Post: #3026

(02-09-2019 12:55 AM)Tail Gunner Wrote:  

(02-08-2019 08:35 AM)KingKrule Wrote:  Anyone been to a dentist in Bangkok and done some fairly complicated job? Looking for a good dentist there who is thrustworthy..

This guy wrote a six-part series on his dental tourism trip to Thailand:

http://frugalvagabond.com/dental-tourism/

Thanks for that link. I'm headed to BKK next week and I need a root canal, so that information was timely.

The idea of spending hours in a dental chair for a deep scaling, root canal or extraction without tranquilizers makes me sad and uncomfortable. My dentist here in the states will give me Halcion for my appointment, which works very well for me to alleviate anxiety. Does anyone know if the dentists there can or will give something like that?

Post: #3027

(02-13-2019 03:56 PM)Duke Main Wrote:  

(02-09-2019 12:55 AM)Tail Gunner Wrote:  

(02-08-2019 08:35 AM)KingKrule Wrote:  Anyone been to a dentist in Bangkok and done some fairly complicated job? Looking for a good dentist there who is thrustworthy..

This guy wrote a six-part series on his dental tourism trip to Thailand:

http://frugalvagabond.com/dental-tourism/

Thanks for that link. I'm headed to BKK next week and I need a root canal, so that information was timely.

The idea of spending hours in a dental chair for a deep scaling, root canal or extraction without tranquilizers makes me sad and uncomfortable. My dentist here in the states will give me Halcion for my appointment, which works very well for me to alleviate anxiety. Does anyone know if the dentists there can or will give something like that?

I had wisdom teeth extracted a couple weeks ago at one of the better international dental clinics in bangkok. I was in pain and went in just before closing, they squeezed me in. When I asked about nitrous or another sedation the guy kinda laughed and implied that they don't do that, so I agreed to do it with just novacaine. I'm glad it's done now and I'm fully recovered, the surgery was fast (under 20 minutes) and I paid about $300 total for two difficult extractions, but it was incredible painful and unpleasant.

Post: #3028

[/quote]

I had wisdom teeth extracted a couple weeks ago at one of the better international dental clinics in bangkok. I was in pain and went in just before closing, they squeezed me in. When I asked about nitrous or another sedation the guy kinda laughed and implied that they don't do that, so I agreed to do it with just novacaine. I'm glad it's done now and I'm fully recovered, the surgery was fast (under 20 minutes) and I paid about $300 total for two difficult extractions, but it was incredible painful and unpleasant.
[/quote]

20 minutes? That's very fast. Thanks for the info.

Post: #3029

Seeing a lot of news about BKK air pollution these days, is it exaggerated?

Post: #3030

I'm probably going to book a trip to Bangkok soon I'm burnt out. I've done a fair amount of reading and know what I'm signing up for. Anybody have any pointers on how to not get scammed by taxi drivers? I've read that they carry weapons and for sure you NEVER want to get into a confrontation with a Thai as they supposedly gang up on farangs. I'm sure there are Ubers but I will double check on that. Also what would you all recommend wearing? Obviously don't look like a backpacker but would gym sweats, baseball cap, and a t-shirt be cool?

I hope to write up a travel report here's my itinerary in the coming months or years down the line:
Banging girls (not pipelining anymore, will do day game)
Muay Thai
Cooking classes
Hiking
Boat rides
$5 massages

I suggest going to AirBnB and looking for experiences.

Post: #3031

It's pretty easy to find a pharmacy in Bangkok that will sell you valium or Ativan so just take one half an hour before the dentist.

Post: #3032

@monsquid: It is not exaggerated but you won't be taking the brunt of it. That is unless you plan to be outside on the main street all day everyday.

@ChicagoFire: I was once in your spot so I'll try to keep it helpful. You've already done the research stop overthinking it just go.

Don't fight Thais. Why would you want to?
Taxi drivers aren't all out to scam you. When in doubt get a Grab. Uber doesn't exist in Thailand. Somebody didn't do their research.

You will figure it all out in the first week. Just go.

Post: #3033

What is a typical date like for a girl you meet online or from daygame?

In the US, I try to meet around 8 at a lounge/bar and get her back to my place later. Will that work in Thailand, or are there other factors I need to consider?

Post: #3034

(02-15-2019 10:49 AM)croquet Wrote:  @monsquid: It is not exaggerated but you won't be taking the brunt of it. That is unless you plan to be outside on the main street all day everyday.

@ChicagoFire: I was once in your spot so I'll try to keep it helpful. You've already done the research stop overthinking it just go.

Don't fight Thais. Why would you want to?
Taxi drivers aren't all out to scam you. When in doubt get a Grab. Uber doesn't exist in Thailand. Somebody didn't do their research.

You will figure it all out in the first week. Just go.

I have a potential lead for a job right now but if that doesn't pan out then I'll head out to North Dakota. I agree with you about just heading out. I'm (justifiable) worried about what can go wrong like getting into a motorbike accident. I need to just book everything.

No Uber but there is Lyft.

Post: #3035

(02-15-2019 10:36 AM)ChicagoFire Wrote:  Anybody have any pointers on how to not get scammed by taxi drivers? I've read that they carry weapons and for sure you NEVER want to get into a confrontation with a Thai as they supposedly gang up on farangs.

You can and should be assertive with them and be willing to put your foot down - the main thing is that no matter what happens don't lose your cool and don't resort to aggressive behavior like raising your voice or acting hostile.

Always insist on them using the meter before you get in the car - be willing to walk away and try the next 1, 2, or even 3 cars if they refuse. They need you more than you need them (usually), so being willing to walk away is your greatest advantage. And will often result in a quick change of heart on their part.

If you do bite the bullet and go without meter, which is sometimes necessary in a pinch, late at night, or in a high traffic area (esp but not limited to tourist area), make sure it's 100% agreed what the charge is ahead of time. Refuse to let them change it if they try and don't back down.

Yes, it's inadvisable to be arguing with taxi drivers but neither should you let someone push you around and victimize you. Of course if it gets to the point where you really feel you're on the brink of danger, it might be worth it to you to just lose out on the insignificant bit of cash and walk away.

Only you can make that judgement call when the time comes - a little bit of street smarts may be in order here, and if you don't have that you'll gain it in time. There can be a bit of a learning curve but I wouldn't dwell on it too much. We all go through it, usually pretty harmlessly.

Attacks on passengers can happen but it's pretty rare unless you're completely out of hand and going nuclear. Doesn't mean it'll never happen unjustly, as some foreigners are quick to assume in their haste to side with the Thais over their own kind (ah, westerners), but again, pretty rare.

One more thing - you can generally sense when you get into someone's car whether they resent foreigners or something like that, maybe even are just a shitty person Personally, if some guy is already giving me an attitude and I haven't even gotten in his car yet, I don't care if he's willing to negotiate to meet me in the middle or not.

I wave him on and look for someone with a better attitude. They'll often change their mind when you try to wave them on and walk away, and they'll urgently agree to your price, but as far as I'm concerned, if they were being an asshole about it they can go get fucked anyways. If they don't want to treat a customer with a minimum of respect I don't want to sit in a car with them or give them my money.

Just don't tell them that in any other way than saying no and refusing the ride. There are so many drivers - it rarely takes long to find another car unless it's rush hour, in which case you probably don't want to be on the road anyhow. Being willing to say no, for whatever reason, will eliminate the vast majority of problems ahead of time.

One more thing, if you do get in the car, a little warm and respectful banter, no matter the circumstances that started the trip, goes a long way. It's amazing how people can open up to you when you treat them with warm respect, even it seemed they started with a chip on their shoulder. If someone genuinely likes you, they're less likely to scam you or treat you shitty.

Thais who do scam foreigners often rationalize it to themselves by convincing themselves that foreigners think they're better than them and look down on them. And when they're seeking evidence for that, they'll find plenty examples to support that idea with foreigners who actually do seem to think that way (or have their own inner resentments about always feeling like Thais want to scam them).

Treating them with respect and kindness, within reason, goes a long way towards neutralizing their resentment and bias towards you.

Beyond All Seas

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #3036

(02-15-2019 10:36 AM)ChicagoFire Wrote:  I'm probably going to book a trip to Bangkok soon I'm burnt out. I've done a fair amount of reading and know what I'm signing up for. Anybody have any pointers on how to not get scammed by taxi drivers? I've read that they carry weapons and for sure you NEVER want to get into a confrontation with a Thai as they supposedly gang up on farangs. I'm sure there are Ubers but I will double check on that. Also what would you all recommend wearing? Obviously don't look like a backpacker but would gym sweats, baseball cap, and a t-shirt be cool?

I hope to write up a travel report here's my itinerary in the coming months or years down the line:
Banging girls (not pipelining anymore, will do day game)
Muay Thai
Cooking classes
Hiking
Boat rides
$5 massages

I suggest going to AirBnB and looking for experiences.

Use Grab application which is the Uber of Thailand to get an estimate of feee. Normally book via grab as this is set in price just like Uber. Otherwise, if in desperate measure you need a taxi, you should know the fee from the application. Normally late at night, its hard to get metered, but tell them where your going before getting in and if they quote a fee that is beyond the fare quote on grab, just say no thank you and move on to the next taxi.

Post: #3037

I never had problems with grab and taxi drivers except their bad english. Avoid tuk tuks, they are a scam.

Post: #3038

@BB

I just read about that saving face culture in a Muay Thai book. Spot on! Other things would be feet are considered unclean in Thai culture so don't show Thais the bottoms of your feet and like you said don't raise your voice. Bottom line is as long as you're not a cocky foreigner you won't get beat up.

Bottom line in my case is barring one of my prospective employers hiring me within a couple weeks I want to go out to Bangkok and have some fun. I'm more than ready like some people have said.

Post: #3039

ChicagoFire,

Just go and have fun. If you’re scammed then don’t fret as you will likely lose five extra dollars at the most. No developing or third world country will scam you more than the top brass does to us citizens here in the states.

Use grab and pay on your credit card. No money exchanges and the amount you see is the amount you pay.

The memories you may in Thailand will be ones that last forever.

Post: #3040

I've yet to get scammed here. People don't bother me. It's a bit shocking after the amount of shit you read about how cautious you should be.

The Philippines turned out to be a great primer for coming to Thailand. Staying in a place like Fuente Circle in Cebu you are constantly propositioned and heckled by touts and beggars. Even in stores sales people surround you, bother you and and try to sell you shit. I've experienced nothing like this in Bangkok. People let you do your thing and let you approach them first. The beggars don't follow you like they do in the Philippines.

Even with the language barrier, this is a much easier country to navigate. You should use common sense anywhere you go, but I think Bangkok is a piece of cake. Anyone claiming this is a dangerous third world shithole must live a pretty sterile existence.

Post: #3041

You'll likely be scammed for sure, everyone is in some small way, when visiting a new spot. As said, dont stress about it, just don't get taken for any of the real scams. Those are being driven to restaurants, tailors, jewelry shops, travel agents, massage places, hookers, on behalf of a taxi driver. Never, ever go along with a taxi driver or anyone else suggestion to visit some spot.

An exception is going to late night clubs, where the driver gets a commission, however stick to those mentioned in this thread.

Besides that, you will likely run into taxi drivers who will only drive on a fixed fare. This is generally a scam, unless there's a massive traffic jam. If there's a traffic jam, the drivers make close to nothing, as their meter is very cheap when stationary.

You'll probably be scammed by tuk tuks and taxis for that reason, since it's difficult to stand your ground in these situations. They smell noob like a shark smells blood. You should accept that you're going to overpay and it will be easier for you. Just never pay more than 300-400 THB for going anywhere in Bangkok. Lets say the actual fare would be 100THB and you pay 400THB. Yeah, you got scammed $10, but is it worth making a scene, being in a sour mood, being paranoid etc? No. As I say, if paying fixed fee, negotiate. If they start on 400, you can assume it is likely half that is more correct. If with a thai girl, you can have her do it, usually easier. During the day time, public transport will suffice.

Also as mentioned by BB, never shout or act like a typical western hooligan. Thailand goes from scowls to fights in 2 seconds. If you're shouting, you're fighting in Thailand, so don't do that. You can be assertive, simply by refusing to go away or back down. This is acceptable confrontation, as long as you are still respectful and calm. Things will many times get solved when it becomes obvious you're not just going away.

Post: #3042

I'm thinking about doing a semester abroad in bangkok next year in part because it's the only partner university outside europe/commonwealth nations for my faculty. Previously I was looking at a couple other places but its kind of a pain in the ass to get your credits accepted as a freemover in a third world country.

From what I heard its easy to put your courses into 2-3 days so I'll essentially have a 4-5 day weekend. I'm planning to rent a baller apartment with a couple other guys and essentially throw my own parties with the best fucking logistics possible.

I'm a little concerned about the university though. It's called "King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok" wich carries the two problems in its name:

1. Located in Bang Sue -> possibly bad location?
2. University of technology -> students probably 90% male asian nerds

As for location it doesnt seem to be a deal breaker since I can take a longer commute if it's only two days a week, but the people at the university are important I think. Since I'll be staying for some time my aim would be to get in with a couple high value social circles and focus on cultivating that source of pussy (ie throwing parties/pregaming/afterparties everyone wants to be at vs going for one night stands wich tend to disgust me.
On the other hand it shouldnt be a problem to meet a couple people on a night out, invite some chill ones for pregaming the next weekend and go on from there so thats probably a non issue as well.

Anyway, I'd really appreciate your thoughts on the location, university and my general idea, and the logistics and feasibility of renting a ~4-5 bedroom apartment for 6 months.

Post: #3043

^

Bang Sue is not that bad now with the new MRT line. If you roll with your own crew, roommates are not a problem. If you have randoms as your roommates, terrible idea.

Most high value social circles come out of Thammasat, Chulalongkorn and Bangkok University.

You should take a short trip to the country before you commit. You don't even know if you like the place.

Post: #3044

How much are you looking to pay for a 4 or 5 bed condo? You really don't see many on the market.

Post: #3045

(02-18-2019 10:46 PM)croquet Wrote:  ^

Bang Sue is not that bad now with the new MRT line. If you roll with your own crew, roommates are not a problem. If you have randoms as your roommates, terrible idea.

Most high value social circles come out of Thammasat, Chulalongkorn and Bangkok University.

You should take a short trip to the country before you commit. You don't even know if you like the place.

I did 6 months of backpacking in SEA after high school, fucking loved it.

I think I'll stay closer to the center though and look that I only have to go to uni twice a week. So I can focus on having fun in the city/travelling.

Do you hang with people from these circles? I dont care too much about how rich they are, I'm mostly looking for chill and good looking people.

Post: #3046

How to not get scammed by taxi drivers:

If you're with an Asian girl it's pretty much impossible. They'll act like they can't understand your thai, drive big circles or to the wrong street on purpose and do all kinds of passive aggressive bullshit to mess with you. Lose your cool and you're the bad guy.

Just ask them to stop and suck it up. Getting confrontational just gives them an excuse to pull a weapon on you or to talk trash about you to your girl and shame her for being with you.

Now if you're alone 99% of taxi drivers outside of Nana will be ok IF you can pronounce addresses correctly in thai and IF you're polite.

You enter the taxi, say sawasdee krab. Sukhumvit 18 would be "Sukhumvit sib bæd na krab".

Use google translate to hear how things are pronounced.

If you can't manage to do that just how them the address in thai on your mobile while remaining polite and reserved.

How not do deal with taxi drivers: Get into taxi and shout an address in English in a thick English accent that even I can't understand.

That'll bring up the PTSD from dealing with some scouser cunt.

Post: #3047

(02-19-2019 01:01 AM)HairyTrigger Wrote:  How much are you looking to pay for a 4 or 5 bed condo? You really don't see many on the market.

Yeah I looked around a bit, 2 bedroom it is haha. 4-5 bed condos for some reason are really bad value.
I'll just look for a 2 bed condo with a big living room.

Post: #3048

The taxi meters in Bangkok are set absurdly low. I feel bad for the honest guys who run the meter that runs 60 baht for some long ride I give them a big tip.

Post: #3049

(02-19-2019 02:46 AM)bigbootyboy Wrote:  

(02-19-2019 01:01 AM)HairyTrigger Wrote:  How much are you looking to pay for a 4 or 5 bed condo? You really don't see many on the market.

Yeah I looked around a bit, 2 bedroom it is haha. 4-5 bed condos for some reason are really bad value.
I'll just look for a 2 bed condo with a big living room.

Why as a student would you even be looking at a 4-5 bed condo to rent?

A place of that size is made for a guy with great financials (some would say baller) and / or a family man with multiple kids. The only other situation is if you are trying to get a place with a bunch roommates and have them effectively pay your rent for you.

I'd go without thinking twice. Regardless of whether the location of the university isn't super ideal you will have a blast I'm sure. Any time the option is travel or not travel the best answer is travel.

Post: #3050

(02-18-2019 07:36 PM)bigbootyboy Wrote:  1. Located in Bang Sue -> possibly bad location?
2. University of technology -> students probably 90% male asian nerds

Mahidol? Seems like it's a bit out of the city center. It won't matter much, cause you should follow your plan and stick to students, foreign and local. It might be a bit difficult to get to Khao San and back though, cause there's no skytrain.

As for 2, you'll likely have a better gender balance than back home, because Thailand is poor, so if you're good at math, it pays way better to become a coder or engineer, regardless of your interest.

Where are you looking at condos? Bang Sue should be cheap. 4-5 room condo, should be possible for 30-40K THB.