Duty Free Cigarettes - a warning

[Terry]

UK TVs do NOT work here period.

The only type that will work here are those bought locally or those which are switchable between systems.

There are several different types of broadcasting types (I forget the different names) but the UK uses one PAL type, and Thailand a differing PAL type.

The screen can be normal, flat or whatever - it makes no difference, it's the signal decoder inside (or separate) that's the problem.

Computer displays are no problem - they do not rely on signal decoders.

Surge protection devices are not always worth it. It is far better to have a decent grounded electrical supply to the residence - not always pssible ofcourse if you are renting or in some condos.

[Guess]

Surge protection devices are not always worth it. It is far better to have a decent grounded electrical supply to the residence - not always pssible ofcourse if you are renting or in some condos.

Surge protection is just as it says and is only partially effective at best. Grounding, although advisab;e for any applicance will make no difference to you PC or TV whatsoever. The mains power connects diretly to a power supply unit that converts the 150-220 Volt supply to the 3, 6 and 9 volts needed for the internals of the PC/TV.

What you really need here in Thailand is a UPS. This is in effect a battery that is constantly charged while plugged into the mains. The surges and voltage fluctiation is of no relevance and the AC supply is first convereted to DC to charge the battery and then the battery feeds a signal generator that poduce a clean 220/240 Volt 50/60 MHZ depending upon its settings. You then have the added benefit of knowing that you have enought ime to power off the PC sleanly in the event of a long powercut and short power cuts will have no effect whatsoever.

This really should alll be on the Digital Realm forum.

As for the cigarettes, I have just had a contradictory experiment. I travvled back by raod from Penang and stopped at the duty free shop on the border. The shop was run by the Thai authorities. I asked for the limit on ciogs ang alcohol and was told by the driver that ther was no limit. I was suspicious and asked again at the store the same question to t Thai Customs Official. He told me that there was no limit. I bought a scak full of booze and about 1000 cigarettes. At the border there was no check on the vehicle whatsover. I walked to the Immiigration and customs booth and handed in my declaration form, along with the receipt for the duty free goods. Not a single eyebrow was raised and the minibus continued on through into Thailand without impediment.

This could be a case of a special relationship with Malaysia or maybe that it is yet another case of Thai inconsitency base on the fact that local officials have far too much power in the decision making.

[STEVE G]

Several years ago, I was working down in Balikpapan, Indonesia and we had to get a team of guys out from the UK for a project. Now one of them was a heavy smoker and in the interest of economy, he decided to get everyone else to carry cigarettes for him and bought a couple of thousand Marlboro from the duty free at Heathrow. He was sick as a parrot when he arrived and found out that the going rate for Marlboro Lights in Indonesia was about forty pence!
On the way, back he tried to recover his loss by taking back a suitcase full of copy movies, none of which worked in the UK

[lomuamart]

Several years ago, I was working down in Balikpapan, Indonesia and we had to get a team of guys out from the UK for a project. Now one of them was a heavy smoker and in the interest of economy, he decided to get everyone else to carry cigarettes for him and bought a couple of thousand Marlboro from the duty free at Heathrow. He was sick as a parrot when he arrived and found out that the going rate for Marlboro Lights in Indonesia was about forty pence!
On the way, back he tried to recover his loss by taking back a suitcase full of copy movies, none of which worked in the UK

Just don't try to beat the system.