forcebwithu

Thought I'd take the teraak to a movie tonight at The Avenue Major Cineplex. Was surprised to learn you can no longer directly pay for the tickets with cash. Instead you must first top up their M Cash card with cash, then use the card to purchase tickets. This works fine for food courts where you can immediately receive a refund of the unused balance, but not so with M Cash. Once they have your cash they keep it until you use it, or you lose it if you don't renew the card after 1 year. Needless to say Major Cineplex won't be getting any more of my business.

I normally have a short attention span measured in seconds, but found the video hilarious. Shared it with a few other American friends who thought the same. Thanks for posting.

FYI, just back from my 90 day report. I lucked out 90 days earlier and got the new computer generated TM47, so reporting this time was a breeze. No other documents or copies required. Unfortunately the new system was no longer working so they've reverted to the old way of doing things. Next report I'll have to bring a new TM47 and all the requisite supporting documentation.

Coincidently, just got back from getting my teeth cleaned and a filling. Been using Dental Paragon, Pattaya Klang for four years now. Teeth cleaning B500, filling was B800.

News to me. Delta still flies out of BKK.

I'll +1 to another poster's Google Docs recommendation. Even though I have Office installed, I find myself using Google Docs much more. While I haven't used the feature myself, Google Docs also allows for working offline when not connected to the internet.

Shilo's answer is spot on. For my bank transfer I wasn't asked for an address. Posted before, but to save you looking it up, the routing number for the New York branch is 026008691.

Thought I'd post the results of my test transfer to Bangkok Bank, New York branch. On 8 April I sent 100USD from my PNC account to Bangkok Bank, New York using PNC's Pay Other People feature (it's an electronic transfer, but not ACH). That method isn't immediate, but takes three business days for the transfer. Since it's free I can live with the delay. This morning, 11 April, the funds posted to my Bangkok Bank account in the amount of 2,920THB. A call to the Pattaya branch office got me the details of the transaction. The exchange rate the bank used was 32.17. That compares favorably

Went today and set up a new account. Once I got past the need work permit, no my retirement visa is ok bit, all went smoothly. As you suggested, I'll let the account "settle" for a few days and then execute the US ACH transfer. Thanks again for the info.

Shilo, good info. I'm going to give this a try. Do I need to get a separate account at the Bangkok Bank, New York branch? If so, can I do that here in Pattaya?

Did you try going back to Spankys and asking for your card? Worked for me.

While I don't use my Chase ATM card for international withdrawals, Chase does allow online wire transfers ($40) and I have two credit cards through Chase. No fee account is $1,500 minimum daily balance. Chase is aware that I'm living in Thailand, but I still use a US mailing address so that might help.

Thanks losgrad. I'm a big believer in spending the money up front for as much quality as the budget allows. The bikes last longer and the better components make for a more enjoyable ride. I remember reading about the bike thefts. A poster on another board recounted a first hand experience with them. I believe he now carries a collapsible baton and pepper spray within easy reach on his bike. Heard on the grapevine several of the Thai riders around here have friends in high places. The word was put out to get those guys, and in short order they were caught.

A cable lock is fine for short periods of time, but if you have an expensive bike I wouldn't recommend outside storage. Not only is theft a problem, but the weather here will quickly trash your bike. I use cheap, rear wheel bike stands and park my bikes inside.

Good one! 55555

Good questions. For the most part the dogs ignore you, but on occasion there are a few that are aggressive. In those cases I've found the best defense is offense. Rather than continue pedaling, I hit the brake and get aggressive back at the dog. That's worked in every case and I've never been attacked. Debris on the road is a big problem. I average one or two punctures a month. I carry a spare tube and a hand pump as well as a patch kit for the rare occasion when I get two punctures on one ride. When that happens it's always been a case of missing the thorn or small nail in the tire that c

Good idea ttk for a FAQ pinned post. Martin, would you mind including my Darkside info in the FAQ as well? Here's the text with hyperlinks. Darkside Bars Google Maps link Google Earth file link GPS file (gpx) link

I ride a bicycle on average 150 km/week in and around Pattaya. No doubt it's a riskier mode of transportation, even more so in Thailand. What it boils down to is how much risk you're comfortable assuming in your day to day life. If you understand the risks and take steps to mitigate those risks, a bicycle can certainly be a viable mode of transport. First is to increase your visibility by riding with flashing LED lights, front and rear. Wearing a fluorescent vest is another good idea. For myself, I also limit my riding to daylight hours. I'd also recommend installing mirrors on the bike.

From about two weeks ago. Water level has only gone down slightly since then. Last week the concrete pier we were standing on was above water.

Given the bad condition of the roads around here, it's makes sense to ride a mountain bike vs a road bike. I have both, but unless I'm going on a long ride (>50km) I'll use my mountain bike. Another source for rental bikes is S.V. Bikes on the corner of Soi 8 and Thepprasit Road.

I've had the same problems with True and 3BB invoices, but the electric and water bills always show up on time. For True and 3BB I have online accounts for both and elected to receive my invoices via email. To pay I have to use my Kasikorn account for True, whereas I have to use SCB to pay 3BB. And even though I elected to go paperless, both companies still mail me dead tree copies of my invoices.

A few pics from the Chinese New Year celebration at Friendship this afternoon.

I agree, it's a comfortable bar to sit and have a drink at. Nicely laid out. Looks even better now that they removed the wall between the pool area and Soi Arunothai. Makes the area feel a bit more open.