jacko

So you suggested flying to somewhere else because it is more expensive.

Not U-Tapao but plenty of choice..... Cathay 8k baht China 6.8k (14.5k) Emirates 6.2k Kenyan 5.6k (12k) PIA 5.5k All not including taxes and fees. Or treat yourself Biz Class, bracketed above or Thai do it for 17.8k. http://www.massictravel.net/promofares/?HONGKONG%2FTAIWAN I would pick Cathay!

Rent, despite what the condo sellers tell you! You may not like living here, you may not like living in the middle of it all. A lot of guys end up in a house, with more space and quieter surroundings, with the funtown near enough to visit.

That is as maybe, but when I lived there I had atrocious stomach problems from a diet of all meat and no veg! They all seemed to have atrocious teeth too. Not sure if it was caused by the Mate tea they drank, the limited amount of dairy products or too much smoking, probably all the above. Yes good meat though, getting rid of it was the problem.

I added the last line as an edit and slightly regretted it, but I do seriously think adherence to religion closes off one's mind. Yes, of course one can measure a few inches using a 30ft tape! I don't believe I am ignorant or callous or a fool, but go ahead and throw insults about, you have never met me, know little of me, yet presume to know so much. I see this morning Palestinians were killing their own with their rockets, what stupidity and tragedy. I will admit to some ignorance, never having been to Israel or Palestine, but I can rattle off having been to a lot of the surrounding countries, and Palestinians abounded there. Israelis were far from welcome.

Have you read anything in this thread, or the title of the OP, or are aware of the forum you are in

I found this for those who want to keep an eye open. http://absolutelybangkok.com/necessity-is-...000-baht-notes/ The following suggests that the notes in ATM machines have already been checked. http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/8533...-creating-alarm

In answer to your questions, no. My TGF only relayed information from a report on Thai TV. Nor do I know what the 'banks' policy is regarding fake notes....do they retain them, 100%? Since there has been small incidence of exchange booths who miscount, it would be a distinct possibity that an odd employee might see this as an opportunity, and one can only say look at your notes closely, as you should count them closely, infront of the cashier. After all, foreign tourists are an easy mark. I would expect this to be a problem more for the business people, than those who simply spend. My own experience has only been as far as 1 fake 100 baht note the GF got at the market, and a bit of gossip from her friends, many who say they know someone who received one. I tend to take a good look at notes when I get some from the ATM now. As for a pocketful, unlikely, unless you sell something privately for cash.

This restaurant has been around a long time. It maintains a slightly formal but high standard. Certainly worth a visit for a quality meal. The nightlife is encroaching (or already surrounds the place) so one wonders if it will be there a lot longer.

The walls were built for exclusion and protection, they are an ugly thing no doubt. The Israelis, people of the State of Israel, contend they are defending themselves. I think using the word genocide shows some ignorance, if anything genocide is religiously instructed to those on the other side of the wall. This is not a place for this discussion, there would be no resolution, it is so contentious. But I stand by my statement. The Israelis certainly do not want to emulate the 'nazis'. I do not believe they practice 'genocide', they practice a harsh self defence and a practice of aquiring territory. The words you use do not apply, but one can sense the accompanying spittle. Take the cloth from your head, wipe your mouth, and learn to think outside of the book.

Don't be silly, they are up to their necks in snow!

Yeah, she gets her UV scanner out of her handbag, puts it on the dressing table, plugs it in (or she might have the portable model

New avatar and ruddy great signature to follow?

One wonders how many successful restaurants you have behind you with that relaxed attitude? It may be acceptable to be kept waiting in say continental Europe, France or Switzerland for example, but the USA guys are used to quick service, and horny mongers are in a hurry! In Pattaya, putting down a lining for the beer to sit on, shouldn't waste half the evening! The PBGs primary function, is a freelancer bar, providing seats and ambience for couples to lovingly gaze into each other's eyes as they wait for their food is a nice sideline. Problems in the kitchen shouldn't be the customer's concern.

Heads up you bar owners... I had Thai TV on on the background and the TGF warned me that there are a LOT of fake 1000 baht notes circulating Bangkok, and no doubt will be here. How many of you have one of these UV note checkers? It might be worth educating some of the cashier staff how to recognise these fakes. Also a friend had his bar scammed out of a chunk of money recently. The MO as follows..... They seem to have a bit of inside info, like knowing the name of the owner and his wife. They turn up at the bar saying they are collecting a payment from the owner. They throw the names about and a bit of info, and might even get on the phone pretending to talk to the owner or his Thai wife. Some gullible cashier or staff member, who is in charge for the early morning or afternoon shift, while the owner is asleep or out, might be taken in by a smooth talker. Sorry if I am teaching you guys how to suck eggs, but I know some who have fallen for these things. It might also be an interesting thread, useful to others, if bar owners enlightened others, to scams they have uncovered, suffered or detected!

As the recession bites they will have to drop those prices. The weak £ isn't doing you any favours though. Look for deals on BA! Stay clear of Easter in April (12th)

Can't see it. but it must be close to the 'Piston bar' shown here! http://www.pattayaphotoguide.com/?WztRUBErkcaCADHB

No bananas on the menu.... please!

He won't have a clue.

As they say on TV, results vary.I dislike sitting in a baht bus on the corner of 2nd and Pattaya Tai until the driver has more in than a sardine can. So I start to stroll towards the RG... waving at passing baht busses. In high season, in the early hours, most will whiz past as they are on private hire, probably to Jomtiem. Chances are 50/50 you will reach 3rd rd on foot!

Yes I was wandering about BigC (south) yesterday and these things are everywhere and cheap. Plenty well under 2000 baht..... I have one that plays CDs and MP3 files, so I have burned collations of favourite music.... great for background entertainment. Then there's the opportunity to play 'educational' movies in the evening before the nightime activities.... but you weren't thinking of that were you?

Exactly my thoughts too....'Good For You'...... I am a renter, and have been fortunate to have a reasonable landlord. I would like to think he regards me as a good tennant (he should, I insulated the roof at my cost and wander around with a screwdriver). There are some rtight $!nts in the world who have little regard for the property of others. You demonstrated the way to play it...signed contracts, deposit, keep records of communication and perhaps a diary of events. I wonder what the twat did with all the batteries?

Hull is easier than that.... mail it in, back in a few days. Or make an appointment, drop in, and have it in an hour! 80k/month isn't bad, pretty good if you live out in the sticks. I live on about that and rent a house, own a motorbike and truck. Although I don't take my 2 trips/year to the UK from that money, and the medical and vehicle insurance due months can squeeze you. Anyhow, it's just a stop gap for 4 years until you qualify for the retirement visa.... doable!

I had some cheeky tart say...'I know it 1000 baht, I can see'....... 'Yes and I want to see a 500 baht note in change I said'.... But the 500/1000 scam has not been tried on me in a decade. Just the odd missing 100 baht note in the change... Or the more than necessary coins hidden under the notes... Fair point, being aware is necessary. But I reject that it is my fault that someone manages to cheat me... as much as I blame the gold shop for being robbed for being there, or the guy getting mugged after using an ATM, for doing so. I think bar owners should be aware, watch their staff, and be pretty quick to get rid of those with a criminal tendency.