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I just had the best arrival to Thailand for a very long timel
The flight from Europe was way less than half full, more than half travelling on to Ho Chi Min, and of those of us clearing at BKK I guess more than half were returning Thais!
More immigration staff than passengers meant immediate clearance, no queuing, and my bag going round the carousel when I got in to the baggage hall. Although I was not stopped, Customs did seem to be checking more than usual though. Perhaps a new policy?
And of course no queuing for taxis.
From aircraft to taxi, 15 minutes max!
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1901396,00.html?cnn=yes
In Patpong, one of Bangkok's most notorious red-light districts, go-go girls count their livelihood by the number of sex tourists they entertain. "Three inches, three minutes, 3,000 baht ($87)," laughs Goy, a 25-year-old bargirl. Last summer, she and her fellow pole dancers at the Camelot Castle entertained scores of men every night — first in the bar, where they earn a monthly salary, then at the customer's hotel, where they negotiate their own rates. But as cash-strapped tourists have turned their backs on Thailand — tourism officials say revenues will plunge 35% this year — the ranks of men cruising Patpong have thinned dramatically. On a recent Wednesday evening, just three tourists watched a visibly disgruntled Goy wiggle around her pole. "My base salary was 8,000 baht ($232) a month, but now they are giving me 6,000 baht ($174)," she says. "I haven't had a customer in five nights, and I'm lucky if someone buys me a drink."
As the recession continues to bite, sex workers from Bangkok to Berlin share Goy's frustration. "People just don't spend that freely anymore," says Anke Christiansen, co-founder of Hamburg's Geizhaus ("Das Original Discount Bordell"), where visitor numbers have dropped up to 20% since the crisis began. "Customers who used to come to us two or three times a week now limit themselves to once a week." That newfound restraint has already forced some brothels to shut their doors. In the Czech Republic, where 14% of men admit to having slept with a prostitute, up to half of all sex establishments outside of Prague have closed in the past year, says Hana Malinova, director of Bliss Without Risk, a prostitution-outreach group in the capital. Others have simply reduced their workforce. "In villages where there used to be 10 girls, there are now two," she says. America's working girls have suffered too. The Mustang Ranch in Reno, Nev., recently laid off 30% of its staff after its highest-spending clients started staying away. (See 10 things to do in Las Vegas.)
The world's oldest profession isn't about to take the recession lying down. Brothels and bathhouses have launched promotions — including free shuttle buses, senior-citizen discounts and day passes — in a bid to arouse interest among wary spenders. "You have to offer better service these days and special packages," says Karin Ahrens, manager at Yes Sir! in Hanover, Germany, where revenues have fallen 30% since the recession hit the nation. As part of a new deal, customers there pay $111 to have as much sex as they want (or can) for one hour. At Geizhaus, recent promotions allowed guests to have sex for free on Halloween and Easter if they wore a costume or brought in a decorated egg. And Berlin's Pussy Club charges guests a $98 flat rate for six hours of unlimited sex, access to a sauna and solarium and an all-you-can-eat buffet. (See pictures of Berlin.)
Not everyone needs a gimmick to stimulate business. In the Netherlands, Jan Bik says the recession hasn't affected his nine brothels because they target the "common man"; clients pay as little as $42 for half an hour with a woman. And while many of his former customers have left, "people who would normally go to the expensive clubs are visiting us now, so it's evened out." Elsewhere, currency shifts have actually created opportunities for the sex trade. Ukraine's currency, the hryvnia, has lost about 40% of its value against the dollar and euro since the start of the crisis, a change that will further boost the country's growing tourism sector and thereby the number of visitors willing to pay for a thrill. "The country is becoming a paradise for sex tourism before our eyes," says Yuri Lutsenko, Ukraine's Interior Minister. Police experts forecast that the industry will more than double its revenues this year, generating $1.5 billion. And, says Anna Hutsol, head of a nongovernmental women's rights group called FEMEN, deepening unemployment will likely increase the exploitation of vulnerable women: "There are girls without jobs and foreigners with money who want prostitutes."
Back in Bangkok, the relative strength of foreign currencies isn't helping local businesses. The cost of traveling to Thailand from far-flung places like Australia and Japan offsets any gains from the exchange rate. Pong, the female manager of Bangkok's Babylon Sauna, Bed and Breakfast, knows that all too well, as her business depends on foreign revenue to stay afloat. Described as "the most stylish and lavish sauna ever seen" by online gay guide Pink Banana World, Babylon welcomed an average of 800 visitors per day before the recession hit. That number now hovers around 500. "The entrance fee is already low, so dropping it won't make a difference," Pong says. So what's a sauna manager to do? "Pray for us," is all she can say.
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.in my experience some aged 27 or older have been the best, so i chose to see them regularly. just because they are that age does not equate to them being longer in the biz. plus being 30 rather than twenty they are probably more mature, hence have a better attitude, which is more important than anything else. btw in the looks department all my regulars were more gorgeous than 99 percent of the pics in the photo thread, could have passed for being in their early 20's if they were in the west, and were as attractive as a 20 year old tg hottie.
also, can you really trust your eyes to tell you how old a woman is? if her photo id pic matches the lady and it says she is of age, and then your hotel security man takes her card & lets her into your room, imo there is little to worry about. even if the id is fake, it seems doubtful that any court could find you responsible. did they expect you to scan her for her age with a 23rd century star trek device.
if the girl wanted to blackmail you she could lose her fake id and threaten to go to the police. you would still have the security guard who saw it, if he could remember and was willing to testify should it go to court. otherwise taking a photo of it with your cell phone could be more reliable. you could also go further and request other evidence of age, such as a driver's licence.
like someone else said, they have never heard of a case like this being prosecuted. the biz does not need this kind of advertising. the tg does not want to be in the public spotlight as a hooker, with losing face being the end of the world in los. i expect the hotel will likely also be on your side, as that would be to their advantage economicly.
btw i seem to recall reading here about a thai big shot who was known to have been sleeping with an **** girl, yet heard nothing about him going to jail. you can also see on here from time to time comments about known **** girls working in popular bangkok bars, yet what do the police ever do about it? their mamsams do not seem to care.
finally, one more suggestion that might ease one's mind. if you see the same youngish looking girl in a bar or on the street every day, week after week, chances are that she is not an **** fly by night scam artist.
I am looking for any recommendations of where I can get "Herbal" sex pills. The chemist variety doesn't react well with me, and I have run out of the herbal brand I normally use (Raging Bull Sex Pills) which I cant find in Thailand. So guys, have you got any recommendations?
in my experience some aged 27 or older have been the best, so i chose to see them regularly. just because they are that age does not equate to them being longer in the biz. plus being 30 rather than twenty they are probably more mature, hence have a better attitude, which is more important than anything else. btw in the looks department all my regulars were more gorgeous than 99 percent of the pics in the photo thread, could have passed for being in their early 20's if they were in the west, and were as attractive as a 20 year old tg hottie.
if her photo id pic matches the lady and it says she is of age, and then your hotel security man takes her card & lets her into your room, imo there is little to worry about. even if the id is fake, it seems doubtful that any court could find you responsible. did they expect you to scan her for her age with a 23rd century star trek device.
if the girl wanted to blackmail you she could lose her fake id and threaten to go to the police. you would still have the security guard who saw it, if he could remember and was willing to testify should it go to court. otherwise taking a photo of it with your cell phone could be more reliable. you could also go further and request other evidence of age, such as a driver's licence.
like someone else said, they have never heard of a case like this being prosecuted. the biz does not need this kind of advertising. the tg does not want to be in the public spotlight as a hooker, with losing face being the end of the world in los. i expect the hotel will likely also be on your side, as that would be to their advantage economicly.
btw i seem to recall reading here about a thai big shot who was known to have been sleeping with an **** girl, yet heard nothing about him going to jail. you can also see on here from time to time comments about known **** girls working in popular bangkok bars, yet what do the police ever do about it? their mamsams do not seem to care.
finally, one more suggestion that might ease one's mind. if you see the same youngish looking girl in a bar or on the street every day, week after week, chances are that she is not an **** fly by night scam artist.a bar girl told me that her cousin who is not 18 has work in the a go go bar for 2 years. they position guys out my the entrance so if the police shows up the **** girls run and hide. this has been going on since the beginning. also the girls will borrow older girls id to get by hotel security.
Member #3428
06-02-09, 10:00
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.
When I wear my suit (for immediate meeting after landing or from just leaving a meeting in MNL) and roll my luggage through and go straight through the Green area without even looking at the officials I never get stopped even if I have ice chests (full of fresh tuna / fruits and other things which are totally illegal).
When I wear my normal shorts and shirts and such I get stopped. One time I was pulled over, my phone rang, I started to talk in my limited Thai abilities and they changed their minds and waved me through without issue. There is big time profiling going on.
Another time I was stopped and had way over the legal limit of alcohol (brought a chest full of bubble wrapped bottles of alcohol that can not get in Thailand plus plenty of duty free items), the officials looked at me, I shrugged, smiled, told them can't buy them in Asia so what is a farang supposed to do, they laughed and waved me through.
Go Figure...
LittleBigMan
06-02-09, 11:19
Tansak KTV,
You're right they profile and are really scared of people that might have money in which they don't want to rub anyone wrong. Whats funny is I look Thai and never ever wear a suit but with those tubs I most likely look like a drug dealer or smuggler. In the past when I get stopped and then I open my mouth the attitude changes a little they no longer seem so interested in opening up the tubs. Two years ago when I took my wife and son to the U.S. we came back with 6 tubs from all our shopping and I had no doubts that we were going to be stopped in fact they were waiting for each.
It's always a game you got to play I never worry cause I got nothing to hide.
LBM
a bar girl told me that her cousin who is not 18 has work in the a go go bar for 2 years. they position guys out my the entrance so if the police shows up the **** girls run and hide. this has been going on since the beginning. also the girls will borrow older girls id to get by hotel security.so she would have started when she was only 15. when in any doubt i check the picture id and dob on the card to make sure she is the same person and not ****. if the pic does not definitely match the girl, then i act as if she is not legal and find another, hopefully, female.
thailand is a very poor country, so the people do what they have to do to survive. what's a girl to do if her families only source of income is a rice farm that has been flooded, which seems to happen a lot in los. she will risk being caught breaking the law to feed her relatives.
btw, if there weren't so many farang in the nation, many people in this kind of situation would be fucked. so i look upon my visits there as donations to charity.
i am looking for any recommendations of where i can get "herbal" sex pills. the chemist variety doesn't react well with me, and i have run out of the herbal brand i normally use (raging bull sex pills) which i cant find in thailand. so guys, have you got any recommendations?i was going to put this part at the bottom, but here it is at the top: if you are taking heart medication, do not take any performance enzymes without consulting your doctor.
that's out of the way, now:
go the gnc, they are dotted around bangkok, google for them.
get one bottle each, capsules: "l-arginine", and "l-lysine". (warning: they aren't cheap, maybe 1,000 baht each.) on the day you know you are going to get lucky, about four - five hours before going out, take 5 (five) capsules of each, if you are a big guy, say 100 kilos, take more. safe and effective.
not only will you have more natural strength and stamina, also, you will cum in buckets.
now, start thinking about taking one or two "l" caps a day each for keeping a good healthy horndog attitude going. you'll really notice the difference in about 3 weeks, colors seem to be brighter, you'll have more energy, and, low and behold, you find yourself getting little stiffies in the grocery store n shit just like when you were a kid. that's because l-argenine helps your inner organs regenerate faster, produces more of what they were when you were younger.
look the stuff up on the internet. it's good for you in a lot of ways.
i only use vitamin k when i know i am going to be doing multiple performances, which have been pretty often lately. :d i like what it does, but i don't like the after-effects the next day. the combo of the two strategies however, is definitely a winner, and defintely worth it for me.
ok, now:
a friend in la told me that the mornings before a scene, a noted pr0n star doses himself with a yogurt smoothie cocktail with massive amounts of l-arginine, l-lysine, (6,000mg each+) alpha lipoic acid (2,000 mg), vitamin e (2,000 mg) and plain aspirin (700 mg). i've tried it several times, (not actually going with the full amounts, call me chicken that's ok) and though i can't say i was rocco siffredi or anything, i have to admit it is nice, it does work, and i do feel very relaxed. nice leathery hard-on too, none of the jacked up over stretched skin feeling you get from chemicals no after-effects, either, zero. hint: if you ever wanted to make a bukkake movie for yourself, this would be the time to do it.
you may want to start with just the l's first, and get used to what you are supposed to be feeling. it's subtle, but nice. then try the full booster effect later.
ok, now, some guys here will swear by redbull, it has a ton of taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid), but i think those dudes have been in thailand too long. for me it doesn't really do anything, frankly, it makes me fall asleep.
sure there will be other recommendations from the guys here, that's mine. have fun!
Member #3428
06-02-09, 13:52
You're right they profile and are really scared of people that might have money in which they don't want to rub anyone wrong.
I'm not sure if they worry about if people have money or not, I think they worry more about social class and possible connections you might have. And of course it helps if you smile and are friendly, if you start to raise a fuss and act like an idiot too early then you usually lose the argument. Smiling and playing the dumb farang act usually works for me so I guess I just look too stupid for them to bother with me half the time.
LittleBigMan
06-02-09, 14:10
Tansak KTV,
I agree my reference was just in general that money and power go together.
LBM
Hi
Does anyone have a recommendation for a good car rental place in Bangkok? I want to rent a car for 7 days or so for some travel in the country. Any help appreciated.
a
Does anyone have a recommendation for a good car rental place in Bangkok?I've used a number of firms over the years but have been happiest with Budget. New cars, good rates, no problems. They'll even deliver and pick up your car wherever you want.
Terry Terrier
06-02-09, 23:54
I've used a number of firms over the years but have been happiest with Budget. New cars, good rates, no problems. They'll even deliver and pick up your car wherever you want.
They also do point-to-point rentals, which can be useful if you're using other modes of transport as well.
They also do point-to-point rentals, which can be useful if you're using other modes of transport as well.
Betong and Terry: thanks for your replies. Budget (through budget.com) are quoting me 300 euros/400 USD for a week's rental of a 4x4. Sound reasonable?
a
so she would have started when she was only 15. when in any doubt i check the picture id and dob on the card to make sure she is the same person and not ****. if the pic does not definitely match the girl, then i act as if she is not legal and find another, hopefully, female.
thailand is a very poor country, so the people do what they have to do to survive. what's a girl to do if her families only source of income is a rice farm that has been flooded, which seems to happen a lot in los. she will risk being caught breaking the law to feed her relatives.
btw, if there weren't so many farang in the nation, many people in this kind of situation would be fucked. so i look upon my visits there as donations to charity.the only problems with checking ids is that fake ids are a dime a dozen here. the same bar girl say that many of the younger girls, who claim they are 18, 19 are in fact ****. the only way to know for sure is to wait till the local police shows up, if you see them running in the back hiding out of site, then you know for sure that they are ****.
one way to tell if a girl was working **** is how good her english is. the girl, who is now 18, speaks very good english. she's been working for a few years.
the only problems with checking ids is that fake ids are a dime a dozen here.
really? fake id is always a possibility, which is why i suggested other ways
to protect oneself, in post 2760.
http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/showpost.php?p=887272&postcount=2760
btw, i wonder when was the last time a farang was busted for taking an **** female from soi cowboy or nep who claimed to be of age but wasn't and had a fake id. i've never heard of it happening, ever. imagine how much that would hurt the industry, not to mention the cops who take their share.
M P Lurker
06-03-09, 08:52
one way to tell if a girl was working **** is how good her english is. the girl, who is now 18, speaks very good english. she's been working for a few years.i find there is close correlation between a girl's english skills and the number of years of secondary schooling or other english schooling.
e.g. the mp girl left school at age of 13 and has almost no english. the girl left school at 18 and her english is quite "good". then she just needs a bit of practice talking to farangs.
girls who picked up english in a bar mostly have just the crappy bargirl english, not "good" english.
Budget (through budget.com) are quoting me 300 euros/400 USD for a week's rental of a 4x4. Sound reasonable?It does. In fact it's not that much more than for the little sedans I usually get.
I'm not sure if they worry about if people have money or not, I think they worry more about social class and possible connections you might have. And of course it helps if you smile and are friendly, if you start to raise a fuss and act like an idiot too early then you usually lose the argument. Smiling and playing the dumb farang act usually works for me so I guess I just look too stupid for them to bother with me half the time.If you smile and talk softly and slowly in English, you can get out of most situations here. The local police and other government officials speak every little English, but make it out like they know a lot with there co-workers, so they will try to take care of you in a quick and orderly fashion as to avoid further conversation in which their lack of English can be expose. Losing face ( embarrassment) is a big thing here in Thailand.
When the topic of rental car was posted I thought about my current situation.
I am thinking about buying a SUV and hiring a full time driver just to take me and my friends around to the bars, massage palors, and karaoke places.
The SUV would be a Toyota Fortunner, which can sit 6.
Cost about 20000B per month with insurance.
A good driver 25000B per month.
And since I don't go out everynight, I was wonder would anyone be interested in sharing this with me.
I am trying to feel this out because I hate the fu$king Taxis in Thailand and think they are are Issan swines, who are out to rob and cheat you, so I figured with a car and driver, a newbie in Thailand can be shown the sites (p4p) which are higher end without the potential for rip offs and commission scams by the fu$cking pigs of thai Taxi drivers.
FYI: Short side story on why I think so lowly of Thai taxi drivers.
When I first got to Bangkok I thought highly of all Thai people. And why shouldn't I, I come from a culture where you were lucky to get a "Hi" unlike like Thailand where people wai to you left and right. I befriended a few Taxi drivers. During the course of hanging out with these guys I realized that they think all foreigners are marks.
They would brag about how a rich farang took them to a fancy seafood restaurant where the total bill was 6000B and they got 1000B commission from the establishment in addition to enjoying a delicious meal of the finest seafood and cocktails with this tourist who was thinking he made a new Thai friend.
Another time they talked about how some white businessmen were either too business or lazy to go to the go-go and call him to ask for him help in finding some late night entrainment. They told me how they went out to petchburi and pick up some Thai street walker for 1500B and told the farang 6000B. Oh, the farang wanted a threesome, so it was 6000x2. Smiling and laughing at how they pocketed the difference of 4500 from each girl.
The next time you are in BKK and think you have found a new friend think again. Behind that smile, he is thinking of the ways he can burn you, his newest mark.
So that's my encounter with the local Thai taxis drivers. They should all be rounded up in a large truck and driven back to Issan to live with their pigs.
_______
Poor Issan girls grow up to be *****s
Poor Issan boys grow up to be Taxi bandits
There's an irony to this story. While we're fucking the Issan girls, the Issan guys are fucking us. Think about this the next time a Bangkok Taxi driver takes you on an unwanted tour of the city.
BKK Dreaming
06-03-09, 20:27
you are willing to spend over 40k baht a month so you do not have to use a taxi ?????
I wish I had your money :)
Why not just find a private taxi ("limo") that hangs out at a hotel (not the vultures in front of the hotel) and have them on call when you need them....
and buy beers for the rest of us with the money you save !
BK
you are willing to spend over 40k baht a month so you do not have to use a taxi?
I wish I had your money :)
Why not just find a private taxi ("limo") that hangs out at a hotel (not the vultures in front of the hotel) and have them on call when you need them....
and buy beers for the rest of us with the money you save !
BKI have yet to find a private limo service that is reasonably price. I think the car and driver is the least expensive, but I am open to ideas. You have to keep in mind the odd hours. It's not like a 9am-5pm deal here, so the driver has so be available during the early evening and late night.
In addition to the above, having a private car and driver is a status symbol here and will land you a lot of freebies. ( not that is my main reason.) It just the Thai girls naturally assuming you're loaded and someone of rather high importance if you show up in a car with a driver. It's all on the outside BS here in Thailand. I probably have the same amount of money you do.
Let me know if you have any limo service that you would recommend.
I find there is close correlation between a Girl's English skills and the number of years of secondary schooling or other English schooling.Sorry to disappoint, but you will not find girls from family who have enough money to send them to "English schooling" in the go go bars and soapies of Bkk.
And from the hours of 12pm to 6pm each day the bar girls have nothing to do but practice their English by reading text books. One of the best buyers of basic English grammar books are bar girls, trust me on this one because I have visited the rooms of many working girls in Bangkok and I can say that all of them have some type of English grammar book. Some even have a collect of English grammar books.
The funny thing is that I have hooked up with non-working university girls and they can read everything in the English news paper, but no understand a word I say. There working girl counterparts can understand everything I say, but can't spell and in many cases read a basic sentence.
I know a girl who is currently 18 and has worked in a nana go go bar for 3 yrs. She can speak English fair well and is enrolling at Ramkhamhaeng University this term.
FYI: The tuition for Ramkhamhaeng for one term is 1600B. ( so cheap even a girl on a butt-***** salary can afford it) . If your talek tells you to send 30,000B to pay for her tuition at Ram, you know it's BS now.
Source: The official university receipt.
When the topic of rental car was posted I thought about my current situation.
I am thinking about buying a SUV and hiring a full time driver just to take me and my friends around to the bars, massage palors, and karaoke places.
The SUV would be a Toyota Fortunner, which can sit 6.
Cost about 20000B per month with insurance.
A good driver 25000B per month.
And since I don't go out everynight, I was wonder would anyone be interested in sharing this with me.
I am trying to feel this out because I hate the fu$king Taxis in Thailand and think they are are Issan swines, who are out to rob and cheat you, so I figured with a car and driver, a newbie in Thailand can be shown the sites (p4p) which are higher end without the potential for rip offs and commission scams by the fu$cking pigs of thai Taxi drivers.
FYI: Short side story on why I think so lowly of Thai taxi drivers.
When I first got to Bangkok I thought highly of all Thai people. And why shouldn't I, I come from a culture where you were lucky to get a "Hi" unlike like Thailand where people wai to you left and right. I befriended a few Taxi drivers. During the course of hanging out with these guys I realized that they think all foreigners are marks.
They would brag about how a rich farang took them to a fancy seafood restaurant where the total bill was 6000B and they got 1000B commission from the establishment in addition to enjoying a delicious meal of the finest seafood and cocktails with this tourist who was thinking he made a new Thai friend.
Another time they talked about how some white businessmen were either too business or lazy to go to the go-go and call him to ask for him help in finding some late night entrainment. They told me how they went out to petchburi and pick up some Thai street walker for 1500B and told the farang 6000B. Oh, the farang wanted a threesome, so it was 6000x2. Smiling and laughing at how they pocketed the difference of 4500 from each girl.
The next time you are in BKK and think you have found a new friend think again. Behind that smile, he is thinking of the ways he can burn you, his newest mark.
So that's my encounter with the local Thai taxis drivers. They should all be rounded up in a large truck and driven back to Issan to live with their pigs.
_______
Poor Issan girls grow up to be *****s
Poor Issan boys grow up to be Taxi bandits
There's an irony to this story. While we're fucking the Issan girls, the Issan guys are fucking us. Think about this the next time a Bangkok Taxi driver takes you on an unwanted tour of the city.It sounds like you have Thailand all summed up! You have obviously been here a very long time? Issan seems to stick in your mind for some reason. The only people that get fucked over here are the gullible and the stupid. Back in the UK it was said that all Scousers were robbers. Umm. Funny thing was I had more trouble in London than Liverpool.
I wish people would not come on here and just generalize: all taxi drivers are from Issan. Bollocks. All poor Thai girls from Issan end up as P4Ps. Double bollocks. Can I ask. Did you just win the lottery?
NicFrenchy
06-04-09, 02:09
A good driver 25000B per month.
That's one to be cautious about... many Drivers were ex-Taxi drivers.
I usually take the Skytrain and a taxi if I really have to (like go to the Airport).
Usually I always take a taxi for small distances so it is hard for them to try and pull a fast one. Just tell him where you're going (in Thai) and don't reply to his questions... he'll know to shut up adn leave you alone.
Old Thai Hand
06-04-09, 13:48
FYI: The tuition for Ramkhamhaeng for one term is 1600B. ( so cheap even a girl on a butt-***** salary can afford it) . If your talek tells you to send 30,000B to pay for her tuition at Ram, you know it's BS now.
Source: The official university receipt.
It's cheap because it's a shit university, for the most part, except for its law school. Many of the students are absolute crap and go there because they can't get in anywhere else. The only thing positive I'd say is that the international college pays quite well.
Utter bollocks and complete load of shit.
FYI: Short side story on why I think so lowly of Thai taxi drivers.
When I first got to Bangkok I thought highly of all Thai people. And why shouldn't I, I come from a culture where you were lucky to get a "Hi" unlike like Thailand where people wai to you left and right. I befriended a few Taxi drivers. During the course of hanging out with these guys I realized that they think all foreigners are marks.
They would brag about how a rich farang took them to a fancy seafood restaurant where the total bill was 6000B and they got 1000B commission from the establishment in addition to enjoying a delicious meal of the finest seafood and cocktails with this tourist who was thinking he made a new Thai friend.
Another time they talked about how some white businessmen were either too business or lazy to go to the go-go and call him to ask for him help in finding some late night entrainment. They told me how they went out to petchburi and pick up some Thai street walker for 1500B and told the farang 6000B. Oh, the farang wanted a threesome, so it was 6000x2. Smiling and laughing at how they pocketed the difference of 4500 from each girl.
The next time you are in BKK and think you have found a new friend think again. Behind that smile, he is thinking of the ways he can burn you, his newest mark.
So that's my encounter with the local Thai taxis drivers. They should all be rounded up in a large truck and driven back to Issan to live with their pigs.
_______
Poor Issan girls grow up to be *****s
Poor Issan boys grow up to be Taxi bandits
There's an irony to this story. While we're fucking the Issan girls, the Issan guys are fucking us. Think about this the next time a Bangkok Taxi driver takes you on an unwanted tour of the city.
The fee's are cheap yes.
http://www.ru.ac.th/english/english2008/fees.html
But what about apartment rental, clothes, food, school books, utensiles etc.....
Unless they come from Bangkok then they are staying away from home to study there.
You are talking shit if you think that 1600Baht covers everything that a student needs for one year.
FYI: The tuition for Ramkhamhaeng for one term is 1600B. ( so cheap even a girl on a butt-***** salary can afford it) . If your talek tells you to send 30,000B to pay for her tuition at Ram, you know it's BS now.
Source: The official university receipt.
Most strange.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2009/06/04/headlines/headlines_30104421.php
BREAKING STORY
David Carradine found dead in Bangkok
Kung Fu and Kill Bill star David Carradine was found hung in a hotel room in Bangkok on Wednesday, Thai police said.
Police believed he committed suicide.
Carradine, 73, was in Bangkok to shoot a movie and stayed at a Suite Room 352 of Park Nai Lert Hotel on Wireless Road since June 2.
The film crew went.
Actor David Carradine of "Kung Fu" fame found dead in a Bangkok Hotel room
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31103217/
Actor David Carradine of "Kung Fu" fame found dead in a Bangkok Hotel rooom
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31103217/
Too bad, and he was in the perfect place to cheer himself up, too! He was at a 5 star hotel - Swissotel Nai Lert Park Hotel - their website quotes 4300 -9800 baht per night - ouch!
Crazy4Thai
06-04-09, 17:12
When the topic of rental car was posted I thought about my current situation.
I am thinking about buying a SUV and hiring a full time driver just to take me and my friends around to the bars, massage palors, and karaoke places.
The SUV would be a Toyota Fortunner, which can sit 6.
Cost about 20000B per month with insurance.
A good driver 25000B per month.
And since I don't go out everynight, I was wonder would anyone be interested in sharing this with me..
I can understand how you would come up with this plan. IF you could get someone to share this with you, there might be some benefit but I seriously doubt that it would be financial.
Im sorry to say that people will fuck you when they can. I built a boat in Thailand and could tell you all about it. None of those guys drive taxis. While I'm complaining about the fucking I'm getting, my friend in the US tells about the fucking he's getting there.
some people would say you must be gullible or stupid. Maybe. I say you can't know everything and people will fuck you if they get the chance. Even your own driver.
I also say that you ought to take another look at your numbers. You could do a HELL of alot of hired transportation for what you are talking about.
A good driver 25000B per month.
I am trying to feel this out because I hate the fu$king Taxis in Thailand and think they are are Issan swines, who are out to rob and cheat you, so I figured with a car and driver, a newbie in Thailand can be shown the sites (p4p) which are higher end without the potential for rip offs and commission scams by the fu$cking pigs of thai Taxi drivers.
A few points, Andy:
Firstly, as Old Asia Hand has so ably pointed out (while managing to self-aggrandize at the same time), you could probably have 3 drivers for 25,000 baht per month.
Secondly, on a related note - many of us expatriates don't make all that much more than 25,000 baht a month, and very few make the 40,000 baht a month you propose for your transportation.
Thirdly, (and I speak from experience having done the job as a student back in the Bad Place) taxi drivers everywhere are out to cheat everyone, or at least anyone they perceive as having a lot of money or being stupid. I cheated people right and left, and it increased my income by about 10%. Means a lot when you're living on 300 bucks a week.
Originally Posted by AndyBKK
When the topic of rental car was posted I thought about my current situation.
I am thinking about buying a SUV and hiring a full time driver just to take me and my friends around to the bars, massage palors, and karaoke places.
The SUV would be a Toyota Fortunner, which can sit 6.
Cost about 20000B per month with insurance.
A good driver 25000B per month.
And since I don't go out everynight, I was wonder would anyone be interested in sharing this with me.
I use taxis and public transport and love that it is really easy once you get use to it and learn how to get around. Also I like walking as much as I can and even like to get lost once in awhile to find new places.
Yes some drivers rob you? Not really but they take advantage if they can. Part of why I like to travel. I got to think about what I am doing and in retirement its easy to quit thinking.
I took a taxi from honolulu to the airport for $35 usd.
And got ripped off by a taxi driver in manila for 500 pesos. Equal to $11 usd so even overpaying is still cheaper then a car rental or taxi in the more affluent countries. (I hear london is insane with high prices? )
I take the taxis bus and trains. Its a great expierence and even if they over charge once in awhile then its a learning expierence for me and I am very happy to save money from transport to spend on pussy.
So if you want a better adventure and to work your mind. Get in the taxis and find the other transportation.
Don't get too worried about a few extra dollars the driver is trying to make to keep his family fed.
Just my opinion and the way I like to travel. Its been fun for me.
Originally Posted by AndyBKK
A good driver 25000B per month.
I am trying to feel this out because I hate the fu$king Taxis in Thailand and think they are are Issan swines, who are out to rob and cheat you, so I figured with a car and driver, a newbie in Thailand can be shown the sites (p4p) which are higher end without the potential for rip offs and commission scams by the fu$cking pigs of thai Taxi drivers. Yes I hate the guys that want to cheat you. But it a mental exercise to keep them honest. And some are great guys just working to feed their families.
Check out the airport transport thread and it has great info on transport in Thailand.
Also the hotel cars can be hired by the day at most places in Bangkok and they cost more but no hassle usually.
Part of travelling is just dealing with the bs.
I have had some taxi drivers try to drive away with out me and take all my bags with them had to force my way back into the taxi to keep them from leaving.
And I am usually able to jump out and walk away if they start giving me the bull. Like if they don't use the meter or start trying to extort more money.
But I also tip well if they are no hassle.
Much cheaper and more fun for me to expierence more of the local scene.
Thailand has a way of bringing out the kinky side in us:
http://www.pattayadailynews.com/shownews.php?IDNEWS=0000009404
How embarrassing! He should have gone to Tulip.
Redfield10
06-06-09, 08:44
Thailand has a way of bringing out the kinky side in us:
http://www.pattayadailynews.com/shownews.php?IDNEWS=0000009404
How embarrassing! He should have gone to Tulip.The dude was strange..all that pussy in bangkok and what a way to go.
Rest in peace..if you wanna go with your neck in a loose and you penis and balls all tied up...who am I to judge?
The guy was an alcoholic, a drug addict...and who knows what else?
I'm tird of coddling these Hollywood misfits!
LittleBigMan
06-06-09, 10:27
With all that martial art experience one would have thought he would have been able to fight out of that situation?
LBM
With all that martial art experience one would have thought he would have been able to fight out of that situation?LBMCarradine's body went back to the US this morning.
US lawdogs working locally calling no way to suicide. It's 30/70 edgeplay / ripoff gone bad. The guy was playing piano at the hotel, talking with the manager about projects he was doing down the road, said he "loved Bangkok". Later was seen fooling around and teasing some little kids in the lobby, smiling and joking and talking about going shopping at Central World and ordering vegan pizza.
Next thing, the hotel maid found him strung up in the suite's large walk in closet. (The walk in closet is where the safe is.)
Thai police completely destroyed the crime scene, hotel/hospital staff, ambulance driver's finger/footprints everywhere.
My paraphrasing of buddy's phone call, "Forensics nightmare. It sounds like he very well could have been offed. TIT, too much mismanaged bling bling gets you dead, and the dude was reportedly running solo everywhere w/o backup. Thai police have no chance of catching the perps unless the friends/wives give them up, TIT (said 3 times)."
US Embassy is pissed as freaking hell over this. US legal team arriving tonight, "heads will roll on this one". Lawsuits aplenty sure to surface soon.
More to come.
Very sorry to hear David Carradine found dead in Bangkok. Enjoyed watch Grasshopper in his kung fu movie when it was hot.
[QUOTE=AndyBKK]
I am trying to feel this out because I hate the fu$king Taxis in Thailand and think they are are Issan swines, who are out to rob and cheat you, so I figured with a car and driver, a newbie in Thailand can be shown the sites (p4p) which are higher end without the potential for rip offs and commission scams by the fu$cking pigs of thai Taxi drivers.
I befriended a few Taxi drivers. During the course of hanging out with these guys I realized that they think all foreigners are marks.
Another time they talked about how some white businessmen were either too business or lazy to go to the go-go and call him to ask for him help in finding some late night entrainment. They told me how they went out to petchburi and pick up some Thai street walker for 1500B and told the farang 6000B. Oh, the farang wanted a threesome, so it was 6000x2. Smiling and laughing at how they pocketed the difference of 4500 from each girl.QUOTE]
This behavior is standard operating procedure around the globe. Here in Las Vegas the drivers get paid up to $100 per passenger to drop them off at a "Preferred" strip club or massage parlor. That's a lot of cash...up to $500 for dropping 5 drunk buddies off at a rip off joint.
Might I respectfully suggest that if you're looking to meet new friends in far away places you can probably do better than the local taxi drivers.
[QUOTE=AndyBKK]
I am trying to feel this out because I hate the fu$king Taxis in Thailand and think they are are Issan swines, who are out to rob and cheat you, so I figured with a car and driver, a newbie in Thailand can be shown the sites (p4p) which are higher end without the potential for rip offs and commission scams by the fu$cking pigs of thai Taxi drivers.
I befriended a few Taxi drivers. During the course of hanging out with these guys I realized that they think all foreigners are marks.
Another time they talked about how some white businessmen were either too business or lazy to go to the go-go and call him to ask for him help in finding some late night entrainment. They told me how they went out to petchburi and pick up some Thai street walker for 1500B and told the farang 6000B. Oh, the farang wanted a threesome, so it was 6000x2. Smiling and laughing at how they pocketed the difference of 4500 from each girl.QUOTE]
This behavior is standard operating procedure around the globe. Here in Las Vegas the drivers get paid up to $100 per passenger to drop them off at a "Preferred" strip club or massage parlor. That's a lot of cash...up to $500 for dropping 5 drunk buddies off at a rip off joint.
Might I respectfully suggest that if you're looking to meet new friends in far away places you can probably do better than the local taxi drivers.
Agree with post. I have however found ONE decent guy. He does long or multiple trips for me. I have always been told by local expats I am paying Thai rate. Good English, good guy. Uselful for Pattaya, Buri Ram, Hua Hin, Chaing Mai direction ( though I have never taken him that far). He has stayed overnight for me at his cost when he knew someone. Anyway, probably the only provider of anything I would be happy to recommend. If someone wants his number I will give by PM. If you are looking for a trip soon, I will call him and advise him you are a friend. Post is spot on though....
Regarding David Carridine:
With all that martial art experience one would have thought he would have been able to fight out of that situation? LBMHe was 72 years old.....
He should have gotten his rocks off with a hot young TG, rather than trying to get off alone....
US Embassy is pissed as freaking hell over this. US legal team arriving tonight, "heads will roll on this one". Lawsuits aplenty sure to surface soon.
More to come.
When I first read this story, I thought that a dominatrix or someone else was involved but nothing along those lines reported to date. However, what lawsuits are you talking about and who would they sue, the Thai police for ineptitude? Good luck on that one.
LittleBigMan
06-07-09, 02:51
Barko,
I don't see what the U.S. Embassy is pissed at? Sure he was a movie star but it wasn't like he was a politician or diplomat. I think they're more curiest that he had a rope around his neck and balls. If it was one of us the Embassy would get a good laugh and still charge the family to have our bodies ship back to the States.
When it comes to the police, if you ever watch the T.V. tube at night why should it surprise you. This is their common practice... most of the time it looks like they just got lucky or they would frame someone just to get the media off their backs.
I think the story say's the room was lock from the inside and that nothing was taken. But of course who the hell should we believe since Thailand is already reeling from the lack of tourist... the timing couldn't be worse with this hitting the papers throughout the world.
LBM
GoodEnough
06-07-09, 02:56
I'm curious as well. Why is the US Embassy even concerned about this? He was a private citizen, and it's tough to see how foul play would be involved. It sounds like an auto-erotic experience gone wrong, which is sad, but not usually a cause for a diplomatic incident.
GE
Member #3428
06-07-09, 03:03
I think the story say's the room was lock from the inside and that nothing was taken. But of course who the hell should we believe since Thailand is already reeling from the lack of tourist... the timing couldn't be worse with this hitting the papers throughout the world.
Unfortunately my first reaction was that this was only going to hurt the tourism more, and with the possible sex angle it might reduce the number of punters going over there.
I see first hand the number of bars closing and the number of girls reeling to get any work. We might think this is good for us as mongers but with the fewer customers the more back stabbing the girls become at work, pushier they become for drinks, and the higher possibility of getting rolled by one of them especially a free lancer as they are much more desperate now. They all seem to be very moody right now.
I'm not joking at all, every night no matter which bar I was at I saw a string of girls walking in applying to work there as their bars shut down or had no customers or whatever. And the girls already working there were not happy to see new girls walk in every day and apply. The girl I was with was translating the Isaan dialect for me and the girls seemed to be getting very cut throat. Might mean we as customers will get better service but knowing thailand it only means we will get more rushed service and a higher asking price.
It is not going to turn me off from Thailand at all but I had a lot of high prices quoted to me recently just to make up for the lack of work. And I was very shocked to see the number of closed businesses all over (regular businesses), where shops used to be now the roll down doors are just shut permanently. Some of the soi's were looking like ghost towns.
Thailand seems to have bad luck... SARS, Bombs, changes of Govt's, Airport Closings, Tsunami's, the world economy crashing etc...
David Carridine's family is obviously not satisfied with the findings of Thai authorities. They want an independent investigation and the assistance of the FBI.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31144741/
NicFrenchy
06-07-09, 05:23
Might mean we as customers will get better service but knowing thailand it only means we will get more rushed service and a higher asking price.
I would love to tell you how full of shit you are but unfortunately, you are correct. TIT.
Fast Eddie 48
06-07-09, 07:47
David Carridine's family is obviously not satisfied with the findings of Thai authorities. They want an independent investigation and the assistance of the FBI.Run mann
The carridine family want a private autospy on his body ,I am sure they want the true about how he died but they might not able to handle the true,the best thing to do is let this die down and keep this a low profile to protect the man name .
Fast eddie 48
Run mann
The carridine family want a private autospy on his body ,I am sure they want the true about how he died but they might not able to handle the true,the best thing to do is let this die down and keep this a low profile to protect the man name .
Fast eddie 48
Not sure about that, I'm sure they were put off by the initial impetuous findings of death by suicide. Setting aside the fact that many people consider suicide the ultimate form of weakness, the family may be concerned about his legacy but more importantly, many insurance policies have suicidal clauses and will not pay for suicidal death. Not to make too much of this, but many insurance policies also have clauses that will pay double for accidental death as may well be the case here. There's a lot riding on how this turns out, his family is correct in requesting an independent investigation.
LittleBigMan
06-07-09, 15:51
Whether the family can handle the truth really isn't relevant in this case and the family whether they have money or not or whether they are famous as a movie star. If the reports are true based on the Thai policy themselves it's pretty hard to commit suicide when you have your hands tied!
Also, I'm looking for a computer program that can do language translation from English to Thai, does anyone have any experience with these programs and how accurate they are in their translation. A word use in English might be harmless but in Thai it could be a big problem as I'm finding out!
Thanks in advance, LBM
Not sure about that, I'm sure they were put off by the initial impetuous findings of death by suicide. Setting aside the fact that many people consider suicide the ultimate form of weakness, the family may be concerned about his legacy but more importantly, many insurance policies have suicidal clauses and will not pay for suicidal death. Not to make too much of this, but many insurance policies also have clauses that will pay double for accidental death as may well be the case here. There's a lot riding on how this turns out, his family is correct in requesting an independent investigation.
I second your thoughts about the whole family concern as linked to the legacy, in one way or the other...
Unfortunately my first reaction was that this was only going to hurt the tourism more, and with the possible sex angle it might reduce the number of punters going over there.Personally if I were a newbie I'd find the fact of Carradine being in BKK an encouragement for me to travel there. BTW, I am a big fan of his since the 70's.
Might mean we as customers will get better service but knowing Thailand it only means we will get more rushed service and a higher asking price.Since the autumn of last year the economy has been down. I didn't find prices going up in my usual SW areas from September 08 to February 09. In fact I've read on ISG about certain bar girl prices decreasing or a willingness to take less. Word from the street was that more mongers were looking for deals, such as 700B ST, than previously was the case.
Regarding quality of service, IME it was at least as good as before, and I'd suggest an increased willingness to please. Of course as always YMMV as mongers and TGs are individuals with a lot going on in their lives that can effect how they are from day to day and the "chemistry" between the buyer and the seller. A stinky rude 90 YO guy may not get the same reaction as a charming 25 YO stud. A gent only in town for one night may not be treated like a potential regular who lives and works there year round.
Frequent Flier
06-08-09, 00:27
I read where some local tabloids are publishing pictures.
Is this true?
I hope they are fakes if anything.
The Thai press post pictures of dead bodies daily.
There is nothing wrong with a dead body, its the same as a live one but obviously dead.
There is nothing creepy about it, nothing wierd, nothing strange, nothing spooky.
Its only that in the past 50 years humans in so called "developed worlds" have been sheltered from viewing death and the dead that now there is a whole generation who are scared stiff to see a dead body and things its all rather gross.
Well, wake up. A dead body is just that, someone who has died. Its nothing special, nothing religious, its simply a human being, a type of animal on this planet, that has died.
I read where some local tabloids are publishing pictures.
Is this true?
I hope they are fakes if anything.
Quispamman
06-08-09, 13:10
US Embassy is pissed as freaking hell over this. US legal team arriving tonight, "heads will roll on this one". Lawsuits aplenty sure to surface soon.Cute! What the hell do you think a US legal team is going to do? Whose heads do you think are gonna roll? The US embassy is hardly in a position to go pretending they can do much of anything. If they can't move the Thais for years on end on something they actually care about, like IP protection, they aren't much likely to make anything happen over a washed up actor snuffing himself in a highly embarrassing fashion. Besides, what they really want they have in common with the Thais: they want the media to stop writing about this, so they aren't likely to do anything to make this more of a story by trying to be big swinging dicks over this.
[QUOTE=David 2]Agree with post. I have however found ONE decent guy. He does long or multiple trips for me. I have always been told by local expats I am paying Thai rate. Good English, good guy. Uselful for Pattaya, Buri Ram, Hua Hin, Chaing Mai direction ( though I have never taken him that far). He has stayed overnight for me at his cost when he knew someone. Anyway, probably the only provider of anything I would be happy to recommend. If someone wants his number I will give by PM. If you are looking for a trip soon, I will call him and advise him you are a friend. Post is spot on though....You think Thai taxi drivers are bad, try Brasil.
Just now I had occasion to withdraw from an american account, and I found that contrary to previous experience Kasikorn Bank has joined the club on the offensive 150 baht transaction fee. So I cancelled and sought out a Bank of Ayuthia (or is it KrungSri? - anyway the yellow ones), where I was not warned of any special fee, only the strange exchange rate warning this bank gives you. I got 33.07 to the dollar, when the rate in the news is about 34.2 or so. I tried different withdrawal amounts, but the rate stayed the same.
So it still seems that perhaps the yellow ATMs are the ones to seek out. One wonders how long they will continue - presumably every foreigner will be using them.
...So it still seems that perhaps the yellow ATMs are the ones to seek out. One wonders how long they will continue - presumably every foreigner will be using them.I was charged the 150 baht fee last time I used one of these yellow Bank of Ayudtaya machines in Bangkok.
These guys are frickin' greedy in my book...
Cute! What the hell do you think a US legal team is going to do? Whose heads do you think are gonna roll? The US embassy is hardly in a position to go pretending they can do much of anything. If they can't move the Thais for years on end on something they actually care about, like IP protection, they aren't much likely to make anything happen over a washed up actor snuffing himself in a highly embarrassing fashion. Besides, what they really want they have in common with the Thais: they want the media to stop writing about this, so they aren't likely to do anything to make this more of a story by trying to be big swinging dicks over this.Cool, nice first post!
"“The FBI can observe or ask Thai investigators to investigate certain points but it cannot run its own investigation or collect evidence,” said senior attorney general Sirasak Tiypan."
Words no sooner said, FBI agents immediately dispatched from San Francisco, arriving tomorrow, Wednesday, Thai time.
“The family will seek an independent autopsy by famed forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden to determine whether another person could have been involved.”
Happening now as we yak.
US Embassy Bangkok has received hundreds of calls from news agencies, production & management companies, family, friends of families, legal corporations, both locally and abroad. The first publication from the Thai police said it was a suicide. Rumors continue. International forensics teams to oversee findings.
Local US legal guys can't do shit. But they do know senior officers in city courts management (BCCM) and at Lumpini Police Station, they have, in fact, appropriately or inappropiately, approached with key questions. The scene was destroyed by Thai ignorance and all sides know it.
The Thais want this to go away as fast as possible, my guess is you are one?
IP protection? Funny, that is a singularly OT item, you aren't Khun Somsak are you? Two different cases completely, IPR is an apple, and a US citizen, the possible victim of capital murder (hence involvement of the US Department of State,) is an orange.
Again, nice first post!
Fast Eddie 48
06-09-09, 19:54
Cool, nice first post!
"“The FBI can observe or ask Thai investigators to investigate certain points but it cannot run its own investigation or collect evidence,” said senior attorney general Sirasak Tiypan."
Words no sooner said, FBI agents immediately dispatched from San Francisco, arriving tomorrow, Wednesday, Thai time.
“The family will seek an independent autopsy by famed forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden to determine whether another person could have been involved.”
Happening now as we yak.
US Embassy Bangkok has received hundreds of calls from news agencies, production & management companies, family, friends of families, legal corporations, both locally and abroad. The first publication from the Thai police said it was a suicide. Rumors continue. International forensics teams to oversee findings.
Local US legal guys can't do shit. But they do know senior officers in city courts management (BCCM) and at Lumpini Police Station, they have, in fact, appropriately or inappropiately, approached with key questions. The scene was destroyed by Thai ignorance and all sides know it.
The Thais want this to go away as fast as possible, my guess is you are one?
IP protection? Funny, that is a singularly OT item, you aren't Khun Somsak are you? Two different cases completely, IPR is an apple, and a US citizen, the possible victim of capital murder (hence involvement of the US Department of State,) is an orange.
Again, nice first post!Barko,
I think we should all let the man rest in peace ,the thai police already show he was in his room alone and show no foul play and crime ,what will the FBI and his family can prove with private autospy, will just show either suicide or kinky sex game gone bad .
Fast Eddie 48
I have been using UOB and KrungSiri (Bank of Authaya) and both of these have recently never been charging 150 baht.
Do not forget they cannot charge you unless they warn you and ask you to proceed with the charge, or cancel (there are no hidden charges).
Just now I had occasion to withdraw from an american account, and I found that contrary to previous experience Kasikorn Bank has joined the club on the offensive 150 baht transaction fee. So I cancelled and sought out a Bank of Ayuthia (or is it KrungSri? - anyway the yellow ones), where I was not warned of any special fee, only the strange exchange rate warning this bank gives you. I got 33.07 to the dollar, when the rate in the news is about 34.2 or so. I tried different withdrawal amounts, but the rate stayed the same.
So it still seems that perhaps the yellow ATMs are the ones to seek out. One wonders how long they will continue - presumably every foreigner will be using them.
The Thai press post pictures of dead bodies daily.
Last week the Pattaya People TV was showing slightly pixelated pictures of a farang suicide who had hanged himself, gently swinging on his noose...
LittleBigMan
06-10-09, 09:10
ATM'S
I can confirm what The Pro, has said in regards to the ATM Fee that the Bank of Aythaya ( yellow machine ). Just a week or so ago, Bank of Aythaya was the only major bank that wasn't charging the fee. But I can confirm that they are now charging 150 baht for any foreign ATM card. This happen to me at Carrefour/Pattaya... They do ask you after you put your amount whether you will except this fee? I also went to another ATM machine of Bank of Aythaya on the otherside of Sukhumvit thinking that they might not charge the fee but it did!
Now a warning the Bank of Aythaya doesn't give you a receipt... my next move is to do the transaction not in English but in Thai to see if the machine makes the charge. I noticed that Thai's that put in their cards and make a transaction get a receipt!
LBM
ATM'S
I can confirm what The Pro, has said in regards to the ATM Fee that the Bank of Aythaya ( yellow machine ). Just a week or so ago, Bank of Aythaya was the only major bank that wasn't charging the fee. But I can confirm that they are now charging 150 baht for any foreign ATM card. This happen to me at Carrefour/Pattaya... They do ask you after you put your amount whether you will except this fee? I also went to another ATM machine of Bank of Aythaya on the otherside of Sukhumvit thinking that they might not charge the fee but it did!
Now a warning the Bank of Aythaya doesn't give you a receipt... my next move is to do the transaction not in English but in Thai to see if the machine makes the charge. I noticed that Thai's that put in their cards and make a transaction get a receipt!
LBM
sometime competition in business makes price go down, sometime creates cartels...
Will be interesting if UOB is now charging or not.
UOB is United Overseas Bank and there are a few branches around.
As UOB is not a "Thai Bank" then hopefully they will refrain from the charges, a couple of weeks back UOB were not charging 150 baht and never even asked about charges (whereas KrungSiri would ask but the charge was 0 baht).
ATM'S
I can confirm what The Pro, has said in regards to the ATM Fee that the Bank of Aythaya ( yellow machine ). Just a week or so ago, Bank of Aythaya was the only major bank that wasn't charging the fee. But I can confirm that they are now charging 150 baht for any foreign ATM card. This happen to me at Carrefour/Pattaya... They do ask you after you put your amount whether you will except this fee? I also went to another ATM machine of Bank of Aythaya on the otherside of Sukhumvit thinking that they might not charge the fee but it did!
Now a warning the Bank of Aythaya doesn't give you a receipt... my next move is to do the transaction not in English but in Thai to see if the machine makes the charge. I noticed that Thai's that put in their cards and make a transaction get a receipt!
LBM
Will be interesting if UOB is now charging or not.
UOB is United Overseas Bank and there are a few branches around.
As UOB is not a "Thai Bank" then hopefully they will refrain from the charges, a couple of weeks back UOB were not charging 150 baht and never even asked about charges (whereas KrungSiri would ask but the charge was 0 baht).I'd have no problem accepting a charge of 0 baht. Even if it were dollars or gold bars that would work for me. LOL.
LittleBigMan
06-11-09, 05:48
Just a few weeks ago, I noticed that the Bank of Ayuthya machine say at the very top that this transaction was 150 baht, but just below it will indicate the amount you requested and the Fee was "0", but now it's official that you get the charge of 150 baht. Now I myself am surprise because I read the the Bank of Ayuthya wasn't part of the Thai Banking Association that authorized this charge to foreign ATM cards. Maybe since so many people have read and are upset about the other banks charging this fee decided to boycott the banks and use Ayathya, that now the bank have else they want to charge us. Is it stupid, greed or all of the above?
Well, what is a small guy going to do, might give UOB at look?
LBM
ATM'S
I can confirm what The Pro, has said in regards to the ATM Fee that the Bank of Aythaya ( yellow machine ). Just a week or so ago, Bank of Aythaya was the only major bank that wasn't charging the fee. But I can confirm that they are now charging 150 baht for any foreign ATM card. This happen to me at Carrefour/Pattaya... They do ask you after you put your amount whether you will except this fee? I also went to another ATM machine of Bank of Aythaya on the otherside of Sukhumvit thinking that they might not charge the fee but it did!
Now a warning the Bank of Aythaya doesn't give you a receipt... my next move is to do the transaction not in English but in Thai to see if the machine makes the charge. I noticed that Thai's that put in their cards and make a transaction get a receipt!
LBMAs of this AM , was not charged a fee on Foreign ATM card at B of A machine.
Thing is, the exchange rate showed was about 1 baht less per USD than actual rate (32.93), so taking out less than $150 US was the only way it made sense, if I am adding correctly.
As of this AM , was not charged a fee on Foreign ATM card at B of A machine.
Thing is, the exchange rate showed was about 1 baht less per USD than actual rate (32.93), so taking out less than $150 US was the only way it made sense, if I am adding correctly.
Yes, I find that the rate offered by the Bank of Ayuthia is very bad, but your post seems to assume that the other banks which do definitely charge the 150 baht fee give a better rate. They may charge the 150 and also give a rip-off exchange rate.
In any case it seems unlikely one will get out from under this persecution. Probably best to think in terms of 30 baht to the dollar rather than 33 or 34, in order to have a more realistic estimation of the cost of things given all the ripoffs.
Fresh Meat 2
06-11-09, 11:39
I am a frequent traveler to LOS, for the same reasons as most of you. About 5 years ago I opened a bank account at the Siam Commercial Bank in soi 11, they gave me a atm card which I use whenever in Thailand, they do not charge me any fees!
As far as converting foreign currency into thai baht, there is a place on Sukhumvit that ALWAYS offers the best rate, I have forgotten its name, however it is easy to find.
Go to the entrance of soi 7/1, if you look to your left you will see subway, look to the right and this is the place, it is the first building on the right hand side entering the soi from Sukhumvit.
LittleBigMan
06-11-09, 14:12
Nocal,
If I may ask where are you using the ATM machine for the B of A, which should be the yellow ATM machine Kungrai. I'm in Pattaya and in the last 24 hours I have gone to no less than 6 of their ATM machines and all of them advise me that there was a 150 baht charge. Since I was just checking I decline. All the machines should be linked. Please provide location?
Thanks LBM
Fifty Fifty
06-11-09, 18:50
Nocal,
If I may ask where are you using the ATM machine for the B of A, which should be the yellow ATM machine Kungrai. I'm in Pattaya and in the last 24 hours I have gone to no less than 6 of their ATM machines and all of them advise me that there was a 150 baht charge. Since I was just checking I decline. All the machines should be linked. Please provide location?
Thanks LBM
I have been using B of A ATMs in Pattaya all week and none have ever informed me of any charge. Most used is the one in Walking St at the shop on the right just opposite the entrance to Walking St Pub, tonight same thing, no charge.
For info I am using a Nationwide UK Flexaccount Debit Card to draw cash.
Cheers, FF
Predictably an (independent) autopsy finds that David Carradine did not commit suicide.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,525866,00.html
Redfield10
06-12-09, 00:08
Predictably an (independent) autopsy finds that David Carradine did not commit suicide.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,525866,00.htmlWell, maybe not intentionally...
Frequent Flier
06-12-09, 08:10
The Thai press post pictures of dead bodies daily.
There is nothing wrong with a dead body, its the same as a live one but obviously dead.
There is nothing creepy about it, nothing wierd, nothing strange, nothing spooky.
Its only that in the past 50 years humans in so called "developed worlds" have been sheltered from viewing death and the dead that now there is a whole generation who are scared stiff to see a dead body and things its all rather gross.
Well, wake up. A dead body is just that, someone who has died. Its nothing special, nothing religious, its simply a human being, a type of animal on this planet, that has died.
What a stupid response.
My post said nothing about having a picture of just a dead body. It had nothing to do with the fact that it was just a dead person. If what you stated was true then the picture would not have had to been leaked out of the forensics office in Thailand. Just another dead person so who cares. Right?
Why go to extra measures to just show another dead body if it is no big deal?
It was the situation and privacy matter for the family I was speaking of ignoramus.
In fact a live body is nothing like a dead body. Man, Animal, Fish or otherwise. The very second a person dies the body begins chemical changes that a live body would never undertake. So your wrong on both instances flamer.
Get a life. My only reason for posting this was to see if anyone had seen the pictures and if the story was true. Having since seen that it was true it no longer matters.
Flame on flamer
Do you guys realize, that the banks in your home country, be it Europe or USA, but especially USA, will charge you 3% "Foregn Currency Transaction Fee" or THB 500 on the typical USD 500 withdrawal? These include B of A, Wells Fargo and of course AMEX and the other CC Companies for normal CC charges.
Talk to them, before getting pissed over the 150 THB = USD 4,50 surcharge, which is ""only" 1%.
Btw. There are banks in Europe, who offer accounts with a "zero surcharge" foreign withdrawals. The promise to refund any fees imposed by the foreign bank, over which they have no control.
Do you guys realize, that the banks in your home country, be it Europe or USA, but especially USA, will charge you 3% "Foregn Currency Transaction Fee" or THB 500 on the typical USD 500 withdrawal? These include B of A, Wells Fargo and of course AMEX and the other CC Companies for normal CC charges.Yes I realized this "extortionate" fee on my last trip, 2.5% on each ATM withdrawal (European bank)!
Next time I'll take 500€ bills or maybe Traveller Cheques, does anyone use those in LOS, are they convenient?
Do you guys realize, that the banks in your home country, be it Europe or USA, but especially USA, will charge you 3% "Foregn Currency Transaction Fee" or THB 500 on the typical USD 500 withdrawal? These include B of A, Wells Fargo and of course AMEX and the other CC Companies for normal CC charges.
Talk to them, before getting pissed over the 150 THB = USD 4,50 surcharge, which is ""only" 1%.
Btw. There are banks in Europe, who offer accounts with a "zero surcharge" foreign withdrawals. The promise to refund any fees imposed by the foreign bank, over which they have no control.Not complaining about the fees, just sharing information. What this board is all about. ;)
US banks all charge different fees. I have found that credit unions typically have the lowest, with some accounts waiving them altogether if you meet certain criteria. Have spoken to a branch manager and got fees waived or reduced just by asking.
As far as which B fo A atm, not sure of exact location but in Bkk off Silom or Sukhumvit.
LittleBigMan
06-12-09, 11:28
Daddy San,
I couldn't disagree with you more! If you think it's o.k. to pay the 3% knock yourself out! and if you have been paying that amount then you're getting ripped off or you should think about finding a new bank by being a better consumer. I personally have several cards that I use and they are all linked to a checking account. Washington Mutual, Chase, and a Credit Union and never have been charged 3% and I have been using them in Thailand for over 10 years. The only time I have personally heard someone being charged 3% is using a Credit Card for a purchases or cash advance plus another 1% for conversion. The most I ever got charged from my bank or credit union is just 1% for the amount that I requested. Five hundred USD, I will see a $5.00 charge from my checking statement.
I understand the amount is small and the Banks throughout the years have found ways to add charges but it doesn't mean we should take it laying down. There have been lawsuits throughout the years by consumer groups they have won some and lost some. The banks do this because they know the majority of people are like you.They except it and take it laying down because it a small amount to a individual. Look at their balance sheets and you'll be amazed at the millions and billions in profits. If the amount was larger like the amount you have to pay for taxes, Federal, State, and Local I'm sure you like me would be getting pissed!
LBM
...I opened a bank account at the Siam Commercial Bank in soi 11, they gave me a atm card which I use whenever in Thailand, they do not charge me any fees!
Yes, of course I have a couple of Thai bank accounts myself - as no doubt do many of us who live and work here. But that doesn't do anything about the problem of getting money out of the Bad Place.
LittleBigMan
06-12-09, 12:12
Fifty Fifty,
June 12th, today doing my daily list of running around Pattaya today. I stopped at a bunch of Bank of Ayuthay ( yellow machine ) using several cards all with Visa or M/C linked to my checking accounts. And here is what I found out about the Bank of Ayuthay.
Although one would expect the ATM, format should be the same on each ATM machine no matter where they are located even if they are on different levels in the same shopping mall but they all show different messages on their ATM.
Official exchange Rate today: 34.07
B.O.A. on South Pattaya Rd., Second Rd. near Big C., North Pattaya Nakua, Lower Level Carrefour, 7/11 Nonprue. These ATM, screen show this format requesting a 500 baht withdraw.
Amount Requested: 500 Baht.
Conversion? 15.31 USD
Exchange rate: 32.66
After you push yes.... you get this message that there is another charge of 150 baht on top of what you already was told above.
B.O.A. on 3rd Rd. outside of Carrefour, Upper level Carrefour ( differ from lower level ).
Did not get the screen message listed above.. it just said if you proceed you will be charged 150 baht for transaction.
The B.O.A. ATM, machine just inside Walking St.. located outside of the 7/11 and next to the BOH exchange booth which Fifty Fifty, mentioned didn't get any charges I couldn't confirm nor denied since when I put my card in the screen went blank so I cancelled the transaction. Based on the number of machines I used I doubt even if it didn't go blank I would have gotten a different response. All I can say is Fifty Fifty might have a magic card we should think about getting.
In the end, At Lotus I went to the ATM machine for Bangkok Bank ( blue ) that I normally used in the past and withdrew 3,000 baht and my statement shows a withdraw of $92.65 converted that is about 32.40 exchange rate which was listed at 34.07
So I'm beat from the heat and the ATM, in the end everyone got to decide what to do and whether it even matters to try to save enough money to get a Freelancer on Beach Rd. for 500 baht, or a dozen beer for the night, they got us Farangs by the balls with this charge.
Fresh Meat 2, refer to Fresh Meat 1, and get with the program. This conversation is only about " Foreign ATM Cards " not local cards.
LBM
You are talking Credit Cards. Yes, there is and always has been a charge for using a Credit Card in an ATM.
We are all on about Debit Cards (which use Visa system for the transaction but are Debit, as in withdraw directly from your bank account if you have cash in it).
The uproar is over the Thai B(w)ankers association who put a 150 Baht charge on to Debit Card withdrawels.
This is the issue, not Credit Cards its Debit Cards.
Do you guys realize, that the banks in your home country, be it Europe or USA, but especially USA, will charge you 3% "Foregn Currency Transaction Fee" or THB 500 on the typical USD 500 withdrawal? These include B of A, Wells Fargo and of course AMEX and the other CC Companies for normal CC charges.
Talk to them, before getting pissed over the 150 THB = USD 4,50 surcharge, which is ""only" 1%.
Btw. There are banks in Europe, who offer accounts with a "zero surcharge" foreign withdrawals. The promise to refund any fees imposed by the foreign bank, over which they have no control.
Next time I'll take 500€ bills or maybe Traveller Cheques, does anyone use those in LOS, are they convenient?
I think they're the most convenient way to carry money. I maintain a $100 balance in a Chase free checking account and there is no fee for American Express Travellers Checks. (The normal fee is 1 to 2 percent at other banks)
The exchange rate is LOS is almost always the best, and there is no danger of loss because they are replaced immediately. The hotel that I stay in has a currency exchange right on premises, so it's a piece of cake to change them to any currency desired.
Thought the members might like to know about a couple of Thai-related movies I recently came across:
Love Me Long Time - Sex Tourism in Thailand - 30 min doc - PirateBay link:
http://thepiratebay.org/torrent/4073250/Love_Me_Long_Time_-_Sex_Tourism_in_Thailand_%5BDivX%5D.avi
and an upcoming art-house movie from a British director called Soi Cowboy:
review:http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2009/jun/12/film-review-soi-cowboy
trailer on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2xJAsr2vO8
Enjoy
Just did a check and the Kriung Siri (B of A) ATM's are not charging 150 baht.
Was not even asked this time.
Took out the cash, checked by online banking and the exchange rate was perfect.
So the Yellow ones are still ok for "DEBIT" cards.
Have not tried a Credit Card as I would never use a Credit Card to advance cash - far too expensive and too many charges.
Next time I'll take 500€ bills or maybe Traveller Cheques, does anyone use those in LOS, are they convenient?In BKK's tourist area around NEP there are many exchangers. These include hotels and banks, etc. So it is extremely convenient, and I believe it would be the same in Pattaya.
Hotels btw will probably not give you the best rate.
Your bank in your home cuntry may charge you to purchase TCs. Mine does unless one has certain accounts that waive fees for such things.
I found if you use Travellers Cheques they will charge you in LOS a flat rate per cheque when you change them into Thai currency. So two 500 dollar cheques will cost you less in exchange fees that ten 100 dollar cheques.
LittleBigMan
06-14-09, 08:19
The Pro,
Without being too personal, what kind of debit card are you using and where is it from and what is the location of the ATM, yellow machine if in Pattaya are you using?
I have used a debit card, a credit card Visa that gives me access to my checking account in case I lose the debit card. I have also use 2 debit cards issued by Washington Mutual and a Chase bank companies and no matter where in Pattaya I have used a ATM, ( yellow ) I have been asked to pay the 150 baht and that has been no less that 12 Plus ATM ( yellow ). If in Pattaya, I can tell you I have traveled more miles on my motorbike that maybe all of your guys put together and I haven't found 1 machine that hasn't ask me to pay the fee!
Maybe it's my card? I just don't know but am rather frustrated and have not problem meeting anyone that tells me that their not getting charge! But I leaving tomorrow for the U.S. but will return in 3 weeks and will continue my search?
As with Fifty Fifty response that the machine just inside Walking St,,, didn't charge him which might be his card from his bank in U.K.? I still couldn't verify with my cards since when I went by this morning I place my cards in and each time I had to wait 2-3 minutes and then got a response from the machine that it couldn't process my transaction that the machine declare a " Time out " WTF.
LBM
I am using a UK based Debit card, but this is the B of A (Krung Siri) ATM's in Bangkok.
Perhaps they have decided to not charge where highly vocal expats are who might write on many internet forums and cause them embaressment.
But where there are lots of tourists who know no better (eg Pattaya) then they charge there? Might just be a decision to hit toursits only now (and of course any expats in Pattaya, but thats what you get for living in a tourist zone and most do not).
This charge is totally the Thai Bankers Association making up the rules. Visa/Mastercard have said its not them, so there is no excuse for the TBA to be charging it, apart from they want to make more money.
Lets not forget, all foreigners in Thailand with bank accounts get 0% interest, that nice little rule was bought in by the TBA a few years ago.
Thailand is getting more and more anti-foreigner, and this will continue whilst the Yellow shirt sponsers are pulling the strings behind the scenes.
So I do not know how to answer, maybe its just US Debit cards and UK/Euro ones are ok?
Maybe its just the TBA ruling only applies to tourist places now?
Anyway for me and my debit cards, no charges in UOB machines, and Kring Siri (B of A) machines.
The Pro,
Without being too personal, what kind of debit card are you using and where is it from and what is the location of the ATM, yellow machine if in Pattaya are you using?
I have used a debit card, a credit card Visa that gives me access to my checking account in case I lose the debit card. I have also use 2 debit cards issued by Washington Mutual and a Chase bank companies and no matter where in Pattaya I have used a ATM, ( yellow ) I have been asked to pay the 150 baht and that has been no less that 12 Plus ATM ( yellow ). If in Pattaya, I can tell you I have traveled more miles on my motorbike that maybe all of your guys put together and I haven't found 1 machine that hasn't ask me to pay the fee!
Maybe it's my card? I just don't know but am rather frustrated and have not problem meeting anyone that tells me that their not getting charge! But I leaving tomorrow for the U.S. but will return in 3 weeks and will continue my search?
As with Fifty Fifty response that the machine just inside Walking St,,, didn't charge him which might be his card from his bank in U.K.? I still couldn't verify with my cards since when I went by this morning I place my cards in and each time I had to wait 2-3 minutes and then got a response from the machine that it couldn't process my transaction that the machine declare a " Time out " WTF.
LBM
Thailand is getting more and more anti-foreigner, and this will continue whilst the Yellow shirt sponsers are pulling the strings behind the scenes.
While I of course agree that Thailand is anti-foreigner and growing more so every day, I think that the opposition ('red shirts') hate us just as much as the yellows.
I used a yellow Bank of Ayoothea ATM just yesterday and there was no 150 baht charge listed on the receipt or mentioned on the screen. I took out 10,000 baht and was given a rate of 32.7, which is obviously a kind of rip-off rate. I hate to take out such enormous amounts all at once as it makes one at terrible risk of being robbed, but given the risk of fees - hidden or otherwise - I felt I had no choice.
LittleBigMan
06-14-09, 15:57
Once again fellas, I would like the location of the machine you used to check it out with my card. As I noted in my travel throughout Pattaya the other day inside the tourist area and on the otherside of Sukhumvit which many of you don't have any idea what it looks like. And the result not one machine Yellow didn't one way or another ask for the 150 fee! On some screen it list the amount you are requesting in baht, translate it into dollars and then tells you the exchange rate. It doesn't show the fee 150 on this screen only when you want to continue that the next screen tell you that there is a 150 fee!
So please identify the machine and location... because LBM, has been all over the tourist area, Jomtien, Naklua, Nonprue, Sattihip, Ban Saray. As for UOB machine I can't even locate one! Also if you know one identify the location and I will track it down when I return from the U.S. in a few weeks.
Thanks, LBM
Hi guys, sorry to ask such a simple question but I have not been to Thailand for a few years and have always brought cash. I am thinking that maybe I should bring more traveler's check this time since crime is getting pretty bad.
Does Thailand (Bangkok) accept Traveler's check or is cash still more preferred when exchanging US$ into Thai? Does cash get a better rate at the banks and money exchange booth than Traveler's check?
I stop using Traveler's check since I had problem using them in other countries, like bad exchange rates vs cash, not accepting them without a waiting period, etc.
My current bank (Bank of America) debt card charges $5 plus 1% for each transaction in a foreign ATM plus whatever the foreign ATM charges which can add up if I keep taking out small amounts.
From reading the forum and searching, it seems that Chase Bank's debt card is pretty reasonable in their foreign ATM fees so I am looking to see if I have Chase Bank here. Thanks for any help.
Daddy San,
I couldn't disagree with you more! If you think it's o.k. to pay the 3% knock yourself out! and if you have been paying that amount then you're getting ripped off or you should think about finding a new bank by being a better consumer. I personally have several cards that I use and they are all linked to a checking account. Washington Mutual, Chase, and a Credit Union and never have been charged 3% and I have been using them in Thailand for over 10 years. The only time I have personally heard someone being charged 3% is using a Credit Card for a purchases or cash advance plus another 1% for conversion. The most I ever got charged from my bank or credit union is just 1% for the amount that I requested. Five hundred USD, I will see a $5.00 charge from my checking statement.
-snip-
Who said I think it's ok to pay the 3% fee??
But all(?) the (US-)CC companies have it in their General Terms and Conditions, at least the ones I have do. (AMEX, Chase, Wells Fargo). So if I want to charge to one of those accounts, I have little choice.
I am not absolutely sure, that the Wells Fargo ATM card has the same fee, because when I tried to use that one last January, they simply blocked it on suspicion of fraud, even though I had notified them previously that I would be travelling in SE Asia at that time!.
I merely wanted to draw attention to the 2-3% foreign transaction fee, which usually far exceeds the 150 THB everybody is bitching and moaning about.
Once again fellas... please identify the machine and location...
I don't remember exactly but it would have had to have been on Buakoaw, Pattaya Klang, Second road or that road which runs between Buakaow and Second road, you know where they have the Kiss restaurant.
Does Thailand (Bangkok) accept Traveler's check or is cash still more preferred when exchanging US$ into Thai? Does cash get a better rate at the banks and money exchange booth than Traveler's check?
I stop using Traveler's check since I had problem using them in other countries, like bad exchange rates vs cash, not accepting them without a waiting period, etc.The following posts in this thread recently spoke of TCs, 2844, 2847 and 2848.
The rates for TCs are quite good, so no worries there.
...that road which runs between Buakaow and Second road, you know where they have the Kiss restaurant.
That would be Soi Diana Inn.
Fifty Fifty
06-15-09, 03:17
Who said I think it's ok to pay the 3% fee?
I am not absolutely sure, that the Wells Fargo ATM card has the same fee, because when I tried to use that one last January, they simply blocked it on suspicion of fraud, even though I had notified them previously that I would be travelling in SE Asia at that time!..My card quite often gets blocked, I have quite a large account balance and the Bank says they do it for my protection, when in fact it is to protect themselves. If my card is lost/stolen/cloned then they would be liable for my losses, therefore they block.
I even call and tell them my movements, but it doesnt make any difference, it still gets 'auto-blocked' fairly regularly.
Although inconvenient, a simple call (using Skype of course!) gets the card working again within minutes.
I merely wanted to draw attention to the 2-3% foreign transaction fee, which usually far exceeds the 150 THB everybody is bitching and moaning about.Everybody? Except me, as I have never been charged the 150 THB yet. :D
Cheers, FF
LittleBigMan
06-15-09, 04:30
Do you guys realize, that the banks in your home country, be it Europe or USA, but especially USA, will charge you 3% "Foregn Currency Transaction Fee" or THB 500 on the typical USD 500 withdrawal? These include B of A, Wells Fargo and of course AMEX and the other CC Companies for normal CC charges.
Talk to them, before getting pissed over the 150 THB = USD 4,50 surcharge, which is ""only" 1%.
Btw. There are banks in Europe, who offer accounts with a "zero surcharge" foreign withdrawals. The promise to refund any fees imposed by the foreign bank, over which they have no control.Daddy San,
You might not intended to say it but as far as I'm concern your remark " talk to them before getting pissed over the 150 baht. says it all to me!
If I'm pissed as you say, but I'm more bent out of shape because the Thai Bank Association imposed this fee only on Foreign ATM users claiming they are loosing money! What a bunch of fucking Bullshit or buffaloshit! When the world market list the exhange rate for example at 34.50 and the Thai Bank are giving to you at 32.40 through the ATM, just like the Exchange Booth they are already taking a cut off before it is dispensed to you. Now the exchange rate might be exceptible to you but don't think for a money they are loosing money. I have been using ATM for nearly 10 years so based on what they are saying they have been doing me a favor for that period and I should be grateful that they are taking the lost! Get real! To impose another 150 baht on just Foreigner after they're already getting a profit is just greed in my opinion and that includes whatever % American banks are charging us. Remember! When the banks started to charge you for every little thing including standing in line people took it laying down so they continue with their charges. I might not like it and right now don't have much of a choice but I'm not going quietly!
Also, got a private car from my house on the otheside of Sukhumvit to Airport for 900 baht including toll. The place is a wooden booth on the corner of Soi Buakaow and Soi Diana, as you are starting to go down Soi Diana to 2rd rd. its on the left, I think it was call Rose Taxi? The guy came 1/2 hour early and waited until I was ready and the car was a Toyota Camry, not brand new and not old.. got me to the airport in 1 hour and 15 minutes safely too!
LBM
LittleBigMan
06-15-09, 04:32
I don't remember exactly but it would have had to have been on Buakoaw, Pattaya Klang, Second road or that road which runs between Buakaow and Second road, you know where they have the Kiss restaurant.I'll be back in 3 weeks and I'm going down that whole Soi to see for myself along with checking out the beer bars and go go's!
LBM
The following posts in this thread recently spoke of TCs, 2844, 2847 and 2848.
The rates for TCs are quite good, so no worries there.Thanks for your response. I did read the posts and it was what got me thinking to ask to make sure that it would not be a problem for the money changers to take traveler's checks.
Would the money changers accept US$500 TC without a problem? It would be easier to fit 6-8 into my money belt vs a bunch of $100 TC?
Fast Eddie 48
06-15-09, 08:25
Thanks for your response. I did read the posts and it was what got me thinking to ask to make sure that it would not be a problem for the money changers to take traveler's checks.
Would the money changers accept US$500 TC without a problem? It would be easier to fit 6-8 into my money belt vs a bunch of $100 TC? Csun213,
Yes it is much easier to cash your Amex express in BKK most money changer will cash it with a US passport, Thailand charge a percentage of the amount but some country like China charge an amount for each TC so is better to bring 500 check, bank of China charge 35 rmb comission for each check and not all the bank will even take it.
Fast eddie48
Thanks for your response. I did read the posts and it was what got me thinking to ask to make sure that it would not be a problem for the money changers to take traveler's checks.
Would the money changers accept US$500 TC without a problem? It would be easier to fit 6-8 into my money belt vs a bunch of $100 TC? Last trip I brought some 500 dollar TC denominations with me. I had no problem changing them for Thai baht at a bank in the area around the Nana hotel and NEP. I'd feel 100 per cent confident that they would take them at any decent place in BKK that does these kind of transactions, of which there are hundreds.
Daddy San,
You might not intended to say it but as far as I'm concern your remark " talk to them before getting pissed over the 150 baht. says it all to me!
If I'm pissed as you say, but I'm more bent out of shape because the Thai Bank Association imposed this fee only on Foreign ATM users claiming they are loosing money! What a bunch of fucking Bullshit or buffaloshit! When the world market list the exhange rate for example at 34.50 and the Thai Bank are giving to you at 32.40 through the ATM, just like the Exchange Booth they are already taking a cut off before it is dispensed to you. Now the exchange rate might be exceptible to you but don't think for a money they are loosing money. I have been using ATM for nearly 10 years so based on what they are saying they have been doing me a favor for that period and I should be grateful that they are taking the lost! Get real! To impose another 150 baht on just Foreigner after they're already getting a profit is just greed in my opinion and that includes whatever % American banks are charging us. Remember! When the banks started to charge you for every little thing including standing in line people took it laying down so they continue with their charges. I might not like it and right now don't have much of a choice but I'm not going quietly!
Also, got a private car from my house on the otheside of Sukhumvit to Airport for 900 baht including toll. The place is a wooden booth on the corner of Soi Buakaow and Soi Diana, as you are starting to go down Soi Diana to 2rd rd. its on the left, I think it was call Rose Taxi? The guy came 1/2 hour early and waited until I was ready and the car was a Toyota Camry, not brand new and not old.. got me to the airport in 1 hour and 15 minutes safely too!
LBM
with the interest rates going so down (for the banks) they do not get anymore those fats margin as in the past. Allowing them to give a lot of services "for free". So now they are on the direction to squeeze every baht from anyone. On the other hand, aren't many of us doing something like this to keep margin up for the companies we work for? Or doing whatever t cust costs (at the "cost" of somebody else, maybe an earening, maybe a job of someone)
Certainly nobody wants to pay what sems un-necessary money, but let's face it. A cartel has been set up and you won't escape from it.
Why charging farang only? it is for them easier to "explain" that overseas transactions have a costs and blah blah..and maybe thinking farangs are rich, to be milked and maybe not cashing much frequently, so will not mind those 150TBh....
I just want to thank PinkPearl and Fast Eddie 48 for their fast response.
I am looking forward to Thailand since I normally fool around in China but am looking for a change after reading everything in the Thailand section.
Thanks for your response. I did read the posts and it was what got me thinking to ask to make sure that it would not be a problem for the money changers to take traveler's checks.
Would the money changers accept US$500 TC without a problem? It would be easier to fit 6-8 into my money belt vs a bunch of $100 TC?
I wannt to share a perhaps atypical experience with AMEX TCs here.
I always carry a few thousand USD in TCs, mainly as a last resort, in case some of my other (plastic) sources of cash get stolen or blocked.
Last year in Phnom Penh I tried to cash $300 at some bank.
I showed 3 TCs to the cashier, who asked me to countersign them and THEN asked for my passport.
The pairs of signatures on the checks were identical, but differed ever so slightly from the one in the passport, not surprisingly, since the passport was 9 years old and handwriting does change.
The cashier flatly refused to cash the checks!!
I went to another bank, sketched the situation to the cashier, before countersigning more checks and he, as well as the bank manager, declined to cash TC, if the passport signature did not exactly match the others.
This is not what AMEX promises, and I had no problem getting a refund from them, but just immagine, you bring TCs as your main source of cash for your long mongering trip....
I wannt to share a perhaps atypical experience with AMEX TCs here.
I always carry a few thousand USD in TCs, mainly as a last resort, in case some of my other (plastic) sources of cash get stolen or blocked.
Last year in Phnom Penh I tried to cash $300 at some bank.
I showed 3 TCs to the cashier, who asked me to countersign them and THEN asked for my passport.
The pairs of signatures on the checks were identical, but differed ever so slightly from the one in the passport, not surprisingly, since the passport was 9 years old and handwriting does change.
The cashier flatly refused to cash the checks!
I went to another bank, sketched the situation to the cashier, before countersigning more checks and he, as well as the bank manager, declined to cash TC, if the passport signature did not exactly match the others.
This is not what AMEX promises, and I had no problem getting a refund from them, but just immagine, you bring TCs as your main source of cash for your long mongering trip....Thanks for the heads up.
I read somewhere that Cambodians can also be picky about accepting USD bills. If they are not new and in good condition they may reject them.
I doubt that you'ld have encountered the same TC problem in Thailand. Even if it did occur in one in a thousand places, the next one would probably cash them for you.
Your story illustrates why it's best to have a variety of options, such as cash, TCs, credit cards, bank cards, etc.
LittleBigMan
06-16-09, 20:42
Bionicman,
I agree with many of the things you pointed out in your response to me. But explain to me what Interest rate has to do with the Exchange rate? It's not like your buying a house or using a credit card for purchases. Today in the U.S. the Federal has set the Interest rate slightly below 1% but the Banks average on Home loans to people like us average 5.25%. At a Exchange Booth you will see the daily Exchange Rate for example at 34.00 but the sell is 33.10. I think you would agree in between the Exchange Booth company is making something but do they finalize the transaction by saying you need to pay another 150 baht to complete the transaction?
The Thai Bank Association, came up with this brain storm! To me this is the mentality the Thai's seem to have when business is slow instead of being creative and maybe providing a incentive to bring in business or to provide better service they come up with a stupid solution like charging more for a beer or jacking up the Barfine to make up for lack of customer. The same mentality that P4P workers have to charge you more for ST/LT because business is slow! I' ve heard this discussion on this topic over and over so now hear me out about ATM.
If I wrong please let me know, maybe there is a Banker CEO, mongering on this board to explain it to me like a 9 year old!
Thanks, LBM
Lord Farquard
06-16-09, 21:29
Thanks for the heads up.
I read somewhere that Cambodians can also be picky about accepting USD bills. If they are not new and in good condition they may reject them.
I doubt that you'ld have encountered the same TC problem in Thailand. Even if it did occur in one in a thousand places, the next one would probably cash them for you.
Your story illustrates why it's best to have a variety of options, such as cash, TCs, credit cards, bank cards, etc.
Burma will not touch any bill with a mark on it and they prefer new bills. I had three hundred dollar bills regected by the immigration man because they had a pencil mark on them. So make sure that you bills are in good shape. :0
Bionicman,
I agree with many of the things you pointed out in your response to me. But explain to me what Interest rate has to do with the Exchange rate? It's not like your buying a house or using a credit card for purchases. Today in the U.S. the Federal has set the Interest rate slightly below 1% but the Banks average on Home loans to people like us average 5.25%. At a Exchange Booth you will see the daily Exchange Rate for example at 34.00 but the sell is 33.10. I think you would agree in between the Exchange Booth company is making something but do they finalize the transaction by saying you need to pay another 150 baht to complete the transaction?
The Thai Bank Association, came up with this brain storm! To me this is the mentality the Thai's seem to have when business is slow instead of being creative and maybe providing a incentive to bring in business or to provide better service they come up with a stupid solution like charging more for a beer or jacking up the Barfine to make up for lack of customer. The same mentality that P4P workers have to charge you more for ST/LT because business is slow! I' ve heard this discussion on this topic over and over so now hear me out about ATM.
If I wrong please let me know, maybe there is a Banker CEO, mongering on this board to explain it to me like a 9 year old!
Thanks, LBM
LBM, thanks for agreeing,not a must to do so! So, appreciated! Indeed there is no relation at all between interest rates and money exchange or ATM transactions, other than the fact that banls have to earn money (and want to earn ever more). So if they cannot get it from here (margin on interests, certainly heavily decreased in terms of % and values), they try to get it from elsewhere (money exchange,ATM). It is even better for them as they attack some very popular tools, where most people will not - in general - pay too much attention to a penny here and a penny there... But for the bank it is another brick in the wall.
What if, instead of adding the flat 150TB they slightly adjust the exchange rate? Would you keep on going around for a few cents difference? That way they might remove the 150TB flat fee and make customers happy not to pay a fee. is that what we want?
Years ago I wanted to buy a new tv set, drove all around town to check prices. Ended up at the very first store (cheaper by 10$! probably spent in gasoline by browsing around!).
I am not defending the banks and I am not involved with any!
But I try to observe things in a realistic perspective. Maybe not one that I like, but that's the one enforced! unfortunately
LittleBigMan
06-17-09, 03:46
Bionicman,
Once again I agree with your responds. I don't know what it is but this ATM thing has really put a hair up my ass, really got my blood boiling. My previous post a few days back told of my day running around checking out the ATM, and the rates and what you express was exactly what I found to be true. Bank of Ayuthya not only gave a low rate on top of that they charge the 150 baht. The other Banks like Bangkok Bank, not only charge the 150 baht they gave even a lower rate than Bank of Ayuthya. So in the end, no matter which way you turn they got us by the balls.
In the end, being box in I just have to live with it for now hopefully until I find a way around these greedy bastards. Like you said, can't continue to get all sweaty over a few baht when the gas I'm spending to try to beat the system is defeating the purpose of saving money!
Got to move on for now, Thanks LBM
Well I am using ATM's at Bank of Ayuthya and UOB without any 150 baht charges and with an excellent exchange rate.
Perhaps its only US cards?
Certainly for UK based debit cards there is no problems with exchange rates or charges.
So in the end, no matter which way you turn they got us by the balls.
In the end, being box in I just have to live with it for now hopefully until I find a way around these greedy bastards.
Yah, that pretty much is the way it is in Thailand. They've got the upper hand on everything and have set everything up to take advantage of the foreigner. It's the only way they can win!
Once again fellas, I would like the location of the machine you used to check it out with my card. As I noted in my travel throughout Pattaya the other day inside the tourist area and on the otherside of Sukhumvit which many of you don't have any idea what it looks like. And the result not one machine Yellow didn't one way or another ask for the 150 fee! On some screen it list the amount you are requesting in baht, translate it into dollars and then tells you the exchange rate. It doesn't show the fee 150 on this screen only when you want to continue that the next screen tell you that there is a 150 fee!
So please identify the machine and location... because LBM, has been all over the tourist area, Jomtien, Naklua, Nonprue, Sattihip, Ban Saray. As for UOB machine I can't even locate one! Also if you know one identify the location and I will track it down when I return from the U.S. in a few weeks.
Thanks, LBM
I used a couple of different yellow machines but was always charged the 150 fee... used one on Sukhumvit and another one in Kata on Phuket - same deal. I think the message saying there will be a charge came up after I submitted the amount desired and asked me to click my acceptance, just like all the rest.
...I don't know what it is but this ATM thing has really put a hair up my ass, really got my blood boiling. My previous post a few days back told of my day running around checking out the ATM, and the rates and what you express was exactly what I found to be true. Bank of Ayuthya not only gave a low rate on top of that they charge the 150 baht. The other Banks like Bangkok Bank, not only charge the 150 baht they gave even a lower rate than Bank of Ayuthya. So in the end, no matter which way you turn they got us by the balls.
In the end, being box in I just have to live with it for now hopefully until I find a way around these greedy bastards. Like you said, can't continue to get all sweaty over a few baht when the gas I'm spending to try to beat the system is defeating the purpose of saving money!
Got to move on for now, Thanks LBM
I avoid paying the excessive ATM fees and receiving lousy exchange rates by instructing my USA bank to wire relatively large amounts of cash periodically (once or twice a year) to my Bangkok Bank account at the most favorable exchange rate. I pay only the fee for the wire transfer. Once the money is here, I always use Bangkok Bank ATM’s to avoid the 60 baht charge on different machines so I can withdraw money without paying any fees and at the best exchange rate available.
I avoid paying the excessive ATM fees and receiving lousy exchange rates by instructing my USA bank to wire relatively large amounts of cash periodically (once or twice a year) to my Bangkok Bank account at the most favorable exchange rate. I pay only the fee for the wire transfer. Once the money is here, I always use Bangkok Bank ATM’s to avoid the 60 baht charge on different machines so I can withdraw money without paying any fees and at the best exchange rate available.
that's a good strategy..:)
If I wrong please let me know, maybe there is a Banker CEO, mongering on this board to explain it to me like a 9 year old!
Thanks, LBM
It's actually very simple. A good Thai friend of mine worked for the aforementioned trade group and he was summoned by a Thai trucking company that was losing money.
Every morning the Thai trucker would go out to the pineapple farm and pay 25 THB each for as many pineapples as would fit on his truck. He would then drive them to the local Pattaya market and sell them to the vendors at the market price, which was 20 THB. Obviously he was losing money on every pineapple that he transported, but he was a truck driver, not a businessman, and he couldn't figure out what to do. All he knew is at the end of the day he had less money than he started the day with.
None of his Thai friends could help him figure out his problem, so he finally called on The Thai Bankers Association, which promptly sent my friend out to observe the problem and recommend a solution. After documenting the process, filling out the myriad forms associated with his analysis, taking photos, and feeding all the data into their computer program, they finally came up with a solution. They called the Thai trucker to set up a meeting to discuss the results, and called the press and the local TV station to make sure that they didn't miss this great photo op.
Well, the morning of the meeting, everyone met in the pineapple field, and the suits from the Thai Bankers Association were quite smug about their solution to this perplexing problem. The suspense was so thick that you could cut it with a knife. After all, this is what a free society is all about. It's the haves helping the have-nots. They set up displays on easels with all of the computer printouts looking dizzingly complex. Hundreds of thousands of lines of computer data, which noone really understood.
Then the moment of glory for the TBA; the president stood up before the assembled group to announce their findings. He spent a long, long time dissecting the data line by line, explaining to the commoners and business people alike what all of the data showed, and finally got ready to announce his conclusion. His announcement was eagerly anticipated. THey had spent so much time and money helping this poor uneducated trucker.
Finally, he announced their solution to the crowd.........
The Thai trucker needed a bigger truck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
--Visa and MC at any UOB ATM
--Visa and MC at any AEON ATM
--Visa only at Government Savings Bank
...the Thai Bankers Association were quite smug about their solution to this perplexing problem.
Yours was an amusing story but the 150 baht shakedown is a very effective way to make money because: 1) Thailand has the pussy, and 2) going to the ATM is still easier and not much more expensive than the other, more elaborate ways of getting money.
The Thai Bankers just want their share of the pussy-money, just like everyone else here.
LittleBigMan
06-17-09, 22:59
Daddy07,
That's the difference between you and me! you are living in Luxury atop your Condo on Jomtien with panoramic sea view and sea breeze while I'm in the country looking and smelling buffalo shit!
LBM
Fast Eddie 48
06-19-09, 07:15
I wannt to share a perhaps atypical experience with AMEX TCs here.
I always carry a few thousand USD in TCs, mainly as a last resort, in case some of my other (plastic) sources of cash get stolen or blocked.
Last year in Phnom Penh I tried to cash $300 at some bank.
I showed 3 TCs to the cashier, who asked me to countersign them and THEN asked for my passport.
The pairs of signatures on the checks were identical, but differed ever so slightly from the one in the passport, not surprisingly, since the passport was 9 years old and handwriting does change.
The cashier flatly refused to cash the checks!
I went to another bank, sketched the situation to the cashier, before countersigning more checks and he, as well as the bank manager, declined to cash TC, if the passport signature did not exactly match the others.
This is not what AMEX promises, and I had no problem getting a refund from them, but just immagine, you bring TCs as your main source of cash for your long mongering trip.Danny,
That is BS how can you sign a name 100% exactly the same everytime, I only been to PP once 5 yr ago for a few days, only see 1-2 bank but I have alot small usd and thai bht with me, China is another country not TC friendly the bank there don't want to take them, so 4 star hotel if you are staying there are the best options and they charge a 5 usd fee for each tc and they are the only country I have problem but Hong Kong bank are very easy.
Fast Eddie 48
JesseJames
06-19-09, 22:21
Danny,
That is BS how can you sign a name 100% exactly the same everytime, I only been to PP once 5 yr ago for a few days, only see 1-2 bank but I have alot small usd and thai bht with me, China is another country not TC friendly the bank there don't want to take them, so 4 star hotel if you are staying there are the best options and they charge a 5 usd fee for each tc and they are the only country I have problem but Hong Kong bank are very easy.
Fast Eddie 48
I think travelers checks will soon be obsolete. TD Bank (Commerce Bank) doesn't even sell them anymore. I think banks don't want to deal with them.
Member #3428
06-19-09, 23:45
I think travelers checks will soon be obsolete... I think banks don't want to deal with them.Money Orders and TC's are actually easy for create forgeries. In our region the rules for accepting MO and TC are very very strict and a few places are doing away with MO's and TC's.
Danny,
That is BS how can you sign a name 100% exactly the same everytime, I only been to PP once 5 yr ago for a few days, only see 1-2 bank but I have alot small usd and thai bht with me, China is another country not TC friendly the bank there don't want to take them, so 4 star hotel if you are staying there are the best options and they charge a 5 usd fee for each tc and they are the only country I have problem but Hong Kong bank are very easy.
Fast Eddie 48Something to consider. Countries that do not have the same alphabet / character set are more likely to have trouble identifying signatures, and that may help explain why they are more hesitant with traveler's checks.
Once I lived for a while in Japan and had to open a bank account. They would not permit it to be opened with a signature, but wanted customers to obtain a seal for identification. Obviously, a seal is harder to forge on the spot (you have to have it cut), but on the other hand, it isn't uniquely yours in any sense. A pro cuts it for you according to preset designs. Someone else with the same name could have the same seal in theory. So it is a lot less likely to uniquely identify anyone than a signature. If you were familiar with English handwriting! Problem is, the personnel cannot be relied on to be familiar enough with English handwriting (even where you can use it in Japan, you are encouraged to use capitol letters). So it may be that a similar discomfort with foreign alphabet is partly responsible for the hesitation about TCs. Just a thought.
I think travelers checks will soon be obsolete. TD Bank (Commerce Bank) doesn't even sell them anymore. I think banks don't want to deal with them.You may be right there.
I Germany, where I currently live, banks refuse to cash TCs, unless you have an account there to deposit the money into. The resulting paper trail can be undesirable / embaressing.
Moneychangers at airports (often operated by the same banks) do change TCs, as do large hotels and luxury goods shops.
Dobinator1
06-21-09, 00:53
I think travelers checks will soon be obsolete. TD Bank (Commerce Bank) doesn't even sell them anymore. I think banks don't want to deal with them.Last time I was at the Nana (in Feb.) I tried to cash a TC at the front counter, and the dried up prune wouldn't accept it. She made me sign it 3 times and still didn't like the signature, then told me to cash it outside. I won't be using TC's anymore.
Fast Eddie 48
06-21-09, 02:48
You may be right there.
I Germany, where I currently live, banks refuse to cash TCs, unless you have an account there to deposit the money into. The resulting paper trail can be undesirable / embaressing.
Moneychangers at airports (often operated by the same banks) do change TCs, as do large hotels and luxury goods shops.Daddy,
So everyone we just bring all the TC to Bangkok, it is so easy to cash it here and p4p is cheap also.
Fast Eddie 48
Used UOB ATM's 3 times in Bangkok in the last 2 weeks, once at the ATM on Nana BTS (top of the escalator at soi 7 entrance), once at the UOB branch ATM's that are just before Soi 24/1 as you go up Sukhumvit from Soi 24 and also once at the UOB ATM that is on Soi 24 next to Emporium.
Every time with my debit card you get the cash and the exchange rate is good and no 150 baht fee.
So certainly UOB for UK debit cards is not charging 150 baht. I do not get charged with Krung Siri (B of A) either.
Used UOB ATM's 3 times in Bangkok in the last 2 weeks, once at the ATM on Nana BTS (top of the escalator at soi 7 entrance), once at the UOB branch ATM's that are just before Soi 24/1 as you go up Sukhumvit from Soi 24 and also once at the UOB ATM that is on Soi 24 next to Emporium.
Every time with my debit card you get the cash and the exchange rate is good and no 150 baht fee.
So certainly UOB for UK debit cards is not charging 150 baht. I do not get charged with Krung Siri (B of A) either.
Standard Chartered isn't charging the 150 baht fee either. So far as I can tell, only UOB and SC are not.
That would make sense, as UOB and Standard Chartered are not "Thai" banks.
Therefore they would not go with Thai Bankers Association suggestions of charging 150 baht.
So looks like Farangs need to stick with Farang banks and stick the middle finger up to Thai banks and the TBA.
As normal, yet another Thai rip off of farangs.
Standard Chartered isn't charging the 150 baht fee either. So far as I can tell, only UOB and SC are not.
So looks like Farangs need to stick with Farang banks and stick the middle finger up to Thai banks and the TBA.
Good idea, but I don't think that will apply to Citi, which is relocating its BKK HQ to the so far rather ill-fated Interchange 21 at the corner of Asok and Sukh, so presumably if the very pretty, very empty Interchange building ever opens there will be a Citi ATM very near Cowboy. Citibank charges outrageous ATM fees, even to Citibank cardholders.
Re-Post
ATM's Not Charging the 150bt Fee
--Visa and MC at any UOB ATM
--Visa and MC at any AEON ATM
--Visa only at Government Savings Bank
Gaienmae08
06-23-09, 16:40
I used a couple of different yellow machines but was always charged the 150 fee... used one on Sukhumvit and another one in Kata on Phuket - same deal. I think the message saying there will be a charge came up after I submitted the amount desired and asked me to click my acceptance, just like all the rest.
The Bank of Ayudhya ATM (yellow) on Sukhumwit between Soi 33 and the Phrom Pong Skytrain station was not charging any fee on Visa withdrawals as of last weekend. (It does crash alarmingly every now and then though; hit the "cancel" button to retrieve the card).
West Coast
06-27-09, 21:03
i don't think anyone has posted anything along these lines for newcomers, so i thought they ought to be aware of just why the girls are here.
hopefully we will get more 'newbies' with an understanding, that although this may be 'paradise' for us, there is another side to it all.
here is a fairly typical image of a thai 'working girl' (picture #1).
when she talks about her home, what image comes to mind ?
here's the truth :
meet the family (picture #2)
welcome to the bedroom ( they all sleep here ) (picture #3)
the high street (#4)
the 'rich' neighbours (#5)
these girls are doing what they have to to survive, their families are relying on them to provide.
put yourself in their position, you have nothing, her family attempt to be self sufficient, but barely scrape by.
the only asset they have is between her legs.
the clothes most of them wear are often shared between all the girls in a bar, and they very often share a room, i have seen 10 girls sleeping on the floor in one small room, much smaller than the average hotel room. as in the village, washing consists of a barrel of water and a pan to throw it over yourself. to cut costs, they but 'travel' size toiletries or club together at the market.
having visited a village, i can vouch for the authenticity of these pictures.
next time you hear of someone bragging about how he "got away" with not paying, give him a kick from me.
imagine you finished work one day, went to your boss for your wages, and he gave you a one finger salute and walked off laughing.
these girls deserve respect. there are a few who come from different circumstances but they are a very small percentage. the image they present to 'customers' is not the real them, but created to appeal to punters, who will hopefully provide them with funds for their family.
enjoy pattaya and all it has to offer, but please, do it informed, with open eyes and a respectful attitude.
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.
The clothes most of them wear are often shared between all the girls in a bar, and they very often share a room, i have seen 10 girls sleeping on the floor in one small room, much smaller than the average hotel room. as in the village, washing consists of a barrel of water and a pan to throw it over yourself. To cut costs, they but 'Travel' size toiletries or club together at the market.That might explain why some want to spend the night in my hotel room, that is sleep over. Also why they shower or bathe when they arrive and or just before they leave me.
Lord Farquard
06-27-09, 22:23
i don't think anyone has posted anything along these lines for newcomers, so i thought they ought to be aware of just why the girls are here.
hopefully we will get more 'newbies' with an understanding, that although this may be 'paradise' for us, there is another side to it all.
here is a fairly typical image of a thai 'working girl' (picture #1).
when she talks about her home, what image comes to mind ?
here's the truth :
meet the family (picture #2)
welcome to the bedroom ( they all sleep here ) (picture #3)
the high street (#4)
the 'rich' neighbours (#5)
these girls are doing what they have to to survive, their families are relying on them to provide.
put yourself in their position, you have nothing, her family attempt to be self sufficient, but barely scrape by.
the only asset they have is between her legs.
the clothes most of them wear are often shared between all the girls in a bar, and they very often share a room, i have seen 10 girls sleeping on the floor in one small room, much smaller than the average hotel room. as in the village, washing consists of a barrel of water and a pan to throw it over yourself. to cut costs, they but 'travel' size toiletries or club together at the market.
having visited a village, i can vouch for the authenticity of these pictures.
next time you hear of someone bragging about how he "got away" with not paying, give him a kick from me.
imagine you finished work one day, went to your boss for your wages, and he gave you a one finger salute and walked off laughing.
these girls deserve respect. there are a few who come from different circumstances but they are a very small percentage. the image they present to 'customers' is not the real them, but created to appeal to punters, who will hopefully provide them with funds for their family.
enjoy pattaya and all it has to offer, but please, do it informed, with open eyes and a respectful attitude.
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.
your post and pictures are accurate. my gf runs a kareoke bar, she has 10 girls living there at this moment, in 3 rooms. they sleep on the floor, bathroom is outside, barrel and pan for a shower. we went to the north a got a couple of singers and the living conditions were the same to your pictures. these gals make on a good day 200thb, with room and board. if they go with a customer they have to pay 300thb for missing the shift. they may onlly get 500thb for their services, so their net for the evening is 200thb. now, this in not in bangkok, but rather in a depressed area with only thais for customers, but if you do the math, they make about $100/month, and they send most of that home. they do share clothing, and most of thier "extra" income is spend on their clothes. there is a guy that comes buy a couple of times a week and sell clothes from his van, so they do not have to go out to spend all their money. i bring some tooth paste from the dollar store when i go there and it is like i bought them a new car.
and no, i do not sleep with the help :)
I don't think anyone has posted anything along these lines for Newcomers, so i thought they ought to be aware of just why the girls are here.
If you are talking about hookers only then your message of pay them for their service is appropriate but be careful of who you choose to kick, they may kick back and even harder. Btw, you're violating forum rules by posting those copyrighted pictures.
The only asset they have is between her legs.
Obvioulsy not true, but many a woman have used that wonderful asset to launch and reach the pinacle of thier successful careers.
Thailand. The land that never fails to amaze.
The Tourist board uses this line to sell a land of marvels. Amazing Thailand!
I have another handle on this. This maybe a good one for newbie’s.
Conversation between yours sincerely and a sweet little lady from the north (not a hooker).
“So why the sad face today”?
“My mother says my father is coming to Bangkok to work”
“Oh. That’s nice! You will be able to see him”
“No this is not good! He is too old to work”
“How old is he”?
“52”
“52” I choke. “Fuck me he is still young” I am always polite with women?
“He is too old to work! My mother tells me so”.
“Really and what does your mother do?”
“Takes care of my father”
“So they both stay at home”? My mother is 74 and still works”. This is true…she even rides her bike to work. You got to love her?
“It is different for farang, they are stronger and they don’t drink so much when they are younger”.
“Ok. So what will you do”?
“I must send more money home”.
“How”?
“I must get a new job or a farang boyfriend”.
“Why not a Thai boyfriend”?
“No…No. Thai men don’t want to look after my family”!
This is a true conversation that really says it all. Read into it what you like. Before you do…picture this.
A beautiful young vibrant girl, who worked in a factory (while her dad got pissed) to put herself through college so she could get a good job. She works as a human resource manager (pretty new at the job) and gets a salary of 12000baht per month. She sends home 5-6000, pays 3000 rent (she moved into a more expensive pad because she felt safer and Somchai doesn’t play music all night) 700 for water and electric. Mum (who is a stoned face b####) wants more money so as dad can do even less than fuck all! Oh I almost forgot…for anyone wanting to marry this lovely creature (really is lovely) they have to give the (clampets) family 100,000baht!
I have become a disillusioned man; I feel it is time (maybe) to leave the great land of smiles.
I summed this up to her in two words…”fuck me”!
Anyone see this report in the Sunday Times?
A British couple who were falsely accused of shoplifting in Bangkok airport and were forced to pay 8,000 pounds in bribes to secure their release are to take legal action for compensation.
Times online reported on Sunday the couple were the victims of an extortion racket that has ensnared other foreign travellers at the airport, which handles most of the 800,000 British visitors to Thailand every year.
Stephen Ingram, 49, and Xi Lin, 45, both technology professionals from Cambridge, were detained by security guards as they went to board Qantas flight QF1 to London on the night of April 25.
They were accused of taking a Givenchy wallet worth 121 pounds from a King Power duty-free shop and were handed over to the police. An official release order from the local Thai prosecutor's office subsequently conceded there was no evidence against them.
The online claimed they were freed five days later after a frightening ordeal in which they said they were threatened and held against their will at a cheap motel on the airport perimeter until they had handed over the money.
They alleged the bribes were paid to an intermediary named Sunil "Tony" Rathnayaka, a Sri Lankan national in his fifties who works as a "volunteer" interpreter for Thailand's tourist police
Last week Rathnayaka admitted in a telephone interview that he had received cash and money transfers amounting to more than 7,000 pounds from the Britons. He said the money was for police bail and for a payment to a figure he called "Little Big Man" who could withdraw the case against them.
"In Thailand everyone knows it's like that," he said. "They can go to jail or they can just pay a fine and go home. It is corruption, you know?"
I have become a disillusioned man; I feel it is time (maybe) to leave the great land of smiles.
If it wasn't the land of pimps it wouldn't be the land of hookers, and we mongers would be here.
I know it irks some to admit it, but if it wasn't for all those lazy Thai men we wouldn't get to f their young women.
Last week Rathnayaka admitted in a telephone interview that he had received cash and money transfers amounting to more than 7,000 pounds from the Britons. He said the money was for police bail and for a payment to a figure he called "Little Big Man" who could withdraw the case against them...
Yeah, we all know that guy, LBM. He hangs out on this forum!
I knew he had a lot of pull in Thailand, but this is a surprize. :D
Oh I almost forgot…for anyone wanting to marry this lovely creature (really is lovely) they have to give the (clampets) family 100,000baht!100,000 Baht is nothing, but i would never trust that she wouldn't ditch me a few days after the wedding. I'd counter offer with 10,000 Baht a year, to be paid at the end of each year, for life, if she stayed with me.
if it wasn't for all those lazy Thai men we wouldn't get to f their young women.Exactly. Those single moms who've been abandoned by the fathers of the kids need our help!
West Coast
06-30-09, 09:01
Recently I got this documentary. If you didn`t get a chance to see it you can find it now on a youtube (I just uploaded it).
Enter "Bangkok Girl Documentary 1" into the search (it is divided into 5 parts).
I hope you will like it. It is all about us, western falangs and girls of Thailand.
Does anyone use their AT&T cell phone in Bangkok, after activating international roaming?
It's very important to me that callers from the US can reach me with caller I'd and voicemail working exactly as if I am still in the states. So that there is no indication that I am in Thailand.
I've read somewhere that, if the call is not answered, then it is transfered via some Thai phone agency and the caller hears Thai voice prompts. This can be avoided by turning the phone off completely and then it goes straight to voicemail.
If people could give their experiences, especially with AT&T, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you!
Does anyone use their AT&T cell phone in Bangkok, after activating international roaming?
It's very important to me that callers from the US can reach me with caller I'd and voicemail working exactly as if I am still in the states. So that there is no indication that I am in Thailand.
I've read somewhere that, if the call is not answered, then it is transfered via some Thai phone agency and the caller hears Thai voice prompts. This can be avoided by turning the phone off completely and then it goes straight to voicemail.
If people could give their experiences, especially with AT&T, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you!I have AT&T. For the most part, I get the caller I'd of the person calling me from the States when I am in BKK. Sometimes, however, people do mention that when they call me, and I am in BKK (or other countries) it does not ring normally and sounds like you are dialing a foriegn country. Sometimes VM works well, sometimes it doesn't. If I know I am not going to answer the phone for a while, then I typically turn off, in hopes of sending the calls direct to VM, so people do not get confused.
Anyone else have any experience here?
DErking72 I stayed at Nana hotel. It like a motel six. But with better service 2or 3 dollar tip or gets you everything you can ask for even at 2oam in the morn. I had a room cleaning twice at that time. While there. As far as cabs at the hotel do not take them go to street in front and get a metered taxis. Never take a taxis to a message place just walk there are plenty. Get map at http://www.anglefire.com/super/sanu...s/Sukhumvit.com . Right across the street or even at the beer garden at the hotel is a very good selection of girls. Why it took me five days to figure out that at most or all beer gardens all girls are available is beyond me I'm stupid. Bar fines are from 350-600 bht. Girls 1000-2500 includind bar fine. Or should I say I had girls 18-28 for 25-60 dollars short and long time. One good thing to note is ask for toilet not mens room bathroom or other about pissed my pants off before hitting the right phrase. Outside of the Nana area I walked around also and never felt threatening. It is hard to brush off some girls but be persistent. The ones who you pick and do kiss and fondle you at the bar are the ones who will do the most kinky stuff and and your request at your room. With me I only had 1 bad session she got me in the room mine we showered she did the bbj a little too long and after 5 minutes in side I exploded was ther less than 40 minutes. Seen her the next nite I had to try it again. When she got thur dancing and came over she said u bar fine I said no. She asked why not I said your too rushed. And she said the obvious I do good. I didn't no if I trusted her but after she had to dance again and she gave me the show took here. She was great even knowing it was short time gave me another go.37$ you can't go wrong. My trip cost less than $3000. Inclundinding trips to TJ before and after which the after sucked. Hotel the nite before in LA by the airport. Most days with three girls aday with two overnighters and no extra charge with the hotel. Just keep this in mind exchange your money there. and 1000bht is 25$ more or less. Got a bad rate here in the US at Lax like 36-1 when the rate was 42.5 over there. Take a metered taxis to your hotel.It seems not much has changed since seven years ago on Canada Day.
I have T-Mobile here in the States and I can not see why AT&T would work any differently. As long as you do not call them when you receive a call they will not know where you are. Just be prepared for hefty per minute rates. And if you are sitting in Tilac in Soi Cowboy when you take a call they might pick up on something.
Also know if your phone is on and it goes to voice mail you will get notified you have voice mail and be charged one minute for it. Least this is how TMobile works. Which is why I keep my mobile phone, bought in MBK but with my USA TMobile SIM Card in it, turned OFF. Also there is NO routing of a unanswered call to some Thai phone agency. If there was I'd be dead by now.
Does anyone use their AT&T cell phone in Bangkok, after activating international roaming?
It's very important to me that callers from the US can reach me with caller I'd and voicemail working exactly as if I am still in the states. So that there is no indication that I am in Thailand.
I've read somewhere that, if the call is not answered, then it is transfered via some Thai phone agency and the caller hears Thai voice prompts. This can be avoided by turning the phone off completely and then it goes straight to voicemail.
If people could give their experiences, especially with AT&T, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you!
Does anyone use their AT&T cell phone in Bangkok, after activating international roaming?
It's very important to me that callers from the US can reach me with caller I'd and voicemail working exactly as if I am still in the states. So that there is no indication that I am in Thailand.
I've read somewhere that, if the call is not answered, then it is transfered via some Thai phone agency and the caller hears Thai voice prompts. This can be avoided by turning the phone off completely and then it goes straight to voicemail.
If people could give their experiences, especially with AT&T, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you!
Service on International roaming is good, though expensive at $2.00/minute. However, I just got a mailer that you can subscribe and get cheaper rates. If you don't answer, it just goes to your regular voice mail. So you have to dial that number to retrieve it. Pressing 1 will not do it as international codes need to be dialed.
Professor 1
07-01-09, 20:41
Does anyone use their AT&T cell phone in Bangkok, after activating international roaming?
I actually found it more economical to do the following:
1. Go to MBK and purchase a cell phone and minutes;
2. Turn my U.S. AT&T off, so that calls roll to voice mail;
3. Use my Thai cell phone to check my messages every few hours; and
4. Block the Thai cell number and return the call.
If the person does not answer, I leave a message that I am in meetings, e.g, contract negotiations or having dinner with a client, all day and will return the call at a specific time.
This worked for me.
Does anyone use their AT&T cell phone in Bangkok, after activating international roaming?
It's very important to me that callers from the US can reach me with caller I'd and voicemail working exactly as if I am still in the states. So that there is no indication that I am in Thailand.
I've read somewhere that, if the call is not answered, then it is transfered via some Thai phone agency and the caller hears Thai voice prompts. This can be avoided by turning the phone off completely and then it goes straight to voicemail.
If people could give their experiences, especially with AT&T, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you!
I use it all the time, and it works exactly as you stated. To avoid this, I forward all of my calls to my home voice mail, and retrieve the messages and return the calls. The person I call then has no way of knowing where I am. In fact, on my last trip several months ago I returned a call to a friend who left me a voicemail, and the connection was so good that she thought I was joking when I said I was in Thailand. If your caller wonders why you were unavailable, blame it on spotty service or the monsoonal rains or the time difference.
Be sure to CALL AT&T before you leave to confirm that you have international roaming turned on...they won't let you do it online because they look at your payment history to assure themselves that you will be good for any charges.
Also be SURE to sign up for AT&T World Traveler. I think it costs $6.00 per month, and you don't have to pay every month...you can turn it on for the duration of your trip only. Your per minute charge drops from $1.99/minute to $1.29/minute. One of the great bargains available today. It pays for itself if you use 9 minutes a month!!!!
Hope this is helpful.
Lord Farquard
07-01-09, 21:05
I have AT&T. For the most part, I get the caller I'd of the person calling me from the States when I am in BKK. Sometimes, however, people do mention that when they call me, and I am in BKK (or other countries) it does not ring normally and sounds like you are dialing a foriegn country. Sometimes VM works well, sometimes it doesn't. If I know I am not going to answer the phone for a while, then I typically turn off, in hopes of sending the calls direct to VM, so people do not get confused.
Anyone else have any experience here?
I use ATT, I leave my phone off. Turn it back on when I get back to my room and see if there are any messages. If I have messages, I get the messszge, turn the phone back off. I have a calling card that allows calls from LOS to the states for $0.024/ minute, so i use my Thai phone to call the states.
$0.014 for the thai call. so the total/ minute is 1.4+2.4 or $0.038/ minute.
Works for me, i have very few calls, but when I do call to check in with my partner, he has no idea I am gone, the calling card does not leave any number.
100,000 Baht is nothing, but i would never trust that she wouldn't ditch me a few days after the wedding. I'd counter offer with 10,000 Baht a year, to be paid at the end of each year, for life, if she stayed with me. Why bother! Far too many beautiful creatures in Thailand to buy one...and I don't believe in helping the lazy!
I use it all the time, and it works exactly as you stated. To avoid this, I forward all of my calls to my home voice mail, and retrieve the messages and return the calls.All the responses have been very helpful and are starting to take the stress out of my trip. Here's a few follow up questions:
Why forward all calls to home voice mail if you can just turn the AT&T cell off and then (hopefully) it goes straight to VoiceMail. Are you worried it won't go straight to Voicemail? If not, then you can just check your AT&T voicemail (with calling card or Skype) without dealing with home phone, and without paying for AT&T forwarding.
I'm tempted to go the home-VM-forwarding route (pretty crafty solution), but I'm a little concerned that it would start to look weird if calls are forwarded ALL the time.
Do the rings still sound funky even when the phone is off? That's a dead give-away, if someone's phone savvy.
Thanks again so much for your feedback!
Traveler1234
07-02-09, 02:24
If people could give their experiences, especially with AT&T, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you!
With TMO, if you leave phone on and phone call goes into voicemail, you are charged @ international roaming, i.e. $1.49/minute. I'm "assuming" ATT works the same way so the best thing is keep your phone turned off and then periodically call in to check voicemails.
I use skype for most international calls, either via my computer or if a hotspot is available, via my iPhone. I also have a skype-in number which I give as contact which then forwards to a prepaid sim card for the country I happen to be in. In your case, since you want people to think you're still stateside, the skype-in number isn't viable. But using skype to check voicemail, or a local calling card and/or prepaid sim card should work just fine.
For checking voice mail and making some outgoing calls (where caller I d is not important), I think I'll use skype or a calling card.
Skype is good, but the places that have them are not private or quiet.
Can someone please recommend a good place to buy a Thai calling card, good brand, and also a good place to use a public phone that's quiet. Somewhere off Sukhumvit, near Cowboy or Nana, or Soi 11. Good place for money exchange in that area would be appreciated also. I've heard Rainbow Exchange near Koh San Road is great, but that's far.
For checking voice mail and making some outgoing calls (where caller I d is not important), I think I'll use skype or a calling card.
Skype is good, but the places that have them are not private or quiet.
Can someone please recommend a good place to buy a Thai calling card, good brand, and also a good place to use a public phone that's quiet. Somewhere off Sukhumvit, near Cowboy or Nana, or Soi 11. Good place for money exchange in that area would be appreciated also. I've heard Rainbow Exchange near Koh San Road is great, but that's far.
It's relatively quiet at the pay phones in the Nana Hotel lobby (near the book shop). A good money exchange place is Vasu - Sukhumvit Soi 7/1.
GG
Lord Farquard
07-02-09, 05:29
For checking voice mail and making some outgoing calls (where caller I d is not important), I think I'll use skype or a calling card.
Skype is good, but the places that have them are not private or quiet.
Can someone please recommend a good place to buy a Thai calling card, good brand, and also a good place to use a public phone that's quiet. Somewhere off Sukhumvit, near Cowboy or Nana, or Soi 11. Good place for money exchange in that area would be appreciated also. I've heard Rainbow Exchange near Koh San Road is great, but that's far.
http://www.thaitel.com/
you might want to look at this web site. I have been happy with the service.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2009/07/01/business/business_30106427.php
[QUOTE=Mong1225]
Do the rings still sound funky even when the phone is off? That's a dead give-away, if someone's phone savvy.
QUOTE]
in many countries this can be a weak point.....indeed!
Professor 1
07-02-09, 14:23
[QUOTE=Mong1225]
Do the rings still sound funky even when the phone is off? That's a dead give-away, if someone's phone savvy.
QUOTE]
in many countries this can be a weak point.....indeed!
No ring should occur if the telephone is off. It should roll to voicemail.
In regards to the Phone situation there is good advice on this forum. I have made 7 trips to BKK over the last year. Durning these visits I did not want anyone to know where I was. Everyone thought that I was in the US.
I currently use AT&T.
Here is my advice from personal experience.
- Turn off your phone when not in use. It goes straight to voice mail, without a ring and you will not be charged.
- Turn off International data roaming. If you do not want to recieve email.
Why forward all calls to home voice mail if you can just turn the AT&T cell off and then (hopefully) it goes straight to VoiceMail. Are you worried it won't go straight to Voicemail? If not, then you can just check your AT&T voicemail (with calling card or Skype) without dealing with home phone, and without paying for AT&T forwarding.
I'm tempted to go the home-VM-forwarding route (pretty crafty solution), but I'm a little concerned that it would start to look weird if calls are forwarded ALL the time.
Do the rings still sound funky even when the phone is off? That's a dead give-away, if someone's phone savvy.
Thanks again so much for your feedback!
I started forwarding to my home phone voicemail when I saw the following on the AT&T website..."This Carrier does not support routing unanswered calls to voicemail". They were referring to the Thai cellphone carrier, and even though it works some of the time, it's simply not as dependable as my carrier back in the good old USA.
As far as looking weird if calls are forwarded all the time, I found that even when I left my phone on all the time, some calls never got to me because of the weather, cell traffic, interference, etc.
BTW, there is no AT&T call forwarding charge. When I'm at home I forward all calls at night to my home phone, and there's never a charge. That's one of the reasons I switched from Sprint/Embarq...they have the nerve to charge 10 cents a minute.
Good luck
BKK Dreaming
07-02-09, 21:25
if you are real paranoid do not turn your USA cellphone ON once you have left the USA,
If your phone / carrier has international agreements when you turn your USA phone on in Thailand it might "ping" the local system to find out where it is, this "might" trigger the Thai system to answer any call to your USA phone and say in Thai that it is not in service at this time,
Probably more of a problem with Euros who use the same GSM frequancies as Thailand.
BK
The person will definately get a funky ring tone. There is no way around that other than turning off your phone and only making out going calls. Sometimes when a person calls you and your phone is on it will go to your voice mail and other times a Thai voice promt message. I wouldn't take that chance.
Re cell phones I found that after I left LOS and with the LOS chip in mine, I was still able to recieve text messages {and phone calls? } while in Canada. Because of this some TGs did not believe I had left the cuntry yet and were sending me text messages stating that they thought I was butterflying!
Actually they all know that I am a NIT NOY {little} butterfly, but they did not believe I had left Thailand, even though I had told them exactly when I was leaving! I assured them that I had and that some cell phone carriers allow text messages on a LOS cell phone chip outside the cuntry of Siam.
BTW a few days after arriving in the civilized world again I changed my chip to the Canuck one, so they could not contact me any more. LOL
Another benefit of forwarding to home voice mail, and being able to keep your phone on, is also being able to use text messages.
AT&T lets you receive text messages for free! , although sending them is 50 cents a pop.
David, any experience with this?
When forwarding calls, Did you ever have people question you about any "pings".? Do the texts (sending and receiving) come through ok and without any indications that they come from Thailand or other agency?
I got nailed last trip. Every message received cost me $. Complain and they will lower bill! They reverted me to Global plan retroactivly!
Next time call *611 before you leave, and ask for global plan $1.29 vs $1.99 a minute, cancel as soon as you are home!
In regards to the Phone situation there is good advice on this forum. I have made 7 trips to BKK over the last year. Durning these visits I did not want anyone to know where I was. Everyone thought that I was in the US.
I currently use AT&T.
Here is my advice from personal experience.
- Turn off your phone when not in use. It goes straight to voice mail, without a ring and you will not be charged.
- Turn off International data roaming. If you do not want to recieve email.
So I just signed up for a ThaiTel calling card. But when I spoke with their customer service, they told me I can't use the calling card on a payphone (and that most calling cards in Thailand can not be used on a payphone).
So where do you guys go to make calls to the US, without spending a fortune?
Last time I was there I remember the internet cafes having Skype with headphones, so I guess I could buy Skype credit and call home that way. But then I have to make calls in a noisy internet cafe and it's not private.
Do hotel rooms give you a phone where you can use a calling card without any charges? How much do they charge just to call a "1544" number (which I think is toll free in Thailand? ). Is there some other place to use a calling card?
Working all this phone stuff out before the trip is a real headache! Would really appreciate the help.
Thanks!
Another benefit of forwarding to home voice mail, and being able to keep your phone on, is also being able to use text messages.
AT&T lets you receive text messages for free! , although sending them is 50 cents a pop.
David, any experience with this?
When forwarding calls, Did you ever have people question you about any "pings".? Do the texts (sending and receiving) come through ok and without any indications that they come from Thailand or other agency?
You're right on point...text messages come through perfectly.
I've never had anyone hear any pings...because the system doesn't know where I am when my phone is forwarded, and doesn't care. It just knows that when someone dials my cell number, it goes automatically to my home voice mail with its attendant familiar ring.
One big caution....to anyone with an iPhone...Read and heed the following caution from the AT&T website....
"AT&T knows that the Mobile Internet is indispensable to you. That's why we want to remind you: Domestic data use on iPhone is unlimited within the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, international roaming rates apply for voice and data usage outside domestic coverage area.
•International data roaming can be expensive. For example, opening an email with a 5 megapixel picture attachment or downloading a 3 minute video on YouTube uses about 2MB of data. The cost would be nearly $40 based on pay-per-use international data rates of $.0195/KB.
•With iPhone's many robust applications, it's natural for users to use more data on their iPhone than they would using other handsets or PDA devices."
You read that right.....$40 for a 5 megapixel picture. So before you leave the country, be sure that you read and follow the following iPhone Tips for International Roamers
http://www.wireless.att.com/answer-center/solutionDisplay.jsp?solutionId=KB84199
Lord Farquard
07-04-09, 02:09
So I just signed up for a ThaiTel calling card. But when I spoke with their customer service, they told me I can't use the calling card on a payphone (and that most calling cards in Thailand can not be used on a payphone).
So where do you guys go to make calls to the US, without spending a fortune?
Last time I was there I remember the internet cafes having Skype with headphones, so I guess I could buy Skype credit and call home that way. But then I have to make calls in a noisy internet cafe and it's not private.
Do hotel rooms give you a phone where you can use a calling card without any charges? How much do they charge just to call a "1544" number (which I think is toll free in Thailand? ). Is there some other place to use a calling card?
Working all this phone stuff out before the trip is a real headache! Would really appreciate the help.
Thanks!
Get yourself a sim card from any of the local providers and put it in your cell phone, if you do not have a phone that will work, you can get one for about $40 at numerous places. The sim will cost about $15 and then depending upon which company you use $0.015 to $0.03/ minutes for the thai phone. It is a good idea in case you want to call the love of your life and see if see is available for the evening, and you will have your phone for calls home. Refill cards for the service can be purchased at any 7-11.
I find it a good way to meet some real hotties, I buy my refill card and I walk up with my phone in one hand and the card in the other and ask if she can help me to load the minutes into my phone, as I cannot read Thai and have never refilled the phone ;) It's a great ice breaker if you are looking for a "regular" girl. I think I have used that approach about 10 times and has worked every time but 2.
Get yourself a sim card from any of the local providers and put it in your cell phone, if you do not have a phone that will work, you can get one for about $40 at numerous places. The sim will cost about $15 and then depending upon which company you use $0.015 to $0.03/ minutes for the thai phone. It is a good idea in case you want to call the love of your life and see if see is available for the evening, and you will have your phone for calls home. Refill cards for the service can be purchased at any 7-11.
I find it a good way to meet some real hotties, I buy my refill card and I walk up with my phone in one hand and the card in the other and ask if she can help me to load the minutes into my phone, as I cannot read Thai and have never refilled the phone ;) It's a great ice breaker if you are looking for a "regular" girl. I think I have used that approach about 10 times and has worked every time but 2.
Good suggestion LF. I recently used a prepaid phone in Thailand - bought 123 call sim card for 50 baht at 7/11. So I don't think you need to pay $15 for the sim card. The minutes to fill it up are another matter.
Good suggestion LF. I recently used a prepaid phone in Thailand - bought 123 call sim card for 50 baht at 7/11. So I don't think you need to pay $15 for the sim card. The minutes to fill it up are another matter.
I don't think you can buy a sim card (the device which stores the number memory on your phone) for 50 baht at 7/11, but you can buy 1,2, call cards there for 50 baht, 100 baht, or 300 baht, which give you your calling time. You can buy sim cards at Tuk.com or other stores that sell phones.
1-2-Call is the best of them, it works on AIS.
The SIM card is 50 baht and you get about 30 baht of credit with that, its then up to you to fill it up via pre-paid cards.
If you want to call abroad use the prefix 009.
If for IDD you use + or 001 then you will get charged "normal IDD" rates.
If you use 009 then country code, you will get charged at discount rates, makes a massive difference to the price of a call (009 uses internet telephony but works fine).
Good suggestion LF. I recently used a prepaid phone in Thailand - bought 123 call sim card for 50 baht at 7/11. So I don't think you need to pay $15 for the sim card. The minutes to fill it up are another matter.
I don't think you can buy a sim card (the device which stores the number memory on your phone) for 50 baht at 7/11, but you can buy 1,2, call cards there for 50 baht, 100 baht, or 300 baht, which give you your calling time. You can buy sim cards at Tuk.com or other stores that sell phones.
You can buy SIM cards at 7-11, Food Land and other convenience stores, I bought a replacement (DTAC-SIM) card from 7-11 last week for 99B.
You're right on point...text messages come through perfectly.
I've never had anyone hear any pings...because the system doesn't know where I am when my phone is forwarded, and doesn't care. It just knows that when someone dials my cell number, it goes automatically to my home voice mail with its attendant familiar ring.
One big caution....to anyone with an iPhone...]Ok, well, you've convinced me, I think I will take the risk of not turning my cell phone off (at least, others say it's a risk) and forward to home voice mail, because sending and receiving texts is kind of crucial to maintaining my cover.
What do you do about call waiting? I'd hate for someone to get routed to the Thai phone agency if I'm on another call. I'm guessing if I have call forwarding on then, even if I am on another call, the second call will still get forwarded, do you know? Should I turn call waiting off, or leave it on?
And yes, actually I am using an iphone. I was planning on just leaving the default "international data roaming off". Is that what you did? Is it enough? Or did you play it safe and the 20mb package?
Get yourself a sim card from any of the local providers and put it in your cell phone, if you do not have a phone that will work, you can get one for about $40 at numerous places. The sim will cost about $15 and then depending upon which company you use $0.015 to $0.03/ minutes for the thai phone. It is a good idea in case you want to call the love of your life and see if see is available for the evening, and you will have your phone for calls home. Refill cards for the service can be purchased at any 7-11.
I find it a good way to meet some real hotties, I buy my refill card and I walk up with my phone in one hand and the card in the other and ask if she can help me to load the minutes into my phone, as I cannot read Thai and have never refilled the phone ;) It's a great ice breaker if you are looking for a "regular" girl. I think I have used that approach about 10 times and has worked every time but 2.Thanks for the suggestion. $55 is kind of more than i wanted to spend since i'll only be there 4 nights. If i have to i will, but still searching for a cheaper alternative.
Actually, I emailed the hotel where i'll be staying (president solitaire), and he suggested that upon arriving, i take the BTS to a phone store called MBK, and that i could purchase a very cheap phone and calling card for 500 Baht.
That sounds like the right price range for me. Anybody try this?
1-2-Call Sim cards on offer I saw today were 50 baht.
DTAC (Happy) were 99 baht.
This is a useful read :
http://reviews.ebay.com/Thailand-Cell-Phones-and-Useage-All-you-need-to-know_W0QQugidZ10000000004077590
That sounds like the right price range for me. Anybody try this? Jumping in fast here, going to try to keep this short:
A.) Incoming calls in Thailand are free, International or not.
B.) Skype.com offers an International incoming/outgoing calling plan, ridiculously cheap. http://www.skype.com/intl/en/allfeatures/togo/
C.) Phones in Thailand, even new ones, are as little as $20 USD.
D.) Thai phones are unlocked, so you can throw almost any stupid stand alone SIM in them and with a little tweaking they will work virtually anywhere.
So:
1. Get a Skype account, then a "Skype to GO" number, in the country, area, and location where you reside now. ($20, it works for almost everywhere.)
2. In Thailand, go anywhere, MBK is OK, and get a cheap ass Nokia, a 100 Baht SIM, then put 100 Baht on it: you are now connected.
3. Go into your Skype settings and have it do "Call forwarding" from your local 'Skype to Go' number to your new Thai cell number. (You can also set do to do voicemail as well.)
3.1. You can also do this with yahoo but I haven't tried anything but the normal calling system from Thai to International locations. (I have heard that IT IS cheaper than Skype, not sure yet, so sue me, I'm a lazy fuck.)
Anyway, this process is stupid cheap, and the outcome is that people can call you from home at local rates, and you pay super cheap 'Skype to Go' rates for them to call you, no matter where you are in the world.
Traveling pros do it this way, news people do it this way, and everybody SHOULD do it this way. I've been doing this for years and have many Skype to Go numbers worldwide.
Just so we are clear, and in my case:
Someone in Hong Kong wants to call me, they call my Skype number in Hong Kong (It's a real phone number.) then, employing call forwarding, the Skype network automatically calls my cell number in Thailand (or anywhere else, it's just a setting.) OR: Someone in Japan wants to call, they call my Tokyo Skype number, it calls my cell in Thailand, USA, Singapore, London, etc. Etc. If I don't answer within my settings allowed time, it automatically goes to voicemail (your own recording.) The people calling you have no clue where you are, they just think you are somewhere locally (unless you tell them, heh.)
Texting, you just have people SMS direct to your Thai cell, that's easy and it costs you nothing.
There you have it, sorry if there are any typos, I just blasted this out for you, hope it's not too confusing, but try it. This method is saving business people over 90% on their travel calls. It's cheap, but yes it really does work!
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.
Thanks for the suggestion. $55 is kind of more than i wanted to spend since i'll only be there 4 nights. If i have to i will, but still searching for a cheaper alternative.
Actually, I emailed the hotel where i'll be staying (president solitaire), and he suggested that upon arriving, i take the BTS to a phone store called MBK, and that i could purchase a very cheap phone and calling card for 500 Baht.
That sounds like the right price range for me. Anybody try this?
MBK is a shopping mall where there are many phone stores.
Nothing personal, but I find it very interesting that the lengths people go to hide their forays. If it is going to be such a *****, why even bother. But then what do I know. Thankfully, I am not married. And if my colleagues and other family members ask me, I say yes, I will be in BKK for a few days for R & R. Who cares what they think. Just my 2 Bahts worth.
Have a great time Mong. Don't worry about the phone, and you will have even a better time.
I don't think you can buy a sim card (the device which stores the number memory on your phone) for 50 baht at 7/11, but you can buy 1,2, call cards there for 50 baht, 100 baht, or 300 baht, which give you your calling time. You can buy sim cards at Tuk.com or other stores that sell phones.
Daddy07 - Actually this is wrong. You can (as others attest below) buy sim cards at 7/11 - I did it about two months ago. Brought in a cheap phone I had purchased in Cambodia and only went one place to get set up, so I am certain it was 7-11. I was astonished at how cheap the sim card was. The nice lady at the store actually installed it in the phone and got me started with my minutes card as well, so I didn't have the chance to ask a random target to help me figure it out.
I second what The Pro says below about using 009 to call internationally. I didn't know about that at first and was running my minutes down too quickly until someone told me to ignore the instructions in the brochure that came with 12call and use 009 instead. It cut the cost of calls significantly.
One more thing Mong - don;t b e afraid to bargain at MBK. There are dozens of stores there selling the same stuff. They should be willing to compete with a bit of a discount for your business.
Ok, well, you've convinced me, I think I will take the risk of not turning my cell phone off (at least, others say it's a risk) and forward to home voice mail, because sending and receiving texts is kind of crucial to maintaining my cover.
What do you do about call waiting? I'd hate for someone to get routed to the Thai phone agency if I'm on another call. I'm guessing if I have call forwarding on then, even if I am on another call, the second call will still get forwarded, do you know? Should I turn call waiting off, or leave it on?
And yes, actually I am using an iphone. I was planning on just leaving the default "international data roaming off". Is that what you did? Is it enough? Or did you play it safe and the 20mb package?
If your phone is forwarded all calls go to the forwarded number...even if it's call waiting. The AT&T computer only knows to forward all calls, it doesn't differentiate between call waiting and regular calls.
As far as international roaming goes, AT&T suggests the following..
1. Turn data roaming off
2. Utilize Wi-Fi instead of 3G. I actually found this very easy as my hotel offers free wi-fi
3. Turn Fetch New Data "OFF" This is the most important one for me as I get SO many junk emails, and if you happen to be at a place where you're on 3G instead of Wi-Fi the costs keep mounting without you knowing it.
I didn't buy a package because I go down to the hotel's business center or to one of the many internet cafes to check my email. My hotel has 4 new computers in its business center, and they are complimentary for hotel guests. I actually prefer the internet cafes because there are usually some very good looking women in them, the connections are quite good, and the displays are large enough for easy viewing. They charge 1 baht/minute which is about $1.75 an hour. Great cheap entertainment, and they're open 24/7
In the event anyone is not aware if you have a True Move Sim you can use '006' for even more discounted International calls than '009'. I have 3 SIM cards, one with True Move and two with AIS (1-2 call). Using based on where I am and whom I want to have known that I am local. It is 3bt per minute I believe to 13 different countries. They also have a International SIM where the cost is 1bt per minute.
Daddy07 - Actually this is wrong. You can (as others attest below) buy sim cards at 7/11...
Run Mann & Stew2,
Thanks for the lesson ... (Sim cards at 7/11 for 99 baht ... that's cheap!) :)
Traveler1234
07-05-09, 01:16
1. Get a Skype account, then a "Skype to GO" number, in the country, area, and location where you reside now. ($20, it works for almost everywhere.)
Great suggestion but I don't think you mean 'skype-to-go' number. You need a skype 'online' number, available in about 20 countries: http://www.skype.com/intl/en/allfeatures/onlinenumber/#countries
FreebieFan
07-08-09, 06:46
Do the rings still sound funky even when the phone is off? That's a dead give-away, if someone's phone savvy.In many countries this can be a weak point. Indeed! Case in point. A mate of mine had told me that he was going on a Management Seminar in our home country.
I called his number a few days later and got the " subscriber can't be reached " message that indicated to me he was definately not in his home country but was enjoying some action in Manila.
He freaked when I told him that I knew where he was. Was VERY nervous his wife would make the same deduction if he wasnt able to answer her calls.
I posted this in the Pattaya thread, but thought I'd link to it here in the General Reports in case people were looking for the best deal from your bank. Here are the posts.
http://internationalsexguide.info/forum/showpost.php?p=902099&postcount=2584
http://internationalsexguide.info/forum/showpost.php?p=902103&postcount=2585
I have a friend who will be going to Bangkok in a couple of weeks. He is not a member of this forum nor any forums (that I know).
He has being going to China mostly and this is his first trip to Bangkok. He was asking me if he could get a pedicure in Bangkok. I have never looked for a pedicure in Bangkok but I know that they are all over the place in China.
So I thought I would ask the members here if anyone know where he could get a pedicure in Bangkok. He will be staying at Majestic suite (my recommendation) so anything around there would be great. Thanks
...So I thought I would ask the members here if anyone know where he could get a pedicure in Bangkok. He will be staying at Majestic suite (my recommendation) so anything around there would be great. Thanks
There are a gazillion foot massage shops all over Thailand and BKK in particular, (one or two on every block). Your pal can get a nice pedicure in any of those places.
There are a gazillion foot massage shops all over Thailand and BKK in particular, (one or two on every block). Your pal can get a nice pedicure in any of those places.
Thanks for the quick response. So basically all the foot massage have pedicure? I just never had a reason to get a foot massage in Bangkok. There are just better parts of my body I want to get massaged.
I will pass the information on to my friend. Thanks
So I thought I would ask the members here if anyone know where he could get a pedicure in Bangkok. He will be staying at Majestic suite (my recommendation) so anything around there would be great. ThanksI always have my feet done at hairdressing salons. Most of them do pedicure.
LittleBigMan
07-09-09, 14:27
Go to August Salon, on Sukhumvit between I think Soi 7 and 7/1.
LBM
I always have my feet done at hairdressing salons. Most of them do pedicure.
Go to August Salon, on Sukhumvit between I think Soi 7 and 7/1.
LBM
Thanks guys, I think maybe the salons will do a better job on pedicure than the foot massage place.
Thanks guys, I think maybe the salons will do a better job on pedicure than the foot massage place.
Good idea! And while he's there he can have is hair color highlights retouched. :D
Does any one know what is the best way to call overseas from Thailand, Pattaya to be specific, I use IP cards in China and it is soooo cheap, any thing like that in Chick land?
Please be careful with pedicure gentlemen as many pedicurists will cut the nails far too short or cut along the sides, leading to ingrown toenails. I don't know if this is only a local tendency or is a problem with pedicure throughout the world, but an ingrown nail is no joke - highly unpleasant.
Please be careful with pedicure gentlemen as many pedicurists will cut the nails far too short or cut along the sides, leading to ingrown toenails. I don't know if this is only a local tendency or is a problem with pedicure throughout the world, but an ingrown nail is no joke - highly unpleasant.
Thanks, I will make sure my friend tell them not to cut the nails too short or on the side. I think he just want them to file smooth the nails since that is something we can't do easily.
LittleBigMan
07-11-09, 02:58
This is a true story!
Csun13,
Not trying to stop you or your friend from getting a pedicure but Opebo is right.
It is the style in Thailand to round off the nail especially on the toes. Beofore it can be filed it must be cut! and in the toe area there is lots of dead skin that grow that is why they dig and in the end they are suppose to cut not pull the skin off. This is what many untrain ladies do and those who cut them off ( in my unprofression opinion ) can't see very well since they don't have money to get them check and don't want to wear their glasses since it gives the customer a bad impression.
I was a big fan of pedicure. Got them once a month until this happen four years ago. A regular place I was visiting nick me on the left toe, she said "nit noy" thereafter the infection started and after 2 weeks the left toe was a mess, finally went to the hospital and the nail and infected area had to be cut out. Out came the 6 inch needle straight into the toe to numb the area and after that I never got a pedicure again. To this day I can't get the picture out of my mind.
LBM
The last couple of days I pulled money out of three different ATMs with my foreign bank card. I found one without the 150 baht fee.
UOB ATM at Nana BTS station right at the top of the escalator from Soi 7: No fee
This is a true story!
Csun13,
Not trying to stop you or your friend from getting a pedicure but Opebo is right.
It is the style in Thailand to round off the nail especially on the toes. Beofore it can be filed it must be cut! and in the toe area there is lots of dead skin that grow that is why they dig and in the end they are suppose to cut not pull the skin off. This is what many untrain ladies do and those who cut them off ( in my unprofression opinion ) can't see very well since they don't have money to get them check and don't want to wear their glasses since it gives the customer a bad impression.
I was a big fan of pedicure. Got them once a month until this happen four years ago. A regular place I was visiting nick me on the left toe, she said "nit noy" thereafter the infection started and after 2 weeks the left toe was a mess, finally went to the hospital and the nail and infected area had to be cut out. Out came the 6 inch needle straight into the toe to numb the area and after that I never got a pedicure again. To this day I can't get the picture out of my mind.
LBM
Thanks, I will make sure that he knows about this. I have cut and pasted this and e-mailed it to him. I don't want him to blame me if he got into any trouble. At least he has been warned.
Does any one know what is the best way to call overseas from Thailand, Pattaya to be specific, I use IP cards in China and it is soooo cheap, any thing like that in Chick land?
Mishwar,
You can find a lot of info in this thread (General Reports) 1 or 2 pages back, starting around post #2930 made on 07-04-09 at 05:09, for overseas calling options
Next time please take some time to use the Search option (top right oh the page), and go to Advanced Search and select to show result as Reports.
This will avoid you many RTFF replies (Been there!)
And welcome to the board!
There have been a lot of posts recently about best way to make overseas calls from Thailand, partly started by me because i was getting ready for my first real trip here. I did a lot of research and looked into everything people recommended. I hit some snags, but now I'm very happy with end results. And also happy that i can finally give back to the forum
Before i tell you what i ended up doing, you should know that it may not be best for you depending on your needs. But for me, this was the EASIEST/CHEAPEST way of doing things:
you need three things:
1) used phone from MBK
2) SIM card, also from MBK or elsewhere
3) CAT calling card from thaitel.com
Go to MBK shopping center (siam center stop on BTS), go to fourth floor. It might be a little tough finding a cheap used phone for 500 Baht, but i did it in 5 minutes. Ask for the Nokia 3100 or something like it (don't forget the charger which should come with it). Note, this is a low quality phone: people who i talk to can't tell the difference, but on my end the call quality is [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) poor. But i'm only here for a few nights so i don't care. You'll need to buy a SIM card too for 150 baht too. Whoever you buy it from, ask them to install and register the SIM card.
At this point you are only "enabled" to make calls, you now need to buy minutes. DO NOT make the same mistake i made and buy a "1-2 Call" calling card or other type of prepaid card that you can buy at a 7-11. They are only good for calling Thai phones, and they will charge you exorbitant rates for international calls (anywhere from 15-30 Baht per minute, yes, even with the 009 or 008 codes - and, btw, those codes only worked some of the time).
You will be much better off if you purchase a CAT calling card from thaitel.com. Don't even have to go to a store, easy to buy right from computer and it's only 1 Baht per minute. yep, 3 cents a minute to the US! And the instructions for dialing are easy and clear on the thaitel.com website/email. However, thaitel.com requires verification of your credit card by calling the phone associated with your credit card. So it's better to take care of this before you leave for Thailand. I guess if this is not possible (if you're already here or whatever) then the next option may work for you:
Others have raved about the True Move international SIM card. But i tried a bunch of 7-11s in Sukhumvit and couldn't find it. It needs to be "registered" which is probably easy if you know what you're doing, but if you need help from the clueless 7-11 clerk you'll be SOL in LOS. According to reports this is also 1 baht per minute but so is CAT and CAT is easier. Also, i don't know if this is true but i was told that when you go the True Move route, you need to put in that SIM card for international calls, and take it out and put in your regular SIM card when making calls within Thailand. Annoying. CAT card via thaitel.com gets rid of this annoyance and has just as big a savings.
when i was researching and getting ready for trip i spent a lot of time looking for a way to avoid purchasing a phone and SIM card. But it's a waste of time. It's really the only way to make easy/cheap calls in thailand. Totally worth the 500 Baht and trip to MBK. Also, MBK is overflowing with hotties, some girls in MBK are every bit as hot if not hotter than anything you'll see in Sukhumvit. I regret not trying to pick one up.
good luck, have fun, and be safe and considerate with the ladies.
So here's a topic I haven't seen raised yet
What jobs/professions provide regular (or frequent, or infrequent) travel to Thailand paid for by employer?
I'm always jealous when I hear reports of people here on business. If you took the cost of flight and hotel out of the equation, it would turn paradise into a nearly free paradise. And you don't even have to use up your vacation days!
So how did you guys find these gigs? I'm not talking about teaching English in Thailand for an extended period of time, or something similar. What I'm more interested in is a job/profession based out of the US which pays for trips to Thailand. What a life.
UOB bank and Goverment Savings bank are said to have no 150 baht charge!
Hope this helps!
The last couple of days I pulled money out of three different ATMs with my foreign bank card. I found one without the 150 baht fee.
UOB ATM at Nana BTS station right at the top of the escalator from Soi 7: No fee
I use 1-2-Call and I always use 009 prefix.
Been doing so for over 5 years non stop.
Never had a problem, always works and dirt cheap.
You can check the rates for each country using 009 at the link below :
http://www.cattelecom.com/site/th/list_service.php?cat=181&subcat=248
EG USA is 4 baht per minute when you use 009.
Simple.
There have been a lot of posts recently about best way to make overseas calls from Thailand, partly started by me because i was getting ready for my first real trip here. I did a lot of research and looked into everything people recommended. I hit some snags, but now I'm very happy with end results. And also happy that i can finally give back to the forum
Before i tell you what i ended up doing, you should know that it may not be best for you depending on your needs. But for me, this was the EASIEST/CHEAPEST way of doing things:
you need three things:
1) used phone from MBK
2) SIM card, also from MBK or elsewhere
3) CAT calling card from thaitel.com
Go to MBK shopping center (siam center stop on BTS), go to fourth floor. It might be a little tough finding a cheap used phone for 500 Baht, but i did it in 5 minutes. Ask for the Nokia 3100 or something like it (don't forget the charger which should come with it). Note, this is a low quality phone: people who i talk to can't tell the difference, but on my end the call quality is [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) poor. But i'm only here for a few nights so i don't care. You'll need to buy a SIM card too for 150 baht too. Whoever you buy it from, ask them to install and register the SIM card.
At this point you are only "enabled" to make calls, you now need to buy minutes. DO NOT make the same mistake i made and buy a "1-2 Call" calling card or other type of prepaid card that you can buy at a 7-11. They are only good for calling Thai phones, and they will charge you exorbitant rates for international calls (anywhere from 15-30 Baht per minute, yes, even with the 009 or 008 codes - and, btw, those codes only worked some of the time).
You will be much better off if you purchase a CAT calling card from thaitel.com. Don't even have to go to a store, easy to buy right from computer and it's only 1 Baht per minute. yep, 3 cents a minute to the US! And the instructions for dialing are easy and clear on the thaitel.com website/email. However, thaitel.com requires verification of your credit card by calling the phone associated with your credit card. So it's better to take care of this before you leave for Thailand. I guess if this is not possible (if you're already here or whatever) then the next option may work for you:
Others have raved about the True Move international SIM card. But i tried a bunch of 7-11s in Sukhumvit and couldn't find it. It needs to be "registered" which is probably easy if you know what you're doing, but if you need help from the clueless 7-11 clerk you'll be SOL in LOS. According to reports this is also 1 baht per minute but so is CAT and CAT is easier. Also, i don't know if this is true but i was told that when you go the True Move route, you need to put in that SIM card for international calls, and take it out and put in your regular SIM card when making calls within Thailand. Annoying. CAT card via thaitel.com gets rid of this annoyance and has just as big a savings.
when i was researching and getting ready for trip i spent a lot of time looking for a way to avoid purchasing a phone and SIM card. But it's a waste of time. It's really the only way to make easy/cheap calls in thailand. Totally worth the 500 Baht and trip to MBK. Also, MBK is overflowing with hotties, some girls in MBK are every bit as hot if not hotter than anything you'll see in Sukhumvit. I regret not trying to pick one up.
good luck, have fun, and be safe and considerate with the ladies.
LittleBigMan
07-12-09, 14:34
The Pro,
I have a Thai phone and sim card, the minutes I load are purchased from 7/11, which is you 1 2 call card. When I call the U.S. my dialing process has been like this 001 1 415 2223333, the charges I get is 10 baht per minute. You suggestion is use the 009 sequence and the call would be reduced to 4 baht. If true, what would you dialing sequence be? if using the 009?
Thank you,
Traveler1234
07-12-09, 15:02
The Pro,
I have a Thai phone and sim card, the minutes I load are purchased from 7/11, which is you 1 2 call card. When I call the U.S. my dialing process has been like this 001 1 415 2223333, the charges I get is 10 baht per minute. You suggestion is use the 009 sequence and the call would be reduced to 4 baht. If true, what would you dialing sequence be? if using the 009?
Thank you,
009 1 415 2223333
Btw, 008 and 007 often also work well
Jed Wordsmith
07-13-09, 16:03
The ringtone will be different, so unless you're extremely quick and they aren't very observant, they'll know.
Does anyone use their AT&T cell phone in Bangkok, after activating international roaming?
It's very important to me that callers from the US can reach me with caller I'd and voicemail working exactly as if I am still in the states. So that there is no indication that I am in Thailand.
I've read somewhere that, if the call is not answered, then it is transfered via some Thai phone agency and the caller hears Thai voice prompts. This can be avoided by turning the phone off completely and then it goes straight to voicemail.
If people could give their experiences, especially with AT&T, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you!
Jed Wordsmith
07-13-09, 16:07
Unless you've got the skills and resume to hit a senior position with an international organization off the bat, your best bet would be drug courier :-)
Joking aside, other than senior sales or management people, the only jobs that offer this kind of travel are in the oil industry (rig workers).
What jobs/professions provide regular (or frequent, or infrequent) travel to Thailand paid for by employer?
FriendlyPlanet
07-13-09, 18:28
unless you've got the skills and resume to hit a senior position with an international organization off the bat, your best bet would be drug courier :-)
joking aside, other than senior sales or management people, the only jobs that offer this kind of travel are in the oil industry (rig workers).how about call center trainer? think that would get you to the philippines or india.
i've also met some it people who get to travel to asia.
sourcing or purchasing is another good field that could lead to international travel.
on the phone, i see no reason to buy a calling card- as others have pointed out, just use the appropriate voip prefix for your carrier. i buy one sim when i arrive and 300 baht of airtime, and still have talk time left over when i go home. calls to the states are only 4 baht/min.
depending on your contract and carrier, you can often get your phone unlocked before you leave the states, eliminating the requirement to buy a new phone.
i was very pleased to note that on my last trip to thailand, all the data functions on my windows mobile phone worked great with my dtac sim card (have to enable gprs or 3g). surfing the internet, or checking the boards and my email is a great way to kill time in the bangkok traffic. checked the cost and it worked out to a couple of bucks a minute- no more expensive than the internet cafes (though slower speeds- i got ~150kb).
friendly
Add AEON to that list.
UOB bank and Goverment Savings bank are said to have no 150 baht charge!
Hope this helps!
Member #3428
07-15-09, 21:34
Stupid question but can't find a GOOD barber in the Suk Soi 4 to Suk Soi 39 range or even in one of the malls that can do a good old fashion close and good shave. I've tried lots of places but most think using a disposable razor and nicking you is a good shave. Any one Old enough to remember the old fashion barber shops and anyone find any in BKK area...
Stupid question but can't find a GOOD barber in the Suk Soi 4 to Suk Soi 39 range or even in one of the malls that can do a good old fashion close and good shave. I've tried lots of places but most think using a disposable razor and nicking you is a good shave. Any one Old enough to remember the old fashion barber shops and anyone find any in BKK area...
I usually shave myself, but have been satisfied with hair cuts in a number
of places in that region, so perhaps they can offer acceptable service in
shaving as well. One of these is Ms Tan {Tanna Salon} on soi 11, where
the Villa Market is. M. 086-978 5837 T. 02-651 1833. Another is the NEP
intersection in the Burger King building, 2nd floor. Also on Sukhumvit,
between soi 3 and soi 7, but i can't recall the name of the place. I've
found Thai services much better than in my own cuntry, and cheaper.
Member #3428
07-16-09, 03:30
I usually shave myself,
I'm extremely lazy :D
Actually I enjoy the old fashion shave with straight blades and such. In MNL there was a filipina lady that used to use almost like a scalpel but dang if it wasn't the closet shave I ever got in my life.
And seriously, I shave in the morning but by afternoon my TGF is asking me to shave again...
Stupid question but can't find a GOOD barber in the Suk Soi 4 to Suk Soi 39 range or even in one of the malls that can do a good old fashion close and good shave. I've tried lots of places but most think using a disposable razor and nicking you is a good shave. Any one Old enough to remember the old fashion barber shops and anyone find any in BKK area...Have you tried August?
LittleBigMan
07-17-09, 03:55
Tansak KTV,
As Pita123, just posted, August Salon which is on Sukhumvit, somewhere between maybe 7 and 7/1, on the odd side. Please someone correct me if I'm wrong. I have visited this place through the years, and gotten haircuts and a shaves, although I only have peach fuss on my face because they have great looking girls working there. Give foot massage and Thai massages too.
Instead of looking for a haircut at a salon, have you looked at finding a old time local Barber! Instead of a women, look for a guy that cut hair that cater to mostly or only men. Not knowing Bangkok very well, not sure where but maybe between the Soi's. Like in Pattaya, they will cut your hair for a flat rate of 60 baht, razor you around the ear, sideburns, and back of the neck and top it off with a nice cool towel and a short neck massage. A haircut and shave might run you 100 baht in Pattaya but not sure in Bangkok.
Their training is different from the ladies Salon, and oh, always watch when them replace the old razor blade with a new one. Some have try to some every penny and use the old blade when you are not looking!
LBM
Member #3428
07-17-09, 05:25
have you looked at finding a old time local Barber! Instead of a women, look for a guy that cut hair that cater to mostly or only men.
That's exactly what I'm trying to find. Maybe it is my little brain but I keep only finding places with extras or just foot massages or such. I want the old fashion real shave and haircut.
LittleBigMan
07-17-09, 13:14
Tansak KTV,
I don't think you will find one along the busy Sukhumvit area like along Soi 4- through to Soi Cowboy because of the huge rents that are being asked. The small one man barbers would most likely be in the side Soi's. For some reason I remember seeing one inside area of Grace Hotel, there is like a L- shape courtyard that runs from Soi 4, through to Sukhumvit?
Maybe further down past Soi Cowboy, you might see something like the area of Tulip. Can't find one there then you can go for a massage. Ask one of those motorbike taxi guys? spelling is all wrong, haircut in Thai, doc phong?
Good luck, LBM
Terry Terrier
07-17-09, 21:07
that's exactly what i'm trying to find. maybe it is my little brain but i keep only finding places with extras or just foot massages or such. i want the old fashion real shave and haircut.
soi 8 about 100 yards in on the right (before the [CodeWord900] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord900) alleyway).
Member #3428
07-17-09, 21:26
soi 8 about 100 yards in on the right (before the [CodeWord900] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord900) alleyway).
my ex tgf used to get her hair done around there... there was also a mp around there that shut down. thanks tt will give it a good look. you had the shave there or just the hair cuts?
Twardzik6969
07-17-09, 23:23
Hi guys,
I'm fairly new to ISG, and was just wondering- where is the absolute cheapest place for poon? I ask, because I'd like to film a porno in which I have sex with 30-40 women in a row, and I think this would be easiest to accomplish in a country with cheap prostitutes. Any thoughts? Cambodia? Thailand? Nigeria?
soi 8 about 100 yards in on the right (before the [CodeWord900] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord900) alleyway).i used it a lot of time. excellent "old style" service. if i remember right shave is 200 baht and haircut 300 baht. you can have manicure too.
Terry Terrier
07-18-09, 08:03
My ex TGF used to get her hair done around there... there was also a MP around there that shut down. Thanks TT will give it a good look. You had the shave there or just the hair cuts?
Both, (and that annoying nose and ear hair if you ask him) though the haircuts don't amount to much for me these days :D. You get a quick, firm shoulder massage (as is normal in traditional Thai barber shops) at the end too.
Hi guys,
I'm fairly new to ISG, and was just wondering- where is the absolute cheapest place for poon? I ask, because I'd like to film a porno in which I have sex with 30-40 women in a row, and I think this would be easiest to accomplish in a country with cheap prostitutes. Any thoughts? Cambodia? Thailand? Nigeria?I suppose if you want to do this film, cost is a concern for you. On the other hand, I'm sure you're already considering other factors as well. Things like the general appearances of the ladies that you'll get in each location (and for that price), or like the prevalence of HIV and other STDs in each region.
Once you've taken everything in I'll be interested to hear about the location you've chosen. Best of luck, and stay safe.
Anonmyous
Mick Ireland 1
07-18-09, 11:18
Is there many case of swine flu in Thailand now, thinking about going there again later in the year.
Hi guys,
I'm fairly new to ISG, and was just wondering- where is the absolute cheapest place for poon? I ask, because I'd like to film a porno in which I have sex with 30-40 women in a row, and I think this would be easiest to accomplish in a country with cheap prostitutes. Any thoughts? Cambodia? Thailand? Nigeria?
Ugh. You are going to use protection, right?
What with the inflation that has hit the pfp scene in SE Asia in recent years, I'm certain you'll find somewhere in Africa to have the overall lowest prices.
For both partners and food/accomodations.
Member #3428
07-20-09, 02:21
Is there many case of swine flu in Thailand now, thinking about going there again later in the year.
As of a few days ago 21 deaths and 3,883 cases reported in the kingdom.
Hola Mundo
07-20-09, 02:49
Here is another scam to ripoff foreigners in Thailand. Please read and be careful.
Tourists warned of Thailand airport scam
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8154497.stm
I am not sure where to place this post, so if it is in the wrong place I apologise. Now to my question for the board, I hate using condoms, because it takes away all the sensations, but I found these, and I am wondering if anyone has tried them, and if you have, do they allow you to feel like you are bareback. I know the reviews on the condomdepot. webpage are great, but I do not place alot of credibility into there reviews. Thanks in advance for any imput you can provide me.
http://www.condomdepot.com/product/d...105/reviews/1/
This should go into Safe Sex Thailand forum, never mind. ;)
Correct URL:http://www.condomdepot.com/product/detail.cfm/nid/183/pid/2105
Yes indeed. Crown Skinless Skin Condoms really are terrific, good color, no smell at all, and ultra ultra thin (I have had two break on me though, both under extreme circumstances, no further consequences.) They are now made in Thailand, but very hard to find here.
The older variety of "Skinless" are superior though. Made in Japan, better quality, but much more expensive: http://www.condomdepot.com/product/detail.cfm/nid/183/pid/3401
I personally use these: http://www.condomdepot.com/product/detail.cfm/nid/189/pid/2331 Formerly made by Sagami, Japan, they have a world wide following. Don't let the jade green color throw you. Featuring the world's best form fit, and is the only rib/stud condom that really does work. Girls everywhere will love you, guaranteed. (Honestly, I am not really sure why gilrs all get so wet when I use these, but they do.) Try them, thank me later.
Durex suck ass and they own Thailand, if you are in a pinch here, use the Durex Extra Sensitive. They work, but really aren't up to the quality of the ones mentioned.
Definitely smart of you to get your latex first.
Here is another scam to ripoff foreigners in Thailand. Please read and be careful.
Tourists warned of Thailand airport scam
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8154497.stm
Maybe it's best to stay out of any shops at the airport and look poor.
Ny Desiman
07-21-09, 12:00
I am not sure which thread to use for this post, so I apologize in advance if I am wrong to post this here.
I was in Bangkok for first time last year and again in Pattaya this year. Both times I only stayed for only a few days and on both occasions I used a single feelancer for my deeds :)
I am planning to visit Thailand again next month. I was wondering if it is possible to find a virgin/ a beginner? Or am I just daydreaming?
Ny Desiman
07-21-09, 12:02
Ooops, I meant to say 'freelancer' not 'feelancer' in my previous post...
Member #3428
07-21-09, 12:06
I am planning to visit Thailand again next month. I was wondering if it is possible to find a virgin/ a beginner? Or am I just daydreaming?
Aren't they all virgins??? Do you mean to tell me they all lied to me?
Seriously majority of the girls I know were used in their village then moved to the streets or bars or MP's. You will find a few girls new in MP's but they're surely not virgin's. Had a few girls who only had local Thai BF before going to a hostess bar. But they were terrible in bed.
Ooops, I meant to say 'freelancer' not 'feelancer' in my previous post...
FYI, as a senior member you have the option of editing your original post up to a day or two after you post it.
LittleBigMan
07-21-09, 15:24
Ny Desiman,
When you get off the airplane and to Immigration and you're waiting! Look at the sign that say Thailand in front of you. Then wake up!
If you are looking for a virgin just do some role playing and pretend that they are and after awhile it becomes real.
LBM
Ny Desiman
07-21-09, 15:50
Much obliged LBM, Run Mann, Tansak KTV
I know, I know........ But I can wish, can't I?
And big brothers may show the way OR slap me to wake me up :)
Big brothers find it more fun to just slap you Desi,
but it is all in good fun.
A virgin working in a bar ? ROFLMAO. maybe an ear or elbow virgin. (means she has never been fucked in the ear or in the elbow). :D
Member #3428
07-21-09, 18:36
Much obliged LBM, Run Mann, Tansak KTV
I know, I know........ But I can wish, can't I?
And big brothers may show the way OR slap me to wake me up :)
A thai virgin is a girl who has not taken it in the ass or has had less then 30 different guys.
Seriously I went with a very good girl and she had 2 guys before me. That is the closest I ever got to a thai virgin and she was a normal regular thai girl. And it took me a while to bed her surely not a week or such.
I've been the first "Farang" (foreigner) for about four girls. But they sure were not virgins...
Good luck.
I am not sure which thread to use for this post, so I apologize in advance if I am wrong to post this here.
I was in Bangkok for first time last year and again in Pattaya this year. Both times I only stayed for only a few days and on both occasions I used a single feelancer for my deeds
I am planning to visit Thailand again next month. I was wondering if it is possible to find a virgin/ a beginner? Or am I just daydreaming? Well, many clever guys in here telling you, that you can't find virgins.
Go for places with straight massage (no hanky panky officially). Choose the young ones and get foot massage and get to know them. If the room is not for "private" talking get some other massage in another place of the shop, where they can speak freely. From their personality you can tell a lot. Ask them about current and previous relationships. Boyfriends and likely questions. This can give you another hint. If you think you have found a gem, invite her out for some shopping. Eating. Sightseeing. Whatever. If you are having a good time together you should be able to pull out the information asking more directly like, when she was with a man first time.
Many young students work part time doing straight massage. I have met some of these girls and invited them out. If one want to spoil their innocent souls going into their lifes for that thing only. I guess this is up to each individual. One girl told me a married guy from Dubai once in a while send her 30.000 bath and similar amounts. They never had any intimity. It sounds like someone appreciate her sweetness and innocense. So far. I can only support the idea and let her first time be a good time.
I am not sure which thread to use for this post, so I apologize in advance if I am wrong to post this here.
I was in Bangkok for first time last year and again in Pattaya this year. Both times I only stayed for only a few days and on both occasions I used a single feelancer for my deeds :)
I am planning to visit Thailand again next month. I was wondering if it is possible to find a virgin/ a beginner? Or am I just daydreaming?If you really are into the virgins/beginners start working on dating sites like AFF where you will find young girls from Thailand claiming to be virgins (if it is true lol)
It might be worth a try!
Ny Desiman
07-23-09, 18:46
Thanks all for going easy on me.
The last time I was in Pattaya, I launhed a couple of days at the Pizza Hut by the Beach Rd and really liked a girl working there. She was unlike a WG at a go-go, a bar or someone on the beach road. Is it possible to expect something from someone like her, i.e., can I strike a conversation hoping something would happen?
I put a profile up at Thai Love Link and sent a few winks at the loveliest girls (as per my opinion) but I am yet to receive anything positive.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/149921/tourism-plunges-22-per-cent
"Tourism plunges 22 per cent"
Writer: BangkokPost.com
Published: 23/07/2009 at 03:07 PM
The tourism industry has suffered its deepest slump in many decades with the number of visitors expected to be down 22 per cent on last year, according to the Tourism Council of Thailand chairman Kongkit Hiranyakij.
It was the biggest plunge in tourism growth in 49 years, he said.
Besides the global economic crisis, the country's continuing political turmoil had contributed to the sharp decline in tourism, Mr Kongkit Hiranyakij said on Thursday.
The expected number of tourist arrivals had been reduced from the expected 14.1 million to 11 million, he said.
The A(H1N1) flu outbreak could make tourism contract by three to four per cent, causing the country to lose up to 200 billion baht of tourism revenue this year, he said.
Last year, Thailand gained 540 billion baht in tourism revenue.
"If the government can solve its political problems and is able to host the Asean meetings successfully, tourism should be revived by the end of this year or the beginning of 2010," Mr Kongkit predicted.
However, he said Thai tourists would help generate an estimated 430 billion baht in revenue this year.
Don't you love the optimism of the TAT.
They pissed people off with the PAD and airport closures, and show their contempt of farang by not doing anything against the PAD leaders, and indeed put them into government positions.
They pissed people off with the bank charges against farangs.
They pissed people off with the constant organised scams against tourists.
They pissed people off with their constant "no alcohol" holidays and bar closures.
They pissed people off with their allowing of organised thugs to run the new airport, its chaos, the duty free shops are on the scam alert, taxi set up and aggresive touts is a joke. its all this way as some Thai bigwigs like NC, are too powerful and are allowed to run the new airport how they want, and not is what is good for travellers.
They pissed people off with the rising prices, given baht strength how many reduced the price of import beers or other things? No, they put the prices up to double the effect they make more money on reduced import costs and also then charge more.
Thai's really do not like farang, they only like their tourist dollars.
Now the world is getting smaller and more places open up for tourism its only natural that after shitting in their own bed, they now are having to sleep in it.
Tourism is now on the decline, and Thailand has to now prepare for the fact that people are not coming back, full stop.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/149921/tourism-plunges-22-per-cent
"Tourism plunges 22 per cent"
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/149921/tourism-plunges-22-per-cent
"Tourism plunges 22 per cent"One wise expat with a large company told me. Never believe any report concerning money % and so on in Thailand is all a lie. Never get the true number.
Don't you love the optimism of the TAT.
They pissed people off with the PAD and airport closures, and show their contempt of farang by not doing anything against the PAD leaders, and indeed put them into government positions.
They pissed people off with the bank charges against farangs.
They pissed people off with the constant organised scams against tourists.
They pissed people off with their constant "no alcohol" holidays and bar closures.
They pissed people off with their allowing of organised thugs to run the new airport, its chaos, the duty free shops are on the scam alert, taxi set up and aggresive touts is a joke. its all this way as some Thai bigwigs like NC, are too powerful and are allowed to run the new airport how they want, and not is what is good for travellers.
They pissed people off with the rising prices, given baht strength how many reduced the price of import beers or other things? No, they put the prices up to double the effect they make more money on reduced import costs and also then charge more.
Thai's really do not like farang, they only like their tourist dollars.
Now the world is getting smaller and more places open up for tourism its only natural that after shitting in their own bed, they now are having to sleep in it.
Tourism is now on the decline, and Thailand has to now prepare for the fact that people are not coming back, full stop.Just want to give some accurate figure. Hotels occupancy overalll Thailand is around 20 to 30 % so the tourism business is down near 60%. And the flights onward September europe Thailand is very low booked by now. This are figures from european tour operator. INSIDER INFO. Here also they don t tell you the true % in officialy report.
Tourism is now on the decline, and Thailand has to now prepare for the fact that people are not coming back, full stop.Except, that is, for all of us...
Don't you love the optimism of the TAT.
Thai's really do not like farang, they only like their tourist dollars.
I like this quote that can be shared with many countries or areas where tourism is a significant boost to the economy.
You are right on that and most likely that is what they also think, forgetting that "tourist dollars" come from...farang!
One wise expat with a large company told me. Never believe any report concerning money % and so on in Thailand is all a lie. Never get the true number.
This is sound advice. Noting uttered from a Thais' lips can be trusted!
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