary, beer garden, etc...
Many many many many places.... Seems like almost every bar or every other bar walk into has a table or two.. Alex bar on soi 6 has two tables... bars on soi 22 have tables.... Heck even CM2 and such have tables... You can't miss hitting pool tables in BKK...
To play pool or to get women or both? Most bars have tables and can grab ladies...
Besides almost all bars on 33 are... Ball in Hand soi 4 I think 10 tables, After Work used to have 4 tables, Bamboo Beer Bar had a few on soi 3, Bully's, Brunswick Pool Bar, Country Road didn't they have 4 tables?, Country Road II, Factory across from landmark I think, Flyers , Gullivers, Hillary, beer garden, etc...
Yeah, I hooked up with a friend and went to Bully's for a drink. Nice place, 4 pool tables, not overly crowded. Not for picking up ladies I don't think, there were farang families eating, more of an expats hangout. The girls didn't look too exciting, though, except for the very sexy looking beer girl.
Oh, and I got a new connection for a couple of uni girls, part-time...hmm...must pass up this opportunity me think, but that's a different topic.
NicFrenchy
02-11-09, 03:58
Just wondering if there are any other places to play pool that are worth a mention in that area.
Look, all the below information are great, but if you really like pool, forget it. These are bars with those small tables.
I suggest you go down to Sukhumvit soi 4 and try this place: http://www.theballinhand.com/
They have real professional tables and even host tournaments on weekends.
You can play against the serving and racking girls but I don't think they are barfineable, however, if they like you they could be going with you for free.
Iwannahumpalot
02-12-09, 02:27
Look, all the below information are great, but if you really like pool, forget it. These are bars with those small tables.
I suggest you go down to Sukhumvit soi 4 and try this place: http://www.theballinhand.com/
They have real professional tables and even host tournaments on weekends.
You can play against the serving and racking girls but I don't think they are barfineable, however, if they like you they could be going with you for free.Looks like it could be worth a visit. The BallinHand is the ultimate objective!
You can play against the serving and racking girls but I don't think they are barfineable, however, if they like you they could be going with you for free.If the rackables have a nice rack, like me & go with me, i wud likely make them take one to two thousand baht ST. For taxi, mama, & SomTam!.
Last week I took some time to go to BK immigration office to extend my Visa as it was only for 28 day’s granted at arrival (see previous posting) and needed an extra 2 weeks. Went there on a early morning, not many people at the BK office, just a big bunch of Nigerians, wondered what trick they use to get visa extensions. I had to fill out two documents, needed a ID photo, copy from visa at arrival, departure card and passport, all done opposite immigration at a small shop this for a few Bath. I checked the immigration website beforehand, fee for extension was 1000 thb, at the office, I learned from a big sign above desk nr 5 that it was now 1900Thb, I asked for a 14 day extension, according to the date on my (flexible) return ticket I needed only 9 day’s, the extra but just in case and I asked a 2 weeks. The lady told me it was much better to pay visa overstay at the airport, hang on, this is 500 thb/ day x 9 day = 4500thb and the risk having a problem on my next entry, followed by a friendly discussion but they would give me only a maximum of 7 day’s, this even after showing my return ticket, so it will cost me another 1000 thb overstay fee at the airport if I leave on the foreseen day or even more when staying longer.
Another sign there is saying that from, law Nov 25. 2008, police order 778/2551, passport holders from the 37 countries under agreement max 30 day Visa stay. When crossing the border with a neighbouring county only 15 day VISA granted. And, from Jan. 15. 09, Immigration counter at the airport closed. (maybe I am wrong but it looks like applying for a long stay visa at arrival is no longer possible if that office is closed. A great ay to attract tourists and business people in low economic days. I spoke last week to a fellow European, lives in CMI for long holiday, he got a 1 year visa, multiple entry, from the local Thai Embassy in his country and paid 130 Euro for it with no guarantee to get it next year again. (nice when you own a property here) As mentioned in my previous posting, The document to be signed from the airline at the European airport at departure to was. Consent and release., saying that you fully aware of there immigration or visa rules and reimburse them (airline) in case of (long text) if a visa is refused etc. Etc. And you are responsible for whatever, etc.
JE
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Read an interesting fact today: not that long ago, the American Psychiatric Association considered masturbation, fellatio, and cunnilingus, as mental illnesses. I know I’m crazy but up until now I didn’t know why.
Cunning Stunt
02-16-09, 09:57
Read an interesting fact today: not that long ago, the American Psychiatric Association considered masturbation, fellatio, and cunnilingus, as mental illnesses. I know I’m crazy but up until now I didn’t know why.
Interesting - are you sure you read that right and it is not those who DO NOT indulge in masturbation, fellatio and cunnilingus (preferably at the same time:D) who are the real nutters?
...The lady told me it was much better to pay visa overstay at the airport, hang on, this is 500 thb/ day x 9 day = 4500thb and the risk having a problem on my next entry, followed by a friendly discussion but they would give me only a maximum of 7 day’s, this even after showing my return ticket, so it will cost me another 1000 thb overstay fee at the airport if I leave on the foreseen day or even more when staying longer...Watch out. if they catch you before you reach the immigraton counter when leaving, you qualify for free accomodation for quite a while
...nice when you own a property hereI have learned a long time ago not to invest in corrupt countries like Thailand, Indonesia or the Philippines into anything I can't consume instanly.
Read an interesting fact today: not that long ago, the American Psychiatric Association considered masturbation, fellatio, and cunnilingus, as mental illnesses. I know I’m crazy but up until now I didn’t know why.
or how much!
M P Lurker
02-16-09, 19:49
Read an interesting fact today: not that long ago, the American Psychiatric Association considered masturbation, fellatio, and cunnilingus, as mental illnesses. I know I’m crazy but up until now I didn’t know why.
There are others that are programmed that this stuff is dirty or evil and same goes for homosexual attitudes.
So one day people may become more enlightened that all these things and lots of sex are perfectly natural.
Now I don't understand why guys are so obsessed about girls swallowing, but I at least recognise that I am old-fashioned and, although I have no interest in this area, I have to accept that others have such a fantasy.
Fellow Mongers, (Sorry Guys since it seems no body check the travel plans and announcements
I am planning my 3rd visit to LOS for 18 days next August low season in oder to benfit from the recession First time been to Bangkok and phuket and second time it was Pattaya on new years eve 2006/2007.
So now as usual I will need your inputs
With respect to Bangkok (4 days) I am fine with Majestic Grande nice super hotel around 100US$ good reviews and in the middle of sukhumvit road although I would have loved to Stay at LL and meet our GODFATHER Gittos however I prefer a luxury hotel this time. I know about night life in Bangkok so I will be calling at spasso cm2, the rising star oil MP Tulip I would love to be pampered by the infamous Miss Yok and partners may be Annies or Emmunella too
Now my problem is in phuket last time (2005 post tusnami) I stayed at Patong resort it was amazing this time I heard about the Patong Beach Hotel and their offer to stay 14 nights and pay 7 nights 100US$ you will get 7 free night pay only breakfast 650 THB (18us$) total 808US$ I wonder if their policey is still GF I. E no Junior fees a colleague of Mine was there last November and they have been chraging him 1000 THB every night for bringing girls with him. I tired to get the hotel website by googling it but all my approach were fruitless can anyone let me have their e-mail address just be extra sure of their current policey.
Another option Safari hotel where my beloved savoy resturant is located it looks nice and just in the heart of Bangla road. They are quoting in their promotion 2250. THB 65US$ total 910US$.
Can you guys help me out should I stick to the old patong resort or do you have any other alternative my budget is fine anywhere from 50 till 60US$ although I would love to save money for our favorite hobby
Apperciate your comments.
Cheers!
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a whileI have learned a long time ago not to invest in corrupt countries like Thailand, Indonesia or the Philippines into anything I can't consume instanly.As you said, I even don’t think about buying in these country’s, some of friends have bought property at Samui and Phuket trough difficult company constructions or partnerships and leasing systems, at the end of the day it’s never yours and if something happen with a coup or regime change, it’s all gone, have seen examples enough with business owners before here in these counrtries.
John
I will have five hours transit time at Bangkok airport. What are the options to spend time mongering within that. Seniors kindly suggest
After bumping against 31 baht just a few months ago, the US Dollar is approaching 36 baht once again. I doubt if this pleasant situation will last very long. The time to transfer funds to LOS is now!
After bumping against 31 baht just a few months ago, the US Dollar is approaching 36 baht once again. I doubt if this pleasant situation will last very long. The time to transfer funds to LOS is now!
I'm a gambling man, and I wouldn't transfer now. Thailand is in a mess like most other countries, but survives more than most on both exports and tourism. Whilst they are gently devaluing the baht by a few satang a day, I would not be surprised to see a one off devaluation of 10-15% in the short term.
Then you will see the $ at 40+
After bumping against 31 baht just a few months ago, the US Dollar is approaching 36 baht once again. I doubt if this pleasant situation will last very long. The time to transfer funds to LOS is now!Careful!
The recession here in Thailand just starts. Interest rates are at zero in the US, but still can be lowered in Thailand. The US$ is always considered to be a safe haven in crisis situations, the THB not really :) ...
Thailand is acutally running a huge budget deficit. Additionally it can be expected that the tax income will be much lower that expected right now, the official numbers are much too high. Then the budget deficit will even be higher than already now.
Thailands GDP depends to 70 % on exports. We expect the unemployment to rise at least by 1.5 mio people this year, pessimists mention 2.5 Mio. .
I would NOT transfer any money into Thailand right now.
Giotto
...I would NOT transfer any money into Thailand right now.
Bumholes believes the $ will reach 40+ baht again.
Do you agree? If so, at what level would a transfer be prudent?
Bumholes believes the $ will reach 40+ baht again.
Do you agree? If so, at what level would a transfer be prudent?I would not expect a speculation wave against the THB as it happened 1997/1998 , the THB will depreciate slowly, step by step.
THB 39/40 against the US$ is a huge technical barrier, it will most likely not break, if Thailand can avoid political unrest in the next months. If it breaks we can see much lower exchange rates.
The stabilizing factor is that the Thai banking system is still very stabile compared to other countries.
Giotto
I would not expect a speculation wave against the THB as it happened 1997/1998 , the THB will depreciate slowly, step by step.
THB 39/40 against the US$ is a huge technical barrier, it will most likely not break, if Thailand can avoid political unrest in the next months. If it breaks we can see much lower exchange rates.
The stabilizing factor is that the Thai banking system is still very stabile compared to other countries.
Giotto
Perhaps more relevant than political unrest will be civil unrest. With unemployment set to reach 1.5 million, and possibly up to 1 million more, crime will increase significantly, action will have to be taken, and there will undoubtedly be repercussions. I am quietly confident of a 40+$/bt exchange rate later this year.
I will have five hours transit time at Bangkok airport. What are the options to spend time mongering within that. Seniors kindly suggest
What time of the day will you be in Bangkok? Is it a layover, or a transfer where you have to check in to another airline? Also, have you ever been to Bangkok before (do you know how to get around)? 5 hours could give you plenty of time to at least get one good session in. Example: Airplane lands at 3:00PM. By 3:30 you have cleared immigration, customs, grabbed a few thousand baht from the in-airport ATM, and are in your cab heading to Nataree (or any other place of your choice). By 4:30PM you are picking your girl from the line up. Finish your session by 6:00PM. If you head to the airport now, you will be there well before 7:00. Go through immigration, locate your gate, and grab a quick bite to eat. You will be relaxed and refreshed well before your 8PM flight. 1 hour to and from the airport is a reasonable amount of time. Of course, traffic in Bangkok is funny sometimes. You could make it there in 30 minutes, or it could take you 3 hours. YMMV. Good luck, and let us know what you decide to do.
...Finish your session by 6:00PM. If you head to the airport now, you will be there well before 7:00.
...Phuquer,
That's risky.
To get from Nataree to the new (!) airport at around 6 pm in one hour is possible, but not sure.
Giotto
Yeah. I guess depending on the time you leave the airport, you can judge how much traffic there will be to return to the airport. If I left the airport and it took me significantly more than 1 hour to get to nataree or wherever, I would probably bail, return to the airport, and call it a loss. In my trips, though, I have been lucky enough to not get stuck in traffic on the way to the airport. I saw the traffic on Ratchadapisek Rd. last night and I know I wouldn't like to be stuck in that headed to the airport. Whatever Molton74 decides to do, I wish him luck, and look forward to hearing what he decides to do.
I posted some time ago that the Baht had been held "artificially strong" in order for a few "Elites" to transfer money out of Thailand, before the inevitable "devaluation process" gets into full swing by March 2009.
The present government is likely, imo, to be one of the most corrupt ever and it will collapse eventually. What else can it be when you have PAD, family and friends as government ministers and advisers.
Anyway, yes, the Baht should devalue now for some time, step by step. Thailand is an export country, and for the elite to have held the baht strong for so long, and kill exports and put millions out of work, well, its very sad.
The government will soon be bankrupt, and the only thing thats helping presently is that its "tourism high season"........once we get into March and we enter the "lull" period, then the receipts will go down, and its when the shit hits the fan.
Expect the baht to be at its weakest around August/September time in 2009, thats my view.
Gradual fall until then.
Perhaps more relevant than political unrest will be civil unrest. With unemployment set to reach 1.5 million, and possibly up to 1 million more, crime will increase significantly, action will have to be taken, and there will undoubtedly be repercussions. I am quietly confident of a 40+$/bt exchange rate later this year.
I posted some time ago that the Baht had been held "artificially strong" in order for a few "Elites" to transfer money out of Thailand, before the inevitable "devaluation process" gets into full swing by March 2009.
...
Arrgghh,
Would be interesting to know how a currency can be held "artificially strong", especially if this happens in order for a few "Elites" to transfer money out of Thailand. To transfer money OUT means to sell THB and buy another currency - a process that should usually weaken a currency, especially if it is a significat amount.
In fact the THB was quite stabile because of the measures from BOT in the attempt to stop the appreciation of the THB in 2007 and the beginning of 2008. Otherwise the THB had reached much higher levels against the USD ( < 30 ). This fact slowed the ongoing devaluation process at the beginning. But most likely the momentum will pick up now.
All this has not much to do with the actual government, as long as we don't have political or civil unrest in the country. Even our beloved ex-PM Thaksin could not have avoided the world wide recession :) .
Giotto
Continuing on a little translating errors discuccion with Soap Fan
In the Nation a week ago a English Lady was complaining about the wrong spelling on road signs, menus, names from places and towns etc, saying that it was time for the Thai to learn proper English, WOW. A lot of non Thai people got straight in to defence and one was saying clearly that it was up to here to learn Thai instead of complaining, it’s the land from the Thai and there is no obligation for Thai to do so, We have to be more than happy that that they try hard at least. Another one was saying that the English language is not phonetic and difficult to write, its highly formal but most write it the way we speak, (with many errors) there where other languages using tends to vary there grammatical forms. So why blame the Thai on this.
All this came to my attention wile this subject is my almost daily discussion with my English native friends wherever I am in the world in non English native countries, they always complaining the lack of English wherever, I defend the locals right away and there answer to me is always the same, O yes, its easy for you as you speak so many languages, just like it came on is own without any effort from my site, BS, yes I am gifted with languages skills but to me Thai is also difficult but at least I try, I keep always little notes in Thai and English in my pocket, using them depending on the subject and it putt’s me many times in a favourable position if they see that at least, you try, A guy like Mick Licker as a big advantage on this issue as he said, he is Australian and does he speaks or read Thai without practicing or a bit effort. No don’t think so.
For example, BK immigration office documents are already in English and they have actually no obligation to do so, If you stay in most Latin or Balkan country’s you have to hire a lawyer to translate and do the work for you.
English is only the third biggest language in the world after Chinese and Spanish, Spanish as officially 440 million speakers over 21 countries and heavily growing even in the US where officially in 2030 it will overpass English in the US, even not talking about Arabic that is heavily moving forward, can one expect road sign in Chinese or Spanish in city’s like Detroit, London or Paris, no way, Arab in Europe maybe since we are to tolerant on that one.
Finally back to the Thai issue, What they translate for example on road signs etc is actually not English. The word bridge and road is English that’s clear, but the name itself is a conversion from the Thai phonetic word in a western alphabet readable grammatical standard word, depending on the person that translate the word, his own pronunciation will lead to writing errors and what we finally see. With a bit imagination we all find our way, as someone had doubts to go in to a MP with a spelling error on the sign saying Massar instead of Massage don’t thinks LOL.
I am not a teacher or writer but it’s just my two cents on it
John
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Over the last 5 weeks I have been several times scrolling trough Soi coboy, having a beer here and there and at least 5 times in Suzy Wong, on the stage only 5 or 7 girls from a below 4 on our scale, few customers, same as everywhere even on a Friday night, never seen a lesbian show as before, when I asked for it to mamas and she said, wait later on will com but it was only WOFT.
I like the signs that girls are showing on the street to get clients inside.
We have more girls inside than you can handle, another one says.
20 ugly girls inside and even some fat ones (yes have seen a few there)
Looked in to a few other clubs but faced the same problem, sometimes even did finish my drink and getting frustrated from seeing guys with the little elephant again in the street.
Only Tilac as the most stunning girls on stage was always packed till late, girls showing clients there little pussy from below the miniskirt, how can you resist to look closer, at least I had a good time there few nights, took also my Mrs with me to show that I can behave (when necessary)
My first and last drink was mainly at County Road with the life band, always full with people, fun and dancing, not a bad place at all (avoid the time with the Elvis imitator, he is shit I know him for a long time and treat with his jokes farangs like shit). Wondered when Rawhide will be open again, looks like renovation does not move on.
John Euro
M P Lurker
02-27-09, 21:01
Continuing on a little translating errors discuccion with Soap Fan
In the Nation a week ago a English Lady was complaining about the wrong spelling on road signs, menus, names from places and towns etc, saying that it was time for the Thai to learn proper English, WOW.
Street signs in Thailand have both Thai and a transliteration not into English at all, but into an English alphabet.
So
Sukhumvit is actually pronounced more like
Sook-koom-wit (with all "oo" short like a German u)
ChaoPhraya river
is pronounced like
Jao-pra-yar
So how did our J sound become Ch and how did our W sound become V in these transliterations? A bit of a mystery. Ph is not pronounced like F!
Now the really difficult bit.
Several sounds in Thai do not exist in English and Visa Versa.
Don Muang airport cannot be pronounced correctly by westerners without training.
Dawn Mueang would be a better spelling but still not close.
Thais cannot pronounce "Massage" without special training and its no suprise they would spell it strangely.
The "age" part of the sound does not exist in Thai.
Does does anyone want "Ma-sard"? :D
But Thai language is actually easier to learn than English once you understand tones, due to:
1. Thai has much more consistent spelling than English. 90% of words can be spelled correctly by hearing them.
2. When reading unfamiliar Thai words, can pronounce them correctly. This is not possible in English.
3. Thai has very simple grammer.
4. Thai words do not change endings for plural, case, verb tense, person, or declension. Thai merely adds additional words for plurals or verb tenses.
This is incredibly easy.
Learning Thai takes mere mortals like me years of study. The first few months are devoted to pronunciation problems. After that its merely learning vocab, and how to construct sentences in Thai style.
But Thais are very forgiving of bad grammar,
providing words are pronounced close to correctly.
But, unlike English, with wrong vowel sound in a word, they will have no idea what you are talking about.
Wrong tone and they will just be amused.
One confusing point is that some western intransitive verbs become transitive in Thai, or visa versa.
e.g. The fish is smelling bad
in Thai becomes
"phom men plaa"
"I get bad smell from the fish"
P.S. I would tend to discourage Americans from learning Thai unless they are going to really make an effort with pronunciation.
Thai spoken with American lengthened vowel sound drawl sounds really appalling. Germans speaking Thai sound vastly better (in general).
I can't really tell how bad I sound! LOL
Terry Terrier
02-28-09, 00:59
Arrgghh,
Would be interesting to know how a currency can be held "artificially strong", especially if this happens in order for a few "Elites" to transfer money out of Thailand. To transfer money OUT means to sell THB and buy another currency - a process that should usually weaken a currency, especially if it is a significat amount.
In fact the THB was quite stabile because of the measures from BOT in the attempt to stop the appreciation of the THB in 2007 and the beginning of 2008. Otherwise the THB had reached much higher levels against the USD ( < 30 ). This fact slowed the ongoing devaluation process at the beginning. But most likely the momentum will pick up now.
All this has not much to do with the actual government, as long as we don't have political or civil unrest in the country. Even our beloved ex-PM Thaksin could not have avoided the world wide recession :) .
Giotto
In the Western banking world there are some educated (if that's not a misnomer for Western bankers :D) opinions that the Baht has been kept artificially high at not inconsiderable expense to Thailand by Thai banking currency policy in order to stop a catastrophic run on the Baht, and that they can't afford to do so for much longer. Can a few Elites get large sums of money out of Thailand at favourable exchange rates without buying/selling currency on the open markets and without being excessively flagged up? Is the Pope a Catholic? Will they be doing so? Is the Pope the leader of the Catholic church? Would Thaksin and his cronies be doing the same if they were the ones with their snouts in the trough rather than the current lot? Of course, TIT.
NicFrenchy
02-28-09, 02:45
In the Western banking world there are some educated (if that's not a misnomer for Western bankers :D) opinions that the Baht has been kept artificially high at not inconsiderable expense to Thailand by Thai banking currency policy in order to stop a catastrophic run on the Baht, and that they can't afford to do so for much longer.
If this is the case, then some of us (that have more than a few baht saved up) better start buying currencies before it drops down.
Any "Educated" bankers out there with a valuable opinion?
By the way, I heard the pope wasn't a Catholic, rumor has it he is gay.
In the Western banking world there are some educated (if that's not a misnomer for Western bankers :D) opinions that the Baht has been kept artificially high at not inconsiderable expense to Thailand by Thai banking currency policy in order to stop a catastrophic run on the Baht, and that they can't afford to do so for much longer. Terry Terrier,
Let's go a bit into details.
In 2006 the THB appreciated strongly against most major currencies, especially also against the competing Asian currencies. On 18th of December 2006 the BOT then implemented a capital control measure, which forced investors to keep a 30 % reserve of certain capital inflows on accounts of the BOT, for a specified time period (1 year, if I remember correctly).
What followed was that the appreciation of the THB was slowed and then stopped, and we had to deal with an on-shore and an off-shore exchange rate for the THB.
This measure was dropped on 29th of February 2008.
This capital reserve policy is something I would call a measure to "artificially" keep the THB low, the official reading that time was, that this measure was necessary to give the Thai exporters time to adjust to the extraordinary strengthening of the Thai currency.
After the measure was lifted the markets adjusted to it, and postponed capital inflows might have taken place which most likely strengthened/stabilized the THB during 2008. The movement of the Thai currency within this period was in line with the movements of other Asian currencies - it is really difficult to see anything "artificially" happening there during late 2008 / early 2009.
The depreciation process has now started, and due to the problems of the export industry and lower number of tourists coming to Thailand the demand for THB will fall, so most likely the currency will slowly devaluate against other currencies. But - the economies of other countries are in the same bad situation, many are in a even worse shape - this makes a collapse of the THB (as we saw it in 1998) unlikeky at the moment.
Can a few Elites get large sums of money out of Thailand at favourable exchange rates without buying/selling currency on the open markets and without being excessively flagged up?Most likely not. If they transfer the currency without buying/selling on the currency market they still have THB - so why whould they do it. To find a buyer for large amounts of THB on the OTC markets or even privately is highly unlikely, especially in a time of recession, in which investors prefer to hold USD, Swiss Francs or Japanese Yen. If they want to hedge their positions they could sell THB short outside of Thailand, but this would have an impact on the currency, and it would be visible. If they exchanged the THB against a major currency INSIDE Thailand (for large amounts nearly impossible, but let's assume they found a way of doing so) and then move the major currency out (eg. USD) the currency reserves of Thailand would fall, which would be visible, too, and also had an immediate depreciating impact on the THB.
Btw.: I think those "Elites" will even appreciate a weaker THB at the moment, cheaper exports, better exchange rates for tourists ... the major part of the wealth of those "Elites" is invested in all kind of land, equity etc. etc. here in Thailand, and they want these investments to be profitable.
Giotto
PS: I don't know anything about the pope, so I leave this discussion to others :) !
in the western banking world there are some educated (if that's not a misnomer for western bankers :d) opinions that the baht has been kept artificially high at not inconsiderable expense to thailand by thai banking currency policy in order to stop a catastrophic run on the baht, and that they can't afford to do so for much longer. can a few elites get large sums of money out of thailand at favourable exchange rates without buying/selling currency on the open markets and without being excessively flagged up? is the pope a catholic? will they be doing so? is the pope the leader of the catholic church? would thaksin and his cronies be doing the same if they were the ones with their snouts in the trough rather than the current lot? of course, tit.for the last year, singapore and malaysian bank investment advisors (standard chartered and maybank) have been warning against keeping all of your money based in straight baht accounts in thailand. if you are holding large amounts in cash in thai, you can (should) use the bangkok bank foreign currency account, and make a large percentage of your holdings as usd (or any of the eight other currencies available at bb.)
all it would take is a few days of strong hits to the thai banking system to watch the baht crater faster than your chocolate dip swensen's ice cream cone on a hot day walking to the ratchathewi bts.
the generally accepted [CodeWord116] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord116) right now is that the baht will be trading at 39-40 b/d by the end of the year 2009. no fiscal emergencies required. thailand needs foreign investment... desperately. the chinese are only too happy to oblige, at the right level of course.
now back to the best/worst way to spend your money here in thailand.
(the girls.)
Most likely not. If they transfer the currency without buying/selling on the currency market they still have THB - so why whould they do it. To find a buyer for large amounts of THB on the OTC markets or even privately is highly unlikely, especially in a time of recession, in which investors prefer to hold USD, Swiss Francs or Japanese Yen. If they want to hedge their positions they could sell THB short outside of Thailand, but this would have an impact on the currency, and it would be visible. If they exchanged the THB against a major currency INSIDE Thailand (for large amounts nearly impossible, but let's assume they found a way of doing so) and then move the major currency out (eg. USD) the currency reserves of Thailand would fall, which would be visible, too, and also had an immediate depreciating impact on the THB.
Giotto
PS: I don't know anything about the pope, so I leave this discussion to others :) !
Hi Giotto,
Your explanation is correct if you are only trying to hedge your currency reserve through currency exchange on the currency markets. But also keep in mind that if you want to purchase a stable commodity, like gold, you can do so with Thai Baht, as an example, and then sell it (the gold) in USD hence turning your Baht into USD. Which we have been seeing over the last 6-8 months. Granted gold was undervalued for many moons, I would say 18 months. Then all of a sudden it went up to recommended values then surpassed it in a short period of time, less then 3 months. Today gold is quit high. Thais are not the only ones 'Transferring' there founds out by commodity. The Japanese are doing this as well as smart British investors, but with the crash of the pound I would say they traded out to USD. Other commodities where also affected by this. Sometime ago we can remember what happened with Wheat and Rice. there was no supply or demand issue but the prices went through the roof. Hence a run, which coincided with the fixing of the Thai Baht, The Yen dropping against the over inflated Euro and so on. Rich people and companies move there money thru commodities more so then the Currency markets. Currency markets are for investors and banks.
IMHO
Slylock
PS I also don't know anything about the pope!
Exactly TT. It said that this little "support the baht" escapade has really run down the governments reserves, to the point of soon they might be bankrupt.
Wonder why Abhisit was "cap in hand" borrowing from the Japanese recently. Ah yes. Obviously they just think borrowing money is "in vogue" and its not because they have already screwed up the finances.
A very severe devaluation of the baht looks increasing likely, step by step, but not stopping for some time.
In the Western banking world there are some educated (if that's not a misnomer for Western bankers :D) opinions that the Baht has been kept artificially high at not inconsiderable expense to Thailand by Thai banking currency policy in order to stop a catastrophic run on the Baht, and that they can't afford to do so for much longer. Can a few Elites get large sums of money out of Thailand at favourable exchange rates without buying/selling currency on the open markets and without being excessively flagged up? Is the Pope a Catholic? Will they be doing so? Is the Pope the leader of the Catholic church? Would Thaksin and his cronies be doing the same if they were the ones with their snouts in the trough rather than the current lot? Of course, TIT.
Street signs in Thailand have both Thai and a transliteration not into English at all, but into an English alphabet.
Does does anyone want "Ma-sard"? :D
But Thai language is actually easier to learn than English once you understand tones, due to:Good detailed explanation, thanks
To pick one of your examples, Ma-sard, was actually what the papasan at the CMI Akasuri asked to me when I walked inside, that’s also the reason why he had on his signboard the word. Massar, just the way he pronounced it.
One of the best story’s I ever had in BK on spelling errors was at least 15 years ago, no much English at that time. I left the hotel and dropped the key (no cards at that time) at the reception and the girl know me very well by name, she had a little note in here hand and told me I should urgent call Mr maccardonna or somting like that, she repeated it a few times but her note was written in Thai and was not to any help for me,
In the taxi I was going trough all my business cards, even the Japanese ones thinking it was a client or supplier but did not find anything that looks like that name. At evening, back in the hotel I figured out it was my Australian friend that as arrived in BK, Mr Mc Donald, try to figure it out when your mind is set on a local name.
There are thousand of examples like this and some are really funny, look at some MP websites like Akane at the beginning, no problem as long as we find our way trough the BK jungle
John
Good news for a "falling baht".
Wonder who said the government would be bankrupt soon and needing to borrow borrow borrow.
Thailand could be on its way to a big baht fall over the coming 12 months.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/137062/government-to-borrow-2-bln
Government to borrow US$2bn
By: BangkokPost.com
Published: 4/03/2009 at 03:03 PM The Council of Economic Ministers on Wednesday gave a green light for the government to borrow US$2 billion (about 70 billion baht) from the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) for use in reviving the economy, deputy government spokesman Puttipong Punnakan said.
The Ministry of Finance would start negotiations with the three foreign financial institutions in April or May, he said.
The ministry would propose the details of the negotiations to the cabinet and listen to public opinions and suggestions before asking the House of Representatives for approval in late May. The government should be able to borrow the money in July, he said.
About half the funding would be sought from the World Bank. The government will seek US$500 million loans from both the ADB and Jica, Mr Puttipong added.
Sign isn't from Thailand but just as applicable?
M P Lurker
03-04-09, 21:59
Sign isn't from Thailand but just as applicable?
I think you could be in the MP thread but no matter.
All Thai MPs or at least most have a sign in the rooms written in Thai that says that there will be no selling of sexual services under any circumstances either in or outside the rooms, as if people would do it on the stairs or in the lift LOL.
Not sure why soapies bother with such a dumb sign.
Short Time Sai
03-04-09, 22:01
Day 4 – Sun 15th- Phuket
Waking up next to Fern is like heaven. She told be a bit about herself last night. She is engaged to this Auzzie dude, but he sounds like a bit of a twat. He doesn’t send her money, so she has to go out to bars an pick up blokes. She got her head buried in my chest when I wake up and I can smell her hair. What a babe. She wakes up and tells me she loves me, and for a minute I realise she probably does. ‘I wish I marry you, not heeem’. So she has to head off because she’s got driving lessons, but not without the obligatory sucky sucky. And they say romance is dead? Daytime means off to the beach for some jetski action. Night time as we’re sitting in the same bar while Hunts continues his advances. I convince him to head off to Suzie Wong’s A-Go-Go. Now you just couldn’t imagine the honeys in this place. All knee length booths and black suspender. Whips and oils a plenty. Hunts and me and sitting watching with two honies. I've got a semi on and can barely contain it. Hunts dares the girl I'm with to suck me off in the bar, which she does, hungrily, much to the delight of the rest of the punters. There’s too much noise for me to concentrate, so I tell her to get her clothes. She comes back still wearing these ripped fishnet stocking and suspender belt under a little red skirt and tank top. We walk out into the street and instantly everyone is looking at her, and she’s loving it, the walk of shame! I tell her ‘you know theyre watching you, they want to f*ck you, like I'm gonna f*ck you’. She smiles, winks and laughs and leads me up some stairs to a short time hotel. She’s in the process of getting underdressed, but I can wait that long, I rip off her shirt and lift her onto a sideboard, then pull her panties to one side. My c0ck is bursting out of my shorts as she unzips them. She says ‘lets take shower and go bed’, I reply by slipping on a rubber and jamming it straight in. She’s wet as an otter’s pocket with one ankle over my shoulder and getting pumped hard and fast. Then I get her bent over the dresser, skirt up, panties to one side, handful of her hair, and suspenders stretched over a perfect brown ass, banging away like a shitehouse door in the wind. Once I'm done its back on the street and back to the bar. Hunter is cooing again, and I'm taking a well deserved break. Midnight becons, so I call my wee hunney Fern who I meet in a club. She’s been doing shots and is a little boozy, I ask her what she wants me to do, but shes all coy again. I tell her I know what she wants and I'm not gonna lick her patssy until she says it. She’s blushing so I walk away, she grabs me as I leave and says she wants me to lick it, I say lick what, she says you know, I say I don’t, my patssy, lick my patssy. So we split the place and take her moped back to the hotel. She’s out of control tonight though, all the shyness has gone and she’s telling me what she wants this time. I barely touch it with my finger and she’s vibrating like a Mexican jumpin bean. She could only let me flick her bean for a few minutes before she says she can't take it, ‘TOOOOO SOHR’. Now she want me behind her so it doesn’t hurt her bean, so we make love like that for what seems ages and fall asleep with her curled tight bum pressed against my crotch and it all seems to perfect to be true.
EDITOR'S NOTE: I would suggest that the author or another Forum Member consider posting a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread. Please Click Here (http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/announcement-reportsofdistinction.php?) for more information.
Short Time Sai
03-04-09, 22:01
Day 5 – Phuket / Bangkok
Woke up again with Fern purring away on my chest. Our shagging was interrupted by her mobile, her fiancé asking how she is. Didn’t stop get getting right back down on it! Dirty cow! Still, can’t fault her for it. We checked out and I headed back to Bangkok with the Hunter man. My mate had already arrived from Aberdeen, so I went straight down to Nana Plaza to meet him. If the names not familiar, then I’ll set the scene. . Three floor of go go bars, short time hotels and various houses of I'll repute. Sandy already had his hand down a girls pants when I arrived, good start. Sink some beers and get into the mood. The intention was to grab to hunnies and double time them in his hotel room. What actually happened was we got royally pissed in all the gogo bars, even being thrown out of one. Hunter called and was waiting for us so off we went to Soy Cowboy to meet up. He’s out with his boss and we are pissed up to the nines, still wearing the same shorts and t shirt from morning. We ended up in Suzie Wongs, famous for her oil and lesbo show. Sandy has totally lost the plot. Something worth seeing. He’s interrupting the oil show with shouts of ‘Stick it up her hoop! ’ I pick one of the oiled up ladies so off she popped for a shower and to get dressed. We lost Sandy at one point, but no problem, he’s a big boy. In a taxi and heading back with Hunter, his bird announces she want to watch a porno, so Hunts sticks one on. I get my c0ck out and my bird, who is suffering from Thai Shy, is rubbing it under the pillow. I whip her top off and she is still wearing the silver stars over her nips. I also realise her perfect tits are the result of silicon. Theyre the most fantastic things you’ve ever seen. By now Hunts in on his knees and giving his bird a serious tongue lashing. My bird is a bit uncomfortable, so she wants to go through the house. We strip off and I talk her into watching Hunter knob his bird. So we sneak back through and I'm frigging her off from behind while she watches Hunter throwing it up his bird on the couch. I can feel her getting hot, swollen and soaking wet. Through the house I get to fucking her and Hunts now comes through to watch her getting boned on my bed. Fucking ace, she’s loving it! Hunts fucked off with his bird and my bird started feeling a bit of the post shag perv, and decided she wanted to go home.
Perfect, now I get a good night sleep.
EDITOR'S NOTE: I would suggest that the author or another Forum Member consider posting a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread. Please Click Here (http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/announcement-reportsofdistinction.php?) for more information.
I think you could be in the MP thread but no matter.
Struth mate, I put it in here because it is / was supposed to be a joke / funny, incorrect translation to Engrish ..................
Cunning Stunt
03-05-09, 02:46
struth mate, i put it in here because it is / was supposed to be a joke / funny, incorrect translation to engrish ..................
never mind sonic, i got a good laugh from it:d.
did you know that there is a new competitor opened up near [CodeWord900] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord900)?
Waking up next to Fern is like heaven. She told be a bit about herself last night. She is engaged to this Auzzie dude, but he sounds like a bit of a twat. He doesn’t send her money, so she has to go out to bars an pick up blokes.[/blue][/size]
For me he sounds like a clever guy. Guys whose send money to a Thai Bargirl are imho the real twats. Those guys send money to support the girls, or because they want prevent that the girls have sex with other men/customer.
In both cases he will get cheated. The bargirl will have his money and continue her work as soon as he is in the plane headding home.
The bargirl will have his money and continue her work as soon as he is in the plane headding home.
Sooner - I've had girls try to pick me up at the airport just after their 'man' has gone through passport control. You have to admire their work ethic!
Sooner - I've had girls try to pick me up at the airport just after their 'man' has gone through passport control. You have to admire their work ethic!
No doubt about that. Some years ago in Phuket in a club a TG gave me a paper with her telefon number, on her way to the toilet. I stopped her on the way back and ask why she gave me her tel no, since she is obviously together with a guy. She replyed he will fly the next day back to his country. I am not sure if the guy send her money or not, maybe he was just a LT customer, but a Thai Bargirl who convince a guy in love to send her money, so she don't need to go with other guys to earn money for living is cheating to 99%.
The blind guy in love pay, because he thinks he is the one and only for the Thai girl, but in real he is just another fool who sponsor a Thai girl who might have already a few other sponsors and still go for p4p.;-)
i think you could be in the mp thread but no matter.
all thai mps or at least most have a sign in the rooms written in thai that says that there will be no selling of sexual services under any circumstances either in or outside the rooms, as if people would do it on the stairs or in the lift lol.
not sure why soapies bother with such a dumb sign.have asked a mp girls one day what that text in thai on that sign was was and she told me the same story, now i am still wondered why the girls at [CodeWord900] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord900) are asking the door key at the bar staff to unlock the door up the stairs and then close the door securely behind them, are they afraid of police raid for providing sex or doing something illegal? .
there is a lot more fs going on in most other mp’s but hardly have seen the girls locking the door like that, at sol you can have bj at the bar, so what would be the right answer. ok somewhere it is a drinking bar and maybe not licensed as massage shop.
john euro
The blind guy in love pay, because he thinks he is the one and only for the Thai girl
Guys in love pay because they think with there heart not there head. Let your heart do the thinking and your sure to have a heart attack!
The good news is that at the airport I could buy all kinds of alcohol, walk all over the place with it, drinking it at the same time. I was not even given a second look, let alone spoken to or arrested.
The bad news is that it costs 2 baht to take a shit at MBK.
The ugly is all the sidewalks in need of repair around NEP.
"2 guys. 300 girls. You do the math."
What's the Real Cost of a Companion?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"A typical date with a woman that is very attractive will consist of
some very expensive components.
Cleaning Your Car $15.00
Tank of Gas $30.00
Flowers $35.00
Dinner w/ Wine $100.00 (at least)
Comedy Club w/ Drinks $80.00
TOTAL COST = $260.00 *
*Result = You get a HUG at the end of the evening, maybe a good night KISS and you may still have to play the game for 2-3 weeks with how many more dates at the above cost before you get in her pants!
This is why I think companions are the best value in the world for adult companionship."
NicFrenchy
03-15-09, 03:11
*Result = You get a HUG at the end of the evening, maybe a good night KISS and you may still have to play the game for 2-3 weeks with how many more dates at the above cost before you get in her pants!
This is why I think companions are the best value in the world for adult companionship."
YEs, but I think you can't compare.
P4P is just boring in the sense that you can pretty much fuck any girl you please.
With a regular girl, I think the "hunt" is very exciting. Different experience altogether.
I like both.
YEs, but I think you can't compare.
P4P is just boring in the sense that you can pretty much fuck any girl you please.
With a regular girl, I think the "hunt" is very exciting. Different experience altogether.
I like both.
I agree. The "hunt" is usually very exciting, but there needs to be a reasonable chance of catching the "furry fox" within a reasonable time frame.
NicFrenchy
03-16-09, 02:24
I agree. The "hunt" is usually very exciting, but there needs to be a reasonable chance of catching the "furry fox" within a reasonable time frame.
Of course.
I am not talking about Time/money. Both P4P and non P4P have advantages.
They are very different and bring very different excitement. I like both.
YEs, but I think you can't compare.
P4P is just boring in the sense that you can pretty much fuck any girl you please.
With a regular girl, I think the "hunt" is very exciting. Different experience altogether.
I like both.Yeah, I can see your points. I have a few reasons why I prefer P4P.
1} Less likely to be clingy.
2} Less chance of their family showing up at your door for retribution and or handouts, as OTH has experienced.
3} Less chance of rejection or denial of sex.
4} Less chance of wasting your time for nothing.
5} Less chance of being inexperienced sexually.
6} Greater chance of being willing to please you or do what you want even if you do nothing sexually for her, e. G. Give a BBBJ for 1 or 2 hrs.
7} Less chance of them asking you to hold their purse at the mall, and then having a pussy fit when you refuse. This point is a NicF special.
8} Little clue how to play that game, and it's hard for old dogs, 45 to 55, to learn new tricks. Getting into the WWW world was bad enough.
6} Greater chance of being willing to please you or do what you want even if you do nothing sexually for her, e. G. Give a BBBJ for 1 or 2 hrs.
Haha, I have to say that only sounds like a good way to get rubbed raw (you know saliva is a digestive juice). But I couldn't agree more with your lazy man's ways in the sack. Who wants to 'please' a woman?
That said, since I became a totally selfish bastard, and stopped ever giving a thruppenny damn about licking that stuff, etc., I find if anything I get better reviews. Most women as it turns out just like to be roughly banged, inseminated, and treated cavalierly. Neat!
Haha, I have to say that only sounds like a good way to get rubbed raw (you know saliva is a digestive juice). But I couldn't agree more with your lazy man's ways in the sack. Who wants to 'please' a woman?
That said, since I became a totally selfish bastard, and stopped ever giving a thruppenny damn about licking that stuff, etc. , I find if anything I get better reviews. Most women as it turns out just like to be roughly banged, inseminated, and treated cavalierly. Neat! Getting rubbed raw from a digestive juice, hmmm. Never thought of it like that before, but it sounds reasonable. Though I guess the weiner is quite a hardy organ, since the only side effects I've experienced from 2 hour BBBJs is the wrinkly dried up prune look afterwards, on the dickhead only, like I've gotten on my hands after a long soak in in the tub. And maybe minimal soreness which quickly dissipates. Well worth it for the drug like testosterone ecstasy experienced, especially in the second hour. BTW also much bigger loads than 10 minute bing bam, thank you maam, boom it's over sex. And being able to enjoy ejaculating up to 5 times within minutes after the initial blast off.
I've enjoyed hours long sessions of BLS much more often than with BJs with no apparent problems, assuming the lady is not too rough with either service, e. G. Getting the teeth too involved, or has not recently eaten extra spicey som tam. BTW, while she licks and sucks on the balls and thereabouts, I masterbate simultaneously, using some KY or a similar product.
At times in the past I used my own saliva as a lubricant to masterbate for hours at a time without any damage. The pre ejaculatory semen and precum that eventually leaked out also provided natural lubrication. I would think these 2 natural lubes would also be involved with a 2 hour long BJ, and may protect the organ from being damaged by the prolonged contact with saliva. But that wouldn't explain why the saliva does not damage the balls after hours long sessions of BLS.
In a related activity, mouth to mouth kissing on the lips for hours, I have sometimes found my upper and or lower lip getting a bit sore after an hour. Other times I've gone for 3 hours with no pain. I use a lot of lip balm and tons of my own saliva errupts into my mouth during these sessions, though it seldom gets near my lips to lubricate them since I swallow it. Many ladies do not like sloppy kisses, but I find that some slobber on me quite a bit, which may help as a lube and to keep the area from pain.
I wonder if saliva as a digestive juice loses some of its ability to digest once exposed to the air, or if it is rather powerless in this ability apart from other chemicals in the digestive system.
back home now and back to reality. it sucks! going from 90 degree sunny weather, scuba diving, beaches, thai food, daily massages, and so many girls, to the daily grind is a tough adjustment.
the trip was great! i was in manila, angeles, and subic bay, then went diving in palau for a week, then bangkok and finally pattaya. it was a lot of travel, but i wanted to cover all the places. then were all fun in one way or another.
in manila, went to la cafe. i love that place. got hammered on smls, hung out upstairs with the band and a bunch of girls and of course took one home. stayed til i kicked her out the next day.
angeles was well, angeles (-; stayed at the pacific breeze. overpriced but a great pool area. did find one really fun 20 yo girl. went to the disco all night, then back to the hotel of course.
subic bay was great. i love beach towns, and they had a great floating bar. about 10 angeles style bars on the main road. more in barretto but i didn't make it there. had fun, did some wreck dives, got some massages with extras and of course got drunk and partook in the bar bitches each night.
then went to palau for the diving. amazing diving. thought i would have a break from the women, but this british guy about my age i was diving with kept finding these chinese girls, so we'd go out with them every night and brought a couple back. chinese ktv bars are very weird. private rooms and all. not really my thing but had fun.
got to bangkok and stayed near nana plaza. that was fun, and found some fun drunk chicks. taking a full viagra then having a half naked drunk chick dacing on my lap was a bad idea. had trouble walking out of that bar with her, though she got a kick out of it! loved [CodeWord900] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord900)? that place had some serious bj talents. i can't imagine if i had a place like that nearby home for $20. the baht did not have a great exchange rate (36/dollar) so thailand was a little more expensive all around. went to see the grand palace and some other temples. very nice!
finally got to pattaya. wow! that place was way bigger than i expected. its 20 times the size of angeles. i loved pattaya. got a place on soi 8 near all the beer bars, and rented a scooter to get around. i liked the beach there, and great massages. go-go bars were very fun. beer bars and pool tables were a blast. drunk girls are way more fun than sober ones! not so many native english speaking people there, so didn't find too many guys to hang out with and drink with, so just stuck to the girls. soi six had some hotties during the day light. only place that did. want to go back and spend more time in pattaya.
but alas, i fell in love with my (legit) massage girl there. not that any girl in pattaya is particularly innocent, but this one was a non-working girl. so i took her out, had a great time and did eventually get her back to the room. it was fun to try some "game" rather than just paying a barfine. she never asked for a dime, but did give her a gift at the end. still in contact and need to go back to see her. so cute, great body, and spoke good english!
editor's note: i would suggest that the author or another forum member consider posting a link to this report in the reports of distinction thread. please click here (http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/announcement-reportsofdistinction.php?) for more information.
Friend of mine (US passport) will be in Thailand, arriving May 4th, departing June 4th.
That's 31 days: Is that going to be a problem?
Will he be fined for 1 day or put on shit list for overstaying?
Suggestions/advice appreciated!
LittleBigMan
03-23-09, 04:46
Tryntry,
It really depends on when you arrived and when you plan to leave that day (31st). But in my opinion you don't have to worry about it or do anything. After you check in for you flight and you're at Immigration counter they will determine if you are overstayed. If so, there is a desk behind them and if you have overstayed you will just pay something like 250 baht for that day and off you go. No need to go to any Immigration office during your stay to pay for the 31st day. There has been times in the past that I have overstayed 2 days and just paid the small fine and there was once I was on the 31st day and didn't pay anything because my flight was leaving just under the time frame of the 31st day.
Hope that helps?
Friend of mine (US passport) will be in Thailand, arriving May 4th, departing June 4th.
That's 31 days: Is that going to be a problem?
Will he be fined for 1 day or put on shit list for overstaying?
Suggestions/advice appreciated!-What time does his flight get in? If it's running close to midnight, get in the longest immigration line and shoot for the extra day: May 5, 12:01am arrival.
-The overstay will be 500 Baht for one day. It's no problem whatsoever.
-Arrive at departure check-in a little earlier than normal, then try to get in the departure immigration line 1 1/2 hrs before the flight time. Make sure your exit card is in order and signed, then simply go through the motions, (it's just a profit deal anyway.) Takes about 10 minutes to pay the overstay fine.
Breathe easy, one day is no big deal.
Will he be fined for 1 day or put on shit list for overstaying?
He will definitely be fined, but there is no shit list for that.
Friend of mine (US passport) will be in Thailand, arriving May 4th, departing June 4th.
That's 31 days: Is that going to be a problem?
Will he be fined for 1 day or put on shit list for overstaying?
Suggestions/advice appreciated!
Here's a suggestion, tell him to respect and obey the law. Stay here and have fun for 30 days but why would one extra day be so important for him to intentionally plan to violate another country’s immigration law? Here is some more advice on this very subject in this link below:
http://www.thailand4you.info/visa.html
Here's a suggestion, tell him to respect and obey the law. Stay here and have fun for 30 days but why would one extra day be so important for him to intentionally plan to violate another country’s immigration law? Here is some more advice on this very subject in this link below:
http://www.thailand4you.info/visa.html
Very good advice. Why take the chance of getting arrested even if the possibility is remote?
I believe it is also possible to have your 30 day visa extended for up to 7 days simply by going to the immigration office on soi 5 Jomtien before it expires and paying a fee.
He will definitely be fined, but there is no shit list for that.There's NO fine if you overstay 1 day AND leave the Kingdom from Suvarnabhumi
... if you have overstayed you will just pay something like 250 baht for that day and off you go.After that day of respite the fine is B500 per day.
As the other posters observed he won't be blacklisted but I would advise him against overstaying because, if for whatever reason he gets checked by the police before he gets to the airport, he'll find himself in a nasty predicament.
There's NO fine if you overstay 1 day AND leave the Kingdom from SuvarnabhumiI have found this to be subjective and up to the officer whether or not you will actually end up at the overstay desk. I watched with a friend as two girls tried to demand some satisfaction surrounding this point, to no avail. One thing is absolutely sure though, if you overstay for two days, it will be 1000 Baht.
Here's a suggestion, tell him to respect and obey the law.Get the extension for 7 days for a 1 or 2 day overstay? Again, subjective. Realistically, you are in Thailand, you therefore know that you are going to blow at least a half day and 1000 Baht in the attempt, "take a number and sit down please. " Look, the cops are all on the take (mia noi factor for discussion at length another time), the lawyers all speak with very forked tongues, and the judges are all sweet old backpocket boys of the first order. Politicians? Riiiight. Heh. If you want goodie goodie, gee Toto it might be time to do your part by getting back to Kansas and let the big dogs run with it. (Business As Usual Thailand)
Am I warped? Sure! A real PITA. I got that way from living here for twenty five years and dealing with the reality of it all daily. The Thailand they don't tell you about in the guide books. TIT.
I have found this to be subjective and up to the officer whether or not you will actually end up at the overstay desk.With all due respect, I beg to differ. There is actually a sign at the Airport just past the Immigration check points saying, '1 day overstay, NO Charge, 2 days = THB 1,000', or words to that effect.
However, I want to re-emphasize that it's not a wise thing to do. The consequences if caught anywhere else are just too severe.
LittleBigMan
03-25-09, 09:44
The question posed was simple and you guys are making way too much of it. No advice given was either right or wrong by anyone.
Whatever the reason for the individual to overstay is his.. if you know first hand right off your trip your changing your plans and if you have the time get a extension it could be a learning experience for you.
If it is the last minute and don't have time... it is true and very subjective that in your overstay you are running around doing things that you are really unlucky and get stopped the worse is you are taken to jail and have to deal with the shitty court system and pay a big fine but no more than 20,000 baht which is the max! then kicked out of the kingdom for good never to return.
If you are just fucking in a hotel and then get into a taxi for the airport... and a come lately guy and don't worry much then to each his own. Overstays are consider anything over 24 hours and if you are within 15 hours and your flight leave in 2 hours most likely no fine.
But remember most airlines charge for changes like 2,000 baht... on your ticket so in the end was she worth all the trouble?
NicFrenchy
03-25-09, 10:29
As the other posters observed he won't be blacklisted but I would advise him against overstaying because, if for whatever reason he gets checked by the police before he gets to the airport, he'll find himself in a nasty predicament.
Highly unlikely. In my 4 years in LOS, I must have been to the Airport over 100 times and have yet to be checked by the police.
I have been checked by the police on 4 occasions and each time did not have my passport. I just have a photocopy of the Picture Page. I tell them they can come check the original at my condo if they please but they never bothered.
With all due respect, I beg to differ. There is actually a sign at the Airport just past the Immigration check points saying, '1 day overstay, NO Charge, 2 days = THB 1,000', or words to that effect.
However, I want to re-emphasize that it's not a wise thing to do. The consequences if caught anywhere else are just too severe.First: much to do about nothing.
Second: overstay, then watch what day they start their yellow felt tipped calendar count from, first day of arrival is inclusive. That's why they changed it in 2005. "too many farangs with no brains for math. First day is a day here, last day is a day here. " (thais) confusing? You should have been here ten years ago.
Third: the only guy I have ever heard of getting rocked for overstay (and I have known many overstayers, heh) was some super rich brit that didn't want to wait for the overstay desk (just too busy or too coked out, whatever) and tried to change the stamped visa dates in his passport. (freakin brilliant or what? ) he went to jail.
As nic said, it's not an issue, and if you speak thai, it's less than that.
Lots of websites try to gain traction for themselves and say ooooh oh, scary scary, blah blah about overstay, but have zero examples to back it up. "do not overstay your visa or you will go to jail" umm, yeah, well if you say so, sure, thanks. (I have 10 overstays myself, spread over 3 passports. Last one was for 57 days 11, 400 baht: all I had were hospital docs from a motorbike accident and a bunch of goofy sorry looking smiles. Nobody even flinched, still don't. Acquired three more 1 year multiple entry nonimm be visas since then too.) are we catching on here yet?
Ok, quickly, show of hands: how many of you guys have known anyone that has ever been jailed or blacklisted for overstay? See? Thought so.
You can also be "checked" by the police if you are a car accident and they are called to the scene or if you were in a club/bar/establishment that was raided by the police (as happened recently in Hell Club). Interesting that this question has generated these responses but the poster that posted the original question asking for assistance/advice has not responded to the advice he has been given, so no one knows what his friend’s decision will be. One can be cavalier about over staying their time in Thailand thinking nothing will happen and the likelihood is that nothing will happen to you but the people that ended up in Jail and paid unnecessary fines for over staying their VISAs were probably thinking nothing would happen to them too.
...pay a big fine but no more than 20,000 baht which is the max! then kicked out of the kingdom for good never to return.
Actually I'm not so sure that is always the case - I mean the permanent banning from the place. I'd like to know more about specific cases, but I think I have heard of people doing this and then coming back eventually.
LittleBigMan
03-26-09, 03:54
Opebo
Your are 100% right. As I indicated it is subjective and if you are really a unlucky bastard like myself. The information that I briefly given was spoken by the representative at British Embassy that spoke at the Pattaya Expat Club some months ago. You can also contact a website Key Visa here in Pattaya that can give you specific of the exact law. Now how it is applied, who stops you, or just who has a hair up their ass is going to make a huge difference.
I met a guy last year who has been in Thailand mountain north for nearly 25 years overstayed his visa. He and his family is now well connected in Thailand and is well known in circle of charities. He was tracked down by his family in the U.S. and to return to U.S. to visit his family before passes.
Once he was able to convince the US Embassy that he was a U.S. citizen which was the hard part. His sons took care of the rest with the Thai government and off his went in 3 weeks without a fine, jail time, etc..
LBM
I'll be in Thailand for a few nights lay-over in a few weeks. After popping in to make a night of trouble at Giotto's, I plan to spend a few nights away from BKK - either in Pattaya or Phuket. I don't like wasting time at airports and flying on short trips, so Pattaya will probably be the place to go. But reading up on Phuket - it looks tempting. Is it worth the extra travel, or will Pattaya be good enough for a few nights of fun?
M P Lurker
04-01-09, 15:05
I'll be in Thailand for a few nights lay-over in a few weeks. After popping in to make a night of trouble at Giotto's, I plan to spend a few nights away from BKK - either in Pattaya or Phuket. I don't like wasting time at airports and flying on short trips, so Pattaya will probably be the place to go. But reading up on Phuket - it looks tempting. Is it worth the extra travel, or will Pattaya be good enough for a few nights of fun?
Piper,
If you plan to go to see beautiful natural scenery, of the non human kind, or taking a girl with you, I wouldn't go to either. Other places are better. But lets assume you are going on a sex spree. Then although Patong Phuket has a lot of bars, Pattaya will be far more convenient. You can always come back to BKK easily if you don't like it.
If you are trying to combine nicer beaches with sex, then Phuket should win. Watch out for many LBs of course.
Songkran alcohol ban canned, crackdown on alcohol postponed to April 16
BANGKOK: -- The Thai government has postponed the proposed alcohol ban during the Songkran festivals. The National Committee for Alcohol Consumption Control yesterday canned the no alcohol ban during the traditional Thai new year from April 13 to 15.
The committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart, found that a alcohol sales ban during Songkran would further harm the tourism industry.
"The meeting decided the ban would have a bad impact on tourism, particularly on Songkran day, which draws over 150,000 foreign tourists," Maj Gen Sanan said.
Alcohol crackdown to start April 16
The Committee has become alarmed at the deterioration of family values and family unity. One of the main evils of this problem is alcoholic beverages. The new proposal will require bars, convenience stores and entertainment centers that serve alcohol to adjust their closing times as follows:
All bars, shops and entertainment centers will closed based on a sliding window. Mondays close at 1:00AM, Tuesday 12:00 Midnight, Wednesday 11:00PM, Thursday 10:00 PM and Fridays at 9:00PM. Saturdays, Sundays and all official holidays, alcoholic beverages will not be allowed to be sold.
"The sliding window will reduce the problems with sudden alcohol withdrawal and allow family members to be able to spend more time with each other. Saturdays and holiday closures will improve Thai tourism and family outings", says Boonlert Sukaparpraeng, consumption controller at the Department of Culture.
The sliding window could be different in various provinces allowing the creation of many jobs for coach and minibus companies to ferry foreigners around to the correct province to fit in with the well established pattern of Immigration decentralized offices, recently enforced by the Immigration Bureau.
Foreigners holding a valid work permit or residency will still be able to purchase alcohol in so called Mom'n'Pop shops during the prohibited hours.
"This is typical for the Democrat Party", says Somchai Duemlaukaeng, Deputy chairman at the Consumer Protection board. "Thai people has one of the highest alcohol consumption pattern in the world per capita". This will only increase the sales of Lao Khao in the provinces."
Massage parlour minimum age
On April 16, another controversial law is being enforced. After that date, massage parlors can no longer employ anyone under the age of 40, and are required to register all employees as such. This will minimize the request by customers for "extra services" which can cause problems with marriages and minor wives.
Slylock
April 1st 2009
Songkran alcohol ban canned, crackdown on alcohol postponed to April 16
BANGKOK: -- The Thai government has postponed the proposed alcohol ban during the Songkran festivals. The National Committee for Alcohol Consumption Control yesterday canned the no alcohol ban during the traditional Thai new year from April 13 to 15.
The committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart, found that a alcohol sales ban during Songkran would further harm the tourism industry.
"The meeting decided the ban would have a bad impact on tourism, particularly on Songkran day, which draws over 150,000 foreign tourists," Maj Gen Sanan said.
Alcohol crackdown to start April 16
The Committee has become alarmed at the deterioration of family values and family unity. One of the main evils of this problem is alcoholic beverages. The new proposal will require bars, convenience stores and entertainment centers that serve alcohol to adjust their closing times as follows:
All bars, shops and entertainment centers will closed based on a sliding window. Mondays close at 1:00AM, Tuesday 12:00 Midnight, Wednesday 11:00PM, Thursday 10:00 PM and Fridays at 9:00PM. Saturdays, Sundays and all official holidays, alcoholic beverages will not be allowed to be sold.
"The sliding window will reduce the problems with sudden alcohol withdrawal and allow family members to be able to spend more time with each other. Saturdays and holiday closures will improve Thai tourism and family outings", says Boonlert Sukaparpraeng, consumption controller at the Department of Culture.
The sliding window could be different in various provinces allowing the creation of many jobs for coach and minibus companies to ferry foreigners around to the correct province to fit in with the well established pattern of Immigration decentralized offices, recently enforced by the Immigration Bureau.
Foreigners holding a valid work permit or residency will still be able to purchase alcohol in so called Mom'n'Pop shops during the prohibited hours.
"This is typical for the Democrat Party", says Somchai Duemlaukaeng, Deputy chairman at the Consumer Protection board. "Thai people has one of the highest alcohol consumption pattern in the world per capita". This will only increase the sales of Lao Khao in the provinces."
Massage parlour minimum age
On April 16, another controversial law is being enforced. After that date, massage parlors can no longer employ anyone under the age of 40, and are required to register all employees as such. This will minimize the request by customers for "extra services" which can cause problems with marriages and minor wives.
Slylock
April 1st 2009
I suppose that is an April joke....
If Thailand would do that, than they could kiss the tourism industrie good bye.
Member #3428
04-01-09, 22:24
I'll be in Thailand for a few nights lay-over in a few weeks. After popping in to make a night of trouble at Giotto's, I plan to spend a few nights away from BKK - either in Pattaya or Phuket. I don't like wasting time at airports and flying on short trips, so Pattaya will probably be the place to go. But reading up on Phuket - it looks tempting. Is it worth the extra travel, or will Pattaya be good enough for a few nights of fun?
From what I remember of you at the lodge...
Pattaya is for you as you want mongering only. You can grab 1, 2, 3, 4 girls as many as you want at one time. Pattaya is in your face cheap sex. Bars all over etc... Walking Street etc...
Phuket isn't worth the travel for a few days and the girls are just so so.
...Phuket - it looks tempting. Is it worth the extra travel, or will Pattaya be good enough for a few nights of fun?
Simple, Piper ...
If you want beach activities, Phuket is the place.
If you want party, playtime, and plentiful pussy, Pattaya is perfect!
Thanks guys. Judging by the PMs and posts, Pattaya it is. I had the impression from some posters here that only drunk hooligans go there ...
... so it suits me just fine. ;)
But seriously, I live across the road from a beach, so beaches are not a priority. I prefer to be perpindicular with plenty of pretty Pattaya playmates.
M P Lurker
04-03-09, 07:25
http://translate.google.com/translate_t#
Google Language Tools is including ability to translate Thai to English. So now we can take a Thai web apge and try to translate.
Example:
http://www.utopia-entertainment.net/
translated:
http://translate.google.com/translate?prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.utopia-entertainment.net%2F&sl=th&tl=en&history_state0=
Click on Our Models to see they some pretty and some very average.
Phuket isn't worth the travel for a few days and the girls are just so so.Whoa.
I'll see your 2500 Pattaya skanky hoes, and raise you 4 well fed platinum quality hot ass Phuket poontangs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Clh8N0FjLpY
Fuck me, I'm in freakin Tokyo tonight for crap's sake, but man, I was NOT going to let that little diss on my hometown just slide by.
Oh yeah, the beaches in Pattaya suck. Phuket, however, is an island. You know: Swaying palm trees, crystal clear azure seas, cheap seafood, wall to wall pussy, etc? Heh.
LittleBigMan
04-04-09, 03:52
ATM'S,
When I returned end of January here is what I found in regards to ATM'S, from my own experience.
Bangkok, ATM machine outside Landmard Hotel, next to foreign exchange booth. Bank is TMB, will only dispense no more than 5,000 baht.
Pattaya, ATM, machines Siam Commerical Bank ( Purple Machine ) will charge a additional 20 baht for using machine if you are a Farang! although they are already getting a cut from the exchange rate. Out of principal I will not use them.
Bangkok Bank, (Blue machine) machine at Carrefour, lower level as you enter the hallway to the restroom. Will only dispense up to 12,500 baht, not bad since it all comes in 500 bahts incruments. All other Bangkok Bank ATM'S I had no problem dispensing 17,000 baht at one time.
Bank of Ayudhya ( yellow machines ) everyone I used I had good results and always dispense the max. that I needed 17,000 ( 500USD ) limit on my card.
LBM
It seems that the ATM "limit" is 20 BILLS of whatever size. It evidently has to do with the thickness of the "output packet" - 20 bills is probably the machine limit. The main disadvantage to drawing another 20 bills (whatever size) is the additional withdrawal charge. (and, YES, there IS a charge - just look at you statement later after you get back - about 1% total per withdrawal)
You can take your card and your passport and go make a withdrawal INSIDE the bank and have it charged against your ATM card up to the limit of your card (mine is $3000/day :) )
I haven't managed to figure out the 'TIME CHANGE" on the "day" though - midnite in the states?
Stroker Ace88
04-04-09, 21:59
ATM'S,
When I returned end of January here is what I found in regards to ATM'S, from my own experience.
Bangkok, ATM machine outside Landmard Hotel, next to foreign exchange booth. Bank is TMB, will only dispense no more than 5,000 baht.
Pattaya, ATM, machines Siam Commerical Bank ( Purple Machine ) will charge a additional 20 baht for using machine if you are a Farang! although they are already getting a cut from the exchange rate. Out of principal I will not use them.
Bangkok Bank, (Blue machine) machine at Carrefour, lower level as you enter the hallway to the restroom. Will only dispense up to 12,500 baht, not bad since it all comes in 500 bahts incruments. All other Bangkok Bank ATM'S I had no problem dispensing 17,000 baht at one time.
Bank of Ayudhya ( yellow machines ) everyone I used I had good results and always dispense the max. that I needed 17,000 ( 500USD ) limit on my card.
LBM,
I always use the Siam City Bank ATM on Sukhumvit Road around Soi 25. It's located outside of a Family Mart convenience store and is linked to the Cirus and Plus Networks.
I always withdraw the max 20 000TB. I get dinged a $5Canadian charge per withdrawl and that includes both fees, which is very acceptable IMHO. On my withdrawl slip it says "Fee 0.00" so all of the $5Canadian fee might be kept by my bank, but do not quote me on that.
I usually receive 1000TB bills, unless I visit at the end of the weekend when the chances of all 500TB bills increases.
hey barko - depends on your timeframe. Extra time getting there and extra cost com[pared to Patty, too. Patty is OK for ordinary things - BUT - you really need to go to Phuket for diving. The Andeman is a LOT better for diving... I haven't tried diving on 2 legged deer in south Thailand, yet, though :)
Like I said earlier stroker - check your statement when you get home. You might have some "extra unexpected charges" (minor amount, though)
Stroker Ace88
04-04-09, 22:55
Like I said earlier stroker - check your statement when you get home. You might have some "extra unexpected charges" (minor amount, though)
Dinghy,
No, I took money out of the same ATM back in January, the begining of February, and several times in March and I was only charged $5Canadian per withdrawl. I always withdraw the full 20000TB even if I don't plan on spending it right away to limit the charges.
Hi All,
Some advice please.
I am planning a holiday in BKK for early July 2009. A quick Google search reveals that the following public holidays fall during my planned trip:
July 7th (Tue) Asanha Bucha
July 8th (Wed) Khao Phansa
Can the BKK experts on this forum advise me if these holidays are likely to mean a real quiet time, or will there still be the same action available?
Thanks all.
Styk
ATM's
Most foreign banks will charge a fee for a withdrawal.
Some Thai banks do not charge, some do.
You will find the ones that do impose a "20 Baht" fee sometimes will lock you out and only allow 5000 baht withdrawal per transaction.
So you take out 20,000, that means 4 withdrawals which means 80 baht in "local fee's".
UK banks impose a 300 to 350 pound limit per day, which is why some months back you could get 20K, but now only 15K baht.......as the pound is down 30%.
LittleBigMan
04-05-09, 05:14
Dinghy / Stroker Ace88,
Based on my statement.
When it comes to the Siam Commercial Bank whiich I'm not sure if Siam City Bank is the same? Siam Commercial Bank is the purple machine ATM.
As for US Banks they all in general will charge you something like 1% of the actually amount you take out. My bank for example will allow you only a maximum amount withdraw of 500 USD in a 24 hour period for security reason anywhere in the world. So as for Thailand as a example! lets say the exchange is posted at 35, to play it safe so that I don't get rejected by the machine I ask for 17,000 baht just under 500 USD. My bank statement will show based on the exchange rate of 35, a withdraw of $485.71 from my account with another charge of 1% for that amount $4.86. I have been using ATM in Thailand for nearly 10 years and I have no problem with the charge since the ATM gives you a pretty good exchange rate even AFTER THE BANK OF THE ATM TAKES IT CUT! THIS IS ALSO IN REFERENCE TO A ATM CARD THAT IS ISSUE BY A FOREIGN BANK WHICH INLCUDES EVERY CARD THAT ISN'T ISSUE BY A THAI NATIONAL BANK!
It should also be noted that nearly 100% legit ATM'S should be linked to Cirrus of Star in Thailand. I wouldn't use one that isn't! When it comes to Siam Commericail Bank ATM'S, the ones that I have tried to use they are adding a additional charge of their own 20 baht for any card issue outside of Thailand! You will not see this on your bank statement but will notice it on your withdraw ledger when your withdraw is done! No other Thai Bank ATM that I have used is charging this amount! To me this is a B.S. charge! Now will I be a hypocrite and use Siam if I had a immediate itch in the pants and need money right away and Siam was the only option. Take a guess?
After researching the charge of 1% charge by US Banks 2 years ago, I found out from my own bank, Credit Union and Washington Mutual and they all claim the 1% charge or whatever is being charge comes from Visa or Master Card logo being on their card. So if you look at your ATM card it will either have a Visa or M/C logo on it! It would be very hard to get around this method of Capitalism. So we all live with it, we just have to write it in our minds..
In regards to the 20 denomination I think that is incorrect. If you look at my posting that the ATM, in Carrefour Bank of Bangkok will only give you at total amount of 12,500 baht and then delivers 12,500 in 500 baht incurments that is over 20 bills. As for TMB, they will only dispense no more that 5,000 baht at one time. I believe this was mentioned by another poster and what is the exact theory behind that I'm not sure but that's on 5 bills so you 20 theory right now goes on the window.
Enough on ATM'S,,, LBM
Member #3428
04-05-09, 11:51
Whoa.
I'll see your 2500 Pattaya skanky hoes, and raise you 4 well fed platinum quality hot ass Phuket poontangs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Clh8N0FjLpY
Fuck me, I'm in freakin Tokyo tonight for crap's sake, but man, I was NOT going to let that little diss on my hometown just slide by.
Oh yeah, the beaches in Pattaya suck. Phuket, however, is an island. You know: Swaying palm trees, crystal clear azure seas, cheap seafood, wall to wall pussy, etc? Heh.
Personally I agree you can all keep your 2500 skanky hoes in Pattaya and keep your "island" of Phuket. I'm from real islands in Oceania and Patong ain't got nothing except an excess of Russians.
And fuck me I'm stuck dealing with Arse Hole Farang's right now.
I will however venture to Khao Lak in May. See you there for a beer, How's that. We'll cross swords and swap stories but I'll be bringing my own rabbit with me.
But for Piper1... I know him, he'll take Pattaya over Phuket.
Patong ain't got nothing except an excess of Russians. Oh, you don't play poKer? My idea of a joke, never mind! Hey, I thought all the Ruskies were in Pattaya, that's what they say in Phuket anyway!
I pretty much quit doing any monger boy stuff in Patong, and Pattaya is like a zoo. Too many farangs, and I do mean that seriously. Neither of the places are what they once were though.
My house is way up on a hill overlooking the sea in Phuket, and I try to pretend it's my old red cedar house in the artist colony of Holualoa, Big Island of Hawaii. Floor to ceiling windows, hip roofs, lots of flowers, and a large wooden veranda style front porch. Hell I even got a waterfall out back.
Right now I'm in Saitama Prefecture near Tokyo, and there is a lot of incredible looking young 'tang here. Thai girls are getting pretty much played out for me lately. Japan girls: healthy. large breasted, and sexy as hell. Cold wind blowing their long black sweater coats up to expose unbelievable pure pink/porcelain white skin. Just totally untouchable for 'gai jin'. Will do a massage report regarding the hotel I stayed at in Tokyo in the Japanese forum next. Fuck me it's cold tonight. Want to thank you guys for being here.
And, yep, really I do like Khao Lak too Tansak KTV, have a bunch of friends there up on the north end. Not a lot of honey's there though, and Phuket airport is just too far. Let me know when you go.
Member #3428
04-05-09, 20:59
Oh, you don't play poKer? My idea of a joke, never mind! Hey, I thought all the Ruskies were in Pattaya, that's what they say in Phuket anyway!
I pretty much quit doing any monger boy stuff in Patong, and Pattaya is like a zoo. Too many farangs, and I do mean that seriously. Neither of the places are what they once were though.
My house is way up on a hill overlooking the sea in Phuket, and I try to pretend it's my old red cedar house in the artist colony of Holualoa, Big Island of Hawaii. Floor to ceiling windows, hip roofs, lots of flowers, and a large wooden veranda style front porch. Hell I even got a waterfall out back.
Right now I'm in Saitama Prefecture near Tokyo, and there is a lot of incredible looking young 'tang here. Thai girls are getting pretty much played out for me lately. Japan girls: healthy. large breasted, and sexy as hell. Cold wind blowing their long black sweater coats up to expose unbelievable pure pink/porcelain white skin. Just totally untouchable for 'gai jin'. Will do a massage report regarding the hotel I stayed at in Tokyo in the Japanese forum next. Fuck me it's cold tonight. Want to thank you guys for being here.
And, yep, really I do like Khao Lak too Tansak KTV, have a bunch of friends there up on the north end. Not a lot of honey's there though, and Phuket airport is just too far. Let me know when you go.
Oh I do play and right now I'm stuck in Waikiki then off to Kona and Hilo for meetings with USA DOI. :( But luckily I'll get to MNL soon to monger then back home for a moment then back to BKK.
If you can get away from the tourist traps and take your own honey or have established take outs then Phuket can be enjoyable but man Patong is getting as bad as Pattaya (for me). I'm from Oceania so talk about islands and lush and beaches are a hard sell cuz for me most places pale in comparison to where I'm from.
Piper1 will want the wall to wall pussy at Pattaya and the low prices and low BS. He doesn't want to tourist or swim, only swim naked with 10 other ladies in the pool.
I'll be taking my own little screw bunny to Khao Lak and won't need any side action in May, Around may 18 arrival for five days. I need some time away from civilization and trying to get away from the concrete jungles of BKK and MNL and Shanghai. Only thing I might need is a good doctor as she's 16 years younger then me and horny as hell.
Do hope to catch up with you.
Enough on ATM'S,,, LBM
I think there is only one A.T.M. that really counts. :))
Slylock
LittleBigMan
04-10-09, 04:07
Dental Care:
I have been looking for a good Dentist for sometime in Pattaya. I've been to the Bangkok/Pattaya Hospital, Pattaya Memorial, Soi 5, in Central, and a bunch of others around town. Most of the bunch around town have been small and inexpensive one's recommended by friends. Being somewhat spoiled with my own Dentist in the States and a cousin who is also a Dentist for secondard opinions but no insurance now! I'm use to a good Dentist that is into prevention through the bi-annually scaling and polishing they do normal X-Rays and gum dept evaluation. The one's I mentioned above always lack one of the things I want. Even at 1300 a pop for cleaning at BPH, I wasn't in the place more than 15 minutes for cleaning and the guy didn't polish and missed the problem area's that my Dentist in the States noticed. Guy at Soi 5, good English and Knowledge but a bit rough on technique and doesn't polish for 900 baht. Other's around town cheap cleaning but English skill lacking thereafter not exactly sure what I'm going to get but as always the price seem to be right!
I got a tip, from another ISG, member to try German Dental Co. on the way to Jomtien Beach in Pattaya. As you go up the road Thappaya Rd. you will see a 7/11 store left of that is German Dental Co.
Entrance is deceiving thinking it was only 1 level it is in fact 3 level. The reception area is ground level and on the 2 level is where all the work is done. Also thinking that it was a 1 man German operation it turn out to be a real assembly line operation with 3 or 4 Thai women Dentist working with many assistance. Didn't see a German Doctor but aside from myself everyone else in the place were Farangs. Got my scaling,polishing and X-Ray felt like my own Dentist at home. After a brief consulation it was decided that one of my tooth needed a crown. It was a expense I was expecting for sometime! Next day the work was done and that when I finally met the German Dentist, I guess he pretty much doesn't do the work any longer but goes around and consults and double checks everything for his patients. A temporary crown was made and the next day I came back for a crown fitting and color match. The next day my crown was ready! The price for cleaning was 900 baht, and the crown was 10,000 baht. Price was under what BPH, wanted and was way higher than some of the others Dentist I have been too but the results I was really happy with! The crown was a perfect match and color with the lab tech and the German Dentist right there to make sure it fit! Most Dentist I have been too all quoted me a time frame of 2 weeks to make a crown. This place has it own Lab on the 3rd floor and seem to cater to Farangs on a short stay so 3 days for a crown I think is worth the extra cost since I know what am getting.
LBM
Dental Care:
I have been looking for a good Dentist for sometime in Pattaya. I've been to the Bangkok/Pattaya Hospital, Pattaya Memorial, Soi 5, in Central, and a bunch of others around town. Most of the bunch around town have been small and inexpensive one's recommended by friends. Being somewhat spoiled with my own Dentist in the States and a cousin who is also a Dentist for secondard opinions but no insurance now! I'm use to a good Dentist that is into prevention through the bi-annually scaling and polishing they do normal X-Rays and gum dept evaluation. The one's I mentioned above always lack one of the things I want. Even at 1300 a pop for cleaning at BPH, I wasn't in the place more than 15 minutes for cleaning and the guy didn't polish and missed the problem area's that my Dentist in the States noticed. Guy at Soi 5, good English and Knowledge but a bit rough on technique and doesn't polish for 900 baht. Other's around town cheap cleaning but English skill lacking thereafter not exactly sure what I'm going to get but as always the price seem to be right!
I got a tip, from another ISG, member to try German Dental Co. on the way to Jomtien Beach in Pattaya. As you go up the road Thappaya Rd. you will see a 7/11 store left of that is German Dental Co.
Entrance is deceiving thinking it was only 1 level it is in fact 3 level. The reception area is ground level and on the 2 level is where all the work is done. Also thinking that it was a 1 man German operation it turn out to be a real assembly line operation with 3 or 4 Thai women Dentist working with many assistance. Didn't see a German Doctor but aside from myself everyone else in the place were Farangs. Got my scaling,polishing and X-Ray felt like my own Dentist at home. After a brief consulation it was decided that one of my tooth needed a crown. It was a expense I was expecting for sometime! Next day the work was done and that when I finally met the German Dentist, I guess he pretty much doesn't do the work any longer but goes around and consults and double checks everything for his patients. A temporary crown was made and the next day I came back for a crown fitting and color match. The next day my crown was ready! The price for cleaning was 900 baht, and the crown was 10,000 baht. Price was under what BPH, wanted and was way higher than some of the others Dentist I have been too but the results I was really happy with! The crown was a perfect match and color with the lab tech and the German Dentist right there to make sure it fit! Most Dentist I have been too all quoted me a time frame of 2 weeks to make a crown. This place has it own Lab on the 3rd floor and seem to cater to Farangs on a short stay so 3 days for a crown I think is worth the extra cost since I know what am getting.
LBMThanks for the very good info, I think all long time travelers and expat will need this. Just for curiosity, how much was the difference between the not so good cheaper Thai places and that German run company?
How was your impression on hygiene? I m dead scared about this.
LittleBigMan
04-11-09, 04:18
Most of the Thai places I was at seem to be clean. Of course Bangkok Pattaya Hospital was real clean.
Price for a crown or root canal for Bangkok Pattaya Hospital was quoted to me 13,000/15,000
Thai place I was quoted only 4,000 baht, but I ask them to remove a old 40 year filling and they replace it and it didn't look very good. So I'm not sure what I will get if they did a crown.
The dentist in Soi, 5, speak good English, his place is clean but doesn't come across as clean as the Hospital but comes across cleaner than the other local Thai places. Quoted me 8,000-13,000 baht for crown or root canal but will be determine by how many roots he has to address. Uses computer as a x-ray machines.
German Dental,, very clean and his equipment is up to date. looks and feels like a office up with the times. Very busy as I noted doesn't seem to be any walk in from the street for cleaning. I made my appointment thru the Internet email to him. They responded in 2 days
LBM
NicFrenchy
04-11-09, 07:09
I made my appointment thru the Internet email to him. They responded in 2 days
LBM
Just out of curiosity, did it take them 2 days to reply to you or they responded quick adn the whole appointments were made after 2 days?
NicFrenchy
04-11-09, 07:16
Bloody hell, Songkran hasn't even officially started and yet, many people already wear that ugly flowery shirt :(
What the fuck!
MAn I really hope it rains Hard for 5 days so that none of the water games take place. Wouldn't that be great? LOL
Yeah, I know, I'm an asshole. But hey, I got the same love for everyone because I also hope that the Christians spend easter without their bloody eggs. :D
Ok, I needed to vent about something... Sorry, it's saturday, 1pm adn I haven't shot a load yet
LittleBigMan
04-11-09, 09:07
Clarification,
I made my request email on Friday that I wanted a appointment for cleaning on Thursday and I got a confirmation on Monday confirming my request. I found out later that the office is closed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
PM me for the telephone number and/or email address.
I hope that helps!
Lone Punter
04-11-09, 16:14
Customs Control in London
Noble gents!
Instead of Frankfurt I will fly to our Holy Land from London this summer. How severe use the customs control be? Usually I have some 50 - 100 DVD-movies with me. So far I was lucky and was never controlled in Frankfurt. How big is the chance to get catched in London and what would I have to expect?
Thanks a lot for any precious advice.
LP
Aussiebloke453
04-12-09, 13:31
I am booked for a Pre Lasik exam in BKK and would love to hear for anyone who has experienced Lasik surgery in BKK.
I have searched the Thailand forum for Lasik and whilst there are a number of posts most go back a good few years. I am currently booked in for some test TRSC International Lasik Centre and have booked the surgery and post surgery date subject to the pre Lasik results anyone had any experience with this company? http://www.lasikthai.com ??
To be honest I am shitting bricks having my eyes done! I have done what research I could and these people kept coming up. If any of you guys have had any experience with this company or can recommend another I would be pleased to hear from you.
The cost is about half that that is Australia but probably saving about 30% after I stay an each week assuming the surgery is a goer. The other nice thing about Thailand is the process is more streamlined. In Aus you make an appointment the do a prelim exam, then a week or so later the pre Lasik exam, then anonther two weeks or so the surgery. Least in Thailand it can be all queued up.
Be good to hear your stories good, bad or indifferent.
Cheers,
Fleetz
Traveler1234
04-12-09, 15:00
I am booked for a Pre Lasik exam in BKK and would love to hear for anyone who has experienced Lasik surgery in BKK.
Fleetz
Keep in mind the following:
There are two potential procedures: PRK and Lasik.
PRK is the 'old fashion' way - no flap to worry about but also means longer healing time and about 7-10 days when vision is blurry. Most of the military guys do it this way.
Lasik is the newer procedure, has the flap, quicker 'recovery/sight' time but for those with astigmatism, not recommended. Most folks do it this way.
Most centers should shoot for less than 20:20 and sometimes a second treatment is needed within first year.
FWIW, my 25 yr son did it last Nov. He could have done it in HK for about $2500 but I told him to fly home to see my doc (which cost him double!)....
I can't comment on your center other than to say we operate about 10 centers in China (and the charge is less than $1000 for pair of eyes). Cost has nothing to do with quality - it's the doctor, his experience, his pre-op exam, etc. Good luck.
ValeVincent
04-12-09, 15:33
I had Lasik done at the Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok four years ago. I have had no problems afterwards. Afterwards I went to an eyesurgeon in my home country where I tried to get a regular check up. But after an examination he told me to "go out in the streets and enjoy my new eyes". The job was perfect and he didn't want to see me anymore. There was no need.
I had.6 on both eyes prior to the operation. Now it is.. 25 and 0.
Bumrungrad is really professional and are experienced which was important to me.
Good luck
Customs Control in London
How big is the chance to get catched in London and what would I have to expect?
LP
Customs are hardly going to stop you on exit, it is more a question of security prior to departure, i would be more concerned with arrival in Thailand, surely?
Dental office in Jomtien - Soi 5 off the beach road - last place on the left. Great work, inexpensive
Customs Control in London
Noble gents!
Instead of Frankfurt I will fly to our Holy Land from London this summer. How severe use the customs control be? Usually I have some 50 - 100 DVD-movies with me. So far I was lucky and was never controlled in Frankfurt. How big is the chance to get catched in London and what would I have to expect?
Thanks a lot for any precious advice.
LP
Depends on your overall travel plans. If you are flying in to London from Frankfurt and coming through the immigration control before flying out to LOS then there is a possibility you will get caught. You didn't mention what kind of DVD's you were bringing with you but assuming they are normal (whatever that is) average type porn then the likelihood is nothing. If it goes beyond that description then you are looking at anything from complete seizure to arrest and charging. If you are simply leaving from heathrow or are transiting through without going through immigration and the DVD's are in your hold luggage, then you have absolutely nothing to worry about, the chances of having your hold luggage searched is minimal. Incidentally I would take note of the other poster's comments. If you get stopped by the Thai authorities entering the country with porn or other similar material (and it does happen believe me) I would not want to be in your shoes at all. Of course if your DVD's are simply mainstream hollywood movies you have nothing to worry about at all :-) Anyway I don't understand why anyone would want to take DVD's of any description to Thailand, since you can buy whatever you want there, at a cheaper price than Europe
Lone Punter
04-13-09, 08:07
Depends on your overall travel plans. If you are flying in to London from Frankfurt and coming through the immigration control before flying out to LOS then there is a possibility you will get caught.Thanks a lot Mortman for your answer but I realise I messed up my initial request to the forum. Of cause, I am worried about the RETURN TRIP to London where I will have to pass through customs. Whats the attitude towards import of pirated DVD's? Sorry again.
LP
Thanks a lot Mortman for your answer but I realise I messed up my initial request to the forum. Of cause, I am worried about the RETURN TRIP to London where I will have to pass through customs. Whats the attitude towards import of pirated DVD's? Sorry again.
LP
I can tell you from a personal experience that I had exactly two years ago. I was returning from LOS had gone through immigration control at Heathrow, collected my bag and headed through the green zone nothing to declare. I was stopped and had all my baggage searched. I was carrying 12 cartons of cigarettes (12 x 200) about 20 pirated DVD's, approximately 10 counterfeir Rolex watches, Rubies and Sapphires that I had bought in Burma on a day trip to Mai Sae and around 30 Lacoste (counterfeit) Polo shirts. The customs officer searched through everything, asked some questions about how much I had paid for each item (ensure the total is below the imported good threshold) and after all that seized the cigarettes only. He was not in the least interested in the counterfeit goods or DVD's and I get the impression that this is the general attitude. However if you brought back a large suitcase stuffed full of counterfeit goods and it was obvious that you were doing it for commercial gain then I think they would adopt a different attitude. At the end of the day the bottom line is that the importation of counterfeir goods is not only illegal but you can also be prosecuted for it. If you are bringing in pirated DVD's and they are clearly for your own use, I wouldn't worry too much.
I am thinking of traveling to LOS (mainly BKK) next week. Political unrest in Thailand is fairly constantly in the news, but not a whole lot of coverage, so wanted get any perspective that people on the ground might be able to provide. Do things feel safe in BKK? Would you have second thoughts visiting now? I would highly appreciate any thoughts from those already in the country.
Thanks a lot in advance for your help.
NicFrenchy
04-17-09, 02:03
Do things feel safe in BKK?If you wear a condom, you might be able to go back home in one piece.
Oh, sorry, you weren't talking about the sightseeing were you?
Bangkok is SAFE, I live here, work here and most importantly: I fuck here and I am still here.
If you wear a condom, you might be able to go back home in one piece.
Oh, sorry, you weren't talking about the sightseeing were you?
Bangkok is SAFE, I live here, work here and most importantly: I fuck here and I am still here. I like to ad that the question as is validation. THE INTERNET NEWS is full of report and taksin interview that a revolution is quiet imminent to happen. This morning shot of sonthi is just the beginnig.
Nice french you may have tu understand that if you travel once to thai with your hardworking saved money you want have fun and not protest in the street. EVEN who knows once they come to blast the red aera of suk who knows. ALSO A RESIDENT OF Bangkok.
Jeff
I, and i`m sure, numerous others, would like to know if the following information is still relavent or requires updating - posted Jan 08. If not, could some kind soul please post the changes. Appreciations to the originator...Freeler
700869
There is mention of the rail system being in place by mid 08? is this the case or not?
Appreciations gentlemen!
There is mention of the rail system being in place by mid 08? is this the case or not?They're currently claiming that service will begin this August 12th. Since that's HM the Queen's birthday, it's a pretty firm deadline.
Mick Ireland 1
04-20-09, 18:48
Can foreigner buy apartments in Thailand?
Does people have any tips what to look out for.
Any tips on callings cards in the LOS? Where to find, how much do they cost, etc.? I need to find an economical way of calling around the world while in the LOS. Thanks much.
The first thing I do on arrival in BKK, unfortunately only once a year, is to head for the ATM and then purchase a Thai phone card for 250 THB.
This serves for making local calls at 1-2 THB/min. and sending text messages, both mostly to communicate with GFs, although at 7.50 THB/min the occasional call to Europe/USA won't prevent me from visiting Tulip.
For any serious calling around the world (and keeping my Significant Other happy on a daily basis), I use my laptop with a (Blootooth) headset, a broadband internet connection at the hotel and one or more Betamax accounts (Google!).
For 2.50 EUR/month I can call most landline phones in the world for free (Europe, USA/Canada, Australia, NZ etc.) and mobile phones for less than by any other means.
Any tips on callings cards in the LOS? Where to find, how much do they cost, etc.? I need to find an economical way of calling around the world while in the LOS. Thanks much.
I should get a referral fee for this but Vonage VoIP service is a good option. They always have free promotions with the first month or two being free and subscribers can cancel anytime. You don’t even need a phone because Vonage has a portable V device you can plug into your computer's USB port and can be used anywhere in the world but you need broadband internet access.
http://www.vonage.com
Can foreigner buy apartments in Thailand?
Does people have any tips what to look out for.
Check Living in Thailand thead, which is where this should be posted
Happy Lenny
04-21-09, 13:22
I, and I'm sure, numerous others, would like to know if the following information is still relavent or requires updating. Posted Jan 08. If not, could some kind soul please post the changes. Appreciations to the originator. Freeler
700869
There is mention of the rail system being in place by mid 08? Is this the case or not?
Appreciations gentlemen! I just wanted to add this info, I didn't see any mention of this bus service in the link above.
Airport Express provides air-conditioned bus service between Suvarnabhumi Airport and first-class Bangkok hotels.
Airport Express operates 4 bus routes to downtown. The cost is 150 baht for entire route. Airport Express service operates from 5:00 am to midnight.
The pick up area is on the Arrivals level, 2nd floor (inner curb).
The drop off area is on the Departures level, 4th floor (inner curb).
Contact Airport Express Counter Level 1, near Entrance 8.
Route [AE3] Suvarnabhumi-Sukhumvit. Wireless Road
Bus Stop Hotel, Inn, Condominium
1. Sukhumvit Soi 52-50 BTS, On Nut Station, Lotus
2. Prakanong Market Klongton (Sukhumvit 81)
3. Eastern Bus Terminal Ekamai (Sukhumvit 63)
4. Sukhumvit Soi 38 BTS, Thonglor Station
5. Sukhumvit Soi 34 Rex Hotel
6. Sukhumvit Soi 24 Emporium, BTS Prom-Phong
7. Sukhumvit Soi 20 Novotel Hotel, Sukhumvit
8. Sukhumvit Soi 18 Westin Hotel, Robinson
9. Sukhumvit Soi 10 (Bangkok Bank) Manhattan Hotel, Ambassador Hotel
10. Sukhumvit Soi 6 Amari Boulevard, Landmark, Bel-aire
11. Sukhumvit Soi 2 JW Marriot Hotel, Majestic Grande
12. Central Silom, Rachdamri Road
13. World Trade/Central World Plaza Arnoma Hotel, Isetan, Zen
14. Phetchaburi Soi 25 Pratunam Center, Metropolis
15. Phetchaburi Soi 35 Bangkok Palace H., Eastern H.
16. Soi Nana Zenith H., Grace H.,Bumrungrad Hospital
Traveler1234
04-21-09, 17:58
Can foreigner buy apartments in Thailand?
Check Living in Thailand thead, which is where this should be posted
The quick answer is yes to condo/apts.
I would check the posts of "The Traveler" - look in 2007 thread as there was lots of discussions re this exact subject.
LittleBigMan
04-22-09, 09:16
When it comes to buying, take things slow slow and slower! No one here is climbing over each other to buy property! If you take it slow and gather your information to your questions you will see what I'm talking about.
Rent first and take your time! LBM
I just wanted to add this info, I didn't see any mention of this bus service in the link above.Probably because it's relatively expensive, especially if you are not travelling alone.
Go up to departures, grab a cab that's dropping off passengers, and for a little more it will whisk you off to your hotel entrance :)
A Bangkok Post discussion is reporting that Thai bankers are now charging
7 times the amount for fees on ATM WD's with foreign cards.
Board index ‹ All categories ‹ Expat community ‹ Issan
Title: "Tourism what are they thinking?"
He's talking about the Thai bankers association's decision to levy a $4.50 Fee on to every foreign ATM transaction.
This was enacted the first of april I believe. remember this is ON TOP OF any fee that your bank charges you.
for example: you take out 10,000 baht from you bank account, 10,000 plus 250 baht plus currency fee of 1 percent (100 baht) plus my banking fee of 53 baht.
Thats 403 baht in fee's for a 10,000 baht transaction. pretty insane if you ask me. that's around 12 dollars US for a single transaction/
Pretty strange way to attract guests to Thailand. Maybe the Bankers WANT to tourism sector to fail. hmmm
LittleBigMan
04-23-09, 03:48
As I reported earlier, Siam Commercial Bank ATM'S is already doing this as far back as Feb.. but the standard charge is 20 baht for any Foreign ATM card now I don't know if that is 7 times the charge but as I noted it is another B.S charge by a bank no matter where they are located. We better prepare ourselves cause I wouldn't be surprise if other if not all the Thai banks be doing this in the future. Another example of Thai bitting the hand that fees them! Stupid or just greed or both?
LBM
I should get a referral fee for this but Vonage VoIP service is a good option. They always have free promotions with the first month or two being free and subscribers can cancel anytime. You don’t even need a phone because Vonage has a portable V device you can plug into your computer's USB port and can be used anywhere in the world but you need broadband internet access.
http://www.vonage.com
Thanks Daddy San and Run Mann, but I'm really looking for calling cards. I can't use phones over the internet (vonage, etc.), because my company laptop won't allow me to. So I need a calling card, which lets you make international calls by calling a local toll-free number. Thanks in advance for any help.
As I reported earlier, Siam Commercial Bank ATM'S is already doing this as far back as Feb.. but the standard charge is 20 baht for any Foreign ATM card now I don't know if that is 7 times the charge but as I noted it is another B.S charge by a bank no matter where they are located. We better prepare ourselves cause I wouldn't be surprise if other if not all the Thai banks be doing this in the future. Another example of Thai bitting the hand that fees them! Stupid or just greed or both?
LBMTwenty baht is far less than a dollar. But the new fees being talked about are 7 times that or, worse yet, 250 baht {as mentioned in the quote from my previous post}. I wonder if there is any substance to the claims of increased fees, as I have yet to see any evidence of it except some unsubstantiated claims on a message board. I assume using travellers checks, cash, and CC's would be ways around the use of ATM machines.
Twenty baht is far less than a dollar. But the new fees being talked about are 7 times that or, worse yet, 250 baht {as mentioned in the quote from my previous post}. I wonder if there is any substance to the claims of increased fees, as I have yet to see any evidence of it except some unsubstantiated claims on a message board. I assume using travellers checks, cash, and CC's would be ways around the use of ATM machines.Siam Commercial is the only one I know off who do it. And yes its 20 baht per transaction.
No other banks are doing it that I know off.
The talk of these new "fee's" is just a load of bullshit, the normal bullshit floated by trolls on the internet trying to create panic discussion about things.
MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING.
If you withdraw CASH from an ATM but using VISA CREDIT - then yes you will get hit with new charges and fee's. But this is as always and recently increased. Credit cards used for cash advance is not cheap, never has been and is now more expensive.
If you withdraw CASH from an ATM but using DEBIT (as in taking money from your account, not from your credit line) - then no new massive fee's apply.
LittleBigMan
04-24-09, 04:14
PinkPearl,
I know 20 baht isn't much at all... but they are already getting a cut from our withdraw so as I noted earlier this is another greed attempt on the part of banks especially if it is 7 times higher.
LBM
I know its been favorably mentioned on the forum, but searches only revealed a couple of cursory references. Is it the "Raja" near NEP (few shops down on your left as you exit NEP). Thanks much.
Etaoin2003
04-25-09, 21:48
Airport Express provides air-conditioned bus service between Suvarnabhumi Airport and first-class Bangkok hotels.
Airport Express rides can seem like they're going to take forever, but they're clean, comfortable and a great deal at a great price. Sit back and relax and maybe read a paper.
NicFrenchy
04-26-09, 01:32
Airport Express rides can seem like they're going to take forever, but they're clean, comfortable and a great deal at a great price. Sit back and relax and maybe read a paper.
Taking a taxi to Lower Sukhumvit from Airport is 300thb (including 2 tollways), How cheap can one be to save money on that and take a bus? carrying all your luggage?
Geez, if one can't fork 7 euros for a taxi ride, then better not travel at all.
Fifty Fifty
04-26-09, 04:16
.....Geez, if one can't fork 7 euros for a taxi ride, then better not travel at all.
Fully agree, I cant believe some of the crap here, taking buses to avoid paying one of the cheapest long-distance airport taxi rides in the world. The same guys probably argue the toss between 1500 and 2000 for LT with a good girl - then having agreed 1500 they give 2000, thinking they are tipping her well ???
Maybe I am simply fortunate as I never have to really budget when visiting LOS, however I also dont throw money away either. I have never paid more than 500 THB for Airport taxis to any part of BKK, and that included a generous tip.
I have met some of these skinflints though, the best is the ''generous type'' who always buy the first round in the bar, only because its the ''happy hour'' one, then when its my turn I pay almost double!!!
I was just thinking - What if Joe Cheapskate injured his back carrying his own luggage to or from the bus and then spent the entire holiday f*ucked up in pain. Now that would be funny :D
Taxi every time, and if you want to save money, hold up a sign and be prepared to share the ride !!
Cheers, FF
Fully agree, I cant believe some of the crap here, taking buses to avoid paying one of the cheapest long-distance airport taxi rides in the world. The same guys probably argue the toss between 1500 and 2000 for LT with a good girl - then having agreed 1500 they give 2000, thinking they are tipping her well ???
Maybe I am simply fortunate as I never have to really budget when visiting LOS, however I also dont throw money away either. I have never paid more than 500 THB for Airport taxis to any part of BKK, and that included a generous tip.
I have met some of these skinflints though, the best is the ''generous type'' who always buy the first round in the bar, only because its the ''happy hour'' one, then when its my turn I pay almost double!!!
I was just thinking - What if Joe Cheapskate injured his back carrying his own luggage to or from the bus and then spent the entire holiday f*ucked up in pain. Now that would be funny :D
Taxi every time, and if you want to save money, hold up a sign and be prepared to share the ride !!
Cheers, FF
Taking a taxi to Lower Sukhumvit from Airport is 300thb (including 2 tollways), How cheap can one be to save money on that and take a bus? carrying all your luggage?
Geez, if one can't fork 7 euros for a taxi ride, then better not travel at all.
Not everyone makes their salary in Dollars, Pounds or Euros! Some of us live here in SE Asia and make a high local salary. No 500 Bht will not break us, but being able to save 300-400 Bht is a night out drinking.
Don't be so paranoid about cheapskates. When ever I meet up with someone I always buy the first round. If your so slow in drinking your beer, wine or Liquor then you wouldn't have to pay double.
Take it easy on folks ya! I posted in another thread about how to get cheap air tickets and got a shit storm that saving 200 Dollars is bullshit because of the extra 3-5 hours of travel time! The traveling portion of your holiday can be fun as well as long as your not uptight. You can get the feel of other places on your way. Hell I meet a guy (now a good friend) during a 6 hour layover in HK. My CC was not working and the guy bought me lunch and smokes. When we got to KL I took him and his family out to eat. It turned out to be a great experience. But if I had meet you I would have gone hungry and had a Nicotine fit right in terminal!
Welcome to the Hotel California...
Slylock
LittleBigMan
04-27-09, 03:44
Slylock,
You aren't referring to your remarks on 4-9-09 about fares? If so I don't think you got a shit-storm about your opinion nor anyone refer to your opinion as bullshit.
Your point is very valid, people have to balance what their intend is when they want to save. Being consistent and balance is very hard for people sometimes. If like for yourself, you can obtain a fare and make stops to see friends and to make friends and save a little money that might be great for you but not for another who just want to get to their final destination as soon as possible and doesn't have open and friendly personality like you. They just want to get to BKK, into a cheap hotel and get some cheap pussy. Personally I give you credit for being so relax and open in making stops like this and being so open to meeting people. Now if I could meet a cutie on each stop I might think about it but most of the time after 10 hours I want to pull the emergency door open and jump out!
This should be consider a difference of opinion and not consider bullshit.
Was I being cheap or just wanting to get the best bang out of a buck?
When I came back at the end of January for SFO, coming standby I tried to limit my luggage allocation with my usual small carry-on and 1 piece (45 lbs) duffy bag which contain supplies for my wife and son. As always I book my one night in Bangkok in a cheap clean hotel (800 baht) did my stops at Tulip and mongering for freelancers. The last few times not having any luggage except my carryon I have used Bell Travel (150 baht) great value to and from Pattaya. I also usually book a private car from Nana area with or without luggage to Pattaya for 1200 Baht but this time thinking I could save a few baht and use that towards pussy. I decided I would just carry my stuff to the MRT and get to the bus station (Ekarmai) and take the bus for 112 Baht to Pattaya. Well, halfway from Nana I started to break out in a big sweat but got to the Nana Station, going up to the platform my duffy bag slip off the stairs and nearly killed too Farangs at the bottom of the stairway. They thinking I was a Thai, gave me a stare! Maybe it was NicFrency or OTH going to work?
I finally got to the station in one piece, but while I was waiting for the bus I was thinking saving 1100 baht to Pattaya was it really worth it? I was try to balance things in my head! The pussy I got the day and night before was great but in the end what little I save wasn't worth the trouble since I had luggage. In this particular case I was being a cheap charlie but wasn't thinking that the night before!
LBM
Fifty Fifty
04-27-09, 04:43
not everyone makes their salary in dollars, pounds or euros! some of us live here in se asia and make a high local salary. no 500 bht will not break us, but being able to save 300-400 bht is a night out drinking.
generally the ''money saving bus'' posts are from guys who have flown several hours on an expensive flight then bust their asses to carry luggage on a bus to save paying the 300 baht taxi fare into bkk. one would expect a person living here to want to use the alternative forms of transport - hell i do all the time, if it suits. for example i use the bts all over bkk and i have a ''smartpass'' too. i dont do it for ''cheapness'' but for convenience and speed/ease of travel. however, if i have luggage, i prefer to use a taxi.
when the new train line finally makes it to the airport and service begins, i will give it a try. however i will weigh up the convenience as opposed to cost, particularly where ''luggage carrying'' is concerned. at present the 'door to door'' taxi for 3-500 baht still holds good for me.
don't be so paranoid about cheapskates. when ever i meet up with someone i always buy the first round. if your so slow in drinking your beer, wine or liquor then you wouldn't have to pay double.
i am not a slow drinker by any means, and my example of the guy that buys the first round because it is happy hour was a general one, however it has happened to me on far too many occasions to be coincidental, often with the same drinking partner too.
take it easy on folks ya! i posted in another thread about how to get cheap air tickets and got a shit storm that saving 200 dollars is bullshit because of the extra 3-5 hours of travel time! the traveling portion of your holiday can be fun as well as long as your not uptight. you can get the feel of other places on your way. hell i meet a guy (now a good friend) during a 6 hour layover in hk. my cc was not working and the guy bought me lunch and smokes. when we got to kl i took him and his family out to eat. it turned out to be a great experience. but if i had meet you i would have gone hungry and had a nicotine fit right in terminal!
welcome to the hotel california...
slylock
i think you got the wrong picture entirely. first of all you did not really get any kind of ''shit storm'' for your information on saving a couple hundred dollars versus travelling time. the replies simply stated that maybe it wasnt worth it as the time could be better spent in los instead.
secondly, showing generosity to help a fellow traveller out is a totally different ball-game to squeezing a few baht out of a hard working girl or taxi driver. sure i would have done the same as your friend, well almost. i would have bought you lunch and maybe a beer, but i would draw the line at buying your cigarettes, after all they are really not good for you.
cheers, ff
My apologizes to FF and LBM. The last paragraph was directed towards Nic and I should have specified that. Also the shit storm I took was not in the public eye but in PM's. The messages were along the lines of why I would promote having cheap charlie low life people come over and ruin it for us all. I just get a little disheartening to sometimes post in this forum. Do not get me wrong, I love the atmosphere of this place and the characters that participate.
Maybe Nic is a good guy in person, but in my opinion on this thread he smells of the deadbeat Expat that can not cut it back home (and in France no less). The Expats we all love to hate, including the locals. Tansak KTV Giotto and others sing his praises. But Nic stop being so damn put downish and cynical. your comments on Giotto's forum about Newbies was a little disturbing, even if the original poster was just joking around. Lets make this place fun and accepting to everyone.
I do understand wanting to get to your destination as fast as possible! Before I moved to freelance consulting I was jet setting all of the world on dumb business and I wanted to do was get home and into my bed. But for most of these guys this is a once in a life time trip and all I wanted to do was reply to the persons questions.
in a semi famous quote "Can't we all just get along"
Slylock
Nic if would like to reply to my comments please feel free to do so, but if I am correct, lets do this over in the fight club. Cheers
IrishLager
04-29-09, 18:42
I arrive into BKK at 1am on May 17th. I'm gonna need to exchange about $2000 USD into THB and I don't feel like the airport exchange counters give the best rates. Back in November I got a 32.8-$1 rate when the exchange rate was fluctuating a tiny bit (like it does everyday) but at a rate around 35-$1. Where is the best place in BKK these days to get the most favorable exchange rate? I have an account at Siam Commercial so should I just go straight to the bank to get it done? I will need a few THB for the taxi into town and for the FL I'll pick up in either the Nana car park or an after hours joint like Spicy, Boss or Lucky, so I'll hit up the airport counter for 5,000 THB or so.
I have an account at Siam Commercial so should I just go straight to the bank to get it done?Your bank (or any bank) will give you a decent rate. They're all pretty competitive, as you'll see from the small differential between buying and selling rates. But if you're determined to squeeze out every last baht, you'll see a number of small exchange operations that have sprung up lately offering a very slightly better rate. If you use one just count your change carefully! I think they're basically straight but they might be more likely to make a 'mistake' than a bank would.
...
Maybe Nic is a good guy in person, but in my opinion on this thread he smells of the deadbeat Expat that can not cut it back home (and in France no less). The Expats we all love to hate, including the locals. Tansak KTV Giotto and others sing his praises. But Nic stop being so damn put downish and cynical. your comments on Giotto's forum about Newbies was a little disturbing, even if the original poster was just joking around. Lets make this place fun and accepting to everyone.
...
Slylock,
Look, Nic has a small birth defect - he is French :) !
He is not really speaking English - it is more or less Frenglish! He comes across quite straight sometimes ... but remember how you were when you were 15 years old ... :):).
Giotto
LittleBigMan
04-30-09, 04:43
IrisLager,
Sounds like you already answer your own question. If you don't have enough baht to take a taxi into town or to pick a FL, you have no choice but to exchange at less 5,000 baht. You will get a better rate if it is Traveler checks or 100 U.S. bills.
LBM
NicFrenchy
04-30-09, 05:38
Maybe Nic is a good guy in person,
Right... you know when people want to "grill" someone, they always start like this... it's the ever bullshit way to start by pretending to be the good guy... well, that's until the BUT comes in ;)
you know, like: "Oh I really appreciate Giotto's company, he is such a nice man But what an asshole when it comes to ......"
This is the new, pussification of our Language. Why sugar coat everything?
If you really think I am an asshole, say so, I've been called much worse adn still sleep at night :D
ok, I am done kidding, maybe I'm not so nice eh?
your comments on Giotto's forum about Newbies was a little disturbing, even if the original poster was just joking around. Lets make this place fun and accepting to everyone.
Ah, yes, that is where I called "forgot the name" a moron... because the man (sorry man, I have a very short memory) was asking for people to be banned if not contributing.
Now, in my defense, there was no smiley in his post indicating he was kidding. Giotto made it clear afterwards. I still stand by my post (at the time). Of course, looking back, now that he was joking my post is out of place but what am I to do? maybe i'll buy him a blowjob at SOL (can't do it myself, I don't bend that way).
"Can't we all just get along" you say? I think we're doing quite well, but it would help if people would not take everything so seriously.
Now if we ever meet, I expect you to buy me a beer!! oh wait.. I only drink water
NicFrenchy
04-30-09, 05:42
.. but remember how you were when you were 15 years old ... :):).
You BESTARD !!!
I am offended. Not only am I going to come see you on Saturday but I will make you cook my breakfast! (wait, come to think of it maybe it's better you don't cook, I want to stay in 1 piece) :D
Now if we ever meet, I expect you to buy me a beer!! oh wait.. I only drink water
I will buy you the beer. To bad I will be the one drinking it!
Slylock
How about some Perrier?
You BESTARD !!!
I am offended. Not only am I going to come see you on Saturday but I will make you cook my breakfast! (wait, come to think of it maybe it's better you don't cook, I want to stay in 1 piece) :D
Ummm, Nic...Why would you be staying Saturday night with Giotto? Is there something we should all know? :)
Slylock,
Look, Nic has a small birth defect - he is French :) !
He is not really speaking English - it is more or less Frenglish! He comes across quite straight sometimes ... but remember how you were when you were 15 years old ... :):).
Giotto
I have a large defect. I am American! And unless I try real hard I come across straight. I think you know what I mean, your German after all! LOL
Slylock
NicFrenchy
04-30-09, 06:52
I will buy you the beer. To bad I will be the one drinking it!
No chance, if you buy me the beer then I won't be giving it back to you to drink :D
How about some Perrier?
Perrier is for Pussies! I like my water from the Tap (yes, not healthy but I like to take chances)
NicFrenchy
04-30-09, 07:04
Ummm, Nic...Why would you be staying Saturday night with Giotto? Is there something we should all know? :)
Well I will not stay the night with Giotto (sorry to all those who were hoping) but will be having Breakfast with him on Saturday. Now if some brave souls want to join, that's fine.
Caviar Breakfast @ 4,999 per person :D
Well I will not stay the night with Giotto (sorry to all those who were hoping) but will be having Breakfast with him on Saturday. Now if some brave souls want to join, that's fine.
Caviar Breakfast @ 4,999 per person :D
Washing down 5000 Bht caviar with tap water. That would be a oxymoron.
I will be happy to buy you a glass of tap water from the Sports Bar at LL during my next trip up to BKK... (but only if Giotto has it on sale, I will be on a limited budget)
Yellow Fever #2
04-30-09, 12:24
I arrive into BKK at 1am on May 17th. I'm gonna need to exchange about $2000 USD into THB and I don't feel like the airport exchange counters give the best rates. Back in November I got a 32.8-$1 rate when the exchange rate was fluctuating a tiny bit (like it does everyday) but at a rate around 35-$1. Where is the best place in BKK these days to get the most favorable exchange rate? I have an account at Siam Commercial so should I just go straight to the bank to get it done? I will need a few THB for the taxi into town and for the FL I'll pick up in either the Nana car park or an after hours joint like Spicy, Boss or Lucky, so I'll hit up the airport counter for 5,000 THB or so.
In general airports give the worst rates, so change only a minimum at the airport and change in the city at a bank or private exchange counter. Also you should try to make your exchanges from Monday to Thursday. After business on Friday the rates get poor for the whole weekend. This is a general observation for all countries....
I arrive into BKK at 1am on May 17th. I'm gonna need to exchange about $2000 USD into THB and I don't feel like the airport exchange counters give the best rates. Back in November I got a 32.8-$1 rate when the exchange rate was fluctuating a tiny bit (like it does everyday) but at a rate around 35-$1. Where is the best place in BKK these days to get the most favorable exchange rate? I have an account at Siam Commercial so should I just go straight to the bank to get it done? I will need a few THB for the taxi into town and for the FL I'll pick up in either the Nana car park or an after hours joint like Spicy, Boss or Lucky, so I'll hit up the airport counter for 5,000 THB or so.
The best rate is available where all the money changers go. That is Superrich. Secrch google for that name. They have a spread between buying and selling of 5-20 Satang. Only open during banking hours though.
IrishLager
04-30-09, 22:51
The best rate is available where all the money changers go. That is Superrich. Secrch google for that name. They have a spread between buying and selling of 5-20 Satang. Only open during banking hours though.
Superrich looks like THEE place to exchange. Thanks Tiger 888. Will be easy for me to hit the branch on Suk Soi 22.
Superrich looks like THEE place to exchange. Thanks Tiger 888. Will be easy for me to hit the branch on Suk Soi 22.
If you want to change smaller amounts, VASU on the corner of Sukhumvit Soi 7/1 is also very good. If you don't change thousands, the difference won't equalize the taxi fare.
By the way: The best rates are only available at Superrich at the location on Ratchadamri Road. I tried Sukhumit Soi 22 and they have completely different (worse) rates.
No "Other areas" rubrique in Thailand? Like nothing happens outside of Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya?
LittleBigMan
05-02-09, 09:31
ATM Fee's!
It was reported and discussed earlier that some Thai banks are charging a extra fee for foreign ATM cards that make withdraw transaction in Thailand. I personally reported that Siam Commercial Bank was charging a extra 20 baht per transaction. It was also reported by PinkPearl that there were reports that Thai banks were going to charge 7 times or 250 baht per transaction for each Farangs.
Just the other day I read in the Bangkok post that the Thai Banking Assoication has authorized a fee for us Farangs that withdraw money out of their ATM'S with a card issued outside of Thailand whether you are living here or on vacation. The set fee I read was 150 baht per transaction.
Today, I was at Tesco, in Pattaya and I placed my foreign ATM card inside the Bangkok Bank ( Blue Machine ) as I have done for the last few years to get my monthly allowance the respond to me was " All ATM cards are welcome here " I requested the amount and the response back to me was " to be issue this amount there is a 150 baht charge " I cancelled. Went to all the others bank machines, purple, yellow, green, etc... and they all inform me of the extra B.S. greedy capitalistic charge that I was going to have to pay to a Thai bank that has the same Thai mentality, that when you are losing money or not making enough charge more! to make up for the difference. What is a guy to do? I guess I have no choice at this point until I find another more convienent way of getting my monthly money from the U.S.
LBM
ATM Fee's!
It was reported and discussed earlier that some Thai banks are charging a extra fee for foreign ATM cards that make withdraw transaction in Thailand. I personally reported that Siam Commercial Bank was charging a extra 20 baht per transaction. It was also reported by PinkPearl that there were reports that Thai banks were going to charge 7 times or 250 baht per transaction for each Farangs.
Just the other day I read in the Bangkok post that the Thai Banking Assoication has authorized a fee for us Farangs that withdraw money out of their ATM'S with a card issued outside of Thailand whether you are living here or on vacation. The set fee I read was 150 baht per transaction.
Today, I was at Tesco, in Pattaya and I placed my foreign ATM card inside the Bangkok Bank ( Blue Machine ) as I have done for the last few years to get my monthly allowance the respond to me was " All ATM cards are welcome here " I requested the amount and the response back to me was " to be issue this amount there is a 150 baht charge " I cancelled. Went to all the others bank machines, purple, yellow, green, etc... and they all inform me of the extra B.S. greedy capitalistic charge that I was going to have to pay to a Thai bank that has the same Thai mentality, that when you are losing money or not making enough charge more! to make up for the difference. What is a guy to do? I guess I have no choice at this point until I find another more convienent way of getting my monthly money from the U.S.
LBM
I am afraid you have to live with the idea that a bank has to cash some money for a service. Whether it is too much or not, it is another story. But it is a fact a fee for a rendered service is nothing strange and unusual.
Why should they do that for free?
ATM Fee's!
It was reported and discussed earlier that some Thai banks are charging a extra fee for foreign ATM cards that make withdraw transaction in Thailand. I personally reported that Siam Commercial Bank was charging a extra 20 baht per transaction. It was also reported by PinkPearl that there were reports that Thai banks were going to charge 7 times or 250 baht per transaction for each Farangs.
Just the other day I read in the Bangkok post that the Thai Banking Assoication has authorized a fee for us Farangs that withdraw money out of their ATM'S with a card issued outside of Thailand whether you are living here or on vacation. The set fee I read was 150 baht per transaction.
Today, I was at Tesco, in Pattaya and I placed my foreign ATM card inside the Bangkok Bank ( Blue Machine ) as I have done for the last few years to get my monthly allowance the respond to me was " All ATM cards are welcome here " I requested the amount and the response back to me was " to be issue this amount there is a 150 baht charge " I cancelled. Went to all the others bank machines, purple, yellow, green, etc... and they all inform me of the extra B.S. greedy capitalistic charge that I was going to have to pay to a Thai bank that has the same Thai mentality, that when you are losing money or not making enough charge more! to make up for the difference. What is a guy to do? I guess I have no choice at this point until I find another more convienent way of getting my monthly money from the U.S.
LBMAs of last week, Kasikorn and Ayuthaya were still not charging the ATM flat fee.
LittleBigMan
05-02-09, 14:31
Bionicman,
" Why should they do it for free "
This is where we part ways! No one is saying that any Bank in Thailand or any bank in the world should be providing a service for free! For example: if you are a American ( since I don't know you ) and you remember way back when you were able to use a ATM and they didn't charge you for using another banks ATM and then one day the machine says if you want money it's another buck I'm sure you were'nt very happy? What about your own bank charging you fees for everything including taking out your own money! Are you happy with that!
As for free! There is no bank in Thailand or any bank in any country when you use your ATM machine that isn't already making a percentage from the transaction! So your thoughts that Thailand banks were allowing Farangs to withdraw money all these years, doing the conversion for you was doing it for free and out of the goodness of their hearts because Thailand is the LOS and free is insane. Do you think the counters at the Thai airport is converting your dollars to baht for free? Look at the board and see the difference between buying and selling.
This issue was addressed in January when I was home in the States with my cousin wife who is a top executive with Bank of America as she knows my situation well and knows I have been drawing money from my checking account through ATM'S in Thailand. It is simple how Thai banks or any bank make money from a withdraw from a foreign ATM... If the days exchange rate is 35.50 the bank ATM machine that you use gives money to you at 35 they make .50! get it! it's not free and has never been!
I have no problem with paying a fee and have been doing so for all these years but as I noted this charge of 150 baht is only being charged to foreign credit or debit card holders and not Thai's! To me it is the same as going to a bar and ordering a Leo Beer and I pay 75 baht while a Thai guy next to me pays 45 baht.
Once again this is a Bullshit charge on top of profit they are already making. I do agree with you that I have to live with it until I find a better way to get around the system.
LBM
They also need to remember that IF it gets too "expensive" then people can go INTO the bank and make a withdrawal for slightly more than the max an ATM can do as well. "Point of sale" is how it's described on the statement you will get later.
The "other alternative" is that people might just take their money and go elsewhere. The charge in Cambodia was $2 (similar to a US bank machine)
IF they are charging 150B (totally above the 'reasonable amount' for the service provided - that might be "50B" - then people wouldn't complain) then I just might do my main initial conversion of, say $500 at the airport in cash and be done with them until I can go into the bank itself
ThaiLearner
05-02-09, 18:40
You could always take travellers cheques may be this would be a cheaper way now.
Bionicman,
" Why should they do it for free "
I have no problem with paying a fee and have been doing so for all these years but as I noted this charge of 150 baht is only being charged to foreign credit or debit card holders and not Thai's! To me it is the same as going to a bar and ordering a Leo Beer and I pay 75 baht while a Thai guy next to me pays 45 baht.
LBM
Those holding foreign credit and debit cards are withdrawing cash from their foreign accounts. The Thais have domestic cards (ATM's) as do many foreigners who have local bank accounts, and they are not charged for withdrawing money from their Thai accounts (except when out of area or withdrawing from a different Thai bank)
Your analogy of comparing the price paid for a Leo at a bar does not hold water. The Thai is drinking Leo but the Farang is drinking an imported beer, hence the additional cost.
Since this is basically a sex guide, let me suggest for the same reasons that is why the Usbeck girls charge more than the Thai girls for a tryst. They are imported!
LittleBigMan
05-03-09, 00:35
Bumholes1,
I understand your humor and I understand that if I take money out of my Thai account which I basically use for satisfying my Visa requirement I won't get charge. Based on what your are also saying "imports" then all Thai's shouldn't have a problem when they travel to the U.S. that our banks charge them an additional 150 baht when they use our ATM'S.
In the end, you missed the point.... I and everyone that comes to Thailand and uses their ATM card from their home bank are ALREADY BEING CHARGED! The charges they are imposing 150 baht is another additional charge!
LBM
Bumholes1,
I understand your humor and I understand that if I take money out of my Thai account which I basically use for satisfying my Visa requirement I won't get charge. Based on what your are also saying "imports" then all Thai's shouldn't have a problem when they travel to the U.S. that our banks charge them an additional 150 baht when they use our ATM'S.
In the end, you missed the point.... I and everyone that comes to Thailand and uses their ATM card from their home bank are ALREADY BEING CHARGED! The charges they are imposing 150 baht is another additional charge!
LBM
Whilst I am totally against the charge, I can understand why the banks are charging it. They need money! I have no idea whether the Thais are charged for using their Thai cards when overseas.
I have not missed the point. Yes everyone is already "charged" this being included in the exchange rate - you only have to look at the spread between buy and sell.
There is a charge for using travellers cheques, just as there is when telexing money from overseas (usually 200bt minimum + a %)
But just look at the ordinary charges paid by Thais. An annual fee for the ATM. 10 or 20bt when withdrawing cash from outside your own branch network. 0.1% when transferring money to someone using the same bank. And when you update your passbook after a period of time when there have been 10+ entries, they are all lumped together. Request a detailed statement and they will invariably charge you.
The banks need money. Technology costs money. They will take it wherever it is the easiest, but I don't believe foreigners are more unfairly treated than the Thais.
LittleBigMan
05-03-09, 04:10
Bumholes1,
You put it so much better this time and I agree with your assessment 99.5% which was exactly what I was trying to express earlier.
If a Leo is a import to me and I have to pay more does that mean P4P Thai is also imported and we shouldn't complain if we are charge more? No need to answer just joking.
In this particular case I think we are being unfairly targeted since the charge for a Thai as you say 10 or 20 baht. The charge for us in this particular case is 150 baht. Not a a lot of money to us foreigners who live or vacation here but the fee is unequally being applied.
I bank with Bangkok Bank, and I know they aren't the only ones charging this fee and I understand they are there to make a buck whatever way they can get it. When you look at the millions of tourist that come daily and even if you take a small number of them using ATM'S the 150 baht per transaction translate into lot of money. I agree the thinking is somewhat solid on theThai Bank Association since many who don't want to paid the charge might transfer more money into a Thai bank to avoid the 150 baht fee. Only time will tell, so if this is their thinking they might succeed but it doesn't mean I have to take it laying down. Bangkok Bank headquarters is in New York and has exclusive rights with the Social Security Adminitration to have retirees checks deposited into their bank for retirees living in Thailand. I have written a letter and forwarded it to Bangkok bank, Social Security Adminitration and House speaker Nancy Pelosi who is my representative. Now is anything going to change? Hell no? but I got it off my chest!
So end of story and end of ATM Fee's
LBM
Bumholes1,
In this particular case I think we are being unfairly targeted since the charge for a Thai as you say 10 or 20 baht. The charge for us in this particular case is 150 baht.
LBM
The 10 or 20 baht to which I referred is charged for all ATM transactions (by Thai or foreigner alike) outside of their own branch network - BUT STILL WITHIN THAILAND.
We foreigners are using debit or credit cards and accessing cash from overseas. You cannot therefore compare the charges for Thai cards and foreign cards. More cost is inevitibly involved in checking a foreign bank account before releasing the money, BUT I still consider 150bt unreasonably expensive.
Fifty Fifty
05-03-09, 04:49
Bumholes1,.... I and everyone that comes to Thailand and uses their ATM card from their home bank are ALREADY BEING CHARGED! The charges they are imposing 150 baht is another additional charge!
LBM
I bank in the UK and so long as I remain in credit, I never incur any charges from my Bank whatsoever for use of any ATM anywhere in the world. I always get a very favourable official Bank exchange rate too.
Some ATMs in the UK are 'private' ones such as found in shops and clubs, these always charge for withdrawals - I never use them.
Recently in Thailand I put my card into an ATM and saw the notice that I would be charged 150 THB for the service requested. I simply cancelled and went to another machine (Kasikorn I think) which did not inform me of any extra charge, so I used it.
Cheers, FF
LittleBigMan
05-03-09, 10:06
Fifty Fifty,
You are coming in at the end of the conversation. But I'll take the time as always and give you a summary. This topic was discussed about 2 weeks ago you can go back and read those post. It was reported in the Bangkok Post that the Thai Banking associated has authorized the banks to charge this set amount 150 baht for all foreign ATM cards.
Since that time I myself haven't run into a problem doing withdraws since the impression I get is that the banks itself would determine to charge or not. But yesterday in Pattaya, at Tesco Lotus, I put in my card, Bangkok bank and was told that if I wanted to continue that I would be access this charge. I like you cancelled the transaction and if you know the malls in Pattaya they have ATM machines for every bank in Thailand. I went to ALL the other machines and put my card in, including Kasikorn, I believe green machine and was told the same thing 150 Baht charge. Maybe being Thailand they haven't gotten around to all the machines but I think sooner or later they are going to get around to every machine! If they don't and there is going to be a Thai bank that doesn't charge the extra 150 Baht, they got my business!
I stand on my position that everyone using a foreign ATM card is already being charge. You just didn't get the point! that you quoted! you're stuck on the 150 baht. Although the ATM machine is giving you a favorable rate it is not the top rate. For example again.... if the current exchange rate in the market for the banks is 35.50, and they dispense a favorable rate to you in one of their ATM at 35.25 they are already profiting from you .25 you will not see this on any statement ever. This is the same method the exchange counter throughout Thailand are using except you are able to see the rates. We don't have that previliege with ATM'S but you are being charged!
Interesting remark about your bank in UK not charging you a fee for using ATM'S overseas. Let me use a example of a withdraw in the U.S. since I have no idea what the pound is worth. But I think you will understand the example.
If you make a ATM withdraw of 17,000 baht and the exchange rate is 35.40 which comes out to maybe 490.00 USD, you don't see a addition charge from your bank on your monthly statement of $4.90? Does your ATM card have a Visa or Master Charge logo on it. A majority if not all ATM cards in the U.S. that have a Visa or M/C logo the user will most likely get this 1% charge. So go back and take a look at your statement cause if you don't that is something to consider maybe banking with a U.K Bank. What is the U.K. bank name maybe there is one in the United States?
You don't need to beg, we are most likely just going to differ!
ThaiLearner
05-03-09, 13:24
I bank in the UK and so long as I remain in credit, I never incur any charges from my Bank whatsoever for use of any ATM anywhere in the world. I always get a very favourable official Bank exchange rate too.
Some ATMs in the UK are 'private' ones such as found in shops and clubs, these always charge for withdrawals - I never use them.
Recently in Thailand I put my card into an ATM and saw the notice that I would be charged 150 THB for the service requested. I simply cancelled and went to another machine (Kasikorn I think) which did not inform me of any extra charge, so I used it.
Cheers, FF
Nationwide were excellent for this but as from June even they are charging to use your debit card in some foreign atms .
Fifty Fifty
05-03-09, 15:38
Fifty Fifty,
You are coming in at the end of the conversation. But I'll take the time as always and give you a summary. This topic was discussed about 2 weeks ago you can go back and read those post. It was reported in the Bangkok Post that the Thai Banking associated has authorized the banks to charge this set amount 150 baht for all foreign ATM cards.
Since that time I myself haven't run into a problem doing withdraws since the impression I get is that the banks itself would determine to charge or not. But yesterday in Pattaya, at Tesco Lotus, I put in my card, Bangkok bank and was told that if I wanted to continue that I would be access this charge. I like you cancelled the transaction and if you know the malls in Pattaya they have ATM machines for every bank in Thailand. I went to ALL the other machines and put my card in, including Kasikorn, I believe green machine and was told the same thing 150 Baht charge. Maybe being Thailand they haven't gotten around to all the machines but I think sooner or later they are going to get around to every machine! If they don't and there is going to be a Thai bank that doesn't charge the extra 150 Baht, they got my business!
I stand on my position that everyone using a foreign ATM card is already being charge. You just didn't get the point! that you quoted! you're stuck on the 150 baht. Although the ATM machine is giving you a favorable rate it is not the top rate. For example again.... if the current exchange rate in the market for the banks is 35.50, and they dispense a favorable rate to you in one of their ATM at 35.25 they are already profiting from you .25 you will not see this on any statement ever. This is the same method the exchange counter throughout Thailand are using except you are able to see the rates. We don't have that previliege with ATM'S but you are being charged!
Interesting remark about your bank in UK not charging you a fee for using ATM'S overseas. Let me use a example of a withdraw in the U.S. since I have no idea what the pound is worth. But I think you will understand the example.
If you make a ATM withdraw of 17,000 baht and the exchange rate is 35.40 which comes out to maybe 490.00 USD, you don't see a addition charge from your bank on your monthly statement of $4.90? Does your ATM card have a Visa or Master Charge logo on it. A majority if not all ATM cards in the U.S. that have a Visa or M/C logo the user will most likely get this 1% charge. So go back and take a look at your statement cause if you don't that is something to consider maybe banking with a U.K Bank. What is the U.K. bank name maybe there is one in the United States?
You don't need to beg, we are most likely just going to differ!
I will differ, sorry. I have followed this thread from the outset and havent missed much, having read all the posts.
I use any ATM, not only those associated with my bank and as I stated the exchange rates I get on my statement are the best of any bank on offer - even better than over the counter.
Furthermore, my card has the Visa Logo, however my card is a Debit Card and my ATM withdrawals do not go via Visa, but use the 'cirrus' or 'link' networks. There are never any extra charges such as the 1% that you suggest.
So up until now I have never been physically ''extra'' charged for ATM use, but when I return to LOS in June I may suffer the 150 Baht once all the machines are altered, if that is the case.
My answer will be to withdraw much larger amounts thereby reducing the frequency of the charge - even if I can afford it, I begrudge paying anyway.
Regardless of rates etc, I still maintain my UK bank has so far given me one of the best deals I could get.
Now lets get back on track and talk more about what we spend the money on instead :)
Cheers, FF
In the last few days I was charged the 150 baht by Thai Military Bank and (as far as I could tell) NOT charged it by Bank of Ayudhaya.
I want to rent a boat in Thailand and sail around for three days. I was told that for 500 a day + 100 a day for the capt one can get a pretty nice boat in Thailand and throw one hell of a bash.
I have searched the net and it seems like the boats/yahts are a bit more expensive than 600 a day.
Does anybody have any experience with boat yaht/rental in Thailand? I want something that it is nice, has at least two cabins, and capable of ferrying me around to a few of the various islands in Thailand.
Thanks in advance.
NicFrenchy
05-04-09, 03:51
i want to rent a boat in thailand and sail around for three days. i was told that for 500 a day + 100 a day for the capt one can get a pretty nice boat in thailand and throw one hell of a bash.
i have searched the net and it seems like the boats/yahts are a bit more expensive than 600 a day.
does anybody have any experience with boat yaht/rental in thailand? i want something that it is nice, has at least two cabins, and capable of ferrying me around to a few of the various islands in thailand.
thanks in advance.
i can guarantee you that if 500 it was, it isn't in thai baht. maybe in euros?
a simple one way trip to an island (approx 1 hour) will cost you 1,000 thb, and that's on a long tail boat.
i once booked a speed boat in krabi for a one way trip of 45mn, the cost was 9,000 thb (for up to 8 people in the boat).
Keep the pressure on everyone, keep complaining and lets get this fee reduced from 150 Baht down to the standard 20 Baht (as in inter bank ATM fee in Thailand) it should be.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/economics/16138/banks-asked-to-cut-foreigners-atm-fees
BANKING
Banks asked to cut foreigners' ATM fees
By: SOMRUEDI BANCHONGDUANG
Published: 4/05/2009 at 12:00 AM
The Thai Bankers' Association will ask local banks to cut fee charges for foreign cardholders using local ATMs, according to association secretary-general Twatchai Yongkittikul.
He said the TBA would hold talks among its members about current fees.
But he cautioned that any cuts would likely be marginal, as most of the fees represented charges imposed for international network access and simply passed on to end-users.
Since mid-April, foreign cardholders withdrawing funds from local ATMs have been charged 150 baht per transaction.
Dr Twatchai said the fee largely came from new transaction charges imposed by international service providers MasterCard Worldwide and Visa Worldwide to cover interchange network costs.
Local banks, which had previously absorbed the expenses, are now looking to pass on their own operating expenses to customers, arguing that the fees charged in Thailand are in line with expenses charged for cross-border ATM transactions in other countries.
Dr Twatchai acknowledged that a number of foreign tourists and expatriates had complained about the added fees.
At a minimum, he said, local banks should communicate better with customers about the expenses banks incur for processing international transactions.
"Local banks should give more information about fees on the ATM screen, and then customers can make their own choice about whether to continue with the transaction," Dr Twatchai said.
"The TBA will try to raise awareness about the issue. Unfortunately, right now many foreign customers have a negative view of local banks due to the fee issue."
But a MasterCard spokesman denied that the 150-baht ATM access fee imposed by many Thai banks stemmed from any recent fee change or initiative by the company. The spokesman said MasterCard last notified member banks in October 2007 about a 0.2-percentage-point increase in fees effective from January 2008 under cross-border agreements. Since then, no other fee increases have been made related to ATM charges.
i can guarantee you that if 500 it was, it isn't in thai baht. maybe in euros?
a simple one way trip to an island (approx 1 hour) will cost you 1,000 thb, and that's on a long tail boat.
i once booked a speed boat in krabi for a one way trip of 45mn, the cost was 9,000 thb (for up to 8 people in the boat).
yankee bucks is the currency i operate in.
NicFrenchy
05-04-09, 04:31
Yankee Bucks is the currency I operate in.
So US$600 would be equivalent to 21,000 thb. Depending where you plan on renting this boat (Phuket, Samui, Krabi, Pattaya) I am sure you can find a decent boat for that price.
I know in Koh Samui some Boats charge 20,000 for 8 hours but that includes food for about 20 people (guests).
You might want to contact a local Agency, give them your specs/budget and let them do the work ;)
They will send you prices, boat pictures etc...
LittleBigMan
05-04-09, 04:38
They have only cheap hammers here in Thailand. So once you hit a wall there's no point in trying to break it down with one since there nothing on the otherside except air.
LBM
In the last few days I was charged the 150 baht by Thai Military Bank and (as far as I could tell) NOT charged it by Bank of Ayudhaya.
Today, I needed to retrieve some cash with my French Visa card and was also charged 150 baht by the Krung Thai Bank. No ATM from the Bank of Ayudhaya was in the vicinity then, therefore, I can't say whether or not this other bank is now also charging the infamous 150 baht on foreign bank cards... Alas, it seems that this practice will soon be the norm here...
LittleBigMan
05-04-09, 09:52
Goyave,
I mentioned earlier, in Pattaya Lotus Tesco, I try to withdraw money the other day and every ATM located in the mall wanted the 150 baht charge including Bank of Ayudhaya. But today I made another withdraw from my regular stop on the otherside of Sukhumvit out near the Crocodile Farm 7/11, ATM machine is yellow and belongs to Bank of Ayudhaya. Surprise! was not charged the 150 baht. Only time will tell if every bank and every machine will be charging this additional fee.
LBM
Its not the machines on an individual basis, all machines are linked into the banks network, and its only if the bank invokes the charge do all its ATM machines charge you.
I posted earlier that the TBA has now decided to lower the fee after a massive amount of complainst and also a big drop in currency exchanges. Do not forget the banks get foreign currency for dishing out Thai baht. If the farangs stop using the ATM then the banks start losing foreign currency.
I would image a massive load of farang simply did not use the ATM and probably saved some money of the past week or so, and this has hurt the banks.
Now, after so many complaints and losing money, they are going to change and lower the fee (or drop it).
Perhaps B of A (yellow ATM's) has already scrapped the charge?
Goyave,
I mentioned earlier, in Pattaya Lotus Tesco, I try to withdraw money the other day and every ATM located in the mall wanted the 150 baht charge including Bank of Ayudhaya. But today I made another withdraw from my regular stop on the otherside of Sukhumvit out near the Crocodile Farm 7/11, ATM machine is yellow and belongs to Bank of Ayudhaya. Surprise! was not charged the 150 baht. Only time will tell if every bank and every machine will be charging this additional fee.
LBM
So US$600 would be equivalent to 21,000 thb. Depending where you plan on renting this boat (Phuket, Samui, Krabi, Pattaya) I am sure you can find a decent boat for that price.
I know in Koh Samui some Boats charge 20,000 for 8 hours but that includes food for about 20 people (guests).
You might want to contact a local Agency, give them your specs/budget and let them do the work ;)
They will send you prices, boat pictures etc...
Thanks....I already have three EE girls ready to board ship.
Re new ATM machine fees of 150 B, and cases where there is no mention of the fee at the time of a transaction, there has been a claim posted on the other forum I spoke of, namely that the 150 B fee has still been charged and will show up in your bank records.
Here's some ATM info....
Goyave,
I mentioned earlier, in Pattaya Lotus Tesco, I try to withdraw money the other day and every ATM located in the mall wanted the 150 baht charge including Bank of Ayudhaya. But today I made another withdraw from my regular stop on the otherside of Sukhumvit out near the Crocodile Farm 7/11, ATM machine is yellow and belongs to Bank of Ayudhaya. Surprise! was not charged the 150 baht. Only time will tell if every bank and every machine will be charging this additional fee.
LBM
LittleBigMan
05-06-09, 05:48
On a personal note PinkPearl, that hasn't been the case for me! For others I hope you comprehend that before you guys respond.
PinkPearl, if you continue the transaction and agree to the fee, once you complete your transaction you will see the amount 150 deducted separately on your little recpt that the ATM gives you. The other day I made a withdraw and the ATM didn't request the 150 and a day later I checked my statement online and there weren't any additional charges.
NoCBJ4Me, Thanks for the message!
LBM
Bronx Prowler
05-07-09, 01:52
Question: I am coming from the US to Thailand next week. What kind of travel adapters do I need to be able to charge the ipod and laptop?
Thanks for the info.
BP
Old Thai Hand
05-07-09, 10:55
Question: I am coming from the US to Thailand next week. What kind of travel adapters do I need to be able to charge the ipod and laptop?
Thanks for the info.
BP
You can buy one on the street, really cheap when you get here.
Question: I am coming from the US to Thailand next week. What kind of travel adapters do I need to be able to charge the ipod and laptop?
Thanks for the info.
BP
Your iPod can be charged while connected to the laptop's USB port. 220 Voltage is used in Thailand, but aren't all laptops now made with the dual voltage adapter/power supply plug?
All laptops made during the last several years come with power adapters that accept 100-240 volts input, meaning you can connect them to 110 or 220 volt outlets anywhere in the world without needing a voltage adapter. Only thing you will need is the appropriate plug converter for your destination. For Thailand, this would be the European style 2-pin. You can find plug converters at any electronics store.
All laptops made during the last several years come with power adapters that accept 100-240 volts input, meaning you can connect them to 110 or 220 volt outlets anywhere in the world without needing a voltage adapter. Only thing you will need is the appropriate plug converter for your destination. For Thailand, this would be the European style 2-pin. You can find plug converters at any electronics store.
They're also available at all Boots pharmacies and most convenience stores also carry them. In addition, most hotels that I've stayed at in Thailand will loan you one as a courtesy.
LittleBigMan
05-08-09, 03:12
Bronx Prowler,
The best converter that I have found in the U.S. is sold by Brookstone. It is a small kit in a nicely pack box. But as for laptop or other electronic product look at the charging plug as noted by the others it should read 110-225-30, if that is the case your on solid footing. Anything mark and stamp just 110 forget it.
LBM
Question: I am coming from the US to Thailand next week. What kind of travel adapters do I need to be able to charge the ipod and laptop?
Thanks for the info.
BP
I know this might be abit of a more pricey option but if you forgot, most airlines (even budget ones i think) sells international converters on their inflight sales.
Ive bought them on MAS, Singapore and United before. They're not cheap but heck, i claim it back out of my travel expenses. Thats for sending me to work with no notice at all. Obviously id forget something while packing. :)
Bronx Prowler
05-08-09, 19:24
Thanks for all the converter tips, much appreciated. One more week till the LOS!!
Did anyone read the news about several tourists dropping dead on or around Phi Phi Islands? Weird to say the least.
BP
Please post this around any other forums you may use :
Checking today I can confirm :
Please use :
Yellow ATM machine ( Bank of Ayudhaya ) - No Charge for Debit card.
Please do not use :
Blue ATM machine (Bangkok Bank) - Wants to charge 150 baht.
Blue ATM machine (Siam Commercial Bank) - Wants to charge 150 baht.
Red ATM machine (Siam ??) - Wants to charge 150 baht.
Green ATM machine (Kasikorn Bank) - Wants to charge 150 baht.
Add to the list any others you have tried............
All ATM must give you the option (if they want to charge) of accepting to pay a 150 baht charge or not. They cannot bill you later or deduct without you explicitly clicking on YES to accept the additional charge.
The banks get foreign currency back for your Baht withdrawals, and its why they never charged in the past as its an easy way to get their hands on foreign currency.
They come up with the 150 baht fee only to rip off foreigners, the actual charge to them is very small, and most are always willing to write it off as the foreign currency is something they can easily make more by taking foreign currency this way over what they lose in the tiny fee's involved.
The Thai Bankers Association thought they could confuse people with credit card charges and get away with charging 150 baht. Greed greed greed.
Well, please everyone, as it stands now perhaps we should all boycott using all other ATM, only use the Yellow ones of Bank of Ayudhaya (Krung Siri).
This will reward the Bank of Ayudhaya for being "farang friendly" and not greedy like the others.
The others can hurt if we all avoid using their ATM's and denying them the easy foreign currency while they are greedy demanding 150 baht.
You can find the Yellow ATM's of Bank of Ayudhaya at their bank branches and also most big shopping malls, and supermarkets like Lotus etc..
http://www.internationalsexguide. info/forum/attachment.php? attachmentid=114389
i'm not singling the guy who posted this out, because i've seen several others who took pics of women who looked to be just as young (or even younger), but when i saw it, i had a question:
how do you tell if a woman's over the age of consent?
yes, yes, yes, i know that all thai's are issued with i'd cards, and i've read how to figure out how old a person is by doing the subtraction to get their date of birth. i also know how much money the us government has spent on trying to make i'd's for "legal" immigrants foolproof too, and how spotty their success rate is. so, if a nation like the us can't get i'd's forgery-proof, and given the level of corruption i've heard is in place in thailand, how do you know a woman's 'ready for prime time'? trust the mamasan/papasan? if you pay them, they make the same amount if they're peddling a woman who's legal as they do one that's not, so what's their incentive to be truthful? trust the folks at your hotel's front desk? like they're going to know every wg in a town the size of bangkok?
my worry is simple, and i think any potential monger can understand it:
you're in a bar, meet a good-looking young-ish looking thing, she's giving off the right signals, your small brain begins to think more than your big brain, you come to an agreement for a lt, you bf her, go to your room, do the deed, she stays over. next morning (after, maybe, another round or three) you take her downstairs for a much-earned late breakfast and the next thign you know, the thai cops are talking to your new 'girlfriend', she's admitting she's **** (and, of course, blaming the nasty farang for all of it), and you're being marched off for a long and unpleasant stay in a thai prison.
it would be laughable i think if any one of us couldn't stop for a second and think how close we might have come to stepping into a situation like that.
so, back to the question: how *do* you know? more to the point, if you take a girl up and trust her i'd card, will the cops understand that you had no way of knowing you were being fooled by a fake i'd?
http://www.internationalsexguide. info/forum/attachment.php? attachmentid=114389
i'm not singling the guy who posted this out, because i've seen several others who took pics of women who looked to be just as young (or even younger), but when i saw it, i had a question:
how do you tell if a woman's over the age of consent?
yes, yes, yes, i know that all thai's are issued with i'd cards, and i've read how to figure out how old a person is by doing the subtraction to get their date of birth. i also know how much money the us government has spent on trying to make i'd's for "legal" immigrants foolproof too, and how spotty their success rate is. so, if a nation like the us can't get i'd's forgery-proof, and given the level of corruption i've heard is in place in thailand, how do you know a woman's 'ready for prime time'? trust the mamasan/papasan? if you pay them, they make the same amount if they're peddling a woman who's legal as they do one that's not, so what's their incentive to be truthful? trust the folks at your hotel's front desk? like they're going to know every wg in a town the size of bangkok?
my worry is simple, and i think any potential monger can understand it:
you're in a bar, meet a good-looking young-ish looking thing, she's giving off the right signals, your small brain begins to think more than your big brain, you come to an agreement for a lt, you bf her, go to your room, do the deed, she stays over. next morning (after, maybe, another round or three) you take her downstairs for a much-earned late breakfast and the next thign you know, the thai cops are talking to your new 'girlfriend', she's admitting she's **** (and, of course, blaming the nasty farang for all of it), and you're being marched off for a long and unpleasant stay in a thai prison.
it would be laughable i think if any one of us couldn't stop for a second and think how close we might have come to stepping into a situation like that.
so, back to the question: how *do* you know? more to the point, if you take a girl up and trust her i'd card, will the cops understand that you had no way of knowing you were being fooled by a fake i'd?things to do and not to do. take girl from a go go or masage. you should be save then they not alowed to take under. you will not be traped normaly.
freelance its on you to check. if they traped you its four fault. you have to check before.
there is only comment sense that apply here. no 100% garantee in my opinion.
http://www.internationalsexguide. info/forum/attachment.php? attachmentid=114389
i'm not singling the guy who posted this out, because i've seen several others who took pics of women who looked to be just as young (or even younger), but when i saw it, i had a question:
how do you tell if a woman's over the age of consent?
yes, yes, yes, i know that all thai's are issued with i'd cards, and i've read how to figure out how old a person is by doing the subtraction to get their date of birth. i also know how much money the us government has spent on trying to make i'd's for "legal" immigrants foolproof too, and how spotty their success rate is. so, if a nation like the us can't get i'd's forgery-proof, and given the level of corruption i've heard is in place in thailand, how do you know a woman's 'ready for prime time'? trust the mamasan/papasan? if you pay them, they make the same amount if they're peddling a woman who's legal as they do one that's not, so what's their incentive to be truthful? trust the folks at your hotel's front desk? like they're going to know every wg in a town the size of bangkok?
my worry is simple, and i think any potential monger can understand it:
you're in a bar, meet a good-looking young-ish looking thing, she's giving off the right signals, your small brain begins to think more than your big brain, you come to an agreement for a lt, you bf her, go to your room, do the deed, she stays over. next morning (after, maybe, another round or three) you take her downstairs for a much-earned late breakfast and the next thign you know, the thai cops are talking to your new 'girlfriend', she's admitting she's **** (and, of course, blaming the nasty farang for all of it), and you're being marched off for a long and unpleasant stay in a thai prison.
it would be laughable i think if any one of us couldn't stop for a second and think how close we might have come to stepping into a situation like that.
so, back to the question: how *do* you know? more to the point, if you take a girl up and trust her i'd card, will the cops understand that you had no way of knowing you were being fooled by a fake i'd?
you can never be completely certain i- f you go after girls who are borderline as regards age of consent, you run a risk of getting into trouble. i generally avoid anyone who is or appears to be under 24 years old for that reaso. however, while i have heard of stories of a guy who had a lao girlfriend in thailand who had a fake id but who turned out to be under 18, i never heard of anyone being done for **** for taking a bargirl home who later turned out to be under 18. the bars themselves can get into big trouble for employing **** too. and it would be bad for business if farang kept getting done for taking home girls from a particular bar only later to be done by the police for ****.
Hello,
My excuses if this is the wrong topic for this.
I'm wondering how much money I need to have fun in Thailand.
í'm planning to stay 10 days Bangkok and 10 days Pattaya.
How much should it generaly cost for 3 weeks?
Thanks in advance,
Datebayo
Re new ATM machine fees of 150 B, and cases where there is no mention of the fee at the time of a transaction, there has been a claim posted on the other forum I spoke of, namely that the 150 B fee has still been charged and will show up in your bank records.
I just took out 10000 Baht from an ATM in Pattaya, which would convert to about $286 at just under 35 baht to the dollar. I checked my accound back in the US and found I was charged a $2 ATM fee (70 baht) and a $8.58 (300 baht) Exchange Fee! Ouch - that's 3.7% in fees!
Things to do and not to do. Take girl from a go go or masage......
I was in a Go Go on Walking Street in Pattaya on Saturday and Mamasan brought a girl that had been dancing on stage over to sit with me. I bought her an orange juice. She was cute and had a nice body, but I thought she looked young. I asked her how old she was - she said 20. Later I guessed that whe was 16 amd later on Mama admitted to me that she was 16. She had no ID anyway.
I didn't take her.
Yellow ATM machine ( Bank of Ayudhaya ) - No Charge for Debit card.
Thanks for this - Bank of Ayudhaya has been the best bank in Thailand for many years, according to many visitors and expats I know. However I don't feel sure about even them:
Today I specifically sought out the yellow ATM (before even reading your post), and when I withdrew 10,000 baht from my american account, there was no mention of the 150 baht fee. This is good. However there was a very lengthy ATM slip which stated that:
Fee: 0.00
Ex Rate: 33.44
Tran. Currency 299.07 USD
The Ex. Rate is base on the counter rate (note buy) announce in www.krungsri.com including a hedging margin not exceeding 3%
This is by far the most informative ATM slip Ayudhaya has ever given me, but I wonder if it suggests a hidden fee in the 'hedging margin'? From what I can tell, the total withdrawn from my US account should be $299.07, but we'll see.
I generally avoid anyone who is or appears to be under 24 years old for that reason. That's my general rule of thumb. If it looks young, reject it and move on. Why take a chance. The Bangkok Hilton is not the place I wish to stay at. And worst, the embarrassment when you return home.
Hello,
My excuses if this is the wrong topic for this.
I'm wondering how much money I need to have fun in Thailand.
í'm planning to stay 10 days Bangkok and 10 days Pattaya.
How much should it generaly cost for 3 weeks?
Thanks in advance,
DatebayoA low budget.
20 DAYS
Stay PB Hotel Bangkok nice room sukhumvit
800 Baht per day no breakfast 8000Baht
800 Baht many hotel Pattaya nowadays 8000Baht check out free night promotions
Food and drink 1000 baht per day 20. 000 Baht
20 Short time or LT 20. 000 Baht
Total Baht 56. 000 or us 1600 +all your extras drinks bar fine. Tours. Taxi. Shoping up to you. Ad + US 500 should be ok as low budget.
Simian,
You make a good point, but at the same time, you have to admit that such an approach limits you to the 'high-mileage' women. I have nothing against experience, but the flip side is that the longer they've been "in the trade" the more hardened (at least in my experience) they tend to be, and the more mechanical the experience. Also, can you really trust your eyes to tell you how old a woman is? Case in point is this woman. I knew her for over a year and I took this shot of her when we first met. To look at the pic (or to see her in person for that matter) you'd swear she wasn't over 16, but in fact, when this pic was taken, she was just a few months short of 21. So, like the pic I used to originally make the point, she looks one age, but she's actually a lot older, so how can you be sure. Guess I'll have to trust the bar, as you suggest, to weed out the under-age crowd (and avoid any freelance action).
Hello,
My excuses if this is the wrong topic for this.
I'm wondering how much money I need to have fun in Thailand.
í'm planning to stay 10 days Bangkok and 10 days Pattaya.
How much should it generaly cost for 3 weeks?
Thanks in advance,
Datebayo
Good question Datebayo, but difficult to answer. But, if you wanna have decent fun you should expect to pay some 6000 Baht a day.
Which is 1500 for Hotel (in low season you can have even cheaper maybe 800 Baht, but for fun the little more expense might be justified.
2000 Baht for a good looking freelancer in a late night club or disco, 1500 Baht for gogo bars, late night disco drinks costs, 1000 Baht for food, cinema, drinks, etc during the day.
So, if you want to be on the save side, expect to pay 10000 Baht a day.
I will stay in Thailand 60 days in June and July and I expect to spent about 10.000 Euro during this time. Which is about 14.000 Dollar.
I'm wondering how much money I need to have fun in Thailand.
í'm planning to stay 10 days Bangkok and 10 days Pattaya.
How much should it generaly cost for 3 weeks?
Alas DG69's budget of 6000 a day is only a little bit high for Bangkok, but it is double what you'll need for Pattaya.
In Bangkok figure 1,200 baht/night for a hotel - sure there are better prices out there but they're hard to find and presumably you're a newbie.
1,000 baht for a freelancer short time, and maybe a thousand baht a day for food and drinks. If you prefer a sexual massage place instead of a freelancer that is a reasonable option at around 2,000 baht. But the bars and gogos of Bangkok really aren't much good. Add on a few hundred baht for taxis etc., and that brings us to 3,500-4,500 per day for Bangkok.
Though why you would want to spend half your valuable trip in Bangkok I don't know - Pattaya is far, far better. Prices for Pattaya:
Hotel - 500 baht should do it, maybe 750 if you're picky.
Freelancer - 500-700 baht
Food - say 100 baht/meal so 300/day.
Transport - rent a motorbike 100 baht/day
so maybe 2,000-3,000 a day, with the higher number meaning 2 short times/day.
ok, o**** lets discuss about prices in pattaya. btw, i don't share your point of view regarding bkk nightlife.
800 bhat a night for a decent hotel, for example easteny in soi 8. that is in the middle of the action and quite ok to bring a girl long time. though it's without internet.
beside that you need food. let's say 100 baht for thai food, 3 times a day.
for taxi you don't need much in pattaya, just walk or take 10 baht busses. so, let's say 20 baht a day for transportation, but more for the airport transfer, so let's say 100 a day.
than you will have some expenses for telefon card, daytime drinks, coffee, cinema, shopping, condoms, ky lube if you like to have your girl anal stile, etc. will be 300 baht average.
when you go out at night in several gogo bars, lets say 4 bars over the night and you drink just one drink, no lady drinks add 500 more baht. than you go to disco and have 2 more drinks, which is about 300 - 400 baht. if you like to hunt pretty freelancer for longtime, instead of average beach road chicks short time you might pay 2000 baht longtime.
with that you are in the range of 4300 - 4500 baht. but that is the minimum to have decent fun.
Alas DG69's budget of 6000 a day is only a little bit high for Bangkok, but it is double what you'll need for Pattaya.
In Bangkok figure 1,200 baht/night for a hotel - sure there are better prices out there but they're hard to find and presumably you're a newbie.
1,000 baht for a freelancer short time, and maybe a thousand baht a day for food and drinks. If you prefer a sexual massage place instead of a freelancer that is a reasonable option at around 2,000 baht. But the bars and gogos of Bangkok really aren't much good. Add on a few hundred baht for taxis etc., and that brings us to 3,500-4,500 per day for Bangkok.
Though why you would want to spend half your valuable trip in Bangkok I don't know - Pattaya is far, far better. Prices for Pattaya:
Hotel - 500 baht should do it, maybe 750 if you're picky.
Freelancer - 500-700 baht
Food - say 100 baht/meal so 300/day.
Transport - rent a motorbike 100 baht/day
so maybe 2,000-3,000 a day, with the higher number meaning 2 short times/day.Thanks guys for the pricing list
Yes I'm a newbie, but I'm affraid 10k baht is way too much above my budget. Opebo's budgeting is more reasonable for me.
So 10 days BKK is too much? Maybe I'll cut it to 5 days then.
But can you explain why Pattaya is so much better than BKK? Besides the fact that the prices are lower, Better looking girls? Better service? Better massages? More options?
I'm asking alot here =) but I'm a newbi and very excited to my first trip to Thailand. Just hope I can figure out how much time in wich place to stay and the travelbudget.
For Taxi you don't need much in Pattaya, just walk or take 10 Baht Busses. So, let's say 20 Baht a day for transportation, but more for the airport transfer, so let's say 100 a day.
No I already included 100 baht/day for renting a motorbike in my post above, which obviates the need for walking, perspiring, taking baht buses, and innumerable other annoyances. The trip from the airport to Pattaya is about 200 baht by bus.. if you're in a rush the taxi shouldn't be more than 1,000-1,200.
Than you will have some expenses for Telefon card, daytime drinks, coffee, cinema, shopping, condoms, kY lube if you like to have your girl anal stile, etc. Will be 300 Baht average.
That's a lot of KY.. I must say I make a tube last a week or so, and I'm a buggering fool. But yes, you are right there are a few incidentals, which in my case would probably not reach 150 baht, but whatever.
You know funnily enough I just came from a short time as I type this - and in the short time hotel room I found a perfectly good nearly full tube of KY. Score! I wonder how many mongermen here would be too squeamish to utilize this find?
When you go out at night in several gogo bars, lets say 4 bars over the night and you drink just one drink, no lady drinks add 500 more baht.
Oh.. I have sometimes gone to go gos, though I generally don't like them, but the drinks were only (usually) 65 baht. As for discos - I hate them, can't say I've any experience of those places.
If you like to hunt pretty Freelancer for longtime, instead of average beach road chicks short time you might pay 2000 Baht longtime.
2,000 baht long time in Pattaya? Really? That's pretty disturbing. As for me I've never gone 'long time' as I always experience an intense desire to get the hell away from the girl after the insemination, but I've always understood the long standing Pattaya price code was 500 short time 1,000 all night.
NicFrenchy
05-11-09, 00:12
You know funnily enough I just came from a short time as I type this - and in the short time hotel room I found a perfectly good nearly full tube of KY. Score! I wonder how many mongermen here would be too squeamish to utilize this find?
Yeah, i most certainly would not use it
Yeah, i most certainly would not use it
I dare say, if you found a 1000 baht note on the pavement, you probably wouldn't use it. ;)
...I'm wondering how much money I need to have fun in Thailand...
Provided that your tastes do not run to the exceedingly expensive, you should be able to make do very nicely on $100 USD/day -- especially in Pattaya, where accommodation and pussy is much more reasonable.
Enjoy,
Daddy
NicFrenchy
05-11-09, 02:50
I dare say, if you found a 1000 baht note on the pavement, you probably wouldn't use it. ;)
In BKK? hahaha I can only dream of finding such a note... truth is, the vultures would be on that 1000 baht note so fast I will not even realise it was there :D
Member #3428
05-11-09, 03:04
In BKK? hahaha I can only dream of finding such a note... truth is, the vultures would be on that 1000 baht note so fast I will not even realise it was there :D
Ahhh come on Nic,,, you are such a damn cynic... ;)
I've dropped notes and had people pick them up and return them to me. And I'm sure the same has happened to you.
You know Thai is a lot better at this then some other countries.
In BKK? hahaha I can only dream of finding such a note... truth is, the vultures would be on that 1000 baht note so fast I will not even realise it was there :D
I found a 20 baht note washed up on Jomtien Beach one fine morning. I took it home, let it dry out and ... used it with pleasure.
You probably wouldn't have stooped down to pick it up. :)
LittleBigMan
05-11-09, 03:29
NoCBJ4Me,
Please refer to your own post 05-05-09! Also give me the name of the Bank in the U.S. that is making these charges to you 3% plus.
Opebo,
I don't believe you will see the charges at home from the Bank of Ayudhya, it is usually shown right on the slip from the ATM that you had just used! Also very interest your remark about the exchange rate. I pretty much use the ATM machine of Bank of Ayudhya outside of Pattaya at a local 7/11, I normally take out around 17,000 baht which is near my bank limit per day. That came out around 483.00 which puts the exchange rate from my own calculations at 35.20 which isn't bad when the exchange rate is 35.35. I wondering if Bank of Ayudhya is doing something of a marketing deception. Knowing that many banks are charging the 150 Baht and many tourist are upset with this instead of charging you the 150 baht are now giving you a lower exchange rate. I'm going tomorrow to take out some money for expenses and I will check to see if this might be the case.
LBM
Fifty Fifty
05-11-09, 05:23
........ Prices for Pattaya:
Hotel - 500 baht should do it, maybe 750 if you're picky.
Freelancer - 500-700 baht
Food - say 100 baht/meal so 300/day.
Transport - rent a motorbike 100 baht/day
so maybe 2,000-3,000 a day, with the higher number meaning 2 short times/day.
Ok so what kind of FleaPit Hotel you get for 500 a day or even a 'picky' 700 please. It is hard to get a "Fan Room' for those prices and with Aircon is even more.
Freelancers for 500-700 may be possible, but how about the drinks you have to buy for you and her so that your ''Beer Goggles'' make it all look good.
Ok 100 Baht a meal also possible, I suppose you drink the free water they offer too!! Sorry but even on the street good food costs a little more than that. Cheapest decent Breakfast I found was near the Post Office at 60 Baht, that only leaves 40 for the rest of the day ??
Rent a motorbike for 100 Baht a day ?? Where from and what standard of beat up piece of junk do you ride?? Minimim I found was 200, with small discount for week long hire.
Give the guy a reasonable answer, budget a minimum of $150 a day and you will have a very reasonable time. Anything less and it would be a squeeze to call it a vacation.
Cheers, FF
Give the block a chance.
Quick search on WotIf reveals 2 hotels for 500 a night.
Sawasdee Sabai AND Sawasdee Sunshine at 500 a night
Sawasdee Sea View at 595 a night.
Meals. He did say 100/baht PER MEAL, so 300 for a day.
However yes, for budget purpose I would suggest allocating 150US$ a day as a minimum for a reasonable time.
Ok so what kind of FleaPit Hotel you get for 500 a day or even a 'picky' 700 please. It is hard to get a "Fan Room' for those prices and with Aircon is even more.
Freelancers for 500-700 may be possible, but how about the drinks you have to buy for you and her so that your ''Beer Goggles'' make it all look good.
Ok 100 Baht a meal also possible, I suppose you drink the free water they offer too!! Sorry but even on the street good food costs a little more than that. Cheapest decent Breakfast I found was near the Post Office at 60 Baht, that only leaves 40 for the rest of the day ??
Rent a motorbike for 100 Baht a day ?? Where from and what standard of beat up piece of junk do you ride?? Minimim I found was 200, with small discount for week long hire.
Give the guy a reasonable answer, budget a minimum of $150 a day and you will have a very reasonable time. Anything less and it would be a squeeze to call it a vacation.
Cheers, FF
Fifty Fifty
05-11-09, 08:25
Give the block a chance.
Quick search on WotIf reveals 2 hotels for 500 a night.
Sawasdee Sabai AND Sawasdee Sunshine at 500 a night
Sawasdee Sea View at 595 a night.
Meals. He did say 100/baht PER MEAL, so 300 for a day.
However yes, for budget purpose I would suggest allocating 150US$ a day as a minimum for a reasonable time.
Prices for hotels do not usually include service and tax, maybe wise to add another 100 on to what you see advertised there.
Agreed my mistake on the 100 a meal, it is doable, within reason.
Cheers, FF
NoCBJ4Me,
Please refer to your own post 05-05-09! Also give me the name of the Bank in the U.S. that is making these charges to you 3% plus.
LBM
I did not see any charge from the Bank of Ayudhya, where I made the transaction. The US bank is Citizens Bank.
Which bank do you use? It doesn't help me now, but maybe I need to change banks.
Member #3428
05-11-09, 08:43
Prices for hotels do not usually include service and tax, maybe wise to add another 100 on to what you see advertised there.
Agreed my mistake on the 100 a meal, it is doable, within reason.
Cheers, FF
Ko Hok FF I've met you and I'm willing to wager you've never paid 100 baht for a MEAL. That isn't even a nice glass of wine for christ sake.
100 baht a meal is possible for street food easily. No problem. But give me a break, you want to spend your entire holiday eating vendor food? Or a little rice at a sit down with water. Vendor food might get you by but it's not what you or me would call a meal.
I'm not being cheap and neither is FF but you will get what you pay for. Atleast budget a little more for food. Alone, say 500 baht to 600 baht for meals (two a day) that are enjoyable. Atleast enjoy the food at a minimum. And if you will feed your Tilac then add more.
If you get breakfast and make it a late breakfast and load up you can get away with a decent meal later for 300 baht. But meals can easily get up there in cost.
Agree Hotels usually hit you up for 10% + 7% on top without extras especially through some booking sites.
LittleBigMan
05-11-09, 10:21
NoCBJ4Me,
I use two banks regularly, Washington Mutual/Chase and my own Credit Union called Patelco Credit Union.
Both now charge you 1% on the withdraw, so if you take 500.00 USD, you fee is 5.00 USD.
Patelco use to give me 4 free withdraw with my Credit/Debit card and then they hook up with Visa and M/C and that's when my I started to see the charges!
LBM
Ok so what kind of FleaPit Hotel you get for 500 a day or even a 'picky' 700 please. It is hard to get a "Fan Room' for those prices and with Aircon is even more.
Freelancers for 500-700 may be possible, but how about the drinks you have to buy for you and her so that your ''Beer Goggles'' make it all look good.
Ok 100 Baht a meal also possible, I suppose you drink the free water they offer too!! Sorry but even on the street good food costs a little more than that. Cheapest decent Breakfast I found was near the Post Office at 60 Baht, that only leaves 40 for the rest of the day ??
Rent a motorbike for 100 Baht a day ?? Where from and what standard of beat up piece of junk do you ride?? Minimim I found was 200, with small discount for week long hire.
Give the guy a reasonable answer, budget a minimum of $150 a day and you will have a very reasonable time. Anything less and it would be a squeeze to call it a vacation.
Cheers, FFHate to correct you. 500 aircon is very easy. Fleapit. Nope clean Thai place immaculately clean. Friendly staff. True the place won't have a no pool. Excellent fan rooms 300 max.
Excellent Thai food 50 baht, sea food etc a bit more (150-200 for something nice). If you want to take your lady to a nice place 5-600 baht plus transport. That's for fresh fish, prawns etc. Bottle of Minere 15. 30 baht depending on size (that's spring water).
500 is the running rate as far as I know. Ugly ones less. Not my piece of cake though.
Will the originally supposed budget was a bit too tight, it is not even as close of the mark as the 'expert' claims.
Dear expert, don't ask me for locations, names, etc. You should know best.
For those who doubt, checked market prices and do the math then you get realistic estimates. Finally, why eat overpriced bad farang stuff when there is such phantastic local food. Often 25-30 baht soup on the street at night would fetch 8-10 US anywhere in the US.
Fifty Fifty
05-11-09, 16:09
Ko Hok FF I've met you and I'm willing to wager you've never paid 100 baht for a MEAL. That isn't even a nice glass of wine for christ sake............
You are dead right, actually I usually tip more than 100, let alone try and feed myself on that amount.
I dont have money issues nor do I throw it away, however I do feel a guy has to budget accordingly and have enough spare to enjoy himself, otherwise stay at home and save up some more until he can.
Cheers, FF
Simian,
You make a good point, but at the same time, you have to admit that such an approach limits you to the 'high-mileage' women. I have nothing against experience, but the flip side is that the longer they've been "in the trade" the more hardened (at least in my experience) they tend to be, and the more mechanical the experience. Also, can you really trust your eyes to tell you how old a woman is? Case in point is this woman. I knew her for over a year and I took this shot of her when we first met. To look at the pic (or to see her in person for that matter) you'd swear she wasn't over 16, but in fact, when this pic was taken, she was just a few months short of 21. So, like the pic I used to originally make the point, she looks one age, but she's actually a lot older, so how can you be sure. Guess I'll have to trust the bar, as you suggest, to weed out the under-age crowd (and avoid any freelance action).Castlerae,
Can you tell us where she can be found?
@o****,
i am not a big spender, but i am also not somebody who look on every penny before spending. 500 - 700 baht short time for a beach road hooker is the right price, i would not take them long time, since first of all their business is a short time business and second i would not call it a fun night just to take a beach road hooker and spend the rest of the night with her.
also, it's not easy to find a good looking beach road hooker. most of them are old and not really pretty. sometimes you can find there a better looking one, but imho still quite low class girl.
better free lancer, with whom you might have also fun between the sex, you might find in the clubs and discos. the going rate in the high season is 2000 to 3000 baht. well, i wouldn't pay more than 2000, but anyway the costs for having fun during the night might be at least 500-1000 baht for drinks.
so, girls and drinks 3000 baht and the same i spend in bkk.
hotels, food, transportation, internet, cinema, shopping, sightseeing, etc also cost money in pattaya and bkk are not much differents.
so, with 100 usd per day you will have a very tight budget. 150 - 200 usd is more realistig to have fun.
i use to need 100 euro per day without cost for hotel and shopping. hotel i use to pay 1500-2000 baht.
ThaiLearner
05-11-09, 21:50
My average spend when I was in Pattaya in January was 5000bht a day most of it went on entertainment.
I pay around 500 bht a night for a room and no it is not a shit hole.
I don't spend a great deal on food most of the 100bht a day .
Patts I love the place.
Better free lancer, with whom you might have also fun between the sex, you might find in the clubs and discos. The going rate in the high season is 2000 to 3000 Baht.
You're getting quoted extremely high prices. I'm not sure how your negotiating skills are but these prices are way to high. I've been going to Pattaya since 2001 and never payed more for than 1000 ST for a top notch freelancer or GoGo girl. Don't give into this absurd pricing scam! Pattaya girls are bottom barrel ho's and they know it. Treat them accordingly.
LittleBigMan
05-12-09, 07:28
Hopefully no more about ATM'S after this... just responding to a few PM'S.
At 11:20, Logged on the Internet to check the exchange rate on the Baht. Website, baht.thaivisa.com and the rate was 34.87.
Went upstairs to Carrefour in Pattaya, to the Bank of Ayudhya ( yellow machine ). Inserted my Debit/Credit card and after placing my pin number and the amount I wanted to withdraw 17,000 baht. The machine screen responded with " Is 17,000 baht the correct amount " below that it showed No Fee " I continued and pressed yes.... out came my 17,000 baht but no reciept!
When back downstairs logged on to the Internet again and my bank online... withdraw was converter to $493.18 USD, subtracted from my balance. No 150 Baht charge but of course since I didn't get a reciept from the machine I'm not sure? Did the conversion and the rate Bank of Ayudhya gave me was 34.48, still not bad from the 34.87.
LBM
You're getting quoted extremely high prices. I'm not sure how your negotiating skills are but these prices are way to high. I've been going to Pattaya since 2001 and never payed more for than 1000 ST for a top notch freelancer or GoGo girl. Don't give into this absurd pricing scam! Pattaya girls are bottom barrel ho's and they know it. Treat them accordingly.2000 are long time prices, I usually take freelancer girl, since I like the hunt more than just pay barfine. Also, imho to take a freelancer is a better chance to get good gfe.
The reason for that, is simply in a club or disco you as well the girl can choose and so there is more equality between both partner.
Jayleesf,
I actually met her through a web site called AFF, which you can find by goggling those initials (not sure the site would let me put a link up to them). She put a profile up that made it fairly clear that she was 'in the business', so I e-mailed her and found out that, yes, she was available by the hour. Had an almost steady relationship, seeing her at least once a month in return for money she said was helping her with her expenses while she was studying for (wait for it) a law degree. Oh, well, I should be surprised, after all, someone once said all lawyers are wh***s at heart.
Getting hold of her, though, might be hard. We set up meeting times/locations via e-mail, and she used a "dead-drop" account on the Y-place that is now out of action. Sorry.
From the sudden silence here, I am tempted to believe that I have stepped rather far over some cultural line, violated to local taboo. Is this so?
Love Sex 22
05-20-09, 16:42
arrived earlier this week to bangkok. since don't like the local cigaret's brought with me seven packs of marlboro that i purchased in duty free shop in new york . as i always do since i stay in bangkok for at least 90 days. when arrived to bangkok airport and passed through the green line in the customs. i went outside and did manage to change some money in the bank and started to walk to the exit . i was approached by a guy with a an id card in thai wearing civilian clothes and told me to come with him , i followed him and he stopped me in the middle of no where in the airport and told me that to open the duty free bag and then told me that you have to pay a penalty since you allowed to bring in only one carton of cigaret's. i though that it was all set up for a scam that he was not even an duty officer. and i insisted to go to the offices of the customs. ( my big mistake as i found out later , if i had paid him some money there it may be could have finished faster and much cheaper) . in the office they opened all my bags and made me wait about 2 hours coming up with a fine of 28000 baht. and told me if i didn't pay they have to hand me to the thai police. so i end up paying the 28000 baht . plus they confirep001ed all my cigaret's as evidence of my horrible crime . guys be careful with cigaret's i was not alone in that room they stopped 5 or 6 other innocent tourist that wanted to smoke there favorite cigaret's.
LittleBigMan
05-20-09, 17:06
Love Sex 22,
In the past whenever I went home to the U.S. I use to return with tupperware tubs with all my stuff for my wife and kid thereafter I can use the tubs over again. Each time I noticed I got stopped because of the tubs and when I was asked to open them they couldn't believe the stuff I was bringing in. They basically think that you are bringing stuff in to sell. I was able to tell the guy that it was for my family, I show the guy my pictures and they guy just wave me off. Another time the guy ask me to open I had a bunch of these solar flash light the guy was interested so I gave him one and he wave me through.
After I figure it out I got profiled and thereafter I stop using tubs and just got new luggage and never had a problem again being stopped. I'm not a smoker but you might want to see if you can buy the smokes and put it in your checked luggage. I've heard people tell me slip the guy 500 baht, but I'm not sure about that..
LBM
Professor 1
05-20-09, 23:50
Arrived earlier this week to Bangkok. since don't like the local cigaret's brought with me seven packs of Marlboro that I purchased in duty free shop in New York . . . you allowed to bring in only one carton of cigaret's. . . So I end up paying the 28000 Baht.
I am not a smoker, but 28,000 Baht (>USD$800) seems rather excessive for seven packs of smokes. Moreover, I thought that a carton contained 10 packs?! If so, you have LESS than a carton.
in the office they opened all my bags and made me wait about 2 hours coming up with a fine of 28000 baht. and told me if i didn't pay they have to hand me to the thai police. so i end up paying the 28000 baht . plus they confirep001ed all my cigaret's as evidence of my horrible crime .
could be a sign that you need to kick the habit.
things like this will get worse and worse.
in case you have not seen it, the present democrat government are going around the world "cap in hand" trying to beg and borrow whatever money they can.
they have to feed their supporters with big cash contracts but also they have to try to keep the economy going.
with the economy crashing their tax revenues are going down the pan. they are still feeding the hands that feed them power, but are out of money for the thai people in general.
so, they are now instructing all and sundry to increase tax revenues.
they have just lifted the price of fuel (after saying they would make it cheaper by getting rid of the oil fund contributions).
they are chasing down all smuggled cigarettes so you have to buy locally and pay tax.
they are going to get really serious on getting more tax revenues.
so, if you want to bring your own cigarettes and its purely as you like the taste, then "go through the red channel", pay the tax and take your ciggies in.
if you go through red you pay the tax and keep them.
if you try to go green you pay the tax, the fine and lose the smuggled goods.
arrived earlier this week to bangkok. since don't like the local cigaret's brought with me seven packs of marlboro that i purchased in duty free shop in new york . as i always do since i stay in bangkok for at least 90 days. when arrived to bangkok airport and passed through the green line in the customs. i went outside and did manage to change some money in the bank and started to walk to the exit . i was approached by a guy with a an id card in thai wearing civilian clothes and told me to come with him , i followed him and he stopped me in the middle of no where in the airport and told me that to open the duty free bag and then told me that you have to pay a penalty since you allowed to bring in only one carton of cigaret's. i though that it was all set up for a scam that he was not even an duty officer. and i insisted to go to the offices of the customs. ( my big mistake as i found out later , if i had paid him some money there it may be could have finished faster and much cheaper) . in the office they opened all my bags and made me wait about 2 hours coming up with a fine of 28000 baht. and told me if i didn't pay they have to hand me to the thai police. so i end up paying the 28000 baht . plus they confirep001ed all my cigaret's as evidence of my horrible crime . guys be careful with cigaret's i was not alone in that room they stopped 5 or 6 other innocent tourist that wanted to smoke there favorite cigaret's.
NicFrenchy
05-21-09, 02:38
Arrived earlier this week to Bangkok. since don't like the local cigaret's brought with me seven packs of Marlboro that I purchased in duty free shop in New York .
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
I have to laugh hard at that one... you pay a ticket from the US to Thailand adn you are worried about saving 15 bucks on cigarettes?
I guess if you want to continue smoking, you have to start growing a liking to thai cigarettes.
But then again, all my colleagues smoke Marlboros so it can't be that expensive here
Love Sex 22
05-21-09, 12:04
The only reason I bring cigaret's with me is because the Thai Marlboro is not the same and I just don't like the taste . And I don't know where to by an imported cigarettes in Thailand. And agree that the government is trying hard to collect revenues from any legal way to pay there bills. Its looks like the police also stopping more cars to check their insurance cards , and DWI drivers so they can write more summons , On the subject of the cigaret on my summons they write the following to explain the total charges.
Base price per Pak 45 Baht X tax rate %80 = 36 Baht
36 Baht X 10 = 360 Baht Penalty fees per Pak
I had 78 paks X 360 Baht = 28080 Baht
So the moral of my story is as suggested here stop smoking. Or just declare the cigaret's when entering Thailand and pay the %80 percent Duty rate of 36 Baht per box.
36 baht x 10 = 360 baht penalty fees per pak
i had 78 paks x 360 baht = 28080 baht .
give up tobacco and consider sex as an alternative ...
they need a new direct "nothing to declare" channel for that at the airport: green, red or [CodeWord900] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord900).
give up tobacco and consider sex as an alternative ...
they need a new direct "nothing to declare" channel for that at the airport: green, red or [CodeWord900] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord900).can't you surrender cigrattes and tell them keep it!
The only reason I bring cigaret's with me is because the Thai Marlboro is not the same and I just don't like the taste . And I don't know where to by an imported cigarettes in Thailand. And agree that the government is trying hard to collect revenues from any legal way to pay there bills. Its looks like the police also stopping more cars to check their insurance cards , and DWI drivers so they can write more summons , On the subject of the cigaret on my summons they write the following to explain the total charges.
Base price per Pak 45 Baht X tax rate %80 = 36 Baht
36 Baht X 10 = 360 Baht Penalty fees per Pak
I had 78 paks X 360 Baht = 28080 Baht
So the moral of my story is as suggested here stop smoking. Or just declare the cigaret's when entering Thailand and pay the %80 percent Duty rate of 36 Baht per box.Definitely cheaper if you get caught more than every 10th time. And I believe you could have ended up worse if you meet the wrong guy there.
Best to secure that visa yourself instead of using third parties who may turn out to be scammers!
_________________________________________________________________
Woman arrested by Immigration Police accused of offering Fake Visas to foreigners.
On Friday Mr. Gaven Horst aged 34 from South America went to the Immigration Office in Jomtien to check the authenticity of a visa which was stamped in his passport. He explained to Police Captain Achib that he obtained the visa through the Visa 2 Company based in Soi 13 off Pattaya Second Road and paid 13,500 Baht for the service which did not require him to leave the country but only hand over his passport to the company who would do the rest.
It was determined that the visa was fake and an Immigration Police investigation began into the company. Khun Bat-tamaporn aged 40 from the Visa 2 Company was contacted and explained she used another company called Property 4 U based in South Pattaya to make the visa. Khun Natarin from the Property 4 U Company explained that they sent the passport to Khun Narinee aged 43 who could make the visa. An arrest warrant for Khun Narinee was obtained and she was arrested on Friday Night and taken to the Immigration Office. She confessed to providing the fake visa service and was charged with producing counterfeit government documents. She will appear in court next week.
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