WelshFarang

I had a photocopy of my passport laminated. A normal photocopy on paper would soon get covered in beer, food, sweat etc. Always leave my original in the hotel safe box, unless required for some reason.

Thanks, I'll cross it off my list I'm looking for somewhere for a month's stay starting Dec 28th. Pool and close to the action - any suggestions folks? Looking for somewhere cheaper than Sandy Springs.

Are the military supporting Taxin, or trying to get rid of him? News reports are not clear.

How much of your own time will you spend in the condo? Is it a place for yourself that you will also rent out, or is it somewhere that you want for an investment and nothing else. Do you have friends in LOS that can help with lettings and keep an eye on it? Personally I would not invest property in a foreign country, unless I was there to oversee it myself. The Thai govt. can change rules without much concern for farangs, so the only money I would take into to LOS is money that I can afford to lose. Sorry to sound negative, but recent changes to visas has brought home to me how uncerta

In Jan/Feb 2006, dvds in Patong were 80 baht and 100 baht in Pantip Plaza (BKK). However when I ended my tour in Pattaya, most sellers wanted 150 baht for each one even for bulk buying, and they would not budge. I did manage to get some for 100 (5 for 500). Whereabouts did you get the best deals? I'll be stocking up again on my next trip.

The location is excellent if you want the nightlife and if you get the cheaper rooms at the rear, you don't hear any of the noise from WS. So if you want an early night that is a benefit. As has been stated already, there is a fair chance that your room will be occupied by insects. I had ants appearing in the bin every so often. I stayed there because most other places were full at Chinese NY. The pool is indoors (waste of time) and there are 4 sunbeds on the roof area. The water tub/jacuzzi/whirlp pool thingy was absolutely filthy - the Ruskies did not seem to notice though

Has anybody got any feedback on the Honey Inn Hotel on soi 10? I've read the reviews but they are 3 years old. The pool sounds okay, but maybe the hotel is getting old and needs a refurbishment. I can live with that, but is it kept clean? Any comments appreciated. Thanks

A quick update on this place: They have just quoted me 1,000 baht a day for the peak season at new year. Sounds OK apart from the location, as I like to have frequent trips everyday/night to the nightlife. Guess I'll have to keep looking. I've been quoted 1,280 by the Dynasty which is probably the best deal I can get at the moment. Any comments regarding placesto stay would be appreciated - pool,GF,close to WS or sois6-8 would be appreciated.

Out of curiosity how much did it cost? I know that Etihad have good deals out of Manchester.

I think we do have them. They are known as TRACKER funds. Management charges are low as there is no need to pick and choose which companies to buy. If it is in the FOOTSIE then it is included in the fund.

Jacko, I know that there have been threads on the cost of living in LOS, but could you give us a breakdown of your average monthly outgoings? Where are you staying -I assume it is a long term let?

Thai Air has about 10 flights a day, so there will be plenty of choice and if a flight gets cancelled no problem with getting on another one. They are the more expensive than the low cost carriers. The LCCs have fewer flights and can have delayed or cancelled flights. I've used air asia and 1-2-go on internal flights and both were ok.

Were you travelling cattle class or did the ''gold card'' get you in to business class? I'm using them in Dec. and I believe one reason for the cheaper ticket is the fact that there is no frequent flyer scheme available.

Maybe, but we get taxed at 40% on all capital gains above the £8k threshold. This includes property (but not one's place of residence). Sorry to go off-topic, but I bought a flat 5 years ago for £70k and now it is worth £200k. If I sell now, my tax bill will be in the region of £45k.

They do exist. Companies use them as ''hedging'' tools (insurance). Traded options are similar to futures, but with a definite maximum loss. I had a go with traded options and got my fingers burnt. Profits on options are taxable. Options are highly geared so a downward movement in price will give a big profit on your contract. Your initial outlay will be small compared to having to buy the stock outright.

I have heard it said many times that you should not invest in Thailand with money that you cannot afford to lose. I believe that banks do not have any government underwriting should they go bankrupt. With all the corruption and Thais attitudes towards foreigners cash, I would sleep better at night in a rented accommodation.

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm comparing costs against those in my area (Wales) and LOS seems to be on a similar level. I'm surprised that they are not cheaper, but at least in LOS you can play all year round. I'm a fair weather player so tend to keep the clubs locked away between October and March.

Are there golf clubs that have annual membership? I've read about courses where you pay green fees for each round, but do any expats belong to clubs where you pay an annual membership fee and then have unlimited access to the course. If so, how much does it cost?

What happens if you move back to the UK?Let say at age 70 you decide to go back. Will you get the full pension or will you be 5 years behind? My guess is same rate (full) as everyoe else gets.

Is that Gatwick or Manchester? What are the dates of your flight? Prices for the New year ones have just gone up.

I only got agreement from my workplace for a 6 week break starting 28th Dec. The prices have gone up now and I ended up paying £460 from Heathrow. The Manchester flight is at 08:40 in the winter which is too early for me, if I go during British Summer Time it is 09:40, which is more manageable.

Does he own the house where his wife is living? Can he agree to the divorce and split the sale proceeds. Invest off-shore (no tax) and use the interest to supplement the pension. Also saves the council tax, which keeps going up more than the rate of inflation.