Yes it is in Thai Bht and yes the majority was transferred at around 70-75 exchange rate (Sterling).
You are probably very content that you cashed in at that time. I surmise sometime in 2005 or 2006.
In retrospect if you cashed in an abundance of chips you may look like a genius.
My circumstances and timing was certainly different (read below).
BTW in 1996, you would have obtained Bht 25.00 for your US dollar. in 1998, you would have obtained well over 50 at one point. Missed out there didn't you?
My first holiday to Thailand was Christmas 2006 - New Year January 2007. I was living in the States, gainfully self-employed and legally married. I would not have traveled to Surin nor entered the Farang Connection until the tail end of 2007 meeting you , Martin and Kevin amongst other 'FC afternoon regulars'.
Another fine memory...
It wasn't until Feb 2008 when I literally stumbled one early morning into FarCon and greeted Martin who was in his usual happy morning persona.
There were only two other souls in FC and they were both seated watching the tellie.
They were the 'Two Mikes' (one being Cent). They were there viewing the Giants vs Pats NFL Super Bowl game.
{I thought they might have been BS-ing me as I was on the tail end of a late night /early morning out on the town. I thought to myself - what are the chances of both of those fellows being named Mike ...and both American too ! shrug1 }
I inquired as to who was playing as it was well into the Fourth Quarter.
They told me and I replied that I grew up in NYC so I'll go with the Giants who were behind at that juncture in a low scoring contest.
There were drinks on their table so I ordered a beer to watch the game while contemplating breakfast.
The Giants were heavy underdogs in that game but proceeded to win the game in an almost unbelievable fashion getting possession of the ball with two minutes on the clock.
The look on Cent's face at that juncture was priceless (along with several muttered expletives).
I then inquired as to where he was from and he replied , 'Boston' or 'Bah-ston'.
At that point I completely understood how he must have felt when the Giants won.
I ordered an English breakfast when Martin inquired how the game had gone.
Cent took it like a man that morning...no crying , no whining, no excuses...and ordered a scotch 'neat'. I looked at Martin , "Make that two, please."
That's how we first met one another.
The other Mike moved back to the States with his Thai family a few years ago.
I also began to comprehend that Cent must have been a rabid Pats supporter (still is).
He recently got his revenge in this latest Super Bowl against Seattle so I well understand how he felt...particularly if there was a wager involved (I'm not saying that there was).
So yes Yorky, you are correct. I missed out on the 90's as I was not even close to an inkling of thought regarding living in LOS as I maintained a 'paradise' condo on the Big Island for family holidays.
One of my pensions is paid directly into my Thai bank account in Sterling at no charge from the sender. The other is paid into an offshore account, again at no charge, (interest rate 0.01%) and I then have the choice on when and how much I transfer to Thailand.
Sent at no charge from the sender. That is a good deal.
I believe I paid USD 45 for transfer from a institution in the States to my Thai account whether it was $ 5,000 or $ 50,000.
