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My situation is just the opposite. The car is in the bf's name, but I am the sole driver. My bf does not have a driving license. I do have a Thai driving license and the insurance covers any licensed driver. Based on recent news articles about highway police announcing that they would have checkpoints on Sukhumvit and would be checking for insurance and ownership, we made a document to keep in the car, which has a picture of his ID card and main page of my passport with his written permission (in English and Thai) for me to drive the car anywhere at anytime (gone through the checkpoints a couple of times, but haven't been stopped, so never had to use). As I understand it, for a foreigner to register a car, he must obtain certificate of address from Thai Immigration, which I believe requires a non-immigrant visa (any type -retirement, business, Thai spouse, etc.) - so, it appears that anyone with a tourist visa or visa waiver (30 day stamp at airport) cannot obtain the required certificate. Same type certificate is required when obtaining a Thai driving license. Also, it is again my understanding that folks having a tourist visa/visa waiver can legally drive cars in Thailand provided they have a valid license from their home country/state and a current International Driving Permit (from various reports I have read, the enforcement of this requirement by car rental agencies and police is haphazard - haphazard enforcement of rules and law in Thailand - really? ).

Generally the same for me - Jomtien to Pattaya Klang, I pay 10 Baht - anything after, I pay 20 Baht. That being said, I was paying the same price when I first visited a little over 25 years ago. Considering the drastic increase in fuel prices and the cost of living since then - as well as the substantial increase in the number of baht buses - being a Baht bus driver back then has to have been more lucrative than it is today. Also, as a general rule, I have found most baht bus drivers to be fine. Unfortunately, it is a few that give the rest a bad name. What really tans my hide (an American colloquial expression), is the drivers that stop (empty) and when you go to the back (instead of to the front so they can ask where you are going and then "negotiate" the fare for an exclusive hire) suddenly take off. The first time that happened to me, I had just grabbed the rail and had to let go quickly or I would have been sprawled in the street. So now, I hesitate a bit before climbing in, which has saved me a similar experience as it seems about 25% will take off. Then there is the ones that after you climb in, go a short distance, then stop, get out, and ask where you are going (again to negotiate a much higher fare). Those, I just hop off, pay them nothing, and catch another baht bus.

It is my understanding that the "Honorary" Consul is reimbursed for expenses, but not compensated. I think that many UK Expats are appreciative that certain services can be provided locally here in Pattaya (something we Americans don't have - although as mentioned, the US Embassy does make periodic visits and can provide some services). It is also my understanding that both the UK and American Consular officials are limited on what services they can provide to assist their countrymen in emergency situations (financial assistance and getting one out of a Thai jail are two service they do not provide).

Pattaya One News online has gas prices posted in upper left frame. Pattayaone News

Gaybutton: Fountainhall: As mentioned in my previous post, it is my understanding that the O-A visa has the same eligibility requirements as the retirement visa (the so called "retirement visa" is a non-immigrant "O" visa giving a 90 day permitted stay upon entry, but can be extended in Thailand for a one-year stay provided you meet the "long stay" criteria - be over 50 years of age and have the required financial resources (800k Baht in bank or monthly income of 65k Baht or a combination of income/bank deposit equal or greater than 800k Baht). The Thai Embassy in Washington DC and Thai Consulates in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York show that to obtain an O-A visa, the age and financial resource requirements are the same. However, in addition, you are also required to provide a medical certificate that you do not have certain communicable diseases and a police report showing you have no criminal convictions. Embassy in Washington DC refers to an O A Visa as a "Long Stay" visa Thai Embassy O A Visa Requirements The Los Angeles Thai Consulate refers to the O A visa as a "retirement visa" Los Angeles Thai Consulate General O A Visa Requirements The Chicago Thai Consulate refers to the O-A visa as a "retirement visa" Chicago Thai Consulate O A Visa requirements The New York Thai Consulate also calls the O A visa a "Long Stay: visa New York Thai Consulate O A Visa Reguirements

It is my understanding the O-A visa is a retirement visa with the same eligibility requirements. It is obtained in your home country (not all, but it is available at Thai Consulates in US and UK - not sure it can be issued by all the Honorary Thai Consuls - but, I know of some who did receive it from the Honorary Consul in Hawaii). Also, when obtained in your home country, in addition to the documents required here in Thailand, they also want a police report. Also, I believe they still require the medical certificate and your bank/income supporting documents need to be notarized. Personally, I think it is easier to come to Thailand and apply for the retirement visa here (a 30 day stamp or tourist visa can be converted to a non-immigrant "O" visa and then getting that visa extended for one-year - commonly referred to as the "retirement" visa). If you can get it, a type "O" multiple entry visa is good if you don't qualify for the one-year stay (retirement, married to Thai, etc.). I obtained one from the Honorary Consul in Dallas, Texas (no documentation required - but that was 6 years ago). I know of a others who have had success with the Honorary Thai Consul in Houston, Texas, in getting the multiple entry "O" visa. They do require border runs every 90 days - each re-entry up to one year from issuance gets you a 90 day stay (so, if you leave and come back a few days before your one-year is up, you can get another 3 months - thus getting a stay of about 15 months.

This is also my understanding (explained to me by my bf many years ago).

From Bangkok Post today: 20 sleeping tourists robbed SUNTHORN PONGPAO AYUTTHAYA : Twenty foreign tourists were robbed in their sleep on a bus and awoke to find they had been left in the middle of nowhere in Bang Pa-in district early yesterday morning. Local police came to help the tourists from Europe and the US after four bus crew stole their belongings and abandoned the bus after parking it on the side of the Asian Highway about 6am. The victims said they took the bus from Chiang Mai to Bangkok on Sunday night with four male staff, including the driver. Exhausted by the trip, the tourists fell asleep during the night, unaware of the plot to steal their belongings. It was believed the driver stopped the bus by the roadside early in the morning and the crew stole valuables, laptop computers, cameras, hand-held game consoles and cash from seven bags, totalling more than 150,000 baht, before fleeing. Police contacted a tour agency on Khao San road where the tourists bought their package deals. The agency did not manage the bus in question but had outsourced to a bus company. The outsourced bus owner, Sirada Boonme, 26, said the bus belonged to her father's company. After hours of negotiations with the tourists, she agreed to pay compensation of half the amount that had been stolen in cash and the rest by bank transfer. She refused to give any details about the bus staff. Police suspected Ms Sirada's father might be one of the four men.

The promotions listed are for two different hospitals -- Bangkok Hospital Pattaya & Phayathai Hospital Sriracha (about 30 minutes or so North on Sukhumvit - Highway 3). Bangkok Hospital Pattaya website shows what each package provides: BHP Website Use the telephone number shown for Gavin Waddell (International Relations at Phayathai Hospital Sriracha) to get more information on what their packages include.

He has a large display ad on page 23 of this week's Pattaya Mail, which includes a map showing his office as being opposite the Day-Night Hotel.

So, what did you wind up paying for the flu shot?

I have eaten there several times, usually the half feast (enough for three and took what we didn't eat home). They also serve a very good hamburger, some Mexican appetizers. and (I thought) a good gumbo -- those I have had when stopping for lunch -- dinner, though, I can't pass up those ribs. As to desert, I had their apple pie once (not impressed), but usually with the other food, too full to even think about desert. Not sure, but I think they also serve margaritas by the pitcher.

I would agree - although I haven't transited in Europe, I have done so in several other countries. Transit passengers are usually directed to a transit area (usually where all the duty free shops are located) to await their connecting flight - no immigration or customs clearance if in transit. Just checked, nice to know that a Thai citizen is not required to have a visa to enter Brazil.

If you are visiting Thailand, it is my understanding you can legally drive a vehicle if you have an International Permit and your Country/State driving license. However, if you are living here as many of us do with retirement visas, you are supposed to get a Thai driving license (fairly easy if you have the International Permit). Additionally, some venues (such as Government parks) are reported to charge a farang the "Thai" admission price if they show a Thai driving license.

Pattaya One News report doesn't say they were spotted selling the VCD/DVDs Saturday 11th October 2008 Over 1,000 Pornographic CD’s seized from street vendors in Jomtien. In the early hours of Saturday Morning a team of Police Officers based at Dongtan Sub-Station on Jomtien Beach were on routine patrol in Soi 5, near the Immigration Office when they spotted two men on a motorbike carrying a large bag. The two men were approached and offered no resistance when asked by Police to surrender themselves for a search. Inside the bag was over 1,000 pornographic CD movies mostly featuring homosexual acts. The two men, Khun Terdsuk aged 24 and Khun Pisit aged 31 were taken back to the stationhouse where Police Major Wittaya was told that they had purchased the CD’s from Bangkok with the intention of selling them here in Pattaya. The two men were charged with various offences relating to their illegal items and will appear in court early next week.

I went with bf for a visit to hometown (near Khorat) early Monday morning and returned to Pattaya Wednesday afternoon - checking my usual web based news outlets upon return was the first I heard of the events in Bangkok. No one in the hometown mentioned it (or apparently seemed to take notice).

GB, It has been my experience that the Door to Door menus are a portion of what the restaurant offers (same with the new WOW service). I used to be a big fan of Chinese food in USA, but with the advent of Vietnamese and Thai, I quit going to them (except for a few that had large all you can eat buffets with snow crab legs, etc.). Nothing wrong with Chinese food -- just preferred the cuisine of Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, and Korea over Chinese.

I have advised my next of kin that I wish to be cremated here in Thailand and that arrangements be made by my Thai partner of "umpteen" years (and, I hope, many more to come). I also left a letter with my Executor, who has custody of my USA will, expressing my wishes in the matter. Although my next of kin is not "bound" by my request, I am certain he will carry them out (especially since he would have to "foot the bill" if he wanted my remains returned to USA). The Pattaya City Expats Club website also has the following information: Information on US Embassy list of attorneys US Embassy procedures regarding death of US Citizen in Thailand

I went to Pattaya Immigration on the 13th to give them my 90 day address report (form TM47). I had the original and a copy of my latest CAT invoice receipt for ADSL service with me. The lady at the desk took my report, did the usual stamping and detaching of the bottom portion for stapling in my passport. She also was stapling an additional slip of paper to the bottom portion of the form before stapling it into my passport. At this point she had not asked for any documentation. I then asked if she wanted to see any documentation, showing her my original CAT bill and offering the copy. She said yes, took the photocopy after having me sign it and told me to "bring the same thing next time." So, it appears that currently, they are accepting the 90 day reports without requiring documentation, but will require it the next time and thereafter (the additional slip of paper said as much and noted that a house register, or contract of rent, water bill, electircity bill, or "the bill is other, etc") Also, this particular report was 90 days from my last re-entry into Thailand on May 15th. There is a thread on one of the other forums indicating some folks were fined (Bangkok Immigration I think) for reporting 90 days after entering instead of 90 days from their reporting date as shown on their last TM47 form stapled in their passport. Sounds to me as if they ran across some new untrained staff as the Thai Immigration Website notes that reentering Thailand starts the count at day 1 - see immigration website Scroll down and read the Notes at the bottom of the page. Also, if you would like to download the TM47 or other Immigration forms, you can do so at Immigraton forms

Except for two agencies, my experience with Pattaya real estate companies when looking for a house to rent was not good and I include Fair Properties in that category -- wasted my time showing me two house that didn't even come close to my criteria, which I had given to them in writing. My first rental in Pattaya was handled by Steve with Alan Bolton's agency -- very good person to deal with and responsive. Since I dealt with them, they have moved locations and I now note they have a website with a very good search feature for showing their listed properties at Pattaya Properties I rented my current house through Danny at BB Lets -- he has a website listing of properties and does his best to keep it current - link: BB Lets I used it to inquire about 2 or 3 properties he listed -- he responded quickly, told me he had just rented one of them and hadn't had time to update his listing on that one. He did arrange to show me the other 2 plus a couple more he thought I might like (similar price range, same general location, size, etc.). The first one he showed me was one of these "additional" properties - it was just what we were looking for, but I was a bit reluctant learning it was a Thai owner. Danny explained that he has a contract with the owner whereby he handles everything - maintenance request, rental collection, etc. The lease was straightforward and in English. The bf wanted to negotiate a lower rent - the owner was called, and we got it for 7,000 Baht less than the asking rent (we did agree to lease for 2 years instead of one). Danny has been very good to take care of the couple of maintenance issues that have come up. As I said, I was disappointed dealing with Fair Properties, but others may have had good dealings with them. However, as suggested by GayThailand, add some others as well as Fair Properties. I do recommend the two I mentioned - they may have what you are looking for.

The original post had to do with USA customs and immigration officials looking at information on laptop computers. Then, it seems, the USA and China were being compared. As to the later issue dealing with freedoms, etc. -- A visit to Amnesty International web site will give you an abundance of information critical of the USA and China -- as well as other countries around the world. Now, back to the original issue -- Would China also deem your laptop fair game for examination when going through their Immigration and Customs clearance? I extracted the following from a website showing China's list of prohibited items (bringing into the country as well as when leaving): Clearing the Customs For your convenience on your journey in China, the following is a brief introduction to relevant customs stipulations . . . 3. Articles Not Allowed into or out of China Articles Not Allowed to Enter China 1. Weapons, imitation weapons, ammunitions, and explosives; 2. Forged currencies and negotiable securities; 3. Printed matters, films, photographs, gramophone records, movies, recording tapes, videotapes, VCDs, computer storage media and other articles whose contents are detrimental to Chinese politics, economy, culture and morality; 4. Various poisons; 5. Opium, morphine, heroin, marijuana and other addictive drugs; 6. Animals, plants or other products which may carry dangerous diseases, viruses, parasites, etc. 7. Foodstuff, medicines, or other products deemed to be harmful to humans or animals, those from areas with epidemics, or those which may spread diseases. Articles Not Allowed to Leave China 1. All the articles not allowed into China; 2. Manuscripts, printed matters, films, photographs, gramophone records, movies, recording tapes, videotapes, VCDs, computer storage media and other articles whose contents are involved with state secrets; 3. Valuable cultural relics and other cultural relics not allowed to leave China by law; 4. Endangered and valuable species of animals, plants (including samples), as well as their seeds and breeding materials.

Ah yes, baht bus routes and designated baht bus stops -- rule that they can not pick up passengers except at the designated bus stops. Let me see, when did I first read that -- oh yes, now I remember. It was sometime in the late 80's. I agree with GB that the stopping anywhere to let passengers on or off doesn't really bother me. When I use them, I like the fact they stop to pick me up and let me off when I ring the bell/buzzer. However, of late, I have noticed that more and more pass me by or quickly take off when I head for the back to get on. But, since one comes by about every minute or less, the wait for one that will pull over is not long. As to City Hall - at last Sunday's Pattaya City Expats Club meeting, the Secretary to the Mayor acknowledged the problem with baht buses, but said that City Hall has no authority over them - as I recall he said that it was the Land Transport Office that does the licensing and regulating. Also, enforcement of traffic laws is the purview of the police (which are also not under the control or direction of City Hall). Just passing the information along. As to my own view, it seems in Thailand you always have the "flavor of the month" -- this month we crack down on this and then go on to something else - without consistent enforcement, IMO there will be no change.

Thanks GB, I needed a good chuckle this morning.

Within the past couple of days, I have received information from several different people that Pattaya Immigration is asking for documentation to show you live at the address your are reporting (90 day report). This morning, at the Pattaya City Expats Club meeting, the British Honorary Consul confirmed this information. He said that recently, Immigration caught someone reporting a false address (no, he didn't say how it came about). As a result, they are now requiring proof, which can be in the form of your "house paper" or recent billing from TOT, CAT, UBC, Sophon Cable, etc. (so long as it has your name and address on it). He said a photo copy was not required, they just wanted to see the document. In one of the earlier reports, my friend said they told him it would be required "next time," whereas in another, they wanted to see the document.

I don't know about Tylenol PM, but regular Tylenol is available. For aspirin, you may want to try Fascino on Pattaya Nua (North Road) - coming from Sukhumvit, it is a short distance past 3rd road on the left. This is a large pharmacy and they also sell medical equipment (wheel chairs, etc.). I buy 300mg coated aspirin there - if I recall correctly, it is about one half Baht per tablet (the same tablets at the Foodland pharmacy were about 2 Baht per tablet, as I recall).