A Singaporean's guide to living in Thailand

Bonut · Nov 18, 2017

chonburifc said:
Yes, thats right. The place you mentioned all have Shabushi. If you are coming from Jomtien, I recommed u go to Sukishi (Shabushi competitor) Tesco Lotus Pattaya South. Take the 10 baht bus from Thepprasit to Sukumvit.

Are you referring to TESCO next to Outlet Mall ?

Yes, I saw something similar to Shabushi. Quite empty. What about price ? One thing about Shabushi is the tomyam broth - one side tomyam the other side coconut milk. Damn solid !

But sushi lovers must not miss Oishi at Avenue Mall. 600 plus baht for a meal, and the food is very refined.

chonburifc · Nov 18, 2017

Bonut said:
Are you referring to TESCO next to Outlet Mall ?

Yes, I saw something similar to Shabushi. Quite empty. What about price ? One thing about Shabushi is the tomyam broth - one side tomyam the other side coconut milk. Damn solid !

But sushi lovers must not miss Oishi at Avenue Mall. 600 plus baht for a meal, and the food is very refined.

That's the one. Behind Outlet Mall. Walk into Tesco and Sukishi is the first shop on the right hand side. The price is 369pax. Have 2 broths, Nam Sai (clear)and Tom Yam. Not sure if they still have Nam Kon (creamy) . Same as Shabushi, its limited to 1 hr 20 min

Oishi@Avenue is quite premium. Not really a favorite with the average locals. But it is quite popular with tourist.
Myself not a fan of sabushi but do eat occasionally. Personally, I still prefer ala carte Jim Joom aka Jaew Horn traditional herbal steamboat.

chonburifc · Nov 18, 2017

Actually this hour no want to eat. But feel very hungry. End up.

Pork Chop

Not very good habit. like to hungryvat this hour. Now almost 80kg liaoz. jialat.

yinyang · Nov 19, 2017

What's new? The well heeled and conglomerates are benefitting from schemes meant to help the poor (reverse robin hood) :rolleyes:

Poor really are getting poorer in Thailand

THE SUNDAY NATION

ACADEMICS SAY CURRENT WELFARE POLICY IS COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE, MAKING RICH RICHER

THE POOR are getting poorer, while the rich are getting richer due to the government’s policy approach to welfare and social enterprise, according to academics who presented at a seminar on civil state policy held at Thammasat University yesterday.

Official statistics show a trend in which the rich tend to get more benefit from the government’s policies than the poor, which is in sharp contrast to the policy’s intent to fight poverty, said Decharut Sukkumnoed, an economics professor at Kasetsart University.

Decharut cited statistics from Office of the National Economics and Social Development Board, which indicated that the number of people below the poverty line increased by nearly 20 per cent in 2015-2016.

Some 5.81 million people lived in poverty last year, defined as having an income below Bt2,920 per month.

“From the statistics, we also found that the number of poor people is on the rise, because the daily expenses of the poor, especially food prices, are increasing.

“But on the other hand their income is getting lower, especially the income of poor people in the agriculture sector,” he told the seminar, sponsored by the People’s Party for Freedom.

In comparison, said Decharut, statistics showed “the richest group of people in Thai society … have increasing income, especially after the coup three years ago”.

Decharut warned that this phenomenon indicated a serious problem in Thai society.

It clearly shows a structural problem in society and that the civil state policies are making the situation worse, he said.

He said the civil state system allowed big conglomerates, which compose the highest income group of society, to get more economic benefit than do the poor from the government’s projects intended to help the poor.

The policy is giving the rich an opportunity to take advantage of the poor, he said.

Another academic, Surawit Wannakrairoj, a professor from Faculty of Agriculture of Kasetsart University, pointed to the civil state’s farming policy as an illustration of what is wrong. The policy intends to modernise Thailand’s agriculture and boost farmer incomes, he said.

In practice, however, many policies and laws, such as the big plantation policy or Plant Varieties Protection Act, are instead helping big conglomerates in the agriculture sector to tighten their grip on farmers and force them to use only the conglomerate’s supplies.

Decharut said that welfare does not much help the poor. The government is now facing its biggest budget deficits in modern history, accounting for up to 23 per cent of its total revenues.

He said the government budget was over-spending on many items instead of diverting more funds to help the poor.

One of the key policies championed by the government is to help low-income people whose annual earnings are less than Bt100,000 per year.

A social welfare card system was recently introduced for a total of more than 11 million people nationwide who had earlier registered to get state benefits.

These cardholders are entitled to subsidies on purchases of necessary goods at government-sponsored retail shops as well as free but limited public transport on Bangkok’s Skytrains, subway and buses among other benefits.

Those earning less than Bt30,000 per year will also get vocational training to increase their opportunities to get better jobs as a means to tackle poverty in the long run.

johnny333 · Nov 19, 2017

chonburifc said:
Actually this hour no want to eat. But feel very hungry. End up.
.

I normally see Thais that are thin.
So was surprised to read that obesity is on the rise in LOS & diabetes is getting to be a problem.

Then yesterday I was at a Sizzler restaurant & saw a Thai family with 2 family members that were really obese. They reminded me of fat Americans.

I think there are too many buffet style restaurants where you can stuff yourself for the price of entry.

chonburifc · Nov 19, 2017

Anti Snatch Theft poster

Self explainatory. Chinese and Russkies language was added cos Chinese are the main targets as chances they carry more cash are higher.

Bonut · Nov 19, 2017

chonburifc said:
Actually this hour no want to eat. But feel very hungry. End up.Pork Chop

Not very good habit. like to hungryvat this hour. Now almost 80kg liaoz. jialat.

I can relate to that. Ever since I discovered Pattaya, I have skipped Bangkok. After alighting at Suvarnabhumi, I hopped on to Roong Reung to Pattaya immediately. Everything in Pattaya is within a stone's throw. The best part is the city never sleeps. So whenever I'm in Pattaya, I have to make an effort to exercise control over food and drinks.

I can't wait for Terminal 21 at Pattaya North to start business.

Bonut · Nov 19, 2017

johnny333 said:
I normally see Thais that are thin.
So was surprised to read that obesity is on the rise in LOS & diabetes is getting to be a problem.

Then yesterday I was at a Sizzler restaurant & saw a Thai family with 2 family members that were really obese. They reminded me of fat Americans.

I think there are too many buffet style restaurants where you can stuff yourself for the price of entry.

I only beo the undergraduates in uniform near MBK. So far I have not come across any fat ones. Most are svelte like this:

chonburifc · Nov 19, 2017

At Sukishi eat all you can in Tesco Lotus Pattaya South. This is the Sukishi I am refering to. 369 baht/pax. Today usual weekend crowd.

What you get.

chonburifc · Nov 19, 2017

Bonut said:
I can relate to that. Ever since I discovered Pattaya, I have skipped Bangkok. After alighting at Suvarnabhumi, I hopped on to Roong Reung to Pattaya immediately. Everything in Pattaya is within a stone's throw. The best part is the city never sleeps. So whenever I'm in Pattaya, I have to make an effort to exercise control over food and drinks.

I can't wait for Terminal 21 at Pattaya North to start business.

Yup. Both Bell Transport and Roong Rueang very good and reliable transport provider. I talk about both service since this is a favorite topic with visitors to Pattaya.

Both companies share the same booth at the lowest floor at Suvarnabhumi airport (same floor as food court). The departure times of both companies are hourly or 2 hourly from 7 am till 10 pm (check their websites for latest schedule)
Bell is THB200 and terminate at Pattaya North bus terminal and will transfer you to your hotel within Pattaya and Jomtien areas at no extra costs.

Roong Ruang Bus is 120 Baht and will stop along Sukumvit Road at junctions of Naklua, Pattaya North, Pattaya Central, Pattaya South, Thepprasit and terminating at Food Mart Supermarket at Thappraya Office (Opposite Pan Pan restaurant). From there, you have to take either 10 baht song taew, motorcycle taxi or song taew taxi to your hotel.

Bell travel service need to book in advance as they are extremely popular. Can book online via their website. Roong Ruang no booking in advance. Its first come first served.

chonburifc · Nov 19, 2017

Cool weather now after 3 hours of heavy rain in the late afternoon. Best food for such weather is Jim Joom or Jae Horn (Traditional Thai herbal steamboat)

Order choot talay (seafood set)

Close up. 159 Baht set

menu

Bonut · Nov 19, 2017

chonburifc said:
Yup. Both Bell Transport and Roong Rueang very good and reliable transport provider. I talk about both service since this is a favorite topic with visitors to Pattaya.

Both companies share the same booth at the lowest floor at Suvarnabhumi airport (same floor as food court). The departure times of both companies are hourly or 2 hourly from 7 am till 10 pm (check their websites for latest schedule)
Bell is THB200 and terminate at Pattaya North bus terminal and will transfer you to your hotel within Pattaya and Jomtien areas at no extra costs.

Roong Ruang Bus is 120 Baht and will stop along Sukumvit Road at junctions of Naklua, Pattaya North, Pattaya Central, Pattaya South, Thepprasit and terminating at Food Mart Supermarket at Thappraya Office (Opposite Pan Pan restaurant). From there, you have to take either 10 baht song taew, motorcycle taxi or song taew taxi to your hotel.

Bell travel service need to book in advance as they are extremely popular. Can book online via their website. Roong Ruang no booking in advance. Its first come first served.

Bro, Bell Travel is 250 baht. They no longer have a sales counter at airport. The 2 ladies in Bell Travel uniform will sit at the bench diagonally opposite Roong Reung counter at the airport. Since they don't have a counter, you can't purchase tickets on the spot. You can only do it online.

chonburifc · Nov 19, 2017

Bonut said:
Bro, Bell Travel is 250 baht. They no longer have a sales counter at airport. The 2 ladies in Bell Travel uniform will sit at the bench diagonally opposite Roong Reung counter at the airport. Since they don't have a counter, you can't purchase tickets on the spot. You can only do it online.

Bonut · Nov 19, 2017

chonburifc said:

I have always wanted to find out the name of this dish.

When can I find this in Pattaya ?

chonburifc · Nov 19, 2017

Wow! Time flies.

Thanks for the update.The last time I used Bell Transport service was about 3 years ago and the ticket is THB 200. Even earlier, was only 150 baht or 160 baht when I first came to Pattaya.

At that time, Roong Ruang was only 89 Baht and their run down office was at the junction of Chaiuapreuk Road and Jomtien Road.

chonburifc · Nov 19, 2017

Bonut said:
I have always wanted to find out the name of this dish.

When can I find this in Pattaya ?

5555 Easy lah. Its call Jim Joom จิ้มจุ่ม or in Issan its call Jaew Horn แจ่วฮ้อน. This dish everywhere in Pattaya also have lah. Many years ago, I even sell this before.

The more famous ones are 3 open air shops opposite Hollywood disco. Most of the tables are countryside low table style. They have cushion provided. If you have problems seating on a cushion cross leg, then might not be suitable.
Entire stretch of third road also have many.
Pattaya South near Big C have 2 shops. Call Baek Kak Din 1 and 2.
Thepprasit also have Baek Ka Din opposite Soi 17
and the list goes on.

All are open air shops and only open at night. Baek Ka Din open until 8 am.

chonburifc · Nov 19, 2017

This self service kiosk should be a familiar sight for those who goes to 7-11 or family mart often. You can top up your prepaid sim cards and also pay your electricity, phone,water and internet bills etc. The fee for each transaction is 5 Baht. If top up 50 baht, need to pay 55 baht. If top up 500 baht, need to pay 505 baht.Very popular with wai roon who have limited funds as this machine accept even 20 baht top ups.

Also, 7-11 has stopped selling AIS prepaid cards and top ups. So this machine come in handy for those using AIS prepaid cards.

accept 1 baht 2 baht 5 baht and 10 baht coins. accept 20, 50 and 100 baht. Not sure 500 and 1000 accept or not. cos never try more than 100 baht note.

close up

johnny333 · Nov 20, 2017

Bonut said:
I only beo the undergraduates in uniform near MBK. So far I have not come across any fat ones. Most are svelte like this:

The crowd at MBK doesn't represent a typical Thai family. It is usually Thai students & foreigners that frequent that area.

MBK is a very big place & can imagine an obese person having problems getting around.

johnny333 · Nov 20, 2017

chonburifc said:
Wow! Time flies.

Thanks for the update.The last time I used Bell Transport service was about 3 years ago and the ticket is THB 200. Even earlier, was only 150 baht or 160 baht when I first came to Pattaya.

At that time, Roong Ruang was only 89 Baht and their run down office was at the junction of Chaiuapreuk Road and Jomtien Road.

I always thought that Bell & Roong Ruan are the same company. I use Bell whenever I want to go to Pattaya & after the passengers are picked up from the hotel, they are sent to the garage at the outskirts of Bkk. At the garage I see the buses from Roong Ruan being serviced.

Sometimes Bell will use coaches with Roong Ruan Colours for the trip to Pattaya.

The main problem with Bell is that if you need to do a pickup from a hotel in Pattaya, you have to book it online. A few years ago I notice that the travel companies in Pattaya no longer would accept requests to use Bell services.

I have tried other Mini bus companies but there were problems.
So nowadays I will use either Bell or hire a taxi to Suvarnabhumi.

johnny333 · Nov 20, 2017

chonburifc said:
Roong Ruang Bus is 120 Baht and will stop along Sukumvit Road at junctions of Naklua, Pattaya North, Pattaya Central, Pattaya South, Thepprasit and terminating at Food Mart Supermarket at Thappraya Office (Opposite Pan Pan restaurant). From there, you have to take either 10 baht song taew, motorcycle taxi or song taew taxi to your hotel.

Years ago I tried the Roong Ruang bus. In Bkk you can go to the bus terminal at Sukumvit. It is probably the cheapest way to get to Pattaya. The problem is that sometimes they do plenty of stops along the way i.e. delays.

After the experience I decided to use Bells travel service because it is more convenient. They will go to the hotel in Bkk to pick you up & drop you off at the hotel in Pattaya. They also provide door to door service from Pattaya to Bkk. Once you get on the coaches, there are no stops until you reach your destination.

A few days ago I paid 500 baht for door to door service from a hotel in Bkk to Pattaya.

If you are Travelling with a companion it is probably more convenient to take a taxi/private hire which will cost 1,000 to 1,500 baht. This is about sin$60+ for a 2 hr ride. As comparison, In Spore it will cost $50 to get to Changi Airport.

A Singaporean's guide to living in Thailand

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