Eneukman

My account definitely pays interest - it seems to be added twice a year in June and December. The entry in my passbook is marked "Int". I don't really need to write cheques here but I think the only way you can get a current account is if you have a work permit. Alan

The long term rates were quite good. I paid for a month even though I only had 3 weeks or so of my stay left. Alan

Can't comment specifically on Siam Commercial Bank, but I was able to open a savings account with Bangkok Bank with only a 30 day stamp in my passport. It earns interest but at a very low rate. I would think that you would be able to open an account with Siam without any problems. If they're not keen, just go to another bank. I don't know about internet banking though I have a feeling that it could be restricted to those with a work permit or a retirement visa. I could however be very wrong on this. Alan

I stayed at the Residence Gardens in June/July of lasy year and by the time I left you could use their wi-fi service in your room. Initially, I had to go onto the balcony to use it (not a problem) but that was fixed during my stay. There was a charge for it but I really can't remember how much it was. Alan

Last figure I saw was a bit over 5% so I reckon 6% isn't far off the mark. Problem I don't think my income increases by the same amount. Alan

There have been times when the board has been very slow at times. Martin has mentioned that there have been a number of attempts at hacking the board, which has slowed it down somewhat at times. It's been fine so far this afternoon - almost 2.15 pm Thai time. Alan

No, they don't. There is a consular representative who lives in Pattaya by the name of Barry Kenyon but I have no idea what his responsibilities are. The British Embasssy seems to behave towards its citizens here as though Britain still had an empire. They cold take a number of lessons from the American Embassy when it comes to looking after their ex-pat population. Alan

I never carry my passport with me unless going to Immigration etc but I tend to have a photocopy showing the face page and the page showing my visa. It is far easier to replace a copy than your original passport. In addition, I will usually have my Thai driving licence in my possession. When I flew to Udon Thani back in June, it was accepted as a form of ID. I did have my passport with me but never needed it. When I was in Udon Thani, I took a day trip to Nongkhai and on the bus on the way back, a policeman boarded the bus at which point all the Thais started looking out their ID cards. The bus was packed so I think he changed his mind. . Anyone without any ID could have given themselves a load of unnecessary problems. Alan

Not quite home town, but the nearest senior professional team to where I come from is East Fife, currently yop of the Scottish 3rd Division. They were the first club outwith the top division to win the Scottish Cup - a great many years ago and several years before European football came on the scene. Alan

I get the feeling that everyone has a default setting of 10 points. Normally, I use Firefox so I can't see the ratings. Alan

Agreed - this would avoid any hassles. Alan

I've never had a problem bringing my blood pressure pills into Thailand. The pharmacist I use now gives me the "made in Thailand" version of what I need and they are fine - my blood pressure is normal so they are obviously having the desired effect. Alan

The reason for the requirement to prove that the funds in your account came from abroad is to prove to Immigration that you're not working illegally in the UK. Even if you left the sum of 800,000 baht (or 400,000 baht as the case may be), Immigration may still raise a few queries. They are looking for proof of where your day to day living expenses are coming from. If the balance stays the same, the assumption, unless you can prove otherwise, is that you are working illegally. The British Embassy will issue a letter confirming that your pension is in excess of 65,000 baht per month but unlike the US Embassy, they won't accept your word for it. They want to see the proof. You will also need to show that you have some money in a Thai bank account. Alan

Some other possible costs Not all condos have washing machines (mine doesn't) so you might have to spend 1,000 to 2,000 baht on laundry. It's inlikely that your landlord will insure your personal goods - laptop etc. My cover costs around 500 baht or so per month. I also have an annual travel policy, which again costs around 500 baht or so per month. I rent a one-bedroom condo in Jomtien for 20,000 baht (many are quite a bit more expensive) and spend just under 80,000 baht per month. However, I don't have a live-in so a fair proportion of my costs go on bar fines and sanuk In addition to the routine monthly costs, you will always find that there's something you need to buy over and above these costs - such as printer for the laptop/PC, DVD's Your proposed budget seems to be pretty sound. Alan

Maybe it was just busy then. Did you ever find out who the hacker was? Alan

Were there any problems with the server around midnight (Thai time). I couldn't access either this board or Secrets then. Strangely, I was able to get into Chat and a couple of other sites so it wasn't TOT to blame! Alan

I got the same message when I logged on here - maybe half an hour ago Alan

It's the times it doesn't make it to Bangkok that would worry me. I don't think Bush is stupid enough to try and take on Iran at the moment. He's got his hands full with Afghanistan and Iraq as it is. There again ............. Alan

I got my doctors certificate the day before I applied for my visa and had no problems (cost me all of 80 baht ). I wouldn't get it any earlier though. The bank letter should be dated the same day though. You might get away with it being dated the day before but why take the risk? Alan

As far as I can recall, they gave me a form to complete in which I gave them my address in Thailand. I was able to give a seperate address to which correspondence should be sent. Alternatively, they might accept a letter from you giving your address in Thailand but requesting correspondence to be sent to your brother (or whoever) in the UK. It's not UK tax that will be deducted but rather an EC withholding tax which is I think somewhere between 30% and 35%. Alan

Well worth being in town for. Alan

100% correct. Dementia hasn't got me - yet. Alan

mr hyde, if you're renting a property here they might accept a copy (certified of course) of your rental agreement as proof of address. Using your current UK address may still be the easier option though. Alan

I wouldn't expect any major changes (if any) to be made until well after the election in October next year. Alan

Before I moved over here, I used to visit in the last 2 weeks of November. IMHO that is an ideal time to visit Thailand. The rainy season is over though be prepared for the odd downpour. The humidity level is a lot lower as well. Also, the high season isn't in full swing then. The rainy season is this month and October. When the rain comes it is torrential for an hour or two and parts of Pattaya may flood for a short time due to the drains being unable to cope with the sheer volume of water. The water drains away very quickly though. It's not necessary to carry an umbrella at all times though I do take one when going for dinner or on the prowl. Alan