Well done, Sue

Editor;
Re: US Ambassador to Thailand visits Pattaya Mail Media Group (on PMTV): Good interview Sue, you had asked some very direct and somewhat solid questions relating to U.S. politics and where the U.S. actually stands when it come to the Thai/American relationship. I especially liked how you went with some “fluff” questions, but then almost went for the “jugular” to get her to answer some of your more poignant questions. Now if only the American journalists would do the same to some of our leading politicians, rather then always asking the “fluff” stuff. Well done!
Solstice4Me

First hand experience with National Health Service in England

Dear Ed,
Some time ago a letter was published in the “Mail” regarding health services in the UK for expats. It was a bit scary regarding costs to British citizens who had been living out of the UK for several years.
Well here is an example for any expats who require health services in the UK, it is my personal experience and is not a made up story.
I emigrated from England in 1970, lived in Australia for thirty five years then moved to Thailand in 2005, only returning to England for an occasional holiday. So I had been away from the UK for forty two years.
Last year (2011) I was involved in a motorcycle accident, the costs of hospital treatment and a lawyer cost me 500,000 Thai baht. Three months after leaving hospital I had a heart problem and was told the cost of my operation in Thailand would be 800,000 Thai baht. It was to replace a heart valve and repair another. I never had that kind of money so decided to write to the National Health Service in England to ask what my position would be regarding medical treatment in the UK. They said if I was returning to the UK to live I could get any treatment I required as I was a British citizen, but I would need to acquire a new National Health number from a GP in the UK.
I booked a one way ticket to England, stayed with my sister, registered her address as mine with the Pensions Department and got a new National Health number. I had my heart operation, which was free, as was my medication. I admit going through the health system in the UK takes time and I was six months waiting for the operation. I am now back in Thailand after seven months in England. So as you can see it is possible for expats to get free hospital and medical treatment in the UK no matter how long they are away from the place. I hope this has helped any expat from the UK who might need hospital or medical treatment and does not have the money for it here in Thailand.
Yours Sincerely,
Delboy

Never change

 Editor
Re: It’s about time (Mailbag, April 20) - I vastly prefer the Thai styles of road use to the over-regulated, safety at all costs attitude that has infected the self-styled “civilised” world. I have been driving in Thailand since 1993 and hope that the style is never changed to suit the falangs.
Chris Davison

Prohibition doesn’t work

 Editor;
Re: PM points police as key players in drug eradication (PM May 10, 2012) “...efforts to eradicate the problem of drugs...” - Good luck with that! So far all efforts to “eradicate” drugs have only made things worse. It amazes me that there are actually still some people out there who believe that prohibition works when there is so much evidence and experience now to the contrary.
Freddy F

Looking forward to fine food

 Editor;
Re: An evening at the Casa - with Pascal and Kim (PM May 4, 2012) - It’s a fine restaurant indeed and the owners Pascal & Kim are the best when it comes to greeting you at the Casa Pascal. The fine food, the staff, the attention you get once you walk through the doors is just excellent. I will keep coming back as I live in Sydney come to Pattaya often. One thing I look forward to is the fine food.
Philip Price

3 rules for western visitors

 Editor;
Re: Teen couple arrested for targeting foreigners for necklace snatches (PM May 11, 2012) - 3 rules for western visitors to Pattaya: 1. Don’t wear conspicuous Gold jewelry. 2. Don’t rent jet-skis on Pattaya beach. 3. Do not cruise for sex on beach road after dark. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy yourself in Pattaya. You just have to be smart.
Tim Ross

Helping the animals

 

Editor;
Now and again there are wonderful people that reach out to help others. In this case one of them happens to be a gentleman from San Francisco, USA. His name is Roberto Nova, an animal lover, in his mid 40’s, he also has decided to become part of the Solution Pollution Group.
Other then Roberto helping us clean beaches, setting examples, buying dog food, feeding, watering, giving medicine to them, he also has assisted us with 2 injured dogs, one losing an eye from being hit by a car and another with an infected paw, donating a few thousand baht to repair both. They would have died otherwise. We took them to Chaiyapruek Pet Hospital, where they do great, caring work, at a very reasonable price.
The story does not end there.
We also want to thank the many Thais and farangs that have given us donations for dog food and posters through out the years, along with the ongoing assistance of Pattaya City Hall. With their love and concerns for the homeless, stray, hungry dogs and wanting cleaner storm drains and beaches. Our mission has been made possible in Jomtien and other areas in Thailand for over 12 years. Our job will never be finished, but we daily make a small difference.
We are very proud to be helping members of the community, educating the unknowing and reaching out to the uncaring by talking the talk and walking the walk.
We also want to thank the concerned local papers for allowing us to be a part of their family, sharing our many present and past stories with all of you that live or visit Thailand.
We often say as the anchor drags. May health, happiness and inner-peace be with all of you.
Gerry Rasmus

Sleepless in Jomtien

 Editor;
I recently spent a few days in Bangkok and a few things came to my notice. Firstly, there seemed to be no stray dogs around, then I noticed the absence of advertising vans trawling the streets blasting out their inane messages at levels that would hurt your ears. In my hotel room I couldn’t feel the thud thud of vehicles with powerful stereos having their impromptu discos.
I live in Jomtien, where almost nightly outside the cheap liqueur stores you will find a car or pick-up will park, buy a few drinks, turn up the music and it’s like being in Walking Street. I call the very polite people at 1337 and complain, they tell me they will inform the police but very often nothing happens or if it does it takes a long time.
I strongly advise anyone thinking of purchasing a condo anywhere near Jomtien Beach Road, to think again, as you will never get a decent night’s sleep.
I purposely didn’t buy in Pattaya because I feared the noise levels. I thought Jomtien would be a haven for an elderly ex-pat to have a quiet retirement along the beach. Not so.
P.C.

Well done, Sue

First hand experience with National Health Service in England

Never change

Prohibition doesn’t work

Looking forward to fine food

3 rules for western visitors

Helping the animals

Sleepless in Jomtien