jacko

I believe there is also one in the Carrefour Mall, opposite the food court near the car park entrance.

Pattaya Pete answered your question, but I might add that a return ticket would be necesary when you apply for an extension. How about a multiple entry tourist visa?

She only needed to eat once in over 4 hours???? Didya take sandwiches?

I open up my computer at the airport....... nice to grab some free fast internet connection. Sometimes post on this forum from there. Wouldn't hardly regard myself as a poser.

Oh well... this impossible one year visa.... which apparently does not exist, I must have dreamt of. Twice, because I was looking at my friend's passport, again yesterday, and his Non Imm O-A multiple. Valid for a year, and each time he has entered Thailand (3rd time now), he gets a stamp for a 1 year stay. He could get 2 years out of it if he plans well. Whooooosh........ that woke me up. Lot of confusion out there this week, is someone from a visa company stirring the pot?

Had I been a passenger who had paid for a first class seat, I would have been tempted to ask to be put on another flight, perhaps claiming dog allergy disability. I am not travelling all the way to Bangkok sharing a cabin with a dog...... although I know he won't mind!

Would a non Immigrant O-A multiple (retirement visa obtained in your home country) not be valid for a one years stay in LOS? I have certainly seen them stamped thus! Obviously the 90 day reporting at the Immigration office would be required. I am also getting an impression here that income of 65,000 baht AND 800,000 in the bank is required to get the retirement extension in Thailand..... surely that is OR!?

There was a hovercraft service a LONG time ago ( a decade maybe) between Pattaya and Hua Hin... it is certainly no more. I think you are going to be driving!

The mains frequency in Thailand is the same as UK, 50hz. The voltage is slightly different, 220 in Thailand, 240 in UK, but neither of these should be an issue for modern appliances. The colour system is also PAL in both countries, but there are multiple types of PAL, Thailand uses PAL B/M, the UK uses PAL I , they are normally incompatible..... I am unsure whether you will be able to get the sound. This might be as Sam mentions above. Internet research may be needed! Check the TV book to see if it can handle multiple systems. http://www.kropla.com/tv.htm

It sounds like you have already put a lot of time and effort into this endeavour. A 40 inch LCD TV can be had at Carefour for about 70,000 baht, so your choice. I bought my fishing rods here to avoid the inconveniences you will suffer. You must LOVE that TV!

Yes KLM will connect you to China Airlines through Schiphol. Emirates may be a fair alternative, but Dubai was awful when I last transited there. Also the extra flying time needs to be considered....I keep hoping for some direct carrier from Manchester-Bangkok!

It is hard to predict last minute bargain availability, so I would recommend booking between now and a minimum of 1-2 months before travel. With the oil prices likely to go higher, and the possible implementation of stupid 'green' taxes now may be the best! Lowest prices are normally obtained by avoiding peak times (Easter for your example), and weekend travel.If you use a Middle Eastern airline, weekend from your transit point, would be Thursday/Friday. Beware of transiting in Western Europe, as obligatory airport taxes/ charges can add up.

I have talked to one or two who fulfil those requirements currently working in Peppermint a Go-Go. Their rate is about 2000 baht/ hour for knob polishing!

When I last compared (to the UK)...... 001...Full price, cost you both limbs from one side of body. (19b/min) 007...Good quality, 9b/min 008... A bit noisy on the line, 7b/min 009... Hit and miss on quality but suffices. 7b/min. I stick with 009 and it is preprogrammed into my mobile now for my frequent calls.

Well I guess I would like to be 'off the map'......but check my flag!

The beaches are mainly public property so it is unlikely. You could access internet on an EDGE/GPRS network though, via your mobile phone. You might tempt fate and need to keep an eye on your laptop if you go for a swim.

My neighbour has gone through a lot of problems with his permit. His renewal was problematic and he had his business account locked. He has also spent a lot of time without his passport, which also prevents him getting money. He was often told 'not to worry' and little else. Currently his lawyer, who has just bought a new car, is holding his passport (he gave it to the lawyer afer a visa run), likely waiting for a newly presented bill to be paid. (I believe about 80k). Applying for the work permit, with only a week left on the stamp, was the original mistake. I hope your lawyer came well recommended.

Yes, very few offer 100% security. The only UK one may be National Savings, as they are guaranteed by the UK treasury. But doesn't he sleep with the taxman! What is a man to do? Money under the mattress earns 0%.

Then likely there is no relationship. Although the owner there is English, a tall gentleman who comes across as very competent. He often presents at the Pattaya Expats club. I also met an Australian there who was Thai fluent. No idea of any association with a pub manager. Don't expect too much from Thai websites...TIT. I recently sent another one an enquiry regarding a house for sale, and it took them 4 weeks to reply.

AA Insurance is a broker, they arrange the medical insurance for the Pattaya Expats Club and my motorcycle cover. Used to be on Pattaya Klang, but just moved to Duck Square near Big C South. http://www.aainsure.net/links.html

I am looking into an Alliance and Leicester account based in the IOM. Great interest rate (6.5%) Internet only. Certified copy of passport and a utility bill required. Alliance and Leicester

Now that one is definitely eye-popping tight...

I re-read your post and it may be risky. Plane landing, (on-time do you think), long walk to immigration, immigration queues, collect luggage and finding a taxi...then check in at Don Muang. If your ETA is anytime around the Bangkok rush hours, it could be tight.

I saw that Ocean 1 Tower was to go ahead on a news article a few days ago, that is some 91 floors, tallest in Thailand! As to VT7, if the construction is now going ahead, what has prompted this? Just 14 metres or 4 floors, for real?

Heathrow has been crap for me the last several times, exhibiting pathetic organisation, overcrowding and complete lack of regard for customers. Broken jetways, late departures, aircraft parking in remote areas and waiting 45 minutes for the steps, repeated security checks, long queues and surly staff who cannot speak English. Transit from terminal 1 to 4 and reverse is a chore... the connections centre a farce. My pet hate, a national disgrace, burn it down, leave the staff inside...rebuild. Sciphol for me next few trips......will try Abu Dhabi or Qatar next. Heathrow, well I will wait to see if terminal 5 helps, but somehow I doubt it.