Kleyshay

No Jacko, I don't have a UK motorbike licence and yes I do have a UK car licence. From original post : "Naively I thought my UK driving licence might be enough to get me the Motorbike one" I don't know why, but stupidly I thought the car licence would be adequate to get me the motorbike licence here in Thailand and speed up the process in the meantime. Now I know I was wrong.

Wish mine was as straight forward. Got all the relevant documents, ended up using a clinic called Somnuek near soi 12, Pattaya Klang (100 baht) just show passport, pay money and in and out within 5 mins no examination of any kind. I arrived at LTD office at 9.40am, I just wanted the motorbike licence, as I never drive here. Naively I thought my UK driving licence might be enough to get me the Motorbike one, but boy was I wrong. The girl at the front desk said I could get a car licence and change it to a motorbike one later, which I found a bit weird but afterall TIT . To do this though, she said I needed two sets of documents, so I went accross the road, photocopied them all and proceeded to the next desk where, after a half hour wait they checked them again. I was then sent upstairs to take the colour blindenss, visual and reaction tests with about 40 other people At about 11.30am, I paid my dues had the photo done and they gave me the car licence. Not too bad I thought, I'll just change it to a motorbike licence another day as I was a bit hungry. Then the lady says come back in one hour to watch a video. So I had to wait around for an hour then went back to watch a rather pointless video (in Thai), with a woman explaining what the video was about (in Thai) for over an hour. Then I had to take the 'ride the motorbike test' and it just so happened the heavens opened up as I was waiting, and I resembled a drowned rat. Back upstairs, dripping wet and the touch screen test was next. Passed that and paid up again, had my photo done and finally was given my licence at 3pm ! OK so now I have a car & a motorbike licence, not really what I wanted, and it took over 5 hours !!!!! I just hope the renewal will be a slightly better experience and go as smoothly as your renewal did.

Hi, a question about extending my Multiple entry tourist visa, which I got in UK before coming here. I got the Mutiple entry as I wasn't sure how long I wanted to stay. I first entered Thailand on the first entry of the 60 day tourist visa in December allowing me to stay until 18th February. I will return to UK on 22nd April. I really need to be in Pattaya between 15th - 19th February, so would I be right in saying I have the following choices...... 1) Do the border run before 15th Feb to give me 60 days and then do another border run about 15th April? 2) Extend my visa by 30 days before 18th Feb at Jomtien then do a border run before 18th March giving me another 60 days ? 3) Do the border run before 15th Feb to give me 60 days and then about 15th April extend by 30 days ? Obviously I want to keep my border runs and costs to a minimum, I know how much border runs costs, but not sure on Immigration costs. If possible I would prefer to go for number 2. Any thoughts you have or alternatives would be appreciated as would details of immigtarion costs for extensions. Thanks

Many thanks, I shall venture over there tomorrow

I need to apply for my licence next week, can anybody advise where I have to get the medical cert. Will any clinic do or do I need an examination at hospital ? What would be the cost of this? Also can anyone help with the location and directions to LTD Office. Many Thanks

Hi I am looking for a short term rental in either a studio or 1 bed condo. Pref. buildings would be Hyde Park 1 or Hyde Park 2 or The Urban or City Garden, Pattaya Heights, Regent etc. Available to move in immediately(18th Jan) until mid April. A quiet non smoker that will give you no problems. Swimming pool and internet essential. Budget up to 20000 baht Please do not contact me with condos in Jomtien or Naklua as not interested. PM me or Tel: 0899330521 if you have anything suitable Thanks

Thank you Gents for both you replies. Bangkapi: Jomtien is a little to far out for me, but thanks anyway and good luck renting the condo out. Cheers Sinbinjack: Thanks, I have managed to get my arse out of my pit early doors, so will go and have a look there. Once again thanks gents.

Anyone can give me any ideas of Serviced Appartment or Condo that I could rent for approx 3 or 4 months. I've been to see various agents and they all say minimum 6 months. Would prefer a 1 bed unit as opposed to a studio, perhaps about 50m2 and must have kitchen so therefore rules out a hotel. Will still consider a large studio though. I have checked out a couple while in Pattaya, the KTK (fully booked until Feb)and Maxx Central (bit too far out). Budget of up to 20000 baht p/m Any ideas will be appreciated Thanks

Yeah as expected then Beefos, at least you were prepared. Paypal refunded so no real harm done, just an incoveniance we could all do without. Dunno if you checked out the Flipper on soi 8, as they were still doing that "free nights" offer when I left. No idea the room rates though. Have a good one anyway.

Thank you for such an informative reply. I will swerve the Kingfisher one then I think. Although like the Kingfisher flight, the other flights I have looked at, although advertised as available, come back unavailable when I go through the booking process. I also went into a couple of travel agents here in Pattaya, but both said no availability on any flights next week. So I decided to go up to Bangkok today to Eva's office and also to their desk in the airport. They have me on a stand-by waiting list (with over a hundred before me !) so not looking good. Although they have informed they are laying on 2 extra flights next week to get the stranded passengers home, and help clear the back log, so there might be some hope for me yet.

I have to get back to UK asap and after the recent situation with stranded passengers, I am struggling to get a seat. My airline (Eva) has me on a waiting list but they say they can't see me getting home before my original return flight in 3 weeks time. Unless anyone has any other recommendations, I guess I'm going to have buy a one way flight home for this coming week. Although some airlines were wanting almost £3000, the 2 cheapest I found were Kingfisher and Jet, both going via Bombay. Kingfisher at £340 has a 1 hour transfer and Jet at £440 a 2 hour. Kingfisher is £100 cheaper but I just cant see I'd make the transfer and my luggage would most definately not, and could really do without another 24 hours stuck in Bombay. Has anyone done a 1 hour transfer, not neccesarily Kingfisher as I know it's a new route, and did it work ? Or would you say just pay the extra £100 and hopefully a 2 hour transfer should work.

UPDATE: Paypal ruled in my favour and I have received a full refund So no harm done after all. But we can certainly do without arseholes like this in life

Good point Oz, and constructive comments, but please remember the hotel operates at 50% occupancy rates so therefore 22 rooms do not consistantly have to cleaned. At present the staff situation works like this, there is only one cleaner, god know's what time she starts as I never surface that early, but she works until 5pm. At 50% occupancy she can get all the rooms cleaned, and the public areas, she has her time for food and watch TV in the lobby and from what I have seen she is all done well within her 5pm. Now at 90%+ occupancy, she struggles but she copes, and could probably do with the likes of me getting my arse out of bed earlier. During these peak times, I have also seen the owners wife come in and help her too. Which unless one has this 'facility' obviously this would be an added expense. As for days off, I am not sure. I have always seen her around, this is not to say she doesnt have days off, but my room is always cleaned, and I assume is then carried out by the owner's wife. The receptionist, is a chap that starts at 10am and he will deal with bookings, enquiries, check guests in and out, show the rooms etc etc. He works through until 9pm, as for days off, he gets 3 days off per month and the owner presently covers reception in his absence. Finally the other receptionist, starts at 9pm and finishes at 10am. Again days off are 3 per month and other receptionist covers with the owner covering day shift. So looking at the staff situation, yes I think it would be likely an addition would be needed, and especially so, if the average 70% rate was achieved. Obviously this would mean restructuring the working hours, rates duties etc to maximise the staff, yet keep them happy also. So perhaps factor in an additional expense of 7000 / 8000 baht per month ? At present there are no beer sales & no mini bar, which I do not really understand. I must admit, personally, I would not want to stay above a bar, but providing beer, soft drinks, snack etc. in the hotel seems a good idea to me. Would I be right to assume there would then be an addtional expense of a liquor licience though? Yes each room is equipped with a fridge, and by adding a few bevs and snacks is one area I agree, could provide a good additional income. I did bring that up with the owner about supplying these and also the possibility of a upright commercial style fridge in the lobby for the guests, but he just said 'oh if you want a beer, you can buy from next door' (a restaurant, 10 metres walk away)

Crikey, what have I done

Oh dear my posts of late seem to be starting a war of words between BM's, which is not my intention. Now we are a little off topic, but in general, I don't see a problem with bringing your lady to Pattaya, so long as she's open minded, and you both stick to within the boundaries within your relationship, then you shouldn't have problems. But surely this all depends on the individual couple. Yes, agreed, there are nicer places to go to, your can say that about anywhere in the world as it's a matter of opinion. Maybe that's just what your opinion is, "Pattaya has absolutely nothing to offer unless you are a single guy." But if one wants to sneak off to a bar, or for a ST or happy ending massage, on your own or with your mates, without being honest with your lady, that can be a problem not just in Pattaya, but anywhere you both decide to holiday or even at home. I too, have been here while, on holiday in Thailand, with a partner from UK and she thought it was great here. Sunbathing, pool, food, handbags, shoes and clothes were the order of the day and hitting the bars by night. Admittedly she had 'ideas' before coming, as most people who haven't been here only see or here the usual stories both true and untrue. But once here that all changed, she accepted what she saw and what was here. Although I am sure there are many woman that would hate it here, like there are many woman that hate it if you go to the pub, or to football, or have to work late etc etc Probably a good idea not to bring that type of woman to Pattaya, but to the divorce court instead. Now getting back on topic, is it Pattaya appeals more than Lagos or Nairobi ? Cos I can't just believe it's because 'times have changed', somethings occuring chaps, what is it ? Perhaps they are the latest addition to internet brides along with Thailand & Russia ???

Well guys, after my little issue with the condo (see VT6 Condo Scam post) I have now checked back in to my usual hotel. The owner and I got onto the conversation of him selling, leasing, renting out the place, yet again. It seems he has had very little or no interest in the prices he was quoting 4 or 5 months ago. Which I don't think any of you will be suprised at. I think we all agreed it was overpriced, and he realised that himself. He has now revised his 'deals'........Yes he has two options IMHO and reflecting the posts and comments of you guys, initially I feel they dont seem too bad now, probably a little room for negotiation still though. 'Deal 1' appears to be preferable as there is minimal initial outlay and obviously less risk, although income could be approx. 9000 baht p/m less, than 'Deal 2', and you may have to factor in you may not see the damage deposit again, (maybe my pessimistic nature is prevailing through), so this could turn into an extra expense of 6000 p/m, over the 7 years, on top of any interest you may have earned and inflation. I must confess, although going against what I always said and thought, about having a business in Thailand, this scenario did get me slightly interested, but it is not really realistic for me. Again I have used approximate figures and I have not included the 150 baht p/room p/day full depreciation as suggested. But also bear in mind, with advertising, an increase in occupancy rate could increase income and i have not included this either. I have stuck with the 50% occupancy, (11 rooms @ 600 baht x 365 days / 12 months), as they still continue to be consistant with last years figures. I have however, made an allowance for consumables and advertising costs, and i would think the occupancy rate could increase with the advertising, that might achieve somewhere near the 65% - 70% needed. Deal 1 7 Year lease (with option to renew) Key Money: None Rent: 90,000 p/m Damage Deposit: 500,000 (refundable, alledgedly ) Income 50% occ. rate 200750 Expenses Utilities 22400 Staff 22000 Consumables 3000 Tax & Accounts 5000 Advertising 10000 Rent 90000 Total Monthly Expenses 152400 (48,350 THB p/m) Deal 2 7 Year lease (with option to renew) Key Money: 3m (effectively 35000 p/m) Rent: 45000 p/m Damage deposit: None Income 50% occ. rate 200750 Expenses Utilities 22400 Staff 22000 Consumables 3000 Tax & Accounts 5000 Advertising 10000 Rent & Key Money 80700 Total Monthly Expenses 143100 (57,650 THB p/m) I did speak to a friend of a friend that has a couple of hotels on Koh Chang, when I stayed down there for a few days. He has a long standing hotel, on the island, where I stayed. I had a chat with him about this and, yes Lovedog, you are correct, he admitted an annual average of 65 - 70% rate is needed at his place to make good money and he does get that. Advertising being the key to achieving this. And to prove that success, he has recently opened a new hotel, which appears to be doing well.

Yeah Pastry I did think that, but I must have seen 30 plus couples (Black lady - White Farang), in a week which seems a quite alot.....as they are all in Pattaya, all at the same time and they all happen to be walking past me !!! But maybe you are right. Surely you must have noticed the change in this place over the years, more and more couples are coming to Pattaya, and I would say Pattaya seems to be catering for them too. So why not ? Especially if that special someone likes to join you in sampling the delights !!!

Has anyone noticed the amount of interracial couples around town. No I don't mean Thai Lady - Farang, but Black African Lady - Farang. Only been back a week or so and have seen alot of couples. I am far from judging, not at all, but just wondered if others have noticed this and have their opinions as to why the increase. They appear to all be tourists, although I am just guessing, and not the working African girls from near soi nana, although I may be wrong and that could explain it. Any opinions ?

UPDATE: The adverts have been removed from Ebay !

Jacko, I don't know if you are familiar with ebay, but people will give feedback whether positive, negative or neutral, when they receive the item in question. When paying through a paypal request, you cannot leave ebay feedback. The unsuspecting buyers in this case will not know the are not likely to receive their 1, 2, 3 weeks or however long accomodation until arriving at VT6. Therefore they would be very unlikely to leave a feedback before they even leave for their trip. Obviously I cannot speak for others as to why they have not left negative feedback yet, but as the first advert for this condo only went on ebay in late March, I would therefore assume I am one of, if not the first to discover it is a scam, so as board members you probably all know before any ebayers. Personally, as the advert was for only one week accomodation, I asked for availability for the dates I wanted and he just sent me a paypal money request for these days, so it was not actually through ebay as such, meaning I could not leave feedback, (maybe the same with the OP) because trust me I certainly would have. Again I would suspect this is the case for most buyers as, there would not be that many people come from UK & Germany (advertised on both ebay sites in these countries) that come here for only 1 weeks holiday, so again that would probably explain the lack of feedback. So nothing really strange about that to be honest. Upon discovering the scam, I obviously notified Ebay & Paypal immediately (and I know the OP has done the same) but as usual they are slow to react, as don't forget, it would affect their commission, so we all wait for them to remove the advert with baited breath, (unless it's a fake Gucci bag for sale !), they will take their time. Even as non bidders it is possible to report the advert as fraud, so I would encourage BM's to do this , as I would think it will get the advert removed quicker. Oh yes and this is the email I received from him on the day I arrived.... Hello, i am sorry but i have really bad news for you. My Wife went this Morning to the Condo to check out the other Guy but he was not there. On the Table she found a Letter with Money and a Note saying that i went off to Koh Samui for a few days and that he like to rent the Condo for 3 Weeks more. Since all his stuff was still there, he also has a Key and Keycard, my wife went back Home and called me. First Time this happen and i dont know what to do since i am in Singapore for work now. well all i can do is say sorry, i will issue you a refund of your Payment with Paypal plus an extra 50 Pounds as my apologies ! That's nice of him eh ?

Apologies fellow BM's, it was just me and my bags that checked in elsewhere, the driver just drove me there Wishful thinking on my part !!!

Well folks, I can guarantee I can hear no noise whatsoever in VT6. The reason, cos it's a 100% scam. I turned up at VT6 at the agreed time and no-one there to meet me. Called the guys number and phone is finished / off. My driver had a chat with reception and they pointed my in the direction of another guy sitting there duped by the same 'deal' who had been waiting 3 hours for someone to turn up. He had all the same details. My driver was good as gold and she asked to see a floor plan of the the building with the owners names. After going through that 'Mr Brian Bier' does not own a condo in the building. Fortunately for me I refused to pay all the money and only agreed to pay a % of the short stay rent up front, as I was slightly sceptical, but it seems BM Beefos (who I have informed) and the guy in reception have paid a few hundred pounds. Mr Bier's 'price' of 500 baht per night is compared to the real price of 700 baht per night, according to reception. I have reported this to ebay and am currently speaking with paypal and my credit card company to try and get my refund, but not holding my breath. This obviously caused me a bit of incovenience to start with but I wasn't hanging around for 3 hours so my driver, me and the bags just checked in elsewhere and thanks to Messers Messi, Torres & Robben this week, I have won my money back with interest so luckily it hasnt really affected me too much, it's just a few less san miguels during my holiday, so preserve your time and finger typing and save your gloating and 'too good to be trues' This post if purely to inform others on here. Details: Mr Brian Bier Ebay: Brianthailand Email: brianbier@live.com Link: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...=STRK:MEWAX:VRI Tel: +66(0) 0874806700 (although this hs probably changed) Hope this helps as it is designed to do.

Although I don't know the exact m2 of the condo, I have been assured by the owner it is a 1 Bedroom and not a studio, so hopefully room to swing that proverbial cat or pussy