Florida Guy

Manracer402003, I'm a little confused and now it appears Mr. Toom is confused also. You say he didn't meet you as arranged on July 15, but in your later post your e-mails are confirming arrival on AUGUST 15. It also appears Mr. Toom has agreed to meet you on Aug. 15. Is this two separate trips? Yes I did send you e mail see letter below:ang2 ----- Original Message ----- From: sura kawpraparn To: michael.dixon833@ntlworld.com Sent: Tuesday, July 04, 2006 12:00 PM Subject: RE: Availability of booking a taxi Hello Khun Michel Welcome to my service and so thank for confidence me i'm receive your order already can confirm now and very easy to meet me at BKK.A/P after immigration and custom clear have to out arrival hall please turn left and look at right side i will wait for you with your name on a board around there if that time have any problem please call 01-4827148 or 03-0178066 and for back trip if you want i'm take care please send direct mail or call to me later. Many thank see you 15 Aug 07.20 am. Mr.Toom Mr.Toom -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "michael dixon" <michael.dixon833@ntlworld.com> To: <toom39@msn.com> Subject: Availability of booking a taxi Date: Mon, 3 Jul 2006 18:10:46 +0100 Hi Mr Toon I fly into Bangkok airport on Saturday 15th August at 07:20 Etihad Airways from Abu Dhabi to Bangkok Flight number is EY 403. Is it possible to arrange a taxi booking form airport to Pattaya ,I am stopping at the flippers lodge hotel. The price quoted I have seen all inclusive for 1200 baht Thank You hope to hear comfirmation soon Mr Michael Dixon

My buddy flies out of L.A. and usually takes Eva ... I believe that may be China Air so I don't know if there's any price difference. Just ONE day in Thailand is justification enough for travel expenses ... anything over that is a bonus! Seriously, I'd plan on at least a couple weeks. It also depends on what you want to do there ... travel the country or stay in one place. Be forewarned though, if you make plans beforehand, expect them to go in the toilet once you get there! Don't say I didn't warn you! Have fun.

It appears the website is a site for "writers". Also I see at the bottom of the story, the writer (Bangkok Bill) has the story copyrighted. I'd say that's exactly what it is .. a "story". Maybe the beginning of a book if it's received well.

Huh? What site? Did you forget to attach a link or are you talking about Pattaya Residence Garden?

I always stay at Sunshine Vista which is one street behind Bella Vista Prima, so if you like that area, you're practically in the same exact place. Sunshine Vista Serviced Apartments They're located on quiet Soi 3, a 5 minute walk up the hill to Big C/2nd Rd. (also a 7-11 and many small beer bars for that last stop before returning to the room) or a 5 min. walk down the hill to Beach Rd. It's right behind the hospital in case of any medical emergencies. There are also two inexpensive laundries across the street where I drop off my clothes ... cheaper than going through the hotel service. I've stayed there 4 times, enjoy it and have never had any problems. They have a free breakfast but it's marginal (I'm usually not up in time to catch it anyway). There is an internet cafe at the end of the lobby. They have in-room safes and are guest friendly. I really like the rooftop pool w/swim up bar. It may not be quite as nice as BVP, but cheaper and still nice enough. Plenty adequate. During the low season (right now) they are running a special, stay 7 days and only pay for 6 days or stay 14 days and only pay for 12 days. The only problem I have with them is you have to wire your deposit so I book my reservations on-line through Sawadee.com and put it on my credit card. Sawadee.com Hope this helps.

Not sure how much brewing formula Carlsberg brings to the table, but they are definitely envolved with LBC.

Had a buddy who hit LOS a few years ago and drank nothing but Singha. After about a week he was sick as a dog and was bad enough off to seek a doctor. (Dr. Belen off 2nd Rd, Soi Sukruedee, she's great if you need a doc) She asked what he'd been doing since he'd been in Thailand ... he said "Drinking and fucking". She asked what he'd been drinking and he answered, "Singha". Her prescription? "WELL QUIT DRINKING SINGHA"! He switched to Heineken and had no more trouble.

I was in Vientianne as well as Issan (Udon Thani) last November and drank quite my share of Beer Lao and found it to be a great tasting beer. With their projected increase in production I wouldn't doubt it will be readily available all over LOS before too long. As for production figures and ownership, I pulled this off their website: Lao Brewery was established in Laos in 1971 and began its production in 1973, originally known as Brasseries et Glaci è res du Laos (BGL). The BGL was formed as a joint venture between the French investor and some local investors (85%-15% shareholding each) with the total investment of US$3.75 million and had maximum production capacity of 3 million litres per year of beer. At the initial stage, two trademarks of beer were formulated namely LARUE contained in a large bottle of 0.66 litre and "33" export contained in a small bottle of 0.33 litre. Following political change in Laos in 1975, the Lao government bought back all the overseas shares and since then the BGL has become a state enterprise under the Ministry of Industry and Handicrafts called Lao Brewery Co. Ltd. (LBC). From 1993 the company became a joint venture between the Government, with a 49% share, and Loxley (public) Co. Ltd. and Italian Thai (public) Co. Ltd. holding a combined share of 51%, with registered capital of US$ 20 Million. With the employees up to 300 people, the company produced 30 million litres per year. Moreover, LBC was upgraded recently through the addition of a new automatic brew house and packaging lines. In the beginning of 2002, the two Thai investors decided to withdraw its share from LBC which then gave the Lao Government back total control of the company. Subsequently, Carlsberg Asia, a unit of Denmark 's Carlsberg Breweries AS (K.CRL), and TCC, a Thai company who is Carlsberg's partner in Thailand , each agreed to acquire a 25% stake in LBC. The remaining shares are still held by the government of Laos . Due to being a pro-active market player with control of 99% of the market share, the company has a yearly production of 63 million litres and expects to reach 120 million litres by the end of 2005 year. Today, the company has 493 employees and its value is estimated at US$56 million.

When I first got out of the service I had no insurance coverage and had some minor medical problems that the VA took care of (including minor surgery). Follow-up was a bitch and no matter how minor, was an all day affair. I later received medical insurance through my employer and the last time I used any VA benefits was 1977. In 1989 I decided to start my own business and purchased private medical insurance but after a few years it was breaking me. The expense was astronomical, so I decided to drop it. My personal friend happens to be a doctor, so I went to him for regular care and decided I'd keep the VA in my "back pocket" in case of a catastrophic illness or major injury etc. My doc was getting a bit concerned with my blood pressure and when I priced the meds he wanted me to take, I decided to again consider VA. A few years ago I decided to get a COMPLETE physical since I was in my 50's and had never really had one. I contacted VA and they ran me through the whole gamut of tests at no charge to me. I was put on blood pressure meds again at no charge. Believe it or not, they even supply my Viagra! (said the ED was caused by the high B/P) I fell under the income radar because being self-employed, I can cover most of my living expenses through my business and show very little actual income. Last year I had to give myself a raise and it threw me into a higher income bracket. Now my VA medical care is still free but the prescriptions run me $8.00/month (per prescription). The care has been excellent and I'm usually seen at my appointment times or within an hour if they're exceptionally busy and running behind. The system has improved dramatically since the 70's! A couple weeks ago I had my first colonoscopy and was given a clean bill of health. This week I have an appointment for tests as they're a bit concerned with my cholestoral levels. Needless to say, not having this care will be a major setback for me "when" I move to LOS. I was hoping to have Medicare to fall back on but that's out also. It's something I'm really going to have to figure out when the time comes to relocate. Hopefully something will change in the next 10 years.

You're probably right Short, that may have something to do with it. But the major hospitals in LOS are modern affairs with computers ... it sure seems that some arrangements could be made. Abuse the system and the relationship disolves. That would be a big hit as far as cash flow goes. Heck, it would be a bartgain in some respects considering how much cheaper quality health care is in LOS compared to the States. I believe retired vets get coverage overseas (tricare) and get reimbursed for medical treatment they receive in private medical facilities. Surely someone could come up with a similar system for Medicare.

It sounds like Air France is out, but FYI, I flew AF from the States to Moscow and it was a great flight. Actually four legs, US to Paris, Paris to Moscow and the same route on the return. The food was the best I've had on an airline and they gave out free wine and Champagne. The service was great and the hostesses were some real lookers. I can't think of any complaints. Problem is, that was about 8 years ago so I don't know if things have changed since then.

I plan on retiring in LOS in about 10 years and insurance (or lack of) is my biggest fear. I have VA benefits but they will not cover me overseas because I wasn't a career veteran although I did my time in the military and was promised VA care for life. I have also been paying into Medicare all my working life (44 years so far with another 10 1/2 to go) and understand they also will not cover me overseas. That's a crock, if I put in my time (military/VA) and paid for it (Medicare), why can't I receive coverage? I know I can purchase private insurance but it gripes my ass since I'm entitled to two different plans but can't benefit from either. I will also retire with VERY limited resources and I could sure use that money elsewhere. I've heard rumors of the Medicare situation changing somewhere down the line, but as far as I know, it's just that ... a rumor.

I use Delta Skymiles for every trip to LOS, but I book many months in advance to get the best flights. If I wait too late, I can still find flights but the times and layovers can really suck. I fly Delta out of Tampa, Florida to Atlanta where I pick up KAL to Seoul then on to BKK. The return is the exact opposite. Skymiles are great if you know how to work them. If you book far in advance and/or have flexible times/dates it's a great advantage plus at only 60,000 miles to LOS it's lower than most.

I always stay at the Sunshine Vista. It meets all your criteria listed above plus there are a couple of laundries that do good (and cheap) work right across the street from the lobby. (the hotel laundry service is pricier) It's on a very quiet soi yet a short walk up the hill and you're at Big C, a short walk down the hill and you're on Beach Road ... go to the beach or grab a baht bus to Walking Street. One drawback, they don't take credit cards for reservations so I make mine through Sawadee.com ... have never had a problem with the hotel or Sawadee.com. Sunshine Vista P.S. The rooftop pool (with bar) is GREAT!

I always fly Delta (Delta/Korean Air) from Florida. I booked my ticket for Oct/Nov back in February and the same flight has increased by about $300 since then. You'd better book asap as they seem to be climbing every day. I didn't know your travel dates so I put my dates in (10 Oct - 09 Nov) and it appears Delta has a great flight out of Dulles (IAD). Straight to Seoul then to Bangkok. Same thing on the return, Bangkok, Seoul, Dulles. (short lay-overs) $1178 + $24 misc. fees = $1202.00 total. From here I have to take Tampa/Atlanta/Seoul/Bangkok. Delta Airlines

Took Air Asia last year from Bangkok to Udon Thani. BKK to UDT was on time but the return flight was a couple hours late. I have the same flight booked this coming October ... I'll keep my fingers crossed.

I'll second that ... stayed there four times so far. Nice pool on the roof, decent rooms with balcony, nice bathrooms (tub AND shower) and in-room safes. Plenty of room for airline tickets, passport, small camera, wallet, jewelry etc ... not big enough for a laptop though.

Can you explain the leasehold option? Is that what applies in the case of buying a condo or is it any property?

I was looking at real estate once and was filled in on the "loophole". Supposedly I could hire a Thai attorney and form a Thai corporation. Then I could buy property but it had to have at least 51% Thai ownership. What this attorney would do is form the corporation, set me up with 49% ownership then spread the balance of the ownership out amongst his office workers. Then he would have them sign a Power of Attorney releasing any control they had over the corporation although they showed 51% "ownership" on paper. That may not be the exact scenario, but pretty close I think. From what I was told, this is very common but it sounded a little too shakey for my liking. I assume this is the type thing this article is addressing. (?)

There are a LOT of falangs out there who formed a Thai corporation to buy property. I wonder if this law will be retroactive?

When I lived in Issan years ago I had a bike stolen (I owned it). When I went to the Police Station to file a report, one of the officers said he'd been in Nongkai the night before and the police there had arrested two Thai dudes in the middle of the night. They had been pushing an out of gas motorcycle that matched the description of mine. He said the Thai cops arrested the two and the bike was impounded at the station. The next day a friend and I went up to the Nongkai Police Station and what a surprise ... nobody knew anything about it! I didn't believe a word of it but what could I do? I figured the Police Chief's son probably got my bike as a birthday present. The whole thing really smelled but I was just a dumb farang and had no rights anyway.

Blueeyes ... concerning the toothpicks, I went to the manufacturer's website and when I went to the toothpicks section of their catalog it showed "no product available". I don't know if that means they're temprarily out of stock or if they've been discontinued. Their e-mail address is info@industriestouch.com Maybe they can tell you where they might be available.

I fly from the U.S. to Thailand for free once a year. I use a Delta Skymiles Card from American Express and use it to purchase EVERYTHING I can ..... groceries, gas, all store purchases, etc. Generally I get a mile for every $1.00 spent, but on many items they give double miles ... gas, pharmacies, groceries, Post Office, etc. I also pay many of my bills on-line and use the card ... auto/home owner's insurance, cell phone, etc. They offer points for taking on-line surveys and I get 2000 points/year for that. It just takes a couple minutes 2-3 times a month or so. I pay close attention to any specials they run and use them if they apply to me. As an example, just last week they ran a special to commemorate the 25th year of the Delta Skymiles program and offered 25 miles for every $1.00 spent on many of their partner purchases. I sent my mom flowers for Mother's Day through FTD and received 2000 miles. Right now they're running a special and are giving triple points for a three month period, May-July, so I'll probably get 8,000 - 10,000 points for those months. I own a small business (very small, myself and one part-time employee) and I charge everything I can to the card, office supplies, vehicle maintenance, I-net service, daily newspaper subscription, etc. I can get over 25,000 points for a r/t flight to Thailand. I'm on the east coast of the U.S. and get 20,000 miles credit for the flight. I get double miles for paying for the ticket via American Express so that's another 2000+ miles. I'm a Silver Medallion Member (fly 25,000 miles/year) so they give me a 25% bonus on flights. (the Thai trip gives me 5000 bonus miles). So, one trip to Thailand alone gives me 27,000+ points. I spend an average of $2500/month on my card and some of those point are doubled, so I get approx. 40,000 - 45,000 points/year that way. (NOTE*If you book on-line you get an extra 1000 points, but the website is only set up for domestic flights at this time and not for international bookings, so you have to book via phone.) In a year's time I receive anywhere from 65,000 - 75,000 points. A r/t to Thailand only requires 60,000 points. It's not all that hard if you study the program and work at it. I don't make a lot of money and these points make it possible for me to make an extra Thai trip I otherwise could not afford ... all by using my credit card to pay for things I'd have to pay cash or write a check for anyway. On my last trip, I was awaiting a connecting flight in Atlanta when a Delta representative walked into the waiting area. He asked if I was a Skymiles member and I said I was. He handed me a business card with a code and web address on it, then told me if I went on-line and answered a survey about my flight experience I'd get 250 points added to my account. I returned from Thailand, answered the survey (took about 2 minutes) and noticed instead of the 250, they added 500 points! I guess they liked my answers! You'd be surprised how many points you can accumulate in a year's time if you pay attention to it.

Aussiechic ... A friend and I will be making our next trip Oct - Nov. Wheels up Oct 24 and leaving November 11, 2006. Would love to buy you and the old man a beer. As the time gets closer lets exchange info to meet up. It's going to be a looooong 5 months!

I lived in Thailand for over three years when I was in the military and fell in love with the country, the people and the culture. I also made an effort to learn some of the language. I am NOT fluent but never quit learning. I travel to Thailand 1-2 times a year and will be back for 2 1/2 weeks this year Oct. - Nov. (I will be there for Loi Kratong this year). How do I afford it? Ditto on what many have said already. I used to party a lot which included drinking and basically throwing money away. Once I decided to go back to Thailand the first time for a visit, I changed my ways. For one, I own my own business so time off is flexible. I DO NOT make a ton of money, but I quit throwing money away and put it away until I have enough for a trip. Every spare dime I have goes into the kitty. One thing I do religiously is to use a credit card that gives frequent flyer miles. I purchase EVERYTHING on the card, groceries, gas most everything. I also pay many of my bills with the card, house insurance, auto insurance, cell phone, etc. You'd be surprised how fast the points add up. When I accumulate enough points, I purchase a ticket. Once there I do not require 5-star accomodations but stay in modestly priced hotels. In Pattaya I stay at Sunshine Vista on Soi 3. I eat some very nice, relatively inexpensive meals and have no problem eating food from the local street vendors. Speaking the language also gets me a price beak in many instances. If you really put your mind to it, you'd be surprised at how easy it is to afford a trip to Thailand.