redwood13

Tropical Bert's is really more of a pub with rooms than anything else. It's across 2nd Road from the Bangkok Bank in a set of shop houses called Discovery Park at Soi 6/1. http://tropicalberts.com/ bert@tropicalberts.com 038 361 887 -redwood

In my experience, after living in 3 different places here, with the A/C on almost 24/7 I'd think it would be more like 3000 baht. -redwood

Often wonder about the visa status of these "tailors" - who seem to be way more salesman than tailor. I suspect a lot of them are cheap labor, cousins, grand-nephews etc. brought over by the Thai branch of the extended family to sell, sell, sell and if they don't it's bye-bye and a one-way ticket back to the sub-continent -redwood

You cannot apply for the 5 year license early. You're not eligible until you've had your one year license more than a year. So, you drive to the licensing office on an expired license! Another case of TIT -redwood

http://www.pattayatalk.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=20073 -redwood

Flew LAX-BKK using EVA in late October and did not encounter any problems re weight of carry on luggage nor have I flying out of SFO. I'd thought it was a standard requirement by most airlines that you have the credit card used for the ticket purchase in your possession when checking in. -redwood

As you know if you re-enter Thailand just before the expiry date of your visa you're given a new stay of 60 days as per the 'admit until date'. It's my understanding that you can request an extension of your 'admit until date' even though your visa expired roughly 60 days previously. We typically use the phrase "extending my visa" but what we really mean is we're requesting an extension of stay based on a previously issued visa. -redwood

Per a note from Ian, aka Mr. I Am Koh Chang, http://iamkohchang.com/ "Cookies knocked down the bungalows to build a new hotel block by the beach The hotel rooms should open in a few months, the new restaurant just re-opened on 31 Dec." The hotel on the land side of the road is operating as usual. -redwood

Yes, a 60 day tourist visa can be extended for an additional 30 days. So you can get 180 days out of a double entry tourist visa with one run to the border. I think the reference quoted is for someone who's been admitted for 30 days on arrival. This is not a visa, but simply the granting of a permission to stay for 30 days. From what I've seen recently on thaivisa.com this can be extended, but the initial extension will likely be for only 10 days (though less often 15 days will be granted - YMMV) with the possibilty of an additional 5 days granted on application for a second extension.

If you're bringing over stuff as baggage save on space and weight. Discard your CD jewel boxes & DVD cases and replace as needed in Thailand. Bring the guts from your desk top PC & buy a new case and keyboard here. -redwood

It's the double shop house adjacent (north side) to Lolita's Air con bar/restaurant/pool table with rooms upstairs. Rooms were completed fairly recently. I have not seen the rooms. The owner Gordon is a Canuck -redwood

It was ok 15 years ago, but that's no help. Do a search for "guest houses" or "top north" on thaivisa.com under the Chiang Mai Forum. -redwood

You must obtain a tourist visa outside Thailand. This would be valid for 60 days and can be extended for an additional 30 days once here. -redwood

You're in Wales? Here's the website for the Thai Consulate in Cardiff. See "visa" and then go to "download" for the form. Tourist visa is good for 60 days. You can do this by mail if need be. http://freespace.virgin.net/royalthai.consulate/index.htm -redwood

What's the price range for lessons? - one or a series of 5 or 10 from a farang instructor. -redwood

I'd think many of the hotels catering to tour groups are likely to be guest unfriendly or at least they'll request "joiner fees" for your guest. -redwood

Soi 14 off S. Pattaya Road - between 3rd Rd & Sukhumvit. http://www.viking-hotel.com/ -redwood

In Sept. I posted this reply from a BUPA rep who stated: "The member who join before the age of 61 years, and continuously insured, are guaranteed renewal for life. Members who join after the age of 61 years are guaranteed renewal up to age of 70 years inclusive." http://tinyurl.com/7gh49 -redwood

Dave forgot to post their website http://www.richharper.com/ -redwood

I know Robert Hagan slightly and he isn't that way in person. He taught school for a number of years and then decided to become a painter. He's self taught I believe and apparently quite successful. Several of his works are in the bar and hotel reception area. Examples here: http://tinyurl.com/ajcmm -redwood

Try the Kahlua frappe -redwood

Don't know about guest policy, but did note that similar to the Pattaya Mercure website, the map showing the location of the hotel is completely wrong The map shows the hotel near the corner of Suk and Asoke and it is actually N. of Rama IX and the Express Way -redwood

Interesting that this hasn't draw any response. Through doing a bit of Net research for a friend of mine who's retired and lives in Bangkok, I found that ending one's state residency for tax purposes can be a real minefield. Here's an example of one man's opinon: Avoiding U.S. State Taxes "Do not assume just because you moved out of the U.S. that your previous state of residence has no claim on taxing your income. Many states such as California, Virginia, New Mexico and South Carolina make it very difficult to give up your "tax domicile" in the state and require that you fil

International School Eastern Seaboard: http://www.ise.ac.th/ (fee schedule under "admissions") Regent's School: http://www.regents.ac.th/regents/ Here's links to discussions on the thaivisa board. Some of the schools mentioned will also have websites. http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...5126&hl=schools http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...3804&hl=schools http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...6417&hl=schools -redwood

Lived in Pattaya 2 years and have used baht buses almost daily. Have only had ONE instance of a driver attempting to drive off after handing him a 20 baht note for a 10 baht fare. -redwood