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Future Park
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After reading this forum for a few months l've finally got something to post about .
I'm seriously contemplating moving to Bangkok for 1-2 years. I'm Australian (40s), my wife Thai (30s). I'm hoping some forum members can advise on the following issues.
#Would you worry about health insurance, if so, any recommendations on local providers?
#Cable tv; last year l saw the Australian Rules Grand Final in a bar in Bangkok. Can anyone point me in the right direction e.g website for connection details for any Australian centred cable networks. I currently have use of a townhouse in the Rangsit area, would l be able to get these networks out there? I know many Bangkok apartment blocks have cable available, is an Australian network likely to be available or is Thai/U.S. the only option.
#For basic (dial-up) internet access, any suggestions for a reliable local ISP?
#As it is unlikely l'll find legitimate paid employment, l was wondering what you guys who don't work, do to pass the time. As l'm happily married and plan on staying that way, going to bars or picking up freelancers is not an option for me, although some of the members lifestyles do make for entertaining reading. My wife is keen for me to attempt a full on Thai language course so that is more than likely something l will do. What else is there? Charity work? Any ideas?
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Bangkok Girls : Meet Attractive Thai Girls
Posted on: 8:26 am on Jan. 19, 2003
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MX31
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Internet...CS info is the one I have used for two years and it has always been solid for me.
I do not know your level of Thai language knowledge, but I assume being married to a Thai lady that you do have some if not a lot more, but knowing the language here makes all the difference in the world. There are many ways to accomplish this, although IMHO, I would stay away from the big schools. The paper oftens lists smaller schools or people who teach on the side. Plus, you can learn on your own through books, software, and your spouse.
Time passage....tons of stuff that is not bar and/or girl related. Exploring all that BKK has to offer is as easy as picking up some tour books. I used to have what I called "adventure days" where I would leave my place in the morning with no idea where I would go or end up. I had some of the best experiences that way....I would just roam and wherever the wind blew me is where I went.
There are activities listed in the Bangcock Post to do, there is Lumpini Park to visit daily for exercise. I started back working out at the gym everyday. There are a couple decent priced ones depending on where you live.
I started a business too, so that kept me busy.
Health insurance...hmmm...thought I saw one ad in the Bangcock Post classifieds for that, but not sure, I will keep my ears open on that and the cable issue.
Tons more to do...............
Good luck!
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Bangkok Women : Meet Sensual Bangkok Women
Posted on: 5:44 pm on Jan. 19, 2003
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Edge
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Future Park
I will try to answer a few from my point of view
#1 AIA does a good health plan here. Health is an important issue for me. dental plan can be included.
#2 www.ubctv.com (I think!~!). UBC is a good reliable cable provider, about 50 channels with HBO,ESPN,CNN etc.
#3Loxinfo is the best and most expensive ISP.
#3 Depends on what you do? Follow your trade here?
Charities are very demanding of their workers, they have so much to do. Private tuition can be rewarding if you are not pressured into working too hard to get enough money to live on. Computer schools will often take novice farangs. AUA do a good Thai course.
All the best.
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Thai Girls : Meet Sexy Thai Girls
Posted on: 7:23 pm on Jan. 19, 2003
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MrJoe
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Good info from the above posters. I'm afraid I haven't got time to get into specifics but I'll say that if you have the option of not working or worrying about your income there is PLENTY of things to get into that aren't centered around the pursuit of sex or alcohol.
And if you are of a mind to contribute through volunteer work I strongly encourage you to explore that. An excellent resource for all your questions might be
"Community Services Center" ; in fact any members deciding to live in LOS might find they can get a lot of different kinds of info and help from them.
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Bangkok Girls : Meet Sexy Bangkok Girls
Posted on: 9:50 pm on Jan. 19, 2003
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oldhand
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I reckon best stay in Australia, no need to
worry about the TV, Aussie rules, etc
and since you seem to be happily married
you will not run this risk of straying off the
straight and narrow in all your free time!
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Bangkok Girls : Meet Attractive Thai Girls
Posted on: 11:44 pm on Jan. 19, 2003
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ducksnutz
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Hi, as a fellow orstralian, I can understand your wish for some home grown teli from time to time. When we settled here I gave the wife the job of finding cable, my only direction was that it had Aussie teli on it and as the only Aussie teli available is ABC asiapacific, I even gave her a printout of the sat details to show and ask to make sure it is included. Well sad to say that we don't have aussie teli, but a week after hooking up UBC I found another sat company that had ABC, shit, anyway, if you come I can get you the details and then I can visit your place to watch it, ok. ABC AP is actually very good, years ago it was crap and all old abc stuff, then channel 7 bought it and had heaps of old 7 stuff, including home and away when that Minogue chick was still a virgin. But it still had all the other stuf you like, footy etc. Then channel 9 seems to have done something with it lately and the programs are even better, still a few years old, but much better and the news is all up to date and current affairs shows etc from the ABC.
As for internet, I just use temporary pre paid cards for now, last one was 550baht for 65 hours.
As for what to do, well thats up to what you like, golf, gym, walking, reading, volunteer stuff with wildlife associations etc, plenty to explore and do.
Health insurance I am currently chasing, BUPA has a good deal I am told and Bumrumgrad aslo has a very good one I am told but sounds expensive, so when I find one and if you move I will advise. Need to do this in the next week or so as mine runs out at end of this month from back home.
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Bangkok Women : Meet Beautiful Thai Girls
Posted on: 8:39 am on Jan. 27, 2003
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ringthebells
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hi insurance seekers.
I met this canadian who lives in tokyo. he made this good insurance deal for expats. it is better than BUPA.
check out http://www.medexplan.com
I took the silver. for the first year for instance you take a small deductable and get your teeth looked after and fixed for 1000 US. second year you change to 1000 US deductable and get a 45% discount on your premium.
If there is a need for that I will open a new forum, for insurance. I am not doing this as a job, but it really is a good deal. I don't know if it is allowed at this forum to promote such things.
also you pay directly to the UK to Morgan Price which is A rated. you can also pay quarterly.
I have to go now, and call it a day at the office
rtb
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Bangkok Girls : Meet Attractive Thai Girls
Posted on: 8:52 am on Jan. 27, 2003
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BoomARang
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Excellent advice from all, especially Ducknutz and the only thing I can add is that my information is that BUPA, more like general health insurance, is useable throughout Thailand, or at least at participating hosptials and clinics whereas Bumrumgrad, which my policy is more like an HMO only works at Bumrumgrad.
I think a policy from Bumrumgrad is available more like the BUPA but it is much more expensive. BUPA is cheaper but useable more places EASILY, as I have tried, whereas the other is more expensive, although with world class care at Bumrumgrad, and not so easily used wherever.
In any event, I'd look into both health insurance programs to see exactly what they have available.
As far as Cable is concerned, I've never watched tv so I don't know although I'm still hoping for a cable provider to provide cable modems some day. The day that that happens, and it is proven stable, is the day I move there.
Ichi
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Thai Girls : Meet Active Thai Girls
Posted on: 9:00 am on Jan. 27, 2003
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Future Park
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Some useful info. thanks everyone. I'll be in Bangkok shortly to do some more groundwork as l'm keen to make the move a reality.
MX31: Adventure days, good term. Something l used to do years ago, but gotten out of the habit, thanks for the reminder.
Mr. Joe: Community Services Centre? Is this the actual name or a generic term? Do you have an address or website?
ducksnutz: YES!!! ABC Asiapacific was the name of the station we watched the G.F. on. I recall hearing that they show the weekly AFL highlights package each week. Being a keen Aussie Rules fan, l'll be a happy camper if l can watch this in the comfort of my own home. If it's channel 9 based, then maybe l'd get to see a bit of cricket as well.
Health insurance looks like it will require a bit of research, but at least now l've got some ideas.
Any recommendations on gyms? Something close to the Skytrain perhaps?
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Thai Women : Meet Matured Thai Women
Posted on: 10:38 am on Jan. 27, 2003
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ducksnutz
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FP, I have been looking into this as well. California gym is at Saladang ST and also there is one in Thaniya plaza on 9th floor I think, also told that the gym in Landmark hotel is very good and at Nana ST.
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Bangkok Girls : Meet Attractive Thai Girls
Posted on: 4:26 am on Jan. 29, 2003
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