General Reports

While I tend to agree with you about escaping lower European temperatures during Nov-Feb period, on the opposite side I noted that this coming July and August flight prices to BKK are really high compared to other years. Normally I fly either Emirates or Lufthansa but both quoting above 900 euros, Lufth even over 1 k. Even Turkish airlines known for their bargains have rates in the region of 900 euros.

[QUOTE=Golfinho;2186594]Everyone wants to get out the cooler European weather from Nov to Feb, so that is why everything is full then (in Thailand).[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=MadaExpert;2186630]Anyone knows if an expat allows to invest in stocks in his local Thai bank account and what is the tax for the profits.

My country charge 25 percent from the profits.[/QUOTE]You might have to be resident to be able to do that.

Tickets were significantly cheaper for me to fly into pattaya then Bangkok. I am flying from usa. Check flights on Qatar airlines flying onto pattaya on a Tues. Or thurs.

[QUOTE=Bugzy69;2187065]While I tend to agree with you about escaping lower European temperatures during Nov-Feb period, on the opposite side I noted that this coming July and August flight prices to BKK are really high compared to other years. Normally I fly either Emirates or Lufthansa but both quoting above 900 euros, Lufth even over 1 k. Even Turkish airlines known for their bargains have rates in the region of 900 euros.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=MadaExpert;2186630]Anyone knows if an expat allows to invest in stocks in his local Thai bank account and what is the tax for the profits.

My country charge 25 percent from the profits.[/QUOTE]Using my own experience which may possibly be out of date as regulations in Thailand constantly change the answer is yes but just as with opening a bank account it's not straightforward. For banking or brokerage services always go to the head office of the bank. There isn't consistency on what the actual regulations are but using a retirement visa I have accounts with 2 banks and 2 brokerages. You wouldn't know for sure till you visit. I found BBK bank on Silom to be the most responsive but you should keep trying if you are initially refused at a particular bank. Also it might help if you are referred by an existing customer in good standing. Dividends are taxed at source at 10% and best of all no capital gains if you are fortunate enough to cash out with a profit.

[QUOTE=Horatio;2187197]Tickets were significantly cheaper for me to fly into pattaya then Bangkok. I am flying from usa. Check flights on Qatar airlines flying onto pattaya on a Tues. Or thurs.[/QUOTE]Every airport has landing fees. If I fly China Air thru Norita it costs and additional $30.00 than going thru Taipei. Also the price of petro is still climbing and I assume that is driving the cost of tickets to be higher. I was told that the petro is 80% of the cost of running an airline.

RL.

Can anyone recommend a really superior tapas restaurant in Bangkok? I have been to some super ones in Europe recently so missing the Flavours that really hit you.

I don't want a pretend Tapas place where food seems similar to Thai, Italian, Japanese, etc. Nor one where many dishes have the same pre prepared tomato sauce. Quality special taste is what I want, and low carbs dishes too. E. g. Boquerones, Pimientos Padron, Gambas Ajillo, champinones al ajillo, special duck and pork dishes, etc.

[QUOTE=Syzygies;2195885]Can anyone recommend a really superior tapas restaurant in Bangkok? I have been to some super ones in Europe recently so missing the Flavours that really hit you.

I don't want a pretend Tapas place where food seems similar to Thai, Italian, Japanese, etc. Nor one where many dishes have the same pre prepared tomato sauce. Quality special taste is what I want, and low carbs dishes too. E. g. Boquerones, Pimientos Padron, Gambas Ajillo, champinones al ajillo, special duck and pork dishes, etc.[/QUOTE]Don't know if it fits what you are looking for but the restaurant tacos and salsa on soi 18 (south of suk) has spectacular Mexican.

[QUOTE=RobertLong;2185205]If you fly with an upgrade or business class, they will give you an express pass that will clear you in 5 minutes. The entrance is just past the main entrance for the immigration room. Another perk is that your bags will come up first.

Your going to drop a couple of hundred bucks a day in Bkk so why not get there by flying business at a little higher price?

RL.[/QUOTE]Not exactly "a little" higher.

My last two trips to Thailand has been on EVA business class, in which you get expedited service through customs and the wonderful, lay-flat sleeping seats. (On my previous 5 trips I flew their Elite class, which was quite nice.) But last April, as I approached the immigration stop, there was just one person, and they cleared out just as I reached the stop. So I was able to walk right up, zero wait, and get cleared in a minute. As you say, my checked bag was amongst one of the first to come out. I was probably on my way to Pattaya while the folks in cattle class on my flight were still waiting to be cleared.

BUT, the cost in a killer. I just checked prices for my upcoming return to LOS next November with EVA:

Cattle Class: $ 712.68.

Elite Class: $1,307.68.

Buss Class: $4,926.68.

Business Class seems to have escalated in the last year, making it even harder to justify. Elite class is still a bargain I feel. Business class has certainly spoiled me, but for us mere mortals, the approx $3,600 higher price over Elite class, and $4,200 higher prices than Cattle class, is very very difficult to justify. For a two week trip, that adds up to over $250 per day! That can pay for a lot of Soi 6 and WS agogo girls!

I think I have enough points with EVA / Infinity to get a free upgrade to Business Class for my November trip, so I can put of the decision on whether to continue with Business class off until next year.

But the added cost for Business class is not insignificant. If you can justify it, it is wonderful, but far be it from me to tell you what is "justifiable" for you.

[QUOTE=Syzygies;2195885]Can anyone recommend a really superior tapas restaurant in Bangkok? I have been to some super ones in Europe recently so missing the Flavours that really hit you.

I don't want a pretend Tapas place where food seems similar to Thai, Italian, Japanese, etc. Nor one where many dishes have the same pre prepared tomato sauce. Quality special taste is what I want, and low carbs dishes too. E. g. Boquerones, Pimientos Padron, Gambas Ajillo, champinones al ajillo, special duck and pork dishes, etc.[/QUOTE]Authentic Tapas in BKK is a stretch, but you might like Barcelona Gaudi on Soi 23. In my view, it's not an I'd go out of my way to eat there restaurant, but it isn't bad either. I give it 3.7 stars.

You will probably think I don't know what I am talking about Mediterranean-wise if you have never eaten at the following restaurant, but I really like Pala Pizza Romana underneath the BTS Asoke station. I must have passed by this restaurant 500 times before I gave it a try one hungry night, but afterwards I was really surprised how tasty their pizza slices were and I ordered a 3rd slice. Very flavorful! Somebody knows something about Italian spices at this restaurant. I know it is not Tapas, but a couple of small slices of various pizzas and a glass of red Italian wine might satisfy your Mediterranean flavor urge. My favorite slice is the Boscaiola. I give it 4.4 stars, which is amazing given Pala's location and everything. Go! This place is surprisingly good.

[QUOTE=Syzygies;2195885]Can anyone recommend a really superior tapas restaurant in Bangkok? I have been to some super ones in Europe recently so missing the Flavours that really hit you.

I don't want a pretend Tapas place where food seems similar to Thai, Italian, Japanese, etc. Nor one where many dishes have the same pre prepared tomato sauce. Quality special taste is what I want, and low carbs dishes too. E. g. Boquerones, Pimientos Padron, Gambas Ajillo, champinones al ajillo, special duck and pork dishes, etc.[/QUOTE]I'm not an expert, but I had tasty tapas at Di Maria Tapas on Sukhumvit 79 Alley back in 2014 (just few steps from BTS On Nut). Their selection was a bit limited, though, if my memory serves me right. I don't know if they are still there.

[QUOTE=NattyBumpo;2195948]Authentic Tapas in BKK is a stretch, but you might like Barcelona Gaudi on Soi 23. In my view, it's not an I'd go out of my way to eat there restaurant, but it isn't bad either. I give it 3.7 stars.

You will probably think I don't know what I am talking about Mediterranean-wise if you have never eaten at the following restaurant, but I really like Pala Pizza Romana underneath the BTS Asoke station. I must have passed by this restaurant 500 times before I gave it a try one hungry night, but afterwards I was really surprised how tasty their pizza slices were and I ordered a 3rd slice. Very flavorful! Somebody knows something about Italian spices at this restaurant. I know it is not Tapas, but a couple of small slices of various pizzas and a glass of red Italian wine might satisfy your Mediterranean flavor urge. My favorite slice is the Boscaiola. I give it 4.4 stars, which is amazing given Pala's location and everything. Go! This place is surprisingly good.[/QUOTE]I have seen it, passing by so might give it a try, Barcelona Gaudi. I am hoping for something special to be really worth making the effort to go to. In Europe recently, a Tapas was the best good priced restaurant I could find in the town. Most others were very ordinary.

I don't really go for Italian at all these days (so boring), so will skip the other one. I have been to maybe one good Italian this year (in Italy).

Its a problem though when I don't like to eat much Carbs. So no pasta, no Pizza, no polenta, no french fries, no risotto, etc.

My previous Bangkok "Tapas" experience was a place between Soi 21 and 19, I think Big Mamas, and it was rather ordinary. Not a repeat thing.

[QUOTE=Kurre;2195951]I'm not an expert, but I had tasty tapas at Di Maria Tapas on Sukhumvit 79 Alley back in 2014 (just few steps from BTS On Nut). Their selection was a bit limited, though, if my memory serves me right. I don't know if they are still there.[/QUOTE]It looks to be Italian, or is this a different place?:

[URL]http://www.cafedimaria.com/?utm_source=tripadvisor&utm_medium=referral[/URL]

[QUOTE=Syzygies;2196171]
Its a problem though when I don't like to eat much Carbs. So no pasta, no Pizza, no polenta, no french fries, no risotto, etc.
.[/QUOTE]I have been off processed Carbs like pasta, risotto, cake (ha ha), and bread for about 18 months. The result: I have lost roughly 20 lbs (9 kg) and feel much more fit. I also dropped a size in Polo and T-shirts. It has been mostly a pretty easy change in lifestyle except that I still love real French bread, authentic pizzas, and double fried hand cut potatoes which I now reserve for special occasions. Good carbs, unprocessed carbs like fresh fruit (its mango season in Florida right now and I have 3 trees all laden with ripening fruit), beans, legumes, and sweet potatoes ect are very good for you and tasty. In Thailand its pretty easy for me to stick to a healthy lifestyle (diet) consisting of protein, vegetables, and good carbs with a rare and occasional indulgence because I love Thai food. It is much more difficult to eat healthy in the PI for example. I don't even try.

[QUOTE=Syzygies;2196174]It looks to be Italian, or is this a different place?:

[URL]http://www.cafedimaria.com/?utm_source=tripadvisor&utm_medium=referral[/URL][/QUOTE]They had wood oven pizza but used advertise for tapas as well. Check the Google maps Streetview for the address and you can still see the tapas advertised. The Google Streetview might be out of date as the hotel next door has changed its name twice since. I haven't visited that alley for years.

Try the Pullman. It is not bad.

[QUOTE=Syzygies;2195885]Can anyone recommend a really superior tapas restaurant in Bangkok? I have been to some super ones in Europe recently so missing the Flavours that really hit you.[/QUOTE].