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Showing content with the highest reputation since 09/17/2009 in Posts

  1. Some friends and I went to Copa tonight to get out of the rain. It was delightful. The show was great. The atmosphere was fun and lively and the place has really been decorated fabulously. The performers were really great and the costumes have obviously been given a great deal of thought and money spent. It is a nice Cabaret show with some ladyboy singers and they also have a water show. It is something that is done very well! If you are in the area, drop by the Copa bar and show them some love! I really enjoyed my time there and I am sure you will as well! 325/106-109 Pattayaland Soi 3, Pattaya, Thailand Tel: +66 (0)38 488694/5 Fax: +66 (0)38 428888 Email: info@copapattaya.com
    3 points
  2. The Pattaya Cross Bay swim in a charity swim every year. It is usually a great deal of fun. It is for a good cause. We went today to cheer on these fine young men and ladies and they were brave to swim in the busy bay! I hope you enjoy the photos!
    2 points
  3. It is very hard to describe the Sriracha Tiger Zoo near Pattaya. All I can really say is it is a day filled with fun and often unusual things. I love petting the tigers and at this place, you can pet the baby tigers, feed the baby tigers and even pet a full-grown tiger. You can spend time up close and personal with a variety of animals from orangutans to camels to elephants. You can feed the crocodiles. You can ride an elephant. You can hang out with the Scorpion Queen. You can see a fabulous elephant show and a tiger show. Today, there was a group of young kids there from a local school and they were preparing for the running of the bulls in Spain. To do this, they were running with the pigs. It was one of the funniest things I have ever seen. The boys and I had fun today and we always enjoy the day. It is too far for me to ride on a motorbike so we took a taxi. He was with us the entire time and the cost was 1,000 baht or about 30 USD for the day. He took us there and brought us back. When we got there, he wanted to get the tickets for us. I agreed and it as 450 baht each. But, I think he must have pulled some trick as I think he must get a commission or something. We ate lunch there as well and they have great fish, shrimp, crocodile, and other animals. I love their ginger snaps. The day was fun and enjoyable! I hope you enjoy a few of the photos.
    2 points
  4. Looking for a nice use BMW motorcycle!
    2 points
  5. How about a jokes and games section ?
    2 points
  6. Welcome to Thailand Visa: where you don't need American Express! At Thailand Visa we are the premier site to help people like you visit Thailand and get the most out of the experience! ThailandVisa.com is your home away from home, whenever you visit Thailand, or are just fantasizing about your next trip. We have all the information you need right at your fingertips. Think of us as your personal guide to the great temples, spicy food and fabulous beaches! Thailand Visa is free and contains the most up to date and practical information you could ever need. Whether you want to take off your shirt and say Phuket on the beach or bang a gong in Bangkok, you'll find the information you want before you need to know it. Consider Thailand Visa everything you ever wanted to know about Thailand but were afraid to ask! You can come here and ask questions and get cool responses from expats who know the real deal about the Thailand experience. Feel free to debate cultural issues, gossip about the natives or just hang out! You'll never have to deal with annoying pop up ads or registration fees. Thailand is a free country and we want our site to be just as liberating as a bike trip through the countryside! So, all you have to do now is ask yourself if you are ready for the real Thailand experience! Post and play in the forums if you dare! Important note: You must post your first post in the Introduction Forum and once approved by a Moderator, all other posts will show instantly. We do this to protect the site from spammers. We can't wait to meet you! Thanks, Thailand Visa!
    2 points
  7. rmambour

    Newbie

    Angthong...100km north from Bangkok, 30km from Ayutthaya
    1 point
  8. Three and a half years ago when I joined, it seems like it was going to take off. I was a pleasant change from Thai Visa. much less negativity. Anyway, I check back from time to time hoping to to see it revive.
    1 point
  9. PHNOM PENH, Nov 19 – Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra today called on Japan to play a key role in connecting the Southeast Asian region, particularly in the development of the Dawei deep seaport mega project near the Thai-Myanmar border and cooperation in preparing the region for possible disasters. Ms Yingluck made the overture in a meeting among member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Japan, held on the sidelines of the 21st ASEAN Summit in the Cambodian capital. The ASEAN-Japan Summit, the 15th of its kind, lasted about one and a half hours. The Thai premier openly sought the Japanese support in handling natural disasters and exchanges of information with the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre in order to connect a disaster arning system through satellite. She called on Japan to take a larger role in connecting the region, especially especially regarding logistics to link Thailand’s border areas with neighbouring countries, and the Dawei project with Laem Chabang deep seaport on eastern Thailand. Japan should increase its activity in the Mekong region through the Initiative for ASEAN Integration and the Mekong Japan Forum with emphasis on agriculture, public health and human resources development, said Ms Yingluck. http://englishnews.mcot.net/site/content?id=50a9e739150ba07c7b000008#.UKo3noV8VD0
    1 point
  10. Thailand and United States have agreed to chart the way for a deeper bilateral strategic partnership and enhanced regional cooperation as Bangkok welcomed Washington’s policy of forging a stronger partnership with the Asia-Pacific region. Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Sunday welcomed the US President Barack Obama at Government House and held bilateral talks on a wide range of issues. Both leaders later held a joint press conference in which Mr Obama reaffirmed the enduring US support for democracy in Thailand and welcomed the Thai government’s commitment to strengthening Thailand’s parliamentary democracy. He emphasised that Thailand is America’s oldest treaty ally in Asia. The two leaders agreed that their alliance is rooted in a shared commitment to democracy, the rule of law, respect for both universal human rights and open societies, and a free market, which has bonded the people of the two nations closely together. Thailand and the US will mark the anniversary of their 180 years of diplomatic relations in 2013. The two leaders welcomed their continuing high-level and multidimensional dialogue, including the Fourth United States-Thailand Strategic Dialogue in June 2012, considered as the critical framework for shaping the agenda for United States-Thai relations. Ms Yingluck welcomed the American’ policy of forging a stronger partnership with the Asia-Pacific region and US support for ASEAN centrality in regional development and integration, especially through Washington’s engagement in the ASEAN-US Summit and the East Asia Summit (EAS). Mr Obama noted the growing importance of the EAS as an important regional forum for Asia-Pacific leaders to discuss political and strategic issues. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to working together to promote practical regional cooperation, including using other regional multilateral organisations such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. The US President welcomed Thailand’s interest in the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations, which is subject to Thailand’s undertaking the necessary domestic procedures. The two leaders looked forward to reconvening the TIFA Joint Council as an important step to strengthening our trade ties and consulting on the requirements for Thailand’s eventual participation in high-standard agreements, including the TPP. (MCOT online news) http://englishnews.mcot.net/site/content?id=50a9ac6b150ba0aa500000d9#.UKo2u4V8VD0
    1 point
  11. bo crump

    hello from mexico

    this is a great day for life
    1 point
  12. Hoping to get to Thailand soon. I love the photos you are posting on facebook.
    1 point
  13. Thai

    Hello

    I lived in Thailand for 8 years previously had a small business in Jomtien all went sour after the crisis in America hit the world and most peoples pockets , Lived in View Talay 2 ... you may know me .. all the bars owners do anyway hahaha .. now back in England to revive the bank account the back again to the land of smiles , any way Hi to you all
    1 point
  14. Been here several years and it is a great time. Put this on your calendar!
    1 point
  15. I'm about to make a trip to Thailand. This makes me want to run out and buy a few phones to sell. I could almost pay for my trip.
    1 point
  16. The capture of several high-profile transnational suspects in Thailand in recent months owes a debt to a US information-pooling model, the Immigration Police Bureau says. The new approach to intelligence sharing is helping catch suspects who might previously have gone undetected, it says. Vital information about key criminal suspects from local and national security offices is combined and shared among crimebusters, including those in other countries when a crime-tracking operation goes global. Pol Maj Gen Preecha Thimamontri, commander of Immigration Division 2, said the IPB is emulating the Fusion Centers model created by the US government after the 9/11 terror attacks. Each security agency, from local to federal level, pools information for analyzing and predicting threats. For the full article: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/crimes/287013/us-influence-helps-nail-foreign-felons
    1 point
  17. MANILA, Philippines - The government is set to implement a number of visa reforms intended to boost the competitiveness of the Philippines as a tourism destination. The new visa policies include additional visa-freee privilege for 166 countries/territories from 21 to 30 days, granting of a 30-day visa-free stay to Chinese nationals traveling to the Philippines as part of a tour group handled by a Department of Tourism-accredited Philippine tour operator and a 14-day visa-free stay for Indian nationals who have a valid American, Japan, Australia, Canadian, Shengen, Singapore, or United Kingdom visa. The new policies were agreed upon in a recent meeting between Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario, Justice Secretary Leila M. De Lima, and BI Commissioner Ricardo A. David Jr. The new policies are set to simplify entry requirement procedures and processes and allowing tourists more time in the Philippines. http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=789458&publicationSubCategoryId=200
    1 point
  18. Hi, I have been a relatively happy member of Thailand Elite for several years and would like to hear from any other members that are often in Bangkok. It would be nice to pool information and share experiences that we have had in this program. Please respond to me through these chat rooms. Thank you
    1 point
  19. rucus7

    In Rayong

    Are there any other member interested in biking in Rayong, Mae Pim, Ban Phe, Mae Ramphung? We primarily ride on the coast.
    1 point
  20. Here's the situation guys. My USA passport expires in mid-January 2012. I arrived in Cambodia a few days ago and have a 30 day business visa which can easily be extended for the extra 3 months I need. I also have a Thai retirement visa with a re-entry permit. It seems I'll need to get a new passport so that when I re-enter Thailand I'll have a passport with more than 6 months validity. I assume that it's not a problem that my retirement visa and re-entry permit will be in my old passport? Now, I am wondering how long it takes to get a new passport issued and should I apply for the new passport ASAP and then the Cambodian 3 month extension or should I get the extension first and then apply for a new passport?
    1 point
  21. Wino

    iPhone Competition

    I thought iPhone was the latest and greatest. According to this article, Android might be even better. From http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/patterson/57664 Watch out, iPhone—Android's nipping at your heels. Researchers at Gartner (via AppleInsider) are predicting that the global market share for Google's Android mobile OS could overtake the iPhone's in a little over two years, with Android poised to leapfrog Apple into the No. 2 spot. That would leave the iPhone in the No. 3 position—right where it is now, behind BlackBerry and Nokia's Symbian OS, according to Gartner. The industry researchers believe that by 2012, Research in Motion (the company behind the BlackBerry) will have lost 7 percent of its market share, causing it to slip into fifth place (behind even Windows Mobile). Android, meanwhile, will get a 12.9-percent boost to become the No. 2 smartphone platform in the world, with Symbian still safe in the No. 1 spot (with a dominating, although dwindling, 39 percent of the global market). Those are just analyst predictions, of course, and two years is an eternity in the wireless world; after all, two years ago today, we were still getting used to the first iPhone. That said, I think the gist of Gartner's prediction—that Android is poised to take the wireless market by storm—is spot on, and we've seen evidence of that in the past few months and weeks. Google's open-source Android platform—which boasts one of the finest touchscreen interfaces out there, iPhone included—came slow out of the gates in fall 2008 with the solid, if uninspiring T-Mobile G1. We had to wait almost a year for the next Android phone in the U.S., but we finally got one this past August with the G1's follow-up, the HTC-made myTouch 3G (also on T-Mobile). Soon after, what started as a trickle quickly became a flood. Sprint trotted out its first Android phone, the eye-catching, touchscreen HTC Hero, and then T-Mobile followed suit with the Motorola Cliq, its third Android handset ... followed by the Samsung Behold II just a few days ago. On Tuesday, Verizon Wireless announced it would launch a pair of Android phones before the end of the year, while Sprint announced its second Android phone—the Samsung Moment—a day later. Oh, and now there's rumors that Dell wants in on the Android action, with a new handset possible slated for iPhone carrier AT&T. Let's see, that's ... one, two, three, four ... five new Android phones in in the past few months, with two more—and possibly even a third—due by the end of the year, from two (or maybe three) different manufacturers and three (possibly four) carriers. Some will be better than others, but consumers will have plenty of models (and carriers) from which to choose. Of course, a bunch of new phones on the market doesn't mean diddly unless someone buys them, and for now, Apple has a solid 10.8- versus 1.6-percent lead over Android in terms of global smartphone market share. But Apple is the only company making iPhones, while the open-source (and high-quality) Android platform is available to all manufacturers and carriers—and from what we've been seeing, they're taking the ball and running with it.
    1 point
  22. I just found this web-site .... I am Chang Noi, born in the Netherlands and living in Thailand since 2000 and living and working in South East Asia. I love traveling and combine that since a few months with my new motorbike. I am living along the Eastern Seaboard (but hopefully not for long anymore) Chang Noi
    1 point
  23. When you are logged in, go to the top part of the forum where you name is on the right hand side. Click it and one of the drop down areas is My Settings. Hit that button. Then hit the Tab for Profile. Once inside there, you can change your avatar to one that is developed with the software, one that you upload or linked from another website. You can also change your about me page, photo, etc. The more creative your aviator the better! I hope this helps!
    1 point
  24. gandalf4

    Leaving the LOS

    My wife recently was granted a visa to join me in the U.S. while we continue to wait for her Green Card. I was under the assumption that I need to buy for her only a one-way ticket to the U.S. However, I know from previous experience, that her visa required a r/t ticket before she was allowed to leave Suvarnabhumi airport. Is this the case in our present situation? Will a r/t ticket be required with her current visa, or does the type of visa make a difference?
    1 point
  25. Germany "urgently" advises against travel to Bangkok By Deutsche Presse Agentur Berlin - The German foreign ministry expressed "great concern" at the violent clashes in the Thai capital Bangkok on Friday, and "urgently" advised against travel to the city. The German embassy had scaled back its work to a bare minimum but remained open - unlike some other embassies - a foreign ministry spokesman said. The ministry had warned last month about the tense situation in the Thai capital, where an anti-government protest camp has come under siege from thousands of Thai soldiers. The latest warning did not include Bangkok airport, which remained safe for transit passengers, the ministry spokesman said. One demonstrator was killed in Friday's clashes, in the heart of Bangkok's posh commercial district.
    1 point
  26. Hua Hin Immigration told me today that one can extend your one-year (some call it "retirement") visa only within the 30-day time period before it expires; however, after some cajoling, I was advised that it can be done earlier but for an extra charge (5,000 baht!). I was between a rock and hard place. My visa expires May 27th but I'm scheduled to fly back to the states on April 26th. I ended up with two choices: (1) Get it extended by paying an extra 5,000 baht (in addition to the 1,900 baht to extend the visa and the 1,000 re-entry permit)or (2) Just let the damn thing lapse, obtain a new Non-Imm O Visa this summer and then get a new retirement visa in the fall. Since I use a visa service in the states, the new Non-Imm O would have cost me about 3,000 baht in total and, of course, the cost of the one year visa is 1,900 baht. Bottom-line, get it all done today and pay a total of 7,900 baht or wait and get it done for a total of 4,900 baht. While I could have saved 3,000 baht, I elected to pony up today and save myself the hassle of getting the two new visas in the future. Moral of the story, I suppose, is to be aware that the cheap way to extend your one-year visa is to do it within 30 days of its expiration date. Next year, I'll stay until May (as you might note, I only missed the damned deadline by 2-3 days in the first place!). P.S. Yes, I could have tried to extend the date of my flights.....but that, in total, would have cost me $300.00 or about 9,000 baht!
    1 point
  27. gorcum

    work permit

    I am Canadian and stay 5 months a year in Thailand. I just purchased a bar and was wondering whatI have to do to get a work permit? Thank you
    1 point
  28. Wino

    Passport For A Thai

    Does anyone have experience in helping a Thai obtain a passport? I think it is an easy process, but not sure. Don't they have to go back to their home province in order to do the paperwork? Thanks for any help.
    1 point
  29. Wills are instruments used to state one's testamentary wishes after death. Usually the issue of Will preparation arises in the Kingdom of Thailand when property disbursements need to be arranged in advance of one's demise. In Thailand, both foreign nationals and Thai Citizens pass away, leaving property in the form of Real Estate, bank accounts , or other forms of personal property. In many cases, the family of the deceased will "let the will speak," which is another way of saying that they will have the Will read in front of those mentioned therein. After that the deceased's family will see to it that it processes through the appropriate probate court. This court will then see that the assets are distributed in the manner set forth in the codicils of the Will. A Living Will is an instrument to be used for an entirely different purpose. The following quote from Wikipedia accurately describes this kind of legal document: "[The Living Will] was first proposed by an Illinois attorney, Louis Kutner, in a law journal in 1969. Kutner drew from existing estate law, by which an individual can control property affairs after death (i.e., when no longer available to speak for themselves) and devised a way for an individual to speak to his or her health care desires when no longer able to express current health care wishes. Because this form of 'will' was to be used while an individual was still alive (but no longer able to make decisions) it was dubbed the 'living will.' A Living Will usually provides specific directives about the course of treatment that is to be followed by health care providers and caregivers. In some cases a living will may forbid the use of various kinds of burdensome medical treatment. It may also be used to express wishes about the use or foregoing of food and water, if supplied via tubes or other medical devices . The living will is only used if the individual has become unable to give informed consent or refusal due to incapacity. A living will can be very specific or very general. An example of a statement sometimes found in a living will is: 'If I suffer an incurable, irreversible illness, disease, or condition and my attending physician determines that my condition is terminal, I direct that life-sustaining measures that would serve only to prolong my dying be withheld or discontinued.'" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advance_health_care_directive#Living_will Recently, the popular website Thaivisa.com in conjunction with The Nation Newspaper reported that the Cabinet in the Kingdom of Thailand has preliminarily approved a proposal that would create legislation allowing living wills in the Kingdom: "The Cabinet Tuesday gave the green light to living wills. Under the draft decree, health professionals will honour a dying patient's wish to forego treatment during the terminal stage if it can only prolong life. The draft prepared by the National Health Commission Office will now go to the Council of State for review." http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thailand-Green-Light-Living-Wills-t320469.html It will probably be interesting to observe how this proposed legislation moves through the numerous government channels. Living Wills are generally an effective method of conveying one's wishes should some misfortune occur. As Thailand is primarily made up of Buddhist adherents, the idea of death can be a notion that some Thais do not wish to openly discuss. Although, passage of legislation aimed at providing for Thai Living Wills would probably be a major relief to some of those living in the Kingdom. With luck, this proposal may gain popular acceptance and be enacted as Thai law. Ben Hart Benjamin W. Hart is licensed to practice law in United States Federal District Court. He is also the Managing Director of Integrity Legal (Thailand) Co. Ltd. Contact Integrity Legal at: 1-877-231-7533, +66 (0)2-266-3698, info@integrity-legal.com. To learn more on related topis please see: US-Thai Amity Treaty or Thai property. http://www.articlesbase.com/law-articles/living-wills-in-thailand-1642365.html
    1 point
  30. The various advantages of holding a Thai PR can perhaps explain the increasing volume of PR applications being received by the immigration office every year. Though the requirements and processes involved are never definite and clear, most resident expats in the Land of Smiles are willing to gamble their money, time and effort to secure a permanent residence status in Thailand. Among the merits of holding a permanent resident status in Thailand are as follows: 1. A PR holder can live permanently in Thailand which means he/she doesn't have to go through the usual immigration red tape. 2. A Thai permanent resident is entitled to an alien registration book which is equivalent to the National ID card held by Thai citizens. Apart from this, he will be issued a permanent residence book. 3. A permanent resident can be included in the Tabien Baan aka house registration document. 4. A PR holder can obtain a work permit easier than a non-resident. This implies that he/she still have to obtain a work permit if he/she intends on working in Thailand. On top of the advantages outlined above, a permanent resident can also enjoy a lot of privileges that go with his permanent status. These include the following: 1. Ability to finance a condo purchase with funds earned in Thailand as opposed to the required use of off shore funds. 2. Being able to apply for naturalization in accordance with the law concerned; 3. Your children who are born in Thailand can be granted a Thai nationality. 4. Become a director of a public company although it's majority Thai owned. 5. Non-Thai family members can also apply for extension of stay and permanent residence. The Immigration bureau implements a quota in granting permanent residence status by nationality. That is only 100 PR grants per nationality every year. The application period normally opens in early or mid December which runs until the last business day of December. The results of the PR application are published in a newspaper in December of the next year. This means that the Thai PR application process takes a year to complete. If you think you are qualified to apply for the Thai PR, it would be good starting your preparation as early as possible. You have to identify the best category which your qualifications fall under and start collecting the required documents associated with it. It's also advised that you enlist the services of a qualified Thailand lawyer to guide you with the requirements and process involved. Siam Legal International is a full service Thailand law firm providing Thailand Immigration and Thai PR assistance to all nationalities. George M. Londob works as a Business Correspondent for Siam Legal International, Thailand's largest legal service network with offices in Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai and Samui. The firm has international locations in London and Los Angeles. Siam Legal is a full-service law firm that provides a wide range of legal and visa services. Reach Siam Legal at +(66) 2-253-8100, or info@siam-legal.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Londob
    1 point
  31. Wino

    Tomato Extract

    This is not a recipe but may be useful knowledge for healthy eating. I take a baby aspirin to thin my blood, but this tomato seed extract sounds like a better option. By Justine Van Der Leun Could millions of people trade in their daily dose of aspirin for tomato extract? On Monday, the European Commission, the European Union’s legal body, confirmed that the extract, patented as Fruitflow, contributes to healthy blood flow, and allowed manufacturers to use such claims in advertising. This is the first time such a health claim has been authorized by the Commission. The allowance follows rigorous clinical trials out of Britain that suggest that foods and drinks fortified with Fruitflow have the same blood-thinning benefits as aspirin -- minus the harmful side effects, like gastric distress. In 1999, while studying the particulars of the Mediterranean diet, Professor Asim Dutta-Roy, then at Aberdeen, Scotland’s Rowett Institute, found that a natural ingredient in the gel around tomato seeds promoted heart health, according to The Daily Mail. Dutta-Roy’s research showed that the tomato ingredient helped smooth platelets and prevent blood clots. Blood clots form when platelets, usually smooth, produce tiny threads called fibrin, which is due to inflammation, according to the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. They then adhere to one another, forming clots that block arteries leading to the heart. These clots can cause stroke or heart attack. Those at risk for such illness -- including men over 50, people with heart disease or a history of heart attacks, or those in poor health from smoking, obesity, alcohol consumption, stress or high cholesterol levels -- often take aspirin for its blood-thinning effects. Aspirin therapy can also reduce the severity of a heart attack. However, aspirin increases the occurrence of gastric ulcers, abdominal bleeding and bleeding in the brain during a stroke. Fruitflow, a ripe tomato extract that comes in syrup form, has not been shown to have any such negative effects. “To date, no side effects have been demonstrated during the development of Fruitflow,†Dutta-Roy told The Daily Mail. Instead, 10 studies -- two of which were published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition -- reported that three grams of Fruitflow were effective just three hours after consumption, making platelets smoother while leaving the rest of the blood able to clot normally in the case of injury. Regular tomato juice is subjected to multiple processing methods that degrade the gel ingredient, rendering it far less effective than its concentrated form. Plain tomatoes are also less effective because the body must slowly digest all parts of the fruit. Fruitflow is now used in Sirco Fruit Juice, a brand only available in Britain. Its manufacturers hope to introduce the colorless, tasteless, fat- and protein-free syrup to other foods like yogurt and margarine, and to sell it in tablet and capsule forms. http://www.aolhealth.com/healthy-living/longevity/fruitflow-tomato-seeds-blood-thinner?icid=main|hp-laptop|dl6|link7|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aolhealth.com%2Fhealthy-living%2Flongevity%2Ffruitflow-tomato-seeds-blood-thinner
    1 point
  32. When he moves to Hua Hin, he has to go to immigration and register his new address. That's the law. I believe it has to be done within 7 or 10 days, I forget which. Then he'll be registered in Hua Hin and will be able to renew his visa there.
    1 point
  33. CrazyExpat

    Banking in Thailand

    Banking in Thailand One aspect of Thai banking that becomes quickly noticeable is there often is no consistency. Different banks have different rules, regulations, and procedures. Sometimes that lack of consistency exists between different branches of the same bank. It is more of an annoyance than a serious problem, but often in one branch you will be told one thing and then something entirely different in another branch. Thai banks have main branches and mini branches. The mini branches are found mostly in shopping malls. The mini branches are quite convenient because they have longer hours than the main branches and are open every day, with the exception of certain holidays. The mini branches open when their mall location opens and usually remain open until about 9:00pm, depending on their location. Nearly every branch, even in small cities, has someone on staff whose English is acceptable. If you are to be in Thailand for on a long-term visa, such as a Retirement Visa, holding a Thai bank account is required. Many Thai banks no longer allow foreigners to open an account if they are in Thailand without a non-immigrant visa. There are still some, however, that allow you to open an account even if you entered Thailand on the 30-day privilege you receive upon entry at international airports. If one branch refuses to allow you to open an account, try another branch. Remember about the inconsistency. If you intend to retire in Thailand, but do not yet hold a Thai bank account, it can be quite a problem if you cannot find a bank that will allow you to open an account. However, if you apply for the Retirement Visa while still in your home country, provided that you are otherwise eligible, the visa will be granted without holding a Thai bank account. Once you hold the Retirement Visa you will be able to easily open an account at any bank in Thailand. All Thai banks permit opening an account with a minimum deposit of 500 baht. Upon opening an account you will be issued a passbook. The ATM card is called Visa Electron. There is a fee for the Visa Electron card. Most banks charge 200 to 300 baht for it. When it expires, the banks charge a fee for renewal, usually 100 baht. Banks that offer interest to a foreigner’s savings account usually offer only a very low interest rate. Thai ATMs are sophisticated and plentiful. Even the smallest towns will have ATMs. In larger cities they are virtually everywhere. If you make a withdrawal at an ATM at which you hold an account, there is no fee if you are within the province at which you opened the account. If you are in a different province, most banks assess a 25 baht fee when making withdrawals. If you make a withdrawal at an ATM other than your own bank’s machine, a 25 baht fee is assessed no matter where you are in Thailand. The Visa Electron card also works outside of Thailand. You can make withdrawals at most ATMs anywhere in the world. Most grocery stores, department stores, restaurants, and nearly anywhere in Thailand that normally would accept a credit card will allow you to pay with your Visa Electron card. PayPal now allows you to hold an account if your bank is a Thai bank. When registering for PayPal they ask for a credit card. The accept the Visa Electron card, which means you can have PayPal deposit funds into your Thai bank account. It takes 5 to 7 days for the funds to reach your account via PayPal. PayPal does not yet issue their ATM card for Thai-based accounts. If you go to an ATM representing your own bank, anywhere in Thailand, you can do much more than simply make withdrawals. You can do balance inquiries, even for other banks. You can pay bills, add time to your mobile phone, pay bills, and transfer funds to any Thai bank, including other banks. For example, if you hold an account with Kasikorn Bank, but wish to transfer money to a Bangkok Bank account, you can do so at any Kasikorn Bank ATM, but many banks restrict the hours in which those types of transactions can be done. The hours available for those types of transactions are usually 6:00am to 8:00 or 9:00pm, depending on the bank. At branch locations there are usually Cash Deposit Machines available. You can deposit cash into your own account or any other account. The machine checks the cash to verify the cash is genuine, not counterfeit. In most cases the funds are immediately available once the machine accepts the cash. In some cities that service is available 24 hours per day. In other cities that service is available only during restricted hours, even when it is the same bank. There are usually passbook update machines at branch locations. Depending on the bank, ATM withdrawals are limited to 20,000 to 25,000 baht per day. All Thai banks have online banking available. Some banks, however, permit online banking only if you hold a non-immigrant visa. Depending on the bank, establishing online banking ranges from quite simple to quite complicated. Once you have established online banking, you can check your balance and do transactions from anywhere in the world. Short of withdrawing cash, you can use online banking to do every kind of transaction that can be done at ATMs. Online banking also includes bill paying services. Billers that have contracted with the bank will have their names appear on a dropdown list. You select the company to which the bill will be paid. When filling out the form you will be asked for two reference numbers. Both reference numbers appear on the bill. Banks charge a 10 baht fee for each bill paid via their bill pay services. Some Thai banks have non-commercial branches in foreign countries. Bangkok Bank, for example, has a branch office in New York. That branch office has a routing number, which means that any funds you can receive by direct deposit can be sent to your Bangkok Bank account via the New York branch. You will normally receive the funds the same day they are deposited. Several banks now offer mobile phone services. If your mobile phone has Internet capabilities, the banks that offer such services provide secure services and allow you to fully access your account via mobile phone. You can check your balance, pay bills, top off your mobile phone time, and transfer funds to other accounts. Thai banks do not offer account insurance similar to the USA’s FDIC. It is advisable to be very careful when using an ATM. Make sure no one can see you enter your PIN. Change your PIN code on a regular basis, which can be done at an ATM. Do not let anyone approach you when using an ATM. If you use an ATM at night, try to use one in a well lit location with plenty of people around. If you are a regular traveler to Thailand or stay in Thailand on a long-term basis, then holding a Thai bank account is convenient and cost effective. Nearly every Thai bank assesses a 150 baht fee for transactions and withdrawals if the ATM card being used is a foreign ATM card. cc ThailandVisa.com 2009
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  34. Hi. Just curious. I was looking at my profile. What does the REPUTATION (under the photo, I suppose) mean? I have 1 for reputation and it says neutral. I saw someone with a red reputation which says -1. Who gives out the reputations? Haha. Just curious.
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  35. Pattaya, 29 September,2009, [PDN]: two tourists invited a couple of ladyboys back to their hotel room. While there, one or the other of the ladyboys is suspected of having spiked their hosts’ drinks, with the result that one man died and the other was hosoitalised. The case is under investigation At 8.50 am, on 29 September, Pol.Lt.Col. Chatchai Srisuwan, Pattaya Police Investigator, was notified by Mrs. Sopis Sungkakarn, [50] the Pattaya City Hotel Receptionist that one of their clients was dead in his room and his friend, who had been sharing the room, had been sent to hospital. The police went immediately to investigate the incident. In room 304, containing twin single beds, at Pattaya City Hotel, located in Soi Pattaya Klang 12, Moo. 10, police found a team of doctors from the Pattaya Memorial Hospital pumping the heart of Mr. Anand Amint, [25], who was lying unconscious on the bed, wearing only underpants. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, the doctors were not able to save his life because it is estimated that he had been dead for about 10 minutes before the doctors arrived. Police did not find any immediate signs of foul play. His clothes were on the bed next to his body and a used condom was on the floor. A few bottles of whisky and beer were also found in the room. Mr. Parwan Kumar, [41], his friend, had been sent to hospital. He was intoxicated from drugs; as yet unidentified. He was lucky to be treated in time and is now safe, but was still unable give any further information. Mrs. Sopis said the two men had checked in at the hotel on 28 September and had both brought lady boys back to the room at 4.00 am. The two ladyboys had left the rooms later on in the early morning. http://www.pattayadailynews.com/shownews.php?IDNEWS=0000010526
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  36. Some interesting facts about Thailand • Thailand has been ranked as 84th least corrupted country in the world according to the 2007 Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International. • Thailand was known as Siam until 1949, and it was later changed to Thailand. • The country was never colonised, and thus the country retains its culture and religion. • According to a 2008 survey, country’s population is around 65 million • Thailand is world’s 49th largest country, which is larger than California state of US • The country spends a good portion of its money on importing fuel. Thailand imported the furl worth US$18.5 billion this year. • The country is getting extremely popular as a medical tourism destination. The country earned 36.4 billion baht (US$1 billion) in the year 2006. • Thailand's Board of Investment (BoI) offers numerous incentives in order to promote foreign investment in the country. • Thai people don’t like anyone touching their head. This is governed by a belief that a person’s soul resides in head. So, you should never touch a Thai on the head.
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  37. I'm not sure how this forum works but on some forums you can donate points to someone who posted something helpful. So a -1 would be someone who donated a point but never received one. I think.
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  38. Dear All user, First of all, thank you for your interesting in the Tiffany's Show. We're apologize for your unconvinient to visit our homepage. Now we're hard working to solve the virus problem. For more information of Miss International Queen 2009, please visit us at www.missinternationalqueen.com When our homepage can use without virus we will announce again. Thank you.
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  39. I am not getting an virus alert but I have sent a message to the owners of the website to have this checked. It is a flash Intro that may be the issue there.
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  40. Try this one: Meatloaf Serves 8 to 10 • 4 slices white bread, torn into pieces • 2 1/2 pounds ground beef • 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and cut into eighths • 2 cloves garlic • 2 stalks celery, cut into 2-inch pieces • 2 carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces • 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves • 1 large egg • 1 cup ketchup • 3 teaspoons dry mustard • 1 tablespoon coarse salt • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper • 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Place bread in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade; pulse until fine crumbs form. Transfer to a medium bowl, and add ground beef. 2. Place onion, garlic, celery, carrots, and parsley in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade; pulse until fine. Add to meat mixture, using hands to mix well. Add egg, 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 teaspoons dry mustard, salt, and pepper; use hands to combine thoroughly. Place in an 8 1/2-by-4 1/2-by-2 1/2-inch loaf pan. 3. Combine remaining 1/2 cup ketchup, remaining teaspoon dry mustard, and brown sugar in a bowl; stir until smooth. 4. Brush mixture over meatloaf; place in the oven with a baking pan set on the rack below to catch drippings. Cook until a meat thermometer inserted in the center reads 160 degrees, about 90 minutes. If top gets too dark, cover with foil, and continue baking.
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  41. smoker

    Meatload from Lvdkeyes

    My version: My meatloaf - otherwise known as "burger and bun in one" is the food make when you are a few days before your paycheck and really don't want to be forced to choose between beer and food. It will cost only a few bucks to make and, in general, feed you for about three days. That's a good thing. Plus, you get to get messy. MEATLOAF AKA BURGER AND BUN IN ONE Step One: Purchase a loaf of bread, two pounds of cheap ground beef, eggs, a large jar of cheap ass tomato sauce. Step Two: Turn the dial on your over two thirds of the way around. Do this first. Really. Step Three: Wash your hands. Step Four: Throw the meat into a bowl. Crack two or three eggs into it. Step Five: Rip up five or six slices of bread and throw them into the bowl. Step Six: Dump two thirds of the jar of sauce into the bowl. Step Seven: Put one shake of every spice you have in the house into the bowl. Also add three shakes of worchester sauce if you happen to have a bottle of it around. Step Eight: Stick your hands in the bowl and mush it around until it starts becoming one solid mass. Then shape the solid mass into a loaf shaped item. Step Nine: Open the oven door. If you have been following this closely heat should emanate from the oven. If not, remember to turn the dial on the oven two thirds of the way around and wait 10 minutes. Step 10: Put the loaf like object onto the oven pan. Then pour the last third of the jar of sauce over the loaf like object. Step 11: Close over door. Wait 75 minutes. Step 12: Open over door, take out food. Step 13: Wait 15 minutes for loaf to cool. Step 14: Eat.
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  42. Bob

    Meatload from Lvdkeyes

    Yep, I think the "meatload" deal is a totally different recipe... But the meatloaf recipe does sound great and, if/when I get the urge to actually cook, will have to try it.
    1 point
  43. Thaimo

    Meatload from Lvdkeyes

    "Meatload from Lvdkeyes." That has to be the greatest Freudian slip I've ever seen! Your recipe looks wonderful. I will soon try it.
    1 point
  44. I think it is very sad that many people - myself included- have stopped wearing a yellow shirt on Mondays. This doesn't mean we no longer respect the King - indeed I have a lot of respect for him - but because we don't want to be associated with the PAD. Very sad though his illness is at least I can show my respect for the King now because I can wear a pink shirt to wish he gets well soon and pink shirts luckily have no 'political' connotations. The main article about the PAD Leader again shows unfair treatment. All the PAD should be in jail because of the severe damage they did Thailand by the Airport occupation. The Courts were right to find him guilty and are following the law which if the PAD had their way would be changed. Unfortunately he is still not in jail - oh what a shame. The previous posting is very accurate and the PAD would destroy Thailands democracy if they had their way and 'appointed' all their supporters to 'govern' Thailand. I am not a red shirt supporter either but somebody needs to protect us from the PAD. If the King was younger and fitter I know he would be pushing for a middle path following Buddhist philosophy to guide us through this dreadful political crisis. I did hope perhaps the Prime Minister would be the one to take this middle road and bring Thailand back together and reach a compromise that could satisfy red and yellow shirt supporters, but unfortunately he has demonstrated that he is too closely allied to the 'yellow shirts' by appointing PAD supporters to key Government positions. (Our Foreign Minister should also be in prison for taking part in the Airport fiasco)!!!
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  45. i absolutely agree with you
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  46. Yes you are absolutely right you must be careful in indonesia a lot of ppl LOSE THE MONEY IN THE GOVERNMENT BANK CAN YOU ALL BELIEVE IT THEY ALSO ASKED SOME EXTRA TO EVERY SERV ICE, THEY NOT FRANKLY ABOUT THIS BUT YOU MUST KNOW HOW TO PLAY
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  47. While I'm a big fan of the Thai people, I have no clue what "84th least corrupt" is supposed to mean. In reality, Thailand's government, elite, and police are more corrupt than any country I've ever known. Absolutely endemic.
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  48. I wouldn't want to believe that they're marrying Thai women just because they're submissive and subservient. That would be too superficial for a reason.
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  49. It is legit. 500 posts gets your name in the pot. It will be a live drawing. It is available for anyone who wants to visit Thailand! We love the country and want as many as we can to come and see how amazing it is!
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  50. Udon Thani, also known as simply Udon, is a province in the northeast of Thailand, close to the Laotian border and is the gateway to Laos via the Friendship Bridge at Nong Khai. Its capital city is also named Udon Thani. Most Thais refer to it as Udon. Udon Thani was relative unknown to foreigners until the Vietnam war, at which time the USA set up a military base. That base has since been turned over to Thailand, which was part of the deal when the USA was granted permission to set up the base. Udon Thani itself is better known as a gateway city rather than a major tourist destination. Many tourists pass through Udon Thani on their way to somewhere else, such as Laos and Nong Khai during the time of the Naga Fireballs. The Naga Fireballs is a phenomenon that has to be seen to be believed. No one seems to know how this phenomenon occurs, but it is predictable. Along the banks of the Mekong River, when the moon rises, the phenomenon begins, with these fireballs rising out of the river. Sometimes there are only a few. Sometimes there are thousands. This year, 2009, the phenomenon is expected to occur the evening of Sunday, October 4. If you wish to experience the phenomenon you won’t be alone. As many as 500,000 spectators are expected. If you wish to go, if you don’t already have hotel reservations, try to make them immediately. Don’t be too surprised if you cannot find any vacancies. Reservations are usually made months in advance. Getting to Udon Thani is easy. Udon Thani has a good passenger airport. There is also an abundance of bus services to Udon and is a 14 hour railroad train ride from Bangkok. Within Udon there is plenty of public transportation. There are motorcycle taxis, tuk-tuks, baht buses, and even bicycle rickshaws for short-distance rides. You can also rent bicycles and pedal around the city yourself. There are many mid-range priced hotels in Udon Thani and surrounding areas. In Udon Thani you will find an abundance of Korean barbeque restaurants. These are quite popular in Udon. If that is not to your taste, then along with all the Thai food, you can find the typical fast food restaurants in the shopping centers and a few western restaurants. The best western restaurants, along with some the best shopping, can be found in the Charoen Shopping Complex. There is also a good night bazaar near the railroad station. The shopping action at the night bazaar usually begins around 5:00pm and finishes up around 10:30pm. The Charoen Shopping Complex also houses most of Udon Thani’s nighttime entertainment venues, with bars, karaokes, and English style pubs Udon Thani is in the real Issan part of Issan. Wherever you go, you can count on seeing one thing. Rice farms. Everywhere you look you’ll see rice farms. This is the major industry in this area of Thailand and this is also the area at whioch most of Thailand’s famous sticky rice is grown. Sightseeing in and around the Udon Thani area includes: • Ban Chiang – This is widely considered to be the most important recent archeological discovery in nearly all of Southeast Asia. The discoveries, beginning in 1967, here date back to the Bronze Age and artifacts have been made here that date back as far as 4400 BC. This is one of the finest museums in Thailand and is considered a must when visiting Udon Thani. • Udon Thani Museum – This museum houses collections dating back to the founding of Udon Thani and includes an abundance of historical information. • Udon Sunshine Orchid Farm – This is one of Thailand’s finest collections of common and rare orchids. A stop here is a must if you are an orchid enthusiast and well worth a stop even if you are not. Some of the most beautiful flowers you will ever see can be found here. • Phu Foi Lom – This is a major eco-tourism site, located in the Pa Phan Don-Pakho National Forest. There are also several caves, waterfalls, rapids, and other historical sites to visit. Local food products include the Chinese sausage called kun chiang, moo yong, which is a pork floss, moo yo, which is steamed pork, and moo naem, which is a sour pork product. If you wish to enter Laos via the Friendship Bridge at Nong Khai, the visa-on-arrival fee for foreigners is US $35 and entitles you to 30 days in Laos You must have two passport photos available. Thais pay a different fee of their own. Air conditioned buses to Vientiane depart six times daily from Udon Thani. The fare is 80 baht one way. cc ThailandVisa.com 2009
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