I have 10 days in Thailand, I wanted to know which is better Bangkok or Pattaya.
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I have 10 days in Thailand, I wanted to know which is better Bangkok or Pattaya.
[QUOTE=Zzeal]I have 10 days in Thailand, I wanted to know which is better Bangkok or Pattaya.[/QUOTE]Do five each and next time you will know what you want to do.
[QUOTE=Zzeal]I have 10 days in Thailand, I wanted to know which is better Bangkok or Pattaya.[/QUOTE]
How about "Hello?" and "Please?"
Where are you coming from? Are you here for mongering only? how important is the Beach to you?
My advice would be to do 2 days in BKK head to Pattaya for 3 or 4 days and then do another 2 to 3 days in Bangkok
[QUOTE=NicFrenchy]How about "Hello?" and "Please?"
Where are you coming from? Are you here for mongering only? how important is the Beach to you?
My advice would be to do 2 days in BKK head to Pattaya for 3 or 4 days and then do another 2 to 3 days in Bangkok[/QUOTE]
Since he appears lacking in the social graces, I would suggest he spends his vacation in Soi 6 Pattaya. He will be in good company there!
[QUOTE=Zzeal]I have 10 days in Thailand, I wanted to know which is better Bangkok or Pattaya.[/QUOTE]
You should go for the full mongering effect and go to Pattaya.. Though soi sex is right in the middle of things.. You also did say when you were going..
[QUOTE=Zzeal]I have 10 days in Thailand, I wanted to know which is better Bangkok or Pattaya.[/QUOTE]
Neither. Go to Nakhon Ngee Ngow (Thai: นคร งี่เง่า ) Bus departures are erratic, so print it out and show the taxi driver. Better still, take a tuk-tuk and transfer to buffalo cart once past city limits. Due to inflation you can bargain the fare down to a bag of premium grade jasmine rice. Bring bug spray and watch out for UXO.
[QUOTE=Luvnlife1970]I have to admit the prior threads have been most interesting, and open, and honest which I APPRECIATE, this is the information that I am really looking for from those who are actually living in Thailand. I do think that all in all its worth it, I love the country, the people, the food, the lifestyle. And I say to those who are burned out, you can get burned out anywhere, you really need to look inside and just ask yourself if this (teaching) is really what you want to do. I am in sales and could sell a 3 leg camel in a desert, but that is neither here nor there. Its about what you enjoy doing, and I Hope everyone her e is doing just that. Cheers and hopefully we will enjoy a pint or two! As I will be going for it.[/QUOTE]
Since you seem hell bent on coming here and teaching, despite the meagre financial prospects, I've decided to attach some non-financial but still interesting benefits in the form of a just-captured Camfrog screen-shot.
I just got home 30 minutes ago and went on Camfrog only to discover one of my students, with whom I had just been talking not more than 2 hours ago, doing a little show. Surprise, surprise. I could have bet that this girl was not the type to do something like this. These are hot off the cam.
They're a little low-res, as is the problem with Camfrog. But, because I've seen her in hi-res, so to speak, ;) at least I can fill in the pixels.
Oh...and she's still online....so gotta go...:)
[QUOTE=Raverboy]Neither. Go to Nakhon Ngee Ngow (Thai: นคร งี่เง่า ).[/QUOTE]
:D Very Funny.
For those who missed out on Songkran festival, according to Thai Tourism Authority:
"The Phra Pradaeng Songkran Festival differs from others in that it is held a little later than in most other locales. The Songkran rituals and celebrations here are held on the Sunday that follows after Songkran Day on April 13. Hence in 2007, the festival falls on April 20– 22.
Ancient traditions are still being observed and is a source of pride passed on to future generations."
Apparently many people in this district are descended from the Mon peoples from Burma (Myanmar).
But watch out. I have heard that they play a bit more rough in this district. Hopefully police will be around to keep things under control.
Last year some drug crazed idiot brandishing a knife had to be arrested.
[QUOTE=Zzeal]I have 10 days in Thailand, I wanted to know which is better Bangkok or Pattaya.[/QUOTE]
Neither one is "better", my advice is to stay in Bangkok for the first three days then move on to Pattaya ----under 2 hours by road.
Pattaya is certainly cheaper, hotels and girls.
[QUOTE=Zzeal]I have 10 days in Thailand, I wanted to know which is better Bangkok or Pattaya.[/QUOTE]
They both suck, but for different reasons. Get out of the city and away from the sewer. Go to Chiang Mai.
RA
[QUOTE=Retired Army]They both suck, but for different reasons. Get out of the city and away from the sewer. Go to Chiang Mai.
RA[/QUOTE]
I found Chiang Mai to be a total shithole (in my humble opinion), went there for three days left the following morning.
What is good about it, apart from being cheap that is. ???????
[QUOTE=Jimmy Red Cab]I found Chiang Mai to be a total shithole (in my humble opinion), went there for three days left the following morning.
What is good about it, apart from being cheap that is. ???????[/QUOTE]
There are a lot of things "Nah Thiao" (good for tourists) in the vicinity of Chiang Mai. But its best for couples I think. I took the GF there and we certainly had a good time with a full program. One highlight was a fantastically artist temple near Chiang Rai "Wat Rong Khun". Caves, hot water Geysers, Doi Inthanon, have been other highlights. There is a really wide variety.
For Mongering, Chiang Mai is not going to measure up, but a couple of Soapy MPs were O.K.
[QUOTE=Raverboy]Neither. Go to Nakhon Ngee Ngow (Thai: นคร งี่เง่า ) Bus departures are erratic, so print it out and show the taxi driver. Better still, take a tuk-tuk and transfer to buffalo cart once past city limits. Due to inflation you can bargain the fare down to a bag of premium grade jasmine rice. Bring bug spray and watch out for UXO.[/QUOTE]
OK - I don't get it (and can't find it in my cyberdic)
Is this "the sticks", "farmerville", "the toolies" in Thai?
has something to do with "tuber" (ngow) but "ngee" doesn't stand alone evidently
[QUOTE=Zzeal]I have 10 days in Thailand, I wanted to know which is better Bangkok or Pattaya.[/QUOTE]
If you are a single guy looking for a punting/mongering-based holiday, then Jimmy Red Cab's got it about right on this. And ignore the advice from expats and suchlike on this one: They don't like your type 'giving them a bad reputation' (even though 99% of them went down the same road initially :D), and their 'advice' is sometimes anything but and often entirely self-serving.
Btw, Chiang Mai is for the most part a scruffhole which actually manages to make Pattaya look smart and organised by comparison (and I mean this relatively). The big temples are a good way out of the city (at least an hour), and The Doi Suthep (the most famous one) is largely a re-conditioned fake. If you want to see unconditional culture, you will have to travel far away from the moneyed areas anywhere in Thailand. If you want a great time as a single male tourist, take Jimmy's advice. And get a hired help to take you to one of the nearby tourist attractions for non-punting fun. BUT remember that she's a hired help, and you're on holiday.
[QUOTE=Dinghy]OK - I don't get it (and can't find it in my cyberdic)
Is this "the sticks", "farmerville", "the toolies" in Thai?
has something to do with "tuber" (ngow) but "ngee" doesn't stand alone evidently[/QUOTE]
My cyber dictionary suggests the following
งี่เง่า ( ngêe-ngâo )
# be stupid ; be foolish ; be dull ; be idiotic ; be silly ; be brainless
# stupid ; foolish ; dull ; idiotic ; silly ; brainless
[QUOTE=Bumholes1]My cyber dictionary suggests the following
งี่เง่า ( ngêe-ngâo )
# be stupid ; be foolish ; be dull ; be idiotic ; be silly ; be brainless
# stupid ; foolish ; dull ; idiotic ; silly ; brainless[/QUOTE]
Often seems to mean bastard, arsehole, cheat. Thai girls seem to use it with hate attached at times. Maybe they were too shy to find a stronger word.
[QUOTE=Mick Licker]Often seems to mean bastard, arsehole, cheat. Thai girls seem to use it with hate attached at times. Maybe they were too shy to find a stronger word.[/QUOTE]
MICK !!! Why did you not tell me that's what my TGF was saying to me at dinner ;)
[QUOTE=Dinghy]OK - I don't get it (and can't find it in my cyberdic)
Is this "the sticks", "farmerville", "the toolies" in Thai?
has something to do with "tuber" (ngow) but "ngee" doesn't stand alone evidently[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Bumholes1]My cyber dictionary suggests the following
งี่เง่า ( ngêe-ngâo )
# be stupid ; be foolish ; be dull ; be idiotic ; be silly ; be brainless
# stupid ; foolish ; dull ; idiotic ; silly ; brainless[/QUOTE]
Dinghy, you should consider dumping your cyberdic and replacing it with the one Bumholes1 is using... ;)
[QUOTE=Jimmy Red Cab]I found Chiang Mai to be a total shithole (in my humble opinion), went there for three days left the following morning.
What is good about it, apart from being cheap that is. ???????[/QUOTE]
It ain't Bangkok or Pattaya!
Cooler (temperature wise), less poluted, quiter, less traffic, people are more Thai and less westernized, great places to travel and see put of the city, etc., etc., etc... Perhaps it a personal preference, but I will take CM over BKK and especially Pattaya anyday.
I rented an apartment and spent 30 days there last year and loved every minute.
RA
[QUOTE=Terry Terrier]
...ignore the advice from expats and suchlike on this one: They don't like your type 'giving them a bad reputation' (even though 99% of them went down the same road initially :D), and their 'advice' is sometimes anything but and often entirely self-serving...[/QUOTE]
We all have to make our own mistakes. And besides, what would us "expats," people who actually live in Thailand, know anyway?
RA
[QUOTE=Tansak KTV]MICK !!! Why did you not tell me that's what my TGF was saying to me at dinner ;)[/QUOTE]
Well in Aus, "bastard" or "arsehole" is a term of chumminess. So I wouldn't get too perturbed.
On the other hand, my GF never calls me Ngee Ngao, but may have been called it sometime previously!
Special advice to everyone. I wouldn't call any Thai person Ngee Ngao, if I was you. Its risky when we are not sure how it will be interpreted. Its definitely a derogratory word.
Hey all,
Had a interesting conversation with my working girl the other day. For those who don’t know, or do but are in need of an update, this is the case of the $20000 offer for marriage. (previoulsy poster here and in the Melb, Australia forum)
As I mentioned previously, despite my alarm bells ringing a resounding ‘no’, having lots of experience with Thai girls in the past, albeit in Thailand, I was starting to fall for this girl and had hopes that perhaps something could come from it. The ‘offer’, as it were only confirmed my suspicions of Thai girls and any eventual intent. That is, if she also had strong feelings for me, as she claims, why the need to offer any incentive?
Whatever her intent may be, it only confirmed my suspicions that her current feelings for me are probably not genuine and there is a ulterior motive in place.
Still, being 99% sure this relationship will end in the near future, I’m a curious bugger and decided to keep myself in the game and see how it plays out. Which brings me to the conversation I had the other night. Just thought you guys would be interested in this as well.
She mentioned that she has worked (slept) off her debt to the brothel owners who brought her out from Thailand. Now, I’m suspicious of the amount, but she claims it was 1,000,000 baht, which as I write this equates to just over AUD$34000.
What do you guys think? Whats more, she has paid this off in just four months and so now keeps her share from here on in. Well, just thought it interesting.
Cheers.
[QUOTE=Terry Terrier]...ignore the advice from expats and suchlike on this one: They don't like your type 'giving them a bad reputation' (even though 99% of them went down the same road initially ), and their 'advice' is sometimes anything but and often entirely self-serving...[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Retired Army]We all have to make our own mistakes. And besides, what would us "expats," people who actually live in Thailand, know anyway?
RA[/QUOTE]
**GROAN**
Another thing that may or may not be a minus: If you don't like burning tobacco, smoking is on the up in Thailand in general, but in Chiang Mai it's everywhere. Chiang Rai's the same too.
[QUOTE=Sainter21]Hey all,
Had a interesting conversation with my working girl the other day. For those who don’t know, or do but are in need of an update, this is the case of the $20000 offer for marriage. (previoulsy poster here and in the Melb, Australia forum)
As I mentioned previously, despite my alarm bells ringing a resounding ‘no’, having lots of experience with Thai girls in the past, albeit in Thailand, I was starting to fall for this girl and had hopes that perhaps something could come from it. The ‘offer’, as it were only confirmed my suspicions of Thai girls and any eventual intent. That is, if she also had strong feelings for me, as she claims, why the need to offer any incentive?
Whatever her intent may be, it only confirmed my suspicions that her current feelings for me are probably not genuine and there is a ulterior motive in place.
Still, being 99% sure this relationship will end in the near future, I’m a curious bugger and decided to keep myself in the game and see how it plays out. Which brings me to the conversation I had the other night. Just thought you guys would be interested in this as well.
She mentioned that she has worked (slept) off her debt to the brothel owners who brought her out from Thailand. Now, I’m suspicious of the amount, but she claims it was 1,000,000 baht, which as I write this equates to just over AUD$34000.
What do you guys think? Whats more, she has paid this off in just four months and so now keeps her share from here on in. Well, just thought it interesting.
Cheers.[/QUOTE]
The monetary numbers are quite feasible.
She has been involved in highly illegal activity.
The biggest problem is that now that she has paid off her "Contract", she is of lesser use. To keep the authorities appeased, someone will dob her in. Then Immigration will cart her off to the lock-up. She will be sent back to Thailand later and never be allowed back into Australia.
I know, because I have visited 2 or 3 Thai girls in the detention centre. I try not to get aquainted with these girls any longer. Its years since I was mongering in Australia now, well except for the odd private assignation in a private location.
There is little hope for these girls once they have broken the laws. She may not have access to her own passport is the Contract boss was keeping it.
A lot of evidence and investigation is required to prove a bona fide marriage, which doesn't mean that it is impossible, but very difficult.
Her immediate problems are:
1. VISA expiry.
2. Being caught working on a non-work VISA.
3. Being dobbed in by Contract Bosses or other jealous working girls (especially Thai ones).
You should not marry her for $20K without looking at what you can be charged with. Anyway she hasn't got the $20K no doubt.
I don't want to even specualte about her true feelings at all. We have no way of knowing. But if she thought you actually had fallen for her, then she would be looking for a free marriage.
BTW, Many girls get caught out after paying to marry. The guy often dobs them in, to get the marriage squashed so that he can marry someone else. Guys that want money for marriage cannot be trusted to keep the bargain. Blackmail is common.
[QUOTE=Terry Terrier]**GROAN**
Another thing that may or may not be a minus: If you don't like burning tobacco, smoking is on the up in Thailand in general, but in Chiang Mai it's everywhere. Chiang Rai's the same too.[/QUOTE]
While that may be true, I've never paid much attention to it one way or another; but, breathing the polution in BKK is about the same as smoking two packs cigarettes a day. I don't complain about people smoking as long as they don't complain about my farting.
[QUOTE=Zzeal]I have 10 days in Thailand, I wanted to know which is better Bangkok or Pattaya.[/QUOTE]
I prefer Pattaya but everyone has different tastes.
You could also try Phuket
[QUOTE=Retired Army]breathing the polution in BKK is about the same as smoking two packs cigarettes a day. [/QUOTE]
Any evidence to support that claim?
[QUOTE=NicFrenchy]Any evidence to support that claim?[/QUOTE]
Only what the medical office where I work tells us. It's one of the reasons they pay us extra to work in BKK.
[QUOTE=Retired Army]Only what the medical office where I work tells us. It's one of the reasons they pay us extra to work in BKK.[/QUOTE]
Right, so basically, nothing concrete.
Besta Cyber 8 - the new ones are cyber 11 but this is good enough. New ones are 14,000B, this one cost me 11,000 when the B was 42:1 or so I'm surprised it's not in there - about everything else is
[QUOTE=NicFrenchy]Right, so basically, nothing concrete.[/QUOTE]
Only common sense that breathing all that polution in BKK, escecially some places along Sukhumvit, can't be good for your lungs.
[QUOTE=Retired Army]Only common sense that breathing all that polution in BKK, escecially some places along Sukhumvit, can't be good for your lungs.[/QUOTE]
RA,
Thank you, I understand the concept of Pollution and the possible Lung Damage, I just wanted to know if you were sure how bad it was because if it is the equivalent of 2 packs of Cigarettes a day then it is awfully scary.
Nothing against you, I just wanted to make sure I can still wander the streets of bangkok without that horrifying thought in my mind.
[QUOTE=NicFrenchy]RA,
Thank you, I understand the concept of Pollution and the possible Lung Damage, I just wanted to know if you were sure how bad it was because if it is the equivalent of 2 packs of Cigarettes a day then it is awfully scary.
Nothing against you, I just wanted to make sure I can still wander the streets of bangkok without that horrifying thought in my mind.[/QUOTE]
It's the particulate matter that you have to be concerned about. With all the diesel trucks and busses spewing out black shit from their exhausts and you breathing it in can't be good for you. Especially the areas under the BTS stations. Nana and Sukhumvit/Asoke BTS stations are excellent examples.
RA
Its why I never stay in Bangkok too long, and would never ever live there. The amount of particulate matter (especially from diesel engines) is horrific.
If you stay in Bangkok in an apartment, you can see even after a few days that the floor of any balcony starts to pick up a layer of this dust. The maids in serviced apartments clean it up so most people do not notice it, unless they are living in their own place.
[QUOTE=Retired Army]It's the particulate matter that you have to be concerned about. With all the diesel trucks and busses spewing out black shit from their exhausts and you breathing it in can't be good for you. Especially the areas under the BTS stations. Nana and Sukhumvit/Asoke BTS stations are excellent examples.
RA[/QUOTE]
By the way, all odor is particulate. Really think about that next time someone breaks wind near you.
That said, Bangkok isn't the only large city in Asia with a severe air pollution problem. Laws that regulate vehicle exhaust don't exist in Asia so far as I know.
[QUOTE=Finrod]By the way, all odor is particulate.[/QUOTE]Eh?! No it's not. Methane, hydrogen sulphide, etc are particles? Back to school time...
[QUOTE=Finrod]By the way, all odor is particulate. Really think about that next time someone breaks wind near you...[/QUOTE]
[size=1]...or he must be having some really [i]crusty[/i] farts to be under that impression![/size]
” Federal agents at the border do not need any reason to search through travelers’ laptops, cell phones or digital cameras for evidence of crimes, a federal appeals court ruled Monday, extending the government’s power to look through belongings like suitcases at the border to electronics.The unanimous three-judge decision reverses a lower court finding that digital devices were “an extension of our own memory” and thus too personal to allow the government to search them without cause. Instead, the earlier ruling said, Customs agents would need some reasonable and articulable suspicion a crime had occurred in order to search a traveler’s laptop. ” (04/22/08)
[url]http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2008/04/border-agents-c.html[/url]
[QUOTE=Daddy07]” Federal agents at the border do not need any reason to search through travelers’ laptops, cell phones or digital cameras for evidence of crimes, a federal appeals court ruled Monday, extending the government’s power to look through belongings like suitcases at the border to electronics.[/QUOTE]
Hahahahaha sucks to live in the US of A, but when you thing about it, would you not rather they search your Laptop and Electronics instead of stuffing their fingers up your asshole looking for "Evidence of Crimes"? LOL
[QUOTE=NicFrenchy]...would you not rather they search your Laptop and Electronics instead of stuffing their fingers up your asshole looking for "Evidence of Crimes"? LOL[/QUOTE]
... coming soon to a theatre near you... :)
[QUOTE=Daddy07]” Federal agents at the border do not need any reason to search through travelers’ laptops, cell phones or digital cameras for evidence of crimes... ” [url]http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2008/04/border-agents-c.html[/url][/QUOTE]I've made eight trips to LOS the past two+ years and each time I have returned to different cities (Seattle. Portland, San Francisco). I've only been seriously searched once (in Seattle). That particular trip, my first, the Customs man x-rayed a package of table place mats I bought for my mother. But he never even looked at my laptop, cameras, extra hard drive, etc. Go figure.
[QUOTE=NicFrenchy]Hahahahaha sucks to live in the US of A, but when you thing about it, would you not rather they search your Laptop and Electronics instead of stuffing their fingers up your asshole looking for "Evidence of Crimes"? LOL[/QUOTE]Dont LOL too fast [i]mon grand[/i],
”Federal agents at the border do not need any reason to search through travelers’ laptops, cell phones or digital cameras for evidence of crimes, a federal appeals court ruled Monday, [i][b]extending[/b][/i] the government’s power to look through belongings like suitcases at the border to electronics... ” (04/22/08)
So basically what isnt explicitly implied is that that power to "look through belongings" has been [i][b]extended[/b][/i] from looking up your arse (and looking in your carry-ons, your pockets, taking off your coat, your shoes, etc.)!
[QUOTE=Mouse1]Eh?! No it's not. Methane, hydrogen sulphide, etc are particles? Back to school time...[/QUOTE]
Molecules are still particles. When you're smelling something, it means a sufficient number of those molecules have come into contact with your nose. Not an appetizing thought, I know. :)
[QUOTE=Finrod]Molecules are still particles. When you're smelling something, it means a sufficient number of those molecules have come into contact with your nose. Not an appetizing thought, I know. :)[/QUOTE]
Wiktionary:
Particulate:
"any solid or liquid suspended in air or free to suspend in air"
I think an invisible gas does not qualify.
Particulate matter normally a least creates a haze, e.g. like smoke, water vapour (tiny droplets), etc.
I was planning to go to BKK 27 Apr 08 to 8 May 08. I had planned to go with a buddy from work. I am married, he is single. Well, because he has a big mouth everyone in our office now knows I will be going to BKK. Now I am humilated and worried that word may somehow get back to my wife. So, now I must cancel. Lesson learned, keep mongering activities to myself.
Thanks for listening.
This year Songkran celebrations saw 400 people killed and about 3000 were seriously injured in hospital.
So Songkran is a severe danger to your health. My GF stayed indoors as much as possible.
[QUOTE=J Barr]I was planning to go to BKK 27 Apr 08 to 8 May 08. I had planned to go with a buddy from work. I am married, he is single. Well, because he has a big mouth everyone in our office now knows I will be going to BKK. Now I am humilated and worried that word may somehow get back to my wife. So, now I must cancel. Lesson learned, keep mongering activities to myself.
Thanks for listening.[/QUOTE]
Precisely, if you monger with a buddy and you are married, you either better trust him a lot or make sure he has as much to lose as you do. Mutually assured destruction does work to keep mouths closed.
[QUOTE=Thor93]Mutually assured destruction does work to keep mouths closed.[/QUOTE]
Not always, I've been burnt...
Another warning is just because someone is an ISG member does NOT mean they know how to keep their mouths shut either. For some reason some think they can spread all over Thai that you are pulling girls when they damn well know you have a TGF.
[QUOTE=Tansak KTV]Not always, I've been burnt...
Another warning is just because someone is an ISG member does NOT mean they know how to keep their mouths shut either. For some reason some think they can spread all over Thai that you are pulling girls when they damn well know you have a TGF.[/QUOTE]
Aaaaaahhh, memories of "Ozzie boy"........ :(
[QUOTE=1Ball]Aaaaaahhh, memories of "Ozzie boy"........ :([/QUOTE]
Well... it gave you and G and others some good laughs.... Live and learn, live and learn.... that turned out to be one heck of an expensive night for me ;)
[QUOTE=Tansak KTV]Not always, I've been burnt...
Another warning is just because someone is an ISG member does NOT mean they know how to keep their mouths shut either. For some reason some think they can spread all over Thai that you are pulling girls when they damn well know you have a TGF.[/QUOTE]
Yes, I have almost been caught on that one with TGF. As I recall when I took her to Livingstones one time , somebody (1Ball think) asked me where I got her from in front of her. Luckily she didn't hear it so no damage was done and it was an innocent mistake. But then later I had another anxious moment with another ISG member.
Lesson learned - it is best to keep both wives and TGF's away from fellow ISG members unless you really trust them to not bring up sensitive subjects. And since the TGF speaks excellent english, any conversation can be dangerous.
you think she didn't hear - she probably didn't want to hear it.
depends on whether the "other" guy knew you or not and whether she knew it (or was just making conversation)
women aren't exactly stupid and the thai grapevine travels at the speed of tongue.
[quote=dinghy]you think she didn't hear - she probably didn't want to hear it.
depends on whether the "other" guy knew you or not and whether she knew it (or was just making conversation)
women aren't exactly stupid and the thai grapevine travels at the speed of tongue.[/quote]
after an ex like a bloodhound, i am now super cautious. thought it was risky to take gf to belgian chocolate shop in suk near to soi 33. you never know which girl you might bump into.
the other important one: "never be seen walking in public with any girl except the gf".
and wear a disguise when going to or exiting any really sus locations:
fake moustache, hat and dark glasses/eye-patch ;)
As always, they are meant to be viewed in order, i.e., 10, 10A, 10B, 11, 11A, 12, 13, etc.
[QUOTE=Evil Penivel]As always, they are meant to be viewed in order, i.e., 10, 10A, 10B, 11, 11A, 12, 13, etc.[/QUOTE]
Evil it is always great to hear your excellent reports.
I have been to Bambo once which has live band and other acts. Is this an FL place as well as i went with a girl last time.
Also can anyone tell me what the name of a club is in Pattaya I went to in September 2006 it is not on walking st more in land. Had mainly thais in there and you had to walk through a metal detecter they did sell alot of whisky the bar was on the left and a big stage to the right, with a live act and band.
Anyone have any ideas would like to back if I can find it.
[QUOTE=Mick Licker]After an ex like a bloodhound, I am now super cautious. Thought it was risky to take GF to Belgian chocolate shop in Suk near to Soi 33. You never know which girl you might bump into.
The other important one: "Never be seen walking in public with any girl except the GF".
And wear a disguise when going to or exiting any really sus locations:
Fake moustache, hat and dark glasses/eye-patch ;)[/QUOTE]
I walked into a Phuket Jewellery store with a mate and his new girlfriend once, and the sales girl told his new girlfriend he was in the same store 6 months before with another girl.
I guess you can't take a girlfriend to any place you have taken another girl to without some risk. Which reminds me I have to start looking for a new hotel to stay in.
[QUOTE=ThaiLearner]
I have been to Bambo once which has live band and other acts. Is this an FL place as well as i went with a girl last time.
[/QUOTE]
There are certainly FLers in Bamboo, but it isn't a FL place in the sense of the Beer Garden or Thermae in Bangkok. Many of the TGs at Bamboo already have companionship, but I imagine they've talked their "companions" into taking them there, as it is Isaan music that is the biggest draw.
I've been there on several occasions with two ladies who wanted to dance in front of the stage. Dancing isn't my thing and while I was sitting by myself as they danced, several ladies approached me or gave me eye signals. It shouldn't be a problem to hook up there. As with every place, a range of looks and ages, but from what I remember, quite a few were a bit older.
Evil
Hello,
You are absolutely right. When you are talking with Thai people even non p4p ladies and another Thai person comes along . They will start talking Thai just like you are not there. Unless it is checkbin time. You will feel like a second class citizen. Only very few Thai people would admit that is not polite at all to talk Thai in company of a falang allthough their english skills are good enough to keep talking in that language. In fact you should walk away.
Discussing any serious topic with most Thai is just impossible. Tell them you think money is their real religion. Ask them if they expect another coup if the King will die? Why don't they try to study english as fanatically as the the staff from a hotel like flamingo in PP? No, they watch Thai soap series, read Thai comics ( or at least as less letters as possible ), talk about their latest mobile, showing their famous but often fake smile to anyone that has more money than themselves. 90% of them need a coup sometimes to keep them awake.
Greetings, Frits
[QUOTE=Fritsvanegter]Ask them if they expect another coup if the King will die?[/QUOTE]Asking this question could get you in a lot of trouble in Thailand.
I was just thinking of joining that website.
What problems did you run have with them?
[QUOTE=Petemcc]Never join the site. It is a scam. You can get fuck all without the upgrade, which they don't give you, but charge you for, and if you complain they ban you.
Petemcc[/QUOTE]
This link is from an escort agency in Pattaya. They are absolving themselves from all responsibility with regards to unsafe sex acts their escorts make take and there are some stats about HIV, intriguing stuff.
[url]http://www.pattaya1.com/hiv.html[/url]
[QUOTE=Run Mann]This link is from an escort agency in Pattaya. They are absolving themselves from all responsibility with regards to unsafe sex acts their escorts make take and there are some stats about HIV, intriguing stuff.
[url]http://www.pattaya1.com/hiv.html[/url][/QUOTE]Best advice I've seen in a long time.
I realize that this is the Thailand Forum, but this guy's report about Phillipine women runs very close to why I, and thousands of other farangs, do so love Thai women. Jackson, if this is inappropriate, please delete. It came from another forum.
"In my opinion, Filipinas make the best girlfriends, lovers, and friends. Compared to females in the other Asian countries, they aren't as strict, serious, prudish or hung up. Instead, they are more relaxed, carefree, happy-go-lucky, easygoing, playful, passionate and sensual. They are also very nonjudgmental and nonracist. And they have a great sense of humor, enjoying the silliest things which easily amuse them. Thus, you can always have fun and joke around or play with them, even if you have nothing else to talk about. That's so nice and refreshing, especially when you are so accustomed to ant****iality and hostility from women in the US.
Best of all, they LOVE to flirt. When I flirt with girls in the Philippines, they not only enjoy it, but it actually ADDS FUEL to our chemistry (whereas in the US, flirting with girls "creeped" them out and emanated a vibe of hostility from them)... and that's a big thing to me, because I am a big-time flirt!
Filipinas are also a great blend of outer and inner traits. Ethnically, they are Asian, Malay and Spanish, resulting in a very exotic and beautiful mix that is very pleasing and sensual to the eyes. Their exotic sexy sensual olive complexion ranges from light to dark shades, all of which are sexy to me and many other foreigners here. And their attractive highly feminine appearance is combined with a tender romantic loving/caring inner side to them - a fantastic blend to say the least.
The way they treat you and touch you is just so sensual and fulfilling. They have this warm tender touch that white women definitely don't have (not to sound racist). I've experienced it and can understand now why so many foreign men are addicted to the Philippines and to Filipinas. I think it's a genetic thing, not just a cultural thing, as you can feel it to the bone (and soul). Not to sound racist, but just as brown sugar is healthier than white sugar, and brown rice is healthier than white rice, (as any nutritionist will tell you) perhaps brown skinned women are healthier for your mind, body, and sanity as well. They seem to bring this natural balance to your life and soul.
Thus, I'd say that even if you didn't have a taste for Filipinas or Asian women before, if you come to the Philippines, you soon will. Once you're here and experience females of this calibre, any preferences you had will simply go "out the window."
Not only are most Filipinas either hot or cute, and passionate and tender in bed, but their personality is so soothing, gentle, easy-going and accommodating that they are like my best friends too. They are just so comfortable to be around, in a way that you could never imagine possible in the West. With the ones I connect with, I have both sexual chemistry and best friend chemistry. What more could you ask for?!
They are also a great blend of White and Asian traits. Their Spanish blood makes them much more wild, relaxed, passionate and expressive than Orientals such as the Chinese, Japanese, or Koreans, who are non-expressive, robotic and overly serious and strict in comparison. And they have big round eyes that are considered attractive in Western Culture (although to my surprise, my slanted Asian eyes are considered more attractive in Filipino culture than their big round eyes are). They have all the physical beauty of thin feminine Asian women in light and dark colors ("vanilla and chocolate" so to speak), as well as their humble, modest, sweet, pleasing, soothing romantic nature. The only drawbacks to them are that they don't like to think much, don't like to answer questions or provide explanations when asked to do so, and are sometimes moody and quiet for unexplainable reasons that they refuse to discuss. It seems in their nature to be that way. Thus you don't get much intellectual stimulation with them. But the good news is that it’s much easier to train and educate them than it is to teach a Westernized woman to be sweeter and more loving.
Although Filipinas aren't as intellectual, educated, or deep-thinking as the European women are, they make up for it in their other qualities. They have this essence about them, warm sensual tenderness and a way of treating you that makes you feel needed and loved, like a real man, in a way that you had always wished and dreamed deep down but never dared hoped for. It's beyond words - something you have to feel and experience as a man to understand. And when you do, you realize it's what you had always wanted.and even friends. They are tender, sweet, passionate and fun.
In a way, it's like they give new birth to your heart, for if your heart had lost faith in love, they awaken it and renew it with their child-like hope and belief in love, making it a reality for you, and making you a believer again as well."
[QUOTE=Oosik1]I realize that this is the Thailand Forum, but this guy's report about Phillipine women runs very close to why I, and thousands of other farangs, do so love Thai women.
Instead, they are more relaxed, carefree, happy-go-lucky, easygoing, playful, passionate and sensual. They are also very nonjudgmental and nonracist. And they have a great sense of humor, enjoying the silliest things which easily amuse them. [/QUOTE]
There have been numerous reports posted on this board which describes Thai women as the exact opposite of most of what is written here. You may be close on some of these similarities but overall, many of these comparisons are incomparable, but these are generalities.
[QUOTE=Run Mann]There have been numerous reports posted on this board which describes Thai women as the exact opposite of most of what is written here. You may be close on some of these similarities but overall, many of these comparisons are incomparable, but these are generalities.[/QUOTE]
Run Mann, you may well be correct, but in my experience, I have had mostly good memories. However, maybe I should visit the P. I. and compare myself. I really do agree with the comments in the above post that the guy made about American women. I divorced my wife when I finally got fed up with her feminist crap........not the only reason, but the straw...
Oh, don't get me started.
[QUOTE=Run Mann]There have been numerous reports posted on this board which describes Thai women as the exact opposite of most of what is written here. You may be close on some of these similarities but overall, many of these comparisons are incomparable, but these are generalities.[/QUOTE]
I agree with Run Mann on this one.
[QUOTE=Run Mann]There have been numerous reports posted on this board which describes Thai women as the exact opposite of most of what is written here. You may be close on some of these similarities but overall, many of these comparisons are incomparable, but these are generalities.[/QUOTE]
I also agree on Run Mann on this one. The Spanish influence makes Fillipinas closer to Hispanic women in Central and South America (except perhaps in temperment) than to Thai women. Except for similarities in appearance, there's little else that's the same between Filipinas and Thai women.
When I was in Cuba, the women there really reminded me of Filipinas in many ways, especially in how they walked and how they flirted.
I have limited experience with Filipinas and it was mainly from spending from 3 separate two week periods with them in a Microsoft IT center where they were very friendly and accommodating, the report Oosik1 referenced was a very close match with them. After knowing me for only four days they invited me to their company party that weekend, and yes they can party. I never felt like I was a stranger when I was around them.
Can you tell from the pics below who is Thai and who is Filipina.
Run, Guess who is Phils, Guess who 2 & 7 are Thai.
[QUOTE=1Ball]Run, Guess who is Phils, Guess who 2 & 7 are Thai.[/QUOTE]
Hahaha, spoken like a man who has been around for a while. Of course you are correct!
2 Strange Questions....
I'm going to have a Vegetarian with me on one of my trips.... Anyone know of good place that has salad bars and / or such.... All I know is that LL has a salad bar. I know Thai food and he can do fine on the menu but I know this guy... he'll want more of a full blown Vegetable / Salad bar...
And secondly... this Vegan is a huge fitness freak and the hotel gym's will probably not be good enough... anyone know if like california wow or other fitness places have day passes, week passes or month long passes.
Will have a week trip and a 3 week trip there for work. Last time I traveled with this guy, he was a real handful and I need to give him something to do while I am with the TGF....
[QUOTE=Tansak KTV]2 Strange Questions....
I'm going to have a Vegetarian with me on one of my trips.... Anyone know of good place that has salad bars and / or such.... All I know is that LL has a salad bar. I know Thai food and he can do fine on the menu but I know this guy... he'll want more of a full blown Vegetable / Salad bar...
And secondly... this Vegan is a huge fitness freak and the hotel gym's will probably not be good enough... anyone know if like california wow or other fitness places have day passes, week passes or month long passes.
Will have a week trip and a 3 week trip there for work. Last time I traveled with this guy, he was a real handful and I need to give him something to do while I am with the TGF....[/QUOTE]
Tamarind on Suk. soi 20 is vegetarian. As for salads, try any of the Sizzler Steak restaurants (MBK, Siam Discovery, Major Ekkamai). They have an all-you-can-eat salad bar for around 159 baht, I think.
Hey Mongers!, Does anyone know of a good quality (non Sony) camcorder that also takes quality photos/stills. If it has good low light performance that would be a plus as well. I have been reading through Cnet, but want to know how this relates to what we do. If your wondering why not Sony, it is because of the expensive proprietary Sony only media storage and funky compatibility issues.
Cheers
Hummer
[QUOTE=Old Thai Hand]Tamarind on Suk. soi 20 is vegetarian. As for salads, try any of the Sizzler Steak restaurants (MBK, Siam Discovery, Major Ekkamai). They have an all-you-can-eat salad bar for around 159 baht, I think.[/QUOTE]
I forgot about sizzler... thanks for the Tamarind name, that sounds like a good one to try.
What about MK, you can give him a taste of Thai with the Veggie Suki Platter, while you can have some of that great roast pork!
LBM
[QUOTE=Tansak KTV]Questions.... I'm going to have a Vegetarian with me on one of my trips.... Anyone know of good place that has salad bars and / or such....[/QUOTE]Pizza & Co.'s salad bar is 89 baht. In house they give you a small dish, but I've managed seconds with no problem. If order the same salad bar as "take away" they give you a large container that holds more than enough for two meals.
I don't recommend their pizza!
[QUOTE=Hummer Bird]Hey Mongers!, Does anyone know of a good quality (non Sony) camcorder that also takes quality photos/stills. If it has good low light performance that would be a plus as well. I have been reading through Cnet, but want to know how this relates to what we do. If your wondering why not Sony, it is because of the expensive proprietary Sony only media storage and funky compatibility issues.
Cheers
Hummer[/QUOTE]
Hi Hummer, May not be high enough quality for you but I've just bought a Sanyo Xacti CA65 and am quite pleased with it. It allows you to take 6MP stills whilst shooting video and the quality of the stills is adequate. Another plus is that it records video in H264 format onto SD Cards so the camera is tiny and the cards easily secreted in your luggage. Low light performance is excellent for such a tiny camera. Its also waterproof to 1.5 metres for 30 minutes so great for those shower shots or messing about on the beach.
Being a hybrid its doesn't really excel as either camera or camcorder but its performance is acceptable for most purposes.
[QUOTE=Tansak KTV]I forgot about sizzler... thanks for the Tamarind name, that sounds like a good one to try.[/QUOTE]
I don't know if you know any Thai. So, appologies if you already know this.
Many Thais are vegetarian. In fact, at the end of the rainy season in October, the whole country goes veggie with the vegetarian festival, denoted by yellow flags anywhere food is available.
The general term for vegetarian food in Thai is "Ahan jae" (pronounced 'jay'). You can use the word 'jae' after a variety of dishes and the cook will whip it up for you without meat and will usually ask if you even want egg (kai).
So for example: veggie fried rice would be khao phat jae. Or stir-fried broad noodles in soy sauce would be Phad siew jae.
Of course there are lots of veggie dishes that are a regular part of Thai food such as: stir-fried veggies (Phak phak ruam mit) fried spicy morning glory (Phat Phak Bung Fai Daeng) , or stir-fried pumpkin and egg (Fuk-tong kai).
Even Burger King has a veggie burger that's quite tasty.
Re: California Wow. I've been a member for a few years and have never heard of day passes. They seem to be too money hungry to have such a thing. But, all your friend can do is go in and ask. Another option might be True Fitness at Asoke.
[QUOTE=Old Thai Hand]Many Thais are vegetarian. In fact, at the end of the rainy season in October, the whole country goes veggie with the vegetarian festival, denoted by yellow flags anywhere food is available.
The general term for vegetarian food in Thai is "Ahan jae" (pronounced 'jay'). You can use the word 'jae' after a variety of dishes and the cook will whip it up for you without meat and will usually ask if you even want egg (kai).
So for example: veggie fried rice would be khao phat jae. Or stir-fried broad noodles in soy sauce would be Phad siew jae.
They seem to be too money hungry to have such a thing. But, all your friend can do is go in and ask. Another option might be True Fitness at Asoke.[/QUOTE]
Thanks I do know a little about thai's and thai culture (enough to know if anyone says they know how thai women think then I think they are a liar :) , or I'll say that I'm smart enough and have spent enough time there to know that I don't know it all) and I know many thai's are vegan's, I was looking for personal recommendations that's why I figured someone could come up with some names for me other then just a google listing. I know my associate can easily eat something vegan in every market and restaurant in Asia and BKK so I"m not too worried and I did google a few listings of places and will hopefully let him check them out while I go to my usual haunts. I'm no vegan and only know where to go in MNL and Ningbo China for him, he's never been to BKK and I never looked for true vegan type places. Unfortunately... he'll want me to tag along with him while he looks for some new culinary delights when I'd rather be with with TGF.
True Fitness was the other one I was looking at. the other option would be to go to president park where I hear they have a good fitness center that outsiders belong to. I hear they (true fitness and california wow) used to have a month pass but don't know about a week pass and don't know current practices.
[QUOTE=Gamahucher]Hi Hummer, May not be high enough quality for you but I've just bought a Sanyo Xacti CA65 and am quite pleased with it. It allows you to take 6MP stills whilst shooting video and the quality of the stills is adequate. Another plus is that it records video in H264 format onto SD Cards so the .......[/QUOTE]
Thanks Gamahucher,
Is the price cheaper in Bangkok than the US? Some serious price fluxing here between 359-500.
Cheers
Hummer
[QUOTE=Tansak KTV]I'm going to have a Vegetarian with me on one of my trips.... Anyone know of good place that has salad bars and / or such.... All I know is that LL has a salad bar. I know Thai food and he can do fine on the menu but I know this guy... he'll want more of a full blown Vegetable / Salad bar...[/quote]Tansak, if your friend is a raw vegan (and even if he's not), I think he'd enjoy the cafe at [URL=http://www.rasayanaretreat.com/]Rasayana Retreat[/URL]. I've only been to the Bangkok branch. It's pricey and there's no all-you-can-eat buffet but the ingredients are organically grown (no pesticides). Their tasty menu has some eclectic raw recipes with a bit of Thai flair. The secluded setting is quite nice so it's conducive to long lunches or dinners (if you want your friend occupied and out of your hair).
[QUOTE=Tansak KTV]And secondly... this Vegan is an experienced fitness freak and the hotel gym's will probably not be good enough... anyone know if like california wow or other fitness places have day passes, week passes or month long passes.[/quote]If he's a dedicated fitness freak he probably won't be fooled by the usual useless collection of machines that decorate gyms to inflate membership head counts. Instead he might look for a hard core strength gym with basic benches and free barbells and dumbells. The non-franchise facilities are usually cheaper. Sorry, I can't recommend one right now. Or he might consider taking an [url=http://www.kettlestack.com/]adjustable kettle bell[/url] and buy some cheap plates or borrow them locally (if he's not accustomed to kettle bells, he won't need much, maybe 30 to 40 lbs). With various kettle bell exercises, he can focus on strength-endurance, static strength or power, and can perform an effective workout at a hotel gym (saving money). The handle itself is only 5 lbs and packs easily.
[QUOTE=Tansak KTV]Thanks I do know a little about thai's and thai culture (enough to know if anyone says they know how thai women think then I think they are a liar :) , or I'll say that I'm smart enough and have spent enough time there to know that I don't know it all) and I know many thai's are vegan's, I was looking for personal recommendations that's why I figured someone could come up with some names for me other then just a google listing. I know my associate can easily eat something vegan in every market and restaurant in Asia and BKK so I"m not too worried and I did google a few listings of places and will hopefully let him check them out while I go to my usual haunts. I'm no vegan and only know where to go in MNL and Ningbo China for him, he's never been to BKK and I never looked for true vegan type places. Unfortunately... he'll want me to tag along with him while he looks for some new culinary delights when I'd rather be with with TGF.
True Fitness was the other one I was looking at. the other option would be to go to president park where I hear they have a good fitness center that outsiders belong to. I hear they (true fitness and california wow) used to have a month pass but don't know about a week pass and don't know current practices.[/QUOTE]
A very unique place is the vegetarian Pizzeria. For example you can get a Four Seasons Pizza fully vegetarian with mock meat. It is not Vegan though, since it has cheese. I am sure they also do vegan dishes if you ask for it.
Govinda, 65/66 Sukhumvit Soi 22 (at near The Imperial Queen's Park Hotel, next to Regency Hotel) 662-6634970
For more (Very updated and comprehensive), see the vegetarian restaurant guide. Just google for "happycow" and it will be self explaining. They list vegan and non vegan vegetarian.
Wow... who would have thought that we had such an extensive group of knowledge here. Guess it goes to show you were not all the tank top wearing knuckle dragging mongers "some" folks think we are....
Thanks guys... I do know happycow but was wanting to check if folks have personal recommendations. And this is all great..... Thanks....
[QUOTE=Hummer Bird]Thanks Gamahucher,
Is the price cheaper in Bangkok than the US? Some serious price fluxing here between 359-500.
Cheers
Hummer[/QUOTE]
you will probably find a better price on Amazon.com because of the Thai import tax.
[QUOTE=Hummer Bird]Thanks Gamahucher,
Is the price cheaper in Bangkok than the US? Some serious price fluxing here between 359-500.
Cheers
Hummer[/QUOTE]
Hi Hummer,
Dunno. Bought mine in HK. HK$1,800. Imagine it would be a bit dearer in US.
GH
[QUOTE=Gamahucher]Hi Hummer,
Dunno. Bought mine in HK. HK$1,800. Imagine it would be a bit dearer in US.
GH[/QUOTE]
Shopping results for Sanyo Xacti CA65
Sanyo Xacti VPC/DMX-CA65 $340.00 - DigitalRev.com
Sanyo VPC-CA65 Xacti $559.37 - CameraExport
Xacti VPC-CA65 6.37 ... $244.20 - Preferred Photo
See Sanyo Xacti CA65 results available through Google Checkout
Current prices in USA. I guess it depends on the model.
[QUOTE=Gamahucher]Hi Hummer,
Dunno. Bought mine in HK. HK$1,800. Imagine it would be a bit dearer in US.
GH[/QUOTE]
Thanks, Gamahucher! Did you buy yours in the Duty Free, and if not does anybody know what kind of good deals can be had for camcorders and such there. Some say the good HK deals are now gone, but the states do not offer such great deals either.
I have also looked at the Canon HV 20 as an alternative, but it is much larger and not as friendly for stills and water lovin.
Most of us connect via HK on our way to Thailand, so might as well get something out of it besides $8 cups of coffee.
Hopefully others will find this info useful as well.
[QUOTE=Duniawala]Shopping results for Sanyo Xacti CA65
Sanyo Xacti VPC/DMX-CA65 $340.00 - DigitalRev.com
Sanyo VPC-CA65 Xacti $559.37 - CameraExport
Xacti VPC-CA65 6.37 ... $244.20 - Preferred Photo
See Sanyo Xacti CA65 results available through Google Checkout
Current prices in USA. I guess it depends on the model.[/QUOTE] Thanks Duniawala, I also did a google searchm, and
I almost got very very burned by the Preferred Photo above. Upon checkout they quadrupled my order, and found out these are not OEM stock. Buyer Beware!! After reasearching this toy I see that Gamma choose a great documenter device! The quality on t;he board should be going up soon with this new technology.
Cheers
Hummer
[QUOTE=Tansak KTV]2 Strange Questions....
I'm going to have a Vegetarian with me on one of my trips.... Anyone know of good place that has salad bars and / or such.... All I know is that LL has a salad bar. I know Thai food and he can do fine on the menu but I know this guy... he'll want more of a full blown Vegetable / Salad bar...
And secondly... this Vegan is a huge fitness freak and the hotel gym's will probably not be good enough... anyone know if like california wow or other fitness places have day passes, week passes or month long passes.
Will have a week trip and a 3 week trip there for work. Last time I traveled with this guy, he was a real handful and I need to give him something to do while I am with the TGF....[/QUOTE]Hi,
Being Hindu-Indian vegetarian I made myself a list of well-known vegetarian restaurants in Bangkok and Singapore. Much of this list was taken from the Happycow-site. You can use the Thai word "mangsavirat" to denote that you want/are vegetarian (in fact originally this word is Sanskrit).
Good luck and please let me know if this list was of any value to you:
The Whole Earth; 93/3 Soi Lang Suan, Ploenchit Rd.; 12 mins walk; Thai/Indian
02-252-5574; 11:30-14:00 / 17:30-23:00 Thai and Indian vegetarian/vegan dishes served.
Bawarchi, Hotel Intercontinental, 971 Ploenchit Road Indian & Zen Indian Chinese;
Food Centre, Central Department Store, 1F Central Department Store (TOPS), Chitlom Thai/Chinese Vegan. Vegetarian vendor at this food centre. 10-15 kinds of Thai/Chinese dishes and one soup noodles. Red rice.
Food Loft, Central Department Store, 7F Central Department Store, Chitlom Indian and Italian booths have dishes such as veg curry, dahl curry, veg samosas, tomato sauce pasta, Genovese pasta, margarita pizzas, veg soup
Amarin Plaza, Ploenchit Road ThaI
Food court, 3rd flr; 10-17;
Food City, Big C; 4F, Big C Ratchadamri Road Indian/Italian
Indian vendor called Mughal-Darbar at this food centre. Some vegetarian food from Spicio, Italian fast food place is available, too.
Mah Boon Krong Food Centre Top floor, 444 Phayathai Rd. Thai/Chinese
Food Centre, Vegan 10:30-21:30
Nova Kitchen, MBK 6th flr Phayathai Rd.; Chinese,
11-21
Ploenchit Center Sukhumvit Soi 2, 6th flr Thai
Veg food stall in food court
Al-Humaidan 4 Sukhumwit Soi 3 Egyptian
6555380; 10 - 02 . Arabian salads, hummous, foul.
Al-Husaini Sukhumvit Soi 3/1 Indian, Arab,
07-03
Nasir Al-Masri & Shisha 4/6 Sukhumvit Soi 3/1 Egyptian,
07-04
Bollywood, Sukhumvit Soi 4 Indian;
150m on rhs
Bukharah’s, Sukhumvit near Soi 7 Indian
India Today, corner Sukhumvit Soi 8 Indian
Above tailor shop.
Indian Garden, 15-17 Sukhumvit Soi 8 Indian
0-2653-3565; lhs;
Bawarchi, Am Plaza Sukhumwit Soi 11 Indian
10-02
Mrs. Balbir’s Sukhumvit Soi 11/1 Indian
Cheap
Dosa King ; 265/1, Sukumvit Soi 11/1, Indian,
Vegan-friendly ; 02-6511700; 11-23
Pasand, Sukhumvit Soi 12 Indian;
above Value Mart on corner soi 12;
Cabbages & Condoms, Sukhumvit Soi 12 Thai
11-22; 02-2294611
Crepes&Co ; 18/1 Sukhumvit Soi 12 French / Mediterranean ;
02-653-3990-1; 09-24 Some crepes are vegetarian. 400m rhs.
Sunrise Tacos, 236/3-4 Sukhumvit Road, near Soi 12 Mexican ;
Near Times Square; 02-229-4851; also vegetarian burrito’s
Rang Mahal ; 26F Rembrandt Hotel , Sukhumvit Soi 18 Indian;
02-261-7100; 11:30-1430, 1830-22
Shri Ganesh Restaurant, 392/23-24 Sukhumvit Soi 20/1 (between soi 18 and soi 20) South-Indian;
02-258-1425
Tamarind Cafe, 27 Sukhumvit Soi 20 Thai/Western
02-663-7421, 11-24 Expensive
Komala's; 15 Sukhumvit Soi 20 lhs, halfway down South Indian
Vegan; Fast food style South Indian. Nice and cheap food like dosa, veg burger, samosas. 02-663-5971; mon-fri: 11-22; sat-sun: 10-23;
Govinda , 22 Village, Sukhumvit Soi 22 Italian
02 663 4970; 18-24, closed Tue;, Vegan-friendly; All veg pizzas, pasta, mains and desserts! Mock chicken dishes
Lemongrass, 5/1 Sukhumwit 24, 2588637
Vegetarian meals on request. Opp. Emporium.
Kwan Imm Jae, 6/15 Sukhumvit Soi 24/1 Chinese
02 259 6466; 11-14 & 17:30-22:30
Indus 71 Sukhumvit Soi 26 (nr. Four Wings Hotel) Indian
02-258-4900; Expensive and very cosy Indian.
Hazara ; Sukhumvit soi 38 BTS Thonglor / 5 mins walk ; Indian;
02-713-6048; 18:30-23:30 Located at the Face (Face Bar, Lana Thai Rest. and Spa). Very nice atomosphere and delicious food.
Rasayana 57 Sukhumvit Soi 39 , Soi Phrom Mit, sub-Soi of Sukhumvit Soi 39 Raw Food Cafe;
Vegan, Organic; B100-200/dinner; 02-662-4803-5; 09-20. Outdoor cafe.
Lemon Farm Sukhumvit Soi 39 , Soi Phrom Sri, sub-Soi of Sukhumvit Soi 39
When reaching traffic Lights in soi 39 turn right (opp. street). 02-2041056
Big John’s Home Baked Pies & Guesthouse 159/12 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (soi 9 lhs) Thai, International;
02-392651; Mashed potatoes, pea soup, veg. Spaghetti, tofu burger, mock meat; 07-02
Tienjang Jae Food, 159/15 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (soi 9) Chinese/Thai;
02-382-1242; Small place; friendly; Mock meat dishes; Just before sub soi 9 A few shops in the corner.
Chijuya, 333/4 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (soi 17) Japanese, Taiwanese
02-259-6466; 2nd flr, Fifty-Fifth Plaza 11:30-14:30 / 17:30-21:30, Vegan-friendly; Delicious Japanese and Taiwanese veg food. Sushi, tempura, many mock meat/fish dishes, etc.
Mango Tree, 37 Soi Tantawan Surawongse Road,
02-236-2820. Separate pages in menu for vegs. Good atmosphere.
Bio Kitchen & Bakery, 425/15 Soi Phipat Silom Thai and international.
11-22:30
Namkang 5/3-4 Soi Phipat Soi 3, Silom Korean
2331480/2331483; 10-14 & 17:30–22. Variety of veg dishes like kimchi, seaweed soup, fried tofu with spicy dip, fried nori, pickles etc.
Aim-Boon Vegetarian Restaurant, 1497 Rama 4 (at Soi Chula 11 corner, nr. Th. Phayathai) Vegan, Chinese
02-2154296; Open Tue-Sun 09-19 closed Monday.
Suki Jeh Ru , Rama 4, 285 Soi Phraya Singhaseni Street, Chinese, Thai
(Opp. Bangkok Centre Hotel, north of Rama 4 Rd. near Hua Lampong railway & MRTA station)
02-2191721, 086-0689384. Open daily 09-22, except Wed from 17:30. Subway to "Hua Lamphong", exit 3, backtrack on Rama 4 (head east) for about 70 m. to Soi Trokphrayasinghaseni, turn left, restaurant is on the right with a sign in English, "Vegetarian”.
Yogi, 62 Soi Putha Osoth Surawongse Road Indian.
02-2361809. Closed Mon; 1130-21
Chennai Kitchen, 52/24 Thanon Pan Silom Bangrak South Indian;
02-2364299; 10-15; 18-2130
Mashoor, 38 Thanon Pan Silom Bangrak South Indian;
02-2349304; About 6 doors from the Indian Mariammam temple.
Slimbo, 29/18-21 Soi Sunvichai, Thai/Chinese
02-2030917. 11-24.
Anotai; 976/17 Soi Rama 9 Hospital, Hwaykwang MRT Rama 9 Thai, Organic,
Vegan-friendly ; 02-641-5366-70; 11:30-21:30 Closed Wed. Hidden place on west side of Rama 9 Hospital. Organic veggies ! Thai dishes, fruit juice and desserts.
Om Boon Vegetarian Food, 130/26-27 Phayathai Road (nr. Phayathai BTS)
02-2156988; Mon-Sat: 10-14;16-21; Closed sun; Extended hours during vegetarian festival;
Sirukul Mangsavirat, Tra Jae Food Centre next to Vanich Building TV3, New Petchaburi Road Thai;
02-9825094;
Robinson Department Store (Tops), Ratchadapisek Road Thai
Vegetarian Food-stall in Tops Supermarket - basement; 11-22
Taketei; 117/1 Tanao Rd., Banglampoo, near Khao Sarn Rd. Japanese
Aircon bus 511&512, ordinary bus 2,39,10&12 ; B50-100/dish ; 02-932-86731; 11:30-25:00
Go there if you want cheap Japanese vegetarian food in Khao Sarn area. Watch out for fish stock (katsuo-dashi) !
May Kaidee's Vegetarian Restaurant ; 117/1 Tanao Rd., Banglampoo, near Khao Sarn Rd. Thai,
Vegan-friendly Aircon bus 511&512, ordinary bus 2,39,10&12 ; B50-60/dish ; 02-932-86731; 8:30-22:00 Located at the back of Burger King. Standard Thai dishes such as Pad Thai (fried noodles), curries, mango desserts, etc. available with reasonable price.
Cafe Corner Samsen Road, Soi 2 (near Khao Sarn Rd) Thai, International,
Vegan-friendly ; B100/lunch or dinner ; 01-3424755; 07-25; Relaxing cafe, Thai and light Western meals.
[QUOTE=Hummer Bird]Thanks, Gamahucher! Did you buy yours in the Duty Free, and if not does anybody know what kind of good deals can be had for camcorders and such there. Some say the good HK deals are now gone, but the states do not offer such great deals either.
I have also looked at the Canon HV 20 as an alternative, but it is much larger and not as friendly for stills and water lovin.
Most of us connect via HK on our way to Thailand, so might as well get something out of it besides $8 cups of coffee.
Hopefully others will find this info useful as well.[/QUOTE]
Hi Hummer,
Nah bought in down in Mongkok, might have been a grey import but at that price who cares and it works fine and has a full HK warranty anyway. You could also get it at Gateway but the price was about HK$300 more. Sanyo are shortly replacing this model but did some research online and the newer model didn't have that many improvements to justify the higher price so decided not to wait.
Might be obtainable in HK airport duty free but the price will probably be higher. GH
[QUOTE=Satrai2000]Hi,
Being Hindu-Indian vegetarian I made myself a list of well-known vegetarian restaurants in Bangkok and Singapore. Much of this list was taken from the Happycow-site. You can use the Thai word "mangsavirat" to denote that you want/are vegetarian (in fact originally this word is Sanskrit).
Good luck and please let me know if this list was of any value to you:[/QUOTE]
Wow... besides saying thank you how about a drink next trip if we are around same time....
[QUOTE=Satrai2000]
Mrs. Balbir’s Sukhumvit Soi 11/1 Indian
Cheap
[/QUOTE]
One of my favorites restaurants in BKK. She is quite famous and the food is excellent. However, I don't remember it being particularly cheap. A little expensive, but well worth the price.
Hello,
Once a Thai gf did take me to a Thai veg restaurant close to a hospital. I think it was called anothai. They did indeed have a nice selection of cakes too. This is way better than tamarind allthough tamarind is not bad but just to expensive same same like their branch in hanoi.
If you will go by taxi better go straight to anothai. A really nice atmosphere not like sukhumvit area. The real Thai religion is not budhism but money if you stick to the tourist spot.
Greetings,
Frits
[QUOTE=Retired Army]One of my favorites restaurants in BKK. She is quite famous and the food is excellent. However, I don't remember it being particularly cheap. A little expensive, but well worth the price.[/QUOTE]
Does she still do the Indian buffet on Sunday? I haven't been in ages. That used to be a very good deal.
[QUOTE=Old Thai Hand]Does she still do the Indian buffet on Sunday? I haven't been in ages. That used to be a very good deal.[/QUOTE]
I don't know. Cheap Charlies is closed on Sunday so I don't have a reason to go to Soi 11. Sunday is usually reserved for the Londoner or Bourbon Street, and of course, church.
[QUOTE=Fritsvanegter]Hello,
Once a Thai gf did take me to a Thai veg restaurant close to a hospital. I think it was called anothai. They did indeed have a nice selection of cakes too. This is way better than tamarind allthough tamarind is not bad but just to expensive same same like their branch in hanoi.
If you will go by taxi better go straight to anothai. A really nice atmosphere not like sukhumvit area. The real Thai religion is not budhism but money if you stick to the tourist spot.
Greetings,
Frits[/QUOTE]Yes, I think this restaurant is Anothai (see my list - it's located next to Hare Rama IX hospital). They have a good menu indeed.
[QUOTE=Tansak KTV]Wow... besides saying thank you how about a drink next trip if we are around same time....[/QUOTE]I'll be in Bkk from June 6th- June 9th. In fact I'll be there for the International Indian Filmfare Awards.
[QUOTE=Satrai2000]I'll be in Bkk from June 6th- June 9th. In fact I'll be there for the International Indian Filmfare Awards.[/QUOTE]
I will miss you by a few days....
Since the topic of restaurants has come up, can anyone recommend a decent but not over 1,000 baht per person French restaurant in Bkk?
I went looking for a place called Cafe de Paris in Patpong area but couldn't find it - I think maybe it has been destroyed.
[QUOTE=Retired Army]One of my favorites restaurants in BKK. She is quite famous and the food is excellent. However, I don't remember it being particularly cheap. A little expensive, but well worth the price.[/QUOTE]
Balbir is not cheap and the food is ok. Nothing great. In fact, Bukhara is about the same price range, but the food is much better. IMHO, a much better value is Dosa King across the road from Balbir's.
[QUOTE=Opebo]...can anyone recommend a decent but not over 1,000 baht per person French restaurant in Bkk?/QUOTE]I like to eat at Indigo. It's down at the end of an alley across from Coyote's Restaurant on Silom Soi Convent. You can eat there for 1K baht, not including wine.
[QUOTE=Opebo]Since the topic of restaurants has come up, can anyone recommend a decent but not over 1,000 baht per person French restaurant in Bkk?
I went looking for a place called Cafe de Paris in Patpong area but couldn't find it - I think maybe it has been destroyed.[/QUOTE]
Nic Frenchy recommends some posh restaurants including a French One:
[url]http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/showpost.php?p=733579&postcount=217[/url]
But I'm sure it will be too expensive. :D
Why would you want to waste good mongering money on food? :confused:
[QUOTE=Mick Licker]Nic Frenchy recommends some posh restaurants including a French One:
[url]http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/showpost.php?p=733579&postcount=217[/url]
But I'm sure it will be too expensive. :D
Why would you want to waste good mongering money on food? :confused:[/QUOTE]
Expensive indeed. I end up paying about 5 to 7k for 2 persons (Aperitif, Apps, Main, Dessert, Wine)
But you can keep under 1000 per persons (without wine and by ordering 2 appetisers instead of 1 appetizer and 1 main).
Yes it is!
After looking again through this forum, I decided to take note of the comments by Mr. Licker and give Tulip a go.
Monday afternoon, public holiday in BKK, what else is one to do?
Anyway my experience is very similiar to those noted by Mr. Licker et al, so I won't bore you with the details. Suffice to say that the front entrance and rooms aren't as grotty as I imagined they would be. I wasn't given any choice of companion when I arrived, I assumed there wasn't many on due to the public holiday. Tuk was the poor woman who had to entertain me or 2 hours, cost 800TBH for the room, and 1500THB for Tuk.
Money well spent, but I came to the conclusion during the session that this porn star stuff ain't for me. Sure it was good novelity value, but not too sure I would make a regular thing of it. Just my opinion only.
Stykler
Any oily massage, always ask for the photo book.
If you do not ask, you do not get to choose.
Obviously Mama has to try to keep the work "evenly" shared, and so if you do not ask for the book, she will give you one of the girls who has not been busy lately. Some may like that "thought". I prefer to choose from the photo's. Or of course ask to see them all in a line up, which in Tulip means going downstairs.
[QUOTE=Stykler]Yes it is!
After looking again through this forum, I decided to take note of the comments by Mr. Licker and give Tulip a go.
Monday afternoon, public holiday in BKK, what else is one to do?
Anyway my experience is very similiar to those noted by Mr. Licker et al, so I won't bore you with the details. Suffice to say that the front entrance and rooms aren't as grotty as I imagined they would be. I wasn't given any choice of companion when I arrived, I assumed there wasn't many on due to the public holiday. Tuk was the poor woman who had to entertain me or 2 hours, cost 800TBH for the room, and 1500THB for Tuk.
Money well spent, but I came to the conclusion during the session that this porn star stuff ain't for me. Sure it was good novelity value, but not too sure I would make a regular thing of it. Just my opinion only.
Stykler[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=NicFrenchy]Expensive indeed. I end up paying about 5 to 7k for 2 persons (Aperitif, Apps, Main, Dessert, Wine)
But you can keep under 1000 per persons (without wine and by ordering 2 appetisers instead of 1 appetizer and 1 main).[/QUOTE]
I wouldn't want to order two appetizers. 3,000 for a man alone wouldn't be too off putting if the food were truly excellent. But do you know any nice little bistros, less over the top, where the normal price would be 1,000 or less? Of course such places exist in Pattaya, but perhaps not in Bangkok, where dining is much more problematic.
[QUOTE=Duniawala]Balbir is not cheap and the food is ok. Nothing great. In fact, Bukhara is about the same price range, but the food is much better. IMHO, a much better value is Dosa King across the road from Balbir's.[/QUOTE]Balbir used to be reasonably cheap but I think that's a couple of years ago. I understood that the owner used to give cooking-lessons on television.
Have you or anyone else on this board ever visited Komala's in Sukhumvit Soi 20?
I only know the Komala's in Singapore: a chain of about about three restaurants. I can say they have good (south-) Indian fast food!
[QUOTE=Opebo] But do you know any nice little bistros, less over the top, where the normal price would be 1,000 or less? Of course such places exist in Pattaya, but perhaps not in Bangkok, where dining is much more problematic.[/QUOTE]
Unfortunately I am not aware of any Bistros that would be 1,000 or less, I wish there was one.
This is why I am going back..
[url]http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8095188703765276434&hl=en[/url]
DA
Strange Questions I know. But I know of the dentists... but anyone ever go to any eye doctor for an eye check up. I'm in one of those banana republic places and don't have real doctors and I'll be in BKK for a long time so thought I'd update my glasses. Any suggestions.
Staying around Soi 22 area but will go anywhere. If I'm not mistaken I've seen some of those quick eye places in some of the shops (maybe Siam's or Emporium or Zen) but can't remember exactly. And looking for one that won't blow the wallet and is an actual good shop with selection of frames.
Thanks guys....
[QUOTE=Tansak KTV]Strange Questions I know. But I know of the dentists... but anyone ever go to any eye doctor for an eye check up. I'm in one of those banana republic places and don't have real doctors and I'll be in BKK for a long time so thought I'd update my glasses. Any suggestions.
Staying around Soi 22 area but will go anywhere. If I'm not mistaken I've seen some of those quick eye places in some of the shops (maybe Siam's or Emporium or Zen) but can't remember exactly. And looking for one that won't blow the wallet and is an actual good shop with selection of frames.
Thanks guys....[/QUOTE]
There's a 'Top Charoen' (chain of eyewear places all over Thailand) on soi 22 on the West side across form the motorcycle taxi stand, close to the Suk intersection. They aren't too expensive. I usually buy my contacts there.
[QUOTE=Tansak KTV]I'm in one of those banana republic places and don't have real doctors and I'll be in BKK for a long time so thought I'd update my glasses. [/QUOTE]
I've had several pairs of glasses made in Bangkok over the years and have always been pleased with the result.
The last pair I got was at a place called World, I think, which is over the railroad tracks on the left hand side at the top end of Sukhumvit, that is past Soi 2 going towards the city. I could be wrong about the name, but there's no confusion, there's no other optician in that spot. The woman spoke excellent English and it only took a day or two.
If you want to go the whole nine yards and see an eye doctor to get a new prescription, go to the eye department at Bumrungrad Hospital. It's not the cheapest hospital in Bangkok but the only one I have personal experience of.
The optician shops have computers and whatnot that will read your prescription, but the advantage of the eye doctor is that they put some drops in your eyes that zero the influence of whatever specs you are currently wearing and then they get your prescription.
[QUOTE=Tansak KTV]Strange Questions I know. But I know of the dentists... but anyone ever go to any eye doctor for an eye check up. I'm in one of those banana republic places and don't have real doctors and I'll be in BKK for a long time so thought I'd update my glasses. Any suggestions.
Staying around Soi 22 area but will go anywhere. If I'm not mistaken I've seen some of those quick eye places in some of the shops (maybe Siam's or Emporium or Zen) but can't remember exactly. And looking for one that won't blow the wallet and is an actual good shop with selection of frames.
Thanks guys....[/QUOTE]
Top Charoen Shops are all over thailand. Their prices range from very reasonable to down-right expensive. if you are going to be in Thailand for a while why don't you check into Lasik Surgery at Bumrungrad. I did several years ago and am glad that I had the surgery.
[QUOTE=Retired Army]Top Charoen Shops are all over thailand. Their prices range from very reasonable to down-right expensive. if you are going to be in Thailand for a while why don't you check into Lasik Surgery at Bumrungrad. I did several years ago and am glad that I had the surgery.[/QUOTE]
Thanks, I head to LOS for work often, not holiday or vacation, so going blind for a few days isn't an option ;) ;) of course work might be better off if I was blind.... I seriously just don't have much time available between work and GF to have any long term medical work done.
I will have knee surgery in Thailand hopefully later this year and then will have time to do more items like this.
[QUOTE=Tansak KTV]Thanks, I head to LOS for work often, not holiday or vacation, so going blind for a few days isn't an option ;) ;) of course work might be better off if I was blind.... I seriously just don't have much time available between work and GF to have any long term medical work done.
I will have knee surgery in Thailand hopefully later this year and then will have time to do more items like this.[/QUOTE]
I was back at work the next day after my Lasik surgery. Went to Bumrungrad about 17:00 on a Friday evening. Had the surgery and was home by about 21:00. Was given a sleeping pill, woke up Saturday morning and went back to Bumrungrad to have my eyes cleaned and checked. By Monday morning I was back at work and seeing perfectly. Had to sleep with these stupid eye cups for a week or so and several trips back to the doctor for checks ups; but, overall it was pretty straight forward. If you are going to have knee surgery why not kill two birds with one stone and get both done at the same time?
[QUOTE=Retired Army]I was back at work the next day after my Lasik surgery. Went to Bumrungrad about 17:00 on a Friday evening. Had the surgery and was home by about 21:00. Was given a sleeping pill, woke up Saturday morning and went back to Bumrungrad to have my eyes cleaned and checked. By Monday morning I was back at work and seeing perfectly. Had to sleep with these stupid eye cups for a week or so and several trips back to the doctor for checks ups; but, overall it was pretty straight forward. If you are going to have knee surgery why not kill two birds with one stone and get both done at the same time?[/QUOTE]
I'll second that. I was also told not to go swimming for a month and use lots of eye drops to keep them wet. My insurance paid 3.000 euros to the doctor and about 5.000 to me. That was 3 years back.
The long sight was fully corrected and the short one (reading) by half.
[QUOTE=Retired Army]If you are going to have knee surgery why not kill two birds with one stone and get both done at the same time?[/QUOTE]
That's what I mean, this trip can not do the eye surgery... when I get the knee done then I can do lots of different things as I'll be laid up for a while. Have the option of going to Thai or Manila.... hum.... know girls in both places but GF is in thai.....
I agree the Lasik process is pretty straight-forward. I had it done at Bumrungrad a few years ago.
However it was not a success. One eye was not improved at all, so I'm still wearing glasses.
Be aware that Bumrungrad will re-do the process for nothing if the result does not fall within certain parameters, but I was not told that this offer was time limited.
From memory it was 12 months.
I didn't get back to Thailand during the following year, and when I did, some 14 months later, they turned me down flat.
Read the fine print.
[QUOTE=Lama Di Bali]I agree the Lasik process is pretty straight-forward. I had it done at Bumrungrad a few years ago.
However it was not a success. One eye was not improved at all, so I'm still wearing glasses.
Be aware that Bumrungrad will re-do the process for nothing if the result does not fall within certain parameters, but I was not told that this offer was time limited.
From memory it was 12 months.
I didn't get back to Thailand during the following year, and when I did, some 14 months later, they turned me down flat.
Read the fine print.[/QUOTE]
A good doctor will examine your eyes thoroughly before doing the Lasik. If there is any chance of not getting the result he/she will let you know first. In my case I had it done in India 3 years ago and I had to go thru different eye exams for three times before the doctor said it was ok. And it cost me only $600 for both eyes.
I am afraid that the Burumgrad just wanted to make a quick buck off you.
Re Glasses,
I have purchased many at Top Charon but last year went to another place, sorry can't remember name, maby someone else can help, First optical store on the left as you enter Walking Street in Pattaya. These shops are all over Pattaya and Bangkok and were 50% or more less than Top Charon. They also offered glass lenses which Top Charon did not. I will find the name.
Cactus J
I would like to check in to a Hotel for the 7 hour Transit layover. Anyone know if the new Suvarnabhumi Airport has a Hotel attached to it?
Thanks.
Novotel very close couple of minutes, regular shuttle outside.
[QUOTE=BKKguru]I would like to check in to a Hotel for the 7 hour Transit layover. Anyone know if the new Suvarnabhumi Airport has a Hotel attached to it?
Thanks.[/QUOTE]
Every major airport has a hotel close by!
What a waste of a good opportunity for mongering on a grand scale even for just a few hours. Then could get a pill to help sleep on the plane.
I do have an occasional gik who could drive to the airport hotel if necessary I suppose.
The Optical store I was trying to think of is Beautiful Optical. They are ib both BKK abd Pattaya.
Cactus J
I think i never saw this mentioned in the forum, i am afraid of letting my laptop in the room, perhaps some hotels have a big safety box , but if i go and travel throughout Thailand, i won't find such hotels.
Should i be afraid ? Or should i expect people won't stole things in my room ?
[QUOTE=Montecristo]I think i never saw this mentioned in the forum, i am afraid of letting my laptop in the room, perhaps some hotels have a big safety box , but if i go and travel throughout Thailand, i won't find such hotels.
Should i be afraid ? Or should i expect people won't stole things in my room ?[/QUOTE]
You can make your laptop much more difficult to steal if you buy a steel cord (available at computer stores) which attaches to the machine after wrapping around a pipe or other non moveable object in your room.
All the big Thai optical chains with employees working on sales commissions are fairly sleazy, IMO. Top Charoen is the biggest and, to my mind, the worst of the bunch. Just ask any reputable optometrist what they think of the quality of the house-brand products sold there.
You'll pay more at independent shops but you'll almost certainly get better products, better service and less sales pressure.
[QUOTE=Betong]All the big Thai optical chains with employees working on sales commissions are fairly sleazy, IMO. Top Charoen is the biggest and, to my mind, the worst of the bunch. Just ask any reputable optometrist what they think of the quality of the house-brand products sold there.
You'll pay more at independent shops but you'll almost certainly get better products, better service and less sales pressure.[/QUOTE]
It depends on which branch of Top Charoen you're talking about. I shopped for years at Top Charoen on Sukhumvit soi 22; always got good service and good quality and was never once pressured to buy anything.
Good news for us Yank expats, tourists, and mongers who depend on the greenback -- The US dollar is starting to slowly creep higher finally against the Thai baht. The rate is over 33 baht to the $ today. Perhaps the dollar will rise to 40 baht again making life even cheaper for us in the LOS.
[QUOTE=Daddy07]Good news for us Yank expats, tourists, and mongers who depend on the greenback -- The US dollar is starting to slowly creep higher finally against the Thai baht. The rate is over 33 baht to the $ today. Perhaps the dollar will rise to 40 baht again making life even cheaper for us in the LOS.[/QUOTE]
Well, let's hope not for those of us who actually work here and earn our money locally and have to send some home.
[QUOTE=Old Thai Hand]Well, let's hope not for those of us who actually work here and earn our money locally and have to send some home.[/QUOTE]
Not to worry, OTH, since you are leaving us anyway to Dubai, remember? :D
[QUOTE=Daddy07]Not to worry, OTH, since you are leaving us anyway to Dubai, remember? :D[/QUOTE]
For the moment, I'm still here and hope the baht goes down to 25/$ which is what it was when I arrived here.
I work here and would love to see 40 to the dollar. For one thing I think it is crazy to rely on something as tenuous as a job, particularly a job in Thailand. One's chances of being fired due to office politics and so forth is very high here. For another thing, who can send money back to North America making $1,200 a month?
[QUOTE=Opebo]For another thing, who can send money back to North America making $1,200 a month?[/QUOTE]
$1,200/month. really? That's all? You poor, poor guy. :)
[QUOTE=Old Thai Hand]For the moment, I'm still here and hope the baht goes down to 25/$ which is what it was when I arrived here.[/QUOTE]
So it appears that the demise of the Thai baht corresponds directly with when you arrived in the country and therefore is not likely to recover as long as you stay. ;)
[QUOTE=Daddy07]So it appears that the demise of the Thai baht corresponds directly with when you arrived in the country and therefore is not likely to recover as long as you stay. ;)[/QUOTE]
Good one. :D
[QUOTE=Old Thai Hand]$1,200/month. really? That's all? You poor, poor guy. :)[/QUOTE]
Oh I don't feel so bad, as I certainly have plenty of company, most farangs in Thailand making roughly that amount.
[QUOTE=Old Thai Hand]For the moment, I'm still here and hope the baht goes down to 25/$ which is what it was when I arrived here.[/QUOTE]The baht was 25/$ when I first starting visiting The Land of Smails. I would be OK to go back to those days if the price for the ladies was still 600 bht and barfines were still 300 bht.
Fooolishman
[QUOTE=Opebo]Oh I don't feel so bad, as I certainly have plenty of company, most farangs in Thailand making roughly that amount.[/QUOTE]
We've had this discussion before. But, there are a lot of Farangs in private business as well as those teaching at my level making a hell of a lot more. Most of the expats I see around town are earning good money. Otherwise, they wouldn't be able to fill all those high-rent condos all over town. I'd say the same is true of places like Hua Hin, Phuket and Chiang Mai, as well.
It seems that only the young 20/30 somethings teaching ESL are making such lowly wages. Aren't you a little old to be among this lot?
Even my GF, when she finishes school in a couple of months will start working for a salary of 32,000 and she's a Thai and only 23.
Any Farang above the age of 30 staying here for a paltry 35,000/month is an idiot and loser.
[QUOTE=Opebo]Oh I don't feel so bad, as I certainly have plenty of company, most farangs in Thailand making roughly that amount.[/QUOTE]
Well, most Farangs I know make above 100k thb / month
[QUOTE=Old Thai Hand]Any Farang above the age of 30 staying here for a paltry 35,000/month is an idiot and loser[/quote]
I wouldn't go that far but 35k/month certainly is very little.... it wouldn't even cover my rent (without utilities)
[QUOTE=NicFrenchy]Well, most Farangs I know make above 100k thb / month
I wouldn't go that far but 35k/month certainly is very little.... it wouldn't even cover my rent (without utilities)[/QUOTE]
Yes, perhaps a little harsh. But, Opebo constantly yammers on about most Farang making only 30-35,000, failing to realize that most of those are young ESL teachers here for a year or two to get some experience and have a bit of an adventure. The turn-over of these type is quite considerable. Most long-time expats only stay here because they earn enough money to make it worth their while: i.e. at least the 100,000/month that you mention, and most likely a lot more than that.
[QUOTE=Old Thai Hand]...Farang making only 30-35,000, ... most of those are young ESL teachers here for a year or two to get some experience and have a bit of an adventure.[/QUOTE]
Not at all. Virtually every farang teacher I have met up country is over 30, with the great majority being much older than me (that is, over 40). And they all make 30-35k, and are of course greatly envied and resented by the Thais for the huge salary.
[QUOTE=Opebo]Not at all. Virtually every farang teacher I have met up country is over 30, with the great majority being much older than me (that is, over 40). And they all make 30-35k, and are of course greatly envied and resented by the Thais for the huge salary.[/QUOTE]
Unless they have money stashed away or are retired and on a pension and are merely teaching for something to do (and to get a work permit and visa, perhaps), these individuals are just underachieving wasters, IMO.
One wonders what motivates a 40-something man (99% are men, afterall) to come here and work for such a paltry sum. A criminal record, perhaps?
Admittedly 35,000/month provides an ok lifestyle upcountry. But, you still can't save anything and can't go anywhere. So what happens? These guys fritter away their lives, and suddenly find themselves in their 50s and 60s without a pot to [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140][CodeWord140][/url] in or a wall to throw it over. I've seen it happen all too often here.
I repeat. At that age, unless one's making at least 100k/month here, one should be doing something better with one's life.
[QUOTE=Old Thai Hand]One wonders what motivates a 40-something man (99% are men, afterall) to come here and work for such a paltry sum. A criminal record, perhaps?[/quote]
No, Thai women, in some cases prostitutes, in some cases 'not', motivate them, obviously.
[quote]Admittedly 35,000/month provides an ok lifestyle upcountry. But, you still can't save anything and can't go anywhere. So what happens? These guys fritter away their lives, and suddenly find themselves in their 50s and 60s without a pot to [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140][CodeWord140][/url] in or a wall to throw it over. I've seen it happen all too often here.[/quote]
The thing is they wouldn't have a pot to [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140][CodeWord140][/url] in back home anyway. Lots of people have very low incomes, particularly in the US. Back there I doubt I could make more than double the $1,200/month I make here, and the cost of living is four times as much. So the other reason besides sex that guys teach here is that though the job is horrible, the standard of living is much higher than they would have back home.
[QUOTE=Opebo]So the other reason besides sex that guys teach here is that though the job is horrible, the standard of living is much higher than they would have back home.[/QUOTE]
Quality of Life is also an issue. Some have a better quality of life living in Asia or such even if they do not have a high standard of living. I know I would go nuts living in America again.
"go nuts" maybe, but "go broke" if NOT. :)
as a German saying goes "Schaffen, schaffen Hausle bauen"
("work hard and make your own little place" - more or less) No work, no money - no money, no honey.
It's why I keep coming back to both places ;)
[QUOTE=Tansak KTV]Quality of Life is also an issue. Some have a better quality of life living in Asia or such even if they do not have a high standard of living. I know I would go nuts living in America again.[/QUOTE]
Got it in one. Quality of life and degree of basic satisfaction (i.e happiness) with ones lot are a lot more relevant than the degree of luxury of ones surroundings or size of ones monthly pay check. I have met guys on big money who are as miserable as sin and guys who don't 'have a pot to [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140][CodeWord140][/url] in' but are happy and content with their lot.
Must admit that the degree of arrogance and smug self satisfaction displayed by some members of this forum fair take the breath away! GH
With a good credit score and an average household income you'd be amazed at how much unsecured loans the banks will give you. If you aren't planning to return home, you could always build up your credit lines and max them out. I've heard of people with average incomes getting up to $250k in credit cards. At 5% interest, you'd be making 33k baht a month for the rest of your life without lifting a finger!
I tought this could be of interest to members here in the Forum:
[url]http://www.pattayaghost.com/2008/06/24/police-hunting-down-pattaya-message-board-porn-posters/[/url]
"If you thought your password made it safe for you to post nude photos of your Thai teerak on a Pattaya Internet message board, think again. Pattaya police not only have “Level 2″ access, but some enterprising officers are hunting down amateur pornographers and their models and demanding payoffs under threat of jail time.
“They’re going around all the bars looking for the girls and then getting the girls to tell them who shot the photos,” said New Living Dolls One owner Shane (aka “Alan Lad”). “Then they’re hitting the girls up for small amounts of money and the farangs for big money.”
Shane was summoned to his go-go one afternoon last week to meet with an officer well-known to Pattaya Waking Street bar owners. The officer came armed with color printouts of Internet message board pages featuring nude, hotel shots of a former NLD1 dancer and wanted copies of her ID card and her current address.
Shane said he refused to cough up the ID card copies and sent the officer on his way after telling him he didn’t know where the woman currently worked.
Shane said, however, his found his former dancer about two days later and learned the police had found her working for her current Soi Diamond employer. “Her face just fell when she saw me,” he said. The dancer said the officer had threatened to arrest her on pornography charges unless she paid a fine and told him who shot the photos, where and when.
Police have increasingly been monitoring all Thailand internet traffic since the passage of the new Computer Crime Act last year. Under the new law, police or government officials can seize computers from homes and offices without a warrant if the machines are suspected of containing pornographic material or evidence connected to criminal activities or cyber crimes.
The new law has already spawned widespread abuse, with owners of Internet cafes all over Thailand complaining that police are seizing computers after planting porn on the machines during “inspections” and then demanding large payoffs to get the computers back.
Message boards such as the Pattaya Secrets, Pattaya Adicts and some others do not allow nude photos to be posted on the “open” Level 1, which anyone can access with a simple e-mail address. Members are promoted by board administrators to higher levels where explicit photos can, and regularly are, uploaded.
However, “Level 2” only offers a false sense of security, as Secrets continually fights a tide of members showing Level 2 and even exclusive “Level 3” posts to non-members, other boards and even girls whose photos are taken without permission. Complaints lodged with police by the victims of such photos are suspected to be one reason why all the message boards are now under the police microscope.
The police officer’s printouts clearly showed police have gained access to a “Level 2″ somewhere, most likely by obtaining passwords from the increasing numbers of Pattaya ex-pats arrested on sexually-related crimes.
This month’s arrest of American Todd Arthur Williams on Internet pornography charges is just an example of how the police are working to stamp out Net porn. Williams has been identified as a member of Pattaya Secrets, Teak Door, Pattaya Addicts and probably other Pattaya and Thai boards. According to the more than four dozen comments posted here on The Pattaya Ghost’s article on Willaims’ arrest, Williams is now thought to be cooperating with police, providing names of other Net pornographers and passwords to various free and for-pay online forums.
Tourists are obviously less at risk of police persecution than locals, provided they post their sexy photos after they’ve left the country. Yet if police track down the hotel at which the photos were taken, they can obtain copies of passports and passport numbers, making it possible the tourist might be blacklisted or arrested upon return to Thailand.
For ex-pats the risks are even higher. Guys who delight in showing off their latest conquest now run a real risk of getting an unwelcome knock on the door."
Happy Hunting,
HF
This story reminds of WHY they make "whole disk encryption" programs. The computer won't even BOOT without the PASSWORD. Nothing goes IN and NOTHING comes OUT without BOOTING
Thats scary news..
Use Tor
torproject.org
In hell they wont be able to catch anything we do if we are using TOR
[QUOTE=NicFrenchy]Well, most Farangs I know make above 100k thb / month
I wouldn't go that far but 35k/month certainly is very little.... it wouldn't even cover my rent (without utilities)[/QUOTE]100G THB. Wow. Evidently your circle is very small, in a number of ways.
So you can blow over 35K/mo on rent, more than Opebo & most farangs teaching English make overall. I am so impressed!
I wonder if you think your business is providing such a benefit to society.
So you might be able to live a little bit more comfortably, have a few more or better toys {e. G. Mercedes instead of Honda}, be able to waste dollars on expensive restaurants, etc. So what?
Or in OTH's case, saving for a retirement that may never cum. Or if it does, since he is already well into his 50's, not be able to enjoy it. Is that not a dangerous gamble, or what?
BTW my income, after taxes, is over 30 million BAHT, and that is without doing any work. Whenever I decide to employ myself it adds to that total.
Cheers, mates!
LOL!
[QUOTE=Gamahucher]Quality of life and degree of basic satisfaction (i.e happiness) with ones lot are a lot more relevant than the degree of luxury of ones surroundings or size of ones monthly pay check. I have met guys on big money who are as miserable as sin and guys who don't 'have a pot to [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140][CodeWord140][/url] in' but are happy and content with their lot.
Must admit that the degree of arrogance and smug self satisfaction displayed by some members of this forum fair take the breath away! GH[/QUOTE]Well said! Truth. Word!
Those here who have to boast about their income are miserable.
Like Howard Hughes.
For example, one cannot decide if LOS makes him more happy or sad.
E.G. , one day they feel they want go to Burma, the next home to Canada, but thereafter they want to stay in LOS! LOL
Tor won't help you here.
What Tor will help you with is the following:
Hiding your IP address from the site's administrator.
Hiding what you are browsing to from the internet provider (ie, hotel, ISP, Chinese government etc)
[QUOTE=Born Loser 5]Thats scary news..
Use Tor
torproject.org
In hell they wont be able to catch anything we do if we are using TOR[/QUOTE]
Only in thailand would the DVD sales lady at Pantip find out your B day and give you a present of a tin of cookies... (yes micklicker, the old crow got me a present if you can believe it;) ) amazing thailand at times...
From wanting to strangle the thai girls to thinking how sweet and amazing they can be. Thai women truely have a beauty side and an ugly side to them.. or atleast the ones I end up dating...
[QUOTE=Happy Fucker]I tought this could be of interest to members here in the Forum:
[/QUOTE]
The story about police hunting down Internet posters has been debunked on the Pattaya boards. It was an attempt (quite successful, actually) to attract attention to a blog that otherwise had about five readers. But in the end, the only result has been to make the guy behind the blog an object of derision. The blog's author has been forced to significantly revise his original article because he got it so wrong.
To be sure, you can get into a lot of trouble for taking dirty pics in Thailand and even the mild topless stuff counts as pornography. If the police happen to discover locally made pornography featuring Thai girls on your computer/camera/DVDs/whatever, you can be in for a hell of a hassle. That's a very good reason for not taking nude pics, much less hard-core stuff.
However, it's not true that the Thai police are using Internet boards to "hunt down" amateur photographers. On occasion, the BIB have gone after PROFESSIONAL pornographers who run pay sites, but there is no indication they have gone looking for girls whose pictures appeared on Internet boards in order to squeeze amateur photographers.
Evil
Are 17th and 18th of Jyly National holidays? Are bars closed? Other noteworthy dates near future?
[QUOTE=White Whale]Are 17th and 18th of Jyly National holidays? Are bars closed? Other noteworthy dates near future?[/QUOTE]These are Buddist Holidays.. this year on the 17-18.
The banks are closed on the 17th.. not sure what else.
Aug 12th is the Queens Holiday
[QUOTE=Mark17]These are Buddist Holidays.. this year on the 17-18.
The banks are closed on the 17th.. not sure what else.
Aug 12th is the Queens Holiday[/QUOTE]Most of the bars were closed. Open bars had minimal lighting, no music and no visible alcohol selling. Shops were not selling alcohol either.
Hi all,
In past visits I have always managed to take some Viagra, Cialis or the like back to Australia without any problem. Not even sure if that is legal.
However, its been a while since I've been back and unfortunately won't be back for some time and I'm now running low on supplies.
My question is - Am I likely to have any problems importing pills from an internet provider back to Australia? Viagra etc are prescription but not sure what interest Customs would take.
Cheers
[QUOTE=Sainter21]Hi all,
In past visits I have always managed to take some Viagra, Cialis or the like back to Australia without any problem. Not even sure if that is legal.
However, its been a while since I've been back and unfortunately won't be back for some time and I'm now running low on supplies.
My question is - Am I likely to have any problems importing pills from an internet provider back to Australia? Viagra etc are prescription but not sure what interest Customs would take.
Cheers.[/QUOTE]
Not sure about Australian customs, but be aware that a lot of the internet sites are selling fake pills. And once you send them the money, you can kiss it goodbye. Try to see if have any friends who can bring them to you. Sorry, could not be of much help.
[QUOTE=Sainter21]Hi all,
In past visits I have always managed to take some Viagra, Cialis or the like back to Australia without any problem. Not even sure if that is legal.
However, its been a while since I've been back and unfortunately won't be back for some time and I'm now running low on supplies.
My question is - Am I likely to have any problems importing pills from an internet provider back to Australia? Viagra etc are prescription but not sure what interest Customs would take.
Cheers.[/QUOTE]
I have seen a BBC documentary, shot in India, about fake medicines. They can reproduce almost everything without being able to see any difference in the packaging. They can put any percentage of the main incredient in the pills e.g. 7%
Here is a link from Argentina. I've never used them because you can get everything in the pharmacies easy there. Check them out if you decide to order via mail. They look legitimate to me. Try the generic ones made in Argentina. They will do the job perfectly.
Hope that it helps.
[url]http://www.viagrasalud.com.ar/[/url]
[QUOTE=Gamahucher]Hi Hummer, May not be high enough quality for you but I've just bought a Sanyo Xacti CA65 and am quite pleased with it. It allows you to take 6MP stills whilst shooting video and the quality of the stills is adequate. Another plus is that it records video in H264 format onto SD Cards so the camera is tiny and the cards easily secreted in your luggage. Low light performance is excellent for such a tiny camera. Its also waterproof to 1.5 metres for 30 minutes so great for those shower shots or messing about on the beach.
Being a hybrid its doesn't really excel as either camera or camcorder but its performance is acceptable for most purposes.[/QUOTE]
I picked one up on my last trip, gotta say I am kind of happy with it. I use a regular camera and I shoot two Sony DCR-SR82 with me but this little Xacti was fun in the water and got some shots that I could have gotten without it being waterproof. Plus the TGF loved playing with it in the water. The video quality was adequate by good standards and would be perfect for most average users. The format works fine in all my editing software.
Now... I need to upgrade my still camera... I did upgrade my Sony HD video cameras (the DCR-SR82's) recently to some semi pro items but I am terrible at still life.
I know there are some quality still life photographers out there... what camera and selection of lenses can I get for under 1 K USD in BKK (gotta shop in BKK) or should I just pick up a small pocket camera and keep using those types. But I need one that is idiot proof. Very hard (for me) to get close and wide angle shots IMHO while doing the work. Much prefer to run two or three video's around the place then trying to screw around with a camera. But want to upgrade my still camera equipment.
[QUOTE=Old Thai Hand]
Any Farang above the age of 30 staying here for a paltry 35,000/month is an idiot and loser.[/QUOTE]
Why is he an idiot and a loser?
[QUOTE=Old Thai Hand]Unless they have money stashed away or are retired and on a pension and are merely teaching for something to do (and to get a work permit and visa, perhaps), these individuals are just underachieving wasters, IMO.
One wonders what motivates a 40-something man (99% are men, afterall) to come here and work for such a paltry sum. A criminal record, perhaps?
Admittedly 35,000/month provides an ok lifestyle upcountry. But, you still can't save anything and can't go anywhere. So what happens? These guys fritter away their lives, and suddenly find themselves in their 50s and 60s without a pot to [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140][CodeWord140][/url] in or a wall to throw it over. I've seen it happen all too often here.
I repeat. At that age, unless one's making at least 100k/month here, one should be doing something better with one's life.[/QUOTE]
I'd agree with you that most of these guys don't have "pot to [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140][CodeWord140][/url] in or a wall to throw it over", but they've banged 1000's of girls and lived their youths to the fullest. Let's face it when you're old, there's not a lot to look forward to: can't get an erection, less energy, loss of good looks. what is there?
I bet that 99% of guys over the age of 65 would give up all of there wealth to be 20 again. Nothing beats being young!
Live hard, bang hard and die young!
[QUOTE=Amjeck]
I bet that 99% of guys over the age of 65 would give up all of there wealth to be 20 again. Nothing beats being young!
[/QUOTE]
Bullshit! I wouldn't be 20 again for all the pussy in Thailand. Nothing worse than being young, dumb and full of cum.
[QUOTE=Amjeck]I'd agree with you that most of these guys don't have "pot to [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140][CodeWord140][/url] in or a wall to throw it over", but they've banged 1000's of girls and lived their youths to the fullest. Let's face it when you're old, there's not a lot to look forward to: can't get an erection, less energy, loss of good looks. what is there?
I bet that 99% of guys over the age of 65 would give up all of there wealth to be 20 again. Nothing beats being young!
Live hard, bang hard and die young![/QUOTE]
You sound like some young, arrogant wanker to me.
There are plenty of guys here (like me) in their 50s and older who DO have some semblance of a pot to [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140][CodeWord140][/url] in and have also banged...maybe not 1000s of girls...but 100s and are living their lives to the fullest, with hot girls on their arms and money in their jeans.
I'd pit the girls that I've gotten against those of some 20-something, impoverished English teacher any day of the week and I'd always come out the winner.
I'm in my 50's and I bet I'm in better shape and also better looking than you.
And I probably have more women available to me.
I know I have a ton more money.
There you go, Junior.
[QUOTE=Amjeck]I'd agree with you that most of these guys don't have "pot to [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140][CodeWord140][/url] in or a wall to throw it over", but they've banged 1000's of girls and lived their youths to the fullest. Let's face it when you're old, there's not a lot to look forward to: can't get an erection, less energy, loss of good looks. what is there?
I bet that 99% of guys over the age of 65 would give up all of there wealth to be 20 again. Nothing beats being young!
Live hard, bang hard and die young![/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Redfield10]I'm in my 50's and I bet I'm in better shape and also better looking than you.
And I probably have more women available to me.
I know I have a ton more money.
There you go, Junior.[/QUOTE]
Good one! My definitive response to this prick is in the photo section.
[QUOTE=Redfield10]I'm in my 50's and I bet I'm in better shape and also better looking than you.
And I probably have more women available to me.
I know I have a ton more money.
There you go, Junior.[/QUOTE]
Doubt your in better shape or that you have more women available to you than me and you may not have more money than me, you simply don't know me.
But i'm not here trying to pick a fight! I'm just saying that being young has it's value, and if someone wishes to to teach english in a foreign land and get laid easily, good for him . he could be stuck in the west dealing with western women (that I would call a loser).
The reason I made the post b/c i can remember growing up listening to all my elders saying how they wished they could be young again.
There are some questions I asked and they are left unanswered. Anyone care to reply?
[QUOTE=Amjeck]Why is he an idiot and a loser?[/QUOTE]
If you actually took the time to read my earlier posts you'd know that I've often said that coming here in your 20s to teach English for awhile and have a bit of an adventure is a good idea.
Unfortunately, I've seen those 20-somethings turn into 30-somethings and beyond, where it stopped being an adventure, a long time ago. Instead, it ends up becoming pathetic, wherein they've pissed away their chances at establishing a career and future. The result is that many of them end up being stuck here earning that same paltry 35,000/month at 35, they were earning at 25, with no prospects, because it's all passed them by. The country's full of them.
Thai women (unless some desperate, impoverished farm-girl, with no other option) don't want to hang with these guys because they have no status, money or future.
I don't know what your story is. But, I can tell you that the novelty of endless pussy does eventually wear thin. I know that's hard to believe. But, it's true. And, it has nothing to do with age. Anything, when it's easy to get becomes boring really fast. Yet, it's the thing that hooks and then traps these guys, until it usually too late. When they emerge from the pussy-fog, their lives are truly and totally fucked.
That's why these guys are idiots and losers.
In contrast to this, many older guys who come here aren't quite as past their prime as your post suggests, and have the added advantage of already having had a career, and establishing themselves, first, not to mention, they've got their shit together, are mature, and more confident. It's been said many times on here by many people, but bears repeating. Age differences are much less an issue here. As a result, a lot of Thai women (and I'm not talking about P4P) are more interested in a secure, confident, mature man (as long as he's not a complete troll) than they are in some studly piece of fluff, who doesn't have 2 baht to rub together.
Boring :(
Can yu all pick up the pace and banter about something more interesting?
[QUOTE=Traveler1234]Boring :(
Can yu all pick up the pace and banter about something more interesting?[/QUOTE]
Sure. Endless discussions about fake viagra, where to buy a digital camera or the latest news about US custom Nazis searching laptops for porn are ever so entertaining, by comparison.
Can you provide a topic that meets with your approval and get the ball rolling, then?
[QUOTE=Old Thai Hand]...
Can you provide a topic that meets with your approval and get the ball rolling, then?[/QUOTE]Old Thai Hand,
LOL,
you obviously had bad day, right? Life is hard here in Thailand, I can tell you ... :)
Giotto
[QUOTE=Giotto]Old Thai Hand,
LOL,
you obviously had bad day, right? Life is hard here in Thailand, I can tell you ... :)
Giotto[/QUOTE]
Yeah right... I feel bad for both of you..... ;)
[QUOTE=Old Thai Hand]Sure. Endless discussions about fake viagra, where to buy a digital camera or the latest news about US custom Nazis searching laptops for porn are ever so entertaining, by comparison.
Can you provide a topic that meets with your approval and get the ball rolling, then?[/QUOTE]
Sure, tell us about life in the educational sector, how the students are giving you a hard time and plans/thoughts (again) of relocating to another country ;)
[QUOTE=Traveler1234]Sure, tell us about life in the educational sector, how the students are giving you a hard time and plans/thoughts (again) of relocating to another country ;)[/QUOTE]
Good one. I'll let you know when I leave. :D
Giotto. I wasn't having a bad day. But, Amjeck opened a can of worms. You know me. I won't go quietly into the night, so to speak.
[QUOTE=Old Thai Hand]Good one. I'll let you know when I leave. :D
[/QUOTE]
Please stay, we need your sense of humor.....LOL ;)
[QUOTE=Amjeck]I'd agree with you that most of these guys don't have "pot to [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140][CodeWord140][/url] in or a wall to throw it over", but they've banged 1000's of girls and lived their youths to the fullest. Let's face it when you're old, there's not a lot to look forward to: can't get an erection, less energy, loss of good looks. what is there?
I bet that 99% of guys over the age of 65 would give up all of there wealth to be 20 again. Nothing beats being young!
Live hard, bang hard and die young![/QUOTE]I'm under fifty and would give up every penny I have to be twenty again. My wristwatch costs as much as a car but I'd chuck it in the river - together with my degrees, investment accounts, real estate titles, etc. -without an instant's hesitation to get my youth back.
But I don't hold with dying young. Take care of your health, and try to live forever. My life isn't as good as it would be if I had my youth, but it's still pretty fxxing good.
Saw this this morning.
[url]http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25960741/[/url]
Regards,
hell - I'd chuck it all to be FORTY again (40) :)
ah hell - on second thought maybe 1/2 of it to be 40; 3/4 to be 30...
Interesting stuff this, to an outsider like me at least. I used to spend a lot of time in BKK on business when I was in my twenties and all my mates there were English teachers in their twenties or early thirties. All the lads I knew were certainly poor (by British standards, not Thai) but the girls they shagged were not the Issan farm types of Nana/Patpong (nowt wrong with those in my book). They seemed to be fucking uni lasses not bar girls – they couldn’t afford those – and the backpacker farang lot on Khoa San Road. They might’ve been poor but it seemed like a very good lifestyle to me.
Sorry that was a bit long, and without and Dylan Thomas.
[QUOTE=Retired Army]Bullshit! I wouldn't be 20 again for all the pussy in Thailand. Nothing worse than being young, dumb and full of cum.[/QUOTE]
Excuse me, but have you forgotten about mortality? Nothing is worse than being about to die.
[QUOTE=Washburn] My wristwatch costs as much as a car but I'd chuck it in the river - together with my degrees, investment accounts, real estate titles, etc. [/QUOTE]
Who gives a shit about your watch, degrees, investments, real estate, etc?
[QUOTE=Opebo]Excuse me, but have you forgotten about mortality? Nothing is worse than being about to die.[/QUOTE]
Opebo,
I normally don't read your posts, much less respond to them. However I will make an exception this time.
When I am on my death bed I want to have a smile on my face thinking about all the things I did, not the things I didn't do. But truthfully, my goal is to be shot when I am eighty by the husband of a jealous 22 year old.
[QUOTE=Retired Army] But truthfully, my goal is to be shot when I am eighty by the husband of a jealous 22 year old.[/QUOTE]
Good one, RA, and hopefully it happens as you lie on top of said 22 year old, on the upstroke, so u have one more stab into her, as you collapse on top of her ;)
[QUOTE=Felly] all my mates there were English teachers in their twenties or early thirties. All the lads I knew were certainly poor (by British standards, not Thai) but the girls they shagged were not the Issan farm types of Nana/Patpong (nowt wrong with those in my book). They seemed to be fucking uni lasses not bar girls [/QUOTE]
When I used to teach I'd get uni girls all the time. Now that I have moved on from teaching it is a bit tougher to pull those types in, but not impossible. Being a teacher gave you that "x" factor. My economic status is certainly better now, but i miss those days of cute uni girls looking up at you.
When I was there last spring the local law was enforcing the 1:00 AM closing. Was told a new guy in charge. Have they eased up and we are beck to where we were before.
Mackin
[QUOTE=Retired Army]Opebo,
When I am on my death bed I want to have a smile on my face thinking about all the things I did, not the things I didn't do. But truthfully, my goal is to be shot when I am eighty by the husband of a jealous 22 year old.[/QUOTE]
I'd rather die naturally at 100 whilst banging the same 22 year old!
[QUOTE=Retired Army]Who gives a shit about your watch, degrees, investments, real estate, etc?[/QUOTE]
And who gives a shit about how long you've lived here without even doing the basics of learning the lingo or even familiarizing yourself with the local topography? Of course, you can fool a few people by cluttering up a punting website with a load of cliche advice and buzzphrases and pass yourself off as an expert ;).
[QUOTE=Dinghy]hell - I'd chuck it all to be FORTY again (40) :)
ah hell - on second thought maybe 1/2 of it to be 40; 3/4 to be 30...[/QUOTE]
Of course we would! Those who want to be in an old body must be sick of life.
One condition. I don't want to be as dumb as I was then. Lets just retain the experience/knowledge and wind the rest back.
[QUOTE=Terry Terrier]And who gives a shit about how long you've lived here without even doing the basics of learning the lingo or even familiarizing yourself with the local topography? Of course, you can fool a few people by cluttering up a punting website with a load of cliche advice and buzzphrases and pass yourself off as an expert ;).[/QUOTE]
Hell no, I'm not going to all that trouble. I just married a Thai girl and I let her do all that bullshit. I know Sukhumvit like the back of my hand and that's all I need.
[QUOTE=Bumholes1]I'd rather die naturally at 100 whilst banging the same 22 year old![/QUOTE]
If I live to 100 I'm going to give up drinking, smoking cigars, chasing women and start exercising and going to Church.
[QUOTE=Retired Army]If I live to 100 I'm going to give up drinking, smoking cigars, chasing women and start exercising and going to Church.[/QUOTE]
If your first 100 years are anything like I hope mine will be, you will no doubt spend the next 100 in the Church repenting for past sins! I'd rather keep up the momentum until I drop.
[QUOTE=Mick Licker]Of course we would! Those who want to be in an old body must be sick of life.
One condition. I don't want to be as dumb as I was then. Lets just retain the experience/knowledge and wind the rest back.[/QUOTE]
Probably, we wouldn't even need to monger ;-) I often wish for that ie going back in time with my present experience..... those poor girls wouldn't have a clue what hit them!!
PS: Will be in LOS for three weeks starting Tuesday coming (or cuming)
Taka
[QUOTE=Terry Terrier]And who gives a shit about how long you've lived here without even doing the basics of learning the lingo or even familiarizing yourself with the local topography? Of course, you can fool a few people by cluttering up a punting website with a load of cliche advice and buzzphrases and pass yourself off as an expert ;).[/QUOTE]
Very Funny and nice wind-up but so true :).
I just turned away a cutie b/c she said she's had a sore throat and fever for the last 2 days and can't kick it. She wanted to come over to offer her services, but i declined. I ain't receiving bbbj under those circumstances. So many of these girls come down with throat infections, it's unreal.
I've heard stories of guys catching the clap (and other stds) from bbbj. I also have a friend who claims to have got it this way as well.
Anyone else heard of this way of transmission?
[QUOTE=Amjeck]I just turned away a cutie b/c she said she's had a sore throat and fever for the last 2 days and can't kick it. She wanted to come over to offer her services, but i declined. I ain't receiving bbbj under those circumstances. So many of these girls come down with throat infections, it's unreal.
I've heard stories of guys catching the clap (and other stds) from bbbj. I also have a friend who claims to have got it this way as well.
Anyone else heard of this way of transmission?[/QUOTE]
Sure but it is not that common and anyway there's no way to know the cause of her sore throat is gonorrhea or clamydia. In any case these minor STDs are easily curable with a one time dose of one gram azithromycin (generic for Zithromax). I just took one a couple of days ago - worked like a charm and only a slight tummy ache afterwards for about two hours.
Enjoy and don't worry so much.
[QUOTE=Opebo]Sure but it is not that common and anyway there's no way to know the cause of her sore throat is gonorrhea or clamydia. In any case these minor STDs are easily curable with a one time dose of one gram azithromycin (generic for Zithromax). I just took one a couple of days ago - worked like a charm and only a slight tummy ache afterwards for about two hours.
Enjoy and don't worry so much.[/QUOTE]"minor STDs".
If I read this I vommit on the table. I am still not sure whether this strange opinion about having sex without protection is your real lifestyle, or whether your reports here are simple provocations.
Hopefully the latter is right. Hopefully you only want us to wake up and be aware of the risks of our hobby.
Giotto
[QUOTE=Amjeck]I just turned away a cutie b/c she said she's had a sore throat and fever for the last 2 days and can't kick it. She wanted to come over to offer her services, but i declined. I ain't receiving bbbj under those circumstances. So many of these girls come down with throat infections, it's unreal.
I've heard stories of guys catching the clap (and other stds) from bbbj. I also have a friend who claims to have got it this way as well.
Anyone else heard of this way of transmission?[/QUOTE]
Absolutely yes!. I got a rip roaring case of the clap from a BBBJ a few years ago. Bacteria doesn't know the difference between the throat or the crotch. Be careful and be forewarned.
[QUOTE=Giotto]...I am still not sure whether this strange opinion about having sex without protection is your real lifestyle, or whether your reports here are simple provocations.
Giotto[/QUOTE]
It is not an opinion, it is a preference, Goitto.
[QUOTE=Opebo]It is not an opinion, it is a preference, Goitto.[/QUOTE]Opebo,
I will take you on this one time.
I was nearly massacred in this forum some time ago, after I was writing my opionion about checking out girls before accepting a BBBJ. The finger test - there could be a microscopic cut in the finger which possibly can lead to an infection ... so I finally decided to withdraw my report - to protect others from taking even that small risk.
You are obviously tolerated here, writing all your risky shit about "preferences" ... my god, are you aware about what you are doing? It is one thing about having your own preferences - but it is another thing to write about that in an open internet forum!
You have to right to do what your preferences are, if you find somebody agreeing with you to do so. But you also wrote reports about how you can "convince" the involved girls to accept sex without condoms - and it was clear for everybody reading thst that girls DID NOT REALLY WANT THAT - you just used some tricks to make it happen.
From my point of view you should be banned from this forum. There is no place here for idiots like you - and if you are accepted here [b]I DON'T WANT TO BE PART OF THIS FORUM![/b]
Giotto
[QUOTE=Giotto]Opebo,
[b]I DON'T WANT TO BE PART OF THIS FORUM![/b]
Giotto[/QUOTE]
That is your preference Giotto
This is a Sex Forum. Sex comes in many guises, and were it not for the onset of Aids, many more punters would be engaging in sex without condoms. Indeed I suspect many do already, but do not admit it.
You earlier said that "you only want us to wake up and be aware of the risks of our hobby." Perhaps Opebo's posts are instilling fear into some punters and ensuring they use condoms. If that is the case, then it is a good thing.
We all enjoy sex but have different preferences. Life would be rather boring if we all thought the same. Some dislike Eden Club for it's promotion of anal sex, others dislike blow job bars because they feel sex should be more private.
Let everyone do their own thing, and if they want to write about it on this forum they should be free to do so. It is your preference whether you choose to read it or not.
[QUOTE=Bumholes1]That is your preference Giotto
This is a Sex Forum. ... [/QUOTE]Bumholes1,
No, that is not my preference. It is OUR RESPONSIBILITY! Yours as well as mine, but mine much more than yours.
I said: ...if you are accepted here ...
And that makes a difference. It's not so much about liking or not liking ...
Giotto
[QUOTE=Bumholes1]...
We all enjoy sex but have different preferences. Life would be rather boring if we all thought the same. Some dislike Eden Club for it's promotion of anal sex, others dislike blow job bars because they feel sex should be more private.
Let everyone do their own thing, and if they want to write about it on this forum they should be free to do so. It is your preference whether you choose to read it or not.[/QUOTE]Bumholes1,
You probably know that Livingstone's Lodge has a bar, too.
You probably don't know how many guys don't want to use condoms. You probably also don't know how many guys insist on not using a condom, sending girls back to the management / me here.
It is definitely disgusting.
Yes, I agree, everybody should be free to do what he wants to do, as long as he does not interfere with the freedom of others - but don't you think that having intercourse without condom with a woman AGAINST HER OWN WILL (and there are some reports from posters about this) has nothing to do with PREFERENCE any more?
Giotto
Hi Giotto,
There are aspects of Opebo's reports that are not my thing (and very clearly disturb you). But he is also one of the regular contributers who adds breadth to this forum, not the same old reports about the same old places. And for that, I value his input.
They tend to be the lower, cheaper side of life, but Soi 33 isn't for everyone. I enjoy reading your stories, those of Mick, Nic and other regulars. And Opebo
To your direct question. Should girls be tricked into sex with no condom against their will? Of course not!
[quote=giotto]bumholes1,
no, that is not my preference. it is our responsibility! yours as well as mine, but mine much more than yours.
i said: ...if you are accepted here ...
and that makes a difference. it's not so much about liking or not liking ...
giotto[/quote]
unprotected sex in itself is not a criminal offence, although forced unprotected sex is. jackson forbids, quite rightly, pictures of or discussions about **** girls. until such time as he also forbids discussions about bareback sex (which is not illegal) then those engaging in it should be free to talk about it if they so desire. where is the chaos?
you may be a moderator, but does that give you the right to suggest that those discussing consensual unprotected sex should be banned. i think not.
[QUOTE=Giotto]
You probably don't know how many guys don't want to use condoms. You probably also don't know how many guys insist on not using a condom, sending girls back to the management / me here.
Giotto[/QUOTE]
These are the same idiots that insists it's OK to drive while drunk. Stupidity, pure stupidity!
I do not like to contribute to cross-chat and argument, but I wanted to interject a 'Thank You' to those who have mentioned that they gained some useful knowledge from my reports. I am so gratified by this, brothers.
By the way, and I hope this does not fan the conflagration but it is somewhat on topic, a few weeks ago I did bareback a girl from Soi 33. She didn't even mention a condom - perhaps it was due to passion or passionate acting, but things just flowed from oral to intercourse without the rubberization process.
So, it does happen everywhere. Don't worry - I won't be going back at those prices. It was somewhat odd that she charged whatever it was - three or four thousand baht - considering she was not better looking or better in any way than girls I've had for half that price. Nice girl though (she kept talking about how unreasonable the prices were there!) and I just wanted to try Soi 33 once.
[QUOTE=Retired Army]Absolutely yes!. I got a rip roaring case of the clap from a BBBJ a few years ago. Bacteria doesn't know the difference between the throat or the crotch. Be careful and be forewarned.[/QUOTE]I agree. Got Chlamydia (spelling?) once from a BBBJ and second time in eye from my own finger touching girl then my face.
Never caught anything from dick in pussy due to better precautions.
Hi ISG Members,
I have the big luck to be in BKK starting the 8. 8. 8.
I have gote some very good informations on where to stay (decide on DREAM) and on all the other things.
But I am missing a good tip on where to go for a very good tailor? .
A am looking on a good and very reliable tailor to visit and get 2 or 3 suits made. I am not looking for the real cheep, but fotr the good value.
I konw this ist not the usual question for this forum, but maybe someone has a tip.
Thanks in advance and I would be very happy to meet someone form the forum the next week, it I always fun to monger together.
Thanks
Will
I am very pleased with my suits made by RAJAH tailors in Sukhumvit soi 4. He also has a very good reputation and uses very nice materials. His references are quite good as well. Not the cheapest, but one of the better ones, I think.
Have a nice time.
Ken.
[QUOTE=Will Smith69]Hi ISG Members,
I have the big luck to be in BKK starting the 8. 8. 8.
I have gote some very good informations on where to stay (decide on DREAM) and on all the other things.
But I am missing a good tip on where to go for a very good tailor? .
A am looking on a good and very reliable tailor to visit and get 2 or 3 suits made. I am not looking for the real cheep, but fotr the good value.
I konw this ist not the usual question for this forum, but maybe someone has a tip.
Thanks in advance and I would be very happy to meet someone form the forum the next week, it I always fun to monger together.
Thanks
Will[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Ken Orvik]I am very pleased with my suits made by RAJAH tailors in Sukhumvit soi 4. He also has a very good reputation and uses very nice materials. His references are quite good as well. Not the cheapest, but one of the better ones, I think.
Have a nice time.
Ken.[/QUOTE]
Actually, this subject has been broached many times on the forum. I second Raja's recommendation. Not the cheapest, but quality is good.
Although not the first gold ever won by Thailand,
This is pretty big deal.
Yesterday, Nong Kay (Premwadee very-long-surname) has won gold in the women's weightlifting breaking the world record in her weight division (56kg class). She will now be the subject of a media frenzy and become the hotest girl in Thailand (in a manner of speaking) ;) I would be really scared of a girl that strong.
[url]http://www.bangkokpost.net/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=129490[/url]
Normally I think of Thai girls as little things that you can lift with one arm. Now here is a little Thai girl that could carry me with no problems at all.
Just happened to run across a trailer for an upcoming Nicolas Cage movie call "Bangkok Dangerous". It looks interesting. From the trailer I would say it is about a hit man who falls for a Thai girl while doing a job in BKK. Sounds like what happens to a lot of us on this forum.
[url]http://www.bangkokdangerousmovie.net/[/url]
[QUOTE=Thor93]Just happened to run across a trailer for an upcoming Nicolas Cage movie call "Bangkok Dangerous". It looks interesting. From the trailer I would say it is about a hit man who falls for a Thai girl while doing a job in BKK. Sounds like what happens to a lot of us on this forum.
[url]http://www.bangkokdangerousmovie.net/[/url][/QUOTE]
It's a remake of the 1999 Thai movie of the same name and directed by the Pang brothers who made the original, as well. A friend who has already caught this one says it's not as good as the original. The original is quite good. So, I'm keen to see this one.
Thai King Bhumibol is said to worth about $35 Billion, making him the world's richest royal. He is getting up there in age so hopefully some more of his wealth will be distributed out in some form to the masses, especially to those people with thier young kids sitting on the sidewalks of Bkk begging. Like the good ole USA and other opulent nations, there may be a lot of poor people in Thailand but this country is far from being poor.
[url]http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,408645,00.html[/url]
[url]http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article4584904.ece[/url]
[QUOTE=Run Mann]Thai King Bhumibol is said to worth about $35 Billion, making him the world's richest royal. He is getting up there in age so hopefully some more of his wealth will be distributed out in some form to the masses, especially to those people with thier young kids sitting on the sidewalks of Bkk begging. Like the good ole USA and other opulent nations, there may be a lot of poor people in Thailand but this country is far from being poor.
[url]http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,408645,00.html[/url]
[url]http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article4584904.ece[/url][/QUOTE]
Forbes has got it slightly wrong, I think. They seem to have wrapped up his personal wealth with holdings of the Royal Household Bureau, which are not actually his, but belong to the institution.
Update: This was in the Post this morning
[url]http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=129855[/url]
True, we won't have to have a telethon for him anytime soon. But, I don't think he's quite as well-healed as Forbes indicates.
I do agree with your sentiment. But, I doubt that wealth will suddenly start to trickle down to the masses, in the event of his demise. The son is one of the least cheritable people in the upper echelons of Thai society.
[QUOTE=Old Thai Hand]Forbes has got it slightly wrong, I think. They seem to have wrapped up his personal wealth with holdings of the Royal Household Bureau, which are not actually his, but belong to the institution.
[/QUOTE]
The Times story does make that point which is one of the reasons he is not on the Forbes list for his individual wealth or as an individual. However, beside his own personal stash, which is still a considerable sum, he does have some control over the trust. You're probably right though, most of that money will not be distributed anytime soon to the people who need it the most.
[QUOTE=Run Mann]The Times story does make that point which is one of the reasons he is not on the Forbes list for his individual wealth or as an individual. However, beside his own personal stash, which is still a considerable sum, he does have some control over the trust. You're probably right though, most of that money will not be distributed anytime soon to the people who need it the most.[/QUOTE]
I'm not sure what control he has. It's hard to say. But, to give you an idea of what kinds of land holdings the RHB has...they own everything from Parragon Shopping Mall, to all of soi Lang Suan, and a good deal of Sukhumvit soi 4 (Nana), for example.
I read somewhere recently that the RHB is the majority land holder in the whole country.
Is it coup time again?
PAD lockdown - how much of an effect is it having? Presume these things never get down as far as Suk but from the UK it is being reported as a big deal with military intervention possible!
OTH, I read another report about the wealth of royalty, and His Kingness owns over 3500 ACRES in BKK alone.
From the AP 45 minutes ago............
Quote:
BANGKOK, Thailand - A mob of anti-government protesters pushed their way into the compound housing the offices of Thailand's prime minister on Tuesday, one of a series of actions against state agencies in the capital.
The demonstrators, from the right-wing People's Alliance for Democracy, stopped once they entered the compound at Government House at about 2:30 p.m. and did not attempt to enter the official offices there, footage on Thai TV channel 9 showed.
Earlier, mobs of alliance protesters took over a state-controlled television station and besieged several ministries in a self-described "final showdown" to try to bring down the elected government of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej.
It was the first time in recent years that a large crowd managed to get onto the Government House grounds. The crowd of several thousand appeared peaceful.
Samak was expected to speak about the situation late Tuesday afternoon.
The protests were the latest effort by the alliance to force Samak's government from office. The group contends Samak is a proxy for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 coup and now has gone into self-imposed exile in England.
The protest group led months of demonstrations that ended in Thaksin's ouster by the September 2006 military coup for alleged corruption and abuse of power.
The strategy of the alliance now appears to be to provoke a violent crackdown from the government, with the goal of winning public sympathy and perhaps compelling the army to step in to restore order. The need to preserve order and avoid violent clashes was one of the excuses given by the military for the 2006 coup.
Gen. Anupong Paochinda, the country's powerful army chief, reassured the public that the military would not stage a coup, adding that the latest crisis can be solved politically.
Police on Tuesday were exercising obvious restraint, and there were no reports of them using any force.
Tuesday's actions by the alliance, which aligns itself with conservative factions of the monarchy and the military, began with a pre-dawn raid by about 80 masked members of the group on the main studios of TV Channel 11, operated by the government as National Broadcasting Services of Thailand, or NBT.
Footage of the incursion showed the attackers, armed with clubs and iron rods, herding staff out of the building and destroying some property. The station was prevented from broadcasting until police rounded up the invaders more than an hour later. Police said the attackers also were armed with knives and at least one gun, a .45-caliber pistol.
Crowds of protesters took over the TV station a second time at about 8 a.m., pushing down a gate and rushing past police to occupy the offices. The station was temporarily forced off the air, resuming broadcasting within an hour from a remote location. The protesters claim the station is a political mouthpiece for the government.
The Thai Journalists Association protested the seizure of Channel 11, describing it as a threat to press freedom and freedom of expression.
As many as 30,000 supporters of the alliance carried out protests at about four government ministries and Government House.
In some cases, they were preventing employees from entering, according to a police official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to a reporter.
Samak, whose party won national elections last December, has refused to step aside and insisted as late as Monday that the protests would not affect Tuesday's weekly Cabinet meeting.
But by Tuesday morning, the government said it was moving the meeting from Government House to military headquarters to avoid protesters, deputy government spokesman Natawut Saikau said.
Protest leaders claimed several hundred thousand people were on the streets of Bangkok, but the numbers appeared far smaller. The group has a record of vastly inflating its crowd estimates.
"We are now controlling most of the key government offices to prevent them from coming to work," said Sondhi Limthongkul, a co-leader of the Alliance. "Today, we declare a long, long holiday for the government."
Outside of Bangkok, protesters said they had blocked three main highways leading into the capital.
The group has accused Samak of trying to amend the constitution to help Thaksin avert a string of corruption charges against him. They also have accused the government of failing to aggressively prosecute cases against Thaksin and refusing calls to extradite him to face justice.
It has also proposed replacing the country's electoral democracy with a system that would be dominated by appointees from the bureaucracy and the military, on the grounds that the country's rural majority is not sophisticated enough to choose good public servants.
The alliance appeared to be a threat to Samak's six-party coalition government earlier this year, but had been steadily losing influence. It alienated many Bangkok residents by disrupting already bad traffic in the capital city.
It also has lost its focus since Thaksin — who returned to Thailand when Samak's government came to power — went back into exile into England, becoming a fugitive when he missed a court appearance on one of several corruption charges pending against him. Thaksin claimed he could not get a fair trial in his homeland.
The group has hopped from issue to issue to try to rebuild its following. Last month it attacked the government for allegedly giving up Thai territory to Cambodia, and this month it has joined Bangkok residents unhappy over plans to move Parliament to their neighborhood.
Unquote
Amazed there are no comments! The place seems to be going into meltdown - the trains/the airport closures in Phuket etc and that is before the "conclusion" of the Govt House issue (amused to see Prince Andrew is due to meet Samek at Govt House in next few days on official visit)
Next are power stoppages - threats to shut Mae Moh power plant which provides 10% of all power for the country and Union leaders trying to persuade members to walk out in various industries.
Surely this will filter down to Suk and the sois at some point - will be a case of "where were you when the lights went out at Nana?"
I read a post here some time back that showed a picture and specifications for two different size Durex condoms....one for the asian market and one for the west. I've been searching for it for days, but I can't seem to find it no matter where I look. Can anyone with a good memory please help me find it?
Thanks a million
I got a few shirts and suites tailored from Fashion Avenue on my last few trips and was quite happy with the tailoring. However, I now work in a job where most of my colleagues / clients wear high end european suites. I'd think there must be tailors in BBK that can make comparable suits, but I'm not sure Fashion Avenue is up to the job. He may or may not be (I didn't have the eye for these things when I visited few years back), but if I remember correctly, he didn't have quite the quality of materials and choice of cuts to make the best stuff.
Any recommendations?
I am a fairly avid monger / traveler. I have been to several places around the world in search of pussy, including Rio and BKK a few times, by far the best mongering places, in that order.
I am planning a 10-day visit to Asia and am planning to spend part of it in BKK, but am also itching to try a new place. My primary (only) purpose in visiting is mongering, so the destination must be busy enough with mongering activities and offer an average quality of experience that is comparable with whats available in BKK.
The reason that sets Rio and BKK apart is that not only the best experience you have here is very good, but the quality of your "average" experience is pretty damn good. By contrast, in a place like Buenos Aires, your best experience will likely be as good as in, say, Rio, but the average experience is much inferior. This is also somewhat correlated with the ease with which sex is available. In these two mongering heavens, p4p is available pretty much 24x7.
With all this preamble, does anyone have any suggestions for alternative mongering locations? I briefly looked through some of the forums and several asian forums look quite busy (china, malaysia, philippines, to name a few). Would appreciate any pointers. And, of course, I will share any unique experiences on this board.
[QUOTE=David 2]I read a post here some time back that showed a picture and specifications for two different size Durex condoms....one for the asian market and one for the west. I've been searching for it for days, but I can't seem to find it no matter where I look. Can anyone with a good memory please help me find it?
Thanks a million[/QUOTE]It was my ad in the classifieds:
[post]706619[/post]
[QUOTE=Stiffoak 571]Amazed there are no comments![/QUOTE]
I suspect the newer guys don't know or care, and us long-time residents have seen so many demonstrations, coups, etc. that we're jaded.
[QUOTE=Jayf1970]I got a few shirts and suites tailored from Fashion Avenue on my last few trips and was quite happy with the tailoring. However, I now work in a job where most of my colleagues / clients wear high end european suites. I'd think there must be tailors in BBK that can make comparable suits, but I'm not sure Fashion Avenue is up to the job. He may or may not be (I didn't have the eye for these things when I visited few years back), but if I remember correctly, he didn't have quite the quality of materials and choice of cuts to make the best stuff.
Any recommendations?[/QUOTE]
Raja's Tailors, Sukhumvit Soi 4, across from the Nana Hotel.
[QUOTE=Betong]I suspect the newer guys don't know or care, and us long-time residents have seen so many demonstrations, coups, etc. that we're jaded.[/QUOTE]
Exactly. Until there are tanks rolling up Suk, and there's blood in the street, there's nothing to be too alarmed about. That is less likely to happen, than in the past. For one thing, PAD is in truth, a right-wing, Royalist group masquerading as a populist democracy movement. Therefore, they actually enjoy wide support in the army.
Other than worse traffic jams than usual, I haven't noticed much of anything. The vast majority of Thais aren't involved and don't care that much, because they are powerless to do anything about it.
is it possible to get a internet shop that really provides high speed ?
something that may allow you to watch for example some live broadcast.
until now i just found reasonable speed.
thanks in advance
montecristo
[quote=montecristo]is it possible to get a internet shop that really provides high speed ?
something that may allow you to watch for example some live broadcast.
until now i just found reasonable speed.
thanks in advance
montecristo[/quote]
most so called "high speed" internet shops are not really fast enough to allow reasonable remote connection to your workplace using citrix gateway or the like.
i did know a truelly high speed shop in a small mall off sukhumwit soi 11 (east side). can't remember if had indian restaurant or coffee shop at the entrance to mall. i am not sure sure that it is still there however. i think it may have gone to build the villa supermarket. so this is really no help other than to say high speed does exist ocassionally, will normally be a large shop with at least 20 pcs, and will normally be double the rate of most shops per minute. they are hard to find. most are just tinpot internet shops for games or chat. so look for a serious high class looking place. someone who lives in bkk should know i guess.
even few of the hotels have a truelly high speed connection. i have found livingstone's lodge to be quite fast however if you have your own pc with you. just sit by the pool and order something to drink or eat and use the internet. you don't have to be staying at the hotel.
the manager will supply the password. it doesn't seem to change so obviously i know what it is.
not sure if fast enough for your "live broadcast" but probably o.k. for relatively low resolution video like my football team's match replay, i would think, although i never used it to watch video (usually real live girls are occupying my time when i am not working) :d
[QUOTE=Old Thai Hand]Exactly. Until there are tanks rolling up Suk, and there's blood in the street, there's nothing to be too alarmed about. That is less likely to happen, than in the past. For one thing, PAD is in truth, a right-wing, Royalist group masquerading as a populist democracy movement. Therefore, they actually enjoy wide support in the army.
Other than worse traffic jams than usual, I haven't noticed much of anything. The vast majority of Thais aren't involved and don't care that much, because they are powerless to do anything about it.[/QUOTE]
The only thing I noticed was they were selling beer past midnight at the convenience store at Nana the night of the coup. Our friends and family were panicking when we didn't answer our cell phones. We were too busy with little Isan hard bellies. Oh boy! That trip netted me more young (19 y/o+) booty than the hippy days, or the quaaluded disco days. Only while in in Pattaya the week of the Asian Pacific Conference did the numbers and quality came close to that w/good2go pooyings!! I'm dying to get back and hear those little kitty cat lao voices.
[quote=mick licker]most so called "high speed" internet shops are not really fast enough to allow reasonable remote connection to your workplace using citrix gateway or the like.
i did know a truelly high speed shop in a small mall off sukhumwit soi 11 (east side). can't remember if had indian restaurant or coffee shop at the entrance to mall. i am not sure sure that it is still there however. i think it may have gone to build the villa supermarket. so this is really no help other than to say high speed does exist ocassionally, will normally be a large shop with at least 20 pcs, and will normally be double the rate of most shops per minute. they are hard to find. most are just tinpot internet shops for games or chat. so look for a serious high class looking place. someone who lives in bkk should know i guess.
even few of the hotels have a truelly high speed connection. i have found livingstone's lodge to be quite fast however if you have your own pc with you. just sit by the pool and order something to drink or eat and use the internet. you don't have to be staying at the hotel.
the manager will supply the password. it doesn't seem to change so obviously i know what it is.
not sure if fast enough for your "live broadcast" but probably o.k. for relatively low resolution video like my football team's match replay, i would think, although i never used it to watch video (usually real live girls are occupying my time when i am not working) :d[/quote]
thanks, i will try to speak to some people living here, i have a pc with me , but wireless options are always slow. i remember there is an internet shop next to nana hotel, that used to charge 2 baht for minute, the double rate, perhaps they have speed to offer.
Montecristo,
I think the internet shop that charges 2 baht a minute I have used in the past. As you walk out from Nana Hotel it is on the right sightly pass the bar. Yes it is double! and for the price really not that fast! There is another Internet shop further down Soi 4, on the left hand side right across the street from 7/11. It also serves as a Travel Agency, but is only 1 baht a minute and it was just as fast as the 2 baht.
LBM
[QUOTE=Jayf1970]I am a fairly avid monger / traveler. I have been to several places around the world in search of pussy, including Rio and BKK a few times, by far the best mongering places, in that order.
I am planning a 10-day visit to Asia and am planning to spend part of it in BKK, but am also itching to try a new place. My primary (only) purpose in visiting is mongering, so the destination must be busy enough with mongering activities and offer an average quality of experience that is comparable with whats available in BKK.
The reason that sets Rio and BKK apart is that not only the best experience you have here is very good, but the quality of your "average" experience is pretty damn good. By contrast, in a place like Buenos Aires, your best experience will likely be as good as in, say, Rio, but the average experience is much inferior. This is also somewhat correlated with the ease with which sex is available. In these two mongering heavens, p4p is available pretty much 24x7.
With all this preamble, does anyone have any suggestions for alternative mongering locations? I briefly looked through some of the forums and several asian forums look quite busy (china, malaysia, philippines, to name a few). Would appreciate any pointers. And, of course, I will share any unique experiences on this board.[/QUOTE]
Check the forums of Macau, South China-Dongguan and Angeles City of Philippines
You can fly low fares from BKK to the first two on AirAsia and to AC on Cebu Pacific
Even though the quality of DVD movies for sale on sukhumvit is often quite lacking, they do have some things going for them. For example, many English subtitles are obviously created by Thais who have no clue about the language, and what they cum up with is often totally hilarious. If you haven't checked this out, I'd suggest the title Get Smart. Older films, though, seem to have a tendency to be lacking this "benefit".
Jayi1970,
I would recommend Angeles City in Philippines, too. Cebu Air start a new direct flight from BKK to Clark around 8000Bath return. From Clark it is just 15minutes to the action. Many bars some are open 24hours. I had my first trip to AC last March. I like the Philipinas a lot. It is different than Thailand. Give it a try. But there is not so much to do outside of mongering.
Regards,
Sam
What's with the alcohol laws in Bangkok? I go to a Seven Eleven store with a gas station next to the Nana Hotel and they sell no alcohol whatsoever. I point to the Seven Eleven across the street on Soi 3 and tell the clerk that they sell it there. She says they don't at her store because there's a gas station. So gas and alcohol don't mix in LOS?
I go to the Soi 3 store and take some booze to the cashier for purchase. The young lady tells me after 5 oclock. It's 10 minutes after 2 and it seems this outlet does not sell intoxicating items for 3 hours in the afternoon. Are people supposed to be having a siesta or praying to the Buddha then?
So I head over to the Foodland market at Soi 5. Without much hope I ask one of 6 lady employees standing idly in the bubbly aisle if I may purchase one of these drinks. She says I can. Sure? She seems a bit put off by my doubting her. But I proceed through the checkout with no problem. Do some Thai stores have special liquor licenses?
[QUOTE=PinkPearl]What's with the alcohol laws in Bangkok? I go to a Seven Eleven store with a gas station next to the Nana Hotel and they sell no alcohol whatsoever. I point to the Seven Eleven across the street on Soi 3 and tell the clerk that they sell it there. She says they don't at her store because there's a gas station. So gas and alcohol don't mix in LOS?
I go to the Soi 3 store and take some booze to the cashier for purchase. The young lady tells me after 5 oclock. It's 10 minutes after 2 and it seems this outlet does not sell intoxicating items for 3 hours in the afternoon. Are people supposed to be having a siesta or praying to the Buddha then?
So I head over to the Foodland market at Soi 5. Without much hope I ask one of 6 lady employees standing idly in the bubbly aisle if I may purchase one of these drinks. She says I can. Sure? She seems a bit put off by my doubting her. But I proceed through the checkout with no problem. Do some Thai stores have special liquor licenses?[/QUOTE]
No special liquor licenses. The reasons for not selling booze in the afternoon is supposed to keep the students from drinking during school. I'm not sure how strictly the law is enforced at various places such as Foodland. Probably they don't get many students as customers.
Made an appointment with this firm
[url]http://www.dentalwhiteclinic.com/[/url]
anyone go any other place or have comments about laser whitening or the veneers?
[QUOTE=Tansak KTV]...
anyone go any other place or have comments about laser whitening or the veneers?[/QUOTE]Tansak KTV,
Don't know whether this customer used the same clinic, but his treatment was obviously a success.
Giotto
[QUOTE=Giotto]Tansak KTV,
Don't know whether this customer used the same clinic, but his treatment was obviously a success.
Giotto[/QUOTE]
Now there's a referral I can believe in :D
Giotto, you may not know this, but that is a photo of Piper's brother.....[QUOTE=Giotto]Tansak KTV,
Don't know whether this customer used the same clinic, but his treatment was obviously a success.
Giotto[/QUOTE]
What is a good tasting alcoholic beverage in Bangkok?
I don't know how people can stand beer or wine. One looks like [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140][CodeWord140][/url] and probably tastes as bad. Sipping the other is like drinking vinegar, though there may be some consolation that it gets you there faster {higher alcohol content}. But wouldn't Kahlua be a superior choice to either of these, that is, if one likes the taste of coffee?
In Canada I was drinking apple or peach flavored cider at less than $10 for a 2 litre pop sized bottle, and it tastes about as good as pop.
Now in Thailand that seems unavailable, but I have discovered Bacardi Breezer which has a similar alcohol content to the Canadian cider {5. 6 vs 7%} and may taste even better. Cums in 5 flavors in local stores here, including 7-11's, namely Raspberry, Orange, Lemon, Lime & Lychee. Cost in Bangkok is about 50 Baht per small glass bottle, or $1. 50 CDN.
I drink the equivalent of about 1 Litre {4 bottles} a day for weeks and months and feel fine, so why do I read about medical recommendations to have no more than 2 drink a day? It's only when I have 7-8 in a night that I might feel lousy the next day, have trouble keeping my balance, and find to my surprise that I was in an online casino.
[QUOTE=Penbelly]I did not really know where to post this so.
Last spring I BF'd a living doll from Cocktail Club on SC. Upon arriving in the Nana parking lot it was a zoo (Friday night.) I noticed a huge group of people standing around looking at something. There was a farang man of about 60 years sitting up against the side of a car. He had been terribly beaten. His entire head was covered in black-red blood and he was barely conscious. My girl inferred that she believed his eye may have been dislodged from the socket and you sure couldn't tell from all the blood. I told her to ask another Thai what had happened and she translated back: "Thai man do" When I asked why my girl said "I think not pay bill. " I didn't hear anything more about it. I suppose there is an outside chance the guy may have died. This is a longshot but do any of you have any knowledge about this and what actually happened to the poor guy?[/QUOTE]
....not of this particular incident....but a common Thai thing is for 4-6 Thai guys to attack a farang.....even in some minor bar squabble type of thing. The idea of a "fair fight" has not permeated the Thai psyche....and once a fight begins with these guys you have to be prepared to fight everyone...and not just the one you consider violator. I have seen people beaten pretty bad (usually an old farang and many Thais on his back and kicking and punching at his face). Recently, a guy was killed in front of a Walking Street side soi bar....the Thai guy jammed a broken bottle into the farang's femoral artery. This place can be dangerous if you don't know the whole picture of how things work here. The worst part is that the victim might die...but the police investigating will be influenced by racism and pay-offs.....so the bad guys might never go to the penitentiary.
[QUOTE=Tansak KTV]Made an appointment with this firm
[url]http://www.dentalwhiteclinic.com/[/url]
anyone go any other place or have comments about laser whitening or the veneers?[/QUOTE]Had laser whitening done a few years ago at the Silom Dental clinic. Cost about $200. Not exactly a magical transformation, but I was happy with the result (but then I'm British...). A bit sore for 24 hours, but OK.
[QUOTE=Mouse1]Had laser whitening done a few years ago at the Silom Dental clinic. Cost about $200. Not exactly a magical transformation, but I was happy with the result (but then I'm British...). A bit sore for 24 hours, but OK.[/QUOTE]
I read that one of the issues with this procedure is the fact that the whitening will disappear with time and discoloration will return. Has this been your experience?
[QUOTE=Lover Boy #2] The idea of a "fair fight" has not permeated the Thai psyche....[/QUOTE]
Thais don't know the meaning of "fair" in any situation. Amazing Thailand!
[QUOTE=Lover Boy #2]The idea of a "fair fight" has not permeated the Thai psyche.[/QUOTE]
My comment on the Living in Thailand thread that Thais are gutless wonders applies here, as well.
Check out these rather naieve gentlemen [url]http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=7773634719578303561&ei=M5rbSOuFE5CuiAKOpN2hCw&q=documentary&hl=en[/url]
[QUOTE=Run Mann]I read that one of the issues with this procedure is the fact that the whitening will disappear with time and discoloration will return. Has this been your experience?[/QUOTE]I don't think the whitening disappears so much as the teeth gradually discolor anyway. Too much red wine and coffee...
One tooth was previously badly stained, but now they are all even. So I will probably get it done again in a couple of years. Cheaper than having my car serviced...
Also went for general health check at Bumrungrad, but that is a longer and much funnier story...
[QUOTE=Mouse1]Had laser whitening done a few years ago at the Silom Dental clinic. Cost about $200. Not exactly a magical transformation, but I was happy with the result (but then I'm British...). A bit sore for 24 hours, but OK.[/QUOTE]Veneers are about the same cost and they make a mold of your teeth and apply it with some type of permanent bonding or so they say. Not sure about laser whitening or veneers.
[QUOTE=Noddy]Check out these rather naieve gentlemen [url]http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=7773634719578303561&ei=M5rbSOuFE5CuiAKOpN2hCw&q=documentary&hl=en[/url][/QUOTE]Can't believe I watched the whole thing. These Danish guys are famous for their long winded productions. The girl who had the four "boyfriends" and had to choose which one she wanted. Was not even worthy of a good peanut. Guys who sponsor and leave deserve what they get. It doesn't work. As soon as you leave she sees a way to get more money. Even if you are paying for her room. Don't do it. Peace.
yes it is a bit long...but it is what it is. reality can be uncomfortable at times.
after all that what Thailand is all about for millions of visitors - screwing lots of brainless Thai pussy...
JB
[QUOTE=Noddy]Check out these rather naieve gentlemen [url]http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=7773634719578303561&ei=M5rbSOuFE5CuiAKOpN2hCw&q=documentary&hl=en[/url][/QUOTE]
I was in Bangkok last night have a drink at soi 7 beer bar didn't see any thing good mostly skank at 9 pm head back to themae , I was staying at ruamuchatt plaza hotel saw a hottie smile at me I ask where she is heading she told me Nana disco she just came out of thermae so we head upstair for ST 1000 bht very GFE stay 2 hr very good pick up as most girl at thermae now want 1500 bht min for ST.
Fast eddie 48
Hey all,
Just curious. Anyone know of any good books - fiction, non-fiction, biography, etc that deal with the 'seedy/underbelly' side of things in Thailand/Bangkok - MP's, Go Go's, Nana, prostitution, sex trade, etc?
Thanks.
[QUOTE=Sainter21]Hey all, Just curious. Anyone know of any good books - fiction, non-fiction, biography, etc[/QUOTE]
Pick up a copy of John Burdett's [i]Bangkok 8.[/i] I found it to be a good read. I gave my copy to a couple of buddies on holiday in Thailand and they liked it, too.
[url]http://www.john-burdett.com/[/url]
[url]http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=13761137[/url]
[url]http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/05/26/AR2005052601295.html[/url]
Neil Hutchison's collection of light-hearted and humorous books are also great reads with some very poignant points.
[url]http://www.moneynumberone.net/index_files/BooksandPDFsForSale.htm[/url]
[QUOTE=Jungle Bluebird]
after all that what Thailand is all about for millions of visitors - screwing lots of brainless Thai pussy...
JB[/QUOTE] You may consider them brainless, but them seem to have enough brains to extract money from us. Some of them do it so well that you don't know what happened until you leave. Doesn't sound brainless to me.
[QUOTE=Lord Farquard]You may consider them brainless, but them seem to have enough brains to extract money from us. Some of them do it so well that you don't know what happened until you leave. Doesn't sound brainless to me.[/QUOTE]
A brainy girl is good for talking! For screwing, I might never find out how brainy she is or isn't. But the girl I wanted to screw last night was studying Accounting at Ramkhamhaeng and English was reasonable. So not totally brainless.
[QUOTE=Mick Licker]A brainy girl is good for talking! For screwing, I might never find out how brainy she is or isn't. But the girl I wanted to screw last night was studying Accounting at Ramkhamhaeng and English was reasonable. So not totally brainless.[/QUOTE]
Mick-perhaps you might share the location of your lady's business. Some of us might like to stop by and have something to eat, then she can buy you a bracelet. Sounds llike she has some brains.
[QUOTE=Lord Farquard]Mick-perhaps you might share the location of your lady's business. Some of us might like to stop by and have something to eat, then she can buy you a bracelet. Sounds llike she has some brains.[/QUOTE]
One of us is confused or confusing.
Was a different student who started the restaurant.
If you're expecting a report on picking up girls, I'll have to disappoint you this time. It's about a visit to the Pattaya Orphanage to make a donation.
As always, the pages are intended to be read in order - a001, b002, etc.
[QUOTE=Evil Penivel]If you're expecting a report on picking up girls, I'll have to disappoint you this time. It's about a visit to the Pattaya Orphanage to make a donation.
As always, the pages are intended to be read in order - a001, b002, etc.[/QUOTE]
Kudos to you EP. I think all of us should make some time for the less fortunate (and I don't mean the pros). One of the best reports I have seen.
[QUOTE=Duniawala]Kudos to you EP. I think all of us should make some time for the less fortunate (and I don't mean the pros). One of the best reports I have seen.[/QUOTE]
I agree. This has made me think a bit about what I could do. I give to charity in the UK a lot so why not in Thailand when they can be so much more unfortunate that westerners. Think I'll follow your lead and donate something to this place when I'm over in a couple of weeks. It's not like I cant afford it and after all it would be nothing compared to the cash I spend on one of these trips.
Well done.
Johnthescot
[QUOTE=Evil Penivel]If you're expecting a report on picking up girls, I'll have to disappoint you this time. It's about a visit to the Pattaya Orphanage to make a donation.
As always, the pages are intended to be read in order - a001, b002, etc.[/QUOTE]
EP Thanks for sharing...You are the man..Good Luck
It was a pleasure to make eye contact with Angelina Jolie last night as we were walking on Sukhimvit around 7 p. M. Nearing Soi 4 and going in the opposite direction she was yaking something to a companion, possibly Brad Pitt, about a nut similar to almonds.
BTW in Vancouver a few years ago I saw Pierce Brosnan sitting on a directors type chair by the Ovaltine Cafe on skid row, that is crack town. Approaching him someone asked if he was James Bond and he replied, No, Joe Smith.
[url]http://www.jaunted.com/story/2006/8/15/44814/9735/travel/Chasing+Vancouver:+Jessica+Alba+Has+No+Manners[/url]
I admit to not having done a thorough forum search, but particularly the first link seems relevant enough for all mongers, to call attention to (again ?)
I quote:
[b]....internet cafes (in Thailand) will also be required to collect information to identify computer users, such as ID cards, time of logging in and sites visited. Shops that fail to heed the rules will face fines up to 500,000 baht...[/b]
[url]http://www.bangkokpost.com/130808_News/13Aug2008_news11.php[/url]
[url]http://bangkokpost.com/020908_News/02Sep2008_news27.php[/url]
not only net cafes..any business is now required to keep logs of employee's online activities.
JB
[QUOTE=Daddy San]I admit to not having done a thorough forum search, but particularly the first link seems relevant enough for all mongers, to call attention to (again ?)
I quote:
[b]....internet cafes (in Thailand) will also be required to collect information to identify computer users, such as ID cards, time of logging in and sites visited. Shops that fail to heed the rules will face fines up to 500,000 baht...[/b]
[url]http://www.bangkokpost.com/130808_News/13Aug2008_news11.php[/url]
[url]http://bangkokpost.com/020908_News/02Sep2008_news27.php[/url][/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Jungle Bluebird]not only net cafes..any business is now required to keep logs of employee's online activities.
JB[/QUOTE]
The evil eye of Big Brother is watching us all :(. GH
Just because you are paranoiac, doesn't mean the bastards are not out to get you.
the government approaches sys admin's. there is a little booklet in Thai explaining the why's. being good citizens they are comitted.
so its right at the first level, company with network. suppose to file all in case gov. checks.
i figure simply another angle to squeeze money out of companies - just in case.
JB
[QUOTE=Gamahucher]The evil eye of Big Brother is watching us all :(. GH
Just because you are paranoiac, doesn't mean the bastards are not out to get you.[/QUOTE]
@ Giotto,
does this mean, that hotels with in-room internet access have to keep records of their guest's wanderings through cyberspace?
If so, and assuming you also have to comply, you may want to consider explicitely warning your guests about it.
You may also want to keep an up-to-date list of working proxies, for those customers needing one (without even knowing it)
[QUOTE=Daddy San]@ Giotto,
does this mean, that hotels with in-room internet access have to keep records of their guest's wanderings through cyberspace?
If so, and assuming you also have to comply, you may want to consider explicitely warning your guests about it.
You may also want to keep an up-to-date list of working proxies, for those customers needing one (without even knowing it)[/QUOTE]Daddy San,
Hmmmm....I don't know of all this rules, but ... let me tell you how I see this issue:
The law was made for the Westerners, Thailand is much better in everything, so don't worry, USA. We trace what people do even in internet cafe's (that is completely impossible, btw.).
We remember this American Senator coming to Bangkok, getting in touch with some prostitution areas (of course not because he wanted to, it was just by chance LOL LOL LOL :) ) ... and then suddenly the Health Minister of the Thaksin administration announced that there is no prostitution in Thailand at all ... bla bla bla.
Now - in Livingstone's Lodge all this is a bit different, this is German Management. Of course we register, what WebSites you access, and we have this In-Room cameras to directly transfer all activities in the room to the internet - perfectly German organized and working ... so don't worry, we comply to the Thai law - hundred percent! We are - the real Thai's.
Giotto
[QUOTE=Daddy San]I quote: [b]....internet cafes (in Thailand) will also be required to collect information to identify computer users, such as ID cards, time of logging in and sites visited. Shops that fail to heed the rules will face fines up to 500,000 baht...[/b] [/QUOTE]
If I were you I'd be more concerned about key loggers then this rule.
I use an air card personally so rarely use an IC anywhere but recently I walked into one on Soi 22 to print some items. Walked in, used the computer, pad a few baht and walked out. No ID, the place was filled with foreigners, didn't see anyone use ID at all.
Sounds like the same laws that make it illegal to sell copied discs (this surely does not happen in LOS)... a few baht in the right hands and their stall stays open no matter what...
Thailand has MANY MANY Laws, just no one cares enough to enforce them.
careful nic
yes the police, immigration etc never check. too lazy and what the heck, more pressing tasks at hand like making money in extortion, prostition etc..
however, one of your sweet hearts, a business competitor etc only needs to go to the police and state that you've done this or that. now if this person, knows, someone etc.. police, immigration will act.
this is the time when all those 'irrelevant' laws are used against you. any pirated cd found in your condo, porn or anything found at your place at work... they will dig deep.
face loss is an issue. police etc must find something. so usually they confirep001e all pc's and then get to work.
it is not arrest what they after, but squeezing you/company on bribes. another example - most often overlooked - is pirated software.
pirated software falls under criminal law. if convicted you loose your work permit and you will get expelled within 24 hours.
porn etc is also criminal law!
in short: to minimize your exposure to liabilities any business owner or employee is well advised to follow the law 100%
jb
[quote=nicfrenchy]thailand has many many laws, just no one cares enough to enforce them.[/quote]
[quote=jungle bluebird]careful nic
however, one of your sweet hearts, a business competitor etc only needs to go to the police and state that you've done this or that. now if this person, knows, someone etc.. police, immigration will act.
this is the time when all those 'irrelevant' laws are used against you. any pirated cd found in your condo, porn or anything found at your place at work... they will dig deep.
face loss is an issue. police etc must find something. so usually they confirep001e all pc's and then get to work.
it is not arrest what they after, but squeezing you/company on bribes. another example - most often overlooked - is pirated software.
pirated software falls under criminal law. if convicted you loose your work permit and you will get expelled within 24 hours.
porn etc is also criminal law!
in short: to minimize your exposure to liabilities any business owner or employee is well advised to follow the law 100%
jb[/quote]
....very accurate post......a quick story;
this starts out as an on street parking dispute. the owner of a business tells some guy to stop parking his car in front of the shop because customers passing by cannot see the entrance. the on street parking was legal however....so the guy continued to park. now....there was some damage on the guy's car when he left the area one day. these are both thai's by the way.
so now, the guy with the damaged car is really upset.......next thing you know, the police are at the other guy's place of business and a woman is found inside copying one cd onto another cd using a computer in the place. then there are three police cars.....shortly thereafter abut 10 police of different ranks inside the shop.
i spoke to the shop owner a short time thereafter. he claimed that it cost him 20,000 b in bribes to make the situation go away. he was going to be charged with a serious crime of bootlegging cd's and dvd's (ha...this in a country where you can buy bootleg stuff in pantip, mbk, tuk.com, almost any street, etc.).....even though he claimed that it was only the one lady copying a music cd for her boyfriend....and only one. the shop is a legitimate business and is located across the street from where i used to live. i can see that they are not in the bootleg business based on the size of the shop and my personal observations of the place from my balcony. it turns out that the original guy who was parking his car there had a brother in law who was in the police.
in thailand the day can get bad...very fast.....and these were thai's!!
Yep, there are many laws on the books and never get acted on. But you just don't know when someone is going to get a itch up their ass and act on one of them.
LBM
[QUOTE=Jungle Bluebird]however, one of your sweet hearts, a business competitor etc only needs to go to the police and state that you've done this or that. now if this person, knows, someone etc.. police, immigration will act.[/QUOTE]
Yes, that can indeed happend but why wait until this happends to bribe? ;)
My company is already financing some Police/government employees (Gifts, invitation to parties...) and until today, they always helped us when we got trouble (we did last year). This is Thailand.
[QUOTE=Giotto]Daddy San,
Hmmmm....I don't know of all this rules, but ... let me tell you how I see this issue:
The law was made for the Westerners, Thailand is much better in everything, so don't worry, USA. We trace what people do even in internet cafe's (that is completely impossible, btw.).
We remember this American Senator coming to Bangkok, getting in touch with some prostitution areas (of course not because he wanted to, it was just by chance LOL LOL LOL :) ) ... and then suddenly the Health Minister of the Thaksin administration announced that there is no prostitution in Thailand at all ... bla bla bla.
Now - in Livingstone's Lodge all this is a bit different, this is German Management. Of course we register, what WebSites you access, and we have this In-Room cameras to directly transfer all activities in the room to the internet - perfectly German organized and working ... so don't worry, we comply to the Thai law - hundred percent! We are - the real Thai's.
Giotto[/QUOTE]
I of course knew about your in-room cameras at LL.
They were not concealed very well as of my last stay at the beginning of this year.
But I thought they served solely to monitor the performance of your Sports Bar ladies as part of your TQM programme.
Be carefull passing this material to the authorities. Some of those "born again" morons might even consider it pornograhic..
[QUOTE=Daddy San]I of course knew about your in-room cameras at LL.
They were not concealed very well as of my last stay at the beginning of this year.
But I thought they served solely to monitor the performance of your Sports Bar ladies as part of your TQM programme.
Be carefull passing this material to the authorities. Some of those "born again" morons might even consider it pornograhic..[/QUOTE]Daddy San,
BESTARD :) .
Giotto
Went looking for special chocolates in Emporium today.
Shouldn't have bothered.
Selection was not that wide and at 45 Baht per piece I was astonished by the price.
Recently I bought a 40 piece pack of the best chocolates ever from "Bitter und Zart" in Frankfurt for 25 Euros, being a selection of the very best from Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, etc. That works out to be probably around 25-30 Baht per piece.
Anyway decided to buy from the Belgium chocoaltes shop Duc d'Prasline just outside Soi 33 for 18-20 Baht per piece instead.
As I had copied Fifty-fifty to buy an Olympus mju 1030SW camera (O.K. in water to 10m, virtually shock proof, and very small), I decided to just check the price in Emporium.
Nearly double the Australian airport price.
So in Emporium, stick to looking at the pretty girls, or visit the nearby Oiles. Don't buy anything too significant.
On my last visit to Bangkok, I remember sitting inside Nana at that bar just inside on the right watching the world go by, as I do everyday day/night, sipping beer, if not there, then at the bar right on the corner (names escape me) or across at the Golden Beer Bar at Nana Hotel.
Anyway, one evening, I remember sipping beer and squeezing a girls thigh when a van backed into Nana and came to a holt at the ‘T’ as you walk in. Two dodgy looking guys got out, left the motor running and walked back out against the current into a wave of googly eyed tourist, bar touts, girls doing makeup while walking to work, ladyboys doing the same in addition to flicking their hair every 30 seconds (the best giveaway) and, well, us mongers….walking with intent.
It occurred to me, albeit, after quite a few Tigers and after three or four minutes had passed and no one paying the slightest attention to the van, that given the current world political climate, what an easy way for an extremist organisation to make their statement, buy blowing me and my Tiger beer and everything within a 50 metre radius to smithereens using a van packed full of explosives.
As an Aussie, with Bali in mind and the impending execution of those you know whats, with Indonesia, the largest Muslim/Islamic state on Australia’s and Thailand doorstep, there are some ideal opportunities in Thailand - Phuket, Koh Samui, Pattaya to deliver their perverted message against the West. (bearing in mind of course that it is a very small percentage of extremist Muslims that believe this ideal). And the added excuse - perverted Westerners indulging in the sex trade.
Or what about Bangkok itself - Nana at 1am, Soi Cowboy, Patpong - have you ever wandered around Patpong at around 4pm when there are forklifts darting about moving large strong boxes around for the stall owners in readiness for the nights rip-off? One box full of explosives would do a bit of damage.
Jeez, thank God (or whatever/whoever, if any….maybe half the problem) for the peace loving beliefs of the Thai race, perhaps the reason why it hasn’t happened as casualties against the ‘West’ would result in local casualties too. Still, Balanese people died as well.
With all that being said, I’ll be there in a few weeks, drinking Tigers, and hopefully running my hand up a hot girls leg while watching the world go by and counting how many times a LB flicks the hair, because, at the end of the day, extremists of any belief have the will power to cause havoc anywhere, including my hometown. But just wanted to throw it out there……..amongst the great reports that have been posted of late.
Cheers.
[QUOTE=Sainter21]On my last visit to Bangkok, I remember sitting inside Nana at that bar just inside on the right watching the world go by, as I do everyday day/night, sipping beer, if not there, then at the bar right on the corner (names escape me) or across at the Golden Beer Bar at Nana Hotel.
Anyway, one evening, I remember sipping beer and squeezing a girls thigh when a van backed into Nana and came to a holt at the ‘T’ as you walk in. Two dodgy looking guys got out, left the motor running and walked back out against the current into a wave of googly eyed tourist, bar touts, girls doing makeup while walking to work, ladyboys doing the same in addition to flicking their hair every 30 seconds (the best giveaway) and, well, us mongers….walking with intent.
It occurred to me, albeit, after quite a few Tigers and after three or four minutes had passed and no one paying the slightest attention to the van, that given the current world political climate, what an easy way for an extremist organisation to make their statement, buy blowing me and my Tiger beer and everything within a 50 metre radius to smithereens using a van packed full of explosives.
As an Aussie, with Bali in mind and the impending execution of those you know whats, with Indonesia, the largest Muslim/Islamic state on Australia’s and Thailand doorstep, there are some ideal opportunities in Thailand - Phuket, Koh Samui, Pattaya to deliver their perverted message against the West. (bearing in mind of course that it is a very small percentage of extremist Muslims that believe this ideal). And the added excuse - perverted Westerners indulging in the sex trade.
Cheers.[/QUOTE]
That's not an unfounded fear. There has been lots of discussion among those in the counter intelligence field about how perfect the entrance to Nana Plaza is for an attack as you describe.
I dont know where else to post this so.
I come from the UK to bkk and I wanna ask what should I do about the money situation. Bring my pounds and exchange them there, if yes whats the best place? or is better to use my debit card at ATM's?
[QUOTE=Retired Army]That's not an unfounded fear. There has been lots of discussion among those in the counter intelligence field about how perfect the entrance to Nana Plaza is for an attack as you describe.[/QUOTE]
Not only the entrance, which is also the only exit, and the layout in general. It's a firetrap.
[QUOTE=Sanook D]Not only the entrance, which is also the only exit, and the layout in general. It's a firetrap.[/QUOTE]
Just another reason on why I don't go to Nana Plaza.
[QUOTE=Sainter21]
It occurred to me, albeit, after quite a few Tigers and after three or four minutes had passed and no one paying the slightest attention to the van, that given the current world political climate, what an easy way for an extremist organisation to make their statement, buy blowing me and my Tiger beer and everything within a 50 metre radius to smithereens using a van packed full of explosives.
.Cheers.[/QUOTE]
I was thinking the same about Nana and Patpong after Bali first attack.
That is the main reason that I am not going to Nana any more although I am staying nearby when in BKK.
Patpong might go for a quick walk around to get the feeling of it. Don't go to any bars there too.
I prefer to have my drinks at Gulliver's on soi 7.
[QUOTE=El Greco]I was thinking the same about Nana and Patpong after Bali first attack.
That is the main reason that I am not going to Nana any more although I am staying nearby when in BKK.
Patpong might go for a quick walk around to get the feeling of it. Don't go to any bars there too.
I prefer to have my drinks at Gulliver's on soi 7.[/QUOTE]
Patpong is different from Nana because they have several entrances and exits. Not just one choke point like Nana that if sealed becomes a killing ground.
[QUOTE=CheekyKid]I dont know where else to post this so.
I come from the UK to bkk and I wanna ask what should I do about the money situation. Bring my pounds and exchange them there, if yes whats the best place? or is better to use my debit card at ATM's?[/QUOTE]Use ATM's, they are everywhere. That way you aren't walking around with lots of cash nor do you have to worry about locking it up in your room. You should carry a reserve, for emergencies (such as traveler's cheques), but don't travel with lots of cash, too risky.
Have fun.
MadVic
[QUOTE=Retired Army]Patpong is different from Nana because they have several entrances and exits. Not just one choke point like Nana that if sealed becomes a killing ground.[/QUOTE]Well, the differnce is that if a bomb goes off, less people will die on Patpong than in Nana. But if you are among the dead becausw you were in the wrong bar at the wrong time, the total figures arent't that important to you, are they.
[QUOTE=El Greco]I prefer to have my drinks at Gulliver's on soi 7.[/QUOTE]
Suppose you mean Soi 5. Or do you mean the Gulliver's in Khao San, or the one in Pattaya?
Need help from local Thai members for info. A friend is holding his bachelor party in BKK for the weekend of 11/14 11/16. I been to Thailand before and know that they absolutely love their monarchs. Just found out that the Nov 14 is the cremation of the late princess during that weekend.
Rumors is that they will be having alcohol ban and entertainment places shut down in BKK for that weekend. Some says it will just be tone down. Can anyone tell me what they have heard or what the local news is in BKK? Any bar owners online here that know any inside news?
Our plan B is to go to Pattaya, how will these type of ban/shut down work there? Will it be much more relaxed?
Please help out a distressed monger with any news.
Hey all, need some info from local Thai member. A friend of my is holding a bachelor party in BKK for Nov 14 Nov 16. We all been to Thailand various time, but has just found out that the cremation of the late princess will be during that weekend.
Rumors are that there will be alcohol ban and entertainment places shut down during that weekend for mourning. Other rumors are that they will just be toning down and telling bars to turn down the music to reflect the somber mood. Any bar owners on that have any inside news to help?
Our plan B is to go to Pattaya, will the bans and shut down be much more easier to get by around there if in fact that it is happening?
Please help out with any news for a monger in distress.
[QUOTE=Juan73]Hey guys,
Where is the best price I could get for plane flight? I am trying to book a flight from texas to Bangkok.
[/QUOTE]
Try United Airlines. Flight sucks for so so service but I got a price of $1016 in early December, from LAX. They charge for drinks ($6.00) and give you minimal food. Use the flexible date feature.
[QUOTE=Fluffy Bud]Hey all, need some info from local Thai member. A friend of my is holding a bachelor party in BKK for Nov 14 Nov 16. We all been to Thailand various time, but has just found out that the cremation of the late princess will be during that weekend.
Rumors are that there will be alcohol ban and entertainment places shut down during that weekend for mourning. Other rumors are that they will just be toning down and telling bars to turn down the music to reflect the somber mood. Any bar owners on that have any inside news to help?
Our plan B is to go to Pattaya, will the bans and shut down be much more easier to get by around there if in fact that it is happening?
Please help out with any news for a monger in distress.[/QUOTE]I'm not Thai, but I live in Thailand, and IMHO, the ban would very likely be observed in almost all establishments and most of the girls will be back in their village or town of origin then. Your best luck will be with the freelancers but not many will work during these mourning days, and Pattaya might have more of them than Bangkok (or at least, they would be easier to find there).
[QUOTE=El Greco]I prefer to have my drinks at Gulliver's on soi 7.[/QUOTE]
Oddly enough, Gulliver's on soi 5 has always struck me as a likely target. It is one of the few places on Sukh that the puritanical American authorities have OK'd for patronage by embassy workers and US military personnel, Nana and Cowboy being "no go". In addition to its "American" image it is one of the few places you are likely to find a lot of Americans. It also has the distinction of being right next to soi Arab. Gulliver's is one of the few places that occasionally at least does pat-downs on the way in, not without reason I suspect.
Nana is bad in terms of layout but Patpong, with crowded night market, is only marginally better in terms of safety. It isn't something I worry much anyway- when your number's up, it's up, and it doesn't make much sense to worry about that and still take motorcycle taxis.
[QUOTE=Fluffy Bud]Need help from local Thai members for info. A friend is holding his bachelor party in BKK for the weekend of 11/14 11/16. I been to Thailand before and know that they absolutely love their monarchs. Just found out that the Nov 14 is the cremation of the late princess during that weekend.
Rumors is that they will be having alcohol ban and entertainment places shut down in BKK for that weekend. Some says it will just be tone down. Can anyone tell me what they have heard or what the local news is in BKK? Any bar owners online here that know any inside news?
Our plan B is to go to Pattaya, how will these type of ban/shut down work there? Will it be much more relaxed?
Please help out a distressed monger with any news.[/QUOTE]Haven't said anything up to now, because we still don't know for sure when and whether the bars have to be closed.
It looks at the moment that ALL the bars will be closed on 14./15./16th of November. Most likely all Naughty Massage places will be closed, too, but this is a grey zone and depends on the level of risk the owner of the place is willing to take.
This is still NOT confirmed by the police - as soon as we get the confirmation I will post it here.
Giotto
Can anyone tell me how good of a service is Air Asia. Are they reliable, dependable and safe airline? Many thanks.
[QUOTE=Duniawala]Can anyone tell me how good of a service is Air Asia. Are they reliable, dependable and safe airline? Many thanks.[/QUOTE]Safe, maybe. And their air hostesses are really cute in their red uniforms, but Air Asia is not a reliable company, at least when speaking about departure time. Their flights from Bangkok are often delayed (taking off one hour later or more than the initially scheduled time) and sometimes simply canceled! Nok Air (for instance) is a comparable company and seems to be far more reliable in this respect.
Duni, I see you are current on the fact Air Asia is now flying to India......
I have flown them several times. Buy on board food, clean airplanes, not necesseraly on time, so I would not use them if I had a connection.
Safe, and friendly staff. You can pay at check in, I think an additional 10 USD, which gives you priority boarding, allowing you to sit where you wish.
I would have no problem using them again.
[QUOTE=Duniawala]Can anyone tell me how good of a service is Air Asia. Are they reliable, dependable and safe airline? Many thanks.[/QUOTE]
Duni, Air Asia are on a similar level to all the better budget airlines: Ninety five percent of the time, they are cheap, efficient and reasonably punctual. But when things go wrong, don't expect any type of customer-friendly service. In such circumstances, customer service is normally designated to the airport ghost :D. Don't use a point-to-point airline if you have any adhering, connecting travel arrangements. Otherwise, generally, they are fine.
[QUOTE=Duniawala]Can anyone tell me how good of a service is Air Asia. Are they reliable, dependable and safe airline? Many thanks.[/QUOTE]
I was on Air Asia last night -- Kuala Lumpur to Medan, Indonesia. When I bought the ticket two weeks ago the departure was to be 19:50. Upon arrival at KLCC on another Air Asia flight, I found out by checking the internet the flight had been rescheduled to 22:00. The plane finally left at 23:15. Pretty typical for Air Asia.
I've flown them a lot. Usually good, often late. Very pretty flight attendants!
[QUOTE=Duniawala]Can anyone tell me how good of a service is Air Asia. Are they reliable, dependable and safe airline? Many thanks.[/QUOTE]Duniawala,
I have fly with air asia a few time BKK to KL and BKK to Singapore, it is a no frill cheap airline both time they are on time and full, they do charge for extra baggage and drink on the plane.
One thing is you need to book online to get cheap fare and ticket is not refundable.
Fast Eddie 48
[url]http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/showpost.php?p=810916&postcount=2536[/url]
Thanks, guys, for your feedback. Just needed to go to Hong Kong for a few days and they had a better timing than Sri Lankan which I usually take. No connections, so it will be fine.
Very much appreciated. Will be in BKK on 5-7 and 12-17 Dec. If anyone fancies to meet up, let me know. First two rounds on me.
1Ball, just discovered their EL CHEAPO flights to India. And Thais complain about too many Indians in LOS. Go figure.
[QUOTE=DG69]Suppose you mean Soi 5. Or do you mean the Gulliver's in Khao San, or the one in Pattaya?[/QUOTE]
Mea culpa. I mean the one in soi 5.
Although I am also enjoying the one in Buenos Aires that I am now. Feel free to join me. I'll pay for the drinks LOL
[QUOTE=Duniawala]Thanks, guys, for your feedback. Just needed to go to Hong Kong for a few days and they had a better timing than Sri Lankan which I usually take. No connections, so it will be fine.
Very much appreciated. Will be in BKK on 5-7 and 12-17 Dec. If anyone fancies to meet up, let me know. First two rounds on me.
1Ball, just discovered their EL CHEAPO flights to India. And Thais complain about too many Indians in LOS. Go figure.[/QUOTE]
Just remember that their baggage allowance is 15kg iso 20kg of most of the other airlines.
[url]http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7720605.stm[/url]
This organisation was well-known, and dare I say it, respected in the UK. Never visited but would never have guessed from discussions that the girls were trafficked.
And see all the associated commentaries - makes grim reading.
Can anyone get tiger air or asia air to confirm their payments from the US?
I cannot.
[QUOTE=WestFLA]Can anyone get tiger air or asia air to confirm their payments from the US?[/QUOTE]From the US, I booked an Air Asia flight from Singapore to BKK no problem.
[QUOTE=WestFLA]Can anyone get tiger air or asia air to confirm their payments from the US?
I cannot.[/QUOTE]I recently booked a Tiger flight from Singapore to Bangkok and back, and got confirmation no problem. I was originally scheduled to just go to Singapore, but just couldn't pass up the chance to spend another enchanted weekend in LOS
What are the [b]mongering[/b] attractions at Karaoke places?
I am not interested in singing for others nor listening to (vocal) amateurs singing.
When girls are singing, their mouth is prevented from doing "other" things.
I just don't get it and wikipedia is no help either.
Can anyone please enlighten me?
[QUOTE=WestFLA]Can anyone get tiger air or asia air to confirm their payments from the US?
I cannot.[/QUOTE]
Are you paying by CC or something else. CC payments online was confirmed right away. And they emailed me the confirmation with itinerary.
Check your CC statement.
[QUOTE=Daddy San]What are the [b]mongering[/b] attractions at Karaoke places...
Can anyone please enlighten me?[/QUOTE]
As far as I can tell, DS, it is simply the case of a passable cover for operations - in many parts of Thailand it is not allowed to operate anywhere nearly as openly as in Pattaya or some small areas of Bangkok or the islands. Upcountry, particularly in smaller cities and little towns, the kareoke is allowed to operate, and ostensibly the hostesses are just there to sing, serve drinks, and maybe in some cases dance a little. There are officially no barfine, etc. Deniability is preserved for when the police come around (though invariably there is still a sizable monthly bribe demanded - I've heard in the 10-20 grand per month range is normal for upcountry kareokes)
I could not agree more that sitting in such places and being assaulted by that infernal din is a horrible experience, but see my report posted to day (Roi-Et/Maha Sarakham) for a happy result, and some of my older reports from Buriram, Surin, and Si-Saket.
The key in such places it to play it cool, avoid eye contact or other interaction with groups of tipsy Thai men, and try to get to the point fairly quickly, but politely and un-aggressively with whoever is in charge. Ask her if the ladies can be taken out (in some kareokes they cannot, in others, the older ones can but the cuties are not available, or at least not redily), and for how much. Beware of being cheated about billing - find out how much drinks cost before buying.
[QUOTE=Daddy San]What are the [b]mongering[/b] attractions at Karaoke places?
I am not interested in singing for others nor listening to (vocal) amateurs singing.
When girls are singing, their mouth is prevented from doing "other" things.
I just don't get it and wikipedia is no help either.
Can anyone please enlighten me?[/QUOTE]
There are sufficient mongering opportunities throughout Thailand that I'd rate a KTV as the very last thing to do there. Mainly reserved to locals.
I've asked this question before..sorry to repeat but I am once again looking at an asia trip. I'd love to do thailand but I've read numerous reports online regarding on the spot drug testing. I wouldn't think of smoking in thailand but it would still be in my system and show up positive on a test.
I look spanish or italian with a decent amount of tattoos. Should I not consider thailand and take my business to jakarta or cambodia ?
Thank you for reading.
Artisttyp
[QUOTE=Daddy San]What are the [b]mongering[/b] attractions at Karaoke places?
I am not interested in singing for others nor listening to (vocal) amateurs singing.
When girls are singing, their mouth is prevented from doing "other" things.
I just don't get it and wikipedia is no help either.
Can anyone please enlighten me?[/QUOTE]
Some people enjoy singing badly and drinking very expensive Grog so that they don't notice how bad they are.
Its all part of getting in the mood for screwing, as if we needed to get ino the mood.
In BKK its a lot cheaper to go to Massage Parlour even if
not really looking for a massage. Some MPs have KTV as well. Need something to entertain the girls while not screwing them I suppose.
But in the end ask the Thai girls why they like it.
For me its just a big waste of money.
I once tried (15 years ago) to get a Thai girl as GF who claimed she was a singer. A really fun girl but a really bad singer. Out of tune is quite normal in Thailand. Its more about looks and image.
[QUOTE=Artisttyp]I've asked this question before..sorry to repeat but I am once again looking at an asia trip. I'd love to do thailand but I've read numerous reports online regarding on the spot drug testing. I wouldn't think of smoking in thailand but it would still be in my system and show up positive on a test.
I look spanish or italian with a decent amount of tattoos. Should I not consider thailand and take my business to jakarta or cambodia ?
Thank you for reading.
Artisttyp[/QUOTE]
Man I've got the same issue. I travel to BKK heaps, and have not had a problem. If the boys in brown start targeting farangs in their on the spot drug tests, it will ruin the Thai tourist industry quicker than any anti-government protest or tin pot coup d’état could ever do!
What you are probably talking about is the on the spot tests they do in nightclubs. Although I have never personally experienced it, I am reliably informed that the brown shirts will raid a nightclub and prevent anyone leaving until they test those that they want to. I have not heard of a farang being tested, but I am open to correction though.
Your philosophy of not smoking pot in Thailand is a good one. Simply not worth the risk. I once had a bar girl I had known for some years offer to get me some hooch. As much as I enjoy a joint, and I had little reason to believe it was a set up, at that moment I ended our association.
You can NEVER trust any Thai!
My 2 cents worth.
[QUOTE=Stykler]Man I've got the same issue. I travel to BKK heaps, and have not had a problem. If the boys in brown start targeting farangs in their on the spot drug tests, it will ruin the Thai tourist industry quicker than any anti-government protest or tin pot coup d’état could ever do!
What you are probably talking about is the on the spot tests they do in nightclubs. Although I have never personally experienced it, I am reliably informed that the brown shirts will raid a nightclub and prevent anyone leaving until they test those that they want to. I have not heard of a farang being tested, but I am open to correction though.
Your philosophy of not smoking pot in Thailand is a good one. Simply not worth the risk. I once had a bar girl I had known for some years offer to get me some hooch. As much as I enjoy a joint, and I had little reason to believe it was a set up, at that moment I ended our association.
You can NEVER trust any Thai!
My 2 cents worth.[/QUOTE]
Yes this is what I am talking about. Even when I just drink my eyes get bloodshot. I am one of those people that when Im buzzed it shows on my face. I would certainly want to test me if I was cop performing drug tests.
Thank you for your response.
[QUOTE=Artisttyp]Yes this is what I am talking about. Even when I just drink my eyes get bloodshot. I am one of those people that when Im buzzed it shows on my face. I would certainly want to test me if I was cop performing drug tests.
Thank you for your response.[/QUOTE]
IMHO You are worrying too much. No need. I am not smoking but have been going to Thailand a lot. Never had or heard of on the spot testing.
[QUOTE=Daddy San]What are the [b]mongering[/b] attractions at Karaoke places?
I am not interested in singing for others nor listening to (vocal) amateurs singing.
When girls are singing, their mouth is prevented from doing "other" things.
I just don't get it and wikipedia is no help either.
Can anyone please enlighten me?[/QUOTE]I am not a fan of karaoke places (and it's an understatement), but it's sometimes your only option in small towns in some parts of the Land of Smiles. The quality of this kind of establishments greatly varies from place to place. Most of the time, you go there with friends and you can choose as many ladies you want to entertain you and they will seat with you at your table (in some places, you can be assigned a private "VIP" room and then, you will have to pay for the room and time spent there with the girls in addition to your drinks and food, but usually, it's just one part of an area visible by the other patrons such as in a discotheque or a nightclub).
Not much too expect at this stage: the girls will serve you drinks, order several dishes and plates of fruits (the girls will almost certainly say that they are hungry but usually don't eat much once the food is added on your bill), speak (more or less, depending on your mutual and respective language skills) with you, and sing syrupy Thai love songs (sometimes, a few Farang songs are also available). You can sing too if you wish and dare (transliteration in English of the lyrics is usually displayed as subtitles). Not my thing (and the rainy seasons is already long enough in this country), but to each his/her own!
The girls will let you grope them a little on premises, but usually not too much. They are (most of the time) very friendly, charming and pretty, not too bad singers (some of them are even really good, but the available tunes almost certainly won't be your cup of tea). They may or may not (the "special period of the month" probably being the most frequently given excuse when not) accept to spend the rest of the night with you at your place / hotel afterward, but it's usually rather expensive (considering the local wages and comparing with other kind of venues in a slightly wider area: a brothel for instance can usually be found within a 50 kilometer radius from everywhere I've been in Thailand so far).
You can very quickly spent more than 1000 baht per person even if you don't drink much (but it's often a lot more, especially in places where you are entertained in "VIP" rooms) in average in karaoke clubs located in little or middle-sized towns and the girls will usually ask a 1000 to 2000 baht extra to go out with you (1500 baht in average), but be aware that some of them won't go out with (Farangs? ) customers and are just there to entertain patrons on premises and nothing more.
Usually, karaoke places are a waste of time and not very good value for the money spent. But some of them are just brothels in disguise. I've tried the following several times: I clearly explain upfront that I don't have too much time and want to know if girls are available for ST / LT sessions and if yes, what are the rates. The best deal I've had then was 300 baht per hour (or 800 baht all night) for the karaoke owner, plus what the girl wants for her time (not much usually and it's more like a tip then: 200 or 300 baht more for instance for an one-hour long ST session). In the same area, the "barfine" was 500 baht per hour and 1300 baht all night in the other karaoke clubs!
In another province, I've been able to get a not too bad deal in a karaoke who has (very basic) rooms for ST sessions: 700 bahts for one hour (everything included, no tip expected) with a real cutie there (it was 1000 baht ST if I've wanted to go with her to another place). But again, local brothels are better value (300 to 500 baht ST for Farangs usually). The girls are in average more beautiful in karaoke clubs though (especially in the ones that have "VIP" rooms), but not always.
[quote=el greco]... never had or heard of on the spot testing.[/quote]shit can happen.
[url]http://www.mangosauce.com/nightlife/thai_police_piss_test_bangkok_nightclub.php[/url]
see also "thailand confidential" by jerry hopkins, published by tuttle publishing, 2005, isbn 079460093x, 9780794600938, 256 pages:[quote]in the winter of 2001-2002, a new minister of the interior launched a campaign to create a "new social order" and dozens, maybe hundreds of entertainment venues (mainly bars) were raided by police looking for **** drinkers and administering [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140][CodeWord140][/url]-in-a-cup drug tests on the spot...[/quote]
[QUOTE=Fon Tok]I was on Air Asia last night -- Kuala Lumpur to Medan, Indonesia. When I bought the ticket two weeks ago the departure was to be 19:50. Upon arrival at KLCC on another Air Asia flight, I found out by checking the internet the flight had been rescheduled to 22:00. The plane finally left at 23:15. Pretty typical for Air Asia.[/QUOTE]I would guess this was AA Indonesia, delays/canceling not unusual.
Never had an AA Malaysia delay, but maybe I've been lucky in that respect.
I have encountered some rude lads and air-headed (no pun intended) girls at check-in at KL LCCT. I once showed up four (4) minutes late for a check-in and some punk kid who was supposed to be the manager barked at me "flight closed!" They need to teach their hires to be professional, but maybe it's like McDonald's where they hire kids cheap.
Picked this up online today and thought may be worth a laugh or a read. SEAJ before you flame me - this just came out today and if its been reported or posted already get A-Pui to flog my butt :)
[url]http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?we_cat=9&art_id=75378&sid=21794077&con_type=3&d_str=20081208&fc=1[/url]
enjoy! / W
====================================================
Monday, December 08, 2008
The go-go bars are empty and sex is on sale at half price as Bangkok's infamous red-light districts suffer from a blockade of the capital's airports.
"It's high season, but now it's like low season," said Nan, a scantily clad hostess at one deserted nightspot in the Thai capital's notorious Patpong area.
An old man plays guitar and sings along to a karaoke machine inside. Outside, beneath the pink neon, about 10 women in almost identical low-cut dresses try to drum up trade.
Although anti-government protesters have ended their siege of Bangkok's airports, the effect of Thailand's ongoing political chaos on the tourism industry is devastating.
Sex tourism is no exception. Patpong depends on foreigners to keep afloat, but as the 350,000 air travelers stranded by the airport closures rush to leave, replacements are not coming in.
"Now Thailand has a problem - no customers," said Lam, a man who works for Nan's bar, luring tourists in off the streets by posing as a friendly Thai offering unsolicited advice on good places to go.
Lam is hopeful the trade will return to Patpong, a lurid strip of live shows and sleazy nightlife.
"It is because of the airport, but now the airport is all clear," he said.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand is not so optimistic.
The group expects incoming travelers in 2009 to be half the 14.8 million the kingdom saw last year, with word of the protests causing tourists considering a trip to Thailand to book elsewhere.
At the
normally standing-room-only "ping- pong" shows, five or six women swarm each new arrival.
Some are following the example of Thailand's resorts and luxury hotels by offering discounted rates.
Prostitutes offer two hours of sexual services for 800 baht (HK$173) instead of the normal 1,500 to 2,000 baht that would cost.
The airport closures also hurt the capital's other entertainment options, such as the famous "ladyboy" cabaret shows.
"The shutdown of the airports seriously affected our business," said Nipon Boonmasuwaran, sales and marketing manager of the Calypso show, where flamboyantly dressed transvestites lip-sync and dance to famous tunes.
"Our guests have dropped 90 percent - we have less than 50 guests in our 350-seat theater," Nipon said.
The Calypso also canceled its second daily showing during the November 25 to December 3 chaos, when images of frustrated tourists trying to flee Thailand from a military airbase beamed around the world.
"We handed out thousands of free tickets for the stranded hotel guests in order to entertain them and hope that they would buy drinks - otherwise we will have no business," he said.
"Since reopening of the airports, business is trickling in but very slow," adding that guests normally came from Europe - especially the Netherlands and Belgium - and Asian countries such as South Korea, Japan and Singapore.
The blockade may have brought in some extra trade.
American tourists Lisa Richardson, 30, and Michael Latham, 29, said they would never have come to Patpong had they not been stranded in Bangkok.
"Being stuck for an extra week convinced us to spend time and money on things we wouldn't have normally - ping-pong shows for example," Latham said.
But he said that he feels for Thais whose livelihood is being hit.
"They're hurt so much worse than we are and it just hurts to see."
Thailand was until 2005 the world's leading destination for sex tourists, when its crown was taken by Brazil, according to Interpol.
Although prostitution is officially illegal in Thailand, estimates for the number of sex workers range from 80,000 to two million women and men.
At her Patpong bar, Nan says she hopes the tourists return soon, as she sends the money she earns back to her family near the Cambodian border.
"Maybe in 15 days, a month, it comes back," she said. AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
[QUOTE=Wapec]Picked this up online today and thought may be worth a laugh or a read. SEAJ before you flame me - this just came out today and if its been reported or posted already get A-Pui to flog my butt :)
[url]http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?we_cat=9&art_id=75378&sid=21794077&con_type=3&d_str=20081208&fc=1[/url]
enjoy! / W
====================================================
Monday, December 08, 2008
The go-go bars are empty and sex is on sale at half price as Bangkok's infamous red-light districts suffer from a blockade of the capital's airports.
"It's high season, but now it's like low season," said Nan, a scantily clad hostess at one deserted nightspot in the Thai capital's notorious Patpong area.
...[/QUOTE]Already posted here: [post]821912[/post]
Can someone please explain why we are allowed to post pictures of wide open cunts, pussies impaled on cocks, dildoes and cucumbers, cum shots, reports that detail intimate sex acts etc etc, yet we are not permitted to use a word that rhymes with itch?
[QUOTE=Bumholes1]Can someone please explain why we are allowed to post pictures of wide open cunts, pussies impaled on cocks, dildoes and cucumbers, cum shots, reports that detail intimate sex acts etc etc, yet we are not permitted to use a word that rhymes with itch?[/QUOTE]Very likely because this word that rhymes with itch is not a descriptive but a derogatory one.
Hello,
First I wish everyone, whom is in LOS at the moment, a very good time!
But I want to put down a general question to you in the "field"... ;D
A friend of mine in in Thailand now. He called me the question, about showing ID before using a PC in a Internetcafe! It was such a strange thing to him, after everything I taught him about Thailand, the women and how (much) to pay...(He was/is a very good student... :D )!
I told him to go away, as the are (to) many opportunities to hire a PC for Internet!
[b]So the Question is...; Has anyone experienced something similar?!?
Is it a Scam [i](which I think it is)[/i] or why did that guy wanted his name and so on??[/b]
Thanks in advance and happy mongering!
[QUOTE=Frankypanky]
First I wish everyone, whom is in LOS at the moment, a very good time!
I told him to go away, as the are (to) many opportunities to hire a PC for Internet!
[b]So the Question is...; Has anyone experienced something similar?!?
Is it a Scam [i](which I think it is)[/i] or why did that guy wanted his name and so on??[/b]
.![/QUOTE]
While I was there 2 weeks ago, SOME shops asked for ID, some did - but no proof of ID req'd either!
good advice to your friend- just keep movin' to the next shop.
[QUOTE=Bumholes1]Can someone please explain why we are allowed to post pictures of wide open cunts, pussies impaled on cocks, dildoes and cucumbers, cum shots, reports that detail intimate sex acts etc etc, yet we are not permitted to use a word that rhymes with itch?[/QUOTE]
Its a bit of a mystery to me too. But the idea seems to be not to use words that denigrate women and instead to show respect for them. So B****, H*, W****, etc. are frowned on.
But can say Fuck all you like. It just means having sex.
Now photos of pussies are supposed to be beautiful or erotic and should not be seen as denigrating women.
I definitely am a pretty pussy man.
So I don't like shots of ugly messy pussy.
[QUOTE=Frankypanky]Hello,
A friend of mine in in Thailand now. He called me the question, about showing ID before using a PC in a Internetcafe![/QUOTE]Where in LOS was this?
[QUOTE=Frankypanky]So the Question is...; Has anyone experienced something similar?!?[/QUOTE]Though I've never had to use an internet cafe in LOS, I found this to be common practice in many countries like India and even Italy. In the latter, the owner said it's the governments way of tracing terrorist-liike messages back to computer and the user.
[QUOTE=Mick Licker]Its a bit of a mystery to me too. But the idea seems to be not to use words that denigrate women and instead to show respect for them. .[/QUOTE]
I accept what you say, but fail to understand Jackson's logic
How showing a photo of a girl with her face plastered in cum is not denigrating I fail to see.
When I used the word B....h in my Khorat post today, it was intended to be denigrating, since the fucking c**t (allowable?) stole my glasses after a miserable punt.
[QUOTE=Frankypanky]Hello,
First I wish everyone, whom is in LOS at the moment, a very good time!
But I want to put down a general question to you in the "field"... ;D
A friend of mine in in Thailand now. He called me the question, about showing ID before using a PC in a Internetcafe! It was such a strange thing to him, after everything I taught him about Thailand, the women and how (much) to pay...(He was/is a very good student... :D )!
I told him to go away, as the are (to) many opportunities to hire a PC for Internet!
[b]So the Question is...; Has anyone experienced something similar?!?
Is it a Scam [i](which I think it is)[/i] or why did that guy wanted his name and so on??[/b]
Thanks in advance and happy mongering![/QUOTE]It is not a scam. It's because of a recent law (part of the 2007 Computer Crimes Act).
You can find more information for instance here: [url]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Internet-Law-t207559.html[/url]
Anyone heard of problems with kidnapping or roberies on this overnite train?
A frien of mine told me he had been warned it was a risk for Farangs.
Any help appreciated.
Cactus J
I have been using Internet cafe and just anyplace that provides Internet whenever I needed it the past 9 years especially in Pattaya. I have never been asked to provide a I.D. to anyone! period! and never even after the stupid law was passed! They can't even monitor a driving ticket. Go somewhere else! Just smile and start using!
LBM
[QUOTE=Otimo]Where in LOS was this?[/QUOTE]
Currently, my friend is in Pattaya!
@Goyave, than you for explaining!
As I am never too old to learn something new (except listening to any women... :D )!
@LBM, That's what I learned my friend too...[i]"Never forget to smile, especialy when you seems to get into a hassle/trouble"[/i].
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]I have been using Internet cafe and just anyplace that provides Internet whenever I needed it the past 9 years especially in Pattaya. I have never been asked to provide a I.D. to anyone! period! and never even after the stupid law was passed! They can't even monitor a driving ticket. Go somewhere else! Just smile and start using!
LBM[/QUOTE]Sure. But it might happen more frequently alas from now on. This law took effect on July 18th 2007 but a grace period of one year was granted. That's probably why it's not much applied yet.
[QUOTE=Virgin Lover]Though I've never had to use an internet cafe in LOS, I found this to be common practice in many countries like India and even Italy. In the latter, the owner said it's the governments way of tracing terrorist-liike messages back to computer and the user.[/QUOTE]
I confirm about Italy. One has even to sign a waiver to the intermediate provider. Even if this is an hotel where he stays and wishes to connect with his laptop. So called "anti-terrorism" law, for tracking purposes.
[QUOTE=Cactus J]Anyone heard of problems with kidnapping or roberies on this overnite train?
A friend of mine told me he had been warned it was a risk for Farangs.
Any help appreciated.
Cactus J[/QUOTE]
I went to HatYai which is the same train last week , no problem ,
get a second class lower sleeper bunk,
I think its safer than the bus
[QUOTE=Cactus J]Anyone heard of problems with kidnapping or roberies on this overnite train?
A frien of mine told me he had been warned it was a risk for Farangs.[/QUOTE]Kidnapping? This isn't Afghanistan. There used to be some robberies back in the 1970s but I haven't heard of one in at least 20 years. Each car is kept locked at night and has its own attendant/guard. If you want even more security than that, the train down the east coast also has armed soldiers on the Hatyai-Sungai Kolok stretch.
Goyave,
I tell you right now, even if it was in affect for over 2 years I have no intention of showing my I.D. for something as stupid as this! I seriously doubt that it would be enforced! There are laws now like driving too fast or wearing a helmet but I don't see strict enforcement of those rules. How can they enforce laws or rules when the people who are paid to enforce them are breaking the rules themselves. I see daily in Pattaya, cops riding around without helmets etc...
Like in the U.S. in cities they have laws that you can't talk on cellphones while driving or that you can't blast your music too loud in the car! When home I see time after time cops talking on cell phone while on patrol in their cars and have seen cars driving with boom boxes so loud that your car is swinging from side to side from the volume. Laws on the books because someone has a hair up their ass but in the end no one is going to enforce them they got more important things on their hands.
Only time will tell but I'll put my money on that it won't!
LBM
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]Goyave,
I tell you right now, even if it was in affect for over 2 years I have no intention of showing my I.D. for something as stupid as this! I seriously doubt that it would be enforced!
Only time will tell but I'll put my money on that it won't!
LBM[/QUOTE]I don't know whether or not it will be strongly enforced, but I think that more and more Internet cafes will require that people show their ID in the near future. Probably not all but most of them sooner or later. As you say, only time will tell...
I've noticed several changes in the past. I don't know if it is required by law or just a recent internal policy, but now, most of (or maybe all) the local banks in my area require my passport when I want to exchange money, but it was not the case a few years ago in the same establishments. I know several places (for instance in Bangkok) where it is not the case though.
for the first time in 2008, i got stunned yesterday! left speechless by something i saw on soi 4 near annies parking lot.
i was walking towards annies when i saw a cop (yes, a real one with gun and uniform, not your garden variety "rent a cop") strip from his uniform, shoving it in the trunk of his car, then putting on jeans, a tshirt and a moto-taxi orange jacket.
he closed the car, hopped on a honda click and went on his way.
was he on a "special undercover mission"? or just working 2 jobs? well, that taught me not to argue with moto-taxis anymore, you never know who these people really are.
I broke up with 20 years old Gik yesterday.
We were having a good time shopping at Central World and planning on going to see a movie when she asked me (or "told" would fit better) to carry her handbag for her. I stopped and looked at her, stunned.
I nicely told her that I would feel weird carrying around a lady's handbag and that it would be better she keep it with her. She went nuts.
She told me that I have to treat her as a princess because she is my girlfriend and I have to do what she like because I love her.
All the while she was trying to explain herself I was thinking "What? is she for real?"
She said that all her ex-boyfriends do whatever she want and they always buy her many gifts and carry her bags and that a man should do this for his girlfriend and that I do not love her if I do not carry the bag and Bla Bla Bla...
What the Fuck? She never asked me for a penny and I know that she is very well off (Rich Family) but I was not going to let her play "little Princess".
I told her that I would never carry a lady's handbag, I would carry Shopping bags, yes, but I was not about to be the Docile Puppy that bows to all her desires. She said that Thai man would do it for their Love because it is how it has to be.
She would not stop telling me about how she should be treated and that I was lucky that she is my girlfriend because she is so pretty and not a bad girl and that she never ask me for money and, and and....
I told her that while I appreciated the fact that she is beautiful and sweet I am not ready to be an obedient Sheep and would do what I please when I please. You could see the confusion on her face! she was so certain that I would obey her, she did not know how to react. I saved her the hassle of losing face.
I told her I really liked her but this is not the kind of relationship I was expecting I told her that maybe I am not the right person for her and that she deserves someone that will treat her like the Princess she is.
How can I now escape? well, I could not. We carried on with our Plans (very quiet dinner) but skipped the movie, I told her I was tired and she said she was tired too. We went on our separate ways.
I later sent her an SMS saying "Maybe it not good to continue, you should get a better boyfriend" (ego stroking for her).
She did not reply.
Game Over.
Now I am left with no GF, no Gik and only a 53 years old lady ready for me to go fuck her whenever I am horny.
Looks like I will do P4P a lot more.
[QUOTE=NicFrenchy]...I told her that while I appreciated the fact that she is beautiful and sweet I...[/QUOTE]
I think you were too nice to her. She may be beautiful, but she's certainly not sweet -- more like a dominatrix.
Apparently she didn't have a clue about all your other giks and MP sweethearts.
Originally Posted by NicFrenchy:
Looks like I will do P4P a lot more.[/QUOTE]
You are a lucky man to get out of it! Forget about her, there are lots more where she came from, in any case P4P may work out cheaper in the long term, and without too many headaches!
If I may offer my two cents worth, when she sms you to say 'sorry' (she will) I hope you will ignore her and move on. Life is too short have to deal with crap like that.
Go out and have fun! Leave the 53 year old lady alone -respect and all that... :D
[QUOTE=Daddy07]I think you were too nice to her. [/QUOTE]
Well, that has a lot to do with the fact that she knows where I live as I fucked her in my condo many times (Big mistake that I will no longer repeat).
[QUOTE=NicFrenchy]I broke up with 20 years old Gik yesterday.
We were having a good time shopping at Central World and planning on going to see a movie when she asked me (or "told" would fit better) to carry her handbag for her. I stopped and looked at her, stunned.
I nicely told her that I would feel weird carrying around a lady's handbag and that it would be better she keep it with her. She went nuts.
She told me that I have to treat her as a princess because she is my girlfriend and I have to do what she like because I love her.
All the while she was trying to explain herself I was thinking "What? is she for real?"
She said that all her ex-boyfriends do whatever she want and they always buy her many gifts and carry her bags and that a man should do this for his girlfriend and that I do not love her if I do not carry the bag and Bla Bla Bla...
What the Fuck? She never asked me for a penny and I know that she is very well off (Rich Family) but I was not going to let her play "little Princess".
I told her that I would never carry a lady's handbag, I would carry Shopping bags, yes, but I was not about to be the Docile Puppy that bows to all her desires. She said that Thai man would do it for their Love because it is how it has to be.
She would not stop telling me about how she should be treated and that I was lucky that she is my girlfriend because she is so pretty and not a bad girl and that she never ask me for money and, and and....
I told her that while I appreciated the fact that she is beautiful and sweet I am not ready to be an obedient Sheep and would do what I please when I please. You could see the confusion on her face! she was so certain that I would obey her, she did not know how to react. I saved her the hassle of losing face.
I told her I really liked her but this is not the kind of relationship I was expecting I told her that maybe I am not the right person for her and that she deserves someone that will treat her like the Princess she is.
How can I now escape? well, I could not. We carried on with our Plans (very quiet dinner) but skipped the movie, I told her I was tired and she said she was tired too. We went on our separate ways.
I later sent her an SMS saying "Maybe it not good to continue, you should get a better boyfriend" (ego stroking for her).
She did not reply.
Game Over.
Now I am left with no GF, no Gik and only a 53 years old lady ready for me to go fuck her whenever I am horny.
Looks like I will do P4P a lot more.[/QUOTE]
NF,
Sounds like she was talking to an old "gik" of mine :-)
Must have been 5-6 yrs ago. Been together for over a yr. Hot little 23 yr old
Getting along fine. One day out of the blue she is telling me how to spend my paycheck !! I mean down to the last Bhat. Don't do that, don't buy that. She thought, I guess, sincere advice.
Turn out it was the Mom and a friend of the Mom giving her "pearls of wisdom". So they thought ! If I listened to her, as they advised her, she would know she had me controled. I would go nowhere. After a blow out about it told her that she had better rethink how she told me about my spending habits.
Left her standing on the Soi with a dumbfounded expression on her face.
She called and called afterwards. But I never went back to her. P4P easier
[QUOTE=NicFrenchy]
I broke up with 20 years old Gik yesterday.
Game Over.
Now I am left with no GF, no Gik and only a 53 years old lady ready for me to go fuck her whenever I am horny.
[/QUOTE]
She's 20 years for Christ's sake. How old are you? I am sure you are old enough to know better.
[QUOTE=Retired Army]She's 20 years for Christ's sake. How old are you? I am sure you are old enough to know better.[/QUOTE]
Yes, she's 20 years old. Does that mean he should be carrying her handbag while walking 5 steps behind her in order to prove his love?
There are lots of 20 year olds in Thailand who behave like adults and aren't spoiled little princess brats.
I think she's the perfect age for a gik or a short time fuck. They need an older man to teach them how to please, and they make excellent fuck toys. :)
I've found a very cute little 18 year old bar girl here in Pattaya who's become a regular and is just as good or better than the more mature ladies on my menu.
[QUOTE=Daddy07]Yes, she's 20 years old. Does that mean he should be carrying her handbag while walking 5 steps behind her in order to prove his love?[/quote]
Well, she's learned her lesson (or did she?)
[quote]There are lots of 20 year olds in Thailand who behave like adults and aren't spoiled little princess brats. [/quote][/QUOTE]
Yep, she did sound like a little Princess Brat. Shame, she was tight and very willing horizontally
[QUOTE=NicFrenchy]
What the Fuck? She never asked me for a penny and I know that she is very well off (Rich Family) but I was not going to let her play "little Princess".
[/QUOTE]
Back home (outside Thailand) I have met quite a few Thai girls from rich families, not as a GF, but only as aquaintences.
I often find them to be spoiled little brats not used to doing any real work and wanting to be waited on hand and foot. Many are not good GF material.
In Thailand, not everyone is considered equal.
Girls from a background of some hardship may turn out to have a better character (but not always).
Personally I would carry a girl's handbag while she was trying on clothes etc. but probably not the entire time.
My GF would have only asked me to carry it if it was really inconveniencing her.
But trantrums when not getting their own way is not a good sign.
[QUOTE=Daddy07]Yes, she's 20 years old. Does that mean he should be carrying her handbag while walking 5 steps behind her in order to prove his love?
[/QUOTE]
That's not my point. I'm saying at his age there shouldn't be a discussion. He is either pussy whipped and says "yes dear" or, carry your own damn purse *****. Sounds like he has a "pair."
NicFrenchy,
Don't worry about this. I been there and done that! She got to the point in the relationship to test your old ass! To see whether she got a man or a child like her ex-boyfriends who did carry her purse until they got tired of her bullshit and their friends ripping ripping them for having no balls. This is why she got so many ex's!
Women in general and especially in Thailand seem to want to prove who's has the stronger will. Prior to being marry I was with this Thai girl and when ever I saw her in BKK things were great never had a problem. Out of the blue one day we disagreed on something in front of her friends. Not to loose face she spoke but in half Thai and English to her friends right in front of me. I quickly figure it out from her statement basically that we will see who is stronger the will of a Thai women or a American Farang? It all came down to some culture bullshit whether I was going to bend by her making me feel uncomfortable in front of her friends. And if I did she would know I was wrapped around her finger! This is when you no longer are wearing the pants! After a few minutes I got up and told her girlfriends goodbye, paid the bill, gave them taxi money and I left.
Had a girlfriend in Hong Kong long ago. Did the same thing! told my cousin that she had me wrapped around her finger and I would do anything she wanted me to do. That I love f--king her tit's ( real 36's ). She played her games when I came to Hong Kong for a holiday one year and within the 2 weeks I was there she hardly answer the phone or came to see me at the hotel. Before leaving I f--ked her good and told her I loved her and wanted to marry her. By saying that I was able to hit her backside since she told me once if she gave it to me I would have to marry her! Left 2 days later and sent her a dear John letter and never saw her again. My cousin called and said I was the man!
It never cease to amazed me! Why people have to f--k with a good thing. Is it within our nature to have to be on top? Why do they have to test us just because we are nice guys! Would she had asked if she knew you were a asshole? But NicFrenchy you have to admit the f--king was good while it lasted!
Just another 2 cents from LBM
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]...She got to the point in the relationship to test your old ass!...[/QUOTE]
I think LBM has nailed it!
This is what young insecure girls do.
You have passed the 'test,' Nic.
And if the fucking is good like you say, maybe you should forgive her for this one indiscretion so you can enjoy more of the same without taking any more shit from the lady. :)
[QUOTE=El Greco]IMHO You are worrying too much. No need. I am not smoking but have been going to Thailand a lot. Never had or heard of on the spot testing.[/QUOTE]They used to spot check from time-to-time, but not so much these days and was more targeted towards Thai.
Don't do drugs and you are safe, also don't carry them either in the past the BiB have checked farangs (including me) around the Washington Square!
Many thanks guys for your help! It sounds totally safe, unless my wife catches me with a Thai lady. It was my friend who was worried, first trip to Thailand.
Cactus J
depending on his seniority, that guy probably makes between 8.000 and 15.000 bath per month in legit salary, which is as you are aware not much to raise a family on in bkk. university graduated civil servants start with 10.000bath nowadays.
i know a cop that works as a taxy and another that works for a caterer as waiter on private parties.
[quote=nicfrenchy]for the first time in 2008, i got stunned yesterday! left speechless by something i saw on soi 4 near annies parking lot.
i was walking towards annies when i saw a cop (yes, a real one with gun and uniform, not your garden variety "rent a cop") strip from his uniform, shoving it in the trunk of his car, then putting on jeans, a tshirt and a moto-taxi orange jacket.
he closed the car, hopped on a honda click and went on his way.
was he on a "special undercover mission"? or just working 2 jobs? well, that taught me not to argue with moto-taxis anymore, you never know who these people really are.[/quote]
[QUOTE=Spider916]Depending on his seniority, that guy probably makes between 8.000 and 15.000 bath per month in legit salary, which is as you are aware not much to raise a family on in BKK. University graduated civil servants start with 10.000bath nowadays. [/QUOTE]
And a 21 year old uneducated isan MP girl I know pays 12,000 baht a month in rent for her condo and still takes home over 60 K a month.... not including money from the sponsors she has...
Ain't BKK a wonderful place...
[quote=nicfrenchy]for the first time in 2008, i got stunned yesterday! left speechless by something i saw on soi 4 near annies parking lot.
i was walking towards annies when i saw a cop (yes, a real one with gun and uniform, not your garden variety "rent a cop") strip from his uniform, shoving it in the trunk of his car, then putting on jeans, a tshirt and a moto-taxi orange jacket.
he closed the car, hopped on a honda click and went on his way.
was he on a "special undercover mission"? or just working 2 jobs? well, that taught me not to argue with moto-taxis anymore, you never know who these people really are.[/quote]i know a cop who sells curtains, eggs (yes! ) and several other things when he's not on duty. so, it seems that at least a few of them need to have more than one job. i guess that those don't have the opportunity to get much tea money or are simply. honest?
[QUOTE=Cactus J]It sounds totally safe, unless my wife catches me with a Thai lady.[/QUOTE]Some years ago the northern train line (Bkk-CM) was well known for female attendants who were willing to join you after hours if you had a 1st class compartment. But these days you'll have to BYO . . . .
[QUOTE=Betong]Some years ago the northern train line (Bkk-CM) was well known for female attendants who were willing to join you after hours if you had a 1st class compartment. But these days you'll have to BYO . . . .[/QUOTE]
I've been taking the BKK-CM train for almost 40 years and have never seen nor heard of such activity. The First Class compartments all have male attendents. That's not to say you couldn't get laid on the train, but not by R of T employees.
[QUOTE=Retired Army]I've been taking the BKK-CM train for almost 40 years and have never seen nor heard of such activity.[/QUOTE]Well now you've heard of it. It was the food & drink girls providing the service, and I knew one of them quite well -- a Payap student no less. This would have been back around the early 1980s.
An ISG Member [url=http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/showpost.php?p=822416&postcount=1772]reported[/url] enjoying a girl from a hair salon.
I have heard, that in some parts of Asia (Japan, Korea) hair salons are a major source of p4p pussy, but was not aware that this was also the case in LOS.
Can someone in the know please enlighten me on this subject and possibly recommend some suitable establishments?
I am due in BKK/LOS for 7 weeks, starting with the Chinese New Year and letting my hair grow till then....
[QUOTE=Daddy San]
I am due in BKK/LOS for 7 weeks, starting with the Chinese New Year and letting my hair grow till then....[/QUOTE]
you will let your hair grow just to get laid..never heard that before.... that was funny :)
There is a salon in soi 6 pattaya.. i saw in a youtube videos near roxy bar which i think offers this service..not sure about bkk
Good Luck
Daddy San,
As you noted particularly in China, everyone knew if you wanted pussy you just go to a hair salon and pick them. If was just a front. But in LOS, some of the girls that work salon used to work in MP, gogo, or bars prior to working in hair salons. Those girls had some common sense to save their earning from working in the p4p scene and applied it to learning a trade. But the salon business isn't easy so many of them around. Many girls working, if they like you would go out with you after work for some extra money. In my opinion they are not like China where they are just fronts.
As noted in Pattaya, there are a few along Soi 6, and behind Soi 6 (6/1) that are somewhat of a front. But watch out for the ladyboys!
Good luck, LBM
Hi all,
A question not about Thailand/BKK at all, rather about Cambodia vs Philippines.
After 12 or so visits to Thailand, I've decided next time (next year) I will split my 10 days between LOS and one of the above places.
I am asking here cause I figure some of you guys may have done both. If I post in the Phil section, 90% will say the Phil, hands down, and ditto for the Cambodian post.
Already, I'm leaning towards Cambodia, for convenience sake - just a cheap Air Asia flight away so easy to tie into a trip to Bkk and also for the 'wild west' atmosphere I've been reading about - I've been to some pretty dodgy places - Colombia, Mexico and Central America, Jo'burg, Nairobi (Nairobbery) to name a few and it seems well cheap too.
It seems as though the general opinion though is that The Philippines have better looking woman and an atmosphere similiar to Thailand.
Dunno......anyone care to offer an opinion. Don't mean to tie up this forum about other countries so feel free to pm.....it will be much appreciated.
Cheers.
[QUOTE=Tansak KTV]And a 21 year old uneducated isan MP girl I know pays 12,000 baht a month in rent for her condo and still takes home over 60 K a month.... not including money from the sponsors she has...
Ain't BKK a wonderful place...[/QUOTE]
and maybe she carries the same amount of men..on her back! lol
[QUOTE=Sainter21]Hi all,
A question not about Thailand/BKK at all, rather about Cambodia vs Philippines.
After 12 or so visits to Thailand, I've decided next time (next year) I will split my 10 days between LOS and one of the above places.
I am asking here cause I figure some of you guys may have done both. If I post in the Phil section, 90% will say the Phil, hands down, and ditto for the Cambodian post.
Already, I'm leaning towards Cambodia, for convenience sake - just a cheap Air Asia flight away so easy to tie into a trip to Bkk and also for the 'wild west' atmosphere I've been reading about - I've been to some pretty dodgy places - Colombia, Mexico and Central America, Jo'burg, Nairobi (Nairobbery) to name a few and it seems well cheap too.
It seems as though the general opinion though is that The Philippines have better looking woman and an atmosphere similiar to Thailand.
Dunno......anyone care to offer an opinion. Don't mean to tie up this forum about other countries so feel free to pm.....it will be much appreciated.
Cheers.[/QUOTE]
Hi Sainter,
I live in The Philippines so you probably might consider me biased but I frequently travel throughout SE Asia (have just returned from a 7 week trip) and have considerable experience of Cambodia (and Thailand, of course). I can assure you that if I were to choose between the Philippines and Cambodia for purely mongering purposes, I would pick The Philippines any day. For why? Apart from considering the women more attractive, they speak English and tend to offer a much better overall GFE. You are also much more likely to find freebies and casual pick-ups (in malls etc) in The Philippines. Cambodian p4p, I found, is as professional and often as clinical as p4p in Thailand but without the quality or service. It is cheap though but you get what you pay for. Don't get me wrong, you can find stunners and good experiences in Martini's and similar establishments, but just not as often as you might in LA Cafe or in Angeles.
For non-mongering purposes, both countries can be hard going at times but, of course, The Philippines has nothing to match the culture of Cambodia and the glories of Angkor Wat. Hotels in Cambodia are very reasonably priced and fairly good quality and Cambodian food is much better than Filipino (which is probably the worst in SE Asia, but that is a personal opinion). In both countries you have to watch your step as there's a lot of street crime and similarly in both you will get a lot of hassle from beggars etc, but in Cambodia it is unrelenting.
In summary both countries have much to offer but I would say that The Philippines wins on points. Thailand IMHO, remains the best destination in SE Asia, for the complete package, for the discerning monger.
Enjoy your trip and take care, whichever option you go for. GH
[QUOTE=Sainter21]Hi all,
A question not about Thailand/BKK at all, rather about Cambodia vs Philippines.
After 12 or so visits to Thailand, I've decided next time (next year) I will split my 10 days between LOS and one of the above places.
I am asking here cause I figure some of you guys may have done both. If I post in the Phil section, 90% will say the Phil, hands down, and ditto for the Cambodian post.
Already, I'm leaning towards Cambodia, for convenience sake - just a cheap Air Asia flight away so easy to tie into a trip to Bkk and also for the 'wild west' atmosphere I've been reading about - I've been to some pretty dodgy places - Colombia, Mexico and Central America, Jo'burg, Nairobi (Nairobbery) to name a few and it seems well cheap too.
It seems as though the general opinion though is that The Philippines have better looking woman and an atmosphere similiar to Thailand.
Dunno......anyone care to offer an opinion. Don't mean to tie up this forum about other countries so feel free to pm.....it will be much appreciated.
Cheers.[/QUOTE]
Thailand is the better place to live, but I think the Philippines is the better place to party. Cambodia, cheap but not great to live, and not that great to party. Give it a few years. So it all depends on what's most important to you: creature comforts (Thailand), availability of women (Philippines) or price (cambodia).
[QUOTE=Sainter21]Hi all,
A question not about Thailand/BKK at all, rather about Cambodia vs Philippines.
After 12 or so visits to Thailand, I've decided next time (next year) I will split my 10 days between LOS and one of the above places.
I am asking here cause I figure some of you guys may have done both. If I post in the Phil section, 90% will say the Phil, hands down, and ditto for the Cambodian post.
Already, I'm leaning towards Cambodia, for convenience sake - just a cheap Air Asia flight away so easy to tie into a trip to Bkk and also for the 'wild west' atmosphere I've been reading about - I've been to some pretty dodgy places - Colombia, Mexico and Central America, Jo'burg, Nairobi (Nairobbery) to name a few and it seems well cheap too.
It seems as though the general opinion though is that The Philippines have better looking woman and an atmosphere similiar to Thailand.
Dunno......anyone care to offer an opinion. Don't mean to tie up this forum about other countries so feel free to pm.....it will be much appreciated.
Cheers.[/QUOTE]
I will second Gamahucher advice.
Nevertheless for convenience purposes your first choice should be Cambodia.
If you finally decide to go to Philippines I suggest you choose Cebu Pacific Air to fly to Manila stay 3 days there then take a bus or taxi to Angeles City stay two nights there and fly back to BKK from there (Clark) or do the opposite.
[url]http://www.cebupacificair.com/[/url]
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]Daddy San,
As you noted particularly in China, everyone knew if you wanted pussy you just go to a hair salon and pick them. If was just a front. But in LOS, [b]some of the girls that work salon used to work in MP, gogo, or bars prior to working in hair salons[/b].......[/QUOTE]
This is scary!
Whereas most hairdresser girls are qualified by nature to use their pussies to please men, by no means all pussies can be trusted to cut & style my hair!
I better stick to Tulip & Co (for pussy), but where do I get a decent hair cut?
I know this sounds weird but air asia is giving away 100,000 free tickets (minus taxes) to thailand as a part of a tourism promotion due to the unrest.
Unfortunately these are flights originating in asia! If only there were steals and deals from nyc. The lowest I see is $1000.
I am still working on thailand. I hope to be there next month but I have not gotten my act together yet. It takes awhile.
Ready set go....
[QUOTE=Sainter21]Hi all,
A question not about Thailand/BKK at all, rather about Cambodia vs Philippines.[/QUOTE]
I'd give real SERIOUS consideration to jakarta....read their threads for more info, pm if you have any questions.
Daddy San,
You can go to August Salon on Sukhumvit just before Soi 7, I think? The girls are great and so is the haircuts. Everytime I go there after the haircut or foot massage the girl always ask me where I go?
LBM
[QUOTE=Traveler1234]I'd give real SERIOUS consideration to jakarta....read their threads for more info, pm if you have any questions.[/QUOTE]
I highly recommend Jakarta. Though Muslim it's English speaking and has a great monger scene.
[QUOTE=Retired Army]I've been taking the BKK-CM train for almost 40 years and have never seen nor heard of such activity. The First Class compartments all have male attendents. That's not to say you couldn't get laid on the train, but not by R of T employees.[/QUOTE]Retired army,
I think bentong is dreaming of getting service from the staff when he is sleeping in the 2nd class compartment, I ride this train a few time yes you are correct they are male attended.
Fast eddie 48
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]Daddy San,
You can go to August Salon on Sukhumvit just before Soi 7, I think? The girls are great and so is the haircuts. Everytime I go there after the haircut or foot massage the girl always ask me where I go?
LBM[/QUOTE]
Is that their way to ask if you want a fuck?
[QUOTE=Gamahucher]Hi Sainter,
In summary both countries have much to offer but I would say that The Philippines wins on points. Thailand IMHO, remains the best destination in SE Asia, for the complete package, for the discerning monger.
Enjoy your trip and take care, whichever option you go for. GH[/QUOTE]
I too live in the Philippines, but spent ten days in Cambodia earlier this year and I agree with everything said by GH. Culturally, Cambodia wins hands down in terms of interest, and the same is true for food, particularly since the Philippines probably has the worst cuisine in Asia. For women however, it's no contest. The Philippines is far superior.
Though good looking women are easy to find in both places, the whole scene is a lot less clinical and much more GFE than Cambodia, and of course almost all of the women here speak at least some English. The P4P scene is slightly more expensive here, but only slightly, and the difference in quality of service makes it all worth it.
GE
Daddy San,
This is only my opinion but I believe that these girls working in the salons aren't willing to go out with just anyone and allow them to be f--k. And I'm talking about the single one's. You have your basic conversation and they try to feel you out like if you're good boyfriend material. It's like a line to let you know if you want to go out on a date. It's as they say up to you!
I myself have never said o.k. you want to go to dinner because I'm there only for 1/2 day and don't want to spend alot of time doing the romace number and end up with nothing. There's work to be done and if that's you thing like my friends I say go for it. Now this comes from one of my buddies who told me he took one out for dinner around 2 years ago to Fuji for dinner, drinking and she ended up back at his hotel for the night.
I have been tempted many times but too much of a challenge!
LBM
Are we talking about Thai girls? I am confused now...
Maybe I should make a report on P4P in France... in the Thailand forum
[QUOTE=Fast Eddie 48]I ride this train a few time yes you are correct they are male attended.[/QUOTE]Well you couldn't have ridden it very often if you didn't notice the women serving the food and drink from the dining car. Though I'll admit it's probably been a long time since they offered onboard tricks.
NicFrenchy,
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ... are you talking to me?
LBM, was talking about girls that work in salons in Thailand.
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]NicFrenchy,
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ... are you talking to me?
LBM, was talking about girls that work in salons in Thailand.[/QUOTE]
No, it was not you I was talking to
[QUOTE=Betong]Well you couldn't have ridden it very often if you didn't notice the women serving the food and drink from the dining car. Though I'll admit it's probably been a long time since they offered onboard tricks.[/QUOTE]
I ride the BKK-CM-BKK, BKK-Surin-BKK and BKK-Udon Thani-BKK trains several times a year and here is what I know: the girls get on at one stop, serve food, and then get off a few stops later to wait for the next train returning in the opposite direction. For the most part these are uneducated farm girls and not what one would consider Western fvcking material. That's not to say that some poor rice picker from Two Bug Fvck could be persuaded to do whatever to whomever for a few Baht. But it definately isn't the norm. The few times I have visited the few dining cars on Thai trains they have had an all male staff. Food is usually sold and served in the riding cars.
My wife and I are taking the BKK-Surin train tonight and the BKK-CM train next week for our annual visit up North to buy Burmese antiques. If anything has changed, or if I am wrong, I will gladly post a correction and appology to Betong.
[QUOTE=Retired Army]That's not to say that some poor rice picker from Two Bug Fvck could be persuaded to do whatever to whomever for a few Baht.[/QUOTE]As I said, the girl I personally knew doing this was a uni student, working during her holidays. She was a part-time employee of the catering company the SRT used and perhaps still uses to staff the dining cars. By all accounts she was far from the only one on the game. The arrangements for these things were discreet, made in advance, and basically required you to have a 1st class compartment to yourself. That's the only reason I didn't try it myself -- it added up to a lot of money for a short-time.
I find it interesting that at least a couple of you guys obviously don't even want to believe such a thing could happen. Thailand in many ways was a much more free-wheeling place in the '70s and early '80s, and anyone who worked and traveled with male Thai colleagues then, as I did, would see all kinds of things like this. Since you clearly don't want to take my word for this, just ask a few oldtimers in CM. David U (I won't give his last name here but it's easily searchable), the guy who writes the N Thai motorcycle touring books, would be a good place to start.
[QUOTE=Betong]As I said, the girl I personally knew doing this was a uni student, working during her holidays. She was a part-time employee of the catering company the SRT used and perhaps still uses to staff the dining cars. By all accounts she was far from the only one on the game. The arrangements for these things were discreet, made in advance, and basically required you to have a 1st class compartment to yourself. That's the only reason I didn't try it myself -- it added up to a lot of money for a short-time.
I find it interesting that at least a couple of you guys obviously don't even want to believe such a thing could happen. Thailand in many ways was a much more free-wheeling place in the '70s and early '80s, and anyone who worked and traveled with male Thai colleagues then, as I did, would see all kinds of things like this. Since you clearly don't want to take my word for this, just ask a few oldtimers in CM. David U (I won't give his last name here but it's easily searchable), the guy who writes the N Thai motorcycle touring books, would be a good place to start.[/QUOTE]
Betong... I defer to your expertise. I've only been coming to Thailand since the Viet Nam war so I really don't know much about the country and obviously that doesn't qualify me as an old timer. I know some guys who have been here since the 1950's. Do they qualify, or do they have to live in CM and write books on motorcycle touring?
Now, there is some credibility to the statement that you had to have a first class compartment to yourself and everything was arranged in advance. Anything with enough advanced planning and money is possible. I could call an escort agency and tell them to send someone to my cabin when the train stops at whatever water buffalo hole in the middle of nowhere. You could pay off the attendent to look the other way as you sneak a girl into your cabin. But why bother? And as for shagging one of the girls from Two Bug Fvck who sells plates of Khao Pot and Pepsi Cola in little plastic bags, I don't think so. But, like I said, anything with enough advanced planning and money is possible.
However, your statement about Thailand being a much more free-wheeling society in the 1970's is totally incorrect. It was different country then and some areas, especially close to American Military Bases, were like the lawless old wild wild West where anything was tolerated. But the rest of the country wasn't like that at all and clung to the old traditional Thai values. My colleagues in the Thai military were appaled at the behaivor of the American GIs and the girls who serviced them. But given the state of the Thai economy in the 1970's and the amount of money being spent by the GIs they turned a blind eye and figured it was better to cash in than complain. The resistance to this kind of behaivor was one of the reasons the American military was kicked out in 1975 and we have no permanent bases in Thailand today.
Thailand today is a much more open free-wheeling society than in the 1970's. But what do I know? I don't live in CM anymore or write books on motorcycle touring.
[QUOTE=Retired Army]I've only been coming to Thailand since the Viet Nam war so I really don't know much about the country and obviously that doesn't qualify me as an old timer.[/QUOTE]RA, I haven't questioned your knowledge of Thailand. I just suggested that if you wanted to hear more about the old train girls that you could ask some long-time CM residents -- they will know.
The problem here may be a difference in perspective. You've been "coming" here since the VN war. I've been living here since about then, working with Thais and operating most of the time in a Thai context. Yes, Thailand on the surface is of course much wilder than it was then, especially as seen by farang. But -- note that I said "in many ways", not all -- there was an easy-going quality to paid sex that's been largely lost. Girls routinely being offered when you checked into upcountry hotels, girls offered in restaurants, even cops openly coming around with girls, etc.
Again, I'm talking about from basically a middle-class Thai perspective. I have no idea what it was like near the bases or in most farang bars, because I was living among Thais and thiao-ing with Thai guys. The scene today is infinitely bigger and brasher and more commercial, and society in general is much more permissive, but it's lost some of the ease and casualness that made it so nice then. The fact that people find it hard to believe that the train thing could have ever happened suggests just how much things have changed.
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]Daddy San,
You can go to August Salon on Sukhumvit just before Soi 7, I think? The girls are great and so is the haircuts. Everytime I go there after the haircut or foot massage the girl always ask me where I go?
LBM[/QUOTE]
I have gotten some of the best haircuts of my life here. The owner is very nice as well as the girls. I have been out to dinner with some of them many times, but have never been offered anything other than a haicut. So, get a good hair cut there and chase pussy elsewhere. I think that they may be making conversation in asking you where you go, but maybe not, maybe I am just not "hadsom man" like you.
Lord Farquard,
If the owner is the same one, she is a real stunner in my book. Like I said I haven't partake in any of the girls at August salon too much work for me but when I'm getting my haircut I have a hard time sitting still because my eyes are constantly scanning to check out their ass and legs.
I don't know about handsome man because my buddy is really one ugly MF, but for some reason the girls dig him until they figure out that he's a big asshole. Maybe it being a American and Asian at the same time. When he takes them out he lets them pick where they want to eat and what they want to eat and does the Karaoke number and gets them feeling loose and happy with Samsome wiskey. I have seen him with real quiet women that say they don't drink and by the end of the night they are dirty dancing with him and he's grabbing them all over. Now whether he is bragging or not I'm not sure but from what I have seen it seems hard to believe he's going back to his Condo alone.
LBM
Now that we know nearly everything on the abouts and tactics to conquer the heart of the "old train girls", does anyone know if these lovely cuties grew up, got kids and their elder daughters of at least 20 yo are working on train as well?
Just for the sake of the records, so we can pick a motobike and then write all about it:)
Hi All,
My husband and I are travelling to Thailand early next year and we joined this site which was highly recommended because its current and full of good local knowledge. We will be there for approx. 14 days and want to split the trip in two, visiting and spending time at Nana Plaza, Soi Cowboy and Patpong area's then spending most of the trip in Pattaya.
What I would like to have is a few fellow travellers to correspond with who know those areas well and have recent knowledge. I am very specific on what I want to do, see, feel, taste and enjoy while I am there and I am hoping this site will give me knowledge enabling us to enjoy ourselves daily and not waste time 'looking' only to find what we want on the second last night.
I welcome private messages from other couples who have been and can relate to that style of visit.
So I welcome anyone to private message us, specifically guys who travel regularly to those areas and hopefully get to know a few of you on this site.
Cheers,
Ms.D.
[QUOTE=Lord Farquard]I always thought this girls was cute-------------too bad she is 16 :([/QUOTE]
Are you for real? the girl is 16 and you plaster a face picture of her in an Adult forum? what do they put in your water?
Can a mod please remove this pic?
[QUOTE=Fun Couple] I am very specific on what I want to do, see, feel, taste and enjoy while I am there and I am hoping this site will give me knowledge enabling us to enjoy ourselves daily and not waste time 'looking' only to find what we want on the second last night.
[/QUOTE]
Hi,
First of all, as a regular member you can't use the Private message function.
Also, what exactly are you looking for? just advices and pointers or a full on baby sitter to take you around and show you the places?
[QUOTE=NicFrenchy]Hi,
First of all, as a regular member you can't use the Private message function.
Also, what exactly are you looking for? just advices and pointers or a full on baby sitter to take you around and show you the places?[/QUOTE]
I thought paid members could PM folks even if they are just regular members... If you pay up it doesn't make you a senior member does it? But as long as they paid the membership fee then they can use PM services.
Or so I thought.
EDIT: Confirmed... they can PM as paid members... even if regular members / new members... so obviously they have joined up and paid the fee.
[QUOTE=NicFrenchy]Hi,
First of all, as a regular member you can't use the Private message function.
Also, what exactly are you looking for? just advices and pointers or a full on baby sitter to take you around and show you the places?[/QUOTE]Hi NicFrency,
I don't understand why you commented on being a Regular Member, we are paid members and can p/m. Apart from being a registered guest (free) we didn't realize there was any other sort of membership available, and thought that 'senior' membership was governed by the amount of time you are a member?
I didn't request a baby sitter to take us around, I was asking for advice on the places I had mentioned. I want to keep it simple, whats worth going to, whats not and from everything we have read on the net we now want to see and do certain things that I would rather discuss privately, thats why I requested to be contacted via the p/m option.
Thanks for your response.
Ms. D.
[QUOTE=NicFrenchy]Are you for real? the girl is 16 and you plaster a face picture of her in an Adult forum? what do they put in your water?
Can a mod please remove this pic?[/QUOTE]
she is 18 now
[QUOTE=Bionicman]Now that we know nearly everything on the abouts and tactics to conquer the heart of the "old train girls" . . . [/QUOTE]Yeah, sorry to have gone on beating that horse -- just a historical curiosity ;-). The best way to join the mile-long club is still to book a 1st class compartment and just bring along a girlfriend, temporary or otherwise. Something romantic about that clickety-clack rhythm . . . .
Guys have many of you either been or seen a couple enjoy the night life with the girls at the clubs/bars etc?
[QUOTE=Fun Couple]I don't understand why you commented on being a Regular Member, we are paid members and can p/m. Apart from being a registered guest (free) we didn't realize there was any other sort of membership available, and thought that 'senior' membership was governed by the amount of time you are a member? [/QUOTE]
I did not realise you paid your membership. If you pay then you can do Everything but many people don't pay and do not have access to these function until they post a few reports.
You can PM me with Questions if you need however I am not a Bar but a Massage expert.
Good luck
NF
[QUOTE=Fun Couple]Hi NicFrency,
I don't understand why you commented on being a Regular Member, we are paid members and can p/m. Apart from being a registered guest (free) we didn't realize there was any other sort of membership available, and thought that 'senior' membership was governed by the amount of time you are a member?
I didn't request a baby sitter to take us around, I was asking for advice on the places I had mentioned. I want to keep it simple, whats worth going to, whats not and from everything we have read on the net we now want to see and do certain things that I would rather discuss privately, thats why I requested to be contacted via the p/m option.
Thanks for your response.
Ms. D.[/QUOTE]
Senior members are those above a certain number of posts I think, or may be time based. We can edit our posts and fix spelling.
Paid members can PM of course. Nic probably got his terminology mixed up.
PMs are not the best method of communicating unless you are special buddies, usually people you have met.
Normal posts are better, because when you have very specific questions, you don't know who will have the best knowledge nor will have the time to answer.
Very vague questions are generally not worthwhile in any context. You must state exactly what you are looking for.
Mick Licker and NF, I have to thank you both for your responses. I guess posting on the site and not private messaging is a better option for your quite correct Mick, anyone else could have the right advice I am seeking.
I guess being new to the site and being female (don't see many others on the site) is a little daunting to be honest and I feel a bit self conciously being so public with my 'wants'. Mongoring is clearly a truely male dominated arena and from my side of the fence its hard to know where 'I' stand.
Thats why I thought at first the p/m option would suit me more than other members for my own private descretion.
Being 'more specific' might I think make me sound like some desperate / wanton / ****, and I am non of those things, I am a normal healthy very sexually aware woman who has talked about the joys of Thailand with male friends for years and have always wanted to enjoy it, see it and experience it for myself. Now I have the opportunity to go and I don't want to waste 1 minutes wasting time.
So I thank all those who have p/m'd me and I really look forward to learning a great deal more.
I feel like I have 100's of questions some of which may seem very blonde to you all your familar travellers and roll your eyes at my text, one of my greatest fears is that I will get there and my other half will be fine, but for f/f interaction with my male partner might not be as easy to find as I think it is?
Cheers
[QUOTE=Fun Couple]
I feel like I have 100's of questions some of which may seem very blonde to you all your familar travellers and roll your eyes at my text, one of my greatest fears is that I will get there and my other half will be fine, but for f/f interaction with my male partner might not be as easy to find as I think it is?
Cheers[/QUOTE]
Try not to be too shy as at least you are anonymous.
But I understand somewhat. I took the bi-sexual girl T (from the Caribbean) to Suzi Wong's for 3 nights straight before she was finally game to take a bi-girl away with her for the evening.
She chose a tom-boyish short of girl "Nu" with spiky hair that would not be my choice, but then I am a guy and go for a different look.
We sat at the bar at Livingstone's for a while as my friend was too shy to really make a move on the Thai girl.
T excused herself for a few minutes to go back to her room and freshen up, scared of any body odour (Thais are sensitive to this).
Eventually I was not sure if there was going to be any action as both girls seemed too shy to get started. I had to grab both of them by the neck and pull them together to making kissing each other unavoidable.
Finally the two got going after a few drinks to get relaxed and had a good night together. I really should have gone too to take some pictures of the lesbian action, but I didn't seeing that at least one of them might be too shy.
So the key to Thailand is you can't afford to be too shy to ask. Thais are a bit shy and sometimes use eupheisms for words.
"Boom boom" usually means sex.
I like to eat "oysters" (pussy).
Miss T would bring her boyfriend John back to Thailand next time and get Thai girls to share.
BtW, Normally the General Thread is for stuff not really realted to sex or for about using the forum.
Bangkok Thread is a better place for asking sex related questions for bangkok.
Some Forum memebrs are only interested in the Photo Gallery. On a lazy day, I might only look at Bangkok and also Bangkok Massage Parlours threads as thos are more likely to interest me.
The key to getting good answers is try to make the question interesting so that the answers would be interesting too. Boring question, and nobody can be bothered to answer other than being a smart arse.
When going to a bar in Soi Cowboy or Nana Plaza, there is no problem to ask the mamasan to point out which girls are really bi-sexuals. Some girls that are not true bi-sexuals will still go with a girl. They may prefer guys but still have licked out plenty of pussy before. And when receiving head, many girls don't really mind if its a guy or girl doing it as long as it feels good.
[QUOTE=Fun Couple]Mick Licker and NF, I have to thank you both for your responses. I guess posting on the site and not private messaging is a better option for your quite correct Mick, anyone else could have the right advice I am seeking.............................
I feel like I have 100's of questions some of which may seem very blonde to you all your familar travellers and roll your eyes at my text, one of my greatest fears is that I will get there and my other half will be fine, but for f/f interaction with my male partner might not be as easy to find as I think it is?
Cheers[/QUOTE]
If it is any help to you I know a TG for the past 7+ years. She does G on G action and will be quite accommodating to both of you. She is also quite good in speaking English so you will have no problem communicating. I have posted her pictures before. She is a little older (33) but then experience counts more. She is pretty good looking (IMHO).
PM me if you need contact details. (This for fun couple only. All others, please do not ask). Also, here some pictures re posted.
[QUOTE=Fun Couple]Being 'more specific' might I think make me sound like some desperate / wanton / ****, and I am non of those things, I am a normal healthy very sexually aware woman who has talked about the joys of Thailand with male friends for years and have always wanted to enjoy it, see it and experience it for myself. Now I have the opportunity to go and I don't want to waste 1 minutes wasting time.
So I thank all those who have p/m'd me and I really look forward to learning a great deal more.
I feel like I have 100's of questions some of which may seem very blonde to you all your familar travellers and roll your eyes at my text, one of my greatest fears is that I will get there and my other half will be fine, but for f/f interaction with my male partner might not be as easy to find as I think it is?
Cheers[/QUOTE]
In a way, we are all desperate / sex starved / whatever ****, so ask away and don't worry. The worst that can happen is you get flamed or ignored. I have a little input, but moved the discussion to the Bangkok thread.
cheers
fly
Ok I must be having a blonde moment or something because I actually have some free time to browse the photo gallery (no family around the peace and quiet, ahhhh).
I don't understand how it works, if I choose from the drop down bar to view by Newest or Forum Name, how can I choose to say look at pics from Pattaya for example (I can't? ). Do I wade through page after page after page to finally find the 'P' section?
Sorry I am bit frustrated (and I was so excited), the option goes from page 1 to 5 then last, what if I want page 578? . Do I keep clicking next, next, next, next, it will take me all year to get to page 578.
Ms. D.
[QUOTE=Flyhere]In a way, we are all desperate / sex starved / whatever ****, so ask away and don't worry. The worst that can happen is you get flamed or ignored. I have a little input, but moved the discussion to the Bangkok thread.
cheers
fly[/QUOTE]
We wish all women were "wanton" or had a healthy sex appetite.
Alas I previously chose the wrong girls who did not as a wife, GF etc.
I wouldn't make this mistake again.
[QUOTE=Fun Couple]Guys have many of you either been or seen a couple enjoy the night life with the girls at the clubs/bars etc?[/QUOTE]
Extremely common occurance in BKK. There are girls who specialize in couples' fantansies. It all depends on the quality of the girl in question. Do you want someone from the street or a nice freelance girl from a classier place? It's all up to you. Personally I would prefer a girl from Spaso's that has a day job and freelances on the weekends.
[QUOTE=Fun Couple]Ok I must be having a blonde moment or something because I actually have some free time to browse the photo gallery (no family around the peace and quiet, ahhhh).
I don't understand how it works, if I choose from the drop down bar to view by Newest or Forum Name, how can I choose to say look at pics from Pattaya for example (I can't? ). Do I wade through page after page after page to finally find the 'P' section?
Sorry I am bit frustrated (and I was so excited), the option goes from page 1 to 5 then last, what if I want page 578? . Do I keep clicking next, next, next, next, it will take me all year to get to page 578.
Ms. D.[/QUOTE]Is it only me that smells a rat, or is it a troll?
[QUOTE=Lord Farquard]she is 18 now[/QUOTE]no willing to flame, but what age did she have qhen the picture posted here was taken
that's the main thing...
It is my understanding that what the Forum is not happy about is the post of pictures of girls below legal age.
Whether she is 18 now and the picture show a 16 yr does not fit the rule.
[QUOTE=El Culion]Is it only me that smells a rat, or is it a troll?[/QUOTE]
come on, do you think someone would pay a subscription to have fun of people here asking these questions?
We are all perverted here, but that would reach thehighest peak of perversion:))
Think positive!
[QUOTE=El Culion]Is it only me that smells a rat, or is it a troll?[/QUOTE]
I'm suspious also. I suspect it's some guy posing as a woman and his wife knows nothing about his plan to get her drunk and then hook up with some other woman for a threesome.
Well you guys have surprised me, El Culion thinks I am a rat or a troll (what because I asked a question on how to view some pics? , like you don't view them! )and then Retired Army thinks I am a male posing as fem to take his wife to Thailand and get her drunk?
I am offended that your previous or past experiences have left both you sour and have passed it on to me. Very pathetic responses or inclinations indeed.
I have no way to prove to either of you that I am who I say I am. I stated very clearly in the beginning that I was the fem. Of a m/f couple and joined the site for guidance and to gather information not be slandered.
Cheers to you Bionicman for your words and to the many others who have shared their experiences and words of advice with us.
Maybe El Culion and Retired Army we might have the opportunity to have a beer together and in Thailand one day and then you will know I am who I say I am and you can both appologise to me in person!
Ms. D.
[QUOTE=Bionicman]We are all perverted here[/QUOTE]Speak for yourself. I'm not perverted. Just a dirty old man ;)
[QUOTE=El Culion]Is it only me that smells a rat, or is it a troll?[/QUOTE]
I don't I never understand why people are not given a chance????
Yes there are trolls, rats and wankers but how many are actually are on this board???
You could be one or anyone can even me
[QUOTE=ThaiLearner]Yes there are trolls, rats and wankers but how many are actually are on this board??? You could be one or anyone can even me[/QUOTE]
Trolls on a sex site? Now there's a revelation. Maybe some of the trip reports are just made up? Like the Penthouse Forum stories of [i]yor?[/i] Maybe 40yo+ men having multiple pops on a regular basis is just a fantasy in their own minds? Maybe traffic flows freely in Bangkok at rush hour?
I don't know, but I do think there is a good [i]community[/i] on the Thailand site. Seems strange considering the topic, but the web is often a strange place. I really enjoyed a get together with a bunch of ISG guys at a Livingstone's Lodge pool party awhile back. All gentlemen and scholars (well, maybe most of them). :)
Now we just need OTH to come out of retirement to stir it up a bit more with his regional wisdom and local chagrin.
[QUOTE=Fon Tok]Trolls on a sex site? Now there's a revelation. Maybe some of the trip reports are just made up? Like the Penthouse Forum stories of [i]yor?[/i] Maybe 40yo+ men having multiple pops on a regular basis is just a fantasy in their own minds? Maybe traffic flows freely in Bangkok at rush hour?
I don't know, but I do think there is a good [i]community[/i] on the Thailand site. Seems strange considering the topic, but the web is often a strange place. I really enjoyed a get together with a bunch of ISG guys at a Livingstone's Lodge pool party awhile back. All gentlemen and scholars (well, maybe most of them). :)
Now we just need OTH to come out of retirement to stir it up a bit more with his regional wisdom and local chagrin.[/QUOTE] Fon Tok you way too funny dude. I get your report exactly. Even with Cialus multiples are pretty hard to do for a 40ish guy (who me???). Hard all night but multiples?
[QUOTE=Fun Couple]Maybe El Culion and Retired Army we might have the opportunity to have a beer together and in Thailand one day and then you will know I am who I say I am and you can both appologise to me in person!Ms. D.[/QUOTE]Offer accepted! I'll be in LOS from January 2 till March 1, with side trips to Phils, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Just PM me when you're there.
It's true that I have a suspicious mind, but I'm not too proud to apologize, and buy you a beer to make up, if need be :)
[QUOTE=Fon Tok]Trolls on a sex site? Now there's a revelation. Maybe some of the trip reports are just made up? Like the Penthouse Forum stories of [i]yor?[/i] Maybe 40yo+ men having multiple pops on a regular basis is just a fantasy in their own minds? Maybe traffic flows freely in Bangkok at rush hour?
I don't know, but I do think there is a good [i]community[/i] on the Thailand site. Seems strange considering the topic, but the web is often a strange place. I really enjoyed a get together with a bunch of ISG guys at a Livingstone's Lodge pool party awhile back. All gentlemen and scholars (well, maybe most of them). :)
Now we just need OTH to come out of retirement to stir it up a bit more with his regional wisdom and local chagrin.[/QUOTE]
Y'know, Fon Tok, I'm starting to warm to you, though it's unlikely I'll ever darken LL's doorstep. Glad to see you calling for the return of OTH (an individual and independant voice in our odd little cyber-community. Chagrin? What on earth do you mean?
[QUOTE=Fun Couple]Well you guys have surprised me, El Culion thinks I am a rat or a troll (what because I asked a question on how to view some pics? , like you don't view them! )and then Retired Army thinks I am a male posing as fem to take his wife to Thailand and get her drunk?
I am offended that your previous or past experiences have left both you sour and have passed it on to me. Very pathetic responses or inclinations indeed.
I have no way to prove to either of you that I am who I say I am. I stated very clearly in the beginning that I was the fem. Of a m/f couple and joined the site for guidance and to gather information not be slandered.
Cheers to you Bionicman for your words and to the many others who have shared their experiences and words of advice with us.
Maybe El Culion and Retired Army we might have the opportunity to have a beer together and in Thailand one day and then you will know I am who I say I am and you can both appologise to me in person!
Ms. D.[/QUOTE]
I don't give a rat's you-know-what if you are offended or not. Something just doesn't seem right about your posts and you wouldn't be the first to post sex ads without the wife's permission or knowledge. You may be genuine for all I know, and if you are then have a wonderful time fulfilling your quest in Thailand. I wish you the best of luck.
And, I have no desire to spend any time with any Western woman under any circumstances, beer or not. Once one gets to know the proper Thai woman that ship sails quickly. So don't hold you breath for an appolgy, or do, for all I care.
[QUOTE=Fun Couple]Maybe El Culion and Retired Army we might have the opportunity to have a beer together and in Thailand one day and then you will know I am who I say I am and you can both appologise to me in person!
Ms. D.[/QUOTE]
So the people who have questionned your integrity get a free beer but the ones that help don't? how rewarding.
Anyhow, I don't drink.
[QUOTE=NicFrenchy]So the people who have questionned your integrity get a free beer but the ones that help don't? how rewarding.
Anyhow, I don't drink.[/QUOTE]
And you can afford to buy your own beverages anyway. :)
[url]http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24877650-5006787,00.html[/url]
Narayan - Thai or Indian?
Nontheless, its sounds just the kind of thing a scorned Thai woman might do. A slight variation on the sharp knife and ice bag routine.
If you play around - make sure that you hide the lighter fuel ;). GH
[QUOTE=Retired Army]I'm suspious also. I suspect it's some guy posing as a woman and his wife knows nothing about his plan to get her drunk and then hook up with some other woman for a threesome.[/QUOTE]
Its always wise to be skeptical about newby's posts, but don't let your imagination get too carried away without proper justification.
If people reveal themselves to be dip-sticks by what they say, fine, but we are supposed to believe in "innocent till proven guilty".
I am personally aquainted with a different "fun loving couple" (not the poster here) so I don't find what is being said to be at all unbelievable. I more amusing that she is a bit too shy to be very explicit which gels exactly with my previous experience.
In a German Thai Forum I read that you can withdraw now maximum 5000 Baht at once
with foreign cash cards at the ATM cash machines. Finally that means, you have to pay 3 times more fee, if you want to withdraw the former amount of 20000 Baht.
The Thai Military Bank (TMB) did already fulfil this order.
Can anybody of you fellow mongers confirm that information?
Lemon Tree
I withdrew 10,000 THB from ATMs on multiple occasions last week. I have my own personal maximum at US$500, which is somewhere below 20,000 baht, and that is a limit worldwide. ~TTG
[QUOTE=Lemon Tree]In a German Thai Forum I read that you can withdraw now maximum 5000 Baht at once
The Thai Military Bank (TMB) did already fulfil this order.
Can anybody of you fellow mongers confirm that information?[/QUOTE]
I have a local account at TMB and I can confirm that the withdrawal limit seems to be 5,000 baht. I have often found that ATMs refused to allow anything more than that amount, beginning in the last month or two.
As for my foreign account their seems to be no such limit, but I don't think I've used that card at a TMB.
It depends from the contract you have signed.
I have a bank account at Kasikorn Bankcan and my limit is 20.000 baht.
More than often I withdraw 10.000 baht, last time for New year's eve.
Italy 1974
[QUOTE=Opebo]I have a local account at TMB and I can confirm that the withdrawal limit seems to be 5,000 baht. I have often found that ATMs refused to allow anything more than that amount, beginning in the last month or two.
As for my foreign account their seems to be no such limit, but I don't think I've used that card at a TMB.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Lemon Tree]In a German Thai Forum I read that you can withdraw now maximum 5000 Baht at once
with foreign cash cards at the ATM cash machines. Finally that means, you have to pay 3 times more fee, if you want to withdraw the former amount of 20000 Baht.
The Thai Military Bank (TMB) did already fulfil this order.
Can anybody of you fellow mongers confirm that information?
Lemon Tree[/QUOTE]
I took out 10,000 this morning at Bangkok Bank. No problem. Are you talking about a debit card or a credit card which might be different.
[QUOTE=Lemon Tree]In a German Thai Forum I read that you can withdraw now maximum 5000 Baht at once
with foreign cash cards at the ATM cash machines. Finally that means, you have to pay 3 times more fee, if you want to withdraw the former amount of 20000 Baht.
The Thai Military Bank (TMB) did already fulfil this order.
Can anybody of you fellow mongers confirm that information?
Lemon Tree[/QUOTE]
It seems that it is becoming a worldwide trend.
About fifteen months ago I withdrew 1500 pesos from ATM's in Buenos Aires. Since then they lowered the limit to 300 pesos (100 usd) allowing three daily withdrawals meaning three times their charges.
I only take good old cash down there since then. Can't afford to pay 5 Euros for every 100 usd. Too costly.
[QUOTE=Italy 1974]It depends from the contract you have signed.
I have a bank account at Kasikorn Bankcan and my limit is 20.000 baht.[/QUOTE]
No. I used to withdraw 20,000. The limit has changed in the last couple of months.
[QUOTE=Opebo]No. I used to withdraw 20,000. The limit has changed in the last couple of months.[/QUOTE]I must insist.
My limit is now 20.000 baht.
I have been to Kasikorn Bank on January 2 to get a second ATM card and my limit was confirmed to that amount.
Unless you know my contract's details better than me.
Italy 1974
[QUOTE=Lemon Tree]In a German Thai Forum I read that you can withdraw now maximum 5000 Baht at once
with foreign cash cards at the ATM cash machines. Finally that means, you have to pay 3 times more fee, if you want to withdraw the former amount of 20000 Baht.
The Thai Military Bank (TMB) did already fulfil this order.
Can anybody of you fellow mongers confirm that information?
Lemon Tree[/QUOTE]
With my Foreign cards, I have been allowed 20,000 on some card/account/machines and sometimes refused but always allowed at least 10,000.
May depend on account or on particular machine.
I am from Australia.
I have been using ATM's for as long as I could remember. Talking about US dollars versus the Baht... I mainly use my Debit/Credit issue from my Credit Union and have a daily limit of 500 USD withdraw from checking account. I mainly use ATM's outside of 7/11 stores since they are open 24 hours and if for some reason the money doesn't come out or my card isn't return I have access to personel. But this hasn't ever happen to me. I want a machine that is well maintained!
The 2 banks I mostly used are Bangkok Bank, where I also have a account for Visa purposes. The ATM machine is I believe Blue color the other is yellow which I can't spell. One of these machines are usually outside a 7/11 store. There has been times when I have tried using a Thai Military Bank ATM and Siam Bank (purple) outside Foodland and wouldn't issue me more than 10,000 baht at a time. Throughout 2008, depending on the value of the Baht, I was able to take each time somewhere around 16,000-17,000 at one time. This would come out to around 488-492 USD, which is just under my limit.
On the ATM, machine I listed above... make sure you push the bottom " other " and then indicate the perference amount you want instead of a set amount.
LBM
If you have an account at Etrade, you can get a debit card that pulls money out of your cash balance, in effect, a debit card like the one from your bank. The difference?
Etrade doesn't charge you a fee for withdrawing money out of any ATM, domestic or foreign; but what's more, if the foreign bank charges a fee, ET will re-imburse you.
Now of course, there is no free lunch, so I imagine they nik you on the exchange rate in some way, but all in all, it's the best way I have found for carrying less cash, yet having free ATM world-wide. I don't know the limits on total cash withdrawn or number of times per day you can do it, but I'm sure it's reasonable, $200+ for sure. I'm happy with my ET account. Ameri_trde might do the same thing, don't know.
Jck
I recd. quite a few PMs regarding the G on G where they wanted their wives or GFs to take part in it.
Unless you know that your wife or GF is a genuine bi-sexual, please, remember that in the end the wife/GF may end up liking their new lifestyle and dump you.
[QUOTE=Italy 1974]I must insist.
My limit is now 20.000 baht.
I have been to Kasikorn Bank on January 2 to get a second ATM card and my limit was confirmed to that amount.
Unless you know my contract's details better than me.
Italy 1974[/QUOTE]
I was talking about the limit that I have encountered at Thai Military Bank. It used to be 20,000, and now it is 5,000. They didn't ask me about it, and I'm sure it is just TMB policy on all accounts. I made no claims about your account or bank.
[QUOTE=Jackzonian]If you have an account at Etrade, you can get a debit card that pulls money out of your cash balance, in effect, a debit card like the one from your bank. The difference?
[/QUOTE]
E*TRADE is the best in my opinion with their bank and brokerage ATM cards. You may need to have total balances for all combine accounts totaling 50k+ for everything to be free.
I've never encountered a fee with foreign banks. Their daily limit is in order of $500+. Their exchange rate is nearly spot on the interbank rate you see with x-rates.com. From what I can tell they don't even earn a 0.25 percent fee. You can not get that rate even if you wire large amounts of cash.
If you must use a credit card then Capital-one is best. I think only a 1 percent exchange conversion fee you see in the conversion ratio.
If you do wire money from a US bank to a Thai bank always do it in USD and let the Thai bank do the conversion. Don't let the US bank to the conversion first they will screw you over big time.
[QUOTE=Jackzonian]Etrade doesn't charge you a fee for withdrawing money out of any ATM, domestic or foreign; but what's more, if the foreign bank charges a fee, ET will re-imburse you.
[/QUOTE]
I was quite glad to read that, since I have both brokerage and bank accounts with E*Trade, so I wrote and asked about fees for using the checking account ATM card overseas. Here is the first reply:
"Thank you for your message regarding the international use of your VISA Debit Card for your E*TRADE Max-Rate Checking account. The ATM refunds will not apply and your daily ATM withdrawal limit is USD$1000.00. E*TRADE Bank does impose a charge equal to 1% of the transaction amount (including credits and reversals) for non-U.S. currency ATM transactions.
For more information on our fees schedule, please visit the following website:
[url]https://us.etrade.com/e/t/estation/pricing?id=1206030000[/url] "
I wrote back and asked if there are any E*Trade Bank accounts that would not charge the 1% fee and got the following reply:
"Thank you for your message regarding the international use of your VISA Debit Card for E*TRADE Bank accounts. Unfortunately, there are no E*TRADE accounts which will not impose the transaction fee. As stated in the previous message, the currency conversion rate is that determined by VISA and can be located at the VISA website located below:
[url]http://corporate.visa.com/pd/consumer_services/consumer_ex_rates_us.jsp[/url] "
Curious to know what kind of E*Trade account you guys have that doesn't charge a fee/commission (and yes, I have far greater than a $50K balance in my accounts). E*Trade's fee is better than #@&!ing Citibank, which I think charges 3%, but it is still 1% at E so far as I can find.
To be clear about the 1% fee: it is standard for all foreign currency transactions on credit and debit cards; it is charged by both Visa and Mastercard (don't know about AmEx) and your financial institution cannot get around that. I don't think Mr Hoffy is looking at his statements closely enough. I find it really hard to believe that E*Trade would rebate this fee too.
Credit unions are good places for rebated ATM fees in exchange for high enough balances. I have access to rebate programs that begin at $10k total balance. Also, they often have credit and debit cards that will only charge the 1% fee for foreign transactions. As opposed to Chase, Citibank, etc., who charge 3%. Their foreign exchange rates have been competitive in addition to the 1% fee so their cards are a good deal. So I would suggest to check out the ones around where you live...
[QUOTE=Finrod]I find it really hard to believe that E*Trade would rebate this fee too. [/QUOTE]I have been extremely attentive to my statements to a point of recording the x-rates.com published exchange rate each and every day for a month and trying to figure out what is the deal with E*TRADE on their rate. It was almost like glitch that E*TRADE was unaware. An yes their exchange conversion fee is closer to zero than 1 percent. I would estimate that rate was closer to 0. 25 percent not 1 percent. Yes, 0. 25 percent and not 0. 5 percent.
I have probably done almost 1000 foreign exchange ATM transactions on both E*TRADE brokerage and bank ATM cards. In both Thailand, Europe and Brazil dealing with regular banks I have been very please. The only SCAM I've ever seen is run buy Citi bank in Brazil where they add a fee and convert to Dollars based on their rate so E*TRADE has no idea that the ATM withdrawal had anything to do with foreign exchange. I was happy to see that Citi-bank shareholder equity was wiped out even though I once owned a piece of the bank.
TO repeat. I have never been charged a fee in all my foreign exchange conversions with E#TRADE. If I use a BofA debit card I will be charged an ATM fee from both the ATM and BofA if I used in Europe. In domestic transactions with E*TRADE, I have been charged a fee but it get's rebated.
The issue is ATM cards and Debit Cards issued by various banks differ substantially in fee structures especially if you try to use the card in a foreign country. The only similarities is the all have magnetic strips and are made of plastic. From that point on they all are different even if they say both VISA or Mastercard.
My Thai friend in Bangkok told me last week that there has been a large amount of counterfeit Thai baht showing up. He said in the 100 and 500 baht notes. Both in Pattaya and BKK.
Also that some of this phoney paper has been dispensed out of ATM machines. Have any of you guys heard of this problem?
Aside from E*Trade which I have no knowledge of I have heard something similar with Charles Schwab Brokerage with rebates.
I use to get 4 free international withdraws through my credit union then their debit/credit card got a Visa local attached to it.. Right after that the credit union started to charge me a 1% after each withdraw. Athough I have a Visa credit card just for emergency I used it once to purchase a airfare through the Internet on Eva Air. I got charged 3% for using the card oversea and another 1% for the conversion. That was the last time I used the card! I also had a Chase credit with a Master Card logo on it and since Eva Air gives you a 5% discount for using Master Card I decided last year to use this card and when my bill came I notice! no 3% or 1% and I get rewards points. I used it again in December 2008, bill came no 3% or 1%. Card is a fixed rate at 7.9% but I pay off the balance within the 30 days.
LBM
[QUOTE=Thunderdome]My Thai friend in Bangkok told me last week that there has been a large amount of counterfeit Thai baht showing up. He said in the 100 and 500 baht notes. Both in Pattaya and BKK.
Also that some of this phoney paper has been dispensed out of ATM machines. Have any of you guys heard of this problem?[/QUOTE]
A lot more stores are scanning the notes before accepting them and I was told it was because more and more counterfeits were showing up. Take it for what that is worth.
[QUOTE=Tansak KTV]A lot more stores are scanning the notes before accepting them and I was told it was because more and more counterfeits were showing up. Take it for what that is worth.[/QUOTE]What is our best bet for not getting stung this way? Use a debit card within the bank during regular hours to ensure notes are real? Not use the ATM?
I have been inspired by a recent thread on the Pattaya reports section comparing Rio de Janeiro with Pattaya and I decided to compare Bangkok with Sao Paulo.comparing the look and the "appeal":
I am from Rome, Italy so I am not easy to impress. Frankly neither Bangkor nor Sao Paulo are beatiful cities. Both are polluted and full of traffic. None of them has beaches. Still both of them offers a truli cosmopolitan environment that I really like. Winner: TIE
Comparing the safety:
Sao Paulo has a impressive record as one of the most dangerous cities in the world (about 100 murders per week) while I always felt very safe in Bangkok.
Winner: Bangkok
Comparing the "non-mongering" activities:
Bangkok offers less than Sao Paulo in terms of variety of movies, theatres, concerts and live music, not to talk about football.
Bangkok offers much more in terms of shopping.
Winner: it depends on your preferences but for me it's Sao Paulo.
Comparing the food
Both cities offers a very good choice of international and local cuisine.
Winner: again, it depends on your preferences but for me it's Bangkok.
Comparing the "non-professional" nightlife:
Sao Paulo offers a wide variety of clubs pubs and and night-clubs most of which are.of course- "non-pro" oriented.
Bangkok offers a mere average variety of "non-pro" venues.
As a foreigner.I can speak accettable Thai and Portuguese- I feel more at ease in a "normal" club in sao Paulo than in Bangkok.
About the music quality and the night-clubs level Sao Paulo beats Bangkok by 100-1.
Winner: Sao Paulo
Comparing prices:
The vast majority of things (including restaurants) are cheaper in Bangkok.
Winner: Bangkok
Comparing hotel:
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit is 6000 Baht (130 Euro)per night
Intercontinental Sao Paulo is 700 Reais (220 Euro)per night
Winner: Bangkok
Comparing women:
Brazilian women are more attractive than thai women.
Frankly thai girls are very good as well but the Brazilians are much better.
Winner: Sao Paulo
Comparing sex:
Brazilian girls are oversexed. I must say that thai girls are very hot as well in the bed and I don't find a so big difference beetween the two as someone claims.
Still I prefer Brazilians.
Winner: Sao Paulo Comparing women prices:
In Bangkok long time is average 2000 Baht (45 Euro).
In Sao Paulo long time is average 400 Reais (150 Euro).
Winner: Bangkok.
Will I come back?
I must do it as my business takes me every month in each city!
Italy 1974
[size=-2][b][u]EDITOR'S NOTE[/u]:[/b] [blue]I would suggest that the author or another Forum Member consider posting a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread. Please [url=http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/announcement-reportsofdistinction.php?]Click Here[/url] for more information.[/blue][/size]
Thanks for the info and research on E*Trade and fees.
The difference might be this: if you are using your E*Tr card like a credit card to make "purchases, " m/c. Visa percentage charges likely kick in. If you simply withdraw cash at a Thai bank* ATM, the fees are minimal and the best out there. (Again, I don't work for E*Tr, I just like their service.)
One other weird thing happened on my last trip: On their advice, I told E*Tr in advance about my travel plans so the automatic "fraud alerts" wouldn't kick in when their system sees the unusual overseas transaction. When I stopped in LA en route, my card wouldn't work at local vendors. A Mobile station, etc.
It seems they took the dates seriously and cut off use for everything but the country I said I was visiting. I checked and they said, yup, that's what we do.
*Final note: stay away from random ATM kiosks. Here AND abroad. There are scams galore with these units. Grabbing the magnetic info about your account. Next thing you know, some Nigerian or Romanian is tapping your account for all he can. Use a legit bank, despite possible fees.
Jck
If want good blow jobs you dick must be very clean. This obviously means shower beforehand is essential.
Now in the sticky climates of Bangkok, its not incredibly difficult to get a fungal or yeast infection, causing itchiness and bad taste/smell, due to wearing sticky jocks for too long or catching from others.
It turns out that washing with normal cake of soap is not a great idea as fungus/yeast thrives quite well in a slightly alkaline environment. Any alkaline soaps are not good on the genital region.
There are special washes that ladies use on the pussy to keep it perfect and similar ones for guys.
One is Lactacyd which is slightly acidic. I have used this for a few years now. Available in most pharmacies.
Some girls complained that its a little too strong to use many times per day, so there is now Lactacyd Extra Mild.
My favourite Oily girl recommends "Triple Fresh" for genital cleaning as being very mild and herbal. So I got some today in "D-Chain", the green shop just past Sukhumwit Soi 39.
P.S. On a tangent, the best mouthwashes have no alcohol, as alcohol dries up the mouth a bit spoiling natural saliva freshening mechanisms. Alcohol as an antiseptic, is not suited to mucous membrane sites.
[QUOTE=Mick Licker]My favourite Oily girl recommends "Triple Fresh" as being very mild and herbal. So I got some today in "D-Chain", the green shop just past Sukhumwit Soi 39.[/QUOTE]
Wait a second... are you advising us to dip our johnsons in "Triple Fresh" mouthwash? :O
[QUOTE=NicFrenchy]Wait a second... are you advising us to dip our johnsons in "Triple Fresh" mouthwash? :O[/QUOTE]
The "Triple Fresh" I have is not for your mouth. I reckon would taste very strange. :eek: Please read the instructions if you have some. ;)
[QUOTE=Mick Licker]P.S. On a tangent, the best mouthwashes have no alcohol, as alcohol dries up the mouth a bit spoiling natural saliva freshening mechanisms. Alcohol as an antiseptic, is not suited to mucous membrane sites.[/QUOTE]And there is the debate in Oz about whether mouthwashes with alcohol may cause cancer, or not.
[url]http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,24895211-421,00.html[/url]
sorry to rain on your parade fellow mongers. about the risks of contracting chlamydia from oral sex or bbbj from your'e lovely lady.
my buddy got this one last time from a girl at [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord901][CodeWord901][/url]'s.
the symtoms are a burning sensation while [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord112][CodeWord112][/url]. possible discharge and inflammation at head of your unit.
lab tests-usually a [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord109][CodeWord109][/url] test will be collected to confirm. a specimen scrape is another method.
chlamydia fortunately is quite easy to treat with anti-biotics in men. it can be more serious in women as it can remain dormant until it does real damage.
usual drugs-in the western world a weeks supply of doxycycline (twice daily)will eliminate this disease in men.
who needs this when we are on holiday and trying to maximize our fun?
my friend had to miss some great encounters waiting for this to disappear. it is quite contageous until completely gone.
i know its not as much fun, but i always use a condom ever since this happened.
just my 2 cents.
[size=-2][b][u]editor's suggestion[/u]:[/b] [blue]this is interesting, but you might consider re-posting it under the [u]safe sex[/u] topic in the special interests section of the forum where it will benefit the forum members who are specifically looking for this type of information. [i]thanks![/i][/blue][/size]
[QUOTE=Thunderdome]What is our best bet for not getting stung this way? Use a debit card within the bank during regular hours to ensure notes are real? Not use the ATM?[/QUOTE]
It is my recommendation that if you are going to use a debit or atm card,
go INSIDE the bank during normal business hours and ask the attendants to process your transaction over the counter.
I did this at the Kasikorn bank and was told there were no transaction fees on their side.
They require your passport for security and they will xerox it.
Too many stories about scammer atm's outside as well as hidden cameras and onlookers.
Good luck!
ATM'S
A few years back there were reports about counterfeiting bills in ATM machines. The story I remember reading was that the cases were mostly related to independent ATM machines. Independent to me would be ATM machines that " are not run " and own by the larger banks like Bangkok Bank, Siam Commercial Bank, etc.. The ATM's I use mostly are inside places like shopping centers like Carrefour, Big C, Tesco and outside any 7/11 stores. In over 10 years I have never had a problem at these locations.
If you are taking out large sums of money from a bank I do suggest you go inside and do the transaction but depending on where you go and which bank it could be time consuming and of course you need to bring along your passport and to me it's not worth the trouble or inconvienance if you are going getting a few dollar baht like 16,000.
Even if they are big and established banks there is not assurance that the individuals working for these banks directly or indirectly ( contracted out ) are not replacing the bills prior to filling up the ATM machines. I believe this is and was the problem a few years ago. From my experience I have purchased land, car, motorcycle, etc... and never have I experience anyone taking the bills I give them and examining them and that would includes noodles stand to P4P. I have given tellers at Bangkok Bank, thousands of baht and never had them examine them in front of me. The banking system is different from a country like U.S. and they have their own internal problems. But in my opinion if you stick with the places I mentioned I don't think you need to worry much. Even so, you pretty much have to be a trained professional to detect a counterfeit unless it comes out like with the kings face on toilet paper.
LBM
Had to leave LOS today.
Sunday is good due to lack of traffic.
Left Livingstone's Lodge at 10:50.
Because no traffic, taxi could get to expressway in 15 mins and then very quick to the airport.
Was checked in and through Immigration by 11:40.
Flight at 13:05.
Late at night is good too, but on a normal day, need to allow a lot more time to get to the expressway, and probably airport will be more busy as well.
[QUOTE=Mick Licker]Had to leave LOS today ----cut----
Flight at 13:05.
Late at night is good too, but on a normal day, need to allow a lot more time to get to the expressway, and probably airport will be more busy as well.[/QUOTE]
Mick,
as I live on the other side of the BIG pond (Canada). My choices are much more limited for airlines.
If I fly star alliance, or JAL, I have a typical 8:05 or 8:30 departure - which translates into a 6:30am hotel departure from the Suk area. 30mins or less and 250B - cheap and definition of fast dpends on how crazy a driver I get!
Other flight options are Eva or Cathay, afternoon departures (nice, sleep in, probably another shag) but crazy traffic, busy airport and worse - arriving home around midnight - that just throws my body's schedule off too much!
Italy 1974,
I would like to have the same job.
[url]http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28729720/[/url]
BANGKOK, Thailand - An Australian writer was sentenced Monday to three years in prison for insulting Thailand's royal family in his novel, a rare conviction of a foreigner amid a crackdown on people and Web sites deemed critical of the monarchy. Bangkok's Criminal Court sentenced Harry Nicolaides to six years behind bars but reduced the term because he had entered a guilty plea, the judge said.
Nicolaides, a 41-year-old from Melbourne, was charged with insulting Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej and the crown prince in his 2005 book "Verisimilitude."Passages in the book "suggested that there was abuse of royal power," the presiding judge told the court. "I would like to apologize. This can't be real. It feels like a bad dream," a tearful Nicolaides told reporters before the verdict was announced. He said he had "unqualified respect for the king of Thailand" and had not intended to insult him. Thailand is a constitutional monarchy but has severe lese majeste laws, mandating a jail term of three to 15 years for "whoever defames, insults or threatens the king, the queen, the heir to the throne or the Regent."
Public discussion of the monarchy's role was once taboo in Thailand, but has become more common amid growing concern about the eventual successor to the 81-year-old king, the world's longest-serving monarch. Bhumibol has no major official role in politics but commands immense respect from most Thais and is credited as being the nation's unifying force in times of crisis.
Spate of complaints, prosecutions
Nicolaides' case comes amid a recent spate of lese majeste complaints and prosecutions, and increased censorship of Web sites allegedly critical of the Thai monarchy. Nicolaides was arrested Aug. 31 at Bangkok's international airport as he was about to board a flight home, apparently unaware of a March arrest warrant issued in connection with his novel, according to rights groups. He was indicted in November and denied bail.
Nicolaides lived in Thailand from 2003 to 2005 and taught in the northern Thai city of Chiang Rai. He has described his novel as a commentary on political and social life of contemporary Thailand. 'Unspeakable suffering'
"Tell my family I am very concerned," he told reporters. He said he endured "unspeakable suffering" during his pretrial detention but did not elaborate.
Reporters Without Borders has called on authorities to drop the charges against the Australian, saying "his novel never intended to threaten or defame the royal family." The severity of Thailand's lese majeste laws was highlighted last year when a Swiss man, apparently acting in a drunken frenzy, was found guilty and given a 10-year prison sentence for defacing images of the revered monarch. It was the first conviction of a foreigner for lese majeste in at least a decade. The man was pardoned by the king after serving about a month behind bars.
New Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said last week his government would try to ensure the law is not abused. But he said the monarchy must be protected because it has "immense benefits to the country as a stabilizing force."
Hi All,
I am actually an electromechanical site manager working in the middle east for the last 10 years, I am planning to move to thailand for my personal reason.
Is there any suggestions to get?
Thanks for your help
Hi,
I will be in Thailand next month. I was hoping to take a tour up to see the Tiger Temple (what Pha Luang Ta Bua Yannasampanno) in the Kanchanaburi Province. Can anyone recommend a good tour group or guide that goes up there?
Thanks,
Marc
I haven't attended the forum for quite some time. Been busy with more important things. So I don't know if it has already been mentioned that there has been in change in visa regulations effective since Nov. 25th, 2008
Citizens of 37 countries which do not need to apply for a visa may get 30 days on arrival if they enter the kingdom via an airport. At any other permanent border crossing (like Aran, Mae Sai etc.) you will only get 15 days.
So anybody who intends to make a "visa run" by leaving the country and returning immediately to avoid an overstay should keep in mind that only 15 days will be granted.
[QUOTE=Run Mann][url]http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28729720/[/url]
New Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said last week his government would try to ensure the law is not abused. But he said the monarchy must be protected because it has "immense benefits to the country as a stabilizing force."[/QUOTE]. . . and 8 hours later the MSNBC link doesn't work anymore.
[QUOTE=Soulboy]Hi All,
I am actually an electromechanical site manager working in the middle east for the last 10 years, I am planning to move to thailand for my personal reason.
Is there any suggestions to get?
Thanks for your help[/QUOTE]
Sorry but your post is way too vague for someone to be able to help you. Be more specific as to what exactly it is you need advice on and the answers will come
[QUOTE=NicFrenchy]Sorry but your post is way too vague for someone to be able to help you. Be more specific as to what exactly it is you need advice on and the answers will come[/QUOTE]Sorry, for my vague question.
What I was looking was some advices to find some work in Thailand, is there any special thing that I should know like if the market is congested, is it hard to find some good jobs there?
In facts I start to fade up to stay in the middle east, especially in suadi, here the work is full of stress and the life conditions are really poor, I was looking for some changes of life, also my GF is from Thailand and we have a kid together, so I was looking to go there to live in order to have some good life conditions for us.
Thanks
Hi Guys,
I am hoping someone out there can help me. I enjoy the benefits of V, kamagra and the other "Pharmaceutical" brands from time to time but I find it does not react to well with me (will spare the nasty details). Is there anyone that has had good results from any of the more "natural" products. Am very skeptical of all the stuff being peddled on the Internet, and would rather hear some results from the professionals
Jayman
Almost all hotels or travel agencies will have a tour available that goes to the tiger temple. You may need to go to other places as part of the tour.
Mackin
[QUOTE=Jayman 05]Hi Guys,
I am hoping someone out there can help me. I enjoy the benefits of V, kamagra and the other "Pharmaceutical" brands from time to time but I find it does not react to well with me (will spare the nasty details). Is there anyone that has had good results from any of the more "natural" products. Am very skeptical of all the stuff being peddled on the Internet, and would rather hear some results from the professionals
Jayman[/QUOTE]I don't seem to have any significant side effects from Viagra, Kamagra, Cialis or Levitra (other than a stuffy nose), and I've tried several of the herbal products available, over the counter, in your local drug store or via the Internet. Unfortunately I haven't found any of them to have any effect whatsoever. They make great claims, but don't seem to deliver, at least for me. I, too, would be interested to hear if anyone has had positive results from any of the so called "natural" non-prescription products.
The prescription products mentioned above do seem to work, to varying degrees. But the best results I've found are from (if you can get over the fear of the needle) injectables such as Caverject or Edex. Caverject seems to have been unavailable for the past 6 months, or so, although I've heard that it should be available again soon. I haven't tried Edex but I have tried Trimix, which is actually not a brand name but the term used to describe a mixture of three drugs (papaverine, phentolamine and prostaglandin) which can be prepared by a "compounding pharmacy." One source is Applied Pharmacy Services ([url]www.appliedpharmacyrx.com[/url]). The Trimix available from APS is freeze dried and can be stored at room temperature for up to 6 months. The liquid form of Trimix, available from most other compounding pharmacies, must be kept refrigerated to last more than a few days.
Of course, these injectable products are a bit of a hassle to use. So I'm always on the lookout for better alternatives.
Great Guy
[QUOTE=Soulboy]Hi All,
I am actually an electromechanical site manager working in the middle east for the last 10 years, I am planning to move to thailand for my personal reason.
Is there any suggestions to get?
Thanks for your help[/QUOTE]
How are your English teaching skills. And do you have any cheap ties?
[QUOTE=Member #3060]Hi,
I will be in Thailand next month. I was hoping to take a tour up to see the Tiger Temple (what Pha Luang Ta Bua Yannasampanno) in the Kanchanaburi Province. Can anyone recommend a good tour group or guide that goes up there?
Thanks,
Marc[/QUOTE]
In my opinion the Tiger Temple is highly over rated and a rip-off tourist trap. And, its not really a temple. More like a wild life park with tame tigers on chains. Very expensive for nothing and a great disappointment.
Get up early like 7am
Take a taxi or motocycle taxi to the Southern Bus Terminal
Pay your 109 THB or so for the bus ticket to get to Kanchanaburi
Travel 2 to 2.5 hours
Arrive at Kanchanaburi Bus Station, take #6 bus, and make sure the driver knows you want to go to the tiger temple
Arrive at a large sign with "Tiger Temple"
Walk approximately 1.5 kilometers, through some farmer's field to find the entrance to the tiger temple. Pay 500 THB "donation" to enter the Tiger Temple.
Read the large non liability sign saying that you agree by entering the temple not to hold the temple liable for any injuries sustained at the temple.
Wonder at the tigers that drink drugged milk out of a baby bottle.
Get pictures taken of yourself up close and personal with said drugged tigers.
Get offered the premium 1000 THB special photo op.
Get offered the extra, extra special "play with the baby tigers" that only 4 people at a time can attend (price undisclosed)
Hitchhike back to the bus station or find broken down structure that couldn't keep rain off of a mouse's head, and wait there for the bus back to the Kanchanaburi bus station.
Take bus from Kanachanaburi to Morchit station back in Bangkok.
[QUOTE=Member #3060]Hi,
I will be in Thailand next month. I was hoping to take a tour up to see the Tiger Temple (what Pha Luang Ta Bua Yannasampanno) in the Kanchanaburi Province. Can anyone recommend a good tour group or guide that goes up there?
Thanks,
Marc[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Retired Army]In my opinion the Tiger Temple is highly over rated and a rip-off tourist trap. And, its not really a temple. More like a wild life park with tame tigers on chains. Very expensive for nothing and a great disappointment.[/QUOTE]
I second that opinion. The "Tiger Temple" is a scam. I would pay to see one of those "tame" tigers to regain his true nature and rip that annoying head monk's head off.
[QUOTE=Soulboy]Sorry, for my vague question.
What I was looking was some advices to find some work in Thailand, is there any special thing that I should know like if the market is congested, is it hard to find some good jobs there?
In facts I start to fade up to stay in the middle east, especially in suadi, here the work is full of stress and the life conditions are really poor, I was looking for some changes of life, also my GF is from Thailand and we have a kid together, so I was looking to go there to live in order to have some good life conditions for us.
Thanks[/QUOTE]
Judging from your post, it would appear that English is not your first language. So, English-teaching is probably out. They are making non-B visas and work permits harder to get, unless you know how to work the system or have connections. There is a growing anti-Farang sentiment, especially in the workplace. With the Thai economy on the verge of a far worse melt-down than '97, I'd say your chances of getting any meaningful work are nil.
While I agree that when you are in a foreign country, it is always wise to keep your mouth shut when you feel like criticizing members of the government, or royalty, though you could be sitting in any pub in England and call Prince Charles an "ass", and nobody would care, I find it quite repulsive that this Nicolaides fellow, poor chap finds himself in a Thai jail for 3 years, for simply saying in his book that he "suggested that there was abuse of royal power". Meanwhile, the instigators of the airport debacle, which have done immeasurable harm to the Thai economy, some of whom of course, are members of the government, continue to live their lavish lifestyle, waiting in the wings for another situation with which they disagree, so they may "peacefully" occupy some government building, or worse, closed down the airport. AGAIN
where are the priorities of the people in charge?
Not from Associated Press:
"In pharmacology, all drugs have two names, a trade name and generic name. For example, the trade name of Panadol also has a generic name of Paracetamol. Amoxil is also call Amoxicillin and Nurofen is also called Ibuprofen.
The FDA has been looking for a generic name for Viagra. After careful consideration by a team of government experts, it recently announced that it has settled on the generic name of Mycoxafloppin. Also considered were Mycoxafailin, Mydixadrupin, Mydixarizin, Dixafix, and of course, Ibepokin.
Pfizer Corp. announced today that Viagra will soon be available in liquid form, and will be marketed by Pepsi Cola as a power beverage suitable for use as a mixer. It will now be possible for a man to literally pour himself a stiff one. Obviously we can no longer call this a soft drink, and it gives new meaning to the names of 'cocktails', 'highballs' and just a good old-fashioned 'stiff drink'. Pepsi will market the new concoction by the name of: MOUNT & DO.
Thought for the day: There is more money being spent on breast implants and Viagra today than on Alzheimer's research. This means that by 2040, there should be a large elderly population with perky Boobs and huge erections and absolutely no recollection of what to do with them."
[QUOTE=Old Thai Hand] the Thai economy on the verge of a far worse melt-down than '97, l.[/QUOTE]I looked at the baht vs dollar back before 97 and then 98. BIG jump and in fact I see the baht to dollar was as low as 25 at one point. What happened in LOS that caused the ratio to jump in 98? Do you see it headed in the same direction, even though the U.S. and most of the world is in trouble too.
The trouble is many people in Thailand are from Europe/Australia.
These people have seen their countries be filled with immigrants, who demand all kinds of things, and cause massive changes to the "original society".
They therefore feel they also have the right to do as has been done to them.
If you want an amazing fact for today, in the UK the "race relations" board now deals with majority of complainst from. Well, "whites" now.
It is amazing how in these places that immigrants always demand what they want, and when they get it, and finally become the majority, they then ignore the minorities who they forced out.
This is life.
So in some respects I admire Thailand racism, and also their defence of the Royal Family. Good on them, stop these foreigners messing up your country.
However, the problem is of course when the tools of defence are used as political or grudge tools by politicians, army, police etc.
[QUOTE=1Ball]While I agree that when you are in a foreign country, it is always wise to keep your mouth shut when you feel like criticizing members of the government, or royalty, though you could be sitting in any pub in England and call Prince Charles an "ass", and nobody would care, I find it quite repulsive that this Nicolaides fellow, poor chap finds himself in a Thai jail for 3 years, for simply saying in his book that he "suggested that there was abuse of royal power". Meanwhile, the instigators of the airport debacle, which have done immeasurable harm to the Thai economy, some of whom of course, are members of the government, continue to live their lavish lifestyle, waiting in the wings for another situation with which they disagree, so they may "peacefully" occupy some government building, or worse, closed down the airport. AGAIN
where are the priorities of the people in charge?[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Sonic Bam]It will now be possible for a man to literally pour himself a stiff one. Obviously we can no longer call this a soft drink, [/QUOTE]
Hahahahaha I laughed hard at that one :D
Can you imagine BArgirls pouring you that stiff drink without you knowing? 10mn later, she gets a sure Barfine and a sucker with a Boner who will agree to 3,000 st
Beware people... LOL
[QUOTE=Sonic Bam]Not from Associated Press:
Thought for the day: There is more money being spent on breast implants and Viagra today than on Alzheimer's research. This means that by 2040, there should be a large elderly population with perky Boobs and huge erections and absolutely no recollection of what to do with them."[/QUOTE]
Hahaha ... that is so..oo funny :D.
Alzheimers - the disease for those who like to meet new people every day.
Interesting reading :
[url]http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2009/01/23/politics/politics_30093973.php[/url]
[QUOTE=Gamahucher]Hahaha ... that is so..oo funny :D.
Alzheimers - the disease for those who like to meet new people every day.[/QUOTE]Yeah, a goldfish memory (3 seconds) helps not being bored, no matter how many rounds you do in your glass.
Lot as been said about Visa , how and where etc , I never had a problem at the airport when asking 5 or 6 weeks even w.o. return flight , they even don’t know if you have one or not , last time I stayed longer than 30d was a bit more than a year ago , this time there was no need to take risk or what ever and had a return flight booked .
Last week I took off from a European airport for a direct flight to BKK , just before the boarding lounge was the usual security and hand luggage check , handed over my boarding pass and passport , ground staff asked me , how long do you stay in TH. , I said 5 weeks , she was searching in the passport and asked me ,
She -where is your visa ?
Me – what visa ? I don’t have one ,
She- You need one in advance if you stay longer than 30D
Me- surprise , I never needed had one before even for longer than 30D , is this new
She – not really new but more enforced recently and you must have one before you enter TH
Me – So what to do now ?
She – You can ask at the airport in BKK
She – we must fill out some documents now ,
Me – for what , ? to apply a for Visa
She – No , a weaver for us because we bring you in w.o. out Visa and you gone stay longer than 30 day’s .(she checked my return flight already on the same airline )
The document
At immigration I showed this time my return ticket and asked for a 5 week stay, the lady told me only max 30d possible and she gave finally gave me only 28 day’s, I started friendly discussion but no avail, she told something like new law and told me that I have to go in BK immigration office for a extension etc. Asked, can I do it here at the airport, NO, extension can not longer. At airport, that was it. When walking from the arrival gate there is actually a VISA office just before passport control, several foreign people are waiting but nobody in that office (was early morning)
Will continue on this
John Euro
Exactly, why allow foreigners to amateurishly engage in a task the natives have always expertly performed at world championship level?
[QUOTE=Easy2007] So in some respects I admire Thailand racism. Good on them, stop these foreigners messing up your country.
[/QUOTE]
Easy2007, excuse me for asking, but are you English? I've always been amazed by how prevalent your sort of views are among the English I meet in Thailand, and how openly you all express them. It is shocking even for an American.
[QUOTE=Easy2007]Interesting reading :
[url]http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2009/01/23/politics/politics_30093973.php[/url][/QUOTE]Easy2007,
Come on, man, you did not want to write in the politics thread any more :) ... oh, sorry, this is not the politics thread ... but this is about Thai politics, right?
Btw., do I remember correctly that I mentioned Thaksins possible financial problems in the politics thread, and you ruled it out as propaganda from his political enemies?
Giotto
(PS: we better move the discussion to the politics thread, before somebody kicks our arses :) ! )
Jet,
In short:
In 1997 a couple of things met on the same crossroads: The Dollar went up fast against all other currencies. Thai banks had many, what's now called, subprime loans. The banks themselves borrowed foreign money to do this, mainly Dollar.
When the subprime lenders couldn't pay back the loans or even the interest, the banks had to buy very expensive Dollars for which they had no money: Thai bank system crumbled. Then (not really 'then', these things kind of coincided) the Gov decided to float the Baht as opposed to pegging it to the Dollar and gone was the Baht...
In April 1997 I paid 8 guilder cents for one Baht, in December 1997 only 4... (Today 5.05)
Imagine, back then a ST in Soi 6 or Pattaya Land was B300 (Today 600-700).
Ox,
Yes, clearly a Chinese New Year is on the horizon: Thai-Chinese talk Chinese in public, and (this always amazes me most) the Thai-Chinese are cleaning up. Washing their cars, cleaning the pavement and shop signboards.
But don''t worry: Nothing will change in a hurry...
Chinese lucky color is red, but now red shirts aren't bought much by the Chinese. They don't want to be seen as chosing sides in the current political mess. I bet B10 that they would have worn yellow shirts if yellow was the lucky color.
The lodge was great last night. Not full but enough people to make it interesting. Went out to dinner with what I consider a stunner last night . Enjoyed some good food and music. Came back to the hotel and preceded to get down to business. A little of this and a little of that. Pretty soon the naked body was laying next to me and she wanted to fulfill her dreams . At least that is what she said. She quickly started bbbj and proceded to lick many parts. This got me going so i felt I should do the same for her. She quickly agreed and away we went. A complete evening to say the least. Will see her again but must sample some other possibilities.
Somehow my last post yesterday was wrong . Ziggy27 is not me.
Mackin
[QUOTE=John Euro]Lot as been said about Visa , how and where etc
[snip]
At immigration I showed this time my return ticket and asked for a 5 week stay, the lady told me only max 30d possible and she gave finally gave me only 28 day’s
[snip]
Asked, can I do it here at the airport, NO, extension can not longer. At airport, that was it.
[snip]
Will continue on this
John Euro[/QUOTE]Thanks, John, and Please Do report back on the continuation of this story. Since the rules are different for travelers from different countries, it would help to know what country you are from (what country issued your passport).
Did you end up going someplace in BKK to try to get an extension? If so, where is that place located and what was your experience there?
I'm trying to understand the complex Visa rules and procedures in Thailand, so any additional comments and suggestions would be very much appreciated.
Thanks, again!
Great Guy
[QUOTE=Great Guy]Thanks, John, and Please Do report back on the continuation of this story. Since the rules are different for travelers from different countries, it would help to know what country you are from (what country issued your passport).
Did you end up going someplace in BKK to try to get an extension? If so, where is that place located and what was your experience there?
I'm trying to understand the complex Visa rules and procedures in Thailand, so any additional comments and suggestions would be very much appreciated.
Thanks, again!
Great Guy[/QUOTE]
Being in a situation like yours and having read your post, I spoke at length to the immigration officer on my arrivall at BKK earlier this week.
He spoke excellent English, definitely understanding what I was asking.
He assured me, that upon reentry to Thailand from say Laos, I would be given the normal 30 day visa (again). He said, that it was the only one he could actually give.
Many years ago, in the UK, it was at the sole discretion of the immigration officer, how long a stay he allowed a "non-commonwealth" national....
I'll just risk it..
Had a layover in Seoul on my way back to th US. On 2nd floor there is a Transit hotel. Ask anyone and they will point you to it. Clean, quiet, cheap. Everything you need. About $8 per hour. I paid $48us for 6hrs. Best deal I have found while traveling. Hope I can find other airports with similar. What a pleasure to shower, sleep in a good bed, and repack before another 12 hour flight.
Nothing new at all.
If you do not have a visa, airline check in staff will ask to see your return ticket, they want you to have one, and will kick up a fuss if you have a one way ticket and no visa.
The rules on arrival for most Euro/US etc.. is that you get 4 weeks "tourist" entry on arrival and you must have a ticket out when you arrive that they can see.
If you wish to do a visa run after the 28 days expires, you will get 15 days additional is you re-enter Thailand by a land border, or another 28 days if you arrive via an airport.
The normal 90 days in 180 days applies for these visa free entries, as in you can stay a maximum of 90 days in Thailand on this kind of entry. If you go pass 90 days you will not be allowed back in, unless you have a valid visa.
The "visa on arrival" service you see prior to passport control is only for certain types of tourists who do not get the standard 28 days that most others get. They must apply for a visa at the airport, and normally get between 15 days and 28 days. This is not a visa service for all, it is only a visa service for certain nationalities who are not allowed to enter without a visa but who are allowed to apply on arrival.
[QUOTE=John Euro]Lot as been said about Visa , how and where etc , I never had a problem at the airport when asking 5 or 6 weeks even w.o. return flight , they even don’t know if you have one or not , last time I stayed longer than 30d was a bit more than a year ago , this time there was no need to take risk or what ever and had a return flight booked .
Last week I took off from a European airport for a direct flight to BKK , just before the boarding lounge was the usual security and hand luggage check , handed over my boarding pass and passport , ground staff asked me , how long do you stay in TH. , I said 5 weeks , she was searching in the passport and asked me ,
She -where is your visa ?
Me – what visa ? I don’t have one ,
She- You need one in advance if you stay longer than 30D
Me- surprise , I never needed had one before even for longer than 30D , is this new
She – not really new but more enforced recently and you must have one before you enter TH
Me – So what to do now ?
She – You can ask at the airport in BKK
She – we must fill out some documents now ,
Me – for what , ? to apply a for Visa
She – No , a weaver for us because we bring you in w.o. out Visa and you gone stay longer than 30 day’s .(she checked my return flight already on the same airline )
The document
At immigration I showed this time my return ticket and asked for a 5 week stay, the lady told me only max 30d possible and she gave finally gave me only 28 day’s, I started friendly discussion but no avail, she told something like new law and told me that I have to go in BK immigration office for a extension etc. Asked, can I do it here at the airport, NO, extension can not longer. At airport, that was it. When walking from the arrival gate there is actually a VISA office just before passport control, several foreign people are waiting but nobody in that office (was early morning)
Will continue on this
John Euro[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Daddy San]Being in a situation like yours and having read your post, I spoke at length to the immigration officer on my arrivall at BKK earlier this week.
He spoke excellent English, definitely understanding what I was asking.
He assured me, that upon reentry to Thailand from say Laos, I would be given the normal 30 day visa (again). He said, that it was the only one he could actually give.
Many years ago, in the UK, it was at the sole discretion of the immigration officer, how long a stay he allowed a "non-commonwealth" national.
I'll just risk it..[/QUOTE]You would only get 30 days if you come back via air.
If you come back across the bridge to Nong Khai or another land border, you will get only 15 days.
Visa Exemption
With effect from 06 December 2008 any person eligible to enter Thailand under the “Visa Exemption Rule” will be granted a stay of maximum 30 days but only if entering the Kingdom via an international airport. Persons entering Thailand through a land border checkpoint from a neighboring country will be granted a maximum stay of just 15 days.
Passport holders of the 48 countries listed below are entitled to enter Thailand under the “Visa Exemption Rule” provided they meet all of the following criteria:-
a) Purpose of visit is strictly tourism.
b) Must be in possession of a confirmed flight ticket (e-ticket acceptable) to show they will be flying out of Thailand within 30 days or 15 days of entry, as appropriate.
Open tickets do not qualify. Travelling overland out of Thailand by train, bus, etc to Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia (including en route to Singapore), Myanmar
(Burma), etc is not accepted as proof of exiting Thailand.
You may be asked to show your flight ticket on entering Thailand. If you do not possess a flight ticket to show you will be exiting Thailand within 30 or 15 days of entry you are likely to be refused entry and may not even be allowed to check in for your flight to Thailand.
c) Having access to living expenses of 20,000 baht (approx £300) per person or 40,000 baht (approx £600) per family. It may be necessary to be able to prove this on entry.
List of countries which have special agreements with Thailand entitling their nationals to enter under the “Visa Exemption Rule” for a single stay of up to 30 or 15 days (as appropriate) provided they can satisfy the conditions above:-
1. Argentina 2. Australia 3. Austria 4. Bahrain 5. Belgium
6. Brazil 7. Brunei 8. Canada 9. Chile 10. Denmark
11. Finland 12. France 13. Germany 14.Greece 15. Hong Kong
16. Iceland 17. Indonesia 18. Ireland 19. Israel 20. Italy
21. Japan 22. Korea (ROK) 23. Kuwait 24. Laos 25. Luxembourg
26. Macau 27. Malaysia 28. Monaco 29. Mongolia 30. Netherlands
31. New Zealand 32. Norway 33 Oman 34. Peru 35. Philippines
36. Portugal 37. Qatar 38. Russia 39. Singapore 40. South Africa
41. Spain 42. Sweden 43. Switzerland 44. Turkey 45. United Arab Emirates
46. United Kingdom 47. United States 48. Vietnam
A visa fee may be levied on persons entering Thailand under the Visa Exemption Rule.
Visa On Arrival
Conditions applying to persons wishing to enter Thailand under the “Visa On Arrival Rule” are as follows:-
Passport holders of the following 19 countries only can enter Thailand under the “Visa On Arrival Rule” provided they meet all the criteria:-
1. Bhutan 2. China 3. Cyprus 4. Czech Republic
5. Estonia 6. Hungary 7. India 8. Kazakhstan
9. Latvia 10. Liechtenstein 11. Lithuania 12. Maldives
13. Mauritius 14. Poland 15. Saudi Arabia 16. Slovakia
17. Slovenia 18. Taiwan 19. Ukraine
Criteria:
a) Purpose of visit is strictly tourism.
b) Must be in possession of a confirmed flight ticket (e-ticket acceptable) to show they will be flying out of Thailand within 15 days of entry. Open tickets do not qualify. Travelling overland out of Thailand by train, bus, etc to Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), etc is not accepted as proof of exiting Thailand.
You may be asked to show your flight ticket on entering Thailand. If you do not possess an acceptable flight ticket you may be refused entry.
c) Having access to living expenses of 20,000 baht (approx £300) per person or 40,000 baht (approx £600) per family. It may be necessary to be able to prove this on entry.
A fee is payable for this visa - 1,900 baht (approx £30) – on entry, subject to change without notice.
There is a growing trade in medical tourism in BKK and other places. I thought this ad from the front page of todays Bangkok Post was interesting.
I hope this does not break any rules Jackson
[QUOTE=Bearsk]There is a growing trade in medical tourism in BKK and other places. I thought this ad from the front page of todays Bangkok Post was interesting.
I hope this does not break any rules Jackson[/QUOTE]
BKK has had a large dental and medical tourism for a long time. From AU I know families that had their teeth done, they got a two week family vacation in Thailand and the dental work done for what it would cost them in AU for just one persons dental work.
My medical insurance sends me to MNL and in some cases to BKK for medical procedures since items can not be done where I live. It's cheaper and better services then in USA or other countries.
There's a lot of Visa info on the board lately.
Most important is that you will only get 15 days on arrival if you enter through a land border.
30 days are only given on arrival through international airports.
[QUOTE=Tiger 888]Yeah, a goldfish memory (3 seconds) helps not being bored, no matter how many rounds you do in your glass.[/QUOTE]
Yep. Wonderful disease. I get to hide my own Easter Eggs.
[QUOTE=Freeler]There's a lot of Visa info on the board lately.
Most important is that you will only get 15 days on arrival if you enter through a land border.
30 days are only given on arrival through international airports.[/QUOTE]One data point from October.
I'm American and arrived from the USA on October 8, 2008 and received the normal 30 day visa. On October 28 I traveled to Aranyapathet Thailand by bus and walked across the border to Poipet Cambodia and stayed there for 3 days. I walked back across the border on October 31 and was given another 30 day visa. Was not asked any questions or to see my airline ticket.
Since I was only going to be in Thailand for a few more days, even if they gave me the 15 days that I had read on the Thai government web site it wouldn't have mattered to me for this trip. If i needed more than 15 days I don't think I would have risked the crossing even if it were at the beginning of my trip and my total stay would have been less than 30 days.
[QUOTE=Bearsk]There is a growing trade in medical tourism in BKK and other places. I thought this ad from the front page of todays Bangkok Post was interesting.
I hope this does not break any rules Jackson[/QUOTE]
Interesting, I haven't seen the exchange rate of $1=40 Baht in quite a while!
[QUOTE=Bearsk]There is a growing trade in medical tourism in BKK and other places. I thought this ad from the front page of todays Bangkok Post was interesting.
I hope this does not break any rules Jackson[/QUOTE]The Phratnum polly clinic is a whole in the wall clinic that you would not want to go to. i freind of mine came to get some breast work and i went with her and the clinic was dirty and not the type of place you would want to have any medical done. She ended up paying double at a real clinic and had her surgery at a hospital instead upstairs on the poly clinics dirty sheets.
New rules came into effect from December 2008, so yes, in October you would have got 30, but now in January 2009 you would only get 15.
[QUOTE=Paul2020]One data point from October.
I'm American and arrived from the USA on October 8, 2008 and received the normal 30 day visa. On October 28 I traveled to Aranyapathet Thailand by bus and walked across the border to Poipet Cambodia and stayed there for 3 days. I walked back across the border on October 31 and was given another 30 day visa. Was not asked any questions or to see my airline ticket.
Since I was only going to be in Thailand for a few more days, even if they gave me the 15 days that I had read on the Thai government web site it wouldn't have mattered to me for this trip. If i needed more than 15 days I don't think I would have risked the crossing even if it were at the beginning of my trip and my total stay would have been less than 30 days.[/QUOTE]
Just heading back home after great trip to Thailand. I'll write various bits up separately, but just thought I would give an outline here to show what is possible with a little planning.
Day One - arrive BKK in evening (Tulip)
Day Two - depart BKK for Pattaya (Tulip, FL)
Day Three - Pattaya (Hell Club take-out)
Day Four - Pattaya (Bar girl, fall in love)
Day Five - depart Pattaya, for BKK airport to Krabi, pick-up gik (the Shrimp)
Day Six - Krabi, forests (Shrimp)
Day Seven - Krabi, islands (Shrimp)
Day Eight - Krabi, temples (Shrimp)
Day Nine - back to BKK (Tulip)
A bit of variety, enough to please anyone.
mouse
[QUOTE=Mouse1]Just heading back home after great trip to Thailand. I'll write various bits up separately, but just thought I would give an outline here to show what is possible with a little planning.
Day One - arrive BKK in evening (Tulip)
Day Two - depart BKK for Pattaya (Tulip, FL)
Day Three - Pattaya (Hell Club take-out)
Day Four - Pattaya (Bar girl, fall in love)
Day Five - depart Pattaya, for BKK airport to Krabi, pick-up gik (the Shrimp)
Day Six - Krabi, forests (Shrimp)
Day Seven - Krabi, islands (Shrimp)
Day Eight - Krabi, temples (Shrimp)
Day Nine - back to BKK (Tulip)
A bit of variety, enough to please anyone.
mouse[/QUOTE]
Sounds like you had a blast!
Probably need a holiday after that tight schedule :D.
Look forward to reading your reports.
[url]http://pttaxiservice.com/[/url]
Looks like a nice price to me but ofcourse bell`s bus service is cheaper.
For those who have often wondered what was going on on Thai language web sites, you will be pleased to know Google now has the "Translate this page" option for Thai language web sites.
Simply search for the web site with Google, then click the "Translate this page" link on the search result you want to view.
The few times i have stayed in BKK i have wandered down to Players Pool Hall (between Soi 14 and the Sheraton) and had some great nights playing pool with the ladies.
Just wondering if there are any other places to play pool that are worth a mention in that area.
Im looking to play against the girls and have some fun trying to beat them - not that i have much success!!
BTW has anyone barfined any of the girls from Players ?
Thanks
[QUOTE=Iwannahumpalot]The few times i have stayed in BKK i have wandered down to Players Pool Hall (between Soi 14 and the Sheraton) and had some great nights playing pool with the ladies.
Just wondering if there are any other places to play pool that are worth a mention in that area.
Im looking to play against the girls and have some fun trying to beat them - not that i have much success!!
BTW has anyone barfined any of the girls from Players ?
Thanks[/QUOTE]
To play pool or to get women or both? Most bars have tables and can grab ladies...
Besides almost all bars on 33 are... Ball in Hand soi 4 I think 10 tables, After Work used to have 4 tables, Bamboo Beer Bar had a few on soi 3, Bully's, Brunswick Pool Bar, Country Road didn't they have 4 tables?, Country Road II, Factory across from landmark I think, Flyers , Gullivers, Hillary, beer garden, etc...
Many many many many places.... Seems like almost every bar or every other bar walk into has a table or two.. Alex bar on soi 6 has two tables... bars on soi 22 have tables.... Heck even CM2 and such have tables... You can't miss hitting pool tables in BKK...
[QUOTE=Tansak KTV]To play pool or to get women or both? Most bars have tables and can grab ladies...
Besides almost all bars on 33 are... Ball in Hand soi 4 I think 10 tables, After Work used to have 4 tables, Bamboo Beer Bar had a few on soi 3, Bully's, Brunswick Pool Bar, Country Road didn't they have 4 tables?, Country Road II, Factory across from landmark I think, Flyers , Gullivers, Hillary, beer garden, etc...[/QUOTE]
Yeah, I hooked up with a friend and went to Bully's for a drink. Nice place, 4 pool tables, not overly crowded. Not for picking up ladies I don't think, there were farang families eating, more of an expats hangout. The girls didn't look too exciting, though, except for the very sexy looking beer girl.
Oh, and I got a new connection for a couple of uni girls, part-time...hmm...must pass up this opportunity me think, but that's a different topic.
[QUOTE=Iwannahumpalot]Just wondering if there are any other places to play pool that are worth a mention in that area.[/QUOTE]
Look, all the below information are great, but if you really like pool, forget it. These are bars with those small tables.
I suggest you go down to Sukhumvit soi 4 and try this place: [url]http://www.theballinhand.com/[/url]
They have real professional tables and even host tournaments on weekends.
You can play against the serving and racking girls but I don't think they are barfineable, however, if they like you they could be going with you for free.
[QUOTE=NicFrenchy]Look, all the below information are great, but if you really like pool, forget it. These are bars with those small tables.
I suggest you go down to Sukhumvit soi 4 and try this place: [url]http://www.theballinhand.com/[/url]
They have real professional tables and even host tournaments on weekends.
You can play against the serving and racking girls but I don't think they are barfineable, however, if they like you they could be going with you for free.[/QUOTE]Looks like it could be worth a visit. The BallinHand is the ultimate objective!
[QUOTE=NicFrenchy]You can play against the serving and racking girls but I don't think they are barfineable, however, if they like you they could be going with you for free.[/QUOTE]If the rackables have a nice rack, like me & go with me, i wud likely make them take one to two thousand baht ST. For taxi, mama, & SomTam!.
Last week I took some time to go to BK immigration office to extend my Visa as it was only for 28 day’s granted at arrival (see previous posting) and needed an extra 2 weeks. Went there on a early morning, not many people at the BK office, just a big bunch of Nigerians, wondered what trick they use to get visa extensions. I had to fill out two documents, needed a ID photo, copy from visa at arrival, departure card and passport, all done opposite immigration at a small shop this for a few Bath. I checked the immigration website beforehand, fee for extension was 1000 thb, at the office, I learned from a big sign above desk nr 5 that it was now 1900Thb, I asked for a 14 day extension, according to the date on my (flexible) return ticket I needed only 9 day’s, the extra but just in case and I asked a 2 weeks. The lady told me it was much better to pay visa overstay at the airport, hang on, this is 500 thb/ day x 9 day = 4500thb and the risk having a problem on my next entry, followed by a friendly discussion but they would give me only a maximum of 7 day’s, this even after showing my return ticket, so it will cost me another 1000 thb overstay fee at the airport if I leave on the foreseen day or even more when staying longer.
Another sign there is saying that from, law Nov 25. 2008, police order 778/2551, passport holders from the 37 countries under agreement max 30 day Visa stay. When crossing the border with a neighbouring county only 15 day VISA granted. And, from Jan. 15. 09, Immigration counter at the airport closed. (maybe I am wrong but it looks like applying for a long stay visa at arrival is no longer possible if that office is closed. A great ay to attract tourists and business people in low economic days. I spoke last week to a fellow European, lives in CMI for long holiday, he got a 1 year visa, multiple entry, from the local Thai Embassy in his country and paid 130 Euro for it with no guarantee to get it next year again. (nice when you own a property here) As mentioned in my previous posting, The document to be signed from the airline at the European airport at departure to was. Consent and release., saying that you fully aware of there immigration or visa rules and reimburse them (airline) in case of (long text) if a visa is refused etc. Etc. And you are responsible for whatever, etc.
JE
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Read an interesting fact today: not that long ago, the American Psychiatric Association considered masturbation, fellatio, and cunnilingus, as mental illnesses. I know I’m crazy but up until now I didn’t know why.
[QUOTE=Daddy07]Read an interesting fact today: not that long ago, the American Psychiatric Association considered masturbation, fellatio, and cunnilingus, as mental illnesses. I know I’m crazy but up until now I didn’t know why.[/QUOTE]
Interesting - are you sure you read that right and it is not those who DO NOT indulge in masturbation, fellatio and cunnilingus (preferably at the same time:D) who are the real nutters?
[QUOTE=John Euro]...The lady told me it was much better to pay visa overstay at the airport, hang on, this is 500 thb/ day x 9 day = 4500thb and the risk having a problem on my next entry, followed by a friendly discussion but they would give me only a maximum of 7 day’s, this even after showing my return ticket, so it will cost me another 1000 thb overstay fee at the airport if I leave on the foreseen day or even more when staying longer...[/quote]Watch out. if they catch you before you reach the immigraton counter when leaving, you qualify for free accomodation for quite a while[quote]...nice when you own a property here[/QUOTE]I have learned a long time ago not to invest in corrupt countries like Thailand, Indonesia or the Philippines into anything I can't consume instanly.
[QUOTE=Daddy07]Read an interesting fact today: not that long ago, the American Psychiatric Association considered masturbation, fellatio, and cunnilingus, as mental illnesses. I know I’m crazy but up until now I didn’t know why.[/QUOTE]
or how much!
[QUOTE=Daddy07]Read an interesting fact today: not that long ago, the American Psychiatric Association considered masturbation, fellatio, and cunnilingus, as mental illnesses. I know I’m crazy but up until now I didn’t know why.[/QUOTE]
There are others that are programmed that this stuff is dirty or evil and same goes for homosexual attitudes.
So one day people may become more enlightened that all these things and lots of sex are perfectly natural.
Now I don't understand why guys are so obsessed about girls swallowing, but I at least recognise that I am old-fashioned and, although I have no interest in this area, I have to accept that others have such a fantasy.
Fellow Mongers, (Sorry Guys since it seems no body check the travel plans and announcements
I am planning my 3rd visit to LOS for 18 days next August low season in oder to benfit from the recession First time been to Bangkok and phuket and second time it was Pattaya on new years eve 2006/2007.
So now as usual I will need your inputs
With respect to Bangkok (4 days) I am fine with Majestic Grande nice super hotel around 100US$ good reviews and in the middle of sukhumvit road although I would have loved to Stay at LL and meet our GODFATHER Gittos however I prefer a luxury hotel this time. I know about night life in Bangkok so I will be calling at spasso cm2, the rising star oil MP Tulip I would love to be pampered by the infamous Miss Yok and partners may be Annies or Emmunella too
Now my problem is in phuket last time (2005 post tusnami) I stayed at Patong resort it was amazing this time I heard about the Patong Beach Hotel and their offer to stay 14 nights and pay 7 nights 100US$ you will get 7 free night pay only breakfast 650 THB (18us$) total 808US$ I wonder if their policey is still GF I. E no Junior fees a colleague of Mine was there last November and they have been chraging him 1000 THB every night for bringing girls with him. I tired to get the hotel website by googling it but all my approach were fruitless can anyone let me have their e-mail address just be extra sure of their current policey.
Another option Safari hotel where my beloved savoy resturant is located it looks nice and just in the heart of Bangla road. They are quoting in their promotion 2250. THB 65US$ total 910US$.
Can you guys help me out should I stick to the old patong resort or do you have any other alternative my budget is fine anywhere from 50 till 60US$ although I would love to save money for our favorite hobby
Apperciate your comments.
Cheers!
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[QUOTE=Tiger 888]a whileI have learned a long time ago not to invest in corrupt countries like Thailand, Indonesia or the Philippines into anything I can't consume instanly.[/QUOTE]As you said, I even don’t think about buying in these country’s, some of friends have bought property at Samui and Phuket trough difficult company constructions or partnerships and leasing systems, at the end of the day it’s never yours and if something happen with a coup or regime change, it’s all gone, have seen examples enough with business owners before here in these counrtries.
John
I will have five hours transit time at Bangkok airport. What are the options to spend time mongering within that. Seniors kindly suggest
After bumping against 31 baht just a few months ago, the US Dollar is approaching 36 baht once again. I doubt if this pleasant situation will last very long. The time to transfer funds to LOS is now!
[QUOTE=Daddy07]After bumping against 31 baht just a few months ago, the US Dollar is approaching 36 baht once again. I doubt if this pleasant situation will last very long. The time to transfer funds to LOS is now![/QUOTE]
I'm a gambling man, and I wouldn't transfer now. Thailand is in a mess like most other countries, but survives more than most on both exports and tourism. Whilst they are gently devaluing the baht by a few satang a day, I would not be surprised to see a one off devaluation of 10-15% in the short term.
Then you will see the $ at 40+
[QUOTE=Daddy07]After bumping against 31 baht just a few months ago, the US Dollar is approaching 36 baht once again. I doubt if this pleasant situation will last very long. The time to transfer funds to LOS is now![/QUOTE]Careful!
The recession here in Thailand just starts. Interest rates are at zero in the US, but still can be lowered in Thailand. The US$ is always considered to be a safe haven in crisis situations, the THB not really :) ...
Thailand is acutally running a huge budget deficit. Additionally it can be expected that the tax income will be much lower that expected right now, the official numbers are much too high. Then the budget deficit will even be higher than already now.
Thailands GDP depends to 70 % on exports. We expect the unemployment to rise at least by 1.5 mio people this year, pessimists mention 2.5 Mio. .
I would NOT transfer any money into Thailand right now.
Giotto
[QUOTE=Giotto]...I would NOT transfer any money into Thailand right now.[/QUOTE]
Bumholes believes the $ will reach 40+ baht again.
Do you agree? If so, at what level would a transfer be prudent?
[QUOTE=Daddy07]Bumholes believes the $ will reach 40+ baht again.
Do you agree? If so, at what level would a transfer be prudent?[/QUOTE]I would not expect a speculation wave against the THB as it happened 1997/1998 , the THB will depreciate slowly, step by step.
THB 39/40 against the US$ is a huge technical barrier, it will most likely not break, if Thailand can avoid political unrest in the next months. If it breaks we can see much lower exchange rates.
The stabilizing factor is that the Thai banking system is still very stabile compared to other countries.
Giotto
[QUOTE=Giotto]I would not expect a speculation wave against the THB as it happened 1997/1998 , the THB will depreciate slowly, step by step.
THB 39/40 against the US$ is a huge technical barrier, it will most likely not break, if Thailand can avoid political unrest in the next months. If it breaks we can see much lower exchange rates.
The stabilizing factor is that the Thai banking system is still very stabile compared to other countries.
Giotto[/QUOTE]
Perhaps more relevant than political unrest will be civil unrest. With unemployment set to reach 1.5 million, and possibly up to 1 million more, crime will increase significantly, action will have to be taken, and there will undoubtedly be repercussions. I am quietly confident of a 40+$/bt exchange rate later this year.
[QUOTE=Molton74]I will have five hours transit time at Bangkok airport. What are the options to spend time mongering within that. Seniors kindly suggest[/QUOTE]
What time of the day will you be in Bangkok? Is it a layover, or a transfer where you have to check in to another airline? Also, have you ever been to Bangkok before (do you know how to get around)? 5 hours could give you plenty of time to at least get one good session in. Example: Airplane lands at 3:00PM. By 3:30 you have cleared immigration, customs, grabbed a few thousand baht from the in-airport ATM, and are in your cab heading to Nataree (or any other place of your choice). By 4:30PM you are picking your girl from the line up. Finish your session by 6:00PM. If you head to the airport now, you will be there well before 7:00. Go through immigration, locate your gate, and grab a quick bite to eat. You will be relaxed and refreshed well before your 8PM flight. 1 hour to and from the airport is a reasonable amount of time. Of course, traffic in Bangkok is funny sometimes. You could make it there in 30 minutes, or it could take you 3 hours. YMMV. Good luck, and let us know what you decide to do.
[QUOTE=Phuquer]...Finish your session by 6:00PM. If you head to the airport now, you will be there well before 7:00.
...[/QUOTE]Phuquer,
That's risky.
To get from Nataree to the new (!) airport at around 6 pm in one hour is possible, but not sure.
Giotto
Yeah. I guess depending on the time you leave the airport, you can judge how much traffic there will be to return to the airport. If I left the airport and it took me significantly more than 1 hour to get to nataree or wherever, I would probably bail, return to the airport, and call it a loss. In my trips, though, I have been lucky enough to not get stuck in traffic on the way to the airport. I saw the traffic on Ratchadapisek Rd. last night and I know I wouldn't like to be stuck in that headed to the airport. Whatever Molton74 decides to do, I wish him luck, and look forward to hearing what he decides to do.
I posted some time ago that the Baht had been held "artificially strong" in order for a few "Elites" to transfer money out of Thailand, before the inevitable "devaluation process" gets into full swing by March 2009.
The present government is likely, imo, to be one of the most corrupt ever and it will collapse eventually. What else can it be when you have PAD, family and friends as government ministers and advisers.
Anyway, yes, the Baht should devalue now for some time, step by step. Thailand is an export country, and for the elite to have held the baht strong for so long, and kill exports and put millions out of work, well, its very sad.
The government will soon be bankrupt, and the only thing thats helping presently is that its "tourism high season"........once we get into March and we enter the "lull" period, then the receipts will go down, and its when the shit hits the fan.
Expect the baht to be at its weakest around August/September time in 2009, thats my view.
Gradual fall until then.
[QUOTE=Bumholes1]Perhaps more relevant than political unrest will be civil unrest. With unemployment set to reach 1.5 million, and possibly up to 1 million more, crime will increase significantly, action will have to be taken, and there will undoubtedly be repercussions. I am quietly confident of a 40+$/bt exchange rate later this year.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Easy2007]I posted some time ago that the Baht had been held "artificially strong" in order for a few "Elites" to transfer money out of Thailand, before the inevitable "devaluation process" gets into full swing by March 2009.
...
[/QUOTE]Arrgghh,
Would be interesting to know how a currency can be held "artificially strong", especially if this happens in order for a few "Elites" to transfer money out of Thailand. To transfer money OUT means to sell THB and buy another currency - a process that should usually weaken a currency, especially if it is a significat amount.
In fact the THB was quite stabile because of the measures from BOT in the attempt to stop the appreciation of the THB in 2007 and the beginning of 2008. Otherwise the THB had reached much higher levels against the USD ( < 30 ). This fact slowed the ongoing devaluation process at the beginning. But most likely the momentum will pick up now.
All this has not much to do with the actual government, as long as we don't have political or civil unrest in the country. Even our beloved ex-PM Thaksin could not have avoided the world wide recession :) .
Giotto
Continuing on a little translating errors discuccion with Soap Fan
In the Nation a week ago a English Lady was complaining about the wrong spelling on road signs, menus, names from places and towns etc, saying that it was time for the Thai to learn proper English, WOW. A lot of non Thai people got straight in to defence and one was saying clearly that it was up to here to learn Thai instead of complaining, it’s the land from the Thai and there is no obligation for Thai to do so, We have to be more than happy that that they try hard at least. Another one was saying that the English language is not phonetic and difficult to write, its highly formal but most write it the way we speak, (with many errors) there where other languages using tends to vary there grammatical forms. So why blame the Thai on this.
All this came to my attention wile this subject is my almost daily discussion with my English native friends wherever I am in the world in non English native countries, they always complaining the lack of English wherever, I defend the locals right away and there answer to me is always the same, O yes, its easy for you as you speak so many languages, just like it came on is own without any effort from my site, BS, yes I am gifted with languages skills but to me Thai is also difficult but at least I try, I keep always little notes in Thai and English in my pocket, using them depending on the subject and it putt’s me many times in a favourable position if they see that at least, you try, A guy like Mick Licker as a big advantage on this issue as he said, he is Australian and does he speaks or read Thai without practicing or a bit effort. No don’t think so.
For example, BK immigration office documents are already in English and they have actually no obligation to do so, If you stay in most Latin or Balkan country’s you have to hire a lawyer to translate and do the work for you.
English is only the third biggest language in the world after Chinese and Spanish, Spanish as officially 440 million speakers over 21 countries and heavily growing even in the US where officially in 2030 it will overpass English in the US, even not talking about Arabic that is heavily moving forward, can one expect road sign in Chinese or Spanish in city’s like Detroit, London or Paris, no way, Arab in Europe maybe since we are to tolerant on that one.
Finally back to the Thai issue, What they translate for example on road signs etc is actually not English. The word bridge and road is English that’s clear, but the name itself is a conversion from the Thai phonetic word in a western alphabet readable grammatical standard word, depending on the person that translate the word, his own pronunciation will lead to writing errors and what we finally see. With a bit imagination we all find our way, as someone had doubts to go in to a MP with a spelling error on the sign saying Massar instead of Massage don’t thinks LOL.
I am not a teacher or writer but it’s just my two cents on it
John
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Over the last 5 weeks I have been several times scrolling trough Soi coboy, having a beer here and there and at least 5 times in Suzy Wong, on the stage only 5 or 7 girls from a below 4 on our scale, few customers, same as everywhere even on a Friday night, never seen a lesbian show as before, when I asked for it to mamas and she said, wait later on will com but it was only WOFT.
I like the signs that girls are showing on the street to get clients inside.
We have more girls inside than you can handle, another one says.
20 ugly girls inside and even some fat ones (yes have seen a few there)
Looked in to a few other clubs but faced the same problem, sometimes even did finish my drink and getting frustrated from seeing guys with the little elephant again in the street.
Only Tilac as the most stunning girls on stage was always packed till late, girls showing clients there little pussy from below the miniskirt, how can you resist to look closer, at least I had a good time there few nights, took also my Mrs with me to show that I can behave (when necessary)
My first and last drink was mainly at County Road with the life band, always full with people, fun and dancing, not a bad place at all (avoid the time with the Elvis imitator, he is shit I know him for a long time and treat with his jokes farangs like shit). Wondered when Rawhide will be open again, looks like renovation does not move on.
John Euro
[QUOTE=John Euro]Continuing on a little translating errors discuccion with Soap Fan
In the Nation a week ago a English Lady was complaining about the wrong spelling on road signs, menus, names from places and towns etc, saying that it was time for the Thai to learn proper English, WOW. [/QUOTE]
Street signs in Thailand have both Thai and a transliteration not into English at all, but into an English alphabet.
So
Sukhumvit is actually pronounced more like
Sook-koom-wit (with all "oo" short like a German u)
ChaoPhraya river
is pronounced like
Jao-pra-yar
So how did our J sound become Ch and how did our W sound become V in these transliterations? A bit of a mystery. Ph is not pronounced like F!
Now the really difficult bit.
Several sounds in Thai do not exist in English and Visa Versa.
Don Muang airport cannot be pronounced correctly by westerners without training.
Dawn Mueang would be a better spelling but still not close.
Thais cannot pronounce "Massage" without special training and its no suprise they would spell it strangely.
The "age" part of the sound does not exist in Thai.
Does does anyone want "Ma-sard"? :D
But Thai language is actually easier to learn than English once you understand tones, due to:
1. Thai has much more consistent spelling than English. 90% of words can be spelled correctly by hearing them.
2. When reading unfamiliar Thai words, can pronounce them correctly. This is not possible in English.
3. Thai has very simple grammer.
4. Thai words do not change endings for plural, case, verb tense, person, or declension. Thai merely adds additional words for plurals or verb tenses.
This is incredibly easy.
Learning Thai takes mere mortals like me years of study. The first few months are devoted to pronunciation problems. After that its merely learning vocab, and how to construct sentences in Thai style.
But Thais are very forgiving of bad grammar,
providing words are pronounced close to correctly.
But, unlike English, with wrong vowel sound in a word, they will have no idea what you are talking about.
Wrong tone and they will just be amused.
One confusing point is that some western intransitive verbs become transitive in Thai, or visa versa.
e.g. The fish is smelling bad
in Thai becomes
"phom men plaa"
"I get bad smell from the fish"
P.S. I would tend to discourage Americans from learning Thai unless they are going to really make an effort with pronunciation.
Thai spoken with American lengthened vowel sound drawl sounds really appalling. Germans speaking Thai sound vastly better (in general).
I can't really tell how bad I sound! LOL
[QUOTE=Giotto]Arrgghh,
Would be interesting to know how a currency can be held "artificially strong", especially if this happens in order for a few "Elites" to transfer money out of Thailand. To transfer money OUT means to sell THB and buy another currency - a process that should usually weaken a currency, especially if it is a significat amount.
In fact the THB was quite stabile because of the measures from BOT in the attempt to stop the appreciation of the THB in 2007 and the beginning of 2008. Otherwise the THB had reached much higher levels against the USD ( < 30 ). This fact slowed the ongoing devaluation process at the beginning. But most likely the momentum will pick up now.
All this has not much to do with the actual government, as long as we don't have political or civil unrest in the country. Even our beloved ex-PM Thaksin could not have avoided the world wide recession :) .
Giotto[/QUOTE]
In the Western banking world there are some educated (if that's not a misnomer for Western bankers :D) opinions that the Baht [I]has[/I] been kept artificially high at not inconsiderable expense to Thailand by Thai banking currency policy in order to stop a catastrophic run on the Baht, and that they can't afford to do so for much longer. Can a few Elites get large sums of money out of Thailand at favourable exchange rates without buying/selling currency on the open markets and without being excessively flagged up? Is the Pope a Catholic? Will they be doing so? Is the Pope the leader of the Catholic church? Would Thaksin and his cronies be doing the same if they were the ones with their snouts in the trough rather than the current lot? Of course, TIT.
[QUOTE=Terry Terrier]In the Western banking world there are some educated (if that's not a misnomer for Western bankers :D) opinions that the Baht [I]has[/I] been kept artificially high at not inconsiderable expense to Thailand by Thai banking currency policy in order to stop a catastrophic run on the Baht, and that they can't afford to do so for much longer. [/QUOTE]
If this is the case, then some of us (that have more than a few baht saved up) better start buying currencies before it drops down.
Any "Educated" bankers out there with a valuable opinion?
By the way, I heard the pope wasn't a Catholic, rumor has it he is gay.
[QUOTE=Terry Terrier]In the Western banking world there are some educated (if that's not a misnomer for Western bankers :D) opinions that the Baht [I]has[/I] been kept artificially high at not inconsiderable expense to Thailand by Thai banking currency policy in order to stop a catastrophic run on the Baht, and that they can't afford to do so for much longer. [/QUOTE]Terry Terrier,
Let's go a bit into details.
In 2006 the THB appreciated strongly against most major currencies, especially also against the competing Asian currencies. On 18th of December 2006 the BOT then implemented a capital control measure, which forced investors to keep a 30 % reserve of certain capital inflows on accounts of the BOT, for a specified time period (1 year, if I remember correctly).
What followed was that the appreciation of the THB was slowed and then stopped, and we had to deal with an on-shore and an off-shore exchange rate for the THB.
This measure was dropped on 29th of February 2008.
This capital reserve policy is something I would call a measure to "artificially" keep the THB [b]low[/b], the official reading that time was, that this measure was necessary to give the Thai exporters time to adjust to the extraordinary strengthening of the Thai currency.
After the measure was lifted the markets adjusted to it, and postponed capital inflows might have taken place which most likely strengthened/stabilized the THB during 2008. The movement of the Thai currency within this period was in line with the movements of other Asian currencies - it is really difficult to see anything "artificially" happening there during late 2008 / early 2009.
The depreciation process has now started, and due to the problems of the export industry and lower number of tourists coming to Thailand the demand for THB will fall, so most likely the currency will slowly devaluate against other currencies. But - the economies of other countries are in the same bad situation, many are in a even worse shape - this makes a collapse of the THB (as we saw it in 1998) unlikeky at the moment.
[QUOTE=Terry Terrier]Can a few Elites get large sums of money out of Thailand at favourable exchange rates without buying/selling currency on the open markets and without being excessively flagged up?[/QUOTE]Most likely not. If they transfer the currency without buying/selling on the currency market they still have THB - so why whould they do it. To find a buyer for large amounts of THB on the OTC markets or even privately is highly unlikely, especially in a time of recession, in which investors prefer to hold USD, Swiss Francs or Japanese Yen. If they want to hedge their positions they could sell THB short outside of Thailand, but this would have an impact on the currency, and it would be visible. If they exchanged the THB against a major currency INSIDE Thailand (for large amounts nearly impossible, but let's assume they found a way of doing so) and then move the major currency out (eg. USD) the currency reserves of Thailand would fall, which would be visible, too, and also had an immediate depreciating impact on the THB.
Btw.: I think those "Elites" will even appreciate a weaker THB at the moment, cheaper exports, better exchange rates for tourists ... the major part of the wealth of those "Elites" is invested in all kind of land, equity etc. etc. here in Thailand, and they want these investments to be profitable.
Giotto
PS: I don't know anything about the pope, so I leave this discussion to others :) !
[quote=terry terrier]in the western banking world there are some educated (if that's not a misnomer for western bankers :d) opinions that the baht [i]has[/i] been kept artificially high at not inconsiderable expense to thailand by thai banking currency policy in order to stop a catastrophic run on the baht, and that they can't afford to do so for much longer. can a few elites get large sums of money out of thailand at favourable exchange rates without buying/selling currency on the open markets and without being excessively flagged up? is the pope a catholic? will they be doing so? is the pope the leader of the catholic church? would thaksin and his cronies be doing the same if they were the ones with their snouts in the trough rather than the current lot? of course, tit.[/quote]for the last year, singapore and malaysian bank investment advisors (standard chartered and maybank) have been warning against keeping all of your money based in straight baht accounts in thailand. if you are holding large amounts in cash in thai, you can (should) use the bangkok bank foreign currency account, and make a large percentage of your holdings as usd (or any of the eight other currencies available at bb.)
all it would take is a few days of strong hits to the thai banking system to watch the baht crater faster than your chocolate dip swensen's ice cream cone on a hot day walking to the ratchathewi bts.
the generally accepted [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord116][CodeWord116][/url] right now is that the baht will be trading at 39-40 b/d by the end of the year 2009. no fiscal emergencies required. thailand needs foreign investment... desperately. the chinese are only too happy to oblige, at the right level of course.
now back to the best/worst way to spend your money here in thailand.
(the girls.)
[QUOTE=Giotto]
Most likely not. If they transfer the currency without buying/selling on the currency market they still have THB - so why whould they do it. To find a buyer for large amounts of THB on the OTC markets or even privately is highly unlikely, especially in a time of recession, in which investors prefer to hold USD, Swiss Francs or Japanese Yen. If they want to hedge their positions they could sell THB short outside of Thailand, but this would have an impact on the currency, and it would be visible. If they exchanged the THB against a major currency INSIDE Thailand (for large amounts nearly impossible, but let's assume they found a way of doing so) and then move the major currency out (eg. USD) the currency reserves of Thailand would fall, which would be visible, too, and also had an immediate depreciating impact on the THB.
Giotto
PS: I don't know anything about the pope, so I leave this discussion to others :) ![/QUOTE]
Hi Giotto,
Your explanation is correct if you are only trying to hedge your currency reserve through currency exchange on the currency markets. But also keep in mind that if you want to purchase a stable commodity, like gold, you can do so with Thai Baht, as an example, and then sell it (the gold) in USD hence turning your Baht into USD. Which we have been seeing over the last 6-8 months. Granted gold was undervalued for many moons, I would say 18 months. Then all of a sudden it went up to recommended values then surpassed it in a short period of time, less then 3 months. Today gold is quit high. Thais are not the only ones 'Transferring' there founds out by commodity. The Japanese are doing this as well as smart British investors, but with the crash of the pound I would say they traded out to USD. Other commodities where also affected by this. Sometime ago we can remember what happened with Wheat and Rice. there was no supply or demand issue but the prices went through the roof. Hence a run, which coincided with the fixing of the Thai Baht, The Yen dropping against the over inflated Euro and so on. Rich people and companies move there money thru commodities more so then the Currency markets. Currency markets are for investors and banks.
IMHO
Slylock
PS I also don't know anything about the pope!
Exactly TT. It said that this little "support the baht" escapade has really run down the governments reserves, to the point of soon they might be bankrupt.
Wonder why Abhisit was "cap in hand" borrowing from the Japanese recently. Ah yes. Obviously they just think borrowing money is "in vogue" and its not because they have already screwed up the finances.
A very severe devaluation of the baht looks increasing likely, step by step, but not stopping for some time.
[QUOTE=Terry Terrier]In the Western banking world there are some educated (if that's not a misnomer for Western bankers :D) opinions that the Baht [I]has[/I] been kept artificially high at not inconsiderable expense to Thailand by Thai banking currency policy in order to stop a catastrophic run on the Baht, and that they can't afford to do so for much longer. Can a few Elites get large sums of money out of Thailand at favourable exchange rates without buying/selling currency on the open markets and without being excessively flagged up? Is the Pope a Catholic? Will they be doing so? Is the Pope the leader of the Catholic church? Would Thaksin and his cronies be doing the same if they were the ones with their snouts in the trough rather than the current lot? Of course, TIT.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Soap Fan]Street signs in Thailand have both Thai and a transliteration not into English at all, but into an English alphabet.
Does does anyone want "Ma-sard"? :D
But Thai language is actually easier to learn than English once you understand tones, due to:[/QUOTE]Good detailed explanation, thanks
To pick one of your examples, Ma-sard, was actually what the papasan at the CMI Akasuri asked to me when I walked inside, that’s also the reason why he had on his signboard the word. Massar, just the way he pronounced it.
One of the best story’s I ever had in BK on spelling errors was at least 15 years ago, no much English at that time. I left the hotel and dropped the key (no cards at that time) at the reception and the girl know me very well by name, she had a little note in here hand and told me I should urgent call Mr maccardonna or somting like that, she repeated it a few times but her note was written in Thai and was not to any help for me,
In the taxi I was going trough all my business cards, even the Japanese ones thinking it was a client or supplier but did not find anything that looks like that name. At evening, back in the hotel I figured out it was my Australian friend that as arrived in BK, Mr Mc Donald, try to figure it out when your mind is set on a local name.
There are thousand of examples like this and some are really funny, look at some MP websites like Akane at the beginning, no problem as long as we find our way trough the BK jungle
John
Good news for a "falling baht".
Wonder who said the government would be bankrupt soon and needing to borrow borrow borrow.
Thailand could be on its way to a big baht fall over the coming 12 months.
[url]http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/137062/government-to-borrow-2-bln[/url]
Government to borrow US$2bn
By: BangkokPost.com
Published: 4/03/2009 at 03:03 PM The Council of Economic Ministers on Wednesday gave a green light for the government to borrow US$2 billion (about 70 billion baht) from the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) for use in reviving the economy, deputy government spokesman Puttipong Punnakan said.
The Ministry of Finance would start negotiations with the three foreign financial institutions in April or May, he said.
The ministry would propose the details of the negotiations to the cabinet and listen to public opinions and suggestions before asking the House of Representatives for approval in late May. The government should be able to borrow the money in July, he said.
About half the funding would be sought from the World Bank. The government will seek US$500 million loans from both the ADB and Jica, Mr Puttipong added.
Sign isn't from Thailand but just as applicable?
[QUOTE=Sonic Bam]Sign isn't from Thailand but just as applicable?[/QUOTE]
I think you could be in the MP thread but no matter.
All Thai MPs or at least most have a sign in the rooms written in Thai that says that there will be no selling of sexual services under any circumstances either in or outside the rooms, as if people would do it on the stairs or in the lift LOL.
Not sure why soapies bother with such a dumb sign.
Day 4 – Sun 15th- Phuket
Waking up next to Fern is like heaven. She told be a bit about herself last night. She is engaged to this Auzzie dude, but he sounds like a bit of a twat. He doesn’t send her money, so she has to go out to bars an pick up blokes. She got her head buried in my chest when I wake up and I can smell her hair. What a babe. She wakes up and tells me she loves me, and for a minute I realise she probably does. ‘I wish I marry you, not heeem’. So she has to head off because she’s got driving lessons, but not without the obligatory sucky sucky. And they say romance is dead? Daytime means off to the beach for some jetski action. Night time as we’re sitting in the same bar while Hunts continues his advances. I convince him to head off to Suzie Wong’s A-Go-Go. Now you just couldn’t imagine the honeys in this place. All knee length booths and black suspender. Whips and oils a plenty. Hunts and me and sitting watching with two honies. I've got a semi on and can barely contain it. Hunts dares the girl I'm with to suck me off in the bar, which she does, hungrily, much to the delight of the rest of the punters. There’s too much noise for me to concentrate, so I tell her to get her clothes. She comes back still wearing these ripped fishnet stocking and suspender belt under a little red skirt and tank top. We walk out into the street and instantly everyone is looking at her, and she’s loving it, the walk of shame! I tell her ‘you know theyre watching you, they want to f*ck you, like I'm gonna f*ck you’. She smiles, winks and laughs and leads me up some stairs to a short time hotel. She’s in the process of getting underdressed, but I can wait that long, I rip off her shirt and lift her onto a sideboard, then pull her panties to one side. My c0ck is bursting out of my shorts as she unzips them. She says ‘lets take shower and go bed’, I reply by slipping on a rubber and jamming it straight in. She’s wet as an otter’s pocket with one ankle over my shoulder and getting pumped hard and fast. Then I get her bent over the dresser, skirt up, panties to one side, handful of her hair, and suspenders stretched over a perfect brown ass, banging away like a shitehouse door in the wind. Once I'm done its back on the street and back to the bar. Hunter is cooing again, and I'm taking a well deserved break. Midnight becons, so I call my wee hunney Fern who I meet in a club. She’s been doing shots and is a little boozy, I ask her what she wants me to do, but shes all coy again. I tell her I know what she wants and I'm not gonna lick her patssy until she says it. She’s blushing so I walk away, she grabs me as I leave and says she wants me to lick it, I say lick what, she says you know, I say I don’t, my patssy, lick my [email]patssy. So[/email] we split the place and take her moped back to the hotel. She’s out of control tonight though, all the shyness has gone and she’s telling me what she wants this time. I barely touch it with my finger and she’s vibrating like a Mexican jumpin bean. She could only let me flick her bean for a few minutes before she says she can't take it, ‘TOOOOO SOHR’. Now she want me behind her so it doesn’t hurt her bean, so we make love like that for what seems ages and fall asleep with her curled tight bum pressed against my crotch and it all seems to perfect to be true.
[size=-2][b][u]EDITOR'S NOTE[/u]:[/b] [blue]I would suggest that the author or another Forum Member consider posting a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread. Please [url=http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/announcement-reportsofdistinction.php?]Click Here[/url] for more information.[/blue][/size]
Day 5 – Phuket / Bangkok
Woke up again with Fern purring away on my chest. Our shagging was interrupted by her mobile, her fiancé asking how she is. Didn’t stop get getting right back down on it! Dirty cow! Still, can’t fault her for it. We checked out and I headed back to Bangkok with the Hunter man. My mate had already arrived from Aberdeen, so I went straight down to Nana Plaza to meet him. If the names not familiar, then I’ll set the scene. . Three floor of go go bars, short time hotels and various houses of I'll repute. Sandy already had his hand down a girls pants when I arrived, good start. Sink some beers and get into the mood. The intention was to grab to hunnies and double time them in his hotel room. What actually happened was we got royally pissed in all the gogo bars, even being thrown out of one. Hunter called and was waiting for us so off we went to Soy Cowboy to meet up. He’s out with his boss and we are pissed up to the nines, still wearing the same shorts and t shirt from morning. We ended up in Suzie Wongs, famous for her oil and lesbo show. Sandy has totally lost the plot. Something worth seeing. He’s interrupting the oil show with shouts of ‘Stick it up her hoop! ’ I pick one of the oiled up ladies so off she popped for a shower and to get dressed. We lost Sandy at one point, but no problem, he’s a big boy. In a taxi and heading back with Hunter, his bird announces she want to watch a porno, so Hunts sticks one on. I get my c0ck out and my bird, who is suffering from Thai Shy, is rubbing it under the pillow. I whip her top off and she is still wearing the silver stars over her nips. I also realise her perfect tits are the result of silicon. Theyre the most fantastic things you’ve ever seen. By now Hunts in on his knees and giving his bird a serious tongue lashing. My bird is a bit uncomfortable, so she wants to go through the house. We strip off and I talk her into watching Hunter knob his bird. So we sneak back through and I'm frigging her off from behind while she watches Hunter throwing it up his bird on the couch. I can feel her getting hot, swollen and soaking wet. Through the house I get to fucking her and Hunts now comes through to watch her getting boned on my bed. Fucking ace, she’s loving it! Hunts fucked off with his bird and my bird started feeling a bit of the post shag perv, and decided she wanted to go home.
Perfect, now I get a good night sleep.
[size=-2][b][u]EDITOR'S NOTE[/u]:[/b] [blue]I would suggest that the author or another Forum Member consider posting a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread. Please [url=http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/announcement-reportsofdistinction.php?]Click Here[/url] for more information.[/blue][/size]
[QUOTE=Soap Fan]I think you could be in the MP thread but no matter.[/QUOTE]
Struth mate, I put it in here because it is / was supposed to be a joke / funny, incorrect translation to Engrish ..................
[quote=sonic bam]struth mate, i put it in here because it is / was supposed to be a joke / funny, incorrect translation to engrish ..................[/quote]
never mind sonic, i got a good laugh from it:d.
did you know that there is a new competitor opened up near [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord900][CodeWord900][/url]?
[QUOTE=Short Time Sai]Waking up next to Fern is like heaven. She told be a bit about herself last night. She is engaged to this Auzzie dude, but he sounds like a bit of a twat. He doesn’t send her money, so she has to go out to bars an pick up blokes.[/blue][/size][/QUOTE]
For me he sounds like a clever guy. Guys whose send money to a Thai Bargirl are imho the real twats. Those guys send money to support the girls, or because they want prevent that the girls have sex with other men/customer.
In both cases he will get cheated. The bargirl will have his money and continue her work as soon as he is in the plane headding home.
[QUOTE=DG69]The bargirl will have his money and continue her work as soon as he is in the plane headding home.[/QUOTE]
Sooner - I've had girls try to pick me up at the airport just after their 'man' has gone through passport control. You have to admire their work ethic!
[QUOTE=Striker34]Sooner - I've had girls try to pick me up at the airport just after their 'man' has gone through passport control. You have to admire their work ethic![/QUOTE]
No doubt about that. Some years ago in Phuket in a club a TG gave me a paper with her telefon number, on her way to the toilet. I stopped her on the way back and ask why she gave me her tel no, since she is obviously together with a guy. She replyed he will fly the next day back to his country. I am not sure if the guy send her money or not, maybe he was just a LT customer, but a Thai Bargirl who convince a guy in love to send her money, so she don't need to go with other guys to earn money for living is cheating to 99%.
The blind guy in love pay, because he thinks he is the one and only for the Thai girl, but in real he is just another fool who sponsor a Thai girl who might have already a few other sponsors and still go for p4p.;-)
[quote=soap fan]i think you could be in the mp thread but no matter.
all thai mps or at least most have a sign in the rooms written in thai that says that there will be no selling of sexual services under any circumstances either in or outside the rooms, as if people would do it on the stairs or in the lift lol.
not sure why soapies bother with such a dumb sign.[/quote]have asked a mp girls one day what that text in thai on that sign was was and she told me the same story, now i am still wondered why the girls at [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord900][CodeWord900][/url] are asking the door key at the bar staff to unlock the door up the stairs and then close the door securely behind them, are they afraid of police raid for providing sex or doing something illegal? .
there is a lot more fs going on in most other mp’s but hardly have seen the girls locking the door like that, at sol you can have bj at the bar, so what would be the right answer. ok somewhere it is a drinking bar and maybe not licensed as massage shop.
john euro
[QUOTE=DG69]
The blind guy in love pay, because he thinks he is the one and only for the Thai girl[/QUOTE]
Guys in love pay because they think with there heart not there head. Let your heart do the thinking and your sure to have a heart attack!
The good news is that at the airport I could buy all kinds of alcohol, walk all over the place with it, drinking it at the same time. I was not even given a second look, let alone spoken to or arrested.
The bad news is that it costs 2 baht to take a shit at MBK.
The ugly is all the sidewalks in need of repair around NEP.
"2 guys. 300 girls. You do the math."
What's the Real Cost of a Companion?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"A typical date with a woman that is very attractive will consist of
some very expensive components.
Cleaning Your Car $15.00
Tank of Gas $30.00
Flowers $35.00
Dinner w/ Wine $100.00 (at least)
Comedy Club w/ Drinks $80.00
TOTAL COST = $260.00 *
*Result = You get a HUG at the end of the evening, maybe a good night KISS and you may still have to play the game for 2-3 weeks with how many more dates at the above cost before you get in her pants!
This is why I think companions are the best value in the world for adult companionship."
[QUOTE=PinkPearl]
*Result = You get a HUG at the end of the evening, maybe a good night KISS and you may still have to play the game for 2-3 weeks with how many more dates at the above cost before you get in her pants!
This is why I think companions are the best value in the world for adult companionship."[/QUOTE]
YEs, but I think you can't compare.
P4P is just boring in the sense that you can pretty much fuck any girl you please.
With a regular girl, I think the "hunt" is very exciting. Different experience altogether.
I like both.
[QUOTE=NicFrenchy]YEs, but I think you can't compare.
P4P is just boring in the sense that you can pretty much fuck any girl you please.
With a regular girl, I think the "hunt" is very exciting. Different experience altogether.
I like both.[/QUOTE]
I agree. The "hunt" is usually very exciting, but there needs to be a reasonable chance of catching the "furry fox" within a reasonable time frame.
[QUOTE=Bumholes1]I agree. The "hunt" is usually very exciting, but there needs to be a reasonable chance of catching the "furry fox" within a reasonable time frame.[/QUOTE]
Of course.
I am not talking about Time/money. Both P4P and non P4P have advantages.
They are very different and bring very different excitement. I like both.
[QUOTE=NicFrenchy]YEs, but I think you can't compare.
P4P is just boring in the sense that you can pretty much fuck any girl you please.
With a regular girl, I think the "hunt" is very exciting. Different experience altogether.
I like both.[/QUOTE]Yeah, I can see your points. I have a few reasons why I prefer P4P.
1} Less likely to be clingy.
2} Less chance of their family showing up at your door for retribution and or handouts, as OTH has experienced.
3} Less chance of rejection or denial of sex.
4} Less chance of wasting your time for nothing.
5} Less chance of being inexperienced sexually.
6} Greater chance of being willing to please you or do what you want even if you do nothing sexually for her, e. G. Give a BBBJ for 1 or 2 hrs.
7} Less chance of them asking you to hold their purse at the mall, and then having a pussy fit when you refuse. This point is a NicF special.
8} Little clue how to play that game, and it's hard for old dogs, 45 to 55, to learn new tricks. Getting into the WWW world was bad enough.
[QUOTE=PinkPearl]6} Greater chance of being willing to please you or do what you want even if you do nothing sexually for her, e. G. Give a BBBJ for 1 or 2 hrs.[/QUOTE]
Haha, I have to say that only sounds like a good way to get rubbed raw (you know saliva is a digestive juice). But I couldn't agree more with your lazy man's ways in the sack. Who wants to 'please' a woman?
That said, since I became a totally selfish bastard, and stopped ever giving a thruppenny damn about licking that stuff, etc., I find if anything I get better reviews. Most women as it turns out just like to be roughly banged, inseminated, and treated cavalierly. Neat!
[QUOTE=Opebo]Haha, I have to say that only sounds like a good way to get rubbed raw (you know saliva is a digestive juice). But I couldn't agree more with your lazy man's ways in the sack. Who wants to 'please' a woman?
That said, since I became a totally selfish bastard, and stopped ever giving a thruppenny damn about licking that stuff, etc. , I find if anything I get better reviews. Most women as it turns out just like to be roughly banged, inseminated, and treated cavalierly. Neat! [/QUOTE]Getting rubbed raw from a digestive juice, hmmm. Never thought of it like that before, but it sounds reasonable. Though I guess the weiner is quite a hardy organ, since the only side effects I've experienced from 2 hour BBBJs is the wrinkly dried up prune look afterwards, on the dickhead only, like I've gotten on my hands after a long soak in in the tub. And maybe minimal soreness which quickly dissipates. Well worth it for the drug like testosterone ecstasy experienced, especially in the second hour. BTW also much bigger loads than 10 minute bing bam, thank you maam, boom it's over sex. And being able to enjoy ejaculating up to 5 times within minutes after the initial blast off.
I've enjoyed hours long sessions of BLS much more often than with BJs with no apparent problems, assuming the lady is not too rough with either service, e. G. Getting the teeth too involved, or has not recently eaten extra spicey som tam. BTW, while she licks and sucks on the balls and thereabouts, I masterbate simultaneously, using some KY or a similar product.
At times in the past I used my own saliva as a lubricant to masterbate for hours at a time without any damage. The pre ejaculatory semen and precum that eventually leaked out also provided natural lubrication. I would think these 2 natural lubes would also be involved with a 2 hour long BJ, and may protect the organ from being damaged by the prolonged contact with saliva. But that wouldn't explain why the saliva does not damage the balls after hours long sessions of BLS.
In a related activity, mouth to mouth kissing on the lips for hours, I have sometimes found my upper and or lower lip getting a bit sore after an hour. Other times I've gone for 3 hours with no pain. I use a lot of lip balm and tons of my own saliva errupts into my mouth during these sessions, though it seldom gets near my lips to lubricate them since I swallow it. Many ladies do not like sloppy kisses, but I find that some slobber on me quite a bit, which may help as a lube and to keep the area from pain.
I wonder if saliva as a digestive juice loses some of its ability to digest once exposed to the air, or if it is rather powerless in this ability apart from other chemicals in the digestive system.
back home now and back to reality. it sucks! going from 90 degree sunny weather, scuba diving, beaches, thai food, daily massages, and so many girls, to the daily grind is a tough adjustment.
the trip was great! i was in manila, angeles, and subic bay, then went diving in palau for a week, then bangkok and finally pattaya. it was a lot of travel, but i wanted to cover all the places. then were all fun in one way or another.
in manila, went to la cafe. i love that place. got hammered on smls, hung out upstairs with the band and a bunch of girls and of course took one home. stayed til i kicked her out the next day.
angeles was well, angeles (-; stayed at the pacific breeze. overpriced but a great pool area. did find one really fun 20 yo girl. went to the disco all night, then back to the hotel of course.
subic bay was great. i love beach towns, and they had a great floating bar. about 10 angeles style bars on the main road. more in barretto but i didn't make it there. had fun, did some wreck dives, got some massages with extras and of course got drunk and partook in the bar bitches each night.
then went to palau for the diving. amazing diving. thought i would have a break from the women, but this british guy about my age i was diving with kept finding these chinese girls, so we'd go out with them every night and brought a couple back. chinese ktv bars are very weird. private rooms and all. not really my thing but had fun.
got to bangkok and stayed near nana plaza. that was fun, and found some fun drunk chicks. taking a full viagra then having a half naked drunk chick dacing on my lap was a bad idea. had trouble walking out of that bar with her, though she got a kick out of it! loved [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord900][CodeWord900][/url]? that place had some serious bj talents. i can't imagine if i had a place like that nearby home for $20. the baht did not have a great exchange rate (36/dollar) so thailand was a little more expensive all around. went to see the grand palace and some other temples. very nice!
finally got to pattaya. wow! that place was way bigger than i expected. its 20 times the size of angeles. i loved pattaya. got a place on soi 8 near all the beer bars, and rented a scooter to get around. i liked the beach there, and great massages. go-go bars were very fun. beer bars and pool tables were a blast. drunk girls are way more fun than sober ones! not so many native english speaking people there, so didn't find too many guys to hang out with and drink with, so just stuck to the girls. soi six had some hotties during the day light. only place that did. want to go back and spend more time in pattaya.
but alas, i fell in love with my (legit) massage girl there. not that any girl in pattaya is particularly innocent, but this one was a non-working girl. so i took her out, had a great time and did eventually get her back to the room. it was fun to try some "game" rather than just paying a barfine. she never asked for a dime, but did give her a gift at the end. still in contact and need to go back to see her. so cute, great body, and spoke good english!
[size=-2][b][u]editor's note[/u]:[/b] [blue]i would suggest that the author or another forum member consider posting a link to this report in the reports of distinction thread. please [url=http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/announcement-reportsofdistinction.php?]click here[/url] for more information.[/blue][/size]
Friend of mine (US passport) will be in Thailand, arriving May 4th, departing June 4th.
That's 31 days: Is that going to be a problem?
Will he be fined for 1 day or put on shit list for overstaying?
Suggestions/advice appreciated!
Tryntry,
It really depends on when you arrived and when you plan to leave that day (31st). But in my opinion you don't have to worry about it or do anything. After you check in for you flight and you're at Immigration counter they will determine if you are overstayed. If so, there is a desk behind them and if you have overstayed you will just pay something like 250 baht for that day and off you go. No need to go to any Immigration office during your stay to pay for the 31st day. There has been times in the past that I have overstayed 2 days and just paid the small fine and there was once I was on the 31st day and didn't pay anything because my flight was leaving just under the time frame of the 31st day.
Hope that helps?
[QUOTE=Tryntry]Friend of mine (US passport) will be in Thailand, arriving May 4th, departing June 4th.
That's 31 days: Is that going to be a problem?
Will he be fined for 1 day or put on shit list for overstaying?
Suggestions/advice appreciated![/QUOTE]-What time does his flight get in? If it's running close to midnight, get in the longest immigration line and shoot for the extra day: May 5, 12:01am arrival.
-The overstay will be [b]500 Baht[/b] for one day. It's no problem whatsoever.
-Arrive at departure check-in a little earlier than normal, then try to get in the departure immigration line 1 1/2 hrs before the flight time. Make sure your exit card is in order and signed, then simply go through the motions, (it's just a profit deal anyway.) Takes about 10 minutes to pay the overstay fine.
Breathe easy, one day is no big deal.
[QUOTE=Tryntry]Will he be fined for 1 day or put on shit list for overstaying?
[/QUOTE]
He will definitely be fined, but there is no shit list for that.
[QUOTE=Tryntry]Friend of mine (US passport) will be in Thailand, arriving May 4th, departing June 4th.
That's 31 days: Is that going to be a problem?
Will he be fined for 1 day or put on shit list for overstaying?
Suggestions/advice appreciated![/QUOTE]
Here's a suggestion, tell him to respect and obey the law. Stay here and have fun for 30 days but why would one extra day be so important for him to intentionally plan to violate another country’s immigration law? Here is some more advice on this very subject in this link below:
[url]http://www.thailand4you.info/visa.html[/url]
[QUOTE=Run Mann]Here's a suggestion, tell him to respect and obey the law. Stay here and have fun for 30 days but why would one extra day be so important for him to intentionally plan to violate another country’s immigration law? Here is some more advice on this very subject in this link below:
[url]http://www.thailand4you.info/visa.html[/url][/QUOTE]
Very good advice. Why take the chance of getting arrested even if the possibility is remote?
I believe it is also possible to have your 30 day visa extended for up to 7 days simply by going to the immigration office on soi 5 Jomtien before it expires and paying a fee.
[QUOTE=Opebo]He will definitely be fined, but there is no shit list for that.[/QUOTE]There's NO fine if you overstay 1 day AND leave the Kingdom from Suvarnabhumi
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]... if you have overstayed you will just pay something like 250 baht for that day and off you go.[/QUOTE]After that day of respite the fine is B500 per day.
As the other posters observed he won't be blacklisted but I would advise him against overstaying because, if for whatever reason he gets checked by the police before he gets to the airport, he'll find himself in a nasty predicament.
[QUOTE=El Culion]There's NO fine if you overstay 1 day AND leave the Kingdom from Suvarnabhumi[/QUOTE]I have found this to be subjective and up to the officer whether or not you will actually end up at the overstay desk. I watched with a friend as two girls tried to demand some satisfaction surrounding this point, to no avail. One thing is absolutely sure though, if you overstay for two days, it will be 1000 Baht.
[QUOTE=Run Mann]Here's a suggestion, tell him to respect and obey the law.[/QUOTE]Get the extension for 7 days for a 1 or 2 day overstay? Again, subjective. Realistically, you are in Thailand, you therefore know that you are going to blow at least a half day and 1000 Baht in the attempt, "take a number and sit down please. " Look, the cops are all on the take (mia noi factor for discussion at length another time), the lawyers all speak with very forked tongues, and the judges are all sweet old backpocket boys of the first order. Politicians? Riiiight. Heh. If you want goodie goodie, gee Toto it might be time to do your part by getting back to Kansas and let the big dogs run with it. (Business As Usual Thailand)
Am I warped? Sure! A real PITA. I got that way from living here for twenty five years and dealing with the reality of it all daily. The Thailand they don't tell you about in the guide books. TIT.
[QUOTE=Barko]I have found this to be subjective and up to the officer whether or not you will actually end up at the overstay desk.[/QUOTE]With all due respect, I beg to differ. There is actually a sign at the Airport just past the Immigration check points saying, '1 day overstay, NO Charge, 2 days = THB 1,000', or words to that effect.
However, I want to re-emphasize that it's not a wise thing to do. The consequences if caught anywhere else are just too severe.
The question posed was simple and you guys are making way too much of it. No advice given was either right or wrong by anyone.
Whatever the reason for the individual to overstay is his.. if you know first hand right off your trip your changing your plans and if you have the time get a extension it could be a learning experience for you.
If it is the last minute and don't have time... it is true and very subjective that in your overstay you are running around doing things that you are really unlucky and get stopped the worse is you are taken to jail and have to deal with the shitty court system and pay a big fine but no more than 20,000 baht which is the max! then kicked out of the kingdom for good never to return.
If you are just fucking in a hotel and then get into a taxi for the airport... and a come lately guy and don't worry much then to each his own. Overstays are consider anything over 24 hours and if you are within 15 hours and your flight leave in 2 hours most likely no fine.
But remember most airlines charge for changes like 2,000 baht... on your ticket so in the end was she worth all the trouble?
[QUOTE=El Culion]
As the other posters observed he won't be blacklisted but I would advise him against overstaying because, if for whatever reason he gets checked by the police before he gets to the airport, he'll find himself in a nasty predicament.[/QUOTE]
Highly unlikely. In my 4 years in LOS, I must have been to the Airport over 100 times and have yet to be checked by the police.
I have been checked by the police on 4 occasions and each time did not have my passport. I just have a photocopy of the Picture Page. I tell them they can come check the original at my condo if they please but they never bothered.
[QUOTE=El Culion]With all due respect, I beg to differ. There is actually a sign at the Airport just past the Immigration check points saying, '1 day overstay, NO Charge, 2 days = THB 1,000', or words to that effect.
However, I want to re-emphasize that it's not a wise thing to do. The consequences if caught anywhere else are just too severe.[/QUOTE]First: much to do about nothing.
Second: overstay, then watch what day they start their yellow felt tipped calendar count from, first day of arrival is inclusive. That's why they changed it in 2005. "too many farangs with no brains for math. First day is a day here, last day is a day here. " (thais) confusing? You should have been here ten years ago.
Third: the only guy I have ever heard of getting rocked for overstay (and I have known many overstayers, heh) was some super rich brit that didn't want to wait for the overstay desk (just too busy or too coked out, whatever) and tried to change the stamped visa dates in his passport. (freakin brilliant or what? ) he went to jail.
As nic said, it's not an issue, and if you speak thai, it's less than that.
Lots of websites try to gain traction for themselves and say ooooh oh, scary scary, blah blah about overstay, but have zero examples to back it up. "do not overstay your visa or you will go to jail" umm, yeah, well if you say so, sure, thanks. (I have 10 overstays myself, spread over 3 passports. Last one was for 57 days 11, 400 baht: all I had were hospital docs from a motorbike accident and a bunch of goofy sorry looking smiles. Nobody even flinched, still don't. Acquired three more 1 year multiple entry nonimm be visas since then too.) are we catching on here yet?
Ok, quickly, show of hands: how many of you guys have known anyone that has ever been jailed or blacklisted for overstay? See? Thought so.
You can also be "checked" by the police if you are a car accident and they are called to the scene or if you were in a club/bar/establishment that was raided by the police (as happened recently in Hell Club). Interesting that this question has generated these responses but the poster that posted the original question asking for assistance/advice has not responded to the advice he has been given, so no one knows what his friend’s decision will be. One can be cavalier about over staying their time in Thailand thinking nothing will happen and the likelihood is that nothing will happen to you but the people that ended up in Jail and paid unnecessary fines for over staying their VISAs were probably thinking nothing would happen to them too.
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]...pay a big fine but no more than 20,000 baht which is the max! then kicked out of the kingdom for good never to return.[/QUOTE]
Actually I'm not so sure that is always the case - I mean the permanent banning from the place. I'd like to know more about specific cases, but I [i]think[/i] I have heard of people doing this and then coming back eventually.
Opebo
Your are 100% right. As I indicated it is subjective and if you are really a unlucky bastard like myself. The information that I briefly given was spoken by the representative at British Embassy that spoke at the Pattaya Expat Club some months ago. You can also contact a website Key Visa here in Pattaya that can give you specific of the exact law. Now how it is applied, who stops you, or just who has a hair up their ass is going to make a huge difference.
I met a guy last year who has been in Thailand mountain north for nearly 25 years overstayed his visa. He and his family is now well connected in Thailand and is well known in circle of charities. He was tracked down by his family in the U.S. and to return to U.S. to visit his family before passes.
Once he was able to convince the US Embassy that he was a U.S. citizen which was the hard part. His sons took care of the rest with the Thai government and off his went in 3 weeks without a fine, jail time, etc..
LBM
I'll be in Thailand for a few nights lay-over in a few weeks. After popping in to make a night of trouble at Giotto's, I plan to spend a few nights away from BKK - either in Pattaya or Phuket. I don't like wasting time at airports and flying on short trips, so Pattaya will probably be the place to go. But reading up on Phuket - it looks tempting. Is it worth the extra travel, or will Pattaya be good enough for a few nights of fun?
[QUOTE=Piper1]I'll be in Thailand for a few nights lay-over in a few weeks. After popping in to make a night of trouble at Giotto's, I plan to spend a few nights away from BKK - either in Pattaya or Phuket. I don't like wasting time at airports and flying on short trips, so Pattaya will probably be the place to go. But reading up on Phuket - it looks tempting. Is it worth the extra travel, or will Pattaya be good enough for a few nights of fun?[/QUOTE]
Piper,
If you plan to go to see beautiful natural scenery, of the non human kind, or taking a girl with you, I wouldn't go to either. Other places are better. But lets assume you are going on a sex spree. Then although Patong Phuket has a lot of bars, Pattaya will be far more convenient. You can always come back to BKK easily if you don't like it.
If you are trying to combine nicer beaches with sex, then Phuket should win. Watch out for many LBs of course.
Songkran alcohol ban canned, crackdown on alcohol postponed to April 16
BANGKOK: -- The Thai government has postponed the proposed alcohol ban during the Songkran festivals. The National Committee for Alcohol Consumption Control yesterday canned the no alcohol ban during the traditional Thai new year from April 13 to 15.
The committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart, found that a alcohol sales ban during Songkran would further harm the tourism industry.
"The meeting decided the ban would have a bad impact on tourism, particularly on Songkran day, which draws over 150,000 foreign tourists," Maj Gen Sanan said.
Alcohol crackdown to start April 16
The Committee has become alarmed at the deterioration of family values and family unity. One of the main evils of this problem is alcoholic beverages. The new proposal will require bars, convenience stores and entertainment centers that serve alcohol to adjust their closing times as follows:
All bars, shops and entertainment centers will closed based on a sliding window. Mondays close at 1:00AM, Tuesday 12:00 Midnight, Wednesday 11:00PM, Thursday 10:00 PM and Fridays at 9:00PM. Saturdays, Sundays and all official holidays, alcoholic beverages will not be allowed to be sold.
"The sliding window will reduce the problems with sudden alcohol withdrawal and allow family members to be able to spend more time with each other. Saturdays and holiday closures will improve Thai tourism and family outings", says Boonlert Sukaparpraeng, consumption controller at the Department of Culture.
The sliding window could be different in various provinces allowing the creation of many jobs for coach and minibus companies to ferry foreigners around to the correct province to fit in with the well established pattern of Immigration decentralized offices, recently enforced by the Immigration Bureau.
Foreigners holding a valid work permit or residency will still be able to purchase alcohol in so called Mom'n'Pop shops during the prohibited hours.
"This is typical for the Democrat Party", says Somchai Duemlaukaeng, Deputy chairman at the Consumer Protection board. "Thai people has one of the highest alcohol consumption pattern in the world per capita". This will only increase the sales of Lao Khao in the provinces."
Massage parlour minimum age
On April 16, another controversial law is being enforced. After that date, massage parlors can no longer employ anyone under the age of 40, and are required to register all employees as such. This will minimize the request by customers for "extra services" which can cause problems with marriages and minor wives.
Slylock
April 1st 2009
[QUOTE=Slylock]Songkran alcohol ban canned, crackdown on alcohol postponed to April 16
BANGKOK: -- The Thai government has postponed the proposed alcohol ban during the Songkran festivals. The National Committee for Alcohol Consumption Control yesterday canned the no alcohol ban during the traditional Thai new year from April 13 to 15.
The committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart, found that a alcohol sales ban during Songkran would further harm the tourism industry.
"The meeting decided the ban would have a bad impact on tourism, particularly on Songkran day, which draws over 150,000 foreign tourists," Maj Gen Sanan said.
Alcohol crackdown to start April 16
The Committee has become alarmed at the deterioration of family values and family unity. One of the main evils of this problem is alcoholic beverages. The new proposal will require bars, convenience stores and entertainment centers that serve alcohol to adjust their closing times as follows:
All bars, shops and entertainment centers will closed based on a sliding window. Mondays close at 1:00AM, Tuesday 12:00 Midnight, Wednesday 11:00PM, Thursday 10:00 PM and Fridays at 9:00PM. Saturdays, Sundays and all official holidays, alcoholic beverages will not be allowed to be sold.
"The sliding window will reduce the problems with sudden alcohol withdrawal and allow family members to be able to spend more time with each other. Saturdays and holiday closures will improve Thai tourism and family outings", says Boonlert Sukaparpraeng, consumption controller at the Department of Culture.
The sliding window could be different in various provinces allowing the creation of many jobs for coach and minibus companies to ferry foreigners around to the correct province to fit in with the well established pattern of Immigration decentralized offices, recently enforced by the Immigration Bureau.
Foreigners holding a valid work permit or residency will still be able to purchase alcohol in so called Mom'n'Pop shops during the prohibited hours.
"This is typical for the Democrat Party", says Somchai Duemlaukaeng, Deputy chairman at the Consumer Protection board. "Thai people has one of the highest alcohol consumption pattern in the world per capita". This will only increase the sales of Lao Khao in the provinces."
Massage parlour minimum age
On April 16, another controversial law is being enforced. After that date, massage parlors can no longer employ anyone under the age of 40, and are required to register all employees as such. This will minimize the request by customers for "extra services" which can cause problems with marriages and minor wives.
Slylock
April 1st 2009[/QUOTE]
I suppose that is an April joke....
If Thailand would do that, than they could kiss the tourism industrie good bye.
[QUOTE=Piper1]I'll be in Thailand for a few nights lay-over in a few weeks. After popping in to make a night of trouble at Giotto's, I plan to spend a few nights away from BKK - either in Pattaya or Phuket. I don't like wasting time at airports and flying on short trips, so Pattaya will probably be the place to go. But reading up on Phuket - it looks tempting. Is it worth the extra travel, or will Pattaya be good enough for a few nights of fun?[/QUOTE]
From what I remember of you at the lodge...
Pattaya is for you as you want mongering only. You can grab 1, 2, 3, 4 girls as many as you want at one time. Pattaya is in your face cheap sex. Bars all over etc... Walking Street etc...
Phuket isn't worth the travel for a few days and the girls are just so so.
[QUOTE=Piper1]...Phuket - it looks tempting. Is it worth the extra travel, or will Pattaya be good enough for a few nights of fun?[/QUOTE]
Simple, Piper ...
If you want beach activities, Phuket is the place.
If you want party, playtime, and plentiful pussy, Pattaya is perfect!
Thanks guys. Judging by the PMs and posts, Pattaya it is. I had the impression from some posters here that only drunk hooligans go there ...
... so it suits me just fine. ;)
But seriously, I live across the road from a beach, so beaches are not a priority. I prefer to be perpindicular with plenty of pretty Pattaya playmates.
[url]http://translate.google.com/translate_t#[/url]
Google Language Tools is including ability to translate Thai to English. So now we can take a Thai web apge and try to translate.
Example:
[url]http://www.utopia-entertainment.net/[/url]
translated:
[url]http://translate.google.com/translate?prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.utopia-entertainment.net%2F&sl=th&tl=en&history_state0=[/url]
Click on Our Models to see they some pretty and some very average.
[QUOTE=Tansak KTV]Phuket isn't worth the travel for a few days and the girls are just so so.[/QUOTE]Whoa.
I'll see your 2500 Pattaya skanky hoes, and raise you 4 well fed platinum quality hot ass Phuket poontangs:
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Clh8N0FjLpY[/url]
Fuck me, I'm in freakin Tokyo tonight for crap's sake, but man, I was NOT going to let that little diss on my hometown just slide by.
Oh yeah, the beaches in Pattaya suck. Phuket, however, is an island. You know: Swaying palm trees, crystal clear azure seas, cheap seafood, wall to wall pussy, etc? Heh.
ATM'S,
When I returned end of January here is what I found in regards to ATM'S, from my own experience.
Bangkok, ATM machine outside Landmard Hotel, next to foreign exchange booth. Bank is TMB, will only dispense no more than 5,000 baht.
Pattaya, ATM, machines Siam Commerical Bank ( Purple Machine ) will charge a additional 20 baht for using machine if you are a Farang! although they are already getting a cut from the exchange rate. Out of principal I will not use them.
Bangkok Bank, (Blue machine) machine at Carrefour, lower level as you enter the hallway to the restroom. Will only dispense up to 12,500 baht, not bad since it all comes in 500 bahts incruments. All other Bangkok Bank ATM'S I had no problem dispensing 17,000 baht at one time.
Bank of Ayudhya ( yellow machines ) everyone I used I had good results and always dispense the max. that I needed 17,000 ( 500USD ) limit on my card.
LBM
It seems that the ATM "limit" is 20 BILLS of whatever size. It evidently has to do with the thickness of the "output packet" - 20 bills is probably the machine limit. The main disadvantage to drawing another 20 bills (whatever size) is the additional withdrawal charge. (and, YES, there IS a charge - just look at you statement later after you get back - about 1% total per withdrawal)
You can take your card and your passport and go make a withdrawal INSIDE the bank and have it charged against your ATM card up to the limit of your card (mine is $3000/day :) )
I haven't managed to figure out the 'TIME CHANGE" on the "day" though - midnite in the states?
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]ATM'S,
When I returned end of January here is what I found in regards to ATM'S, from my own experience.
Bangkok, ATM machine outside Landmard Hotel, next to foreign exchange booth. Bank is TMB, will only dispense no more than 5,000 baht.
Pattaya, ATM, machines Siam Commerical Bank ( Purple Machine ) will charge a additional 20 baht for using machine if you are a Farang! although they are already getting a cut from the exchange rate. Out of principal I will not use them.
Bangkok Bank, (Blue machine) machine at Carrefour, lower level as you enter the hallway to the restroom. Will only dispense up to 12,500 baht, not bad since it all comes in 500 bahts incruments. All other Bangkok Bank ATM'S I had no problem dispensing 17,000 baht at one time.
Bank of Ayudhya ( yellow machines ) everyone I used I had good results and always dispense the max. that I needed 17,000 ( 500USD ) limit on my card.[/QUOTE]
[B]LBM,[/b]
I always use the Siam City Bank ATM on Sukhumvit Road around Soi 25. It's located outside of a Family Mart convenience store and is linked to the Cirus and Plus Networks.
I always withdraw the max 20 000TB. I get dinged a $5Canadian charge per withdrawl and that includes both fees, which is very acceptable IMHO. On my withdrawl slip it says "Fee 0.00" so all of the $5Canadian fee might be kept by my bank, but do not quote me on that.
I usually receive 1000TB bills, unless I visit at the end of the weekend when the chances of all 500TB bills increases.
hey barko - depends on your timeframe. Extra time getting there and extra cost com[pared to Patty, too. Patty is OK for ordinary things - BUT - you really need to go to Phuket for diving. The Andeman is a LOT better for diving... I haven't tried diving on 2 legged deer in south Thailand, yet, though :)
Like I said earlier stroker - check your statement when you get home. You might have some "extra unexpected charges" (minor amount, though)
[QUOTE=Dinghy]Like I said earlier stroker - check your statement when you get home. You might have some "extra unexpected charges" (minor amount, though)[/QUOTE]
[b]Dinghy,[/b]
No, I took money out of the same ATM back in January, the begining of February, and several times in March and I was only charged $5Canadian per withdrawl. I always withdraw the full 20000TB even if I don't plan on spending it right away to limit the charges.
Hi All,
Some advice please.
I am planning a holiday in BKK for early July 2009. A quick Google search reveals that the following public holidays fall during my planned trip:
July 7th (Tue) Asanha Bucha
July 8th (Wed) Khao Phansa
Can the BKK experts on this forum advise me if these holidays are likely to mean a real quiet time, or will there still be the same action available?
Thanks all.
Styk
ATM's
Most foreign banks will charge a fee for a withdrawal.
Some Thai banks do not charge, some do.
You will find the ones that do impose a "20 Baht" fee sometimes will lock you out and only allow 5000 baht withdrawal per transaction.
So you take out 20,000, that means 4 withdrawals which means 80 baht in "local fee's".
UK banks impose a 300 to 350 pound limit per day, which is why some months back you could get 20K, but now only 15K baht.......as the pound is down 30%.
Dinghy / Stroker Ace88,
Based on my statement.
When it comes to the Siam Commercial Bank whiich I'm not sure if Siam City Bank is the same? Siam Commercial Bank is the purple machine ATM.
As for US Banks they all in general will charge you something like 1% of the actually amount you take out. My bank for example will allow you only a maximum amount withdraw of 500 USD in a 24 hour period for security reason anywhere in the world. So as for Thailand as a example! lets say the exchange is posted at 35, to play it safe so that I don't get rejected by the machine I ask for 17,000 baht just under 500 USD. My bank statement will show based on the exchange rate of 35, a withdraw of $485.71 from my account with another charge of 1% for that amount $4.86. I have been using ATM in Thailand for nearly 10 years and I have no problem with the charge since the ATM gives you a pretty good exchange rate even AFTER THE BANK OF THE ATM TAKES IT CUT! THIS IS ALSO IN REFERENCE TO A ATM CARD THAT IS ISSUE BY A FOREIGN BANK WHICH INLCUDES EVERY CARD THAT ISN'T ISSUE BY A THAI NATIONAL BANK!
It should also be noted that nearly 100% legit ATM'S should be linked to Cirrus of Star in Thailand. I wouldn't use one that isn't! When it comes to Siam Commericail Bank ATM'S, the ones that I have tried to use they are adding a additional charge of their own 20 baht for any card issue outside of Thailand! You will not see this on your bank statement but will notice it on your withdraw ledger when your withdraw is done! No other Thai Bank ATM that I have used is charging this amount! To me this is a B.S. charge! Now will I be a hypocrite and use Siam if I had a immediate itch in the pants and need money right away and Siam was the only option. Take a guess?
After researching the charge of 1% charge by US Banks 2 years ago, I found out from my own bank, Credit Union and Washington Mutual and they all claim the 1% charge or whatever is being charge comes from Visa or Master Card logo being on their card. So if you look at your ATM card it will either have a Visa or M/C logo on it! It would be very hard to get around this method of Capitalism. So we all live with it, we just have to write it in our minds..
In regards to the 20 denomination I think that is incorrect. If you look at my posting that the ATM, in Carrefour Bank of Bangkok will only give you at total amount of 12,500 baht and then delivers 12,500 in 500 baht incurments that is over 20 bills. As for TMB, they will only dispense no more that 5,000 baht at one time. I believe this was mentioned by another poster and what is the exact theory behind that I'm not sure but that's on 5 bills so you 20 theory right now goes on the window.
Enough on ATM'S,,, LBM
[QUOTE=Barko]Whoa.
I'll see your 2500 Pattaya skanky hoes, and raise you 4 well fed platinum quality hot ass Phuket poontangs:
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Clh8N0FjLpY[/url]
Fuck me, I'm in freakin Tokyo tonight for crap's sake, but man, I was NOT going to let that little diss on my hometown just slide by.
Oh yeah, the beaches in Pattaya suck. Phuket, however, is an island. You know: Swaying palm trees, crystal clear azure seas, cheap seafood, wall to wall pussy, etc? Heh.[/QUOTE]
Personally I agree you can all keep your 2500 skanky hoes in Pattaya and keep your "island" of Phuket. I'm from real islands in Oceania and Patong ain't got nothing except an excess of Russians.
And fuck me I'm stuck dealing with Arse Hole Farang's right now.
I will however venture to Khao Lak in May. See you there for a beer, How's that. We'll cross swords and swap stories but I'll be bringing my own rabbit with me.
But for Piper1... I know him, he'll take Pattaya over Phuket.
[QUOTE=Tansak KTV]Patong ain't got nothing except an excess of Russians. [/QUOTE]Oh, you don't play poKer? My idea of a joke, never mind! Hey, I thought all the Ruskies were in Pattaya, that's what they say in Phuket anyway!
I pretty much quit doing any monger boy stuff in Patong, and Pattaya is like a zoo. Too many farangs, and I do mean that seriously. Neither of the places are what they once were though.
My house is way up on a hill overlooking the sea in Phuket, and I try to pretend it's my old red cedar house in the artist colony of Holualoa, Big Island of Hawaii. Floor to ceiling windows, hip roofs, lots of flowers, and a large wooden veranda style front porch. Hell I even got a waterfall out back.
Right now I'm in Saitama Prefecture near Tokyo, and there is a lot of incredible looking young 'tang here. Thai girls are getting pretty much played out for me lately. Japan girls: healthy. large breasted, and sexy as hell. Cold wind blowing their long black sweater coats up to expose unbelievable pure pink/porcelain white skin. Just totally untouchable for 'gai jin'. Will do a massage report regarding the hotel I stayed at in Tokyo in the Japanese forum next. Fuck me it's cold tonight. Want to thank you guys for being here.
And, yep, really I do like Khao Lak too Tansak KTV, have a bunch of friends there up on the north end. Not a lot of honey's there though, and Phuket airport is just too far. Let me know when you go.
[QUOTE=Barko]Oh, you don't play poKer? My idea of a joke, never mind! Hey, I thought all the Ruskies were in Pattaya, that's what they say in Phuket anyway!
I pretty much quit doing any monger boy stuff in Patong, and Pattaya is like a zoo. Too many farangs, and I do mean that seriously. Neither of the places are what they once were though.
My house is way up on a hill overlooking the sea in Phuket, and I try to pretend it's my old red cedar house in the artist colony of Holualoa, Big Island of Hawaii. Floor to ceiling windows, hip roofs, lots of flowers, and a large wooden veranda style front porch. Hell I even got a waterfall out back.
Right now I'm in Saitama Prefecture near Tokyo, and there is a lot of incredible looking young 'tang here. Thai girls are getting pretty much played out for me lately. Japan girls: healthy. large breasted, and sexy as hell. Cold wind blowing their long black sweater coats up to expose unbelievable pure pink/porcelain white skin. Just totally untouchable for 'gai jin'. Will do a massage report regarding the hotel I stayed at in Tokyo in the Japanese forum next. Fuck me it's cold tonight. Want to thank you guys for being here.
And, yep, really I do like Khao Lak too Tansak KTV, have a bunch of friends there up on the north end. Not a lot of honey's there though, and Phuket airport is just too far. Let me know when you go.[/QUOTE]
Oh I do play and right now I'm stuck in Waikiki then off to Kona and Hilo for meetings with USA DOI. :( But luckily I'll get to MNL soon to monger then back home for a moment then back to BKK.
If you can get away from the tourist traps and take your own honey or have established take outs then Phuket can be enjoyable but man Patong is getting as bad as Pattaya (for me). I'm from Oceania so talk about islands and lush and beaches are a hard sell cuz for me most places pale in comparison to where I'm from.
Piper1 will want the wall to wall pussy at Pattaya and the low prices and low BS. He doesn't want to tourist or swim, only swim naked with 10 other ladies in the pool.
I'll be taking my own little screw bunny to Khao Lak and won't need any side action in May, Around may 18 arrival for five days. I need some time away from civilization and trying to get away from the concrete jungles of BKK and MNL and Shanghai. Only thing I might need is a good doctor as she's 16 years younger then me and horny as hell.
Do hope to catch up with you.
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]
Enough on ATM'S,,, LBM[/QUOTE]
I think there is only one A.T.M. that really counts. :))
Slylock
Dental Care:
I have been looking for a good Dentist for sometime in Pattaya. I've been to the Bangkok/Pattaya Hospital, Pattaya Memorial, Soi 5, in Central, and a bunch of others around town. Most of the bunch around town have been small and inexpensive one's recommended by friends. Being somewhat spoiled with my own Dentist in the States and a cousin who is also a Dentist for secondard opinions but no insurance now! I'm use to a good Dentist that is into prevention through the bi-annually scaling and polishing they do normal X-Rays and gum dept evaluation. The one's I mentioned above always lack one of the things I want. Even at 1300 a pop for cleaning at BPH, I wasn't in the place more than 15 minutes for cleaning and the guy didn't polish and missed the problem area's that my Dentist in the States noticed. Guy at Soi 5, good English and Knowledge but a bit rough on technique and doesn't polish for 900 baht. Other's around town cheap cleaning but English skill lacking thereafter not exactly sure what I'm going to get but as always the price seem to be right!
I got a tip, from another ISG, member to try German Dental Co. on the way to Jomtien Beach in Pattaya. As you go up the road Thappaya Rd. you will see a 7/11 store left of that is German Dental Co.
Entrance is deceiving thinking it was only 1 level it is in fact 3 level. The reception area is ground level and on the 2 level is where all the work is done. Also thinking that it was a 1 man German operation it turn out to be a real assembly line operation with 3 or 4 Thai women Dentist working with many assistance. Didn't see a German Doctor but aside from myself everyone else in the place were Farangs. Got my scaling,polishing and X-Ray felt like my own Dentist at home. After a brief consulation it was decided that one of my tooth needed a crown. It was a expense I was expecting for sometime! Next day the work was done and that when I finally met the German Dentist, I guess he pretty much doesn't do the work any longer but goes around and consults and double checks everything for his patients. A temporary crown was made and the next day I came back for a crown fitting and color match. The next day my crown was ready! The price for cleaning was 900 baht, and the crown was 10,000 baht. Price was under what BPH, wanted and was way higher than some of the others Dentist I have been too but the results I was really happy with! The crown was a perfect match and color with the lab tech and the German Dentist right there to make sure it fit! Most Dentist I have been too all quoted me a time frame of 2 weeks to make a crown. This place has it own Lab on the 3rd floor and seem to cater to Farangs on a short stay so 3 days for a crown I think is worth the extra cost since I know what am getting.
LBM
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]Dental Care:
I have been looking for a good Dentist for sometime in Pattaya. I've been to the Bangkok/Pattaya Hospital, Pattaya Memorial, Soi 5, in Central, and a bunch of others around town. Most of the bunch around town have been small and inexpensive one's recommended by friends. Being somewhat spoiled with my own Dentist in the States and a cousin who is also a Dentist for secondard opinions but no insurance now! I'm use to a good Dentist that is into prevention through the bi-annually scaling and polishing they do normal X-Rays and gum dept evaluation. The one's I mentioned above always lack one of the things I want. Even at 1300 a pop for cleaning at BPH, I wasn't in the place more than 15 minutes for cleaning and the guy didn't polish and missed the problem area's that my Dentist in the States noticed. Guy at Soi 5, good English and Knowledge but a bit rough on technique and doesn't polish for 900 baht. Other's around town cheap cleaning but English skill lacking thereafter not exactly sure what I'm going to get but as always the price seem to be right!
I got a tip, from another ISG, member to try German Dental Co. on the way to Jomtien Beach in Pattaya. As you go up the road Thappaya Rd. you will see a 7/11 store left of that is German Dental Co.
Entrance is deceiving thinking it was only 1 level it is in fact 3 level. The reception area is ground level and on the 2 level is where all the work is done. Also thinking that it was a 1 man German operation it turn out to be a real assembly line operation with 3 or 4 Thai women Dentist working with many assistance. Didn't see a German Doctor but aside from myself everyone else in the place were Farangs. Got my scaling,polishing and X-Ray felt like my own Dentist at home. After a brief consulation it was decided that one of my tooth needed a crown. It was a expense I was expecting for sometime! Next day the work was done and that when I finally met the German Dentist, I guess he pretty much doesn't do the work any longer but goes around and consults and double checks everything for his patients. A temporary crown was made and the next day I came back for a crown fitting and color match. The next day my crown was ready! The price for cleaning was 900 baht, and the crown was 10,000 baht. Price was under what BPH, wanted and was way higher than some of the others Dentist I have been too but the results I was really happy with! The crown was a perfect match and color with the lab tech and the German Dentist right there to make sure it fit! Most Dentist I have been too all quoted me a time frame of 2 weeks to make a crown. This place has it own Lab on the 3rd floor and seem to cater to Farangs on a short stay so 3 days for a crown I think is worth the extra cost since I know what am getting.
LBM[/QUOTE]Thanks for the very good info, I think all long time travelers and expat will need this. Just for curiosity, how much was the difference between the not so good cheaper Thai places and that German run company?
How was your impression on hygiene? I m dead scared about this.
Most of the Thai places I was at seem to be clean. Of course Bangkok Pattaya Hospital was real clean.
Price for a crown or root canal for Bangkok Pattaya Hospital was quoted to me 13,000/15,000
Thai place I was quoted only 4,000 baht, but I ask them to remove a old 40 year filling and they replace it and it didn't look very good. So I'm not sure what I will get if they did a crown.
The dentist in Soi, 5, speak good English, his place is clean but doesn't come across as clean as the Hospital but comes across cleaner than the other local Thai places. Quoted me 8,000-13,000 baht for crown or root canal but will be determine by how many roots he has to address. Uses computer as a x-ray machines.
German Dental,, very clean and his equipment is up to date. looks and feels like a office up with the times. Very busy as I noted doesn't seem to be any walk in from the street for cleaning. I made my appointment thru the Internet email to him. They responded in 2 days
LBM
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]I made my appointment thru the Internet email to him. They responded in 2 days
LBM[/QUOTE]
Just out of curiosity, did it take them 2 days to reply to you or they responded quick adn the whole appointments were made after 2 days?
Bloody hell, Songkran hasn't even officially started and yet, many people already wear that ugly flowery shirt :(
What the fuck!
MAn I really hope it rains Hard for 5 days so that none of the water games take place. Wouldn't that be great? LOL
Yeah, I know, I'm an asshole. But hey, I got the same love for everyone because I also hope that the Christians spend easter without their bloody eggs. :D
Ok, I needed to vent about something... Sorry, it's saturday, 1pm adn I haven't shot a load yet
Clarification,
I made my request email on Friday that I wanted a appointment for cleaning on Thursday and I got a confirmation on Monday confirming my request. I found out later that the office is closed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
PM me for the telephone number and/or email address.
I hope that helps!
Customs Control in London
Noble gents!
Instead of Frankfurt I will fly to our Holy Land from London this summer. How severe use the customs control be? Usually I have some 50 - 100 DVD-movies with me. So far I was lucky and was never controlled in Frankfurt. How big is the chance to get catched in London and what would I have to expect?
Thanks a lot for any precious advice.
LP
I am booked for a Pre Lasik exam in BKK and would love to hear for anyone who has experienced Lasik surgery in BKK.
I have searched the Thailand forum for Lasik and whilst there are a number of posts most go back a good few years. I am currently booked in for some test TRSC International Lasik Centre and have booked the surgery and post surgery date subject to the pre Lasik results anyone had any experience with this company? [url]http://www.lasikthai.com[/url] ??
To be honest I am shitting bricks having my eyes done! I have done what research I could and these people kept coming up. If any of you guys have had any experience with this company or can recommend another I would be pleased to hear from you.
The cost is about half that that is Australia but probably saving about 30% after I stay an each week assuming the surgery is a goer. The other nice thing about Thailand is the process is more streamlined. In Aus you make an appointment the do a prelim exam, then a week or so later the pre Lasik exam, then anonther two weeks or so the surgery. Least in Thailand it can be all queued up.
Be good to hear your stories good, bad or indifferent.
Cheers,
Fleetz
[QUOTE=Fleetz]I am booked for a Pre Lasik exam in BKK and would love to hear for anyone who has experienced Lasik surgery in BKK.
Fleetz[/QUOTE]
Keep in mind the following:
There are two potential procedures: PRK and Lasik.
PRK is the 'old fashion' way - no flap to worry about but also means longer healing time and about 7-10 days when vision is blurry. Most of the military guys do it this way.
Lasik is the newer procedure, has the flap, quicker 'recovery/sight' time but for those with astigmatism, not recommended. Most folks do it this way.
Most centers should shoot for less than 20:20 and sometimes a second treatment is needed within first year.
FWIW, my 25 yr son did it last Nov. He could have done it in HK for about $2500 but I told him to fly home to see my doc (which cost him double!)....
I can't comment on your center other than to say we operate about 10 centers in China (and the charge is less than $1000 for pair of eyes). Cost has nothing to do with quality - it's the doctor, his experience, his pre-op exam, etc. Good luck.
I had Lasik done at the Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok four years ago. I have had no problems afterwards. Afterwards I went to an eyesurgeon in my home country where I tried to get a regular check up. But after an examination he told me to "go out in the streets and enjoy my new eyes". The job was perfect and he didn't want to see me anymore. There was no need.
I had.6 on both eyes prior to the operation. Now it is.. 25 and 0.
Bumrungrad is really professional and are experienced which was important to me.
Good luck
[QUOTE=Lone Punter]Customs Control in London
How big is the chance to get catched in London and what would I have to expect?
LP[/QUOTE]
Customs are hardly going to stop you on exit, it is more a question of security prior to departure, i would be more concerned with arrival in Thailand, surely?
Dental office in Jomtien - Soi 5 off the beach road - last place on the left. Great work, inexpensive
[QUOTE=Lone Punter]Customs Control in London
Noble gents!
Instead of Frankfurt I will fly to our Holy Land from London this summer. How severe use the customs control be? Usually I have some 50 - 100 DVD-movies with me. So far I was lucky and was never controlled in Frankfurt. How big is the chance to get catched in London and what would I have to expect?
Thanks a lot for any precious advice.
LP[/QUOTE]
Depends on your overall travel plans. If you are flying in to London from Frankfurt and coming through the immigration control before flying out to LOS then there is a possibility you will get caught. You didn't mention what kind of DVD's you were bringing with you but assuming they are normal (whatever that is) average type porn then the likelihood is nothing. If it goes beyond that description then you are looking at anything from complete seizure to arrest and charging. If you are simply leaving from heathrow or are transiting through without going through immigration and the DVD's are in your hold luggage, then you have absolutely nothing to worry about, the chances of having your hold luggage searched is minimal. Incidentally I would take note of the other poster's comments. If you get stopped by the Thai authorities entering the country with porn or other similar material (and it does happen believe me) I would not want to be in your shoes at all. Of course if your DVD's are simply mainstream hollywood movies you have nothing to worry about at all :-) Anyway I don't understand why anyone would want to take DVD's of any description to Thailand, since you can buy whatever you want there, at a cheaper price than Europe
[QUOTE=Mortman]Depends on your overall travel plans. If you are flying in to London from Frankfurt and coming through the immigration control before flying out to LOS then there is a possibility you will get caught.[/quote]Thanks a lot Mortman for your answer but I realise I messed up my initial request to the forum. Of cause, I am worried about the RETURN TRIP to London where I will have to pass through customs. Whats the attitude towards import of pirated DVD's? Sorry again.
LP
[QUOTE=Lone Punter]Thanks a lot Mortman for your answer but I realise I messed up my initial request to the forum. Of cause, I am worried about the RETURN TRIP to London where I will have to pass through customs. Whats the attitude towards import of pirated DVD's? Sorry again.
LP[/QUOTE]
I can tell you from a personal experience that I had exactly two years ago. I was returning from LOS had gone through immigration control at Heathrow, collected my bag and headed through the green zone nothing to declare. I was stopped and had all my baggage searched. I was carrying 12 cartons of cigarettes (12 x 200) about 20 pirated DVD's, approximately 10 counterfeir Rolex watches, Rubies and Sapphires that I had bought in Burma on a day trip to Mai Sae and around 30 Lacoste (counterfeit) Polo shirts. The customs officer searched through everything, asked some questions about how much I had paid for each item (ensure the total is below the imported good threshold) and after all that seized the cigarettes only. He was not in the least interested in the counterfeit goods or DVD's and I get the impression that this is the general attitude. However if you brought back a large suitcase stuffed full of counterfeit goods and it was obvious that you were doing it for commercial gain then I think they would adopt a different attitude. At the end of the day the bottom line is that the importation of counterfeir goods is not only illegal but you can also be prosecuted for it. If you are bringing in pirated DVD's and they are clearly for your own use, I wouldn't worry too much.
I am thinking of traveling to LOS (mainly BKK) next week. Political unrest in Thailand is fairly constantly in the news, but not a whole lot of coverage, so wanted get any perspective that people on the ground might be able to provide. Do things feel safe in BKK? Would you have second thoughts visiting now? I would highly appreciate any thoughts from those already in the country.
Thanks a lot in advance for your help.
[QUOTE=Jayf1970]Do things feel safe in BKK?[/QUOTE]If you wear a condom, you might be able to go back home in one piece.
Oh, sorry, you weren't talking about the sightseeing were you?
Bangkok is SAFE, I live here, work here and most importantly: I fuck here and I am still here.
[QUOTE=NicFrenchy]If you wear a condom, you might be able to go back home in one piece.
Oh, sorry, you weren't talking about the sightseeing were you?
Bangkok is SAFE, I live here, work here and most importantly: I fuck here and I am still here. [/QUOTE]I like to ad that the question as is validation. THE INTERNET NEWS is full of report and taksin interview that a revolution is quiet imminent to happen. This morning shot of sonthi is just the beginnig.
Nice french you may have tu understand that if you travel once to thai with your hardworking saved money you want have fun and not protest in the street. EVEN who knows once they come to blast the red aera of suk who knows. ALSO A RESIDENT OF Bangkok.
Jeff
I, and i`m sure, numerous others, would like to know if the following information is still relavent or requires updating - posted Jan 08. If not, could some kind soul please post the changes. Appreciations to the originator...[b]Freeler[/b]
[post]700869[/post]
There is mention of the rail system being in place by mid 08? is this the case or not?
Appreciations gentlemen!
[QUOTE=Noddy]There is mention of the rail system being in place by mid 08? is this the case or not?[/QUOTE]They're currently claiming that service will begin this August 12th. Since that's HM the Queen's birthday, it's a pretty firm deadline.
Can foreigner buy apartments in Thailand?
Does people have any tips what to look out for.
Any tips on callings cards in the LOS? Where to find, how much do they cost, etc.? I need to find an economical way of calling around the world while in the LOS. Thanks much.
The first thing I do on arrival in BKK, unfortunately only once a year, is to head for the ATM and then purchase a Thai phone card for 250 THB.
This serves for making local calls at 1-2 THB/min. and sending text messages, both mostly to communicate with GFs, although at 7.50 THB/min the occasional call to Europe/USA won't prevent me from visiting Tulip.
For any serious calling around the world (and keeping my Significant Other happy on a daily basis), I use my laptop with a (Blootooth) headset, a broadband internet connection at the hotel and one or more Betamax accounts (Google!).
For 2.50 EUR/month I can call most landline phones in the world for free (Europe, USA/Canada, Australia, NZ etc.) and mobile phones for less than by any other means.
[QUOTE=Jayf1970]Any tips on callings cards in the LOS? Where to find, how much do they cost, etc.? I need to find an economical way of calling around the world while in the LOS. Thanks much.[/QUOTE]
I should get a referral fee for this but Vonage VoIP service is a good option. They always have free promotions with the first month or two being free and subscribers can cancel anytime. You don’t even need a phone because Vonage has a portable V device you can plug into your computer's USB port and can be used anywhere in the world but you need broadband internet access.
[url]http://www.vonage.com[/url]
[QUOTE=Mick Ireland 1]Can foreigner buy apartments in Thailand?
Does people have any tips what to look out for.[/QUOTE]
Check Living in Thailand thead, which is where this should be posted
[QUOTE=Noddy]I, and I'm sure, numerous others, would like to know if the following information is still relavent or requires updating. Posted Jan 08. If not, could some kind soul please post the changes. Appreciations to the originator. [b]Freeler[/b]
[post]700869[/post]
There is mention of the rail system being in place by mid 08? Is this the case or not?
Appreciations gentlemen! [/QUOTE]I just wanted to add this info, I didn't see any mention of this bus service in the link above.
Airport Express provides air-conditioned bus service between Suvarnabhumi Airport and first-class Bangkok hotels.
Airport Express operates 4 bus routes to downtown. The cost is 150 baht for entire route. Airport Express service operates from 5:00 am to midnight.
The pick up area is on the Arrivals level, 2nd floor (inner curb).
The drop off area is on the Departures level, 4th floor (inner curb).
Contact Airport Express Counter Level 1, near Entrance 8.
Route [AE3] Suvarnabhumi-Sukhumvit. Wireless Road
Bus Stop Hotel, Inn, Condominium
1. Sukhumvit Soi 52-50 BTS, On Nut Station, Lotus
2. Prakanong Market Klongton (Sukhumvit 81)
3. Eastern Bus Terminal Ekamai (Sukhumvit 63)
4. Sukhumvit Soi 38 BTS, Thonglor Station
5. Sukhumvit Soi 34 Rex Hotel
6. Sukhumvit Soi 24 Emporium, BTS Prom-Phong
7. Sukhumvit Soi 20 Novotel Hotel, Sukhumvit
8. Sukhumvit Soi 18 Westin Hotel, Robinson
9. Sukhumvit Soi 10 (Bangkok Bank) Manhattan Hotel, Ambassador Hotel
10. Sukhumvit Soi 6 Amari Boulevard, Landmark, Bel-aire
11. Sukhumvit Soi 2 JW Marriot Hotel, Majestic Grande
12. Central Silom, Rachdamri Road
13. World Trade/Central World Plaza Arnoma Hotel, Isetan, Zen
14. Phetchaburi Soi 25 Pratunam Center, Metropolis
15. Phetchaburi Soi 35 Bangkok Palace H., Eastern H.
16. Soi Nana Zenith H., Grace H.,Bumrungrad Hospital
[QUOTE=Mick Ireland 1]Can foreigner buy apartments in Thailand?
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Duniawala]Check Living in Thailand thead, which is where this should be posted[/QUOTE]
The quick answer is yes to condo/apts.
I would check the posts of "The Traveler" - look in 2007 thread as there was lots of discussions re this exact subject.
When it comes to buying, take things slow slow and slower! No one here is climbing over each other to buy property! If you take it slow and gather your information to your questions you will see what I'm talking about.
Rent first and take your time! LBM
[QUOTE=Happy Lenny]I just wanted to add this info, I didn't see any mention of this bus service in the link above.[/QUOTE]Probably because it's relatively expensive, especially if you are not travelling alone.
Go up to departures, grab a cab that's dropping off passengers, and for a little more it will whisk you off to your hotel entrance :)
A Bangkok Post discussion is reporting that Thai bankers are now charging
7 times the amount for fees on ATM WD's with foreign cards.
Board index ‹ All categories ‹ Expat community ‹ Issan
Title: "Tourism what are they thinking?"
[QUOTE]He's talking about the Thai bankers association's decision to levy a $4.50 Fee on to every foreign ATM transaction.
This was enacted the first of april I believe. remember this is ON TOP OF any fee that your bank charges you.
for example: you take out 10,000 baht from you bank account, 10,000 plus 250 baht plus currency fee of 1 percent (100 baht) plus my banking fee of 53 baht.
Thats 403 baht in fee's for a 10,000 baht transaction. pretty insane if you ask me. that's around 12 dollars US for a single transaction/
Pretty strange way to attract guests to Thailand. Maybe the Bankers WANT to tourism sector to fail. hmmm
[/QUOTE]
As I reported earlier, Siam Commercial Bank ATM'S is already doing this as far back as Feb.. but the standard charge is 20 baht for any Foreign ATM card now I don't know if that is 7 times the charge but as I noted it is another B.S charge by a bank no matter where they are located. We better prepare ourselves cause I wouldn't be surprise if other if not all the Thai banks be doing this in the future. Another example of Thai bitting the hand that fees them! Stupid or just greed or both?
LBM
[QUOTE=Run Mann]I should get a referral fee for this but Vonage VoIP service is a good option. They always have free promotions with the first month or two being free and subscribers can cancel anytime. You don’t even need a phone because Vonage has a portable V device you can plug into your computer's USB port and can be used anywhere in the world but you need broadband internet access.
[url]http://www.vonage.com[/url][/QUOTE]
Thanks Daddy San and Run Mann, but I'm really looking for calling cards. I can't use phones over the internet (vonage, etc.), because my company laptop won't allow me to. So I need a calling card, which lets you make international calls by calling a local toll-free number. Thanks in advance for any help.
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]As I reported earlier, Siam Commercial Bank ATM'S is already doing this as far back as Feb.. but the standard charge is 20 baht for any Foreign ATM card now I don't know if that is 7 times the charge but as I noted it is another B.S charge by a bank no matter where they are located. We better prepare ourselves cause I wouldn't be surprise if other if not all the Thai banks be doing this in the future. Another example of Thai bitting the hand that fees them! Stupid or just greed or both?
LBM[/QUOTE]Twenty baht is far less than a dollar. But the new fees being talked about are 7 times that or, worse yet, 250 baht {as mentioned in the quote from my previous post}. I wonder if there is any substance to the claims of increased fees, as I have yet to see any evidence of it except some unsubstantiated claims on a message board. I assume using travellers checks, cash, and CC's would be ways around the use of ATM machines.
[QUOTE=PinkPearl]Twenty baht is far less than a dollar. But the new fees being talked about are 7 times that or, worse yet, 250 baht {as mentioned in the quote from my previous post}. I wonder if there is any substance to the claims of increased fees, as I have yet to see any evidence of it except some unsubstantiated claims on a message board. I assume using travellers checks, cash, and CC's would be ways around the use of ATM machines.[/QUOTE]Siam Commercial is the only one I know off who do it. And yes its 20 baht per transaction.
No other banks are doing it that I know off.
The talk of these new "fee's" is just a load of bullshit, the normal bullshit floated by trolls on the internet trying to create panic discussion about things.
MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING.
If you withdraw CASH from an ATM but using VISA CREDIT - then yes you will get hit with new charges and fee's. But this is as always and recently increased. Credit cards used for cash advance is not cheap, never has been and is now more expensive.
If you withdraw CASH from an ATM but using DEBIT (as in taking money from your account, not from your credit line) - then no new massive fee's apply.
PinkPearl,
I know 20 baht isn't much at all... but they are already getting a cut from our withdraw so as I noted earlier this is another greed attempt on the part of banks especially if it is 7 times higher.
LBM
I know its been favorably mentioned on the forum, but searches only revealed a couple of cursory references. Is it the "Raja" near NEP (few shops down on your left as you exit NEP). Thanks much.
[QUOTE=Happy Lenny]
Airport Express provides air-conditioned bus service between Suvarnabhumi Airport and first-class Bangkok hotels.
[/QUOTE]
Airport Express rides can seem like they're going to take forever, but they're clean, comfortable and a great deal at a great price. Sit back and relax and maybe read a paper.
[QUOTE=Etaoin2003]Airport Express rides can seem like they're going to take forever, but they're clean, comfortable and a great deal at a great price. Sit back and relax and maybe read a paper.[/QUOTE]
Taking a taxi to Lower Sukhumvit from Airport is 300thb (including 2 tollways), How cheap can one be to save money on that and take a bus? carrying all your luggage?
Geez, if one can't fork 7 euros for a taxi ride, then better not travel at all.
[QUOTE=NicFrenchy].....Geez, if one can't fork 7 euros for a taxi ride, then better not travel at all.[/QUOTE]
Fully agree, I cant believe some of the crap here, taking buses to avoid paying one of the cheapest long-distance airport taxi rides in the world. The same guys probably argue the toss between 1500 and 2000 for LT with a good girl - then having agreed 1500 they give 2000, thinking they are tipping her well ???
Maybe I am simply fortunate as I never have to really budget when visiting LOS, however I also dont throw money away either. I have never paid more than 500 THB for Airport taxis to any part of BKK, and that included a generous tip.
I have met some of these skinflints though, the best is the ''generous type'' who always buy the first round in the bar, only because its the ''happy hour'' one, then when its my turn I pay almost double!!!
I was just thinking - What if Joe Cheapskate injured his back carrying his own luggage to or from the bus and then spent the entire holiday f*ucked up in pain. Now that would be funny :D
Taxi every time, and if you want to save money, hold up a sign and be prepared to share the ride !!
Cheers, FF
[QUOTE=Fifty Fifty]Fully agree, I cant believe some of the crap here, taking buses to avoid paying one of the cheapest long-distance airport taxi rides in the world. The same guys probably argue the toss between 1500 and 2000 for LT with a good girl - then having agreed 1500 they give 2000, thinking they are tipping her well ???
Maybe I am simply fortunate as I never have to really budget when visiting LOS, however I also dont throw money away either. I have never paid more than 500 THB for Airport taxis to any part of BKK, and that included a generous tip.
I have met some of these skinflints though, the best is the ''generous type'' who always buy the first round in the bar, only because its the ''happy hour'' one, then when its my turn I pay almost double!!!
I was just thinking - What if Joe Cheapskate injured his back carrying his own luggage to or from the bus and then spent the entire holiday f*ucked up in pain. Now that would be funny :D
Taxi every time, and if you want to save money, hold up a sign and be prepared to share the ride !!
Cheers, FF[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=NicFrenchy]Taking a taxi to Lower Sukhumvit from Airport is 300thb (including 2 tollways), How cheap can one be to save money on that and take a bus? carrying all your luggage?
Geez, if one can't fork 7 euros for a taxi ride, then better not travel at all.[/QUOTE]
Not everyone makes their salary in Dollars, Pounds or Euros! Some of us live here in SE Asia and make a high local salary. No 500 Bht will not break us, but being able to save 300-400 Bht is a night out drinking.
Don't be so paranoid about cheapskates. When ever I meet up with someone I always buy the first round. If your so slow in drinking your beer, wine or Liquor then you wouldn't have to pay double.
Take it easy on folks ya! I posted in another thread about how to get cheap air tickets and got a shit storm that saving 200 Dollars is bullshit because of the extra 3-5 hours of travel time! The traveling portion of your holiday can be fun as well as long as your not uptight. You can get the feel of other places on your way. Hell I meet a guy (now a good friend) during a 6 hour layover in HK. My CC was not working and the guy bought me lunch and smokes. When we got to KL I took him and his family out to eat. It turned out to be a great experience. But if I had meet you I would have gone hungry and had a Nicotine fit right in terminal!
Welcome to the Hotel California...
Slylock
Slylock,
You aren't referring to your remarks on 4-9-09 about fares? If so I don't think you got a shit-storm about your opinion nor anyone refer to your opinion as bullshit.
Your point is very valid, people have to balance what their intend is when they want to save. Being consistent and balance is very hard for people sometimes. If like for yourself, you can obtain a fare and make stops to see friends and to make friends and save a little money that might be great for you but not for another who just want to get to their final destination as soon as possible and doesn't have open and friendly personality like you. They just want to get to BKK, into a cheap hotel and get some cheap pussy. Personally I give you credit for being so relax and open in making stops like this and being so open to meeting people. Now if I could meet a cutie on each stop I might think about it but most of the time after 10 hours I want to pull the emergency door open and jump out!
This should be consider a difference of opinion and not consider bullshit.
Was I being cheap or just wanting to get the best bang out of a buck?
When I came back at the end of January for SFO, coming standby I tried to limit my luggage allocation with my usual small carry-on and 1 piece (45 lbs) duffy bag which contain supplies for my wife and son. As always I book my one night in Bangkok in a cheap clean hotel (800 baht) did my stops at Tulip and mongering for freelancers. The last few times not having any luggage except my carryon I have used Bell Travel (150 baht) great value to and from Pattaya. I also usually book a private car from Nana area with or without luggage to Pattaya for 1200 Baht but this time thinking I could save a few baht and use that towards pussy. I decided I would just carry my stuff to the MRT and get to the bus station (Ekarmai) and take the bus for 112 Baht to Pattaya. Well, halfway from Nana I started to break out in a big sweat but got to the Nana Station, going up to the platform my duffy bag slip off the stairs and nearly killed too Farangs at the bottom of the stairway. They thinking I was a Thai, gave me a stare! Maybe it was NicFrency or OTH going to work?
I finally got to the station in one piece, but while I was waiting for the bus I was thinking saving 1100 baht to Pattaya was it really worth it? I was try to balance things in my head! The pussy I got the day and night before was great but in the end what little I save wasn't worth the trouble since I had luggage. In this particular case I was being a cheap charlie but wasn't thinking that the night before!
LBM
[quote=slylock]not everyone makes their salary in dollars, pounds or euros! some of us live here in se asia and make a high local salary. no 500 bht will not break us, but being able to save 300-400 bht is a night out drinking.[/quote]
generally the ''money saving bus'' posts are from guys who have flown several hours on an expensive flight then bust their asses to carry luggage on a bus to save paying the 300 baht taxi fare into bkk. one would expect a person living here to want to use the alternative forms of transport - hell i do all the time, if it suits. for example i use the bts all over bkk and i have a ''smartpass'' too. i dont do it for ''cheapness'' but for convenience and speed/ease of travel. however, if i have luggage, i prefer to use a taxi.
when the new train line finally makes it to the airport and service begins, i will give it a try. however i will weigh up the convenience as opposed to cost, particularly where ''luggage carrying'' is concerned. at present the 'door to door'' taxi for 3-500 baht still holds good for me.
[quote=slylock]don't be so paranoid about cheapskates. when ever i meet up with someone i always buy the first round. if your so slow in drinking your beer, wine or liquor then you wouldn't have to pay double.[/quote]
i am not a slow drinker by any means, and my example of the guy that buys the first round because it is happy hour was a general one, however it has happened to me on far too many occasions to be coincidental, often with the same drinking partner too.
[quote=slylock]take it easy on folks ya! i posted in another thread about how to get cheap air tickets and got a shit storm that saving 200 dollars is bullshit because of the extra 3-5 hours of travel time! the traveling portion of your holiday can be fun as well as long as your not uptight. you can get the feel of other places on your way. hell i meet a guy (now a good friend) during a 6 hour layover in hk. my cc was not working and the guy bought me lunch and smokes. when we got to kl i took him and his family out to eat. it turned out to be a great experience. but if i had meet you i would have gone hungry and had a nicotine fit right in terminal!
welcome to the hotel california...
slylock[/quote]
i think you got the wrong picture entirely. first of all you did not really get any kind of ''shit storm'' for your information on saving a couple hundred dollars versus travelling time. the replies simply stated that maybe it wasnt worth it as the time could be better spent in los instead.
secondly, showing generosity to help a fellow traveller out is a totally different ball-game to squeezing a few baht out of a hard working girl or taxi driver. sure i would have done the same as your friend, well almost. i would have bought you lunch and maybe a beer, but i would draw the line at buying your cigarettes, after all they are really not good for you.
cheers, ff
My apologizes to FF and LBM. The last paragraph was directed towards Nic and I should have specified that. Also the shit storm I took was not in the public eye but in PM's. The messages were along the lines of why I would promote having cheap charlie low life people come over and ruin it for us all. I just get a little disheartening to sometimes post in this forum. Do not get me wrong, I love the atmosphere of this place and the characters that participate.
Maybe Nic is a good guy in person, but in my opinion on this thread he smells of the deadbeat Expat that can not cut it back home (and in France no less). The Expats we all love to hate, including the locals. Tansak KTV Giotto and others sing his praises. But Nic stop being so damn put downish and cynical. your comments on Giotto's forum about Newbies was a little disturbing, even if the original poster was just joking around. Lets make this place fun and accepting to everyone.
I do understand wanting to get to your destination as fast as possible! Before I moved to freelance consulting I was jet setting all of the world on dumb business and I wanted to do was get home and into my bed. But for most of these guys this is a once in a life time trip and all I wanted to do was reply to the persons questions.
in a semi famous quote "Can't we all just get along"
Slylock
Nic if would like to reply to my comments please feel free to do so, but if I am correct, lets do this over in the fight club. Cheers
I arrive into BKK at 1am on May 17th. I'm gonna need to exchange about $2000 USD into THB and I don't feel like the airport exchange counters give the best rates. Back in November I got a 32.8-$1 rate when the exchange rate was fluctuating a tiny bit (like it does everyday) but at a rate around 35-$1. Where is the best place in BKK these days to get the most favorable exchange rate? I have an account at Siam Commercial so should I just go straight to the bank to get it done? I will need a few THB for the taxi into town and for the FL I'll pick up in either the Nana car park or an after hours joint like Spicy, Boss or Lucky, so I'll hit up the airport counter for 5,000 THB or so.
[QUOTE=IrishLager]I have an account at Siam Commercial so should I just go straight to the bank to get it done?[/QUOTE]Your bank (or any bank) will give you a decent rate. They're all pretty competitive, as you'll see from the small differential between buying and selling rates. But if you're determined to squeeze out every last baht, you'll see a number of small exchange operations that have sprung up lately offering a very slightly better rate. If you use one just count your change carefully! I think they're basically straight but they might be more likely to make a 'mistake' than a bank would.
[QUOTE=Slylock]...
Maybe Nic is a good guy in person, but in my opinion on this thread he smells of the deadbeat Expat that can not cut it back home (and in France no less). The Expats we all love to hate, including the locals. Tansak KTV Giotto and others sing his praises. But Nic stop being so damn put downish and cynical. your comments on Giotto's forum about Newbies was a little disturbing, even if the original poster was just joking around. Lets make this place fun and accepting to everyone.
...
[/QUOTE]Slylock,
Look, Nic has a small birth defect - he is French :) !
He is not really speaking English - it is more or less Frenglish! He comes across quite straight sometimes ... but remember how you were when you were 15 years old ... :):).
Giotto
IrisLager,
Sounds like you already answer your own question. If you don't have enough baht to take a taxi into town or to pick a FL, you have no choice but to exchange at less 5,000 baht. You will get a better rate if it is Traveler checks or 100 U.S. bills.
LBM
[QUOTE=Slylock]Maybe Nic is a good guy in person, [/quote]
Right... you know when people want to "grill" someone, they always start like this... it's the ever bullshit way to start by pretending to be the good guy... well, that's until the BUT comes in ;)
you know, like: "Oh I really appreciate Giotto's company, he is such a nice man But what an asshole when it comes to ......"
This is the new, pussification of our Language. Why sugar coat everything?
If you really think I am an asshole, say so, I've been called much worse adn still sleep at night :D
ok, I am done kidding, maybe I'm not so nice eh?
[quote]your comments on Giotto's forum about Newbies was a little disturbing, even if the original poster was just joking around. Lets make this place fun and accepting to everyone.[/quote]
Ah, yes, that is where I called "forgot the name" a moron... because the man (sorry man, I have a very short memory) was asking for people to be banned if not contributing.
Now, in my defense, there was no smiley in his post indicating he was kidding. Giotto made it clear afterwards. I still stand by my post (at the time). Of course, looking back, now that he was joking my post is out of place but what am I to do? maybe i'll buy him a blowjob at SOL (can't do it myself, I don't bend that way).
"Can't we all just get along" you say? I think we're doing quite well, but it would help if people would not take everything so seriously.
Now if we ever meet, I expect you to buy me a beer!! oh wait.. I only drink water
[QUOTE=Giotto].. but remember how you were when you were 15 years old ... :):).[/QUOTE]
You BESTARD !!!
I am offended. Not only am I going to come see you on Saturday but I will make you cook my breakfast! (wait, come to think of it maybe it's better you don't cook, I want to stay in 1 piece) :D
[QUOTE=NicFrenchy]
Now if we ever meet, I expect you to buy me a beer!! oh wait.. I only drink water[/QUOTE]
I will buy you the beer. To bad I will be the one drinking it!
Slylock
How about some Perrier?
[QUOTE=NicFrenchy]You BESTARD !!!
I am offended. Not only am I going to come see you on Saturday but I will make you cook my breakfast! (wait, come to think of it maybe it's better you don't cook, I want to stay in 1 piece) :D[/QUOTE]
Ummm, Nic...Why would you be staying Saturday night with Giotto? Is there something we should all know? :)
[QUOTE=Giotto]Slylock,
Look, Nic has a small birth defect - he is French :) !
He is not really speaking English - it is more or less Frenglish! He comes across quite straight sometimes ... but remember how you were when you were 15 years old ... :):).
Giotto[/QUOTE]
I have a large defect. I am American! And unless I try real hard I come across straight. I think you know what I mean, your German after all! LOL
Slylock
[QUOTE=Slylock]I will buy you the beer. To bad I will be the one drinking it![/quote]
No chance, if you buy [b]me[/b] the beer then I won't be giving it back to you to drink :D
[quote]How about some Perrier?[/QUOTE]
Perrier is for Pussies! I like my water from the Tap (yes, not healthy but I like to take chances)
[QUOTE=Slylock]Ummm, Nic...Why would you be staying Saturday night with Giotto? Is there something we should all know? :)[/QUOTE]
Well I will not stay the night with Giotto (sorry to all those who were hoping) but will be having Breakfast with him on Saturday. Now if some brave souls want to join, that's fine.
Caviar Breakfast @ 4,999 per person :D
[QUOTE=NicFrenchy]Well I will not stay the night with Giotto (sorry to all those who were hoping) but will be having Breakfast with him on Saturday. Now if some brave souls want to join, that's fine.
Caviar Breakfast @ 4,999 per person :D[/QUOTE]
Washing down 5000 Bht caviar with tap water. That would be a oxymoron.
I will be happy to buy you a glass of tap water from the Sports Bar at LL during my next trip up to BKK... (but only if Giotto has it on sale, I will be on a limited budget)
[QUOTE=IrishLager]I arrive into BKK at 1am on May 17th. I'm gonna need to exchange about $2000 USD into THB and I don't feel like the airport exchange counters give the best rates. Back in November I got a 32.8-$1 rate when the exchange rate was fluctuating a tiny bit (like it does everyday) but at a rate around 35-$1. Where is the best place in BKK these days to get the most favorable exchange rate? I have an account at Siam Commercial so should I just go straight to the bank to get it done? I will need a few THB for the taxi into town and for the FL I'll pick up in either the Nana car park or an after hours joint like Spicy, Boss or Lucky, so I'll hit up the airport counter for 5,000 THB or so.[/QUOTE]
In general airports give the worst rates, so change only a minimum at the airport and change in the city at a bank or private exchange counter. Also you should try to make your exchanges from Monday to Thursday. After business on Friday the rates get poor for the whole weekend. This is a general observation for all countries....
[QUOTE=IrishLager]I arrive into BKK at 1am on May 17th. I'm gonna need to exchange about $2000 USD into THB and I don't feel like the airport exchange counters give the best rates. Back in November I got a 32.8-$1 rate when the exchange rate was fluctuating a tiny bit (like it does everyday) but at a rate around 35-$1. Where is the best place in BKK these days to get the most favorable exchange rate? I have an account at Siam Commercial so should I just go straight to the bank to get it done? I will need a few THB for the taxi into town and for the FL I'll pick up in either the Nana car park or an after hours joint like Spicy, Boss or Lucky, so I'll hit up the airport counter for 5,000 THB or so.[/QUOTE]
The best rate is available where all the money changers go. That is Superrich. Secrch google for that name. They have a spread between buying and selling of 5-20 Satang. Only open during banking hours though.
[QUOTE=Tiger 888]The best rate is available where all the money changers go. That is Superrich. Secrch google for that name. They have a spread between buying and selling of 5-20 Satang. Only open during banking hours though.[/QUOTE]
Superrich looks like THEE place to exchange. Thanks Tiger 888. Will be easy for me to hit the branch on Suk Soi 22.
[QUOTE=IrishLager]Superrich looks like THEE place to exchange. Thanks Tiger 888. Will be easy for me to hit the branch on Suk Soi 22.[/QUOTE]
If you want to change smaller amounts, VASU on the corner of Sukhumvit Soi 7/1 is also very good. If you don't change thousands, the difference won't equalize the taxi fare.
By the way: The best rates are only available at Superrich at the location on Ratchadamri Road. I tried Sukhumit Soi 22 and they have completely different (worse) rates.
No "Other areas" rubrique in Thailand? Like nothing happens outside of Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya?
ATM Fee's!
It was reported and discussed earlier that some Thai banks are charging a extra fee for foreign ATM cards that make withdraw transaction in Thailand. I personally reported that Siam Commercial Bank was charging a extra 20 baht per transaction. It was also reported by PinkPearl that there were reports that Thai banks were going to charge 7 times or 250 baht per transaction for each Farangs.
Just the other day I read in the Bangkok post that the Thai Banking Assoication has authorized a fee for us Farangs that withdraw money out of their ATM'S with a card issued outside of Thailand whether you are living here or on vacation. The set fee I read was 150 baht per transaction.
Today, I was at Tesco, in Pattaya and I placed my foreign ATM card inside the Bangkok Bank ( Blue Machine ) as I have done for the last few years to get my monthly allowance the respond to me was " All ATM cards are welcome here " I requested the amount and the response back to me was " to be issue this amount there is a 150 baht charge " I cancelled. Went to all the others bank machines, purple, yellow, green, etc... and they all inform me of the extra B.S. greedy capitalistic charge that I was going to have to pay to a Thai bank that has the same Thai mentality, that when you are losing money or not making enough charge more! to make up for the difference. What is a guy to do? I guess I have no choice at this point until I find another more convienent way of getting my monthly money from the U.S.
LBM
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]ATM Fee's!
It was reported and discussed earlier that some Thai banks are charging a extra fee for foreign ATM cards that make withdraw transaction in Thailand. I personally reported that Siam Commercial Bank was charging a extra 20 baht per transaction. It was also reported by PinkPearl that there were reports that Thai banks were going to charge 7 times or 250 baht per transaction for each Farangs.
Just the other day I read in the Bangkok post that the Thai Banking Assoication has authorized a fee for us Farangs that withdraw money out of their ATM'S with a card issued outside of Thailand whether you are living here or on vacation. The set fee I read was 150 baht per transaction.
Today, I was at Tesco, in Pattaya and I placed my foreign ATM card inside the Bangkok Bank ( Blue Machine ) as I have done for the last few years to get my monthly allowance the respond to me was " All ATM cards are welcome here " I requested the amount and the response back to me was " to be issue this amount there is a 150 baht charge " I cancelled. Went to all the others bank machines, purple, yellow, green, etc... and they all inform me of the extra B.S. greedy capitalistic charge that I was going to have to pay to a Thai bank that has the same Thai mentality, that when you are losing money or not making enough charge more! to make up for the difference. What is a guy to do? I guess I have no choice at this point until I find another more convienent way of getting my monthly money from the U.S.
LBM[/QUOTE]
I am afraid you have to live with the idea that a bank has to cash some money for a service. Whether it is too much or not, it is another story. But it is a fact a fee for a rendered service is nothing strange and unusual.
Why should they do that for free?
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]ATM Fee's!
It was reported and discussed earlier that some Thai banks are charging a extra fee for foreign ATM cards that make withdraw transaction in Thailand. I personally reported that Siam Commercial Bank was charging a extra 20 baht per transaction. It was also reported by PinkPearl that there were reports that Thai banks were going to charge 7 times or 250 baht per transaction for each Farangs.
Just the other day I read in the Bangkok post that the Thai Banking Assoication has authorized a fee for us Farangs that withdraw money out of their ATM'S with a card issued outside of Thailand whether you are living here or on vacation. The set fee I read was 150 baht per transaction.
Today, I was at Tesco, in Pattaya and I placed my foreign ATM card inside the Bangkok Bank ( Blue Machine ) as I have done for the last few years to get my monthly allowance the respond to me was " All ATM cards are welcome here " I requested the amount and the response back to me was " to be issue this amount there is a 150 baht charge " I cancelled. Went to all the others bank machines, purple, yellow, green, etc... and they all inform me of the extra B.S. greedy capitalistic charge that I was going to have to pay to a Thai bank that has the same Thai mentality, that when you are losing money or not making enough charge more! to make up for the difference. What is a guy to do? I guess I have no choice at this point until I find another more convienent way of getting my monthly money from the U.S.
LBM[/QUOTE]As of last week, Kasikorn and Ayuthaya were still not charging the ATM flat fee.
Bionicman,
" Why should they do it for free "
This is where we part ways! No one is saying that any Bank in Thailand or any bank in the world should be providing a service for free! For example: if you are a American ( since I don't know you ) and you remember way back when you were able to use a ATM and they didn't charge you for using another banks ATM and then one day the machine says if you want money it's another buck I'm sure you were'nt very happy? What about your own bank charging you fees for everything including taking out your own money! Are you happy with that!
As for free! There is no bank in Thailand or any bank in any country when you use your ATM machine that isn't already making a percentage from the transaction! So your thoughts that Thailand banks were allowing Farangs to withdraw money all these years, doing the conversion for you was doing it for free and out of the goodness of their hearts because Thailand is the LOS and free is insane. Do you think the counters at the Thai airport is converting your dollars to baht for free? Look at the board and see the difference between buying and selling.
This issue was addressed in January when I was home in the States with my cousin wife who is a top executive with Bank of America as she knows my situation well and knows I have been drawing money from my checking account through ATM'S in Thailand. It is simple how Thai banks or any bank make money from a withdraw from a foreign ATM... If the days exchange rate is 35.50 the bank ATM machine that you use gives money to you at 35 they make .50! get it! it's not free and has never been!
I have no problem with paying a fee and have been doing so for all these years but as I noted this charge of 150 baht is only being charged to foreign credit or debit card holders and not Thai's! To me it is the same as going to a bar and ordering a Leo Beer and I pay 75 baht while a Thai guy next to me pays 45 baht.
Once again this is a Bullshit charge on top of profit they are already making. I do agree with you that I have to live with it until I find a better way to get around the system.
LBM
They also need to remember that IF it gets too "expensive" then people can go INTO the bank and make a withdrawal for slightly more than the max an ATM can do as well. "Point of sale" is how it's described on the statement you will get later.
The "other alternative" is that people might just take their money and go elsewhere. The charge in Cambodia was $2 (similar to a US bank machine)
IF they are charging 150B (totally above the 'reasonable amount' for the service provided - that might be "50B" - then people wouldn't complain) then I just might do my main initial conversion of, say $500 at the airport in cash and be done with them until I can go into the bank itself
You could always take travellers cheques may be this would be a cheaper way now.
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]Bionicman,
" Why should they do it for free "
I have no problem with paying a fee and have been doing so for all these years but as I noted this charge of 150 baht is only being charged to foreign credit or debit card holders and not Thai's! To me it is the same as going to a bar and ordering a Leo Beer and I pay 75 baht while a Thai guy next to me pays 45 baht.
LBM[/QUOTE]
Those holding foreign credit and debit cards are withdrawing cash from their foreign accounts. The Thais have domestic cards (ATM's) as do many foreigners who have local bank accounts, and they are not charged for withdrawing money from their Thai accounts (except when out of area or withdrawing from a different Thai bank)
Your analogy of comparing the price paid for a Leo at a bar does not hold water. The Thai is drinking Leo but the Farang is drinking an imported beer, hence the additional cost.
Since this is basically a sex guide, let me suggest for the same reasons that is why the Usbeck girls charge more than the Thai girls for a tryst. They are imported!
Bumholes1,
I understand your humor and I understand that if I take money out of my Thai account which I basically use for satisfying my Visa requirement I won't get charge. Based on what your are also saying "imports" then all Thai's shouldn't have a problem when they travel to the U.S. that our banks charge them an additional 150 baht when they use our ATM'S.
In the end, you missed the point.... I and everyone that comes to Thailand and uses their ATM card from their home bank are ALREADY BEING CHARGED! The charges they are imposing 150 baht is another additional charge!
LBM
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]Bumholes1,
I understand your humor and I understand that if I take money out of my Thai account which I basically use for satisfying my Visa requirement I won't get charge. Based on what your are also saying "imports" then all Thai's shouldn't have a problem when they travel to the U.S. that our banks charge them an additional 150 baht when they use our ATM'S.
In the end, you missed the point.... I and everyone that comes to Thailand and uses their ATM card from their home bank are ALREADY BEING CHARGED! The charges they are imposing 150 baht is another additional charge!
LBM[/QUOTE]
Whilst I am totally against the charge, I can understand why the banks are charging it. They need money! I have no idea whether the Thais are charged for using their Thai cards when overseas.
I have not missed the point. Yes everyone is already "charged" this being included in the exchange rate - you only have to look at the spread between buy and sell.
There is a charge for using travellers cheques, just as there is when telexing money from overseas (usually 200bt minimum + a %)
But just look at the ordinary charges paid by Thais. An annual fee for the ATM. 10 or 20bt when withdrawing cash from outside your own branch network. 0.1% when transferring money to someone using the same bank. And when you update your passbook after a period of time when there have been 10+ entries, they are all lumped together. Request a detailed statement and they will invariably charge you.
The banks need money. Technology costs money. They will take it wherever it is the easiest, but I don't believe foreigners are more unfairly treated than the Thais.
Bumholes1,
You put it so much better this time and I agree with your assessment 99.5% which was exactly what I was trying to express earlier.
If a Leo is a import to me and I have to pay more does that mean P4P Thai is also imported and we shouldn't complain if we are charge more? No need to answer just joking.
In this particular case I think we are being unfairly targeted since the charge for a Thai as you say 10 or 20 baht. The charge for us in this particular case is 150 baht. Not a a lot of money to us foreigners who live or vacation here but the fee is unequally being applied.
I bank with Bangkok Bank, and I know they aren't the only ones charging this fee and I understand they are there to make a buck whatever way they can get it. When you look at the millions of tourist that come daily and even if you take a small number of them using ATM'S the 150 baht per transaction translate into lot of money. I agree the thinking is somewhat solid on theThai Bank Association since many who don't want to paid the charge might transfer more money into a Thai bank to avoid the 150 baht fee. Only time will tell, so if this is their thinking they might succeed but it doesn't mean I have to take it laying down. Bangkok Bank headquarters is in New York and has exclusive rights with the Social Security Adminitration to have retirees checks deposited into their bank for retirees living in Thailand. I have written a letter and forwarded it to Bangkok bank, Social Security Adminitration and House speaker Nancy Pelosi who is my representative. Now is anything going to change? Hell no? but I got it off my chest!
So end of story and end of ATM Fee's
LBM
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]Bumholes1,
In this particular case I think we are being unfairly targeted since the charge for a Thai as you say 10 or 20 baht. The charge for us in this particular case is 150 baht.
LBM[/QUOTE]
The 10 or 20 baht to which I referred is charged for all ATM transactions (by Thai or foreigner alike) outside of their own branch network - BUT STILL WITHIN THAILAND.
We foreigners are using debit or credit cards and accessing cash from overseas. You cannot therefore compare the charges for Thai cards and foreign cards. More cost is inevitibly involved in checking a foreign bank account before releasing the money, BUT I still consider 150bt unreasonably expensive.
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]Bumholes1,.... I and everyone that comes to Thailand and uses their ATM card from their home bank are ALREADY BEING CHARGED! The charges they are imposing 150 baht is another additional charge!
LBM[/QUOTE]
I bank in the UK and so long as I remain in credit, I never incur any charges from my Bank whatsoever for use of any ATM anywhere in the world. I always get a very favourable official Bank exchange rate too.
Some ATMs in the UK are 'private' ones such as found in shops and clubs, these always charge for withdrawals - I never use them.
Recently in Thailand I put my card into an ATM and saw the notice that I would be charged 150 THB for the service requested. I simply cancelled and went to another machine (Kasikorn I think) which did not inform me of any extra charge, so I used it.
Cheers, FF
Fifty Fifty,
You are coming in at the end of the conversation. But I'll take the time as always and give you a summary. This topic was discussed about 2 weeks ago you can go back and read those post. It was reported in the Bangkok Post that the Thai Banking associated has authorized the banks to charge this set amount 150 baht for all foreign ATM cards.
Since that time I myself haven't run into a problem doing withdraws since the impression I get is that the banks itself would determine to charge or not. But yesterday in Pattaya, at Tesco Lotus, I put in my card, Bangkok bank and was told that if I wanted to continue that I would be access this charge. I like you cancelled the transaction and if you know the malls in Pattaya they have ATM machines for every bank in Thailand. I went to ALL the other machines and put my card in, including Kasikorn, I believe green machine and was told the same thing 150 Baht charge. Maybe being Thailand they haven't gotten around to all the machines but I think sooner or later they are going to get around to every machine! If they don't and there is going to be a Thai bank that doesn't charge the extra 150 Baht, they got my business!
I stand on my position that everyone using a foreign ATM card is already being charge. You just didn't get the point! that you quoted! you're stuck on the 150 baht. Although the ATM machine is giving you a favorable rate it is not the top rate. For example again.... if the current exchange rate in the market for the banks is 35.50, and they dispense a favorable rate to you in one of their ATM at 35.25 they are already profiting from you .25 you will not see this on any statement ever. This is the same method the exchange counter throughout Thailand are using except you are able to see the rates. We don't have that previliege with ATM'S but you are being charged!
Interesting remark about your bank in UK not charging you a fee for using ATM'S overseas. Let me use a example of a withdraw in the U.S. since I have no idea what the pound is worth. But I think you will understand the example.
If you make a ATM withdraw of 17,000 baht and the exchange rate is 35.40 which comes out to maybe 490.00 USD, you don't see a addition charge from your bank on your monthly statement of $4.90? Does your ATM card have a Visa or Master Charge logo on it. A majority if not all ATM cards in the U.S. that have a Visa or M/C logo the user will most likely get this 1% charge. So go back and take a look at your statement cause if you don't that is something to consider maybe banking with a U.K Bank. What is the U.K. bank name maybe there is one in the United States?
You don't need to beg, we are most likely just going to differ!
[QUOTE=Fifty Fifty]I bank in the UK and so long as I remain in credit, I never incur any charges from my Bank whatsoever for use of any ATM anywhere in the world. I always get a very favourable official Bank exchange rate too.
Some ATMs in the UK are 'private' ones such as found in shops and clubs, these always charge for withdrawals - I never use them.
Recently in Thailand I put my card into an ATM and saw the notice that I would be charged 150 THB for the service requested. I simply cancelled and went to another machine (Kasikorn I think) which did not inform me of any extra charge, so I used it.
Cheers, FF[/QUOTE]
Nationwide were excellent for this but as from June even they are charging to use your debit card in some foreign atms .
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]Fifty Fifty,
You are coming in at the end of the conversation. But I'll take the time as always and give you a summary. This topic was discussed about 2 weeks ago you can go back and read those post. It was reported in the Bangkok Post that the Thai Banking associated has authorized the banks to charge this set amount 150 baht for all foreign ATM cards.
Since that time I myself haven't run into a problem doing withdraws since the impression I get is that the banks itself would determine to charge or not. But yesterday in Pattaya, at Tesco Lotus, I put in my card, Bangkok bank and was told that if I wanted to continue that I would be access this charge. I like you cancelled the transaction and if you know the malls in Pattaya they have ATM machines for every bank in Thailand. I went to ALL the other machines and put my card in, including Kasikorn, I believe green machine and was told the same thing 150 Baht charge. Maybe being Thailand they haven't gotten around to all the machines but I think sooner or later they are going to get around to every machine! If they don't and there is going to be a Thai bank that doesn't charge the extra 150 Baht, they got my business!
I stand on my position that everyone using a foreign ATM card is already being charge. You just didn't get the point! that you quoted! you're stuck on the 150 baht. Although the ATM machine is giving you a favorable rate it is not the top rate. For example again.... if the current exchange rate in the market for the banks is 35.50, and they dispense a favorable rate to you in one of their ATM at 35.25 they are already profiting from you .25 you will not see this on any statement ever. This is the same method the exchange counter throughout Thailand are using except you are able to see the rates. We don't have that previliege with ATM'S but you are being charged!
Interesting remark about your bank in UK not charging you a fee for using ATM'S overseas. Let me use a example of a withdraw in the U.S. since I have no idea what the pound is worth. But I think you will understand the example.
If you make a ATM withdraw of 17,000 baht and the exchange rate is 35.40 which comes out to maybe 490.00 USD, you don't see a addition charge from your bank on your monthly statement of $4.90? Does your ATM card have a Visa or Master Charge logo on it. A majority if not all ATM cards in the U.S. that have a Visa or M/C logo the user will most likely get this 1% charge. So go back and take a look at your statement cause if you don't that is something to consider maybe banking with a U.K Bank. What is the U.K. bank name maybe there is one in the United States?
You don't need to beg, we are most likely just going to differ![/QUOTE]
I will differ, sorry. I have followed this thread from the outset and havent missed much, having read all the posts.
I use any ATM, not only those associated with my bank and as I stated the exchange rates I get on my statement are the best of any bank on offer - even better than over the counter.
Furthermore, my card has the Visa Logo, however my card is a Debit Card and my ATM withdrawals do not go via Visa, but use the 'cirrus' or 'link' networks. There are never any extra charges such as the 1% that you suggest.
So up until now I have never been physically ''extra'' charged for ATM use, but when I return to LOS in June I may suffer the 150 Baht once all the machines are altered, if that is the case.
My answer will be to withdraw much larger amounts thereby reducing the frequency of the charge - even if I can afford it, I begrudge paying anyway.
Regardless of rates etc, I still maintain my UK bank has so far given me one of the best deals I could get.
Now lets get back on track and talk more about what we spend the money on instead :)
Cheers, FF
In the last few days I was charged the 150 baht by Thai Military Bank and (as far as I could tell) NOT charged it by Bank of Ayudhaya.
I want to rent a boat in Thailand and sail around for three days. I was told that for 500 a day + 100 a day for the capt one can get a pretty nice boat in Thailand and throw one hell of a bash.
I have searched the net and it seems like the boats/yahts are a bit more expensive than 600 a day.
Does anybody have any experience with boat yaht/rental in Thailand? I want something that it is nice, has at least two cabins, and capable of ferrying me around to a few of the various islands in Thailand.
Thanks in advance.
[quote=dirkdingy]i want to rent a boat in thailand and sail around for three days. i was told that for 500 a day + 100 a day for the capt one can get a pretty nice boat in thailand and throw one hell of a bash.
i have searched the net and it seems like the boats/yahts are a bit more expensive than 600 a day.
does anybody have any experience with boat yaht/rental in thailand? i want something that it is nice, has at least two cabins, and capable of ferrying me around to a few of the various islands in thailand.
thanks in advance.[/quote]
i can guarantee you that if 500 it was, it isn't in thai baht. maybe in euros?
a simple one way trip to an island (approx 1 hour) will cost you 1,000 thb, and that's on a long tail boat.
i once booked a speed boat in krabi for a one way trip of 45mn, the cost was 9,000 thb (for up to 8 people in the boat).
Keep the pressure on everyone, keep complaining and lets get this fee reduced from 150 Baht down to the standard 20 Baht (as in inter bank ATM fee in Thailand) it should be.
[url]http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/economics/16138/banks-asked-to-cut-foreigners-atm-fees[/url]
BANKING
Banks asked to cut foreigners' ATM fees
By: SOMRUEDI BANCHONGDUANG
Published: 4/05/2009 at 12:00 AM
The Thai Bankers' Association will ask local banks to cut fee charges for foreign cardholders using local ATMs, according to association secretary-general Twatchai Yongkittikul.
He said the TBA would hold talks among its members about current fees.
But he cautioned that any cuts would likely be marginal, as most of the fees represented charges imposed for international network access and simply passed on to end-users.
Since mid-April, foreign cardholders withdrawing funds from local ATMs have been charged 150 baht per transaction.
Dr Twatchai said the fee largely came from new transaction charges imposed by international service providers MasterCard Worldwide and Visa Worldwide to cover interchange network costs.
Local banks, which had previously absorbed the expenses, are now looking to pass on their own operating expenses to customers, arguing that the fees charged in Thailand are in line with expenses charged for cross-border ATM transactions in other countries.
Dr Twatchai acknowledged that a number of foreign tourists and expatriates had complained about the added fees.
At a minimum, he said, local banks should communicate better with customers about the expenses banks incur for processing international transactions.
"Local banks should give more information about fees on the ATM screen, and then customers can make their own choice about whether to continue with the transaction," Dr Twatchai said.
"The TBA will try to raise awareness about the issue. Unfortunately, right now many foreign customers have a negative view of local banks due to the fee issue."
But a MasterCard spokesman denied that the 150-baht ATM access fee imposed by many Thai banks stemmed from any recent fee change or initiative by the company. The spokesman said MasterCard last notified member banks in October 2007 about a 0.2-percentage-point increase in fees effective from January 2008 under cross-border agreements. Since then, no other fee increases have been made related to ATM charges.
[quote=nicfrenchy]i can guarantee you that if 500 it was, it isn't in thai baht. maybe in euros?
a simple one way trip to an island (approx 1 hour) will cost you 1,000 thb, and that's on a long tail boat.
i once booked a speed boat in krabi for a one way trip of 45mn, the cost was 9,000 thb (for up to 8 people in the boat).[/quote]
yankee bucks is the currency i operate in.
[QUOTE=DirkDingy]Yankee Bucks is the currency I operate in.[/QUOTE]
So US$600 would be equivalent to 21,000 thb. Depending where you plan on renting this boat (Phuket, Samui, Krabi, Pattaya) I am sure you can find a decent boat for that price.
I know in Koh Samui some Boats charge 20,000 for 8 hours but that includes food for about 20 people (guests).
You might want to contact a local Agency, give them your specs/budget and let them do the work ;)
They will send you prices, boat pictures etc...
They have only cheap hammers here in Thailand. So once you hit a wall there's no point in trying to break it down with one since there nothing on the otherside except air.
LBM
[QUOTE=Opebo]In the last few days I was charged the 150 baht by Thai Military Bank and (as far as I could tell) NOT charged it by Bank of Ayudhaya.[/QUOTE]
Today, I needed to retrieve some cash with my French Visa card and was also charged 150 baht by the Krung Thai Bank. No ATM from the Bank of Ayudhaya was in the vicinity then, therefore, I can't say whether or not this other bank is now also charging the infamous 150 baht on foreign bank cards... Alas, it seems that this practice will soon be the norm here...
Goyave,
I mentioned earlier, in Pattaya Lotus Tesco, I try to withdraw money the other day and every ATM located in the mall wanted the 150 baht charge including Bank of Ayudhaya. But today I made another withdraw from my regular stop on the otherside of Sukhumvit out near the Crocodile Farm 7/11, ATM machine is yellow and belongs to Bank of Ayudhaya. Surprise! was not charged the 150 baht. Only time will tell if every bank and every machine will be charging this additional fee.
LBM
Its not the machines on an individual basis, all machines are linked into the banks network, and its only if the bank invokes the charge do all its ATM machines charge you.
I posted earlier that the TBA has now decided to lower the fee after a massive amount of complainst and also a big drop in currency exchanges. Do not forget the banks get foreign currency for dishing out Thai baht. If the farangs stop using the ATM then the banks start losing foreign currency.
I would image a massive load of farang simply did not use the ATM and probably saved some money of the past week or so, and this has hurt the banks.
Now, after so many complaints and losing money, they are going to change and lower the fee (or drop it).
Perhaps B of A (yellow ATM's) has already scrapped the charge?
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]Goyave,
I mentioned earlier, in Pattaya Lotus Tesco, I try to withdraw money the other day and every ATM located in the mall wanted the 150 baht charge including Bank of Ayudhaya. But today I made another withdraw from my regular stop on the otherside of Sukhumvit out near the Crocodile Farm 7/11, ATM machine is yellow and belongs to Bank of Ayudhaya. Surprise! was not charged the 150 baht. Only time will tell if every bank and every machine will be charging this additional fee.
LBM[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=NicFrenchy]So US$600 would be equivalent to 21,000 thb. Depending where you plan on renting this boat (Phuket, Samui, Krabi, Pattaya) I am sure you can find a decent boat for that price.
I know in Koh Samui some Boats charge 20,000 for 8 hours but that includes food for about 20 people (guests).
You might want to contact a local Agency, give them your specs/budget and let them do the work ;)
They will send you prices, boat pictures etc...[/QUOTE]
Thanks....I already have three EE girls ready to board ship.
Re new ATM machine fees of 150 B, and cases where there is no mention of the fee at the time of a transaction, there has been a claim posted on the other forum I spoke of, namely that the 150 B fee has still been charged and will show up in your bank records.
Here's some ATM info....
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]Goyave,
I mentioned earlier, in Pattaya Lotus Tesco, I try to withdraw money the other day and every ATM located in the mall wanted the 150 baht charge including Bank of Ayudhaya. But today I made another withdraw from my regular stop on the otherside of Sukhumvit out near the Crocodile Farm 7/11, ATM machine is yellow and belongs to Bank of Ayudhaya. Surprise! was not charged the 150 baht. Only time will tell if every bank and every machine will be charging this additional fee.
LBM[/QUOTE]
On a personal note PinkPearl, that hasn't been the case for me! For others I hope you comprehend that before you guys respond.
PinkPearl, if you continue the transaction and agree to the fee, once you complete your transaction you will see the amount 150 deducted separately on your little recpt that the ATM gives you. The other day I made a withdraw and the ATM didn't request the 150 and a day later I checked my statement online and there weren't any additional charges.
NoCBJ4Me, Thanks for the message!
LBM
Question: I am coming from the US to Thailand next week. What kind of travel adapters do I need to be able to charge the ipod and laptop?
Thanks for the info.
BP
[QUOTE=Bronx Prowler]Question: I am coming from the US to Thailand next week. What kind of travel adapters do I need to be able to charge the ipod and laptop?
Thanks for the info.
BP[/QUOTE]
You can buy one on the street, really cheap when you get here.
[QUOTE=Bronx Prowler]Question: I am coming from the US to Thailand next week. What kind of travel adapters do I need to be able to charge the ipod and laptop?
Thanks for the info.
BP[/QUOTE]
Your iPod can be charged while connected to the laptop's USB port. 220 Voltage is used in Thailand, but aren't all laptops now made with the dual voltage adapter/power supply plug?
All laptops made during the last several years come with power adapters that accept 100-240 volts input, meaning you can connect them to 110 or 220 volt outlets anywhere in the world without needing a voltage adapter. Only thing you will need is the appropriate plug converter for your destination. For Thailand, this would be the European style 2-pin. You can find plug converters at any electronics store.
[QUOTE=Finrod]All laptops made during the last several years come with power adapters that accept 100-240 volts input, meaning you can connect them to 110 or 220 volt outlets anywhere in the world without needing a voltage adapter. Only thing you will need is the appropriate plug converter for your destination. For Thailand, this would be the European style 2-pin. You can find plug converters at any electronics store.[/QUOTE]
They're also available at all Boots pharmacies and most convenience stores also carry them. In addition, most hotels that I've stayed at in Thailand will loan you one as a courtesy.
Bronx Prowler,
The best converter that I have found in the U.S. is sold by Brookstone. It is a small kit in a nicely pack box. But as for laptop or other electronic product look at the charging plug as noted by the others it should read 110-225-30, if that is the case your on solid footing. Anything mark and stamp just 110 forget it.
LBM
[QUOTE=Bronx Prowler]Question: I am coming from the US to Thailand next week. What kind of travel adapters do I need to be able to charge the ipod and laptop?
Thanks for the info.
BP[/QUOTE]
I know this might be abit of a more pricey option but if you forgot, most airlines (even budget ones i think) sells international converters on their inflight sales.
Ive bought them on MAS, Singapore and United before. They're not cheap but heck, i claim it back out of my travel expenses. Thats for sending me to work with no notice at all. Obviously id forget something while packing. :)
Thanks for all the converter tips, much appreciated. One more week till the LOS!!
Did anyone read the news about several tourists dropping dead on or around Phi Phi Islands? Weird to say the least.
BP
Please post this around any other forums you may use :
Checking today I can confirm :
Please use :
Yellow ATM machine ( Bank of Ayudhaya ) - No Charge for Debit card.
Please do not use :
Blue ATM machine (Bangkok Bank) - Wants to charge 150 baht.
Blue ATM machine (Siam Commercial Bank) - Wants to charge 150 baht.
Red ATM machine (Siam ??) - Wants to charge 150 baht.
Green ATM machine (Kasikorn Bank) - Wants to charge 150 baht.
Add to the list any others you have tried............
All ATM must give you the option (if they want to charge) of accepting to pay a 150 baht charge or not. They cannot bill you later or deduct without you explicitly clicking on YES to accept the additional charge.
The banks get foreign currency back for your Baht withdrawals, and its why they never charged in the past as its an easy way to get their hands on foreign currency.
They come up with the 150 baht fee only to rip off foreigners, the actual charge to them is very small, and most are always willing to write it off as the foreign currency is something they can easily make more by taking foreign currency this way over what they lose in the tiny fee's involved.
The Thai Bankers Association thought they could confuse people with credit card charges and get away with charging 150 baht. Greed greed greed.
Well, please everyone, as it stands now perhaps we should all boycott using all other ATM, only use the Yellow ones of Bank of Ayudhaya (Krung Siri).
This will reward the Bank of Ayudhaya for being "farang friendly" and not greedy like the others.
The others can hurt if we all avoid using their ATM's and denying them the easy foreign currency while they are greedy demanding 150 baht.
You can find the Yellow ATM's of Bank of Ayudhaya at their bank branches and also most big shopping malls, and supermarkets like Lotus etc..
[url]http://www.internationalsexguide. info/forum/attachment.php? attachmentid=114389[/url]
i'm not singling the guy who posted this out, because i've seen several others who took pics of women who looked to be just as young (or even younger), but when i saw it, i had a question:
how do you tell if a woman's over the age of consent?
yes, yes, yes, i know that all thai's are issued with i'd cards, and i've read how to figure out how old a person is by doing the subtraction to get their date of birth. i also know how much money the us government has spent on trying to make i'd's for "legal" immigrants foolproof too, and how spotty their success rate is. so, if a nation like the us can't get i'd's forgery-proof, and given the level of corruption i've heard is in place in thailand, how do you know a woman's 'ready for prime time'? trust the mamasan/papasan? if you pay them, they make the same amount if they're peddling a woman who's legal as they do one that's not, so what's their incentive to be truthful? trust the folks at your hotel's front desk? like they're going to know every wg in a town the size of bangkok?
my worry is simple, and i think any potential monger can understand it:
you're in a bar, meet a good-looking young-ish looking thing, she's giving off the right signals, your small brain begins to think more than your big brain, you come to an agreement for a lt, you bf her, go to your room, do the deed, she stays over. next morning (after, maybe, another round or three) you take her downstairs for a much-earned late breakfast and the next thign you know, the thai cops are talking to your new 'girlfriend', she's admitting she's **** (and, of course, blaming the nasty farang for all of it), and you're being marched off for a long and unpleasant stay in a thai prison.
it would be laughable i think if any one of us couldn't stop for a second and think how close we might have come to stepping into a situation like that.
so, back to the question: how *do* you know? more to the point, if you take a girl up and trust her i'd card, will the cops understand that you had no way of knowing you were being fooled by a fake i'd?
[quote=castlerae][url]http://www.internationalsexguide. info/forum/attachment.php? attachmentid=114389[/url]
i'm not singling the guy who posted this out, because i've seen several others who took pics of women who looked to be just as young (or even younger), but when i saw it, i had a question:
how do you tell if a woman's over the age of consent?
yes, yes, yes, i know that all thai's are issued with i'd cards, and i've read how to figure out how old a person is by doing the subtraction to get their date of birth. i also know how much money the us government has spent on trying to make i'd's for "legal" immigrants foolproof too, and how spotty their success rate is. so, if a nation like the us can't get i'd's forgery-proof, and given the level of corruption i've heard is in place in thailand, how do you know a woman's 'ready for prime time'? trust the mamasan/papasan? if you pay them, they make the same amount if they're peddling a woman who's legal as they do one that's not, so what's their incentive to be truthful? trust the folks at your hotel's front desk? like they're going to know every wg in a town the size of bangkok?
my worry is simple, and i think any potential monger can understand it:
you're in a bar, meet a good-looking young-ish looking thing, she's giving off the right signals, your small brain begins to think more than your big brain, you come to an agreement for a lt, you bf her, go to your room, do the deed, she stays over. next morning (after, maybe, another round or three) you take her downstairs for a much-earned late breakfast and the next thign you know, the thai cops are talking to your new 'girlfriend', she's admitting she's **** (and, of course, blaming the nasty farang for all of it), and you're being marched off for a long and unpleasant stay in a thai prison.
it would be laughable i think if any one of us couldn't stop for a second and think how close we might have come to stepping into a situation like that.
so, back to the question: how *do* you know? more to the point, if you take a girl up and trust her i'd card, will the cops understand that you had no way of knowing you were being fooled by a fake i'd?[/quote]things to do and not to do. take girl from a go go or masage. you should be save then they not alowed to take under. you will not be traped normaly.
freelance its on you to check. if they traped you its four fault. you have to check before.
there is only comment sense that apply here. no 100% garantee in my opinion.
[quote=castlerae][url]http://www.internationalsexguide. info/forum/attachment.php? attachmentid=114389[/url]
i'm not singling the guy who posted this out, because i've seen several others who took pics of women who looked to be just as young (or even younger), but when i saw it, i had a question:
how do you tell if a woman's over the age of consent?
yes, yes, yes, i know that all thai's are issued with i'd cards, and i've read how to figure out how old a person is by doing the subtraction to get their date of birth. i also know how much money the us government has spent on trying to make i'd's for "legal" immigrants foolproof too, and how spotty their success rate is. so, if a nation like the us can't get i'd's forgery-proof, and given the level of corruption i've heard is in place in thailand, how do you know a woman's 'ready for prime time'? trust the mamasan/papasan? if you pay them, they make the same amount if they're peddling a woman who's legal as they do one that's not, so what's their incentive to be truthful? trust the folks at your hotel's front desk? like they're going to know every wg in a town the size of bangkok?
my worry is simple, and i think any potential monger can understand it:
you're in a bar, meet a good-looking young-ish looking thing, she's giving off the right signals, your small brain begins to think more than your big brain, you come to an agreement for a lt, you bf her, go to your room, do the deed, she stays over. next morning (after, maybe, another round or three) you take her downstairs for a much-earned late breakfast and the next thign you know, the thai cops are talking to your new 'girlfriend', she's admitting she's **** (and, of course, blaming the nasty farang for all of it), and you're being marched off for a long and unpleasant stay in a thai prison.
it would be laughable i think if any one of us couldn't stop for a second and think how close we might have come to stepping into a situation like that.
so, back to the question: how *do* you know? more to the point, if you take a girl up and trust her i'd card, will the cops understand that you had no way of knowing you were being fooled by a fake i'd?[/quote]
you can never be completely certain i- f you go after girls who are borderline as regards age of consent, you run a risk of getting into trouble. i generally avoid anyone who is or appears to be under 24 years old for that reaso. however, while i have heard of stories of a guy who had a lao girlfriend in thailand who had a fake id but who turned out to be under 18, i never heard of anyone being done for **** for taking a bargirl home who later turned out to be under 18. the bars themselves can get into big trouble for employing **** too. and it would be bad for business if farang kept getting done for taking home girls from a particular bar only later to be done by the police for ****.
Hello,
My excuses if this is the wrong topic for this.
I'm wondering how much money I need to have fun in Thailand.
í'm planning to stay 10 days Bangkok and 10 days Pattaya.
How much should it generaly cost for 3 weeks?
Thanks in advance,
Datebayo
[QUOTE=PinkPearl]Re new ATM machine fees of 150 B, and cases where there is no mention of the fee at the time of a transaction, there has been a claim posted on the other forum I spoke of, namely that the 150 B fee has still been charged and will show up in your bank records.[/QUOTE]
I just took out 10000 Baht from an ATM in Pattaya, which would convert to about $286 at just under 35 baht to the dollar. I checked my accound back in the US and found I was charged a $2 ATM fee (70 baht) and a $8.58 (300 baht) Exchange Fee! Ouch - that's 3.7% in fees!
[QUOTE=Jeff46]Things to do and not to do. Take girl from a go go or masage......[/QUOTE]
I was in a Go Go on Walking Street in Pattaya on Saturday and Mamasan brought a girl that had been dancing on stage over to sit with me. I bought her an orange juice. She was cute and had a nice body, but I thought she looked young. I asked her how old she was - she said 20. Later I guessed that whe was 16 amd later on Mama admitted to me that she was 16. She had no ID anyway.
I didn't take her.
[QUOTE=The Pro]
Yellow ATM machine ( Bank of Ayudhaya ) - No Charge for Debit card.[/QUOTE]
Thanks for this - Bank of Ayudhaya has been the best bank in Thailand for many years, according to many visitors and expats I know. However I don't feel sure about even them:
Today I specifically sought out the yellow ATM (before even reading your post), and when I withdrew 10,000 baht from my american account, there was no mention of the 150 baht fee. This is good. However there was a very lengthy ATM slip which stated that:
[i]Fee: 0.00
Ex Rate: 33.44
Tran. Currency 299.07 USD
The Ex. Rate is base on the counter rate (note buy) announce in [url]www.krungsri.com[/url] including a hedging margin not exceeding 3%[/i]
This is by far the most informative ATM slip Ayudhaya has ever given me, but I wonder if it suggests a hidden fee in the 'hedging margin'? From what I can tell, the total withdrawn from my US account should be $299.07, but we'll see.
[QUOTE=Simian] I generally avoid anyone who is or appears to be under 24 years old for that reason. [/QUOTE]That's my general rule of thumb. If it looks young, reject it and move on. Why take a chance. The Bangkok Hilton is not the place I wish to stay at. And worst, the embarrassment when you return home.
[QUOTE=Datebayo]Hello,
My excuses if this is the wrong topic for this.
I'm wondering how much money I need to have fun in Thailand.
í'm planning to stay 10 days Bangkok and 10 days Pattaya.
How much should it generaly cost for 3 weeks?
Thanks in advance,
Datebayo[/QUOTE]A low budget.
20 DAYS
Stay PB Hotel Bangkok nice room sukhumvit
800 Baht per day no breakfast 8000Baht
800 Baht many hotel Pattaya nowadays 8000Baht check out free night promotions
Food and drink 1000 baht per day 20. 000 Baht
20 Short time or LT 20. 000 Baht
Total Baht 56. 000 or us 1600 +all your extras drinks bar fine. Tours. Taxi. Shoping up to you. Ad + US 500 should be ok as low budget.
Simian,
You make a good point, but at the same time, you have to admit that such an approach limits you to the 'high-mileage' women. I have nothing against experience, but the flip side is that the longer they've been "in the trade" the more hardened (at least in my experience) they tend to be, and the more mechanical the experience. Also, can you really trust your eyes to tell you how old a woman is? Case in point is this woman. I knew her for over a year and I took this shot of her when we first met. To look at the pic (or to see her in person for that matter) you'd swear she wasn't over 16, but in fact, when this pic was taken, she was just a few months short of 21. So, like the pic I used to originally make the point, she looks one age, but she's actually a lot older, so how can you be sure. Guess I'll have to trust the bar, as you suggest, to weed out the under-age crowd (and avoid any freelance action).
[QUOTE=Datebayo]Hello,
My excuses if this is the wrong topic for this.
I'm wondering how much money I need to have fun in Thailand.
í'm planning to stay 10 days Bangkok and 10 days Pattaya.
How much should it generaly cost for 3 weeks?
Thanks in advance,
Datebayo[/QUOTE]
Good question Datebayo, but difficult to answer. But, if you wanna have decent fun you should expect to pay some 6000 Baht a day.
Which is 1500 for Hotel (in low season you can have even cheaper maybe 800 Baht, but for fun the little more expense might be justified.
2000 Baht for a good looking freelancer in a late night club or disco, 1500 Baht for gogo bars, late night disco drinks costs, 1000 Baht for food, cinema, drinks, etc during the day.
So, if you want to be on the save side, expect to pay 10000 Baht a day.
I will stay in Thailand 60 days in June and July and I expect to spent about 10.000 Euro during this time. Which is about 14.000 Dollar.
[QUOTE=Datebayo]I'm wondering how much money I need to have fun in Thailand.
í'm planning to stay 10 days Bangkok and 10 days Pattaya.
How much should it generaly cost for 3 weeks?[/QUOTE]
Alas DG69's budget of 6000 a day is only a little bit high for Bangkok, but it is double what you'll need for Pattaya.
In Bangkok figure 1,200 baht/night for a hotel - sure there are better prices out there but they're hard to find and presumably you're a newbie.
1,000 baht for a freelancer short time, and maybe a thousand baht a day for food and drinks. If you prefer a sexual massage place instead of a freelancer that is a reasonable option at around 2,000 baht. But the bars and gogos of Bangkok really aren't much good. Add on a few hundred baht for taxis etc., and that brings us to 3,500-4,500 per day for Bangkok.
Though why you would want to spend half your valuable trip in Bangkok I don't know - Pattaya is far, far better. Prices for Pattaya:
Hotel - 500 baht should do it, maybe 750 if you're picky.
Freelancer - 500-700 baht
Food - say 100 baht/meal so 300/day.
Transport - rent a motorbike 100 baht/day
so maybe 2,000-3,000 a day, with the higher number meaning 2 short times/day.
ok, o**** lets discuss about prices in pattaya. btw, i don't share your point of view regarding bkk nightlife.
800 bhat a night for a decent hotel, for example easteny in soi 8. that is in the middle of the action and quite ok to bring a girl long time. though it's without internet.
beside that you need food. let's say 100 baht for thai food, 3 times a day.
for taxi you don't need much in pattaya, just walk or take 10 baht busses. so, let's say 20 baht a day for transportation, but more for the airport transfer, so let's say 100 a day.
than you will have some expenses for telefon card, daytime drinks, coffee, cinema, shopping, condoms, ky lube if you like to have your girl anal stile, etc. will be 300 baht average.
when you go out at night in several gogo bars, lets say 4 bars over the night and you drink just one drink, no lady drinks add 500 more baht. than you go to disco and have 2 more drinks, which is about 300 - 400 baht. if you like to hunt pretty freelancer for longtime, instead of average beach road chicks short time you might pay 2000 baht longtime.
with that you are in the range of 4300 - 4500 baht. but that is the minimum to have decent fun.
[QUOTE=Opebo]Alas DG69's budget of 6000 a day is only a little bit high for Bangkok, but it is double what you'll need for Pattaya.
In Bangkok figure 1,200 baht/night for a hotel - sure there are better prices out there but they're hard to find and presumably you're a newbie.
1,000 baht for a freelancer short time, and maybe a thousand baht a day for food and drinks. If you prefer a sexual massage place instead of a freelancer that is a reasonable option at around 2,000 baht. But the bars and gogos of Bangkok really aren't much good. Add on a few hundred baht for taxis etc., and that brings us to 3,500-4,500 per day for Bangkok.
Though why you would want to spend half your valuable trip in Bangkok I don't know - Pattaya is far, far better. Prices for Pattaya:
Hotel - 500 baht should do it, maybe 750 if you're picky.
Freelancer - 500-700 baht
Food - say 100 baht/meal so 300/day.
Transport - rent a motorbike 100 baht/day
so maybe 2,000-3,000 a day, with the higher number meaning 2 short times/day.[/QUOTE]Thanks guys for the pricing list
Yes I'm a newbie, but I'm affraid 10k baht is way too much above my budget. Opebo's budgeting is more reasonable for me.
So 10 days BKK is too much? Maybe I'll cut it to 5 days then.
But can you explain why Pattaya is so much better than BKK? Besides the fact that the prices are lower, Better looking girls? Better service? Better massages? More options?
I'm asking alot here =) but I'm a newbi and very excited to my first trip to Thailand. Just hope I can figure out how much time in wich place to stay and the travelbudget.
[QUOTE=DG69] For Taxi you don't need much in Pattaya, just walk or take 10 Baht Busses. So, let's say 20 Baht a day for transportation, but more for the airport transfer, so let's say 100 a day.[/quote]
No I already included 100 baht/day for renting a motorbike in my post above, which obviates the need for walking, perspiring, taking baht buses, and innumerable other annoyances. The trip from the airport to Pattaya is about 200 baht by bus.. if you're in a rush the taxi shouldn't be more than 1,000-1,200.
[QUOTE=DG69]Than you will have some expenses for Telefon card, daytime drinks, coffee, cinema, shopping, condoms, kY lube if you like to have your girl anal stile, etc. Will be 300 Baht average.[/quote]
That's a lot of KY.. I must say I make a tube last a week or so, and I'm a buggering fool. But yes, you are right there are a few incidentals, which in my case would probably not reach 150 baht, but whatever.
You know funnily enough I just came from a short time as I type this - and in the short time hotel room I found a perfectly good nearly full tube of KY. Score! I wonder how many mongermen here would be too squeamish to utilize this find?
[QUOTE=DG69]When you go out at night in several gogo bars, lets say 4 bars over the night and you drink just one drink, no lady drinks add 500 more baht.[/quote]
Oh.. I have sometimes gone to go gos, though I generally don't like them, but the drinks were only (usually) 65 baht. As for discos - I hate them, can't say I've any experience of those places.
[QUOTE=DG69]If you like to hunt pretty Freelancer for longtime, instead of average beach road chicks short time you might pay 2000 Baht longtime.[/QUOTE]
2,000 baht long time in Pattaya? Really? That's pretty disturbing. As for me I've never gone 'long time' as I always experience an intense desire to get the hell away from the girl after the insemination, but I've always understood the long standing Pattaya price code was 500 short time 1,000 all night.
[QUOTE=Opebo]You know funnily enough I just came from a short time as I type this - and in the short time hotel room I found a perfectly good nearly full tube of KY. Score! I wonder how many mongermen here would be too squeamish to utilize this find?[/QUOTE]
Yeah, i most certainly would not use it
[QUOTE=NicFrenchy]Yeah, i most certainly would not use it[/QUOTE]
I dare say, if you found a 1000 baht note on the pavement, you probably wouldn't use it. ;)
[QUOTE=Datebayo]...I'm wondering how much money I need to have fun in Thailand...[/QUOTE]
Provided that your tastes do not run to the exceedingly expensive, you should be able to make do very nicely on $100 USD/day -- especially in Pattaya, where accommodation and pussy is much more reasonable.
Enjoy,
Daddy
[QUOTE=Daddy07]I dare say, if you found a 1000 baht note on the pavement, you probably wouldn't use it. ;)[/QUOTE]
In BKK? hahaha I can only dream of finding such a note... truth is, the vultures would be on that 1000 baht note so fast I will not even realise it was there :D
[QUOTE=NicFrenchy]In BKK? hahaha I can only dream of finding such a note... truth is, the vultures would be on that 1000 baht note so fast I will not even realise it was there :D[/QUOTE]
Ahhh come on Nic,,, you are such a damn cynic... ;)
I've dropped notes and had people pick them up and return them to me. And I'm sure the same has happened to you.
You know Thai is a lot better at this then some other countries.
[QUOTE=NicFrenchy]In BKK? hahaha I can only dream of finding such a note... truth is, the vultures would be on that 1000 baht note so fast I will not even realise it was there :D[/QUOTE]
I found a 20 baht note washed up on Jomtien Beach one fine morning. I took it home, let it dry out and ... used it with pleasure.
You probably wouldn't have stooped down to pick it up. :)
NoCBJ4Me,
Please refer to your own post 05-05-09! Also give me the name of the Bank in the U.S. that is making these charges to you 3% plus.
Opebo,
I don't believe you will see the charges at home from the Bank of Ayudhya, it is usually shown right on the slip from the ATM that you had just used! Also very interest your remark about the exchange rate. I pretty much use the ATM machine of Bank of Ayudhya outside of Pattaya at a local 7/11, I normally take out around 17,000 baht which is near my bank limit per day. That came out around 483.00 which puts the exchange rate from my own calculations at 35.20 which isn't bad when the exchange rate is 35.35. I wondering if Bank of Ayudhya is doing something of a marketing deception. Knowing that many banks are charging the 150 Baht and many tourist are upset with this instead of charging you the 150 baht are now giving you a lower exchange rate. I'm going tomorrow to take out some money for expenses and I will check to see if this might be the case.
LBM
[QUOTE=Opebo]........ Prices for Pattaya:
Hotel - 500 baht should do it, maybe 750 if you're picky.
Freelancer - 500-700 baht
Food - say 100 baht/meal so 300/day.
Transport - rent a motorbike 100 baht/day
so maybe 2,000-3,000 a day, with the higher number meaning 2 short times/day.[/QUOTE]
Ok so what kind of FleaPit Hotel you get for 500 a day or even a 'picky' 700 please. It is hard to get a "Fan Room' for those prices and with Aircon is even more.
Freelancers for 500-700 may be possible, but how about the drinks you have to buy for you and her so that your ''Beer Goggles'' make it all look good.
Ok 100 Baht a meal also possible, I suppose you drink the free water they offer too!! Sorry but even on the street good food costs a little more than that. Cheapest decent Breakfast I found was near the Post Office at 60 Baht, that only leaves 40 for the rest of the day ??
Rent a motorbike for 100 Baht a day ?? Where from and what standard of beat up piece of junk do you ride?? Minimim I found was 200, with small discount for week long hire.
Give the guy a reasonable answer, budget a minimum of $150 a day and you will have a very reasonable time. Anything less and it would be a squeeze to call it a vacation.
Cheers, FF
Give the block a chance.
Quick search on WotIf reveals 2 hotels for 500 a night.
Sawasdee Sabai AND Sawasdee Sunshine at 500 a night
Sawasdee Sea View at 595 a night.
Meals. He did say 100/baht PER MEAL, so 300 for a day.
However yes, for budget purpose I would suggest allocating 150US$ a day as a minimum for a reasonable time.
[QUOTE=Fifty Fifty]Ok so what kind of FleaPit Hotel you get for 500 a day or even a 'picky' 700 please. It is hard to get a "Fan Room' for those prices and with Aircon is even more.
Freelancers for 500-700 may be possible, but how about the drinks you have to buy for you and her so that your ''Beer Goggles'' make it all look good.
Ok 100 Baht a meal also possible, I suppose you drink the free water they offer too!! Sorry but even on the street good food costs a little more than that. Cheapest decent Breakfast I found was near the Post Office at 60 Baht, that only leaves 40 for the rest of the day ??
Rent a motorbike for 100 Baht a day ?? Where from and what standard of beat up piece of junk do you ride?? Minimim I found was 200, with small discount for week long hire.
Give the guy a reasonable answer, budget a minimum of $150 a day and you will have a very reasonable time. Anything less and it would be a squeeze to call it a vacation.
Cheers, FF[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=The Pro]Give the block a chance.
Quick search on WotIf reveals 2 hotels for 500 a night.
Sawasdee Sabai AND Sawasdee Sunshine at 500 a night
Sawasdee Sea View at 595 a night.
Meals. He did say 100/baht PER MEAL, so 300 for a day.
However yes, for budget purpose I would suggest allocating 150US$ a day as a minimum for a reasonable time.[/QUOTE]
Prices for hotels do not usually include service and tax, maybe wise to add another 100 on to what you see advertised there.
Agreed my mistake on the 100 a meal, it is doable, within reason.
Cheers, FF
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]NoCBJ4Me,
Please refer to your own post 05-05-09! Also give me the name of the Bank in the U.S. that is making these charges to you 3% plus.
LBM[/QUOTE]
I did not see any charge from the Bank of Ayudhya, where I made the transaction. The US bank is Citizens Bank.
Which bank do you use? It doesn't help me now, but maybe I need to change banks.
[QUOTE=Fifty Fifty]Prices for hotels do not usually include service and tax, maybe wise to add another 100 on to what you see advertised there.
Agreed my mistake on the 100 a meal, it is doable, within reason.
Cheers, FF[/QUOTE]
Ko Hok FF I've met you and I'm willing to wager you've never paid 100 baht for a MEAL. That isn't even a nice glass of wine for christ sake.
100 baht a meal is possible for street food easily. No problem. But give me a break, you want to spend your entire holiday eating vendor food? Or a little rice at a sit down with water. Vendor food might get you by but it's not what you or me would call a meal.
I'm not being cheap and neither is FF but you will get what you pay for. Atleast budget a little more for food. Alone, say 500 baht to 600 baht for meals (two a day) that are enjoyable. Atleast enjoy the food at a minimum. And if you will feed your Tilac then add more.
If you get breakfast and make it a late breakfast and load up you can get away with a decent meal later for 300 baht. But meals can easily get up there in cost.
Agree Hotels usually hit you up for 10% + 7% on top without extras especially through some booking sites.
NoCBJ4Me,
I use two banks regularly, Washington Mutual/Chase and my own Credit Union called Patelco Credit Union.
Both now charge you 1% on the withdraw, so if you take 500.00 USD, you fee is 5.00 USD.
Patelco use to give me 4 free withdraw with my Credit/Debit card and then they hook up with Visa and M/C and that's when my I started to see the charges!
LBM
[QUOTE=Fifty Fifty]Ok so what kind of FleaPit Hotel you get for 500 a day or even a 'picky' 700 please. It is hard to get a "Fan Room' for those prices and with Aircon is even more.
Freelancers for 500-700 may be possible, but how about the drinks you have to buy for you and her so that your ''Beer Goggles'' make it all look good.
Ok 100 Baht a meal also possible, I suppose you drink the free water they offer too!! Sorry but even on the street good food costs a little more than that. Cheapest decent Breakfast I found was near the Post Office at 60 Baht, that only leaves 40 for the rest of the day ??
Rent a motorbike for 100 Baht a day ?? Where from and what standard of beat up piece of junk do you ride?? Minimim I found was 200, with small discount for week long hire.
Give the guy a reasonable answer, budget a minimum of $150 a day and you will have a very reasonable time. Anything less and it would be a squeeze to call it a vacation.
Cheers, FF[/QUOTE]Hate to correct you. 500 aircon is very easy. Fleapit. Nope clean Thai place immaculately clean. Friendly staff. True the place won't have a no pool. Excellent fan rooms 300 max.
Excellent Thai food 50 baht, sea food etc a bit more (150-200 for something nice). If you want to take your lady to a nice place 5-600 baht plus transport. That's for fresh fish, prawns etc. Bottle of Minere 15. 30 baht depending on size (that's spring water).
500 is the running rate as far as I know. Ugly ones less. Not my piece of cake though.
Will the originally supposed budget was a bit too tight, it is not even as close of the mark as the 'expert' claims.
Dear expert, don't ask me for locations, names, etc. You should know best.
For those who doubt, checked market prices and do the math then you get realistic estimates. Finally, why eat overpriced bad farang stuff when there is such phantastic local food. Often 25-30 baht soup on the street at night would fetch 8-10 US anywhere in the US.
[QUOTE=Tansak KTV]Ko Hok FF I've met you and I'm willing to wager you've never paid 100 baht for a MEAL. That isn't even a nice glass of wine for christ sake............[/QUOTE]
You are dead right, actually I usually tip more than 100, let alone try and feed myself on that amount.
I dont have money issues nor do I throw it away, however I do feel a guy has to budget accordingly and have enough spare to enjoy himself, otherwise stay at home and save up some more until he can.
Cheers, FF
[QUOTE=Castlerae]Simian,
You make a good point, but at the same time, you have to admit that such an approach limits you to the 'high-mileage' women. I have nothing against experience, but the flip side is that the longer they've been "in the trade" the more hardened (at least in my experience) they tend to be, and the more mechanical the experience. Also, can you really trust your eyes to tell you how old a woman is? Case in point is this woman. I knew her for over a year and I took this shot of her when we first met. To look at the pic (or to see her in person for that matter) you'd swear she wasn't over 16, but in fact, when this pic was taken, she was just a few months short of 21. So, like the pic I used to originally make the point, she looks one age, but she's actually a lot older, so how can you be sure. Guess I'll have to trust the bar, as you suggest, to weed out the under-age crowd (and avoid any freelance action).[/QUOTE]Castlerae,
Can you tell us where she can be found?
@o****,
i am not a big spender, but i am also not somebody who look on every penny before spending. 500 - 700 baht short time for a beach road hooker is the right price, i would not take them long time, since first of all their business is a short time business and second i would not call it a fun night just to take a beach road hooker and spend the rest of the night with her.
also, it's not easy to find a good looking beach road hooker. most of them are old and not really pretty. sometimes you can find there a better looking one, but imho still quite low class girl.
better free lancer, with whom you might have also fun between the sex, you might find in the clubs and discos. the going rate in the high season is 2000 to 3000 baht. well, i wouldn't pay more than 2000, but anyway the costs for having fun during the night might be at least 500-1000 baht for drinks.
so, girls and drinks 3000 baht and the same i spend in bkk.
hotels, food, transportation, internet, cinema, shopping, sightseeing, etc also cost money in pattaya and bkk are not much differents.
so, with 100 usd per day you will have a very tight budget. 150 - 200 usd is more realistig to have fun.
i use to need 100 euro per day without cost for hotel and shopping. hotel i use to pay 1500-2000 baht.
My average spend when I was in Pattaya in January was 5000bht a day most of it went on entertainment.
I pay around 500 bht a night for a room and no it is not a shit hole.
I don't spend a great deal on food most of the 100bht a day .
Patts I love the place.
[QUOTE=DG69]
Better free lancer, with whom you might have also fun between the sex, you might find in the clubs and discos. The going rate in the high season is 2000 to 3000 Baht. [/QUOTE]
You're getting quoted extremely high prices. I'm not sure how your negotiating skills are but these prices are way to high. I've been going to Pattaya since 2001 and never payed more for than 1000 ST for a top notch freelancer or GoGo girl. Don't give into this absurd pricing scam! Pattaya girls are bottom barrel ho's and they know it. Treat them accordingly.
Hopefully no more about ATM'S after this... just responding to a few PM'S.
At 11:20, Logged on the Internet to check the exchange rate on the Baht. Website, baht.thaivisa.com and the rate was 34.87.
Went upstairs to Carrefour in Pattaya, to the Bank of Ayudhya ( yellow machine ). Inserted my Debit/Credit card and after placing my pin number and the amount I wanted to withdraw 17,000 baht. The machine screen responded with " Is 17,000 baht the correct amount " below that it showed No Fee " I continued and pressed yes.... out came my 17,000 baht but no reciept!
When back downstairs logged on to the Internet again and my bank online... withdraw was converter to $493.18 USD, subtracted from my balance. No 150 Baht charge but of course since I didn't get a reciept from the machine I'm not sure? Did the conversion and the rate Bank of Ayudhya gave me was 34.48, still not bad from the 34.87.
LBM
[QUOTE=Amjeck]You're getting quoted extremely high prices. I'm not sure how your negotiating skills are but these prices are way to high. I've been going to Pattaya since 2001 and never payed more for than 1000 ST for a top notch freelancer or GoGo girl. Don't give into this absurd pricing scam! Pattaya girls are bottom barrel ho's and they know it. Treat them accordingly.[/QUOTE]2000 are long time prices, I usually take freelancer girl, since I like the hunt more than just pay barfine. Also, imho to take a freelancer is a better chance to get good gfe.
The reason for that, is simply in a club or disco you as well the girl can choose and so there is more equality between both partner.
Jayleesf,
I actually met her through a web site called AFF, which you can find by goggling those initials (not sure the site would let me put a link up to them). She put a profile up that made it fairly clear that she was 'in the business', so I e-mailed her and found out that, yes, she was available by the hour. Had an almost steady relationship, seeing her at least once a month in return for money she said was helping her with her expenses while she was studying for (wait for it) a law degree. Oh, well, I should be surprised, after all, someone once said all lawyers are wh***s at heart.
Getting hold of her, though, might be hard. We set up meeting times/locations via e-mail, and she used a "dead-drop" account on the Y-place that is now out of action. Sorry.
From the sudden silence here, I am tempted to believe that I have stepped rather far over some cultural line, violated to local taboo. Is this so?
arrived earlier this week to bangkok. since don't like the local cigaret's brought with me seven packs of marlboro that i purchased in duty free shop in new york . as i always do since i stay in bangkok for at least 90 days. when arrived to bangkok airport and passed through the green line in the customs. i went outside and did manage to change some money in the bank and started to walk to the exit . i was approached by a guy with a an id card in thai wearing civilian clothes and told me to come with him , i followed him and he stopped me in the middle of no where in the airport and told me that to open the duty free bag and then told me that you have to pay a penalty since you allowed to bring in only one carton of cigaret's. i though that it was all set up for a scam that he was not even an duty officer. and i insisted to go to the offices of the customs. ( my big mistake as i found out later , if i had paid him some money there it may be could have finished faster and much cheaper) . in the office they opened all my bags and made me wait about 2 hours coming up with a fine of 28000 baht. and told me if i didn't pay they have to hand me to the thai police. so i end up paying the 28000 baht . plus they confirep001ed all my cigaret's as evidence of my horrible crime . guys be careful with cigaret's i was not alone in that room they stopped 5 or 6 other innocent tourist that wanted to smoke there favorite cigaret's.
Love Sex 22,
In the past whenever I went home to the U.S. I use to return with tupperware tubs with all my stuff for my wife and kid thereafter I can use the tubs over again. Each time I noticed I got stopped because of the tubs and when I was asked to open them they couldn't believe the stuff I was bringing in. They basically think that you are bringing stuff in to sell. I was able to tell the guy that it was for my family, I show the guy my pictures and they guy just wave me off. Another time the guy ask me to open I had a bunch of these solar flash light the guy was interested so I gave him one and he wave me through.
After I figure it out I got profiled and thereafter I stop using tubs and just got new luggage and never had a problem again being stopped. I'm not a smoker but you might want to see if you can buy the smokes and put it in your checked luggage. I've heard people tell me slip the guy 500 baht, but I'm not sure about that..
LBM
[QUOTE=Love Sex 22]Arrived earlier this week to Bangkok. since don't like the local cigaret's brought with me seven packs of Marlboro that I purchased in duty free shop in New York . . . you allowed to bring in only one carton of cigaret's. . . So I end up paying the 28000 Baht.[/QUOTE]
I am not a smoker, but 28,000 Baht (>USD$800) seems rather excessive for seven packs of smokes. Moreover, I thought that a carton contained 10 packs?! If so, you have LESS than a carton.
[quote=love sex 22] in the office they opened all my bags and made me wait about 2 hours coming up with a fine of 28000 baht. and told me if i didn't pay they have to hand me to the thai police. so i end up paying the 28000 baht . plus they confirep001ed all my cigaret's as evidence of my horrible crime . [/quote]
could be a sign that you need to kick the habit.
things like this will get worse and worse.
in case you have not seen it, the present democrat government are going around the world "cap in hand" trying to beg and borrow whatever money they can.
they have to feed their supporters with big cash contracts but also they have to try to keep the economy going.
with the economy crashing their tax revenues are going down the pan. they are still feeding the hands that feed them power, but are out of money for the thai people in general.
so, they are now instructing all and sundry to increase tax revenues.
they have just lifted the price of fuel (after saying they would make it cheaper by getting rid of the oil fund contributions).
they are chasing down all smuggled cigarettes so you have to buy locally and pay tax.
they are going to get really serious on getting more tax revenues.
so, if you want to bring your own cigarettes and its purely as you like the taste, then "go through the red channel", pay the tax and take your ciggies in.
if you go through red you pay the tax and keep them.
if you try to go green you pay the tax, the fine and lose the smuggled goods.
[quote=love sex 22]arrived earlier this week to bangkok. since don't like the local cigaret's brought with me seven packs of marlboro that i purchased in duty free shop in new york . as i always do since i stay in bangkok for at least 90 days. when arrived to bangkok airport and passed through the green line in the customs. i went outside and did manage to change some money in the bank and started to walk to the exit . i was approached by a guy with a an id card in thai wearing civilian clothes and told me to come with him , i followed him and he stopped me in the middle of no where in the airport and told me that to open the duty free bag and then told me that you have to pay a penalty since you allowed to bring in only one carton of cigaret's. i though that it was all set up for a scam that he was not even an duty officer. and i insisted to go to the offices of the customs. ( my big mistake as i found out later , if i had paid him some money there it may be could have finished faster and much cheaper) . in the office they opened all my bags and made me wait about 2 hours coming up with a fine of 28000 baht. and told me if i didn't pay they have to hand me to the thai police. so i end up paying the 28000 baht . plus they confirep001ed all my cigaret's as evidence of my horrible crime . guys be careful with cigaret's i was not alone in that room they stopped 5 or 6 other innocent tourist that wanted to smoke there favorite cigaret's.[/quote]
[QUOTE=Love Sex 22]Arrived earlier this week to Bangkok. since don't like the local cigaret's brought with me seven packs of Marlboro that I purchased in duty free shop in New York .[/QUOTE]
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
I have to laugh hard at that one... you pay a ticket from the US to Thailand adn you are worried about saving 15 bucks on cigarettes?
I guess if you want to continue smoking, you have to start growing a liking to thai cigarettes.
But then again, all my colleagues smoke Marlboros so it can't be that expensive here
The only reason I bring cigaret's with me is because the Thai Marlboro is not the same and I just don't like the taste . And I don't know where to by an imported cigarettes in Thailand. And agree that the government is trying hard to collect revenues from any legal way to pay there bills. Its looks like the police also stopping more cars to check their insurance cards , and DWI drivers so they can write more summons , On the subject of the cigaret on my summons they write the following to explain the total charges.
Base price per Pak 45 Baht X tax rate %80 = 36 Baht
36 Baht X 10 = 360 Baht Penalty fees per Pak
I had 78 paks X 360 Baht = 28080 Baht
So the moral of my story is as suggested here stop smoking. Or just declare the cigaret's when entering Thailand and pay the %80 percent Duty rate of 36 Baht per box.
[quote=love sex 22]
36 baht x 10 = 360 baht penalty fees per pak
i had 78 paks x 360 baht = 28080 baht .[/quote]
give up tobacco and consider sex as an alternative ...
they need a new direct "nothing to declare" channel for that at the airport: green, red or [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord900][CodeWord900][/url].
[quote=bearsk]give up tobacco and consider sex as an alternative ...
they need a new direct "nothing to declare" channel for that at the airport: green, red or [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord900][CodeWord900][/url].[/quote]can't you surrender cigrattes and tell them keep it!
[QUOTE=Love Sex 22]The only reason I bring cigaret's with me is because the Thai Marlboro is not the same and I just don't like the taste . And I don't know where to by an imported cigarettes in Thailand. And agree that the government is trying hard to collect revenues from any legal way to pay there bills. Its looks like the police also stopping more cars to check their insurance cards , and DWI drivers so they can write more summons , On the subject of the cigaret on my summons they write the following to explain the total charges.
Base price per Pak 45 Baht X tax rate %80 = 36 Baht
36 Baht X 10 = 360 Baht Penalty fees per Pak
I had 78 paks X 360 Baht = 28080 Baht
So the moral of my story is as suggested here stop smoking. Or just declare the cigaret's when entering Thailand and pay the %80 percent Duty rate of 36 Baht per box.[/QUOTE]Definitely cheaper if you get caught more than every 10th time. And I believe you could have ended up worse if you meet the wrong guy there.
Best to secure that visa yourself instead of using third parties who may turn out to be scammers!
_________________________________________________________________
[b]Woman arrested by Immigration Police accused of offering Fake Visas to foreigners.[/b]
On Friday Mr. Gaven Horst aged 34 from South America went to the Immigration Office in Jomtien to check the authenticity of a visa which was stamped in his passport. He explained to Police Captain Achib that he obtained the visa through the Visa 2 Company based in Soi 13 off Pattaya Second Road and paid 13,500 Baht for the service which did not require him to leave the country but only hand over his passport to the company who would do the rest.
It was determined that the visa was fake and an Immigration Police investigation began into the company. Khun Bat-tamaporn aged 40 from the Visa 2 Company was contacted and explained she used another company called Property 4 U based in South Pattaya to make the visa. Khun Natarin from the Property 4 U Company explained that they sent the passport to Khun Narinee aged 43 who could make the visa. An arrest warrant for Khun Narinee was obtained and she was arrested on Friday Night and taken to the Immigration Office. She confessed to providing the fake visa service and was charged with producing counterfeit government documents. She will appear in court next week.
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!
[url]http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1901396,00.html?cnn=yes[/url]
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.
[quote=castlerae]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.[/quote]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.
[quote=castlerae]also, can you really trust your eyes to tell you how old a woman is? [/quote]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?
[quote=pinkpearl]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.[/quote]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.
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]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. [/QUOTE]
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...
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
[quote=andybkk]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.[/quote]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.
[quote=jayman 05]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?[/quote]i was going to put this part at the bottom, but here it is at the top: [b]if you are taking heart medication, do not take any performance enzymes without consulting your doctor.[/b]
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!
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]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. [/QUOTE]
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.
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
[QUOTE=Artful]Does anyone have a recommendation for a good car rental place in Bangkok?[/QUOTE]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.
[QUOTE=Betong]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.[/QUOTE]
They also do point-to-point rentals, which can be useful if you're using other modes of transport as well.
[QUOTE=Terry Terrier]They also do point-to-point rentals, which can be useful if you're using other modes of transport as well.[/QUOTE]
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
[quote=pinkpearl]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.[/quote]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.
[quote=andybkk]the only problems with checking ids is that fake ids are a dime a dozen here.[/quote]
really? fake id is always a possibility, which is why i suggested other ways
to protect oneself, in post 2760.
[url]http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/showpost.php?p=887272&postcount=2760[/url]
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.
[quote=andybkk]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.[/quote]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.
[QUOTE=Artful]Budget (through budget.com) are quoting me 300 euros/400 USD for a week's rental of a 4x4. Sound reasonable?[/QUOTE]It does. In fact it's not that much more than for the little sedans I usually get.
[QUOTE=Tansak KTV]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.[/QUOTE]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.
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
[QUOTE=BKK Dreaming]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[/QUOTE]I 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.
[QUOTE=Myx Tical]I find there is close correlation between a Girl's English skills and the number of years of secondary schooling or other English schooling.[/QUOTE]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.
[QUOTE=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 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.[/QUOTE]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?
[QUOTE=AndyBKK]A good driver 25000B per month.[/quote]
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.
[QUOTE=AndyBKK]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.[/QUOTE]
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.
[QUOTE=AndyBKK]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.[/QUOTE]
The fee's are cheap yes.
[url]http://www.ru.ac.th/english/english2008/fees.html[/url]
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.
[QUOTE=AndyBKK]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.[/QUOTE]
Most strange.
[url]http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2009/06/04/headlines/headlines_30104421.php[/url]
[quote]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.[/quote]
Actor David Carradine of "Kung Fu" fame found dead in a Bangkok Hotel room
[url]http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31103217/[/url]
[QUOTE=Run Mann]Actor David Carradine of "Kung Fu" fame found dead in a Bangkok Hotel rooom
[url]http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31103217/[/url][/QUOTE]
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!
[QUOTE=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..[/QUOTE]
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.
[QUOTE=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.
[/QUOTE]
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:
[url]http://www.pattayadailynews.com/shownews.php?IDNEWS=0000009404[/url]
How embarrassing! He should have gone to Tulip.
[QUOTE=Daddy07]Thailand has a way of bringing out the kinky side in us:
[url]http://www.pattayadailynews.com/shownews.php?IDNEWS=0000009404[/url]
How embarrassing! He should have gone to Tulip.[/QUOTE]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!
With all that martial art experience one would have thought he would have been able to fight out of that situation?
LBM
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]With all that martial art experience one would have thought he would have been able to fight out of that situation?LBM[/QUOTE]Carradine'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 $500 for dropping 5 drunk buddies off at a rip off joint.
Might I respectfully suggest that if you're looking to meet new friends in far away places you can probably do better than the local taxi drivers.
[QUOTE=David 2][QUOTE=AndyBKK]
I am trying to feel this out because I hate the fu$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]
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:
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]With all that martial art experience one would have thought he would have been able to fight out of that situation? LBM[/QUOTE]He was 72 years old.....
He should have gotten his rocks off with a hot young TG, rather than trying to get off alone....
[QUOTE=Barko]
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.[/QUOTE]
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.
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
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
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]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. [/QUOTE]
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.
[url]http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31144741/[/url]
[QUOTE=Tansak KTV]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. [/QUOTE]
I would love to tell you how full of shit you are but unfortunately, you are correct. TIT.
[QUOTE=Run Mann]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.[/quote]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
[QUOTE=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[/QUOTE]
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.
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
[QUOTE=Run Mann]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.[/QUOTE]
I second your thoughts about the whole family concern as linked to the legacy, in one way or the other...
[QUOTE=Tansak KTV]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.[/QUOTE]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.
[QUOTE=Tansak KTV]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.[/QUOTE]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.
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.
[QUOTE=Frequent Flier]I read where some local tabloids are publishing pictures.
Is this true?
I hope they are fakes if anything.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Barko]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.[/QUOTE]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=Neufie][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....[/QUOTE]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.
[QUOTE=Opebo]...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.[/QUOTE]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...
[QUOTE=Quispamman]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]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!
[QUOTE=Barko]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![/QUOTE]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).
[QUOTE=Opebo]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.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=The Pro]The Thai press post pictures of dead bodies daily.
[/QUOTE]Last week the Pattaya People TV was showing slightly pixelated pictures of a farang suicide who had hanged himself, gently swinging on his noose...
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
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]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[/QUOTE]
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).
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]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[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=The Pro]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).[/QUOTE]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.
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
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]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[/QUOTE]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.
[QUOTE=Nocal]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.[/QUOTE]
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.
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.
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
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]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[/QUOTE]
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.
[url]http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,525866,00.html[/url]
[QUOTE=Run Mann]Predictably an (independent) autopsy finds that David Carradine did not commit suicide.
[url]http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,525866,00.html[/url][/QUOTE]Well, maybe not intentionally...
[QUOTE=The Pro]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.[/QUOTE]
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.
[QUOTE=Daddy San]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.[/QUOTE]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?
[QUOTE=Daddy San]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.[/QUOTE]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.
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
[QUOTE=Fresh Meat 2]...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![/QUOTE]
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.
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.
[QUOTE=Daddy San]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.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Crazykf]Next time I'll take 500€ bills or maybe Traveller Cheques, does anyone use those in LOS, are they convenient?[/QUOTE]
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:
[url]http://thepiratebay.org/torrent/4073250/Love_Me_Long_Time_-_Sex_Tourism_in_Thailand_%5BDivX%5D.avi[/url]
and an upcoming art-house movie from a British director called Soi Cowboy:
review:[url]http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2009/jun/12/film-review-soi-cowboy[/url]
trailer on youtube: [url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2xJAsr2vO8[/url]
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.
[QUOTE=Crazykf]Next time I'll take 500€ bills or maybe Traveller Cheques, does anyone use those in LOS, are they convenient?[/QUOTE]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.
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.
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]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[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=The Pro]Thailand is getting more and more anti-foreigner, and this will continue whilst the Yellow shirt sponsers are pulling the strings behind the scenes.[/QUOTE]
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.
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.
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]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 $5.00 charge from my checking statement.
-snip-
[/QUOTE]
Who said I think it's ok to pay the 3% fee??
But all(?) the (US-)CC companies have it in their General Terms and Conditions, at least the ones I have do. (AMEX, Chase, Wells Fargo). So if I want to charge to one of those accounts, I have little choice.
I am not absolutely sure, that the Wells Fargo ATM card has the same fee, because when I tried to use that one last January, they simply blocked it on suspicion of fraud, even though I had notified them previously that I would be travelling in SE Asia at that time!.
I merely wanted to draw attention to the 2-3% foreign transaction fee, which usually far exceeds the 150 THB everybody is bitching and moaning about.
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]Once again fellas... please identify the machine and location...[/QUOTE]
I don't remember exactly but it would have had to have been on Buakoaw, Pattaya Klang, Second road or that road which runs between Buakaow and Second road, you know where they have the Kiss restaurant.
[QUOTE=Csun213]Does Thailand (Bangkok) accept Traveler's check or is cash still more preferred when exchanging US$ 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.[/QUOTE]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.
[QUOTE=Opebo]...that road which runs between Buakaow and Second road, you know where they have the Kiss restaurant.[/QUOTE]
That would be Soi Diana Inn.
[QUOTE=Daddy San]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!..[/QUOTE]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.
[QUOTE=Daddy San]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.[/QUOTE]Everybody? Except me, as I have never been charged the 150 THB yet. :D
Cheers, FF
[QUOTE=Daddy San]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.[/QUOTE]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
[QUOTE=Opebo]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.[/QUOTE]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
[QUOTE=PinkPearl]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.[/QUOTE]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?
[QUOTE=Csun213]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? [/QUOTE]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
[QUOTE=Csun213]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? [/QUOTE]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.
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]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[/QUOTE]
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.
[QUOTE=Csun213]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?[/QUOTE]
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....
[QUOTE=Daddy San]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....[/QUOTE]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.
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
[QUOTE=PinkPearl]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.[/QUOTE]
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
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]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[/QUOTE]
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
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.
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan] 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. [/QUOTE]
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!
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]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[/QUOTE]
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.
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]...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[/QUOTE]
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.
[QUOTE=Daddy07]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.[/QUOTE]
that's a good strategy..:)
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]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[/QUOTE]
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
[QUOTE=David 2]...the Thai Bankers Association were quite smug about their solution to this perplexing problem.
[/QUOTE]
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.
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
[QUOTE=Daddy San]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.[/QUOTE]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
[QUOTE=Fast Eddie 48]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[/QUOTE]
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.
[QUOTE=JesseJames]I think travelers checks will soon be obsolete... I think banks don't want to deal with them.[/QUOTE]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.
[QUOTE=Fast Eddie 48]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[/QUOTE]Something 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.
[QUOTE=JesseJames]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.[/QUOTE]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.
[QUOTE=JesseJames]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.[/QUOTE]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.
[QUOTE=Daddy San]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.[/QUOTE]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.
[QUOTE=The Pro]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.[/QUOTE]
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.
[QUOTE=Sanook D]Standard Chartered isn't charging the 150 baht fee either. So far as I can tell, only UOB and SC are not.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=The Pro]So looks like Farangs need to stick with Farang banks and stick the middle finger up to Thai banks and the TBA.[/QUOTE]
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
[QUOTE=Stew2]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.[/QUOTE]
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).
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.
[size=-2][b][u]editor's note[/u]:[/b] [blue]i would suggest that the author or another forum member consider posting a link to this report in the reports of distinction thread. please [url=http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/announcement-reportsofdistinction.php?]click here[/url] for more information.[/blue][/size]
[QUOTE=West Coast]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.[/QUOTE]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.
[quote=west coast]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.
[size=-2][b][u]editor's note[/u]:[/b] [blue]i would suggest that the author or another forum member consider posting a link to this report in the reports of distinction thread. please [url=http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/announcement-reportsofdistinction.php?]click here[/url] for more information.[/blue][/size][/quote]
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 :)
[QUOTE=West Coast]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.[/QUOTE]
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.
[QUOTE=West Coast]
The only asset they have is between her legs.[/QUOTE]
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?"
[QUOTE=Andy Abs]I have become a disillusioned man; I feel it is time (maybe) to leave the great land of smiles.[/QUOTE]
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.
[QUOTE=Mouse1]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...[/QUOTE]
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
[QUOTE=Andy Abs]Oh I almost forgot…for anyone wanting to marry this lovely creature (really is lovely) they have to give the (clampets) family 100,000baht![/QUOTE]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.
[QUOTE=Opebo]if it wasn't for all those lazy Thai men we wouldn't get to f their young women.[/QUOTE]Exactly. Those single moms who've been abandoned by the fathers of the kids need our help!
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!
[QUOTE=Mong1225]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![/QUOTE]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?
[QUOTE=Scott]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 [url]http://www.anglefire.com/super/sanu...s/Sukhumvit.com[/url] . 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.[/QUOTE]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.
[QUOTE=Mong1225]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![/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Mong1225]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![/QUOTE]
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.
[QUOTE=Mong1225]Does anyone use their AT&T cell phone in Bangkok, after activating international roaming?[/QUOTE]
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.
[QUOTE=Mong1225]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![/QUOTE]
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.
[QUOTE=Thepfu]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?[/QUOTE]
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.
[QUOTE=PinkPearl]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.[/QUOTE] Why bother! Far too many beautiful creatures in Thailand to buy one...and I don't believe in helping the lazy!
[QUOTE=David 2]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.[/QUOTE]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!
[QUOTE=Mong1225]
If people could give their experiences, especially with AT&T, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you![/QUOTE]
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.
[QUOTE=Mong1225]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.[/QUOTE]
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
[QUOTE=Mong1225]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.[/QUOTE]
[url]http://www.thaitel.com/[/url]
you might want to look at this web site. I have been happy with the service.
[url]http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2009/07/01/business/business_30106427.php[/url]
[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!
[QUOTE=Bionicman][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![/QUOTE]
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.
[QUOTE=Mong1225]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![/QUOTE]
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
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!
[QUOTE=Sanuk Mak]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.[/QUOTE]
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!
[QUOTE=Mong1225]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?[/QUOTE]
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
[url]http://www.wireless.att.com/answer-center/solutionDisplay.jsp?solutionId=KB84199[/url]
[QUOTE=Mong1225]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![/QUOTE]
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.
[QUOTE=Lord Farquard]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.[/QUOTE]
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.
[QUOTE=Stew2]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.[/QUOTE]
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).
[QUOTE=Stew2]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.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Daddy07]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.[/QUOTE]
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.
[QUOTE=David 2]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...][/QUOTE]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?
[QUOTE=Lord Farquard]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.[/QUOTE]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 :
[url]http://reviews.ebay.com/Thailand-Cell-Phones-and-Useage-All-you-need-to-know_W0QQugidZ10000000004077590[/url]
[QUOTE=Mong1225]That sounds like the right price range for me. Anybody try this? [/QUOTE]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. [url]http://www.skype.com/intl/en/allfeatures/togo/[/url]
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!
[size=-2][b][u]EDITOR'S NOTE[/u]:[/b] [blue]I would suggest that the author or another Forum Member consider posting a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread. Please [url=http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/announcement-reportsofdistinction.php?]Click Here[/url] for more information.[/blue][/size]
[QUOTE=Mong1225]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?[/QUOTE]
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.
[QUOTE=Daddy07]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.[/QUOTE]
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.
[QUOTE=Mong1225]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?[/QUOTE]
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.
[QUOTE=Stew2]Daddy07 - Actually this is wrong. You can (as others attest below) buy sim cards at 7/11...[/QUOTE]
Run Mann & Stew2,
Thanks for the lesson ... (Sim cards at 7/11 for 99 baht ... that's cheap!) :)
[QUOTE=Barko]
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.)
[/QUOTE]
Great suggestion but I don't think you mean 'skype-to-go' number. You need a skype 'online' number, available in about 20 countries: [url]http://www.skype.com/intl/en/allfeatures/onlinenumber/#countries[/url]
[QUOTE=Bionicman][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! [/QUOTE]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.
[url]http://internationalsexguide.info/forum/showpost.php?p=902099&postcount=2584[/url]
[url]http://internationalsexguide.info/forum/showpost.php?p=902103&postcount=2585[/url]
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
[QUOTE=Csun213]...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[/QUOTE]
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.
[QUOTE=Daddy07]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.[/QUOTE]
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
[QUOTE=Csun213]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[/QUOTE]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
[QUOTE=El Culion]I always have my feet done at hairdressing salons. Most of them do pedicure.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]Go to August Salon, on Sukhumvit between I think Soi 7 and 7/1.
LBM[/QUOTE]
Thanks guys, I think maybe the salons will do a better job on pedicure than the foot massage place.
[QUOTE=Csun213]Thanks guys, I think maybe the salons will do a better job on pedicure than the foot massage place.[/QUOTE]
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.
[QUOTE=Opebo]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.[/QUOTE]
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.
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: [u]No fee[/u]
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]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[/QUOTE]
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.
[QUOTE=Mishwar]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?[/QUOTE]
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 [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140][CodeWord140][/url] 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!
[QUOTE=Fon Tok]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: [u]No fee[/u][/QUOTE]
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 :
[url]http://www.cattelecom.com/site/th/list_service.php?cat=181&subcat=248[/url]
EG USA is 4 baht per minute when you use 009.
Simple.
[QUOTE=Mong1225]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 [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140][CodeWord140][/url] 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.[/QUOTE]
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,
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]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,[/QUOTE]
009 1 415 2223333
Btw, 008 and 007 often also work well
The ringtone will be different, so unless you're extremely quick and they aren't very observant, they'll know.
[QUOTE=Mong1225]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![/QUOTE]
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).
[QUOTE=Mong1225]
What jobs/professions provide regular (or frequent, or infrequent) travel to Thailand paid for by employer?
[/QUOTE]
[quote=jd wordsmith]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).[/quote]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.
[QUOTE=Belmont]UOB bank and Goverment Savings bank are said to have no 150 baht charge!
Hope this helps![/QUOTE]
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...
[QUOTE=Tansak KTV]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...[/QUOTE]
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.
[QUOTE=PinkPearl]I usually shave myself, [/QUOTE]
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...
[QUOTE=Tansak KTV]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...[/QUOTE]Have you tried August?
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
[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]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.[/QUOTE]
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.
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
[quote=tansak ktv]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.[/quote]
soi 8 about 100 yards in on the right (before the [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord900][CodeWord900][/url] alleyway).
[quote=terry terrier]soi 8 about 100 yards in on the right (before the [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord900][CodeWord900][/url] alleyway).[/quote]
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?
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?
[quote=terry terrier]soi 8 about 100 yards in on the right (before the [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord900][CodeWord900][/url] alleyway).[/quote]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.
[QUOTE=Tansak KTV]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?[/QUOTE]
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.
[QUOTE=Twardzik6969]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?[/QUOTE]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
Is there many case of swine flu in Thailand now, thinking about going there again later in the year.
[QUOTE=Twardzik6969]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?[/QUOTE]
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.
[QUOTE=Mick Ireland 1]Is there many case of swine flu in Thailand now, thinking about going there again later in the year.[/QUOTE]
As of a few days ago 21 deaths and 3,883 cases reported in the kingdom.
Here is another scam to ripoff foreigners in Thailand. Please read and be careful.
Tourists warned of Thailand airport scam
[url]http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8154497.stm[/url]
[QUOTE=Rain Maker]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.
[url]http://www.condomdepot.com/product/d...105/reviews/1/[/url][/QUOTE]
This should go into Safe Sex Thailand forum, never mind. ;)
Correct URL:[url]http://www.condomdepot.com/product/detail.cfm/nid/183/pid/2105[/url]
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: [url]http://www.condomdepot.com/product/detail.cfm/nid/183/pid/3401[/url]
I personally use these: [url]http://www.condomdepot.com/product/detail.cfm/nid/189/pid/2331[/url] 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.
[QUOTE=Hola Mundo]Here is another scam to ripoff foreigners in Thailand. Please read and be careful.
Tourists warned of Thailand airport scam
[url]http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8154497.stm[/url][/QUOTE]
Maybe it's best to stay out of any shops at the airport and look poor.
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?
Ooops, I meant to say 'freelancer' not 'feelancer' in my previous post...
[QUOTE=Ny Desiman]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?[/QUOTE]
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.
[QUOTE=Ny Desiman]Ooops, I meant to say 'freelancer' not 'feelancer' in my previous post...[/QUOTE]
FYI, as a senior member you have the option of editing your original post up to a day or two after you post it.
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
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
[QUOTE=Ny Desiman]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 :)[/QUOTE]
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.
[QUOTE=Ny Desiman]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? [/QUOTE]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.
[QUOTE=Ny Desiman]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?[/QUOTE]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!
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.
[url]http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/149921/tourism-plunges-22-per-cent[/url]
"Tourism plunges 22 per cent"
[quote=]
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.
[/quote]
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.
[QUOTE=PinkPearl][url]http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/149921/tourism-plunges-22-per-cent[/url]
"Tourism plunges 22 per cent"[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=PinkPearl][url]http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/149921/tourism-plunges-22-per-cent[/url]
"Tourism plunges 22 per cent"[/QUOTE]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.
[QUOTE=The Pro]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.[/QUOTE]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.
[QUOTE=The Pro]Tourism is now on the decline, and Thailand has to now prepare for the fact that people are not coming back, full stop.[/QUOTE]Except, that is, for all of us...
[QUOTE=The Pro]Don't you love the optimism of the TAT.
Thai's really do not like farang, they only like their tourist dollars.
[/QUOTE]
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!