jacko

Well thanks for the tips but I do fly Biz and actually pay for it normally.(Although recent prices make me wonder whether economy and drugs is the way to go). At the moment I am content to enjoy flights in comfort and not pay any 5k bartabs.

They are fine, no stupid repetition.

Mostly true, but it won't get better without some complaint. This guy has an opportunity to correct a problem. I do notice here that Thais have no respect for your time and there is always some little problem. I walked out of Homeworks recently after having 45 minutes of my time wasted being passed from dope to dolt! There are other shops these days and if they want to compete, up to them.

Yes, that seperate upstairs cabin is great now that they have stopped the big kids and the little kids traipsing through to view the cockpit.

Why not just make an International transfer to your Thai account prior to your trip.Better exchange rate, you avoid the TC commission and also the 33 baht fee and tax per TC. You do of course have to pay for the transfer, and there will be a charge when received but for me it is more convenient and works out better.

Plenty of reasons for me, but I always need to transit there and perhaps therein lies the problem.I have been stuck in planes awaiting 'steps' and had many other delays there too.

I can confirm that rolling tobacco was slightly cheaper in Qatar than Bangkok. Problem is you cannot pay in your left over Thai baht and have to dig out your £/$/Euros. As to alcohol, yes they do sell it and since stuff bought in Bangkok might well be taken off you, little choice.

I don't see it growing to much more than an airport from nearby countries and the odd charter.Not expecting BA or Quantas to stop off there en-route between Heathrow and Sydney. I would choose to land there though as it is closer to my final destination and I wouldn't have a problem asking the TGF to drive out there and pick me up. Oh no, not another discount card being hyped......

Probably not much demand for 1st in Manchester unless it's footballers wives! But I will give the Biz a go!

That could work......

True, I was surprised by the heat my LCD gave off.

That is interesting, might be tempted to do an Emirates just to get to see this aircraft from the inside.

I read so many posts that exact details might be overlooked. How old are you? I estimated 56 so in 9 years you get a further £15k p.a. Whoopee.... That could be an extra 10,000 baht/ week by then.. An LD will be 250 baht and a bottle in Tony's about the same. If you are happy that is good. Whatever others say is irrelevant. But Torrenova's post said what I meant.... Okay, perhaps I can withdraw frugal, and say 'economical', or not being a spendthrift. I think I spend approximately 60k/month now, but that excludes my big ticket items, insurances, flight tickets, house jobs and purchases. I would say I live a frugal life, relative to some who brag of 5k bar bills. I don't think I ever had a bar bill over 4k to pay, and would be pretty much flattened by a restaurant bill of about that...... Good luck mate.....

All sounds fine to me... keep it up. Regarding the coughing, do you smoke? If so stop it and then you will have more money to spend on beer. PS Define 'functioning'

I think monthly and 50-60k seems sufficient for, as you say, a frugal life.Just the sunshine and warmth may suffice for some. But I question whether in 5-10 years time, it still will be enough. Whatever income a retiree has, needs to keep up with inflation.

Don't give up yet mate. Although forget the idea of 70/80 baht per £ for now.A few more years, more pension, more home equity and all could be well. But I am of the opinion that Thailand will become less of a retirement place for Europeans in the next few years. Those of us here already may have established themselves with a home, and trimmings, but I agree with Torrenova that many will be forced out by the exchange rate. New arrivals will find it tougher....

Fine idea...But I guarrantee, you will get 'hitched'...ie end up living with a TG. It happens to all except those that prefer a Thai boy. Along comes a bit of responsibility for another family. It will happen and will affect finances.

Slight thread fuck Mr T, but if I am selling a business, I might be quite pleased to have mug punters coming with buckets full of cash and having no idea what anything is worth. Good point though, this steady influx of them, all recently loved up, does keep the ball rolling!

Yes, but you are Scottish... He is a Londoner.....

I have sophon cable so most of the time the resolution is irrelevant, but now and again I stick a DVD in, select HDMI and am pleasantly surprised.

He can't get back in to reply........

That's great Tom... people differ. It might be me too.....Bad neighbours are just that irrespective of nationality. But the farang ones generally are older and don't have 5 kids and 8 dogs, and paint their houses now and again!

If he is old enough to get the state pension, he is too old for insurance! To the OP. You can't get 50 baht/£ now and 57k baht/month alone is not sufficient to live near Pattaya. When you first come here you may need some big ticket items (car/ motorcycle or accommodation). Do you have savings? A bit in the bank on top of this might see you through........ let us know and good luck.

I'm in there already stinky, come contradict me if you dare...

Yes....... But not so restrictive as saying the home country... I might say Brits, American, Australian and Western Europe.... but no Irish. (Just kidding on the Irish comment). I am afraid to say that Thais are not the best neighbours..... Nor am I..... I epitomise the grumpy old man.