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bigbadthaijohn

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Posts posted by bigbadthaijohn

    Leaving after being on a non-B extension of stay

    in Thai Visas, Residency, and Work Permits

    Posted

    Hi everyone,

    Here's the situation. I am currently on a non-B visa with extension of stay and a WP. Both the visa and WP expire on Aug 30th, the same day I am planning to leave Thailand across the border to Vientiane. I have resigned my job, and my official last day is also Aug. 30th (that's a Sunday, BTW).

    I am going to Vientiane to get a new non-O visa for my new position with an international NGO (they are also a registered foundation in Thailand, and I know that we can get the non-O without a problem).

    So here is my question: should I have any issue leaving on Sunday? I have heard something about having to show proof of a cancelled WP, but is that even an issue as the current WP and visa both end on the same day I am leaving?

    As always, any information would be most helpful.

    BBTJ

    Full service visa run from Chiang Mai?

    in Thai Visas, Residency, and Work Permits

    Posted

    Hi everyone,



    I just moved to Chiang Rai, but will be in Chiang Mai next week before I need to pop over to Vientiane to get a new non-imm visa for my new job. Does anyone know of a full service agency which does visa runs from CM to Vientiane?



    I have seen services like AYA, but all they seem to do is take you to the border. Everything else is up to you. In that case, I might as well just take a bus on my own.



    If that's all there is, it's not a major problem (I've done the trip on my own dozens of times over the years), but just to save some hassle, I'd really prefer a service where I can just pay an all-inclusive fee without having to find my own accommodation, etc. I know there are full service options from Bangkok, but haven't found any from CM.



    Thanks for any info...



    BBTJ


    What to do about WP/visa when changing employers

    in Thai Visas, Residency, and Work Permits

    Posted

    Hi everyone,

    Thanks for all the responses.

    I know that the WP cannot be transferred. After speaking to a colleague, it is possible to apply for a new WP and get it semi-fast tracked in order to get the new WP within the 7-day extension after cancelling the previous WP. However, it all comes down to timing, as many of you stated.

    My particular case is even more complex since the two jobs are located in different provinces. So, tomorrow I will be contacting the MoL to find out if I can take my WP with me to CR and cancel it in the office there. If I can, I should be able to apply for the new WP with enough time to get it done, then get my 1-year extension.

    Will update as I go through the process.

    BBTJ

    What to do about WP/visa when changing employers

    in Thai Visas, Residency, and Work Permits

    Posted

    Hello everyone,

    Next month, I will be moving from BKK to Chiang Rai to start a new job with an international NGO (locally registered as a "foundation"). My current WP and visa expire on Aug 30th, the expiration date of my current contract. I will be using up my accrued holiday, so will be leaving BKK on Aug 15th to go to CR.

    This is an amicable split with my current company, and there are no hard feelings, meaning that if I ask for help with paperwork, I am sure they will give it to me.

    So here's my question: is it realistically possible for me to be able to either transfer my WP to or apply for a new WP for my new job without having to do a visa trip to another country? This would be much more preferable as I want to hit the ground running with my new organization without having to take a few days off in the beginning to go to Laos.

    Transferring ownership of 2nd hand bike from a company

    in Motorcycles in Thailand

    Posted

    Hi everyone,

    So I am getting a bike from a friend of mine. I know the procedure and documents required for transfer of ownership between individuals, but the bike is in his company's name (he is the owner and MD and is a foreigner).

    Does anyone know what paperwork I will need from my friend? Would it be the company registration documents showing him as the managing director, plus his passport (visa and picture pages)?

    Thanks for any help.

    -BBTJ

    Traditional southern-style BBQ

    in Western Food in Thailand

    Posted

    Thanks. I appreciate the advice. I'll see how it goes.

    As Mesquite can make the meat a bit bitter, IMHO, I'm going to try out some locally sourced apple tree wood first to see how that is. Deciding on the best wood available will be part of the set up process.

    Try mango. Not bad. Free too. Hickory is my first choice in Thailand but pricy. Haven't see pecan.

    Traditional southern-style BBQ

    in Western Food in Thailand

    Posted

    I've tried the "Great" American Rib before. I'll just say I was not impressed, and leave it at that. What you've described is exactly what I'm talking about. Simple, friendly, affordable and kick-ass food! That's what I want to do. That's what I miss.

    I also agree about the Thais. The advantage of doing BBQ is that it is a style of food that they are familiar with and like already. And once they have the real deal, I'm sure they'll be lining up around the block. At least, I would if I found a great smokehouse.

    Damn it! I'm making myself hungry again!facepalm.gif

    ^^^^^^,

    the wrong location can kill a business, yet again two words spring to mind, Chocloate Ville, located in the ass end of nowhere in Bkk, yet the masses flock there in their droves.

    I wish you well in your venture, I am waiting to eat your products.

    Sorry to say have seen it all before, on these 3 years leases, the landowner gives a sweet deal to get you in.

    Then kicks you out and tries to copy your business.

    Best of luck.

    There is or used to be a place in Bangkok called the Great American Rib. As much as I like smoked BBQ, I refuse to eat there because I think the food is way overpriced (yes, I can afford it, but that is not the point). The menu is also confused with both smoked BBQ and Mexican items. And no beef brisket or sausage is served. The best smoked BBQ places that I have ever eaten at have the following characteristics: the menu is very simple, the interior is very simple, the owners focus on doing a few things the right way, the portions are large, and the prices are reasonable. Now I am hungry for a combination beef brisket and sausage sandwich! Thais might actually like smoked chicken/sausage/ribs with the right sauce (e.g. tamarin sauce). I think you will have to attract Thais to make a profit.

    Traditional southern-style BBQ

    in Western Food in Thailand

    Posted

    Yes, I've seen that many times also. The only thing I'll say about it is that the landlord tries to copy the business. But in the case of restaurants, they never actually know what they're doing and it usually comes back to bite them in the rear end. Serves them right.

    ^^^^^^,

    the wrong location can kill a business, yet again two words spring to mind, Chocloate Ville, located in the ass end of nowhere in Bkk, yet the masses flock there in their droves.

    I wish you well in your venture, I am waiting to eat your products.

    Sorry to say have seen it all before, on these 3 years leases, the landowner gives a sweet deal to get you in.

    Then kicks you out and tries to copy your business.

    Best of luck.

    • Like 1

    Traditional southern-style BBQ

    in Western Food in Thailand

    Posted

    Thanks for the vote of confidence. I don't have my heart set on Sukhumvit, although it would be my first choice if I could find the right situation. I will of course shop around. However, I will also say that there are deals to be found in the sukhumvit area if you are willing to search.

    Y'all are right that rents can kill a business, but the wrong location can kill a restaurant, too. A balance must be found.

    I dont doubt the OPs ability to cook, I dont doubt the quality of what he would serve up.

    Two words spring to mind, Los Cabos.

    I fear the rent would kill him, I doubt he would have the numbers turning up on a regular basis to make this viable.

    As noted by another poster, there are other options than Suk, whats his target audience?

    Traditional southern-style BBQ

    in Western Food in Thailand

    Posted

    Actually, The Bagel Cafe made a terrific South Carolina pulled pork, if I do say so myself (I was the owner, but not any more happy.png ).

    A few comments: Lone Star does not serve "Texas BBQ." I can't say anything good about the "BBQ" in the place, so I will not say anything more. Walk into virtually any smoked BBQ place in Texas and here is what is on the menu: beef brisket, smoked sausage (nothing like British crap ribs smile.png) , smoked ham (not pulled pork like in the Carolinas), pork ribs, potato salad, beans, slice of bread, jalapeno pepper, some cobbler (e.g. apricot) and iced tea/cokes. The sauce is almost always tomato based (many varieties), not vinegar/mustard like in other areas of the USA. A huge problem with smoked BBQ in Thailand is the crazy price of beef brisket (down then way up). A related problem is the quality of the brisket--especially meat from Thai cattle. There is almost no fat, which makes the brisket way too dry. Nobody makes good beef brisket in either Bangkok or Pattaya-Jomtien, and I have tried them all. I have also never had decent smoked sausage or pulled pork. People focus on pork ribs because you can find decent quality ribs here at a decent price. It would not be that hard to make "pulled pork" but nobody seems to know how to do it over here (always too dry w/ virtually no smoky flavour). One thing I miss is a decent chopped beef brisket sandwich. Good luck!

    Traditional southern-style BBQ

    in Western Food in Thailand

    Posted

    Ok. I appreciate the input. Just wasn't sure if it was meant for me.

    If things move ahead, I'll definitely contact them and see if we could be of any help to each other.

    Thanksgoof.gif

    Hi Boike - Are you sure you're posting to the right topic? I think you might want the one on the price of corned beef. This is about BBQ. Thanks.

    In pattaya I use pastramionryethailand.com

    https://www.facebook.com/pastramionryethailand

    Maybe you can talk to them.

    It's very good but they started with a delivery service and will have a sit in place next month.

    Sent from my Galaxy S4 4G LTE


    Thought you could talk to them about things in general like suppliers etc, my mistake

    Sent from my Galaxy S4 4G LTE

    Traditional southern-style BBQ

    in Western Food in Thailand

    Posted

    Most likely, place orders at the counter, then have a seat and runners will bring it out to you. But a lot would depend on the physical layout of the location we chose.

    I'm with you on the burnt ends! As far as I'm concerned, one of the best parts. So much great flavor. I've never understood why anyone would just toss that part away. Makes no sense.

    • Like 1

    Traditional southern-style BBQ

    in Western Food in Thailand

    Posted

    Couldn't agree more about food over decor. I'm one of the people that, as long as a place doesn't look dirty, if the food is interesting and price reasonable, I'll try any place once. And if the food is good, atmosphere friendly, I'll be back.

    One of the great advantages in terms of running a BBQ place is that you really can't get much more simple for the staff. Nothing complicated about good BBQ.

    You're right about location, within reason. I have a friend who opened up a place out on Rama 9. He couldn't overcome the distance, which is a total shame because the food was terrific.

    My 2 cents:

    Focus on the food first, decor last. Just keep it clean and dumb down the menu for your staff. Location is important as always but Roadhouse springs to mind if one thinks that it's Sukhumvit or bust.

    Did you say beef? When do you open?

    • Like 1

    Traditional southern-style BBQ

    in Western Food in Thailand

    Posted

    So far every one of these Southern Style Barbecue places here in Pattaya or Jomtien have gone bust

    Hope your feeling lucky

    What style is Lone Star? Honest question.

    Sorry, you meant the Lone Star restaurant in Pattaya? I misunderstood.

    HonestIy, I haven't been there, but I just looked at their menu. I would find it unlikely that the owners are from Texas. Their "Texas BBQ Feast" includes pulled pork and sliced smoked pork tenderloin. That is definitely not Texas style. They say their ribs are St. Louis style. They have pan-fried ribs "cooked to an old Italian recipe", which has nothing to do with BBQ.

    And where they talk about booking the cantina upstairs for parties, they call the upstairs "the first floor", which is the British way to say it. An American would say "the second floor".

    Don't get me wrong, I am not in any way saying their food isn't great. Like I said, I haven't tried it. All I'm saying is that they don't seem to serve one particular style. They seem to use a few different ones. Plus, they focus on Tex-Mex, which has nothing to do with BBQ. (I do miss a really good plate of fajitas sometimes, though)

    • Like 1

    Traditional southern-style BBQ

    in Western Food in Thailand

    Posted

    Texas is the Lone Star state. So Lone Star is Texas BBQ. But I don't know which Texas BBQ.

    Within Texas, though, there are 4 separate sub-styles: East Texas (marinated in a sweet, tomato-based sauce), Central Texas (rubbed with spices and cooked over indirect heat from pecan or oak wood), West Texas (cooked over direct heat from mesquite wood giving it a somewhat bitter taste) and South Texas (features thick, molasses-like sauces that keep the meat very moist).

    Then there's "barbacoa", which is different still (traditionally prepared in a hole in the ground which is covered with leaves and uses goat or mutton).

    • Like 1

    Traditional southern-style BBQ

    in Western Food in Thailand

    Posted

    Thanks to everyone for the votes and comments so far. Please keep them coming. I really need to guage interest before I decide to move forward or not.

    BTW, the location would be somehere along Sukhumvit, possibly Soi 49 or Thong Lor in a house with large outside area (would need that for the smoker). Not too far from the BTS.

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