thechairman18

Last year, I phoned the Halifax,and asked them to do this. They insisted, they could only convert it, and then transfer it, (and it was a poor rate). I'm not doubting you, but could you explain exactly how you did it? I already have internet banking with both Halifax, and Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri) Thanks.

I have found a new-ish, all you can eat Buffet, that might be of interest to other BM's. Bella Express Hotel (ex the Little Duck Hotel) Pattaya Klang Pattaya It's situated, in what was, the Little Duck Hotel, off Pattaya Klang, (Central Road), and is now part of the Bella villa Group. From Beach Road, Go up Pattaya Klang, through the traffic lights, at Tops Supermarket, then, carry on, about100 yards, and you will see, on the right, a passage way leading to the hotel. Its on the block before Kasikorn Bank, and LenKee Restaurant. From Soi Boukhao, Go to the end, where

As I would never drive a bike in Pattaya, I would be looking for a small runabout type of thing. Not a great big 'Penis Extension'.

Following my Flat battery problem, I am looking into the possibility of long term car rental. I usually spend 6 months in Pattaya, and return to the UK for 6 months. So, buying a car, would mean using it for 6 months, and storing it for 6 months. Anyone, any thoughts of long term rental, as opposed to outright purchase? Also any leads/contacts of places who do this sort of thing?

Right folks, Here we go. I went round to see fellow BM ,from another Forum After doing numerous tests, assisted by his son Mick, he came to the conclusion that there is a fault with the alternator. Also the car is over 20 years old, and has been, shall we say 'modified', or rather fucked about with, and there are wires here there and everywhere. The a/c has been 'hot wired', the radiator fan comes on, when the ignition is switched on, etc, etc. At the BM's suggestion, I went to a garage, that deals in Alternators. They tested it, and checked it over, and, agreed, that there was a fault

Thanks for your reply. The car is a 15 year old Peugeot 205. So it doesn't have the luxury of electronic fault finding.

My cars battery kept going flat, over night. I replaced the battery, with a new one, and that went flat overnight. I have had the new battery checked, and its OK. I have had the charging system checked, and its OK. I disconnect the Battery, every night, and the car starts first time. Left it disconnected, for a week, and it started, no problem. Anyone know of an Auto Electrician, in Pattaya,with good English, who might be able to sort the problem out for me. thechairman18

I don't drive a motor bike, and am very wary of walking, the mad streets of Pattaya. I'm looking for a cheap car ie runabout to get around. Not concerned about age make or model. Something up to say 100,000 Baht. MUST have all paper work in place, and, up to date. I'm in the UK at the moment, but will be in Pattaya 5th Aug 2009 to 2nd Sept 2009. Then, 1st Nov 2009, for 6 months Anything, anyone?

Hope this will help you. Its the web-site for the place opposite the Honey Inn, on Soi Honey www.atharrysplace.com thechairman18

Its half way between Soi Diana, and the Tues/Fri Market site. Near to Nicky's Bar/ Restaurant, and opposite Sweethearts Bar, I'm sure its called Sweethearts, but its the one that sells Guinness. I checked it out, in Jan of this year, one Sat afternoon. Round the pool area, were loads of pissed up Russians. The receptionist who showed me the rooms, said, 'You not remember me?' 'No' 'I work reception at Diana when you stayed there'. That was THREE years ago FFS. thechairman18

Someone says the place is looking a bit 'tatty', thats a shame, as its only been open about 3 years or so. I went to look at the place just before it opened, and they quoted me 15,000 per month+bills. I checked in for a week, in August 2006. The rooms were clean and modern, but lacked power points, for kettle, toaster/microwave, etc for long-stayer's. Room lighting was low level only. The 'master' on/off switch in the shower is a joke. Towel rails nowhere near the shower Room furniture, was dark, depressing, and uncomfortable, especially the 'sit up and beg' chairs. Nice balcony, but w

Sometimes I wake up, and think to myself, ' Did I really do THAT' or 'Did I really say THAT' Ring any bells

Given the quality, or lack of, I'm glad that the girls off Beach Road, are not using the bar. As for onsite ST rooms, I think that would be a step in the wrong direction. There are few enough places in Pattaya, where you can go for a no-hassle time. thechairman18

I used Mr T last Tues 8th April,and booked the taxi, for 4pm, to the airport. The car showed up at 355 pm, and was a brand new Toyota Estate. The driver was neatly dressed, ie Jeans, and a Polo shirt. My TGF, collected some laundry on Soi Buakhao, then we dropped her at her home on Sukhumvit, before carrying on to the Airport. The driver, was careful at all times, and I was relaxed and happy all the way there. I have used Mr T a number of times, and am totally satisfied with his service. As stated, his office, is in a small Soi, opposite the Areca Lodge. Phone/Fax 6638720318 Mobi

I heard that they dont get a cut (Tea Money) from him thats the reason. Mr T, and Mr Toom, are not one and the same. Not used Mr Toom, so I cant comment. thechairman18

I have used MR T, several times, to and from the Airport, and no problems. As you say, his office, is in a Soi, opposite Areaka Lodge, on Soi Diana Inn. thechairman18

As I understand it, you will not have a problem. 1. You have a return ticket-no problem. 2. On arrival in BKK, you will be given a stamp(Visa) in you passport for 30 days. 3. On, or before the 30 days, do a border run to Cambodia (2000 baht) 4. On your return into Thailand, you will again be given a 30 Visa, so as I read it, you do not have a problem. thechairman18

If you want to keep your job, dont just do nothing ie let your boss pick up your tab. Get your phone "unlocked" in the UK, or you can have it done over here very cheaply. Buy a Thai sim card again they are cheep. You can then give your Thai girl friend (yes you will find one/or two) your Thai number to call you. When you get home, swop the sim card for your UK one, and she/they will not be able to call you. Could keep you out of a lot of trouble. thechairman18

I'm in the Internet cafe opposite the hotel. Its on Soi Lenkee, near to the J&P Court hotel. Soi Lenkee, is the continuation of Soi Diana, going over Soi Buakhow. This is not too far out of the town centre, and is a safe area, with lots of bars cafes etc. Only viewed the hotel on their web page, but it looks pretty good. Don't think you will be disappointed with the Hotel, or Location. thechairman18

Happy Birthday Alex. You could have waited till Friday. Hope to drop in then. thechairman18

I'm with the Nationwide, and can confirm, as far as I'm concerned, they are the best. They do not charge for an overseas transaction. They absorb any overseas Bank charges. I get near enough to commercial exchange rates as against Tourist rates. I was in Pattaya from 2nd Dec '06 to April '07, and no problems with this account I also, have backup accounts with the Halifax, and Royal Bank of Scotland. I did test withdrawals from them all, of £100, in Baht. Nationwide cost £100. Halifax, cost £104.5 RBoS cost £105.5 thechairman18

Hi Guys, Thanks for your quick responses, looks like I will be able to treated here, instead of going home. Thanks again, any more contacts ? thechairman18

I have the eye condition, known as Glaucoma, and have had it for over 20 years. It is under control, and insert Xalytan drops, every day. I live in the UK, and have a yearly check up at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. I am hoping to move out to live in Thailand, most likely Pattaya. I am quite prepared to fly back to the UK, for an annual eye check, as the Manchester Royal, has all my records going back 20 years. Does any BM, with this condition, know where I might continue to be treated, without flying back to the UK? I am a registered patient at Bangkok-Pattaya, but to be honest, the tr

Hi Alex, That's a really good offer. Why put it when I am here in the UK. Hope it goes down well. Regards thechairman18