ginseng

This is OT, and no offense meant to Dr. Perry but at first I thought this thread was going to be about a medical doctor. I would be willing to pay triple the going rate in Thailand or even more for a good Western medical doctor. I don't know if it's legal or not but I think there's definitely a market for that.

Damn I failed every one!

I have BUPA I got inpatient and outpatient coverage but after living here and seeing how inexpensive outpatient coverage is I will only get inpatient emergency coverage when it's time to renew.

Just got a call from Nok today. They canceled and rebooked my flight to Phuket. From reading the article above this is probably due to them having less flights there now.

I don't remember if I posted in this thread already. It looks like I will be spending about 45-55K Baht a month, all in. This includes, rent, internet, visas, school, food, entertainment and live in girlfriend. If you want to live here on a budget you really have to curb your appetite for the night life. Even if you don't barfine, paying for lady drinks, snacks and things that seem to come out of nowhere can quickly turn every night into a 10k Baht expense. One way I have saved money is to not eat at lower Sukhumwit, even Thai food is costly there, just a few BTS stops away and the price drops quickly.

I'm booked with them to go to Phuket this Friday and back Monday, hope their still in action.

I was there when you first opened. It was obvious you were just getting started but already I could sense a chill vibe to the place that I hope will stay even as it gets more popular. I think you are making all the right moves and are going through the normal business growing pains. As far as pool tables one or two seems ok but definitely keep that peaceful laid back vibe going. No blaring rock music or overzealous staff. I chose to solicit many places based on the attitude of the staff alone. I think your description of the scene you have built is spot on and there is no reason to try to be all things to everyone.

My monthly expense living in Bangkok looks like it will be around 45,000 Baht I have a live-in girlfriend and when we go out I pay for everything but I do give her a little extra so she can go out on her own. 8,000.00 Apartment 1,000.00 Electricity and water 1,000.00 Internet 5,000.00 Money for gf 10,000.00 Food for two 10,000.00 Entertainment including nightlife for me 5,000.00 household items 5,000.00 Stupid crap I don't really need 45,000.00 Total As you can see I don't spend much on nightlife as I'm pretty satisfied just watching a DVD with my live-in most nights. She is very budget minded and in the end saves me a ton of money.

Terrible tragedy and a reminder to stay away from Yabba girls.

LOL it took me a minute to appreciate this. I ride the train to work everyday for about an hour and I can't stand all the people yakking away on their phones. They have no control of their volume and bring us all into the most asinine conversations. I can't imagine having to deal with that for an international flight. Definitely against. Even SMS as people would probably sneak in a quick chat.

I don't know about safer, I've read one too many articles like this American tourist, 7 Thais killed in Phitsanulok bus accident PHITSANULOK: -- A Phayao - Bangkok air-conditioned bus overturned in this lower northern province late Thursday night, killing an American tourist and 7 Thai passengers and injuring 31 others. Police said the accident happened on Phitsanulok - Uttaradit Road in Prom Piram district at 11:45 pm. The American was identified as Andrew Michel Bludigis. Passengers told police that the driver, Pornchai Siplaek, 40, was speeding the bus along the way to overtake other vehicles and the bus lost control and overturned at the spot. The driver fled the scene. -- The Nation 2008-04-18

If it's even possible I'd like to get a straw hat with some style. No reason not to block the sun and grab the attention of the ladies.

Jai yen yen everyone! It was a harmless question. I appreciate the answers. I think I'll go with the old school straw hat.

Thanks for the tip.

Around San Francisco I always wear a baseball cap to keep the sun out of my eyes but in Thailand it always sticks to my head and I can't stand it. What type of hat do the hat sporting expats prefer? Something lightweight with a brim would be ideal.