js007

What kind of connection do you have? Broadband? If not, that can sometimes cause a problem. J

I vote for forgetfulness. It's easy to lose track of what you're doing, especially if you've had a few beers or are tired. Hell, one time I forgot where I parked an entire CAR and spent the next day thinking it had been stolen. J

Maybe just try walking through the "Nothing to Declare" lane. Otherwise, you still might get away with it if you're going there on a retirement visa. In that case, you can import a certain amount of personal household goods duty free. J

No shipping charge? That makes all the difference, I suppose. J

Well, I'm back in the USA, at least temporarily. My father is still alive and I had a problem to deal with in that regard. I've now got that sorted out, I think, at least for the time being. Anyway, I'll be back here in the desert southwest for the winter. Could have worse problems than laying around by the pool. I might actually do some work while I'm here. Nothing I was planning on, but I have a deal allowing me to work whenever I want to, so maybe I'll do a little bit, part time. Make some money. Still, I'd rather be in Thailand, all things considered. I'll probably fly back in January to renew my retirement visa and have a little fun and will move back again next summer. The financial markets seem a bit shaky, but the dollar seems to be holding its own against the Thai baht. Maybe it'll stay that way. It would be nice if they'd quit playing games with the world money supply. My conclusion: I'm spending about the same amount of money in the USA that I spent in Thailand. But for the cost of flying back and forth, it would be good to have a place in the USA and a place in Thailand. Maybe a cheap condo in Thailand? J

Just out of curiosity, how much are they charging you to ship that thing? Is it a 1080p? In the USA they're just about giving away the older 720p models. Even the 1080p models can be had cheap. for example, you can get a 42" 1080p for $989 or thereabouts. J

Perhaps it goes without saying, but you should carefully consider the future value of the US dollar and the possibility of continued inflation in Thailand. Thailand requires 800,000 baht in the bank or a monthly income of 65K baht. But do you really want to live on that amount? Its possible, but maybe not so easy especially if the dollar keep dropping. I've never added it all up, but I think I probably spent an average of 120,000 baht or more per month during my first year in Thailand. J

I've eaten at the Tequila Reef a few times. The bottom line is that the food can be good or bad, depending on who the cook is that day. The frozen margaritas are good every day, though. The Blue Parrot can be OK also. J

The only other thing I can think of is that maybe the disc isn't inserted properly? That happened to me once. J

Is this a DVD player in your computer, or just a DVD player? If it's just a typical DVD player and you can't fix it easily, why not toss it? Anymore, they just about give away the cheap ones. Even the new Toshiba HD DVD players are down to $99 US in some stores. One final thought. Maybe the DVD you're trying to play is dirty? J

If you want something a little different you could try Livingstones Lodge on Soi 33. I think you can get the rooms there for about 1850 baht. Anyway, the rooms are good and Soi 33 can be fun. Also, you're not too far from Soi Cowboy, and a cab down to Nana shouldn't cost too much. J

007, 008 and 009 work well. When I first bought my cell phone the girl at the shop tried to tell me that, but I guess I wasn't paying attention, so for a while I used 001. Then some waitress girl told me again so I tried it. Worked great, and I was spending less money. J

Well, if you want to sit and look at the beach while you play n your computer you could always try the Starbucks at Royal Garden Plaza. They have an outdoor patio overlooking Beach Road and the sea. I think they charge, though. j

As for Bangkok? Why not try Livingstone's Lodge on Soi 33? I think you can get a room for around 1800 baht, and Soi 33 can be fun. Plus, you're not too far from Soi Cowboy, and Nana Plaza is only a short cab ride away. As for Pattaya? Many choices. J

I've tried both the premium economy and the economy on the BKK to JFK route. The premium economy is better and worth the money, I think. J

I know you guys mean well, but these cases can really be complicated, especially when dealing with multiple jurisdictions or countries. The original poster needs a good divorce lawyer. If he's lucky, he might be able to obtain a valid divorce in Thailand by offering his spouse the right amount of money. If she goes for it, that might be the end of it, as the divorce would likely be recognized in the USA. In any event, getting divorced in the states might lead to alimony or some sort of spousal support (depending on the state), and would probably involve some division of property. Not a good scenario. J

Nice location and nice hotel. Just remember, though, the room prices in December will probably be a bit higher. In any event, there are a lot of decent hotels and guesthouses in Patong Beach. J

Joekicker, It's very much obvious that you know nothing about the law. Before you ruin someone's life, why don't you just shut up. J

I did read the original post and my advice still stands. If both parties are in Thailand and consent to the jurisdiction of the Thai court, then there's no reason they can't be divorced there. And, once the process is started, there's no reason why a settlement can't be reached. The original poster didn't say what USA state he was from, so it's hard to give him advice about proceeding in the USA. Many states have alimony in addition to the division of property. If possible, he should stay away if that's the case with his state. Maybe, just maybe, he'll luck out and only have to give her some of his Thai property. J

You can find it just about anywhere. However, if you're expecting the real thing, you may or may not get it. I got sick of paying for the real thing and getting a fake, so I started buying the generic version from India. J

Try to get her back to Thailand and divorce her there. Agree to a settlement of property and hope to hell the thing becomes final. If you can help it, don't go near a divorce court in the USA. J

I've seen some Northshore Condo rentals available on some of the local Realty sites, but they weren't cheap (40,000-60,000 baht a month or more), and would suspect that the owners would probably be looking for more of a long-term renter, but maybe not. Anyway, if you're just going to be here for a short period, what about a nice hotel? J

I don't think the food is overpriced. They have an entire menu of 99 baht specials. Try the club sandwich for 99 baht. It's huge. J

One thing that I've found out about "retirement" is that I no longer have any sense of accomplishment. Sure, I can get up every day and do whatever I want, but somehow I miss the sense of accomplishment that comes with working, doing it well, and earning good money. On the one hand I don't really want to jump back into the 9-5 rat race, but on the other hand I do feel like I should be doing something constructive. I guess that, at 55, I'm just not ready to sit around and do nothing all day. Maybe I need a hobby? J

If they truly wanted to attract expat retirees, it would be an easy thing to do. First, they could allow expats to own one house or condo as their primary residence. Second, they could issue the so-called retirement visa for a period of ten years. As it is now, it's a year to year deal, which doesn't exactly give the retiree a sense of stability. Third, they could stop changing the rules every other month. J