dick dasterdly
-
Posts
8959 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Downloads
Posts posted by dick dasterdly
-
-
3 hours ago, Puwa said:
Here are 10 actual tips for tipping:
1) It's optional.
2) It is as much a social transaction as a financial one. Giver and receiver have roles to play. The giver tips nonchalantly (never ostentatiously), and the receiver wais upon receipt, regardless of the amount. It's ok to simply smile or nod in return.
3) Personally, I never tip anyone who asks for a tip outright, a huge breech of decorum.
4) Traditionally, tipping for meals was a "keep the change" situation. If that's a few coins at a simple shop, fine. Obviously, at nicer or more expensive places, a bit more thought is required when paying for 990B bill with a 1000 note. First get your 10 baht change, then add whatever you want to it.
5) You always give a tip directly to the person, rather than just including extra when you pay, and they always must acknowledge it. This reported phenomenon of servers deciding for themselves to keep the change is entirely unacceptable and no Thai person would stand for that.
6) For most taxis, it's ok just round up to the next 10 baht, or 20, so a 47 baht fare is 50, a 49 becomes 60.
7) A generous tip is appropriate when you rent a van and driver for something like an interprovincial excursion.
???? At a 3-4 star hotel, 20-40 baht per day for the housekeeper isn't required but is greatly appreciated; 5-star maybe 50 and up.
9) Thai people sometimes use the term "tip" as a euphemism for payment for a "special service," as at a massage parlor.
10) This goes a bit beyond tipping. I know there's a popular belief among farang that Thais will do anything for money, but in fact there are a lot of cultural sensitivities around money, especially the handling of cash. Maybe I'm a bit traditional/conservative when it comes to these things, but I tend to follow this old-school practice. In some situations, overtly taking bills from your wallet, counting it out conspicuously, and giving cash hand to hand is considered vulgar and insulting--especially if it is someone with whom you have a personal, professional, intimate, or ongoing relationship. Instead, when possible put the money in an envelope (a great use for hotel-room envelopes). The receiver will will appreciate the gesture.
I agree unreservedly with most of these points.
Re. 10) - I made the mistake of once offering (an obviously very poor guy) 100 bht for helping me out, when I seriously needed help. The horror on his face when I tried to offer him 100 bht. has remained etched in my memory ☹️.
-
2
-
-
On 6/26/2019 at 9:58 AM, Fairynuff said:
Yet another incorrect generalization. I’d say that I don’t know anyone Thai or European who doesn’t tip when it’s appropriate.I always tip appropriately. If a service charge is included but I’ve had excellent service I’ll add a bit extra. My local noodle shop treats me like family but tipping just isn’t expected. Every now and again I’ll take a tin of cookies or something and always at New Year.
I see nothing wrong in tipping good staff, the extra money will always help people who mostly earn very little. Bad service will never get a tip however.
The car park attendant at a place I eat at fairly often must make a fortune, I’ve honestly never seen anyone not tip him at least 20 baht
I agree, but do give a small tip to the assistant at the 'road-side stall type place' where I frequently buy takeaways - as I'm sure she earns very little and she always goes out of her way to help load the takeaways in my 'bike box. The tip is not expected, but appreciated by both the assistant and owner.
Similarly, I'm happy to provide a small tip to gas station attendants who put the cap back on after filling up, as the cap is on the side of my 'bike making it more difficult to access. Again - poorly paid/provide a service - and I am happy to tip.
When at a HomePro complex one day with a VERY wealthy friend, I was shocked when she wouldn't allow a trolley guy to take her trolley to the car because "he would expect a 20 bht tip".....☹️
To look on the bright side, it made me realise (I can be a bit slow at times...) why the trolley pushers are trying to help even when their help is not needed - and subsequently let them 'help' in order to give them a tip.
-
On 6/26/2019 at 8:37 AM, Netease said:
My wife gives 10% for good service and BHT 1 if the service or food is lousy just to let them know were not happy
My ex-husband left a one cent tip in a very busy American bar (possibly Beale Street - I can't remember as I'm not a blues fan) as the service was so lousy.
He regretted it as he'd left something in the bar, and so had to go back to ask for the bag he'd left ????.
-
1
-
-
23 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:
Why oh why do the non believers keep confusing "god" with religion?
People can pray all they like, but it's not going to make any difference except maybe make them feel better.
What's so hard about believing that "god' or "Gaia" or whatever created the heavens and the earth, life itself, and then went off to do something else, leaving planet earth to get on with it without intervening?
People are so insignificant on a cosmic scale, that I can't imagine a supreme being that gives a rat's bottom about us as individuals. In a cosmic blink we'll all be extinct anyway, so what does it matter, except to us?
Good points, well made.
"What's so hard about believing that "god' or "Gaia" or whatever created the heavens and the earth, life itself, and then went off to do something else, leaving planet earth to get on with it without intervening?"
Certainly somewhat more believable than the standard 'god' line promoted by various religions, but why would any 'god' bother, bearing in mind they had no interest in the result?
-
16 hours ago, sumrit said:
Sounds great. Do you have to take and collect your passport to/from your agent for him to do your 90 day report or does he do the fetching and carrying as well? ????
In my case yes, the agent collects and returns my passport for 90 day reports - and for retirement extensions, also collects all the other documents required. It's not a cheap service (here on Phuket), but worth paying as I'm lucky enough to be able to afford it to avoid the stress.
Back on topic, I was very worried when first learning that under the latest rules (......) all sorts of documentation (and even possibly presence at Immigration!) was required from my landlord, bearing in mind I live on Phuket, and he lives in Bangkok.
There was obviously no way I could force him to complete the documentation/provide the various photocopies required of ID card/'blue' (?) book/new rental contract (I'd been living here approx. 10 years and there had never been a reason previously to ask for a new rental contract after the original one year contract) etc.
As it turned out I was worrying un-necessarily as my landlord provided everything required (including the TM30) - but the point is that the 'rules' keep changing and us 'expats' are tired of the ever changing 'rules'.
To look on the bright side, it's good to hear that Immigration are accepting a TM30 completed by those renting a property, rather than requiring it to be completed by the landlord.
-
4 minutes ago, skippybangkok said:
Had some bible bashes at my door way back and had this discussion. Their answer god is testing man kind. Well after a few thousand years of a failed trial you would think he would call it quits
Sent from my iPad using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile appKnow what you mean. I was told that satan challenged god and as a consequence it turned into a bet as to who would win.....
-
1
-
-
On 6/17/2019 at 8:46 AM, skippybangkok said:
Visited my boys daily in the special care room with incubators when they were born, fortunately they did ok
But saw a 800 gram child with a gazillion hoses sticking out of him struggling for his little life.
What god who is all powerful would punish a little innocent child like this ?
If does exist, then maybe better to be with Satan cause God is in no moral high ground
Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa ConnectQuite. Although I can think of far more horrendous examples to explain why I've always said that if (when I die), I get a horrendous shock and discover that there is an actual god - I would spit in 'his' eye.
-
2
-
-
5 minutes ago, robertson468 said:
I would disagree, if you are practical about it. My first trip was "Wow what a fantastic place", but by my fourth visit, I had taken off the "rose tinted glasses" and was looking at the practical aspects of living, socialising and travelling in Thailand. <snip>
Really? By your fourth visit you knew what it is like to live here???? ????
I apologise for snipping your post - but this comment left me stunned......
-
1
-
1
-
-
2 hours ago, noise said:
You should have included one or two options worded around speaking the language and accepting the culture. Thai Visa is full of expats posting about having continuous problems with both.
I agree.
Every now and again it's very hard to 'accept the culture' - especially if one is unable to explain the objections in fluent Thai.
-
- Popular Post
21 minutes ago, dick dasterdly said:"I would suggest a few trips here on vacation, before retirement, before making the decision, as Thailand is not for everyone."
A few trips here on vacation doesn't help at all, as living here is entirely different!
15 minutes ago, Thaiwrath said:I didn't say it wasn't different, I first came in 1991, retired here in 2005.
At least I had a feel for the place, and knew a bit about the place I was retiring to.
My trips helped me immensely in making my decision, as opposed to upping sticks, and moving to a place unknown to me.
I too had many holidays here - at least one a year for a few years.
Nonetheless, living here is entirely different from holidays!
-
3
-
1
-
1 hour ago, mania said:
I don't think folks with money choose Thailand as a retirement destination
Quite a few do, especially (in my experience) those from Singapore.
-
2
-
-
- Popular Post
16 minutes ago, Thaiwrath said:If it was a straight choice between Thailand and UK, as long as they can meet the necessary requirements, it is a no brainer, the UK is finished, (including the once great NHS).
I would suggest a few trips here on vacation, before retirement, before making the decision, as Thailand is not for everyone.
"I would suggest a few trips here on vacation, before retirement, before making the decision, as Thailand is not for everyone."
A few trips here on vacation doesn't help at all, as living here is entirely different!
-
8
-
1
-
2
-
- Popular Post
Difficult question to answer, as it obviously depends on the person and their circumstances.
I disagree that 'it's all about whether you have enough money' - as indicated by a couple of other posters - as I know a few very wealthy people. A few still live here, others have moved away, or are leaving shortly for reasons that have nothing to do with money.
-
3
-
1
-
1
-
On 6/4/2019 at 7:42 PM, BestB said:
Yes , my oldies were getting raw meat. Half their life was chicken and another half kangaroo meat. By the end of the life back on chicken mixed with veggies. Plus quality dry biscuits, always good brands like Royal Canine or Science Diet, plus daily walks morning and evening, did not miss even 1 day ????
I too am on the raw meat diet for my dogs, with a bowl of kibble in the bedroom for them to eat at night if they are still hungry.
I've never been 'sure' about kibble, but recently found a (hopefully) better brand - Acana Wild Coast - for their night time 'snacks'.
-
1
-
-
On 6/3/2019 at 7:30 PM, oxysong said:
Tick-off powder,order from Lazada, once a week dusting,not had tick for years
On 6/3/2019 at 7:49 PM, BestB said:Many are happy with vaccinations, personally i do not believe its very healthy for the dogs.
The bravecto and alike have had a large number of death cases https://www.wideopenpets.com/bravecto-flea-medication-suspected-in-numerous-dog-deaths-worldwide/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/411371212394679/
A friend of mine gave bravecto to his 9 year old bulldog and found her dead in the morning.
I think powder and sprays are best options . pills and injections can be poisonous.
On 6/4/2019 at 6:30 PM, myjawe said:Totally agree with you ! People are crazy to give more chemicals to their dog, including pills.
I spray vinegar everywhere and on dogs, it's natural and seems to work perfectly.
It's probably a decision that depends on the number of ticks in your vicinity.
As mentioned previously, I had SERIOUS tick problems in the past (whilst using the 'back of the neck' products), that resulted in various and frequent tick-borne blood parasites. I was lucky and took my dogs to the vet as soon as I saw anything 'off' in their behaviour. (After the first time, when I was slow to realise, and my dog almost died ☹️.)
Others haven't been so lucky - and their dogs eventually died as they had been left untreated for too long. Not their fault, as the 'symptoms' are extremely minor - until it's too late.....
-
1
-
-
On 6/4/2019 at 7:16 PM, Skeptic7 said:
The legspan of The Huntsman here in Thailand can be up to 13-15 cm (5+ in). Quite large and very fast.
The first time I came across a Huntsman (immediately above the loo, whilst on a holiday here), I was terrified and it kept me out of the bathroom all night ????!
Nowadays I see them as 'friends' that hopefully get rid of the even more unwanted insects. Having said this, I'm still a bit frightened by spiders, and shoo them further away when I want to use the loo!
Incidentally, thanks Skeptic for bringing back some of these old threads that are still interesting.
-
1
-
1
-
-
18 hours ago, xtrnuno41 said:
Concluding then, on how the world is running for thousands of years, god is a sadist.
To the story in the bible, it shows it is a chest game between him and an fallen angel, the devil. IF he cant win then wipes the board (did once) and start over, as the story goes with Noah. I cant give it any other name, its a game and he is a sadist.
Seems he likes the game now running as it is.
Of course a believer tells , we have our own free mind to do what ever we want.god gave us free will.
WIth all free wills running, we see domination and cruelty all over the world for thousands of years and as with more people on earth, we see lots of Napoleons, hitlers or whatever and thats ok with god.
OUr so called leaders are with god, so also sadistic. They swear god almighty to help them. SO suppression and domination is gods will.
We had the crusaders and with the believe, help, support in/of god, they were the power and slashed the infidelities in Israel to regain the holy land. Yha right, slashing people who had other religion with also a god.
I will not mention any more situations in which millions of people were killed in name of god? No , personal gain of leaders, who are with god.
In the name of god, we conquered America and killed its people, we had slaves from Africa, Asia. Robbed everything they had and left them out to die.
Oh no, of course it was our own free will !! But every time , they are screaming : In the name of god !
The scrolls are stories from the past, maybe a fiction writer. The writers might think , thats nice material for later to make movies. We created religions by that and movies.
There are lot of scrolls not implemented in the bible, those are secret. Probably would disturb god religions. The bible is just a story from one particular species, the jews.
However they have their own bible and jesus is not the son of god.
We humans get clever more and more, but we will never evolve to something else as thinking me me and me. And otherwise i kill you, in the name of ....god.
Couldn't agree more!
Thank you for articulating my similar views far more clearly.
-
On 5/18/2019 at 11:06 AM, ThaiBunny said:
My position is that such a God is morally bankrupt and worthy of my contempt, not my worship
Agree entirely, which is why I've always said that if I eventually find out that there is a god (????) - I'd spit in his eye for causing/allowing so much suffering in our world.
-
1
-
-
1 minute ago, elviajero said:
An extension of stay has everything to do with the “previous visa”.
Without a non-immigrant visa you can’t apply for an extension of stay based on retirement. And the category of the “previous visa” can determine the reason you can extend your stay.
That's what I thought too. But perhaps we are wrong?
-
19 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:
Just look at your extension stamp. It states it is an extension of your permit stay since it is not a visa of any kind.
I think I may be being very 'slow' here ☹️.
So you're saying that I don't need to worry about visa types, as I'm no longer on any visa type?
-
2
-
-
2 minutes ago, Peterw42 said:
How are you supposed to know what ???
I am presuming you are on an Extension of stay.
Your visa finished years ago, you are no longer on a visa.
An extension of stay has nothing to do with your previous visa. why would O or OA be written on an extension.
You're deliberately missing the point....☹️
More than a few of us are concerned as to our 'visa' status for obvious reasons. I made it very clear in my original post that I was here on 'extensions', and so had no idea as to how I was categorised for visa purposes.
-
1
-
1
-
1
-
-
5 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:
Just look at your extension stamp. It states it is an extension of your permit stay since it is not a visa of any kind.
Yes, it says "EXTENSION OR STAY PERMITTED UP TO 22 FEB 2020" etc. I'm not shouting - the quote from my passport is in caps.
There is no mention as to the type of extension/visa, as far as I can see!
Edit - my mistake, as it does have 'retirement' stamped at the top.
-
My latest renewal stamp (Feb. '19) doesn't mention 'O' or 'OA'!
How the hell are we supposed to know??
-
1
-
1
-
2
-
-
1 hour ago, StreetCowboy said:
That would be an agnostic. A lot of atheists pretend to be agnostic, but they're kidding no-one but themselves.
Good point.
Skeptic pointed out in a reply to a post of mine, that I'm what he considers an atheist agnostic - which made me think, and I realised he was correct. i.e. I don't believe in a theist 'god', whilst being open to forces that we are unable to comprehend or understand.
-
2
-
Good tv series
in Phuket
Posted
Far from a 'new tv series' - but happy to see that Netflix are now showing The Big Bang Theory ????.
I wish they'd spend less on coming up with new films/programmes, and more on buying other films. You can pretty much guarantee that when I enter the name of a film/programme I would like to see into the search function- it's not there......
Having said that, they have produced a few wonderful programmes that would never have materialised without their financial backing.