torrenova

Looking at the Scandibar website, it appears that the discounts for membership are not being applied to any of the hotels there including the Sandy Springs. In fact, their rates are higher than walk in rates. Something to consider here perhaps ?

Fair Properties have a reputation for corruption. If you are selling for say Bt5m then they might have the contracts for the buyer at Bt5.5m, charging the commission on Bt5m and pocketing the other Bt0.5m. How do I know ? because I have seen the paperwork, I know people who have tried to deal with them, I know some of their ex staff (they never last long - constant running advert) and I know the recipient of a backhander who denied it and and then admitted it. Wouldn't piss on them if they were on fire.

Reasonably good hotel at a decent price if you buy the discount card. Location very good for Walking Street and easy access to all on 2nd Road.

I looked at them a couple of years ago when looking for a new condo but rejected them outright because of the walk from 2nd road up to the complex. Dark and dingy walk with the associated risks were the main reasons even if you could put up with the size (multiples of 40sqm). I think there are other better options but perhaps not as near to Walking Street.

If you are doing the retirement thing here and have a limited budget, you cannot afford to waste money on bank charges. Like a poster said, transfer once or twice a year, every 3 months if necessary. Seperate cash for essentials, medical, rent, food etc. and work out how much you have left, remembering to save some for emergencies. Perhaps a return to the UK would be the best option.

Siam Commercial on Beach Road will no longer open accounts without retirement visas or work permits, not even Non Imm "O" or "B". However, a trip to immigration with some details about where you live and your passport will get you some paperwork which will allow you to open an account. Mastercard (Bt300) in 5 minutes. Bangkok Bank will open you an account on even a tourist entry stamp with Visa card (Bt300) in 5 minutes. One thing to remember is that the smaller branches, like Bangkok Bank's near "arab town" are useless. They take all day to do anything. Get to the big branches and you

I think what people really want to know is if they buy property or properties for say Bt5,000,000 and then sell them for Bt20,000,000 can the Bt15,000,000 be gotton out ok, via swift etc. or will there be complications because the original Tor Tor 3 only covers the original Bt5,000,000 ?

Sorry don't off hand but I've found the reception / management of my condo block very useful for things like that. Perhaps yours can advise ? Other than that, what about property management companies / real estate agents ? Does the original developer currently have other projects on the go which you could visit and ask (aka View talay).

I don't know anyone who has needed to repatriate money from the sale of a condo etc. but I have never seen a definitive answer to the question of what happens if you say buy for Bt2,000,000 and sell for Bt3,000,000 ? Presumabky the original Bt2,000,000 is covered by the Tor Tor 3 but what about the profits ? However, my accounts at Bangkok Bank alow daily withdrawls of Bt500,000 in cash so egtting the money would be no problem. Doesn't fix the issue of getting it back home though ! Anyone know the real truth ?

Just wondering what your connection is to this place ? Presumably if someone here introduces a buyer to you a commission will be forthcoming - yes ? Cheers

Rice sticks - Bt5 Small satay - Bt5 Large satay - Bt10 Chicken breast - Bt25-30 "Flat" chicken breast - Bt25-30 All other stuff in the same price range.

I haven't seen the rooms but I too think a safe that can be moved to be about as much good as a chocolate fireguard ! I do think some expect too much for the price but I don't know why they can't muster up another couple of hundred baht and stay somewhere decent.

16 Apr 06 - 30 Jun 06 Economy - GBP 449 World Traveller Plus - GBP 869 via email on their website.

About 4.5k or so seems to be the going rate. I'm going up to near Buriram with my girlfriend next month and I have been looking at the various options. If I was in Bangkok, I would either fly or get the train but from Pattaya, it seems ridiculous to go to Bangkok to catch a flight. So I'll either go on the bus or hire a car and driver for the journey.

Lowlifes eh ? Great welcome to a board specifically about Pattaya and calling us all "lowlifes". Maybe you're too "high brow" or upper class for us. Thats OK, we've seen your sort before.

Sure the airport taxi bastards are annoying and overpriced but if you travel half way aroud the world and want to lug your cases around the airport for 30 minutes to save a couple of hundred baht, then I suggest you turn round and get the next plane back.

I can't help you either, it seems you have been here, have a girl and now don't want to come back. Maybe stay where you are now then ? If it is such a shithole, why would we all live here ? Nevermind, we like it.

Yields on property are low and as you can't rent it our for a full year your market is limited. Your saving will be on the rent you save living in your property.

http://www.westeasttravel.com/user/default.asp at GBP 319 + taxes

Northshore way overpriced and they can't even give away La Royale Beach. It has been advertised everywhere for months if not years. Again, overpriced.

Ten million is not enough if you spend like crazy. If you want to buy a new boat every week then 100 million is not enough ! Realistically, once your major purchases are catered for (usually car and property), you need only a few thousand dollars to have a good life. Add in some incidental (holidays, insurances etc.) and you still don't break the bank at 2 million invested. Currency risk and inflation are the greatest worries. At that age, 37, starting some business may be in order as complete retirement means that you are constantly hanging out with people who have retired on age grou

A pool in Chateaua Dale (private attached to a house) costs an additional 9k per month on the rent for everything including cleaning.

I stayed there a few years ago and thought it overpriced. I would check though as the tsunami will have changed the face of accommodation on Phi Phi.

I go past every day and there are about perhaps 10 or more places including the established and new players. I cannot remember all their names but here's a start: Residence Garden Mr Macs Seven Oaks Inn Roof Garden Inn Hotel California Some Russian place There are some others as well. Hotel California was just finished a couple of months ago and advertised for sale at Bt20,000,000 !

Even out of high season I would book some accommodation. If you are new to Pattaya then book for a few days for sure.