Job Discussion Forums

[mak30fl]

Here's the skinny on the tuk-tuks....They get a commission for taking you to a 'nudie bar'. You will get a cheap ride if you stop there, but will ending up spending alot more in the long run. Be VERY clear, and you must repeat it a few times to make sure that they understand--or they may just nod and smile and take you there anyways.

You will find out, that once they know that you are not going to the go-go bar, that the rate will increase dramatically--from 20 baht with go-go...to 160 to 200 without. Just start negotiating, stand firm about going STRIAGHT to where you want to go, and if the driver won't give you a fair price, start getting out to find another tuk-tuk. They will act like you just screwed them, but they are trying to do the same to you.

Also, make sure to clarify the rate is for both of you. When I was there, I got a ride to a boxing match, after stern negotiating and an agreed price, when we got there he tried saying "80 baht each, not total!!"

Make sure everything is made crystal clear with these guys and you will be fine. If they are totally screwing you after the ride, and you know it, they will sometimes threaten to go to the cops. I had a cabbie try this with me in Pataya. I told him to go ahead--I wasn't gonna just lay there while he hosed me. He got a cop, the cop saw what was going on, and told him to piss off....or something to that affect.

The cops know how valuable the tourist dollar is, and-for the most part-don't want to screw that up! Just my experience!!!!!!Good luck---Mark

[loniponi]

Hi,

I'm also from the US and am heading to BKK on Sept. 28th. My ECC CELTA course starts Oct. 4th. I'm so excited to go to Thailand. Never been before. I will let you know how the course goes. Also, do you know what kind of visa you will arrive in Thailand on? I keep hearing different stories about non immigrant B visas are the best, but the head of ECC said it is NOT the one to get, that I should get a 60 day tourist visa instead...because it is unlikely that I could even obtain a non im. b!!! I don't know what to do!!! I am planning on applying for jobs immediatly after course completion, so if work permits take 3-4 weeks, I think the B visa would be way better....gives me more flexibility in time...

Are you doing the JET programme in Japan? So, you are definately not staying in Thailand to look for work?

Loniponi.

[gt8595b]

mak30fl,
Really good advice; thanks for the info. Hopefully we can avoid tuk tuk's all together. But, if we have to I'll be thinking of your advice.

Loniponi,
Great to hear from someone else who's going to the school. As far as working is concerned, I'm definitely not going to work in Thailand unless I have to. That will be my emergency plan. I'm not doing the JET program. I'm going to email/mail companies this weekend to warn them that I'll be in Japan in January. So for my situation I will be getting the 60 day visa. Are you going to do the ECC Train and Teach program? I don't know much about the non immigrant B. From reading here, it doesn't sound like many people get work permits. When you say the head of ECC, do you mean the part incharge of the CELTA training or the actual language school?
Good luck to you, and that would be great to hear from you about the course.

[ajktony]

HI GT

I know you gotta lot of feedback on where to chill out for a month before going to Japan. I know some people said Hua Hin, which is pretty nice and close to BKK. However, the best place for you to go really depends on what you are looking for. Nightlife? Laidback? Huge Crowds? Your budget really fits any place except maybe Phuket so any more info would help.

My favourite place to hang out in Thailand on the beach is in Krabi on Railay beach or Ko Phi Phi, real laid back but plenty of entertainment options as well. The scenery cant be beat either. Also Ao Nang beach which is only a short boat ride away from Railay has all the comforts u need (ie ATM's, even a Mcdonalds).

Also if you are looking for something a little closer to BKK, try Koh Samet or Ko Chang, which are in my opinion a lot nicer than Hua Hin as they are less developed. If you want developed then you can always go to Koh Samui (more package tourists) or Ko Pha Ngan (more backpackers) both awesome places.

I would also highly recommend Ko Kradan or Ko Lanta if you really want to get away from it all, as they are really remote, especially Ko Kradan. Imagina having a beach to yourself in Thailand and maybe even being the only foreigner there.

My best advice is skip Hua Hin, highly overrated. Unless you know a rich Thai University student whose parents have their own beach house.

If you want to see some pics of Ko Kradan then let me know and I can send some to you.

[Simone]

Hi,

My fella and I are also coming to do the CELTA course on 8th October. I guess we will see you at the welcome thingy on 7th?

We had also considered hanging around for a month until after chistmas - haven't made and decisions yet. We are waiting to see what ECC have to offer.

Only 3 weeks until we come to Thailand!!

[gt8595b]